A solid 4⭐️ read! I’m a sucker for a book with a creepy house setting. This house was the home of a murder/suicide 40 years ago. It has been abandoned ever since. When Sarah purchases the house to renovate it with her husband nothing goes according to plan. While I think the unreliable female/mental illness trope is WAY overdone I still found this one super entertaining. And like a good thriller does, as soon as I thought I had this one figured out another big twist would come along.
I definitely recommend this one!

A suspenseful thriller that kept me going. Sarah is a liar and a sociopath. Even so, I found myself rooting for her as she tried to solve the mysteries surrounding her. The townspeople resent her purchase of the “murder house.” Are they complicit in sending her the threatening messages she finds? Are there ghosts in the house causing her to see and hear things that are frightening? And why is she becoming more and more mentally unstable? The answers to these questions are revealed in what I thought was a clever and believable ending.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for allowing me to read and review this book.

This is a fast-paced horror / mystery that is perfect for readers that love a haunted, creepy house setting. An influencer with a bestselling self-help book buys a house that has sat vacant for 40 years. It's located in a small town, and it also happens to be where a brutal murder took place - a man killed his wife with a hammer and then committed suicide. Sarah and her husband Joe are hoping to make a nice profit off the house once they fix it up, but the restoration is more than they bargained for. Plus Sarah and Joe's relationship is on the rocks. And then Sarah starts to spin out of control. Is the house haunted? Or is Sarah just crazy?

I loved the creepy setting for this book. It's a great debut novel for this author. I enjoyed the twists, and Sarah is definitely a character to remember.

It was an interesting premise but the second part felt like several unrealized plot points thrown together.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

**Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House - Ballantine, and Lisa M. Matlin for an ARC of this book!**

"Want a great deal on a house?

BUY ONE WHERE SOMEONE WAS MURDERED!"

(and if those two opening lines don't catch your attention, you probably haven't been personally victimized by the soul-crushing housing market as of late. Or you just MIGHT be asleep!)

Sarah Slade is looking for the Next Big Hit on her lifestyle blog, the one article that will draw in her legions of loyal followers like never before. When she learns of Black Wood House, the place where a terrifying murder-suicide happened years ago and sees the Bargain Basement price, she swoops up the property, hoping to renovate the insides and document the process. After all, Sarah has a lot on her mind: it's been a while since her last hit book, and her once passionate marriage to husband Joe has fizzled into something she hardly recognizes, and her career as a therapist has her hitting the sauce a little TOO often. (On top of taking her medication, of course).

And the town of Beacon isn't exactly thrilled about this new development either. Its inhabitants feel that her mere presence on the property is disrespectful to its original owners and the tragedy that took place...and if Sarah isn't mistaken, the house isn't too thrilled to have her either. As if having graves in the yard, a giant blood stain on the carpet, and creepy bird wallpaper on the walls isn't enough, Sarah starts to hear noises. Bumps in the night. And she even swears she can hear the last words of the previous murder victims echoing in her ears: "Don't kill me. Don't kill me. Don't kill me."

As the strange and unsettling occurrences multiply, Sarah begins to lose time and memory, coming to her therapist coworker Emma for help and struggling to keep a grasp on reality at any cost. But Sarah has more than just the house to contend with...secrets from her past are coming back to haunt her too. A certain person she lost many years ago has a bone to pick too...and hasn't ever left Sarah completely. As the noises inside reach a deadly crescendo, and two BODIES are found nearby, did the house find its newest victim in Sarah? Or did it simply unleash a hidden evil lying dormant within someone's mind?

I'm always a sucker for a good murder house tale. There's a reason my favorite season of American Horror Story was its very first season, the aptly named "Murder House". A creepy house personified can be one of the most terrifying characters you'll ever read, and in many ways, Black Wood House helped to create that atmosphere immediately and ticked all of the boxes. Though I certainly questioned Sarah's motives (website and Instagram or not) for LIVING in this house before anyone would consider it habitable, I went with it.

This narrative flows quickly and easily, and makes you feel as though you've always known her: there are bits of snarky commentary about social media, her clients, and observations about the world at large. In some ways, Sarah reminded me of a watered-down Joe Goldberg...if he decided to then become an author/social media darling/therapist. (And let's face it, he would probably not participate in at LEAST two of those professions on principle alone!)

The plot speeds along, with the house terrifying Sarah and the author keeping things pretty close to the vest UNTIL we are tossed a news article, seemingly out of nowhere, revealing that two bodies had been found near the property, unidentified. I'm okay with this as a device and it was certainly shocking, but for some reason it felt a bit jarring as a reader...and I think the author could have held this information back a BIT longer. It almost felt like "Well, we've hit x point in the narrative...time to drop a bomb" rather than a natural, shocking progression. I'm all for a curve ball and love a good twist, but it felt more like a micro info dump than a natural sequence of events.

Once the next set of reveals happens though, this book TRULY turns from a 'things that go bump in the night murder house thriller', into PURE psychological thriller territory. And there are certainly clues that the book will go this way; Sarah's aforementioned fondness for pills and booze and emotional instability shine from the first page. But as she becomes more and more unhinged...well, let's just say the book's title EASILY could have a double meaning (and perhaps Matlin even designed it this way!)

However, I have to admit, against my better judgment, this was a fairly unputdownable read, mainly because I COULD NOT stop thinking about it. Why against my better judgment, you ask? For one thing...there are some fairly large plot holes (AND a few red herrings thrown in, seemingly just to muddy the waters) and an ending that could be considered convenient at best. I'm certainly okay with suspending my disbelief to an extent, but the explanation provided seemed a bit lackluster after the dramatic events preceding it. The ending also went a bit OTT for the sole purpose of providing ANOTHER twist, and I don't think this last bit of flair was needed or believable. I'm not one for gratuitous twists, and the very last 'icing on the cake' moment was more like eating one more slice of cake when you're already full...and INSTANTLY regretting it.

Though this book didn't necessarily tread over any new territory, it was the sort of debut that catches you off guard JUST enough to crawl under your skin and keep humming in the back of your mind. And if there's anything I've learned since finishing this one, despite my better judgment and desire to stay snuggled under the covers....sometimes you just need to get out of the house and breathe in a BIT of fresh air.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

What an incredible gothic debut novel full of twists and suspense. Best-selling author and social media influencer Sarah Slade and her husband buy a community’s infamous “murder house” with intent to flip & sell. Beacon’s residents have been haunted by the murders 40 years before and everyone has wanted the Black Wood House gone, so naturally, they’re not welcome to newcomers like Sarah and Joe.
It quickly becomes clear that something is wrong with the house as renovations begin, from her cat’s weird behavior to strange noises upstairs. The real question - is it someone with ill intent…or is the house alive? And as Sarah begins to unravel, so do her secrets.
For a debut, Lisa M. Matlin really knew how to draw the reader in and keep them turning the page…I almost read this all in one sitting. My only gripe is with some of the unanswered questions — like a very prominent character mentioned early on whose fate still remains a mystery. Perhaps we could see a sequel?
Thank you to Random House Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is out now.

Well, that wasn't what I was expecting. Sometimes I don't read the blurb to see what a book is about. I love to read, so once I finish one, I jump right into the next. This one kind of took me by surprise. Scary stuff isn't really my genre, and this one turned out to be a "gothic psychological debut." Yes, it did.
I liked the premise of the book. A solid murder mystery that Sarah Slade has stepped right into. She's trying to be a house-rehabbing social media influencer (isn't everyone?) who is trying to make a fresh start and a little money with her husband Joe. Oooooh, but there are secrets! These secrets surround the house and the characters. I wish we'd had more of a description of the house. I couldn't really get a good picture of it in my head. The layout, the outside, the grounds...all I know is there are a bunch of bedrooms and two bathrooms and scary woods near by.
The characters aren't very well fleshed out, so when some of the backstory comes to light, it's a little confusing and definitely surprising. The house itself is creepy. That was set up quite well even though I can't picture the actual place. It did remind me of the Addams Family movie where the house routinely growls "get out"!
The book ended well enough, but what about Janet? Jeff? Author's prerogative and all that, but ol' Jeff needed his comeuppance. Some things weren't terribly plausible, but it's a decent read. Thanks to NetGalley for suggesting this one.

