I thought this book was "fine" but not overly absorbing. First, I didn't even get the Jane Eyre connection until Hawkins introduced the character Edward Rochester. After that, I started watching for similarities between the two stores, and other than the wife being locked in an upstairs room of an opulent mansion, there wasn't much. (IMO, the rags-to-riches story of a poor girl marrying a rich man has been done so many times before that it is no longer affiliated with Austen.) Second, while this book did have some surprises, I didn't connect with any of the characters so wasn't invested enough to care about their ups-and-down. Overall, this book was an easy read and I did finish it, but once it was over, it was easy for me to put it down and move on to a new book.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for an honest review

This is a twisted tale told by 3 twisted people Jane, Bea and Eddy all keeping secrets. I enjoyed this read right up until the end, then I thought it was a bit rushed and not the juicy twist I was expecting. However a good story easy to read with plenty of mystery.

This story was filled with many twists and turns and multiple plots. I enjoyed reading the POV of the three main characters; Jane, Eddie, and Bea. An interesting modern take on a classic

I really enjoyed this book! I knew the author sounded familiar then I realized I loved her Hex Hall series. The Wife Upstairs was gripping from the beginning and I finished it in just a few hours!

The Wife Upstairs is a quick and entertaining read, with a nod to the classic Jane Eyre. I appreciated that it isn't a modern-day retelling of the story, but rather a new story with inspiration clearly taken from the original Hawkins walked the line well between making her characters flawed, yet understandable (if not somewhat likable.). While the twists weren't shocking, they also weren't completely obvious, and I looked forward to seeing how the story unfolded.

This modern re-imagining of Jane Eyre kept the pages turning and the reader wondering which narrator to believe even after closing the book. A well-executed gothic mystery.

Love Rachel Hawkins! This book blew me away! I was unable to but it down. Perfect, dazzlingly, very well written. The details the author described throughout the book was so amazing. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers.

This story is a modern take of the Gothic classic "Jane Eyre". I must confess that I haven't read Jane Eyre for many years, and am determined to reread after having read this book.

Jane is a young woman fleeing her past, who ends up in Alabama. She begins to walk the dogs of the wealthy town's housewives, falls in love with recent widower Eddie, and becomes one of the wealthy townspeople she had envied.

As Jane moves in with Eddie and takes over his wife's role, she begins to have more questions about who he is and what he may have done.

I loved the twists and turns of this book. I like when I am surprised by the ending, and this book didn't disappoint.
I recommend this book to those of you who enjoy mystery, suspense and Gothic novels.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book takes place in my hometown, Birmingham, Alabama. It's odd reading a book and seeing the names of places you've been familiar with all your life. Birmingham's not that popular a place for book locations! The book itself reminds me of "Gone Girl," with all its twists and surprises. The author has that knack for sudden character reversals. What you thought you knew goes right out the window, and suddenly the plot is going in a different direction. I wish the character of Jane, the main character, had been fleshed out a bit more. Hearing about her earlier history would have made her a more believable and sympathetic character. Very clever story. My first book my Rachel Hawkins, and I'm sure I'll be looking for more to read.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review of this book.

I am not really sure where to begin on this one! The plot was so intriguing to me. I had never read any books by this author, but have heard her be compared to BA Paris, who is one of my favorite authors, so I know I had to give it a try and I am glad I did!

I have to admit, the characters in this book, especially the main character, Jane, was completely clueless. How did she not know what was going on right underneath......or above.....her nose? Eddie was a narcissistic player. Honestly, I didn't particularly care for any of the characters, which actually made the book even better because I wasn't really rooting for anyone in particular.

This book kept me guessing, but it wasn't as suspenseful as I had hoped.

"I think if I don't talk to someone soon, I'm going to lose my mind."

I have SO many thoughts about this book. Firstly, it's told mostly from Jane's perspective in this modernized 'Jane Eyre' adaptation. If you're like me, that made you do a double-take and say, "Go on..."

On the other hand, if you've never even heard of Jane Eyre, well, that's fine, too. I found myself wondering as I was reading how much more tense it might be if I didn't have any kind of idea where the story was going to lead. So, don't be put off if you're not familiar. It might be better that way. :)

This is one of those stories that features, not so much 'protagonists,' as say, really awful people that you sometimes identify with because that's good writing. If sordid drama is your thing with a dash of small-community secrets and shady characters who dress well, this is the right book for you!

When Jane meets Eddie she finds herself stepping into the life she not only dreamed, but planned for.
Though,Eddie’s deceased wife,Bea, haunts their relationship in more than one way.
Is Eddie truly as charming and perfect as Jane thinks, or is he, like herself, hiding something more sinister after all?
This was a good, small southern mystery, right until the end.

Thriller!! The title had me from the beginning. Each character had a deep, dark past. As the book went along, more twists and turns I did not see coming. Read in three days!! Thanks for ARC

This was a clever take on the Jane Eyre story. I liked the spunkiness of Jane and was intrigued by her mysterious past and her ambitious plans for the future. This was a well written page turner.

The only thing that jarred me a little was the ending. Some of the details didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me and the guesses about some of the characters’ fates seemed odd and slightly out of character.

This book kept me guessing till the end! I loved the different characters outlooks on the situation. Could not put it down!!!!

I loved this Southern take similar to Jane Eyre. I live near Birmingham, Alabama so the story was set in very familiar territory. That made it interesting to me to hear local places, shops and areas mentioned. Jane is a very likeable character even though you realize she is out to con Eddie. It seems she may be the one in trouble herself. A good read for Summer, the story is intriguing and keeps you guessing.

One of my favorite all time books is Jane Eyre and this book takes the classic story but gives it a modern spin. “Jane” is trying to escape her former life and falls into a job as a dog walker in an upscale neighborhood. This is where she meets him... Eddie.... the one she just feels connected to. Her past is not perfect but neither is his. What really happened to his dead wife who was never found? It is a great book and must read!

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. It’s that good and reminds me a lot of Ruth Ware’s “twists and turns” style of storytelling. I highly recommend this one.

"The Wife Upstairs" was a good thriller. There was something shady and untrustworthy about every one of the characters that kept me reading. Overall worth reading.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, Rachel Hawkins and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Where do I begin with this novel chock full of seemingly unredeemable characters who swirl around the murders of two friends and southern socialites in upscale Alabama? The book has many "I didn't see that coming!" moments and the characters are never what they seem to be, Each player in the quickly unwinding plot are all hiding secrets with hidden angst and motivating fear. "Jane Eyre-esque", this novel is a fun read and will keep you coming back to escape into the crazy world of a "real housewives" drama with murder on the side. With southern charm front of house and lying and deceit working being the scenes this book begins with a dog walker catapulted into the world of designer lives and dastardly deeds.