Book Review The Family Upstairs

Introduction

The Family Upstairs was the first book I read in July, and also my first Lisa Jewell novel. I had heard a lot about her thrillers, especially Then She Was Gone, which made me curious. Many readers called her stories gripping and full of twists. As a result, I wanted to see if this one lived up to the hype—and it did. The story pulled me in right away and kept me turning pages.

Premise Snapshot

In The Family Upstairs, Lisa Jewell mixes mystery and thriller in a haunting way. The story begins with a shocking birthday surprise that uncovers old family secrets. Libby Jones, a 25-year-old woman who was adopted as a baby, learns the truth about her birth family.

She inherits a strange old house—abandoned and full of memories she never knew existed. That house hides a dark past. Years ago, her parents died in what looked like a cult-related suicide. After that, her siblings vanished without a trace.

Through flashbacks, we learn about the Lamb family, a man named David, and the three children who once lived there. The story moves between the past and present through the voices of Libby, Lucy, and Henry. Meanwhile, each chapter uncovers new secrets. Fans of The Silent Patient will enjoy how Jewell slowly reveals trauma, obsession, and twisted family ties, one piece at a time.

Main Characters and Perspectives

Lisa Jewell’s characters feel real and full of emotion.

Libby Jones is a kind and curious 25-year-old who suddenly inherits a mansion worth millions. But this house isn’t a dream come true—it’s the scene of her parents’ mysterious deaths and the start of her search for truth. She wants to know who her family really was and why they left her behind.

Lucy is another key character, living on the streets with her children. Her story shows pain, survival, and the long shadow of her past. Then there’s Henry, a troubled man haunted by how greed and lies destroyed his once-rich family. However, his honesty makes him strangely likable.

Each of them carries a different part of the mystery. As I read, I wanted to know how their lives would finally connect. By the end, their stories fit together like puzzle pieces, and it was worth every page.

What Worked

What I loved most about The Family Upstairs was how creepy and addictive it felt. The story built tension slowly, revealing what happened in that strange house years ago. It gave me chills—like the walls themselves were whispering secrets. Here’s an interview with Lisa Jewell about the book.

Lisa Jewell is great at turning dark topics like family abuse, manipulation, and control into something deeply human. She makes readers feel sympathy and fear at the same time. The mix of horror and emotion keeps the story balanced.

I read most of it in just a few days. I couldn’t stop thinking about the mansion by the Thames and the secrets inside. The decaying luxury reminded me of The Great Gatsby, where shiny wealth hides deep sadness underneath. Both stories show how money and lies can ruin what looks perfect from the outside.

Story Setup of The Family Upstairs

From the start, I was pulled into the separate lives of Libby, Lucy, and Henry. Each one hides a secret that slowly connects to the others. Jewell knows how to grab attention right away.

Libby inherits a mansion, but the gift brings mystery, not joy. The deaths of her birth parents, the missing children, and the strange cult all tie back to her. Each clue takes her closer to the truth.

Lucy’s life on the streets shows how trauma never fully disappears. Henry’s voice gives the story a darker side—he’s honest about his fear and guilt, and his mental struggles make him one of the most interesting characters.

Together, their stories build a full picture of a family torn apart by greed and control. The suspense makes you read faster, waiting to see how all the threads finally meet.

Rating and Recommendation

The Family Upstairs reminded me a lot of The Silent Patient—both are filled with secrets, slow reveals, and emotional twists. I’d give this book an 8 out of 10. It’s smart, gripping, and beautifully written.

There were moments where I wanted more closure, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. Still, the ending leaves a few questions open, yet it feels right for a story about hidden lives and broken people.

This is the perfect book for a weekend. It’s easy to read, full of tension, and keeps you guessing. If you enjoy thrillers where the truth changes again and again, this one won’t disappoint.

Reader’s Reaction of The Family Upstairs

This story gave me goosebumps. Every chapter felt darker than the last, and the suspense grew slowly, like fog rolling in. It’s not just about mystery—it’s about people trying to survive pain, guilt, and secrets.

Lisa Jewell writes about hard topics like neglect, manipulation, and cult behavior in a way that feels raw but real. Even so, her tone never feels heavy or hopeless. Even when the story turned grim, I couldn’t look away.

Her style reminded me of The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and The Locked Door by Freida McFadden—both full of closed rooms, hidden pasts, and shocking turns. If you liked those books, this one will feel familiar in the best way.

Overall Summary of The Family Upstairs

Before reading The Family Upstairs, I had already seen it all over book groups and social media. Many people talked about its dark plot, and they were right. It’s a haunting, well-told story that blends mystery and emotion.

The pacing was smooth and easy to follow. In addition, every twist made sense, and the shifting perspectives kept it exciting. While it’s not perfect, it’s still one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish. Finally, it reminds readers that some secrets never stay buried.

If you love thrillers with dark family secrets and a mix of past and present storytelling, this one is worth your time. Lisa Jewell proves again that she knows how to create atmosphere, suspense, and unforgettable characters. The Family Upstairs is a chilling reminder that every house—and every family—hides something behind closed doors.