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bernluvsbooks 's review for:

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
3.0

3 Creepy, Disturbing and Left Me Off-Kilter Stars

At the age of 25, Libby learns she has inherited a house. Not just any house, but a mansion in Chelsea that is worth millions. The house has been vacant for the past 24 years, ever since her parents killed themselves and left her to be found. The police were never able to piece together exactly what happened in the house or what happened to the other people, including her siblings, rumored to have also been living in the house.

Told via multiple, alternating narratives, the mystery unfolds to reveal Libby's tragic family history. I enjoyed the different perspectives, told in quick, alternating chapters. Though I must admit I was thrown at times and had to take a moment to figure out which time period I was reading about - past or present.

The vibe of the book was creepy and sinister which I always appreciate but I found most of the characters to be unlikeable and none of the twists surprised me which unfortunately kept this one from being a higher rating for me. I enjoyed it. I just didn't love it.

Thanks to Lisa Jewell, Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.