Let talk about a few things first. Firstly this cover — STUNNING! Secondly, I ate this entire book up! This entire book had me shook by the end. I sat down to read this debut book by Lisa M. Matlin and never put it down until the very end.

This fast paced gripping page turner takes you on a wild ride with the main character. I finished the book and just sat in silence taking it all in. Every single time I thought the story had got worse—it got even worse and made me question everything I had thought before that point. Every single time I thought Sarah (the main character) couldn’t get more deranged, we are thrown down another loop. THE TWISTS I’m telling you.

The character development and world building in this book was perfection. I felt like at times I could absolutely relate to the character(s) and the plot was there and more, the ending was incredible. The ending felt more like a cliffhanger & I cannot wait to find out if we get to continue the Black Wood House saga with Lisa’s next book.

This book is an absolute MUST READ! If you love fast paced page turners, suspense, thrillers and a wild adventure — pop a squat, hold on tight and be prepared for the best ride of your life.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin
Random House for allowing me to provide my honest feedback of 'The Stranger Upstairs’.

Wow! What a trip this one was. First, such an awesome concept for a book. It hooked me right from the start. I felt the book built nicely and you could feel the main charts yet slowly unraveling and I just had to know what happened next. I loved the way the timeline was presented and felt it continues to hook the reader. I recommend this one for anyone looking for an engaging thriller that keeps you guessing what’s really going on!

"The Stranger Upstairs" is a book you need to stick with. It starts out good -- creepy, mysterious, dark. However, about a third of the way through, the story temporarily loses its way, as if the author is not quite sure what she wants to do with the story -- creepy psychological thriller or paranormal haunted house or some mash-up that is off the mark. But if you stick with the story, the author gets back on track, and it ends up being a good psychological thriller.

Sarah Slade and her husband Joe have purchased the Black Wood House, which was the site of a horrific murder forty years ago and has been abandoned since then. She plans to renovate it and flip it, documenting the process on social media, and hoping to rebuild and expand her brand. She is a therapist with a best-selling book, but fans are getting impatient for a second book and endorsements are slow/low, as she does not have much to offer right now that sets her apart from all the other "influencers"/wannabe influencers. However, Sarah is hiding a lot of secrets -- her failing marriage being one of the lesser secrets. The renovations are not going well -- being more extensive and costly than anticipated, especially as it is very difficult to find contractors willing to work on the house. In addition, the house does not seem to want anyone there. Lots of strange things will happen, as Sarah steadily becomes more unhinged. The neighbors seem to know things about the house that they are unwilling to share, which adds to Sarah's paranoia.

The house will claim more victims -- but will it be Sarah and/or Joe or someone else? The story has plenty of twists and turns. You may think you have figured out Sarah's past or what is happening in the house, but you will probably not be correct, or at least not entirely.

My wish has been granted!

GAH! I love that feeling and I will never get used to it! The only thing I can compare getting a book I had pined over as much as this one is CHRISTMAS MORNING.

First off, the cover is absolutely remarkable. The colors, the mystery, all of it! I had to have this book before I even read the synopsis. Second, after I finally finished gushing over the cover I read the teaser and that was it, it no longer had been a "want" but a "need" .

So I wished for it....

The book fairies aligned and granted this book loving psychopath the book of her dreams!

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Now, about the book.

Holy moly was this a wild ride! Don't expect to put this one down or try to tell yourself "one more chapter" . You will never be able to keep that promise to yourself. I obsessed over every single word that ran across the page. I felt FEAR often, suspense ALWAYS, and that gut wrenching pull that lurched me forward into the twists and turns this book delivered time and time again.

This book is IT and will literally break the internet.

Congratulations to Lisa M. Matlin on this soon to be publication, she knocked it out of the park.

Thank you to Bantam and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Teaser :

A social media influencer with a secret past buys a murder house to renovate, but finds more than she bargained for behind the peeling wallpaper in this gothic psychological debut.

Sarah Slade is starting over. As the new owner of the infamous Black Wood House—the scene of grisly murder-suicide—she’s determined that the fixer-upper will help reach a new audience on her successful lifestyle blog, and distract her from her failing marriage.

But as Sarah paints over the house’s horrifying past, she knows better than anyone that a new façade can’t conceal every secret. Then 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 Black Wood House, the angrier it seems to become.

With every passing moment, Sarah’s life spirals further out of control—and with it, her sense of reality. Though she desperately clings to the lies she’s crafted to conceal her own secrets, Sarah Slade must wonder . . . was it all worth it? Or will this house be her final unraveling?

I love creepy houses so much. This was great! And so much was happening. I was hooked the entire time trying to figure the whole thing out and I was satisified in the end. Recommended.

Sarah is trying to capitalize on her success with her bestselling book. She and her husband buy a house in an idyllic town for a steal hoping to flip it and monetize the process on social media. The house was cheap because it was the scene of a horrific murder over 40 years ago. The locals are not friendly and it's known they want the house bulldozed. When Sarah hears odd noises in the house and find notes about things only she knows about, she starts to get scared. Her carefully contrasted façade is falling apart and it seems she has some dark hidden secrets. Is a neighbor trying to scare her or could it be something more supernatural? The story had some creepy moments and it kept me guessing until the very end.

