The Apartment Upstairs: The addictive and twisty new thriller from the bestselling author of The Rumour

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The family dynamics are done so well, with the male members of Scarlett's family assuming that her illness makes her weak, at times almost manipulating her to believe that herself. Dee and Lindsay's relationship is an interesting one to watch play out, often long-term friends will put up with much more from each other than they would from a newer friend. At times they become bitter towards each other, yet at others they are so very close. I've been looking forward to Lesley Kara's fourth novel for ages, having read and enjoyed her previous three books, I was expecting another twisty, psychological thriller, and that's exactly what I got. Scarlett’s beloved Aunt Rebecca has been brutally murdered on the apartment upstairs. It’s incredibly traumatic for Scarlett, but she’s determined to try and move on, she has no choice - this is her home too.

The Apartment Upstairs by Lesley Kara | Goodreads

Lesley Kara tells a detailed story, allowing you to get to know the characters and rev Overall, this is very easy to read, it flows well with crisply written chapters that keep you invested and reading long past bedtime! This was a really great read, I devoured the book in two sittings - that’s when you know it’s a good book! Loved the writing style, the different POV - it felt like one of those reads you can just sink in to. An easy storyline to follow and especially one that’s addictive.Scarlett Quilter’s aunt, Rebecca, was brutally murdered in her upstairs apartment. Scarlett lives in the converted house ground floor apartment and upon her return home after the forensic formalities have been completed has to cope with the memories of her aunt living – and dying upstairs, as well as seeing the dying flowers of remembrance outside on the pavement. This author excels in creating solid female characters and The Apartment Upstairs is told through the eyes of two of the most unusual and intriguing women that I've come across for a long time. We also have Dee who runs funeral firm Fond Farewells with business partner Lindsay. They are arranging Rebecca’s funeral and also a big memorial for the anniversary of her missing friend Gina. When threats start appearing my first thought was the convenience of the timing and that they must be connected. Was it murder/suicide or was it framed to look that way? Where is Gina? Scarlett has recently lost her Aunt and is still trying to process her murder but knows she wants a special funeral for her. Mystery and thriller fans will find themselves losing touch with their surrounding as they open this book. You can expect a relaxed easy read during the first half of this book but be prepared for an edge-of-your-seat experience once you pass the halfway mark. The Apartment Upstairs is a fantastic read that I would highly recommend. If you haven’t yet, add this one to your TBR.

The Apartment Upstairs — Lesley Kara

It seemed rather predictable to me what had happened to Rebecca but the other part of the story kept me guessing right up until the reveal. Proving once more that you never really know someone, nor should you ever trust anyone. I mean, really, if you have trust issues, you might want to reconsider reading this one 😉. Some things became rather silly and somewhat over the top. Some characters’ behaviours had me utterly baffled at times. Yet, for some reason I can’t put my finger on, I couldn’t stop reading. Lesley Kara always constructs engaging novels and this is no exception. It's a good slow burner/psychological thriller with a never a dull moment plot. The characterisation is good throughout but especially of Dee and Scarlett and I like that the author gave some focus to ME via Scarlett who has frequent struggles with its symptoms. There are interesting dynamics between Dee and her partner Lindsay who have plenty of ups and downs and the relationship between Scarlett and her father and brother undergo fascinating changes too. A particularly good inclusion is hearing Rebecca’s voice through Scarlett and I like that touch. Scarlett's aunt lived - and was brutally murdered - in the apartment upstairs. But Scarlett is determined that life should return to some kind of normal, even if that means living with just a ceiling between her and the scene of such a devastating crime. After all, this is her home. She's safe here. Isn't she? The plot was far too slow and predictable with too little development. I also think that Scarlett and Dee, the two main characters, had far too little interactions. The author hinted that they become friends or even more in the future, but we'll never know. Scarlett's aunt lived - and was brutally murdered - in the apartment upstairs. But Scarlett is determined that life should return to some kind of normal, even if that means living with just a ceiling between her and the scene of such a devastating crime.ABOUT 'THE APARTMENT UPSTAIRS': Scarlett's aunt lived - and was brutally murdered - in the apartment upstairs. But Scarlett is determined that life should return to some kind of normal, even if that means living with just a ceiling between her and the scene of such a devastating crime. After all, this is her home. She's safe here. Isn't she? I loved this absorbing, twisty mystery - Lesley Kara has done it again!' Shari Lapena, No.1 bestselling author of The Couple Next Door For Dee that was horrifying and she thinks she should've confided in someone about it because that was a sign that he's dangerous. That doesn't make sense and it really bothered me that it read like kink-shaming and that "normal" people don't enjoy something like that. The Apartment Upstairs is a cleverly structured story that delivers surprise after surprise. Not only do we get a murder mystery, we also get a great insight into a life living with disability and the intricacies of dealing with the bereaved.

The Apartment Upstairs - Penguin Books UK The Apartment Upstairs - Penguin Books UK

The Apartment Upstairs is the sort of read that will have you listening out for creaks in the floorboards from other rooms. Lesley Kara is incomparable.' I spotted this book in my local books shop and was intrigued by the synopsis. I had not ready books by Lesley Kara before but it was a good sign when shortly after starting it I was already looking to see what other books she had written. Lesley Kara tells a brilliantly creative tale about loss and heartache and just as you are in a comfortable place she turns things around, revealing that there is so much more to this story than you initially imagined. I love this author and this book did not disappoint. It’s a fabulous read. When Scarlett approaches Dee about planning her aunt's funeral, an unexpected link between them emerges. Together, the two women could uncover secrets that have long been buried. Even while someone wants to stop them digging . . . Scarlett 's aunt lived - and was brutally murdered - in the apartment upstairs. But Scarlett is determined that life should return to some kind of normal, even if that means living with just a ceiling between her and the scene of such a devastating crime. After all, this is her home. She's safe here. Isn't she?Dee is a funeral director, she runs her business with her best friend and they are busy planning an event to remember their friend Gina, who went missing ten years ago. When Dee and Scarlett meet to discuss the arrangements for Rebecca’s funeral, these two women find comfort in each other’s company and both speak a lot more openly than they normally would. There is Scarlett whose Aunt Rebecca was brutally murdered by her partner in the apartment upstairs. Chronically ill her family view her as weak and needing to be looked out for. As someone with a chronic and debilitating illness I felt the author not only showed how strong illness actually makes people but also the reality behind flares. How refreshing it is to read about illness/disability in a realistic but also positive way. Scarlett discovers correspondence linking Rebecca and Gina and soon she is left not knowing what to believe when her father ad her brother acts strangely. Is she seeing things that aren’t there, or is her family keeping her in the dark for a reason? A tale about friendship and families and the secrets which always have a habit of emerging. This is a real slow burner of a novel and one that is especially character driven. The characters are a diverse lot, but all very interesting and all play their part in building the plot up to a dramatic conclusion, which I definitely didn’t see coming! Scarlett steals your heart with her vulnerability. She is ill and struggles with her grief at the loss of her aunt. Her family cares deeply for her and the way they look after her warms your heart. Ollie is a caring brother and his devotion to his sister leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy.