Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - The Stranger Upstairs

Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin

41 reviews

eviemayhem's review

dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

2.5

There were just too many red herrings that the ending had no substance.

The author gave so many ways for this book to end, but never really tied any of them up. Spoilers below.

From the beginning, you absolutely just hate the main character. She's not a good person, her husband isn't a good person and she tells you that straight up. She's vapid and running from her demons and somehow monetizing the renovation of a murder house seems like a good idea.

The premise that she restarts her life with her husband and they just go on the run, DESPITE how much of a social media presence she has, is hard to believe. This had all the beginnings of a good murder mystery. Where was the daughter? Where was Amanda? But so many things just DIDN'T make sense.

How was she getting away with being a therapist? Do they not check credentials in Austrailia?
Why was the whole town conspiring to hide the fact Amanda went missing?
Why was Jeff such a threatening dick bag?
Joe's whole character....just what the fuck.
Wouldn't the main character be well known now since she's A.) Probably all over the news and B.) had a huge social media presence before all this?
The Epilogue: So was the house actually haunted?

This nearly felt like a choose your own adventure book, honestly. The author wanted to keep you guessing to the point that the resolution felt empty and dissatisfying.

Bright side: It is well written. I look forward to reading what the author writes next, I just wish the ending had made more sense and had been more satisfying.

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katiemack's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I'm glad this leans into the haunted house (and haunted person) horror motif as much as I thought it would. I thought it would veer more into thriller territory, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how eerie it is. The twist is somewhat predictable--though the epilogue provides a satisfying counter-twist--and although Lisa M. Matlin has a solid grasp on her narrative there are some annoyingly unresolved loose ends. But, for the most part, this is a deliciously terrifying read about Sarah's physical, mental, and emotional deterioration as she attempts to remodel a house that defiantly resists change.

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katielynn97's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5

I thought this was a fantastic debut novel! I'm very picky about reading books in first person because very rarely are they as well done as this. I devoured this book in less than 6 hours total. I can't wait to see what LMM writes next!

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dev921's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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mwetzel's review against another edition

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challenging dark lighthearted tense medium-paced

4.0

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jeniwarren's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

The Stranger Upstairs

By Lisa M. Marlin

This book! This book! It was amazing! I can not sing enough praises for this one. It was the perfect plot, pacing, atmosphere, world build, character developed psychologically suspense book.

Sarah Slade is starting over. As the new owner of the infamous Black Wood House—the scene of a grisly murder-suicide—she's determined that the fixer-upper will help reach a new audience on her successful lifestyle blog, and distract her from her failing marriage.

5 out of 5 stars ⭐️ on Goodreads

5 out of 5 stars ⭐️ on Storgryaph

Chefs kiss all around. 👩‍🍳💋

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