The Family Upstairs - Lisa Jewell - Book Review

        There are some genres which always stand out in terms of creativity and imagination. One of them is thrillers; in particular psychological thrillers. No matter how long books have been published in this genre, there is always fresh content which always pull us back to this genre. The latest addition to the  genre that I chanced to read recently is 'The Family Upstairs' by Lisa Jewell.

        Libby Jones became an orphan at six months when her parents were found murdered at their house. Recently when she is of age, Libby gets to know that she has an inheritance from her family - A big palatial house at one of the poshest locations in London. She is flabbergasted by the good luck she just had ; given the life she had before. Meanwhile Clemency who lives in France with her kids get a message that baby is back and starts back to London. Also, there is some one who occasionally visits the lone house. They all chance to meet up at the house. What is the mystery surrounding the house and the murders that happened and who are the ones tracking Libby forms the remaining story.

        The story seems fresh and intriguing enough. Even the title. The characters carried themselves around with good suspense during the first half. The character of Clemency was very interesting presented and even the way the back story told in various perspectives added strength to the story. But as the book proceeds, I got a feel of the story losing steam. It was very predictable for me past half way which started to become stale towards the end. The possibilities that I had worked out in my mind while reading the book seemed to be the reason. It simmered down my interest once the mystery started to unravel. But the characters were well outlined &seemed to hold their ground. The psychological aspect is also very interesting brought out. I like the part where Clemency faces problems while in France and she handles that and escape off to London. Even Henry. The character arc is brilliantly brought out. How much a shattered childhood brings about changes in people! Libby does not play a very huge role except for serving the purpose of a tipping point to unfold the happenings which I liked much. Just an innocent person caught in the line of action.

        A quick read which will appease your reading appetite when you read it without any preconceived notions. People who like psychological thrillers will enjoy the book.