10 August 2022

I have been enjoying some great books on my NetGalley TBR. I enjoyed The Rumour by Lesley Kara a little while before starting the blog, so when I saw her name pop up during one of my searches, I jumped at the chance to read her work again.

The Apartment Upstairs is an intriguing mystery thriller that provides a great escape when you open the cover. The author tells a realistic story with characters who you find yourself bonding with quickly as you explore loss and the effect a missing person has on the people left behind. This book shares the anguish suffered by those left without any answers.

Lesley Kara tells a detailed story, allowing you to get to know the characters and reveal each one’s past before she drops a bombshell. I enjoy the way the story slowly unfolds, allowing you to feel comfortable with the characters and their roles before everything is turned upside down. She digs deep into the emotions of the characters as she brings them to life. Slowly revealing their inner workings, leaving you feeling as if you are forming new friendships as you get to know them.

Scarlett’s aunt, Rebecca, was brutally murdered in her bed, in the apartment upstairs. When the police are done with the crime scene and the clean-up has been completed, Scarlett decides to return home. She has the perfect apartment, and she is not going to give it up. She loves her home, and her aunt played a big role in her life. She has good memories of Rebecca, so there is no reason for her not to return home.

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.

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?

I enjoyed the way this book eases you into the story. You get to know the characters as each one’s story unfolds and just when you reach a relaxed reading pace the tables are turned and more details are revealed that leave you suspecting that everyone is not who they initially appeared to be. When you reach the halfway mark in this book you will not be able to drag yourself away. The first half of the book, I read over two days while the second half had me hooked and left me racing to the end.

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.

Dee might run a successful business, but you quickly realise that this woman is not as strong as she pretends to be. Gina’s disappearance has left her distraught and while she keeps up appearances, she has put her life on hold. Never allowing anyone to see the cracks. Until her concern for Lindsay forces her to share some of her inner thoughts.

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.

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.