This was predictable and I found myself knowing what was going to happen before it did. I was hoping for more since I had heard a lot about the book prior to reading it. I found all the characters to be very unlikeable and just awful and self-centered.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was the title and the ending.

The title ruined what would have been a shocking surprise. Why have spoilers in the title? I prefer the creative titles that are explained as you read the book.

This book was very well written and kept me engaged throughout. All of the characters were likable and relatable. The book even turned a little "Gone Girl" three-fourths of the way in.

The only other disappointment was the ending. I like finality in my books if there is not a sequel Loose ends or questions about how it could end are not my favorite.

I loved the aspects of Jane Eyre in this book, and it read very very quick. However, it was more predictable than I expected. I guess that comes with a retelling story. Overall I enjoyed it, but not a new fave.

I eagerly requested it upon realizing that the author is the same Rachel Hawkins who wrote the delightful Prince Charming and Her Royal Highness. I did not, however, realize this was a retelling of Jane Eyre—if I had, I would have passed on it, as retellings seldom work for me. Unfortunately that was the case here—it felt both too close and too far from the source material, and while I hoped the domestic thriller angle would bring something new to the mix, it mostly fell flat. I also gave the audiobook a shot, and the narration was excellent—the story itself just didn't do it for me.

I am an absolute fan of Jane Eyre. I try to read it at least once a year, I love it so much. Naturally, when I found what looked like a modern day retelling of this story, I just had to try to get a copy to read. There are a few similarities: Jane is an orphan, Eddie has a large house, a wife locked away, etc. That is where the similarities end. Jane is a dog walker in a rich neighborhood. She comes from nothing, has survived abusive foster homes, and loves to do a five finger discount of things that do not belong to her simply because she wants them. She takes what she wants and does not feel bad. Jane morphs herself to fit in with any situation, trying to control it and use it for her own benefit. She lives with a gross roommate who will cause her all kinds of trouble. One day, she catches the eye of Eddie. She thinks she has finally made it; large home, rich boyfriend, no more living with her scumbag roommate. Now she just needs to convince the neighborhood ladies she used to work for that she is one of them. What looks like a golden life and opportunity starts to not look so shiny rather quickly. Eddie is starting to change a bit each day. There's a darker side to him that she didn't notice before. Things start to not add up and her life and story is about to take a wild turn.
While I enjoyed this book, I will be sticking with my traditional Jane Eyre. The characters were hard to like in this rendition of the classic tale, but perhaps that is what the author was aiming for. The writing style was smooth and I enjoyed having different points of view occasionally. While I love the classics, this was nicely done and I know there are many out there who will adore this tale written by such a talented author.

My full review and acknowledgement of a copy given to me in exchange for an honest review will be posted on CelticsLibary.com by 3/25/2021

Jane, newly arrived in Birmingham, AL, is a barista-turned-dogwalker for the rich who has sticky fingers around her clients. One stormy morning, she finds herself in a chance encounter with Eddie Rochester, a recent widower whose wife, Bea, recently died in a boating accident along with her best friend, Blanche. A modern-day, Southern gothic re-telling of Jane Eyre--this was a suspenseful read for those who love secrets and twists. Those unfamiliar with Jane Eyre will not be left out and those familiar with the book will appreciate the cheeky winks Rachel Hawkins makes to the classic novel.

I came into this book knowing not to trust any of the characters. We get primary POV from Jane, who shows us, from the beginning that she is untrustworthy. We also get POV from Bea in terms of lead-up to the accident and then Eddie in the last part of the book. One of the twists is in the title...but I enjoyed uncovering the layers of Bea's character. I did feel lacking in the background of Eddie and Blanche where I wanted to get to know them a bit more (especially Eddie as a gold-digger) especially insight on Blanche. This is the limitation of first-person POV where readers are unable to gain background and thoughts of the side-characters. Overall, a quick read with lots of twists and secrets a reader can get lost in.

This novel was every bit the enjoyable read as everyone told me it would be. It was the winner of my February 2021 poll, and it did not disappoint. Touted as a modern Jane Eyre re-telling with a twist, The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins certainly has several parallels to the original Charlotte Bronte novel, but it is also a very different novel that stands well on its own--so you don't have to be a fan or to have read the Classic to appreciate and enjoy The Wife Upstairs.

