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booksthrilljessica 's review for:

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin
3.75

I’m torn between giving this a 3 or a 4. I was really drawn in by the premise of a woman named Sarah grappling with the unsettling feeling that she’s losing her grip on reality. Her husband’s quiet revulsion toward her adds a layer of tension, though the reason behind it remains unclear for much of the story. There’s a strong thread of mystery and secrecy woven throughout, and I especially appreciated the exploration of mental illness. It gave me strong Yellow Wallpaper vibes, which I loved.

That said, the pacing did linger at times, and I think the story would have benefitted from introducing the dual POV earlier on. I really liked the ending, but I wish it had been developed more fully and given a stronger buildup.