A review by diannastarr
Beneath the Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett

mysterious slow-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? No

2.25

My friend had finished reading Beneath the Stairs and recommended it to me.  The paranormal mysticism had me intrigued, and so I decided to give it a shot.  It felt like a traditional ghost story: a haunted house, a murder mystery, possession, even creepy baby dolls - and at the beginning, I was all in.  However, the longer the story went on, the 'intrigue' died with it. I walked into this book expecting suspense, drama, twists and turns, but it simply did not provide.  The author's writing style was very direct and to the point, and I didn't find myself 'puzzled' at all; I found myself bored and forcing myself chapter by chapter, day by day, itching to reach the end so I could move on to another story.  I wanted to root for Clare, I wanted to support the childhood friends-to-lovers subplot, I wanted to root for Abby, and Taylor, and everyone else, but it just didn't stick.  I do not believe that this was a "bad story," that is not what I am saying at all.  I enjoyed Clare and Abby's friendship, Lori's shift in characterization, and the mystery that is the basement beneath the house - but those three things were not enough to "outweigh" the rest.  The plot was very promising and, in retrospect, the story had a nice message. I do believe that Beneath the Stairs would make for a good film adaptation and, given that this is Fawcett's debut, I am interested to see what else she will release in the future.