Lifestyle blogger and self-help writer/therapist Sarah Slade has just bought the ultimate social media clickbait- an old murder house called the Black Wood Estate. Planning on remodeling and reselling the house, Slade plans to up her social media presence by documenting every part of the reno on her blog.

What hides behind the facade is a failing marriage and a killer secret- Sarah isn't who we think she is. When Sarah and her husband move into the property renovations start to crumble faster than the wallpaper in the master bedroom.

Sarah starts to feel as if the house is alive and doesn't want to be fixed. As her thoughts turn from normal to manic, we see Sarah unravel- or is it the house? Footsteps at all hours, notes for Sarah- what is happening?

The Black Wood House's deadly demise may be starting again...this time with Sarah as its victim.

Holy cannoli as a first time author this book is amazing. the beautiful cover is going to pull you into the dark and twisted murder house. Sarah has decided she going to take her secrets and start fresh by buying and renovating the murder house. Boy does she realize fast she may have bitten off more then she can chew. This book kept me glued to my seat….if you like thrillers and books that have you guessing at every turn this one is for you.

The Stranger Upstairs is a twisty, provocative mystery by Lisa Matlin. Sarah Slade and her husband Joe are starting over in an affluent part of Australia. The only way they're able to afford to live there is by purchasing the murder house-where a man killed his wife years ago in a bloody episode neighbors and the community have not forgotten. We soon find out Sarah is a therapist and has written a best-selling book and became an influencer, all helping to pay the bills. Joe is a bartender and their marriage-while portrayed as happy and loving-is fractured. There are alternating perspectives and flashbacks, which serve to knit the story together as it is clear Sarah and Joe are running from something. Strange things are happening in the house: noises, items moved, notes left for Sarah, warnings. Neighbors are mostly tight-lipped but hint that the former owner said the house was making him crazy. Sarah's grip on reality is rapidly loosening and time is running out as she and Joe area about to be exposed. I enjoyed Matlin's twists (some unexpected!) and the setting was perfect for the upcoming spooky season. This is a quick read and if you like mysteries and thrillers, you will want to add this to your list!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me access to an ARC of The Stranger Upstairs in exchange for my honest review.

What a way to debut as an author!! The Stranger Upstairs was such an incredible psychological thriller/suspense book that kept my attention from the first page to the very last!

You think Sarah Slade, social media influencer, is the main character but you’ll come to find the main character isn’t a person. The main character is the Black Wood House and it’s as creepy as it sounds. Sitting vacant for 40 years after a horrific murder suicide occurred, what would you expect.

I’m still wondering… What ever happened to Janet? I would’ve fled and never returned if something that horrific had happened to me or my family, so I can’t say I blame her.

I look forward to more from Lisa Matlin. I can only imagine how amazing the books from her in the future will be and I cannot wait to get my hands on them!

➠ ʙᴏᴏᴋ: The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa Matlin

➠ ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 4/5 sᴛᴀʀs

➠ ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅs ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 3.81/5 sᴛᴀʀs

➠ Pub date: August 12, 2023 (out now!)

➠ 💭 If you want to finish this book and have those facial emotions 😳😅😬🤯 or you want to say “what the F,” do yourself a favor and read this book.

If you enjoy reading about any of the following: love, heartbreak, independence, destruction, natural disaster, confronting your fears, special bonds between family and friends, kinship care, etc, this book is definitely for you!

Sarah Slade (an individual with an eery past), a social media influencer and therapist purchases the Black Wood House with her husband. Sarah tries to conceal the horrific past that occurred at this home in order to bring in more sponsorships to further conceal her failing marriage and her underlying issues. However, once the contractors she has hired have weird things that begin happening to them, does she realize something might truly be wrong and someone might be out to get her. She confides with a friend at work who tries to help her, but she gets in a little over her head.

This book truly made me say What the F. I never expected the ending. Even when it was playing out, I still didn’t believe it. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but once I hit 50% or so, it did and I thought it was fantastic. It was a great debut novel and I’m excited to see what is next for this author.

Thank you Sourcebooks for providing me a #Netgalley of this book! #gifted

Never judge a book by its cover because I definitely didn't think this book was going to go the way it went. But in a very good way! It's atmospheric, creepy & eerie all the things you want in a haunted house novel. There were some chapters that were slower than others but that didn't stop me from enjoying it & very good character development. This was an amazing debut novel, can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us!

