The Family Upstairs

Starred review from September 9, 2019
Twenty-five years before the present-day action of this un-put-downable psychological thriller from bestseller Jewell (Watching You), the bodies of Henry and Martina Lamb and an unknown man were found in the Lambs’ mansion in London’s exclusive Chelsea district. How did they die, and where were the Lambs’ children? Three entwined stories provide some answers. Homeless Lucy, a busking violinist, is sitting on a French beach with her son when she receives a message on her phone: “The baby is 25.” Lucy’s account of her voyage to London merges with that of Libby Jones. Libby, adopted when she was around a year old, is working for a kitchen design company in St. Albans when she receives the news that she has inherited the Lambs’ family home. Henry, the Lambs’ son, describes his childhood and the terrifying events that changed all their lives when the charismatic charlatan David Thomsen came to stay. Investigating her past, Libby gets much more than she bargained for. Distinct, well-developed characters, shifting points of view, and a disturbing narrative that pulses with life create an enthralling tale full of surprises. Agent: Deborah Schneider, Gelfman Schneider Literary.

Narrators Tamaryn Payne, Bea Holland, and Dominic Thornburn shine in Jewell's latest dark, twisted story about history, family, and sacrifice. When Libby turns 25, she receives a long awaited letter notifying her about her biological parents and about the inheritance of an abandoned mansion in London. At the same time we meet Lucy, a young, homeless woman with two children who is desperate to get back to London. Finally Henry's perspective is shared in retrospect as he reminisces about his own upbringing, providing compelling backstory. As the three stories collide, the narrators create a creepy and compelling atmosphere. Listeners will be totally caught up in the story the closer Lucy, Libby, and Henry get to the truth about what happened in that house. K.S.M. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine