This is the first of J.D. Barker's works that I've read and it was solidly good.

I enjoyed the unfolding narrative and the way it braided together the stories of the town of New Castle and it's inhabitants. I felt the voices were believable and the dialogue easy to follow. I was thankful that the setting descriptions were clear. I could absolutely visualize the spaces, the characters and their actions. For me, the pacing could have been quicker. That's just a personal preference, though. It also took me a few chapters to understand the changes from first to third person. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I would absolutely recommend to fellow thriller/mystery/horror readers.

What a ride! So like, imagine thinking you’re about to have the best, most carefree summer ever—no parents, no rules, just chilling with your bestie on your very own island. Sounds perf, right? Yeah, well, turns out this lil getaway spot has history, and not the fun, quirky kind. More like the “oops, we just woke up something we should’ve left alone” kind. And once things start going south, they really go south.

The vibes? Creepy AF. The tension? Off the charts. And the house? Let’s just say it’s got a lot of personality—and not the good kind. This one had me flipping pages way past my bedtime, totally sucked into the eerie atmosphere and the slow-burn unraveling of the island’s dark past.

So why not a five? Okay, so it did drag a bit in places, and some parts got a little repetitive. But honestly, the story still totally delivered on the whole haunted-house-meets-coming-of-age chaos. If you love a mix of paranormal spookiness and friendship drama, this one’s got you covered.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Brilliant, look forward to JD Barker books always, this book kept me guessing what was going to happen next, was absolutely spine tingling, I'd say mystery, supernatural and sad in some ways, couldn't put it down, this author has gone back to his very best, curl up, lock the doors and dive in, can't recommend highly enough, enjoy

“Something I Keep Upstairs” by J.D. Barker, is an intense, haunting story that left me questioning what’s real and what’s not. The eerie atmosphere builds steadily, pulling you into a world full of suspense, horror, and psychological depth. Barker’s writing is, as always, top-notch. This book is another masterpiece from him, blending mystery and horror in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend if you enjoy haunting stories that linger in your mind long after you finish.

This is my first introduction to J.D. Barker's novel Something I Keep Upstairs, and my initial reaction was excitement. I just knew I was in for a treat, and indeed, I was.

The novel is a slow burn, and considering the type of story, it was warranted. This is the most prominent formula for some stories to work, and J.D. Barker executed it perfectly. The characters were engaging and interesting, all with flaws and secrets. The book’s flow wasn’t perfect, and some spots lagged. Overall, it is still a great book.

I rate this book with a strong 4-star. I plan to backtrack his book catalog and read more of his work. He won over a new fan! Fantastic storytelling!

Admittedly, thrillers, or “chillers” as this one is so aptly named, are not my typical read. However, after reading “Something I Keep Upstairs” I may have to add them to my reading rotation.

This book gripped me from the get-go and twist after twist kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. I physically could not put this book down.

J.D. Barker has created a dynamic story that immerses you in the community of New Castle and the mystery of Wood Island. I was equally satisfied and sad when I finished the book, as I was not ready to say goodbye to New Castle and Billy Hasler.

Aside from a few typos, the book was wonderfully written and the story was equal parts compelling, creepy, and suspenseful. I will say that the ending dragged just a touch, but ultimately, it came to a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you very much Hampton Street Press, J.D. Barker, and Netgalley for this ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed the read!

Remember - Emerson must be fed.

For a haunted house to be born, somebody has to die.

Something I Keep Upstairs is about a group of friends spending the summer on Wood Island. Spivy, one of the group, has inherited a house with a unique history—something you gradually uncover as the story unfolds. The story is told from the perspective of Billy, a friend of Spivy, but also from the viewpoint of Whaley, a police officer.
I went into it somewhat blindly, not really knowing what to expect besides a haunted house story. There were many moments where I thought, what is going on? The book reads smoothly, the plot is well-structured, and there are some surprising twists. The only downside is that it feels more like a YA book than an adult novel, which I wasn’t expecting.

Overall, it's a fast-paced and intriguing read. It's spooky and mysterious.

Don’t forget to feed Emerson.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Spivy inherits his grandmother’s house after her bizarre death, he and his friends think it’s the perfect spot for one last summer together. But the house isn’t just old—it’s alive with secrets, and then there’s a vengeful presence lurking within, waiting to make itself known.

If you're in the mood for something creepy and scary, then this is the book for you! It has all the classic horror elements: a group of young friends, a mysterious island having eerie rules, and a haunted house with a furious presence. The author crafts a haunting tale that shifts between perspectives, each layer adding to the unsettling atmosphere. While some readers may find the pacing uneven, the novel's climax is both shocking and satisfying. Overall a solid addition to the horror genre.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was very impressed with this story line. I didn’t read about the book before I began reading it so I was completely unaware of the premise of the plot. I was quickly intrigued! J.D.Barker never disappoints me!!
Billy Hasler was an all around good teenager. Trying to be a the best athlete, student, friend, son and boyfriend. He is an easily likable main character. I found myself actually worrying about him!!
What made the book extra special for me was the author’s note included about 90% into the story. I was almost wishing it would have been at the beginning of the story but I I do see the shock value it had being where it is.
Overall, a captivating story !! This book would be an awesome movie!

This was a solid supernatural horror for fans of the genre. I wasn't as thrilled with it, as it seems to be more of a YA read. Great job at building tension and keeping you reading, Interesting setting. Yet there were quite a few too many things happening past and present in the plot. The ending was a bit confusing and drawn out. Would recommend to younger readers. #somethingikeepupstairs #jdbarker #netgalley #goodreads

A damn good ghost story.

