Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is an EXCELLENT read. Not only is Nicole a gifted writer, she does what is so lacking in many thrillers right now -- she surprises you at the end. I love not being able to figure it all out.
Molly Wynters has moved back to her hometown because her father, the town's former pharmacist whose wife was murdered, is ill. At a very young age, Molly testified at the trial that convicted a young man, who then died by suicide.
The mystery of what actually happened is told through various viewpoints and it works spectacularly. Each voice is authentic and provides clues of how things unfolded back then -- and how they are currently emerging.
I didn't want to put this book down and I will certainly be going to Lundrigan's back catalogue for more reads.

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I must admit, it's been quite some time since I've encountered such a meticulously crafted character analysis and execution in a book, offering a refreshingly realistic and unadulterated perspective. The narrative seamlessly navigates between past and present, employing three distinct points of view in third person narration, while interweaving the enigmatic musings of a character simply referred to as "him" through first person narration. This intricate storytelling technique, coupled with a well-paced, puzzle-like structure, invites readers to piece together the intricate web surrounding the fate of Edie Wynters. Is the man lurking downstairs truly the culprit, or merely a scapegoat? What could have led Edie to amass such a host of enemies intent on harming her? And who was she truly? A hapless mother brutally slain by a disturbed teenager, or a figure harboring a plethora of dark secrets that incited those around her to unspeakable acts?

This thriller grips you from the outset, compelling you to engage your cognitive faculties in unraveling its mysteries, formulating hypotheses, only to abandon them in favor of new theories as the plot thickens. Yet, the true strength of the narrative lies in its impeccable characterization. None of the characters are easily categorized as wholly likable or detestable; rather, they are imbued with imperfections, vulnerabilities, and internal struggles, mirroring the complexities of real life. This nuanced portrayal lends an authenticity to their actions and motivations, allowing readers to empathize with even the most morally dubious among them, who, in their own twisted logic, harbor justifications for their deeds. In this story, moral boundaries are blurred, and the characters inhabit the murky gray area between righteousness and villainy.

At its core, the tale centers around Molly Wynters, a recently divorced therapist returning to her hometown to care for her ailing father following his stroke. As Molly grapples with her own familial and personal struggles, including a troubled teenage son embroiled in a social media scandal, she is confronted with a haunting legacy of her past: the unsolved murder of her mother decades earlier. Complicating matters further, an anonymous caller accuses Molly of wrongful testimony, casting doubt on the conviction of the teenager she once identified as her mother's killer. Determined to uncover the truth behind that fateful night forty years ago, Molly finds herself embroiled in a perilous quest that threatens to unravel the fabric of her existence.

In conclusion, this psychological thriller is a masterfully balanced and intricately constructed narrative that firmly establishes the author as one to watch in the realm of suspense fiction.

I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada / Viking for graciously providing me with a digital review copy of this captivating thriller in exchange for my honest appraisal.

3.75 ⭐️

A lot happens in this book, and I was very curious to see how it would all come together in the end! I didn’t see it coming, and I liked it, but the reveal of the stalker left me a little disappointed. I think I wanted more from that particular plot point!

I really liked the psychological aspect of the novel and the depths of the characters. I loved the realistic contradictions in the characters, even though I wished Molly was a bit more aware of her behaviour with her son and Edie wasn’t such a weird almost cliché.

Overall, this book had me on the edge of my seat and kept me up way past my bedtime.

I would recommend it!

Wild and twisted, what did I just read? I have not read this Author before but you better believe I will be running for her next book. This was about as Diabolical as it can get ! Well done.

I just finished A Man Downstairs by Nicole Lundrigan- you do not want to miss this one! It had me guessing right up until the end! Great book! Thanks NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it.

How well can you trust your memory…?

Sheeeeesh!!! This slow burn mystery had all the small town creepy vibes, with secrets, obsession, and dysfunctional family relationships. Normally slow burn can be hit or miss with me, but this was very heavy on the psychological aspect which I LOVED!!!

Multiple POVs (how creepy was “him”…?!!) and timelines, I found this one compelling and when I hit the last part of the book I just rattled to the end!

This was clever and chilling, with a sinister feel. The characters were wonderfully flawed and Lundrigan’s writing is atmospheric and vivid.

With nicely timed twists and an extra special twisty twist just when you think you’ve made it - one for Gillian Flynn fans!

4.5 stars rounded up.