I cannot believe that this is a debut! I was hooked from the start and had to force myself to put the book down when I needed sleep! It's not very often that I hate all the characters in a book and end up loving the book. But this is the exception! I cannot wait to see what else this author releases!

I was enamored by this book. I LOVED the unreliable narrator. I enjoyed the "neighborhood" drama of this murder house. I truly didn't know what would happen or how. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending and would definitely recommend this spooky thriller.

Sarah Slade and her husband Joe buy the Black Wood House, the setting of a famous murder years before. Sarah's plan is to remodel the house and document the entire process on social media to boost her popularity and hopefully gain some lucrative partnerships. But the town doesn't want her there, her husband doesn't want to be there, and even more so, the house doesn't seem to want her there. As the days pass, Sarah fears all of her plans are going far off the rails.

This was one that was a real mystery. There were so many unlikable characters - meaning all of them - that there was no clear person to root for. I couldn't figure out the explanation for what was happening to Sarah, other than that everything in her life turned out badly.

Definitely a well written story and it kept me interested throughout. It's a quick read with lots of action and twists and turns.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Available September 12, 2023.

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M Matlin

My rating:
4/5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sarah Slade and her husband move into Blackwood House with the intention of renovating it. Blackwood House has a horrific past. Sarah starts to notice strange things happening to her and she starts to believe that the house does not want her there.


Okay this book genuinely blew my mind 🤯

I had no idea where this story was going up until the end and I did NOT guess the ending.

This was such a fast paced read that kept my attention. I also had to mention that I loved the main characters cat named Reaper 🐱

This was twisty, spooky and kept me on the edge of my seat. It is so refreshing to read a good thriller.

Give the author’s note a read at the end. It shares the author’s journey to write this book.

Overall I would absolutely give this one a read! I saw it was one of the Debut picks for September on Book of the Month! I was luckily approved to read an advanced copy from Netgalley.

I did have a couple unanswered questions so that’s why I didn’t give it a solid 5.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for the ARC! You can read this one now!

Took me a bit longer to finish this book, I couldn't read it at night! Wow, keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Kind of creepy!

Sarah is a therapist and self-help writer. She also just bought a gorgeous past, with a not so pretty past. People have been murdered in her house. She got it for a great deal and is excited to renovate it. While she’s making the renovations, she plans to blog about it and get some social media points.

Things quickly become a nightmare. Nothing is going right. When Sarah’s cat ends up sick, she thinks someone is out to get them and is sabotaging their efforts. Something things to be making noise in the attic, and strange things are happening. Can Sarah figure out what is going on before the house gets the last laugh?

Ah this book! I love a good psychological thriller and this one did not disappoint. I wanted this one from the moment I read the blurb, and it lived up to all the expectations I had in my head. I am shocked that this one is a debut, it was really well written. There were a few plot holes that I was shaking my head on, but nothing major. I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to read this one in one sitting, because it is completely bingeable. I loved the twists; they kept coming right up until the end. They kept me on my toes and wondering what was next. I enjoyed the haunted house in a small-town setting; it was a lot of fun. I also loved that while I hated the main character, I couldn’t wait to find out more about her.

If you are looking for an utterly bingeable psychological thriller, then check this one out.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam and Netgalley, @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you PRH Ballantine and PRH audio for review copies! The Stranger Upstairs is a wild story that takes on the haunted house story and unreliable narrator tropes and runs with it. I really liked this one in places but I felt as well that pacing was a little off, it took me a while to get into the story as I was struggling to decide what the focal points were (a messy social media influencer, a marriage that wasn't great, a haunted house threatening the MC and past occupants) and some threads didn't seem needed to tell the story (such as some of what was happening with neighbors or her husband). But I was sucked in anyway, which brings me to the well done examination of someone falling apart, which I think is very well done and an ode to the author for bravely sharing parts of herself in this story, I was moved by the connection she offered readers with her note and that helped me better reflect on how she developed Sarah's mindset.
This is a good one for haunted house fans, it worked really well for me on audiobook as it helped to get into hearing Sarah's story so I recommend the audiobook in particular.
3.5 stars rounded up based on reflection with the author's note