The Family Upstairs - Lisa Jewell

Reading Challenge Category: Recommended by a friend

Official Blurb:

In a large house in London's fashionable Chelsea, a baby is awake in her cot. Well-fed and cared for, she is happily waiting for someone to pick her up.
In the kitchen lie three decomposing corpses. Close to them is a hastily scrawled note.
They've been dead for several days.
Who has been looking after the baby?
And where did they go?
Two entangled families.
A house with the darkest of secrets.

My Thoughts:

Prepare for a literary whirlwind because "The Family Upstairs" by Lisa Jewell will have you hooked from the very first page. I haven't devoured a book this swiftly in ages, staying up until the early hours of the morning to uncover the thrilling conclusion. It's no surprise that this novel has garnered immense popularity, as it offers an enthralling and gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Jewell masterfully constructs a multi-layered story, skilfully withholding the full extent of the mysteries that lie within the pages. From the beginning, we are aware of the discovery of only three lifeless bodies and a lone baby, but with ten individuals residing in that house, the truth of what truly transpired remains veiled. With each revelation carefully unveiled, the anticipation and desire for more intensify, leaving readers utterly captivated.
"The Family Upstairs" defies expectations and proves to be anything but generic. It surpasses preconceived notions, delivering a narrative that is both complex and astounding. Lisa Jewell's ability to surprise and captivate readers with unexpected twists and turns is commendable, and she weaves an intricate web of secrets that will leave you astonished.
What truly sets this book apart is the meticulous pacing at which the revelations are unveiled. The slow and deliberate release of each character's fate keeps you yearning for more, your curiosity growing with each passing page. Jewell's mastery lies in her ability to maintain a delicate balance, tantalising readers with just enough information to keep them hooked without revealing too much too soon.
"The Family Upstairs" is a testament to Lisa Jewell's exceptional storytelling prowess. This novel delivers a thrilling and immersive experience that lingers long after you've read the final word. So compelling is the narrative that I've already rushed to purchase the next book in the series, hoping it lives up to the sheer brilliance of its predecessor.
If you're seeking a riveting read that will keep you up late into the night, this book is an absolute must-read. Brace yourself for a mesmerising journey into the depths of a twisted family's secrets.