Sarah buys a house; it is frightening. What has happened there might have made it haunted. Murder and mayhem. The characters are realistic and some are likable; others not so much, but that is part of the mystery. What will happen in the house? When? Why? Questions like these are not easily discerned, but the ending does come to a resounding conclusion. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and the author.

4 stars

Woah this was an intense and fast read. I had no clue where this was going. Matlin is going to be a force to be reckoned with if she keeps this up.

Sarah Slade, therapist and social media influencer, buys a crumbling Victorian mansion with a dark history. Sarah, her husband Joe, and her cat Reaper plan to renovate the home in order to refresh Sarah’s internet popularity. But Black Wood house was the infamous site of a murder-suicide, and Sarah begins to feel a presence within the walls. She becomes convinced that some is trying to kill her—her husband, her neighbors, or maybe even the house itself. As long-buried secrets begin to be revealed, can Sarah save the house, and more importantly, herself?

I devoured this book in a single day! I honestly had no idea where the story was going, and it’s so rare to read a thriller that truly keeps me guessing around every single turn. Matlin’s writing sets a truly unsettling scene that’s the perfect backdrop for a genuinely creepy story. If you enjoy the campy horror of American Horror Story: Murder House, the unlikeable but somehow lovable heroine of Gone Girl, and/or the constant self-questioning of unreliable narrators in Sarah Pinborough’s novels, this is the book for you!

This is a phenomena debut by @lisa_m_matlin. I was up in the middle of the night reading this one because I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

What I Loved

✨It’s fictional true crime featuring a murder house and an aspiring influencer who wants to flip it for profit and exposure.

✨It’s atmospheric and eerie.

✨Twists and turns galore.

✨It comes out the end of September and will be perfect for spooky season! 🎃

✨Is it thriller? Is it horror? I’m not telling. You have to read it to find out.

I also want to add that the author has written one of the most heartfelt author’s note and acknowledgements I’ve ever read. Such sweet excitement and gratitude that made me tear up a little. I wasn’t expecting that after the way she kept me up all night scared to look over my shoulder. 😂

Available September 26. As I said, perfect for the season.

My thanks to @penguinrandomhouse and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.

People who willingly buy murder houses are crazy, right? Sarah and her husband Joe buy an old house that was the location of a brutal murder. A husband murdered his wife in their very room, and then turned his hammer onto his daughter. She was able to escape but no one knows where she is now. The house has stayed unoccupied for many years. That is until Sarah and Joe decide to buy it and renovate. Hoping they will be able to score a big profit. Sarah’s a famous self help book author and therapist. Not only is her new home in need of help but her marriage too. Shes harboring secrets and the house seems to know what they are. Noises are happening through out the night. Doors are opening and closing on their own. Notes written by a mysterious someone are appearing randomly. Will Sarah be able to make it out of the house alive? Or is something more sinister in play.

What I enjoyed:
- the pacing! I stayed up till 4 am reading this book. I was constantly on my toes and wanting to know more
- Okay, it’s creepy and I love that. I was absolutely creeped out by a few things
- Although I didn’t like Sarah or find her likable. I did think she was a fun narrator for everything going down. I wanted to know her secrets.
- I did not expect anything that went down

I cannot wait to read future books by this author. This book helped me out of the biggest book slump. I was equal parts creeped out and intrigued. This was a hard read to put down. 4 stars out of 5. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This cover is beyond gorgeous!!! I am so happy to have got this Arc that is a debut book by Lisa M. Matlin!!! I love debut books. Her debut feels like she gave it 1000% and after reading her acknowledgments and more I was in tears. I commend this author. She's a survivor. Let's get into this debut! From the start we hear from Sarah Slade. I love that name. It sounds so good! Lol little did I know .. I feel like I can't say much because it's a spoiler.

While reading the book I was thinking..
"Hold on now, what!?"
"What'd she say!?" And
"Why would she be saying this?"
I was lost in the sauce and positively intrigued. Then I was scared of this woman. Lol she is deranged. But then it got worse. And then it got worse. Then it got sketchy and very conspiring. I love how Lisa gave many different insights on what Sarah is thinking. We see so many sides. It's sad. It's bewildering because you think you know, but you don't. There are a handful of twists and many ah-ha moments. Many characters play into this and everything is not what it seems. This house. Very strange indeed. I love the title. It rings so true. Upstairs is where the murder room is. Weirdddddddd. So crazy. Then for it all to end like that.. the ennnnnding really had me hyperventilating a teeny because I I have some common traits and always picture myself In someone else's shoes.

This debut experience was like watching a movie in your own home, and you're yelling "girl do not take your *** up there!!!" "HIT HER!" "She better not have.." lol. It was a wild ride. It's over, but I feel like it ain't over. This feels like a seeya later, because that house has some explaining to do. So much more. The ending honestly feels like a new beginning. I love it. This book (when it's live) can sit on my shelf right next to my B.A. Paris paperbacks! I wish this author all the success! I feel like everybody should read this book!!

