📚𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗽𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗠. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻📚

Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ

𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: 𝙼𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚢/𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬💭:
AHHH if you’ve seen and liked The Watcher, pick this book up asap! As @poetry.and.plot.twists kindly pointed that out to me, she was absolutely right! Soon as I started this book, I got hooked so good with the premise of the story.

Thank you Bantam Books ans Penguin Random House for my ARC

𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛📝:
Sarah Slade is an influencer who bought the infamous Blackwood House, a house known for a murder that happened many years ago in the hopes of using it as content for her lifestyle blog. With a dark past of her own, she soon discovers that the house is overflowing with even more secrets that’s yet to be revealed as bizarre things start to happen.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5. An incredible and chilling debut that was exactly what I needed! This was a very quick read and had it not been for my busy and hectic week, i would have finished it overnight. Short chapters, chilly and creepy settings, intriguing mysteries and a murder house. What more could you ask for? It’s a quick page turner that got me really hooked on its mystery. I really enjoyed the pacing and the twists made it hard to put down. But i had a ton of questions when it ended! Which made me knock out half a star. This is absolutely worth the read though if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, and are as amused by murder houses as I am. This is the perfect spooky season read, so don’t skip out on this one!

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚: 𝘔𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴, 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘩 𝘕𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳

Lisa M. Matlin's "The Stranger Upstairs" is a taut and suspenseful thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Matlin masterfully weaves a story that blends elements of psychological suspense, mystery, and domestic drama, creating a compelling narrative that explores the dark secrets hidden behind closed doors.

The novel's main focus is on Sarah, a woman who lives a seemingly ordinary life with her husband and two children. Their quiet suburban existence is shattered when a new neighbor, Matt, moves into the apartment upstairs. As Sarah becomes increasingly drawn to Matt, she discovers that he may not be the friendly stranger he appears to be. Her growing obsession with him exposes the cracks in her seemingly perfect life, leading to a series of shocking revelations that will change everything.

Matlin's storytelling is characterized by its tight pacing and skillful character development. She gradually peels back the layers of her characters, delving into their complex emotions and motivations. Sarah is a relatable protagonist, and readers will find themselves empathizing with her struggles and inner turmoil. Matt, on the other hand, exudes an enigmatic charm that keeps the reader guessing about his true intentions. This character dynamic sets the stage for a gripping psychological duel.

One of the novel's strengths is its ability to create a palpable sense of unease. Matlin excels in building a foreboding atmosphere, and the tension continues to mount as the story progresses. The book's narrative structure is a noteworthy aspect, employing alternating perspectives between Sarah and Matt, which adds depth to the characters and offers different insights into the unfolding events.

While "The Stranger Upstairs" is an engaging and suspenseful read, some readers might find the plot to be somewhat predictable, as it occasionally relies on well-worn thriller tropes. Additionally, the pacing, which is generally tight, might feel a bit rushed towards the climax, leaving some questions unresolved.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Lisa M. Matlin's "The Stranger Upstairs" delivers a solid and entertaining psychological thriller. It's a page-turner that explores themes of obsession, secrets, and the consequences of allowing a stranger into one's life. Matlin's writing is compelling, and her ability to create suspense and maintain the reader's interest is evident throughout the book. If you enjoy suspenseful novels with well-drawn characters and a sense of impending danger, "The Stranger Upstairs" is a captivating choice that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Stranger Upstairs was a little different from my normal reading choices. I had a difficult time connecting with the main character. I also didn't care for her. I will say, h0wever, that I didn't predict the ending. I figured that the ending would be mystical, but it wasn't. It was a twist I didn't see coming!

This was a GREAT spooky debut novel that I devoured in a very short amount of time. It's rare that I read a book that leaves me unsettled with my heart racing, but this book definitely did that! I thought that Sarah's character was so interesting and compelling. I loved that you didn't know if she was a reliable narrator or not. I would definitely read another book by Lisa Matlin. 5 stars!

This was a psychological thriller with an original and unusual premise that read in a creepy and mysterious way. It was difficult to know if the house was haunted or if things were part of a set up. In the case of this book, the house and the residents were both haunted in their own ways.

With this book, you are never quite sure who to trust. It seems people are never who they seem and their motives are rarely good. The characters weren't really likable and their viewpoints didn't seem reliable. There was a strong air of mystery that surrounded it all. That said, I kept reading because I was interested in seeing how everything ended up. I was curious to see what the real "story" was behind it all.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within re my own.

If you’re having trouble finding a home you can afford in this real estate market, there’s a really affordable property available…as long as you don’t mind that 4 people died there and the house is trying to kill you.

It’s a creepy book.

3.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

The Stranger Upstairs hooked me from the beginning, mainly because the main character Sarah showed who she was from the beginning. The book didn't open upon a perfect wife with a perfect life and slowly unravel; things were already unraveled and they just got worse from there.

I have had a hard time focusing on reading recently, but this sucked me in.

Sarah and her husband have bought a house with the idea of renovating it. Things do not go easily for them though, and strange, awful things begin happening around them, especially Sarah. As she tries to figure out what is going on, the reader finds out more and more about her life before the buying the house, and it is disturbing to say the least.

The end was not what I expected--I always form theories as I read, and I wasn't nearly right with any of them. I love books that keep me guessing.

Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Usually, I love an unreliable narrator, but Sarah Slade is crazy and as unhinged as they get. Since the book is told mostly from her viewpoint, I wasn’t sure if her mental health was getting worse or if she was making up stories with evil intent. I had a bit of trouble following the story, so it decreased my enjoyment of the novel. I think some of the back story was unnecessary and confusing, but overall not a bad read.

Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣 𝕌𝕡𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕤
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗠. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻
Thriller
268 pages

Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs

Sarah and her husband buy a run-down house that hasn’t been lived in since a gruesome murder occurred many years before.

The sense that something is off starts when they arrive at their new home. Besides the house's strangeness, many other things are off in their lives. Will they survive?

Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs

I read The Stranger Upstairs with a book group, although I was late to the game, so I didn’t get to join in the great discussions. Most of the group enjoyed the book.

Even though there are some questions I have that weren’t answered in the story, I couldn’t wait to find out what was going on with this house. Was the house alive? Were the neighbors involved in the hubbub? What the heck is going on with Sarah and her husband? They are oddballs, for sure.

The story does a great job of grabbing your attention and making you want to keep reading to see what the heck happens. The only character I liked was Emily, Sarah’s co-worker. Everyone else was nasty, a liar, a cheater, or just plain strange. I didn’t understand many of Sarah’s decisions. She made everything more complicated for herself and others with her stupid choices.

If you love a good thriller that throws in some red herrings, this is one for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to read and review.

A couple move into a spooky house. Scary random things start happening, strange notes/threats, noises upstairs. The couple separate and she's left to piece together what's going on in her new house. I absolutely adore her cat Reaper and honestly, he's the most likeable character of this book. She's convinced the town wants to drive her away because they want to tear the "Murder house" down. Things are definitely not what they seem, especially the lead characters. I found the ending only average at best, possibly because I've read other plots similar to this one. I received a free copy for my honest review from NetGalley.

Wow! What can I say about this beautifully haunted novel? I LOVED this book and this story! Truly haunted and creepy and I mean look at that cover people! It’s gorgeous! Highly recommend this fantastic haunted novel!

Things start to go wrong shortly after Sarah Slade and her husband buy Black Wood house, a beautiful old house in a great community. As the renovations start, her neighbors are not happy that someone has bought the house that they wish to tear down. As her and her husband become more and more estranged, she starts to see that something is wrong with Black wood house.

A good story that keeps you guessing what will happen next. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Wow!! This was such a great psychological thriller that had be on the edge of my seat the entire book!

Sarah and her husband decide to buy and renovate the Black Wood house. A house that had a previous murder/suicide in it. They can’t wait for all the social media fame and attention it will get and then they’ll get a great profit when they sell it. Soon she realizes it’s not quite what she signed up for. There are secrets, lies, and weird things happening. Is she just being paranoid or is something else going on?

This was such a unique and creepy book! I loved every minute of it! What a wonderful debut novel from Lisa M. Matlin! I can’t wait til her next book!!

This was a wild ride and you will love it!

📘: The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin
🗓️: September 12, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa M.Matlin and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley and Goodreads.

A social media influencer buys a "murder house". A notorious house where a gruesome murder took place many years ago. Their bodies, buried on the land. Her dream is to fix it up and put it back on the market, all the while documenting it on social media. But the town.. and the house.. dont want her there.

This book reminded me of the show "the watcher" in some ways. The author did a good job writing a tense atmosphere.

I ultimately rated this 3 stars because I started to skim about half way thru. Although a twist was revealed in part 2 it took a while to get there. I didnt particularly like any of the characters and was frustrated by the FMC. I also needed more pivotal scenes to propel the plot forward.

Good for spooky season but not my fav.

Thank you for the advanced reader copy! I enjoyed the book, especially during this time of the year! The cover definitely drew me in, however, the story fell a little flat for me at the end.

To be honest, this is the closest I've come to DNFing a book in a while. Super unlikable main character, no "twists," nothing scary happens. Bland ending. I wouldn't recommend this.

Thank you kindly to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the eARC to read and review! (And my apologies for the late review!)

This was quite claustrophobic and ominous—a perfect read for creepy season! There’s a fluidity to the prose that makes 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑼𝒑𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒔 easily bingeable. The suspense was built up nicely and I couldn’t help but jot down my theories as I read.

I really would’ve liked to have seen Emily’s POV a lot sooner though; it felt abrupt so late in the game. There were a few more things that could’ve been wrapped up in the end, as well as a significant overuse of the word ‘flicker’ (or variations of it)…so 3.5 stars rounded up for this debut. I look forward to more from Ms. Matlin!

𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗬 𝗤𝗨𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦:
“Most people sweep monsters under the bed. I pull the covers back and let them crawl in.”

“Don't be afraid of the truth.... Be afraid of believing your lies.”

A creepy ghosty book is always something I will pick up. We are given an unreliable character as she and her husband but a house that is famous for a murder. Strange things start happening and I was onboard. The writing was ok and could have been a little bit more engaging. The characters were great and you felt the anxiousness and nervousness as things started to unvail. The ending was not what I wanted it to be.

Wow!! This is was the perfect spooky season read. I love when you’re reading a book, but you have no idea where it’s going! I love a good haunted house book, but this one is a little different than any other I’ve read.

Fast paced thriller that kept me guessing. The main character and her unhinged ways gave me chills just as much as the creepy house. I had some thoughts about the husband but was way off. The entire book gave off creep factor and dark vibes until the very end.

I wouldn’t be sad if there’s a sequel about this house.