"The Stranger Upstairs” by Lisa Matlin
Publisher: Random House Publishing - Ballantine
Publication Date: September 12, 2023
Many thanks to Netgalley, Random House, and Ballantine for the ARC of this book. All opinions contained below are my own.

What an amazing debut novel by Lisa Matlin! Had me up all night, afraid to close my eyes and wishing I had a night light 😂
Main character, Sarah Slade, is a therapist, social media influencer, and self-help guru. Currently at a lull in her career she decides to boost her social media following by buying a well-known haunted house and documenting the renovations. The house, Black Wood, is itself a character in the novel. Sitting abandoned for 40 years after a gruesome murder/suicide Sarah instantly feels the presence of the home when she moves in. Is she going crazy or is the house and the entire town out to get her? Sarah edges further into paranoia and begins to act erratically. I felt like I was losing my mind alongside Sarah because the book is written so well. Never knowing what details are true or what is imagined the build-up to a possible unreliable narrator is fantastic!
I 100% did not see the ending of this book coming. I was pleasantly surprised, but then the epilogue sealed the deal for me.

**The authors note is worth the read on this one!**

Thank you Random house publishing and Lisa M. Marlin for the ARC of The stranger upstairs.

I enjoyed this thriller from the beginning to the very end. I really did not see where it was going and had so many aha moments only to be shot down and turns out I had no clue how this wild ride would end.

Would you move into a murder house?? After this read I’m changing my view and saying definitely not.

Sarah and her husband Joe buy a house with a sordid past that they plan on renovating and then selling. But as soon as they move in, strange things start occurring, the neighbors shun them, and Sarah starts to hear voices. The Stranger Upstairs doesn’t break any new ground in this genre, and the story tends to drag in the beginning. The pace eventually picks up as Sarah spirals further down, and there’s a backstory forming that helps add to the drama. Overall, it’s a quick read, but Sarah is a difficult character to get behind which made it hard to get invested in the story, but the author does a good job of tying things up and that saves the book. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The first 30-35% of this book was really engaging and I was really invested with the story of Sarah Slade. I thought Sarah was a really unlikeable character, but I enjoyed that. I am not sure if the author used any true crimes to inspire her writing, but her mention of a particular location in Canada made me think that maybe she did. I didn’t mind that and it even pushed me to continue reading once the story got a little too predictable.

The last 10-15% kind of lost me with the tropes and twists felt predictable.

Upon reading the author’s note, I can really appreciate the story behind how this book came to be and admire the author’s tenacity in pursuing her passions.

I would be open to reading more of Matlin’s work in the future since this is her debut novel. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy the works of Riley Sager because the ending felt similar to his endings.

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin

I had such mixed feelings as I read this story. The narration and dialogue seems to be not all there. I was frustrated by the tiny bits that Sarah and her husband Joe said to each other. But then being in Sarah's head is a mess of missing information, too. I wanted to know more and not have it meted out over the entire book. There wasn't enough to hold me to the page.

Then when the house was having workers there I thought maybe we were getting somewhere. There seemed to be something wrong with this old house, where a murder took place long ago. Is it really haunted now or is there another reason for all the squeaking boards and mysterious opening and closing of doors? Surely with workmen there we'll find out something concrete.

But no, we are still in Sarah's muddled mind. Is she an unreliable character? Is she a liar, is she mentally ill? Is she all those things? Once I realized things would just go on without anything for me to grab onto, I was just ready for the story to be over. I know some folks will really enjoy the way the story is told and will get much more out of it than I did so be sure to read other reviews to get other viewpoints.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a great read for spooky season my friends because it’s going to take you on a whirlwind of a spooky house journey.

Sarah Slade is a therapist and a social media influencer. She decides to buy a house with a haunted and violent past to fix it up and document the journey as her latest social media escapade. Her world starts going dramatically downhill soon after.

You will be questioning her and her sanity; you’ll be questioning your own sanity as the story gets deeper. What exactly happened in this “murder house?” Who is Sarah Slade and what is she hiding? Do any of us know what is going on?

Twisty journey. You get a creepy house, questionable towns-folk, and an untrustworthy narrator. If you’ve given it a read I’d love to know your thoughts!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Publishing Group for the advanced copy of this read.

I recently delved into the pages of Lisa M. Matlin’s mesmerizing debut novel, “The Stranger Upstairs,” and was drawn into a gripping narrative that seamlessly intertwines the allure of a haunted house with the complexities of a protagonist’s hidden past. This gothic psychological thriller truly earned its spot on my reading list, leaving me captivated from beginning to end.

