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A review by learaloveslit
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
2.0
Okay, so I like a slow burn thriller. In fact, I’m usually defending slow burn stories when others say they aren’t worth the time. So I realize that a good story takes time.
However, I don’t think this is really a thriller. This story weaved in a few twists and I was shocked to learn who the father of Libby was. But, throughout this entire book, the stakes were not very high. And nothing sinister was happening to Libby. No one wanted her dead to take back their inheritance. There weren’t any threats to any of the main characters and that felt weird for a thriller. I would have thought someone wanted someone else dead, right? And can we talk about Henry? He felt almost as predatory as David, always trying to kiss Phin against his will. And his confession at the very end? Gross.
I also think the ending was a little too happy and tied up. Again, the stakes were not high. Everyone was glad to be reunited so they could all live happily ever after as a real family. This was basically a family drama detailing the terrible events that lead to the deaths of 4 people. It felt culty at times but that angle wasn’t pushed as hard as I’d hoped.
I think I’m landing around a 2 / 2.5. This was my first Lisa Jewell and I won’t lie, I’m not really excited to read more right now. Maybe in the future. And I’m not sure how I feel about picking up the sequel yet.
However, I don’t think this is really a thriller. This story weaved in a few twists and I was shocked to learn who the father of Libby was. But, throughout this entire book, the stakes were not very high. And nothing sinister was happening to Libby. No one wanted her dead to take back their inheritance. There weren’t any threats to any of the main characters and that felt weird for a thriller. I would have thought someone wanted someone else dead, right? And can we talk about Henry? He felt almost as predatory as David, always trying to kiss Phin against his will. And his confession at the very end? Gross.
I also think the ending was a little too happy and tied up. Again, the stakes were not high. Everyone was glad to be reunited so they could all live happily ever after as a real family. This was basically a family drama detailing the terrible events that lead to the deaths of 4 people. It felt culty at times but that angle wasn’t pushed as hard as I’d hoped.
I think I’m landing around a 2 / 2.5. This was my first Lisa Jewell and I won’t lie, I’m not really excited to read more right now. Maybe in the future. And I’m not sure how I feel about picking up the sequel yet.