You don’t want to miss this one!! 😍 Wow!! This was a wild ride! This was my first book by @lorethannewhite and I loved it!! ❤️ I will definitely be reading her backlist!! Listen to this…

Inspired by a true crime.. a murder of a 16 year old.. coming home from a party in 1976… her body was found right outside her house…😳🥺… Her murder has never been solved to this day… OH WOW… how heartbreaking… NOW that you have the background… on to THIS story…

A body is found… and it is thought to be female.. but it’s been buried for a very long time… as word gets out that a human skeleton has been found.. under the church.. 😳… the fact that she is still wearing a platform 👢 boot.. has EVERYONE talking… is it… HER?? After 47 years.. has she FINALLY be found?? 😳

My mind was all over the place… were their multiple girls missing??? Who’s POV is accurate?? Who knows what happened that night?? Everyone… and I mean everyone.. was a suspect in my mind… 🤔🤔 🕵️‍♀️

Especially fascinating was the the group of besties.. The Shoreview Six… who were thick as thieves.. and still are.. 🤨

I loved our detective Jane… she herself knows what it is like… to not have closure. I would absolutely LOVE to see Jane again!! Guys… this book was eerie… twisted… and shocking!! That ending… 😬😧😳😠🤯🤯🤯🤯

3.5 stars
This is a tale of murder, mystery, and the enduring scars of a troubled past. Molly Wynters’ is on a journey from a traumatic childhood to being a newly divorced mother. She is also moving to care for her ailing father.

Right off, I notice the unreliable narrators which add layers of complexity. It unfolds through multiple perspectives and time periods, with Molly’s memories in the background. As secrets are unearthed and suspicions fly, the small town setting adds a layer of intrigue to the tension filling the pages.

A smaller POV from “Him” heightens the mystery. When the true culprit is finally revealed, the twists and turns didn’t stop there, which kept me guessing until the very end.

I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a small town tale of secrets, betrayal, and redemption.

AUDIO REVIEW: Narrated by Tyrone Savage, Amy Matysio and Wesley French which made this trio perfect for the suspense. The voices were done well with great cadence. My only complaint is that the narrator speeds varied slightly which put a very small dent in the ease of my listening.

Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the digital copy and Libro.fm for the ALC!

I really enjoyed this! I couldn’t put it down and loved every second of it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I love thrillers that play with my mind and that’s exactly what this one did. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy to read and review.
A his book started off good and I was enjoying it but then I feel like the author was trying to hard to create different stories to throw the readers off. The ending of who did it wasn’t necessarily shocking but the what actually happened was harder to guess. I liked that it was told in two different POVs and timelines. I didn’t really love any of the characters. They weren’t that likeable.
I would recommend this to readers but I would just want them to know there’s a lot going on.

Not sure if It is me or this novel. I made it 25% and took several days to get that far. I had a hard time getting into this, forgetting the characters and plot as soon as I put the book down.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC, which was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first experience with Nicole Lundigran and it definitely won’t be my last. A well paced thriller that exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t quite what I expected as there was more substance to it. Great character development without the cheesy, overly dramatic twists and thrills that some mystery novels tend to have.

I was sucked in right from the start and enjoyed the way the author told the story in past and present alternating chapters and POVs. It was an original plot that felt fresh as opposed to the same overdone story that’s been done before.

Four huge enthusiastic stars from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my first exposure to this author and it definitely will not be my last! This is a well written, action-packed story that is sure to keep you turning the pages. I found it well-paced, with well-developed characters likeable for the most part and believable motivations, with an interesting plot and satisfying ending. The suspense is maintained until the very end where the author inserts a deliciously wicked twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

DNF @ 19%. It wasn't holding my attention and couldn't get into it. Thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Random House Canada for an advance copy

Diving into "A Man Downstairs" was like embarking on a suspenseful joyride. Nicole Lundrigan’s narrative prowess had me captivated from start to finish. The clever interplay of past and present kept me on my toes, and just when I thought I had a grip on the story, Lundrigan threw in twists that genuinely caught me by surprise.

The characters in this novel are like a complex puzzle waiting to be solved. As each layer was peeled away, I found myself uncovering unexpected traits and motivations, making them all the more intriguing. Lundrigan’s talent lies in weaving a web of secrets, and her ability to gradually reveal them added an extra layer of excitement to the narrative.