Matlin skillfully weaves a tale around Sarah Slade, a social media influencer yearning for a fresh start amidst the shadows of her own concealed history. The concept of purchasing a murder house for renovation sets the stage for a suspenseful journey where every peeling wallpaper and creaking floorboard holds a secret of its own. As Sarah undertakes the restoration of Black Wood House, I found myself entangled in a web of mystery, constantly questioning the motives and intentions of both the characters and the dwelling itself.

The atmosphere that Matlin creates is nothing short of hauntingly atmospheric. The tension escalates as bizarre accidents befall the builders and unsettling notes begin to appear, shattering Sarah’s illusion of control. The eerie blend of past and present, coupled with the psychological turmoil Sarah experiences, adds a layer of complexity that fans of the genre will surely appreciate.

Matlin’s character development shines through Sarah’s journey of self-discovery. The internal struggles she faces while wrestling with her own secrets, failing marriage, and the growing malevolence within the house, allow readers to empathize with her vulnerabilities. Her determination to unveil the truth despite the mounting odds showcases her resilience, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

“The Stranger Upstairs” also excels in its portrayal of the house itself as a character. The carefully crafted descriptions of the bloodstained floor and the ominous attic footsteps serve to heighten the palpable fear that permeates the narrative. As Sarah’s reality becomes increasingly blurred, I was left contemplating the thin line between the supernatural and the psychological, a testament to Matlin’s storytelling prowess.

In conclusion, “The Stranger Upstairs” by Lisa M. Matlin is a compelling debut that skillfully marries the eerie with the enigmatic. With its deftly crafted characters, chilling setting, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the final pages, this book is an immersive experience for fans of psychological thrillers. I found myself both enthralled and unsettled, a testament to Matlin’s ability to create an unforgettable tale. If you’re seeking a read that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality, this is one you won’t want to miss.

I give it a solid 4/5 stars.

What 👏🏼 an 👏🏼 incredible 👏🏼 DEBUT!!! Are you kidding me? I can’t believe this is a debut. It was incredible. The Stranger Upstairs follows Sarah, an internet influencer who buys a murder house in a small town in Australia. Honestly, gimme any book with a murder house and I’ll read it, but this one was executed with perfection. It was actually really scary (which I love) and gave me nightmares. The only other authors who have successfully given me actual nightmares are Josh Malerman and Stephen King. 😂

This is definitely one of my favorite thrillers of the year.

Read this if you like:
👻 AHS S1: Murder House x Amityville vibes
👻 Being scared
👻 Books about social media influencers
👻 An unreliable narrator
👻 Marriage drama
👻 Creepy woods
👻 Town conspiracies

Would you buy an old house? What if it was a murder house would you still buy it? Well Sarah Slade bought a murder house that has sat vacant for 40 years and it was the right price for Sarah. This 4 star page turning book will have you on your toes until the very end. It was well written and easy to follow. The ending will leave you surprised as well. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC book and my opinions are my own.

Om my God, The Stranger Upstairs was a wild ride and so so good! Nothing seemed to make sense so naturally I was hooked from start to finish!

Wow, Lisa M. Martin has really written an incredible book and it is her debut novel too. Sarah and Joe buy a murder house because the price is so low for the area. Who wants to live in a house that 4 people have been murdered in? They plan to get sponsors as Sarah is an influencer and quite popular. They will renovate the house and flip it all the while Sarah will keep her adoring fans up to date on the whole process. Well, the house has other ideas! This story has so many twists and turns you will need to be on your toes to keep up. A huge thank you to Penguin Random House and Net Galley for this advance copy. This review is mine and mine alone.

Based on other reviews I'm in the minority where this book didn't keep my attention. The premise behind it is what any great thriller would be but I just could not get into this book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read and review.

What a mind fck! Excuse my language Netgalley. What did I just read? As soon as you think you know the outcome, BOOM! There's another twist. Such a dark and twisted thriller that will have you at the edge of your seat until the very end.

"The Stranger Upstairs" is a strong debut from Lisa M. Matlin. I love thrillers that take place in creepy old houses with dark pasts and Black Wood House definitely fits the bill. With an unreliable narrator and shady, unlikeable characters, this book is a real page turner. This is the kind of book that you want to read it one sitting because you just can't wait to find out what will happen next. I was continually surprised at every reveal and shocked by the ending. I don't recommend reading this book at night, but if you want to get in the mood for Spooky season, then this is the book for you.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and author Lisa M. Matlin for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this fabulous book.

Sarah's intriguing decision revolves around purchasing a notorious "murder house" to meticulously chronicle her experiences through social media. Within both Sarah's persona and the enigmatic house lie concealed mysteries yearning to be unveiled. If you have an affinity for the allure of unreliable narrators or residences safeguarding hidden truths, this narrative will undoubtedly captivate you.

The narrative direction that the author undertook with Sarah's character resonated deeply with me. While her character might not have been intricately layered, I discerned the author's intent and appreciated the deviation from the ubiquitous storylines that saturate modern literature. The originality in the seamless amalgamation of elements lent a distinctive quality, rendering the reading experience thoroughly enjoyable.

Elements that resonated with me include the portrayal of Sarah, interwoven with her vocation as a therapist, and her intricate emotional rapport with the house. The narrative achieved a remarkable level of descriptiveness and atmospheric immersion. And that culminating twist — truly exceptional. The author orchestrated a conclusion that exuded an unconventional ambiance, which contributed significantly to its impact.

Conversely, the supporting characters felt somewhat one-dimensional, relegated to the periphery as subordinate subplots. I yearned for a more profound exploration of the history shared between Sarah and her husband, in addition to delving into the house's intricate past. Typically averse to protracted reads that succumb to verbosity, I surprisingly found myself wishing for a more extensive backstory and narrative exposition. The story's brevity left me wanting, despite my usual preference for succinct narratives. On the whole, the book provided a swift and engrossing reading experience. I am eagerly anticipating further literary offerings from this gifted author.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for granting me access to an advanced copy in exchange for my candid assessment.

Um...not me being terrified while reading this book. I really had to stop and watch Schitt's Creek to cleanse my mental palate. Who was positively shook and undone by this twisty book? It's me, Mario. Ok so boom...I'm reading the book clutching my sheets and then BAM, Lisa M. Matlin takes a sharp right turn and everything I thought I knew was completely wrong. I love it when a book takes a turn and I'm left with my mouth agape thinking "damn, I DID NOT see that coming". From that point on, the book moved at such a feverish pace that I had to whip out my old whodunnit murder board and sharpie and get to connecting all of the dots.

This is the perfect read for spooky season. It's equal parts suspense and thriller and gothic and horror. 5 stars. Highly recommend.

My Thoughts

Like so many of us the character Sarah Slade has secrets.

Wait till you discover for yourself what they are upon reading this twisty winding tale because some of them may surprise you like they surprised me.

I could not stop reading for very long and the more I read the more unraveling took place.

None of the characters really struck a chord with me but unlike other stories with this one that did not matter as much as getting to the truth about what was really happening in Black Wood House.

The more I uncovered the more I wanted to know, until what was actually happening finally played out to a very strange conclusion that was both disturbing as well as worth my time to get there.

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

This book is seriously dark and twisted. And I couldn’t put it down. I’m not sure what that says about me.

Sarah Slade is an Instagram influencer, best-selling author, and psychologist in Melbourne. From her posts and following, it appears that she’s living a glamorous life. But she and her husband Joe both have secrets and a past. Together, they make the odd choice to buy a murder house.

This house sits in a wealthy little town and was the location of a murder-suicide many years ago. Neighbors have been trying to tear it down since. But Sarah and Joe buy it for a song with the hopes of renovating it and turning a tidy profit. Good luck getting a contractor. And we find out early that the two are having marital issues. Joe sleeps on the couch by himself while Sarah decides to take the very room where the murder was committed. Odd choice.

One thing you will have to dispense with is finding a character to root for. Everyone sucks (except for one minor character who is a co-worker of Sarah’s.) As things progress, Sarah struggles with everything – the remodel, relationships, her job. She’s just a bad person, and while I didn’t care what happened to her, I really wanted to know.

The author does a great job of leaving crumbs and not showing her hand. Every little turn was a surprise as things descend into a dark place for Sarah. Did I mention it was dark? Yeah, it’s seriously dark. But somehow satisfying. Since I didn’t care for her at all, whatever happened was okay. And stuff does happen.

This book was a cleverly written debut novel, and I would recommend it. I do think it would benefit from a bit of editing. Some unique phrases were repeated several times, and a couple of loose ends. But that doesn’t distract from the fact that it was fun and dark. Did I mention that?

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, and the author for an ARC of this book.

Wow, this one creeped me out far more than I expected it to. Do not let the beautiful cover fool you. This has thrilling and horror vibes at moments that may have you looking over your shoulder. I enjoyed the premise and the twists were not the typical things. I feel like the story left some things open ended and the writing style wasn't 110% for me so that's the reason for the lower rating. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book. Just about 50% through it started feeling like a hike, more than a fin journey.

I received this ARC to read and review from NetGalley. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this ebook.

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin is a brilliantly written thriller. I adored how this book started— it literally made me laugh out loud! It quickly turned mysterious and terrifying. This book is not at all what it seems, and this only makes it even better. Readers of thrillers will enjoy this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.