The Family Upstairs

This was a good read and would recommend this book. It is interesting and keeps you wanting to keep on reading. I will buy from this seller again as the price was good and it arrived quickly.

It’s been a while since I have read one of this author’s books and I could give myself a hard shake at all the fantastic reads I will have been missing out on of which I will be rectifying that as soon as possible.This story is one seriously twisted read. Right from the off I was desperate to know more about the events that led to three dead bodies as well as a baby girl being found alive. What happened to the lead up to the tragedy? The chapters flick between past and present with the past ones teasing you and will have you jumping to conclusions.Lucy was one particular character I really enjoyed. I don’t want to say too much but some parts were emotional to read of yet I loved her strength and she was a character whose chapters I looked forward to reading as she was one of my favourites. There are however a few unlikeable characters, one in particular who plays mind games with your head. My feelings for them kept changing throughout the whole story and even having finished the book, I am not one hundred percent certain how I feel about them. If I have some empathy or if they are in fact just evil.The Family Upstairs is a novel that readers will be unable to drag themselves away from. It is extremely addictive with so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next. It kept me on my toes up until the very last page of which I am absolutely thrilled to see there is a follow on to this one called, The Family Remains. I have a feeling the darkness and twistiness of this one will be something readers will also have to look forward to in that one. A really good read!

I remember hearing Lisa Jewell talk about The Family Upstairs when I was at the Theakston Crime Festival back in 2019. Hearing Lisa speak about her book made me want to buy it as I thought the idea sounded so unique and so chilling. It did not disappoint; I’m only sorry that it’s taken me this long to read it.Twenty-five-year old Libby can’t believe her luck when out of the blue; Libby discovers that she has inherited a mansion in Chelsea. The property has been held in trust for her since she was a baby. Libby has no idea about her past or the dark secrets that are connected with it. The moment she steps foot in her new home, she realises there is something very eerie about the place. Soon the secrets of her past come back to haunt her.This book is steeped in mystery. As Libby starts to learn more about her past, I wanted to find out more about her family, and the cult, it’s said, that she was born into. I wanted to know why she was the only one who survived, when the rest of her family were killed, and where her siblings were who disappeared. Libby teams up with a journalist, Miller, to try and uncover what really happened in the house all those years ago. He has previously tried to find the answers, but now that he has Libby on board, he feels that he is one step closer to getting to the truth.Definitely, the most chilling scenes in this book were when Lisa Jewell takes us back in time before Libby was born. It made it even more disturbing to think of Libby staying in the house where the dreadful things Lisa Jewell describes, once happened. It made me think that someone was watching her and that it was only going to be a matter of time before she discovered who that was. The flashback scenes are filled with a strong sense of foreboding, especially when Libby’s family, first become acquainted with their new guests. You can see that there is something off here with them right from the start and I wanted to know what it was that they were planning.The story is also told from the point of view of a character called Lucy. I connected with Lucy straight away, and you can’t help but feel sorry for her, as she struggles to keep her family together. Lucy is currently living abroad, but she is desperate to get back to the UK. It is clear that she has to go to extreme lengths to achieve this goal, to ensure safe passage for her and her children, but what connection does she have to Libby?The Family Upstairs is very creepy right from the start, and it is very dark. It kept me asking questions as I was reading it. I’ve only read one other thriller by Lisa Jewell, and I need to catch up on the rest. This is a complex, multi-layered book that is very cleverly constructed. I thought it culminated in a very satisfactory ending as well.

Great read - kept me gripped - thank goodness the second book has just arrived!Would definitely recommend!

3.5/4 stars! Really loved how fast-paced this was, and I really enjoyed the three vastly different but interconnecting storylines. I know some people thought that this book was perhaps trying to achieve too much, but I actually enjoyed the convoluted, jam-packed plot! - for me it made the twists more exciting and less predictable because there was so much to keep track of, but at the same time I was kicking myself for not working them out sooner!My first Lisa Jewell novel, and I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last. A solid thriller! (Maybe could have been creepier)

Book title: The Family UpstairsAuthor: Lisa JewellPart of a series? Yes (#1)Format: PaperbackRating: 4/5 My thoughts: I have a few of Jewell’ books on my shelf but I think this is the first I have read. It was a super easy way read. I believe I got through it in under 24 hours (obviously not constant reading). So, it clearly kept me engaged.When Libby turns 25, she inherits a London townhouse with a dark and very creepy past. The story is told using a 3-way point of view, allowing the reader to learn more about the house’s past and present.The book’s multiple point of views is something I enjoyed and kept me reading. To a point. At times it did feel a little confusing and frantic. I found myself wanting the chapters based in the past to continue. I laughed at myself a little for getting frustrated when we were taken back to Libby.The premise of the story was great and the characters were intriguing.I enjoyed this book a lot. However, I can’t help thinking that the modern day sections of the book took something away from the most interesting aspect of the story - the creepy house and the cult- like culture that inhabited it.Made me want to: Read the next one to find out more about the family. But I fought the urge because I have so many other books to read. So, it wasn’t an “oh my, I HAVE to get the next book asap” kinda thing. I will definitely read more of Jewell’s books though.

Scary as these places do exist where people are brain washed. A must read think you will like itChris

Couldn’t put it down. Plenty of twists and turns. Felt I was living their lives with them. Well worth reading highly recommend

Wow, what a mysterious, and captivating tale! Lisa Jewell truly shines with this book. This book delves into the complexities of family dynamics and hidden truths.It unfolds through the eyes of three characters: Libby, Henry, and Lucy, across two different time periods.On Libby's 25th birthday, she receives a letter revealing the identity of her birth parents and her inheritance of their grand mansion in an upscale London neighbourhood. The story takes place in England and France, where twenty-five years earlier, a baby and three deceased adults were discovered in the same mansion. The mystery deepens as the fate of the other residents, including children, remains unknown. Was it suicide, murder, or something more sinister? The secrets of the mansion were waiting to be uncovered.I found it difficult to write a review of this book as if I delve more into it I might just spoil the whole book, right? And also because the real gem of this book lies in the intriguing mystery that unravels with each page as you read it. It's true for almost all thrillers or murder mysteries. With each page turn, I found myself engrossed in the story and completed this book in no time.The book's three different POVs gave me amazing reading experience. Along with the short chapters, I struggled to set the book aside. I was eager to see how the characters' story arcs intertwined in the conclusion. I was captivated by each of their stories and found them incredibly intriguing.It was my first novel by Lisa Jewell and I am really glad I picked it up. Her writing style is amazing and quirky and I loved it so much. I'll delve into more of her works now.I recommend you pick this one up if you're craving a twisted thriller and you won't be disappointed.*Also please check for TWs in the book.*

Great read

I have read many of Lisa Jewell’s novels, but this one is officially my favorite. It completely surprised me with its dark, gothic vibe. The story really sticks with you long after you finish. Unlike some thrillers, this is not a slow burn—the author starts dropping clues right away to keep you hooked. The characters are incredibly multi-dimensional, and the ending is amazing. Make sure to read the sequel right after!

Buena novela, muy del estulo6de la autora , una his6 truculenta y bien escrita.

If your looking for a real read, an indepth read, with a truly developed story, well rounded quirky character, amazing prose, and dialogue that crackles off the page, this is your read. Great story. Kept me turning pages. Because it's was a really well written book...not fluff...