A review by mbmayo
The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I know that a keystone of horror/thillers is characters making dumb decisions, but changing your identity and constantly reminding us that if anyone found out about your past you'd be ruined, while also being a social media influencer and having a best selling book? Like, those two things are at odds, right?

And then Emily,

realizing its carbon monoxide poisoning and breaking into the house, instead of calling for a wellness check?

And the cat in the initial conversation with Jeff. She's like, how did he know I have a cat, I've only told Emily about Reaper? It's an indoor/outdoor cat that you literally took to the vet in the middle of town a few pages ago? It's not at all suspicious that your neighbor would know you had a cat.