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

dark mysterious slow-paced

3.75

Sarah Slade, a social media influencer with a secret past buys a murder house to renovate, determined that the fixer-upper will help reach a new audience on her successful lifestyle blog, and distract her from her failing marriage. When the builders start acting erratically and experiencing bizarre accidents—and Sarah knows there’s only so long she can continue to sleep in the bedroom with the bloodstained floor and suffer the mysterious footsteps she hears from the attic. When menacing notes start appearing everywhere, Sarah becomes convinced that someone or something is out to kill her—her husband, her neighbors, maybe even the house itself. The more she remodels, the angrier the house seems to become. 

This novel is atmospheric with a slow burn mystery and an unreliable narrator. Sarah was difficult to like, but that's what made her such in interesting character. I also want to add that the author has written one of the most heartfelt author’s note and acknowledgements I’ve ever read. I recommend this novel!