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. Will recommend it to everyone I know!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam for the copy of The Stranger Upstairs, by Lisa M. Matlin. When the publisher offered me this book, I had never heard of it or the author. I’m so glad I took a chance on it! What a great and compelling debut. Good thing this is a short book because I couldn’t stop reading until I finished it! If you ever have the urge to buy a ‘murder house’ you won’t after reading this book. I loved the haunted house aspect and how subtle it was. This isn’t a horror story but it was creepy and spooky so don’t read it at night especially if you’re home alone.
The only character we really get to know is Sarah and everyone else is a minor, supporting character. I wasn’t a fan of how much Sarah drank (especially with her meds) and could have done without all of her hangovers. If you’re looking for a fast and captivating read, this is it!

What if you craft a perfect life on Instagram when in reality you’re suffering? Or better yet take on a ‘skin’ of someone else? That’s the story of Sarah Slade as she and her husband purchase the old Black Wood House aka Murder House. A chance for a new beginning and profit after an IG worthy complete home renovation project until the ‘house’ intervenes…

Full of suspense with many twists and turns Matlin’s debut novel (hard to believe) was so well written. The reader is completely immersed in the mind of Sarah Slade. In my opinion ‘The Stranger Upstairs’ ended with an opportunity (I hope) to write on.

*A very special thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for allowing me to provide my honest feedback of ‘The Stranger Upstairs.’*

#goodreads #thestrangerupstairs #penguinrandomhouse

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Publishing Group for Lisa Matlin’s, The Stranger Upstairs.

Sarah Slade and her husband are starting over. They purchase this lovely Victorian home with a dark past. The home, better known as Black Wood, was the grisly scene of a double murder- suicide years before. Sarah and her husband purchase the home with the intent to remodel and sell, but that proves more difficult than they expected.

Neighbors and others in the town say the house is cursed and refuse to set foot inside.

Soon after moving in, Sarah starts to hears footsteps coming from the attic. She also starts receiving ominous letters that mention things from her past only she could know. Nobody believes her when she starts talking about these strange happenings, but rather, they think she’s lost her mind. Is she actually losing her mind, or is someone out to get her?

Lisa Matlin’s debut novel will hit the shelves on September 26, 2023. Until then, make sure you add this one to your TBR.

This is a great and twisty thriller that kept me guessing until the bitter end! Social influencer/therapist Sarah and husband Joe buy the famed Murder House where years before a husband killed his wife as their young daughter ran for her life! Sarah is hoping to make a healthy profit in the future but creepy things begin happening as soon as they move in! And even the cat, Reaper is spooked! Go in blind and just ride it like a roller coaster as it's a fun thrill ride that will mess with your head (in a good way) and have you staying away from the woods!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Woahhhh this book! So good! This was a new to me author and I can't wait to read more! Thank you for the ARC

This was such an enjoyable story that I read it in one sitting! I really couldn't put it down, it's so fast-paced and will draw you in and keep you there up until the end. At first, I thought the internal dialogue of Sarah was too cutesy but it calms down and her character isn't as you first think. She and her husband, Joe, have bought an infamous Murder House where the homeowner killed his wife and himself forty years ago. He also tried to kill his teenage daughter, but she luckily got away. No one has lived in it since, and it soon appears that someone or something wants to keep it that way.

Black Wood House is in dire need of repairs, and their plan is to fix it up and turn a huge profit. But almost immediately after moving in, Sarah wonders if she's in over her head. She's a therapist who wrote a surprise best-seller and is being pressured for her next book. She hopes to buy some time by blogging about the renovations and earning sponsors to help with their finances. She also is aiming to fix her relationship with Joe, as they haven't been sleeping in the same room and her current choice of the bedroom where the murder occurred certainly doesn't coax Joe back into her bed! But she's desperate to realize her goals and approaches the situation with determined optimism.

Of course, no one is surprised when creepy noises and shadowy movements become the norm. But it's not the usual haunted house atmosphere because Sarah begins receiving actual notes with threatening and revealing information no one else could know. Her job as a therapist begins to suffer as she drinks more and sleeps less and Joe not only stays away from her but from the house completely. She starts questioning her sanity and can't help but fear that their house is truly evil and she is the next victim.

One of the things I loved about the story is when little twists are thrown in like they're nothing. And you're like, did I just read that? But that changes everything! It just compels you to keep reading. There are a few bits that I wish had been explained more rather than just left hanging, but it doesn't take away from enjoying the book. I really can't wait to see what follows from this author because this is a fabulous debut. And just like in the story, I know her fans will instantly be hungry for more!

Thank you so much netgalley for the chance to read this book! This book was creepy and intriguing and still leaves me with some questions. I devoured this book and couldn’t put it down. Is Sarah really Sarah!? Is someone after her and her cat!? Is someone in the house or is it all in her mind!? I will recommend this one for sure it was a great read!