One standout aspect was the author's adept use of the past-to-present method. It not only provided a unique storytelling structure but also heightened the suspense, making each revelation more impactful. The shocks and surprises were delivered with precision, keeping me eagerly turning the pages.

What sets "A Man Downstairs" apart is its exploration of the fragile nature of memory. The protagonist, Molly Wynters, grapples with haunting memories and the unsettling possibility that what she believed to be true may not have been the whole story. Lundrigan skillfully delves into the shadowy corners of the human psyche, creating a narrative that is not only a gripping thrill ride but also a masterful examination of the complexities of memory.

In essence, my experience with this book was immensely enjoyable. Lundrigan’s talent for crafting suspenseful tales shines through, and "A Man Downstairs" is a testament to her ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. If you're a fan of mysteries with unexpected twists and well-developed characters, this novel is a must-read.

This book was hit or miss. The story itself is intriguing but I had a hard time enjoying it because I just found everyone so unlikable and I didn’t have a character to root for or care about.

I would have liked to see more character development along with the plot being developed but the characters were definitely lacking.

I do think this could work well as a limited series where the characters could be developed over several episodes it as a novel it just fell flat for me.

Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for providing eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I. Loved. It.
Kept me enticed from the very beginning. Well written and easy to follow despite the dual timelines. Character development was fantastic. All the right twists in all the right places! I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy to read thriller with a great plot!

This is the first novel that I have read by Canadian author Nicole Lundrigan and I can honestly it will not be my last!

Molly, recently divorced, temporarily relocates to her hometown with her son. When Molly was 3 years old, her mother was murdered, and it was her account of events that enabled the police to make an arrest. For years she has questioned her recollection of events the night of her mother’s murder, she was only 3 so her memories are choppy. Her mother and the circumstances of her death have not been forgotten. Now years later, someone wants to make sure Molly hasn't forgotten either!

Told in multiple timelines, we have a story of social awkwardness, mental illness, creepy obsession and coming of age… I was so invested in the story of Molly’s mother and father (told in flashbacks) that I couldn’t swipe through the pages fast enough! The writing was perfectly paced and mesmerizing – for me this was a dark recollection of troubled minds in a small town and the actions of mothers in fathers to protect their children. Not disturbing per se, but captivating!

If you love a character story, slightly creepy (only a little) and a twist, you MUST read this!

Those who enjoy the psychological suspense genre should definitely pick up this book. This is the first book I’ve read by this Canadian author, but it will not be my last.

Molly Wynters and her teenaged son Alex move back to her hometown to help care for her father Gil who suffered a debilitating stroke and is unable to communicate. Forty years earlier, when Molly was three, she witnessed the murder of her mother Edie. Molly’s testimony resulted in a teenager being sent to prison. After her return, Molly starts to receive messages accusing her of not telling the entire truth and threatening to hold her accountable. Molly begins to question the accuracy of her memory. Did she accuse the wrong person? And who is her tormentor?

The novel is narrated from three perspectives, one in the present and two in the past. In the present, we have Molly’s third-person point of view; events following her return to Aymes are detailed, as are her reactions. From Gil, in third-person narration, we learn about past events, focusing on his first meeting Edie and their marriage before and after Molly’s birth. Also from the past, the reader is given the first-person perspective of a character identified only as Him. He becomes romantically obsessed with the lunch lady at his school, Edie Wynters.

One of the things that appealed to me is that there is a large cast of possible suspects both for murdering Edie and for harassing Molly. I found myself developing various theories since more than one character behaves in a peculiar way. I did correctly guess the identity of the killer, but certainly not exactly what happened. I loved how at the end, all is explained so that everyone’s behaviour makes perfect sense.

I also liked that the characters are realistic. Villains are not so evil that they are unbelievable; instead, we have flawed characters who are clearly motivated to act as they do. Certainly, I didn’t always agree with people’s choices, but I was able to understand the reasons for them. Perhaps the most relevant comments are from a conversation between Molly and her son: “’just because a person has a shitty life, it doesn’t mean they’re a liar’” and “’just because someone lives a decent life, doesn’t mean they’re always honest.’”

Besides presenting some mysteries and exploring topics like marriage, memory, and secrets and lies, the book also examines parent-child relationships. There are examples of both fairly healthy and rather dysfunctional relationships. What is emphasized is what people will do because of their love for a child or parent.

This is an enjoyable read that kept my interest throughout. I would caution, however, that the ending will definitely leave readers feeling uneasy.