JD Barker makes fiction out of actual historical events and the local lore of Wood Island, located just off the Coast of New Castle, New Hampshire, and spins a creepy tale that left me turning pages well past my bedtime, wanting to learn what happens next.

Told from the perspective of Billy Hasler, we learn of the horrible events that occur shortly after the death of Geraldine Rote. When they were 17, Billy’s best friend David inherits the house on Wood Island previously owned by his grandmother, Geraldine. Billy would come to regret ever setting foot on that island.

The island and house have been around for quite some time and Billy and his friends are not the first to want what it has to offer. Or, does the house want them?

Barker does an impressive job of connecting characters and events that span hundreds of years to tell this story of friendship, and sacrifice in a chilling and clever way.

Trigger Warnings:
Witchcraft
Suicide
Drug Abuse
Cancer

“Something I Keep Upstairs” by J.D. Barker is an awesome ghostly supernatural thriller! The story revolves around a group of teens who spend their summer in a haunted house on a secluded island across from New Castle, New Hampshire. One of the teens inherits the spooky house from his estranged grandmother, and as his stay at the house lengthens and more of his friends arrive, the sinister and deadly past history of the house and the towns occupants unravels.
There are so many twists and unexpected turns in these pages I never once guessed correctly where the story was going. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a “bump in the night” story but I can tell you that every time my house creeks now I jump!

Thank you NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press / Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Review Copy

Haunted house stories tend to be old and tired. But they haven't been written by J.D. Barker. SOMETHING I KEEP UPSTAIRS is a chilling story that deserves to be read along with THE STAND and IT.

While I won't tell you any of the terrifying details of the book, I will tell you to read the entire thing. It's odd. When you think it's finished and you're at the Author's Note, read it! Then continue reading.

If you're into horror, don't miss SOMETHING I KEEP UPSTAIRS. Enter the giveaway, preorder the book, then get into bed for a week and read. You will love it.

My thanks to Hampton Street Press, J.D. Barker and Netgalley.
You know, I fully expected to love the crap out of this story.
I didn't. I really disliked the characters and couldn't find any common ground.
I kept expecting greatness! Then I set my sights on really goodness! Then I lowered them to "for fuck's sake..edness!"
Yeah, not a word, but that's how I felt.
Sadly, at 75% I was waiting for that Barker, bezerker madness to come into play.
Sadly, here I am, finished. No nothing. Bummer dude.
Barker usually has his shit going on. Hmm....maybe next time.
Doesn't matter. He's still my favorite new author. I will read the crap outta anything he writes.
This however won't be in the cards for second read.

This was a coming of age horror story done right.

The story focuses on a group of teenagers who get together for one more summer of fun after their friend, Spivy, inherits a house from his grandmother after her strange death. Insert an ancient angry being with good character development and you get this book.

It kept me on my toes and was similarly paced to a Stephen King novel, so if you like his books this maybe one to give a try.

What's keeping me from rating it higher is that this is marketed as YA, and it does not feel like a YA horror (longer, more drawn out scenes and character development, more mature tones/scenes that I would not find inappropriate for this age group). It threw me off because I wasn't expecting it. That's not really on the author, more the marketing. Other than that, I enjoyed this book!

This book gave me the creeps..in a good way. Billy, his family and friends live in a very small New Hampshire town where even your parents and grandparents grew up together. Billy’s best friend Spivey inherits a house on an island the grandmother he only met once left him.. When Spivey and friends check it out they see it’s an amazing house that will be perfect for parties, but very strange rules must be followed. No one under 16, you can’t leave the island after dark, don’t lock the doors, or answer the phone, and make sure you feed Emerson. What follows is an intense story spanning generations. Barker deftly handles all the characters and the many layers of this novel , as each chapter the story becomes darker and more complicated than the chapter before. I felt the helplessness of the characters as they realize this is a nightmare that will never end.

In this suspenseful story the main character, Billy, encounters a situation with his friends that can only be called otherworldly. Together they encounter an ancient entity and have to manage (or not manage) their own destinies. Some characters are super reliable, and you will like their integrity right away. Others......not so much. Wood Island is both beautiful and terrifying.

The author does an amazing job creating a world that can be seen, and horror and suspense that can be felt. The structure of this book reminds me of Stephen King with long chapters with multiple sub-sections. The narration goes back and forth between people and builds with intensity throughout. It is fast paced and will keep you reading late into the night. 4.5/5 stars. Amazing characters! Highly recommend.

Wow! This is a book that I will be thinking about for a long time.

JD Barker has crafted a beautiful haunted house story. It shifts between view points to give the book an extra eerie element. The story gives nightmare-inducing details, and grips you from the get-go.

We follow a teenage boy caught up with his best friends in an unlikely inheritance and the rules that come with the estate. The other POV is the chief in the town that realizes something is amiss and wants to solve it before time runs out.

Haunting, chilling, captivating!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

What the actual fudge did I just read??
Give yourself to Emerson?
Oh wow. What a ride. JD barker strikes again

I always swear that I hate coming-of-age stories. And then I read one like this one and realize that, done right, they're amazing.

This one was amazing.

This is a dark and horrific story, but there's also something wistful and sad about it.

Once you truly realize the plot, it's an unusual one - and this is a most unusual house.

The book is almost 500 pages and I could have happily read 500 more.

I want to read the author again.