Jane Bell grew up in foster care and is trying to escape her past. She has a plan and she is determined to do what it takes to get what she wants. She has found her way into the Thornfield Estates in Alabama, a wealthy gated community, where she walks dogs for the bored housewives who have better things to do--like shop and plan charity events. No one notices the little things that disappear when Jane is around--an earring here or there, perhaps a watch or a bracelet. And no one ever questions whether Jane is who she says she is.

Jane finds exactly what she is looking for when she runs into the recently widowed Eddie Rochester--or rather, he almost runs into her with his car. Eddie is everything Jane wants. Rich, single, and available. The two hit it off immediately and one thing leads to another. Jane's plan is working perfectly. But she is haunted by the memory of Bea, Eddie's wife, who seemed almost too good to be true, a rags to riches story, well-liked and well-loved. And then there are the questions surrounding her disappearance and death. She and her friend had died in a boating accident. It was an accident, right?

I know I am not supposed to like any of the characters--they all are rather pretentious and self-centered, but I could not help but like Jane. Perhaps it was sympathy for all she'd been through as a child, but I also liked her grit and perseverance. There was a naivety about her, just the same. Especially when you stand her up next to the charming and polish of other characters in the novel. I also kind of liked Eddie, ever so charming and yet not quite hiding a strong approach-with-caution vibe underneath it all.

I did not want want to put this novel down; it was such a fun read. It doesn't take itself too seriously either, which I think is part of its charm. Even when I suspected the direction the novel would go, whether I was right or wrong, I enjoyed finding out every step of the way. And I loved the ending. I was not sure how everything would turn out, but it felt right for the story Hawkins was telling us.

This was a fun new take on Jane Eyre, providing a thriller-feel that felt natural to the story. The writing kept me interested throughout as the POV shifted among the three main characters. I think it holds up even if you haven't read the classic, as well.

I loved Rachel Hawkin's Young Adult books and her first adult book was even better. The book being told by different perspectives really enhanced the spookiness and craziness for me. The twists and turns of this book were awesome and I honestly didn't see the ending playing out the way that it did. I really hope the author continues in this genre, she really has a knack for spooky thrillers that leave you guessing what's going to happen next.

Thank you so much to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I am not a huge Jane Eyre fan so I picked this up on a lark (and probably missed some of the references!) but I enjoyed it overall. The characters were unlikeable but meant to be, and the twist at the end was interesting.

The Wife Upstairs was both addictive and intriguing. After getting drawn in I devoured it in one sitting. While I’ve read Hawkins Hex Hall books I didn’t really know how I’d feel about this one until I started it. I will definitely continue to read her books though, that’s for sure.

This was another thriller that just didn't click for me. I don't know why people are trying to rewrite Jane Eye or Rebecca, and then it isn't as good as the original. It was okay, but nothing to rave about.

Wow! Couldn’t put this book down! Suspenseful, unpredictable ending! ! Between the plot twists and the insanely complicated characters, I was on edge for the entire book. I still don’t know how to feel about the people or the ending. Nice debut!

A fun and compelling thriller and a clever Jane Eyre retelling! I raced through this and enjoyed it immensely!

Initially The Wife Upstairs was an engaging read, but as the story went I became lost in the mundane days of the housewives. I was practically begging for something sinister to happen. The ending was underwhelming and felt thrown together. Luckily it was a quick read with short chapters.

I have to say I did enjoy the ending of this book, but I didn’t really care for any of the characters and the dialogue felt forced between them. I don’t know, there was just something about this book that although it was okay-ish, it was also just kind of annoying.

One of the best thrillers I’ve read! I went into this with such hope. I love Jane Eyre and I love gothic fiction. Let me say, it did not disappoint! I absolutely devoured this story as quickly as I could turn the pages. 5 well deserved stars!

This thriller was absolutely mind blowing! Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. From the very beginning I got that suspenseful feeling about who you can trust and who not to trust. Little did I know the person I trusted the whole book was the major plot twist! I will definitely be reading more of her work.

A great and different page-turner. A modern Jane Eyre with a twist - I read this one in a fevered 24 hours.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

The Wife Upstairs is compulsively readable, scary, and full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. It's also very well-written, which is not akways the case with today's domestic thrillers. High quality, literary fun with all the escapist murder drama you need. Highly recommend!