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The Girl Upstairs: A Gritty Psychological Thriller About a Missing Person in Small-Town Maine
She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.
Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.
Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath.
As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined…
Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.
Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath.
As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined…
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
96 people are currently reading
24942 people want to read
About the author
Jessica R. Patch
128 books1,210 followersJessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
November 7, 2025
WORTHY OF ALL THE STARS!!!!!
I binge-read this one last night and still slept like a baby! 😂
==============================================
“October is a big month in Cold Harbor.”
What an extremely satisfying read!
I may have whiplash, shorter fingernails and a few less layers of skin on my lips, but I have that bookish hangover feeling and a big smile on my face. I’ll heartily recommend this one to everyone.
This story is built around the premise that good things can come from a painful past.
None of the characters has made it through life unscathed. The author points out that it’s what we do with the darkness that matters. We may not have control of what happens TO us, but we have control of how we go on and how we finish. She scaffolds her dark story, showing that we may not be able to erase our past, but we have the option to rebuild. I love that thought!
Many of Patch’s characters face the unimaginable, heartbreaking events, really, but she builds her story to include mending and healing for the broken things in life. I may never experience the trauma or disappointment those in Cold Water faced, but for the small, fractured, and broken things in my life, I have been encouraged to work towards making them whole again. I was also encouraged by Patch’s characters to offer grace rather than judgement. I love finishing a book and realizing I have ‘homework’ to do.
This was a spooky, eerie, super duper twisty, and emotional read - perfect for All Hallows’ Eve!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I binge-read this one last night and still slept like a baby! 😂
==============================================
“October is a big month in Cold Harbor.”
What an extremely satisfying read!
I may have whiplash, shorter fingernails and a few less layers of skin on my lips, but I have that bookish hangover feeling and a big smile on my face. I’ll heartily recommend this one to everyone.
This story is built around the premise that good things can come from a painful past.
None of the characters has made it through life unscathed. The author points out that it’s what we do with the darkness that matters. We may not have control of what happens TO us, but we have control of how we go on and how we finish. She scaffolds her dark story, showing that we may not be able to erase our past, but we have the option to rebuild. I love that thought!
Many of Patch’s characters face the unimaginable, heartbreaking events, really, but she builds her story to include mending and healing for the broken things in life. I may never experience the trauma or disappointment those in Cold Water faced, but for the small, fractured, and broken things in my life, I have been encouraged to work towards making them whole again. I was also encouraged by Patch’s characters to offer grace rather than judgement. I love finishing a book and realizing I have ‘homework’ to do.
This was a spooky, eerie, super duper twisty, and emotional read - perfect for All Hallows’ Eve!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 12, 2025
The publisher sent me an advanced copy to read for a possible endorsement. I kept putting it aside because I was busy, then woke up at 3 am because of a thunderstorm and couldn't go back to sleep. I read through it SO fast with my early morning coffee. I don't know why I haven't read Jessica Patch before, to be honest. She is such a great writer.
Anyway, I sent off a quote. For my readers, I think you'll love this book. It's twisty and intense and super suspenseful. And for my readers who complain that sometimes I swear too much, you will be super happy with Jessica's book -- it's very clean. I don't think I've read such a clean book that is also seriously a page-turner and not at all preachy. Just raw, honest, scary, and inspiring all at the same time.
"Jessica R. Patch weaves a dark, twisty tapestry that’s both unsettling and unexpectedly hopeful. I tore through this gripping thriller, shocked by twists I didn’t see coming. The flawed, achingly real characters—especially Gwen—hit me hard. Masterful." NYT Bestselling Author Allison Brennan
Anyway, I sent off a quote. For my readers, I think you'll love this book. It's twisty and intense and super suspenseful. And for my readers who complain that sometimes I swear too much, you will be super happy with Jessica's book -- it's very clean. I don't think I've read such a clean book that is also seriously a page-turner and not at all preachy. Just raw, honest, scary, and inspiring all at the same time.
"Jessica R. Patch weaves a dark, twisty tapestry that’s both unsettling and unexpectedly hopeful. I tore through this gripping thriller, shocked by twists I didn’t see coming. The flawed, achingly real characters—especially Gwen—hit me hard. Masterful." NYT Bestselling Author Allison Brennan
April 21, 2026
✨ Rating: 3⭐️
🫧 Vibes: suppressed memories
📚 Would I recommend? yup!
💬 tldr thoughts: a very eerie thriller that left me speechless
In the package:
📦 twists
📦 complex storyline
📦 small-town secrets
Plot: Gwen is a former homicide detective and she just moved to a new town in Maine with her husband. Only their house appears to be haunted. Gwen starts hearing stranger noises throughout the house and eventually discovers hidden messages in the house. Determined to figure out what happened in her house, Gwen starts digging and uncovers very dark secrets.
Thoughts: This was a twisted book! A little too many characters for me which had me confused in certain parts but I was hooked with all the twists and turns this book was taking. It's a complex story with lots of layers to the characters. I didn't know what to believe when I was reading this and did not see that ending coming. The story dragged in some parts but the last 30% was crazy.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the eARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: suppressed memories
📚 Would I recommend? yup!
💬 tldr thoughts: a very eerie thriller that left me speechless
In the package:
📦 twists
📦 complex storyline
📦 small-town secrets
Plot: Gwen is a former homicide detective and she just moved to a new town in Maine with her husband. Only their house appears to be haunted. Gwen starts hearing stranger noises throughout the house and eventually discovers hidden messages in the house. Determined to figure out what happened in her house, Gwen starts digging and uncovers very dark secrets.
Thoughts: This was a twisted book! A little too many characters for me which had me confused in certain parts but I was hooked with all the twists and turns this book was taking. It's a complex story with lots of layers to the characters. I didn't know what to believe when I was reading this and did not see that ending coming. The story dragged in some parts but the last 30% was crazy.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the eARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
May 6, 2026
The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
4.5 Stars
I had such a great time with this thriller! This was a chilling, atmospheric thriller that completely pulled me in. I WAS SO HOOKED.
The setting alone hooked me. A fixer-upper in a small-town in Maine with ties to Acadia National Park? It had that isolated.... eerie vibe where you just know something isn’t right from the start. The house was almost like a character itself.
We follow Gwen who is a former homicide detective and right from the start you are like....what's going on here? She is somewhat of an unreliable narrator because you question if the issues lie within her own mind with what she sees and hears in the house, is it trauma from the past or is someone out to get her truly? You also are trying to piece together why her and her husband and daughter left town to buy this new house and why she is no longer a detective.
I loved how the story slowly unraveled. The pacing kept me engaged, with just enough building in each chapter to keep me needing to know all the things.
And the twists.....Y'ALL, it was definitely twisty with some big turns at the end that I didn’t fully see coming. Everything came together and I was like WHAT!! So good. If you like thrillers, you will definitely enjoy this one. This was my first Jessica Patch book and I am looking forward to more.
Please be aware that this book does lean into some heavier themes, so just be aware of content warnings: child abuse, murder, child death, miscarriage, fertility struggles, marriage issues, panic attacks, sexual assault, grooming, child abduction, mental health struggles. My only wish was for some added faith content since it was a love inspired read, there was not much faith moments or discussions.
Overall, this was a strong thriller with a haunting atmosphere that keeps you guessing. Thank you to the publisher Harlequin for a copy of the book to read for review. All thoughts are my own.
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
4.5 Stars
I had such a great time with this thriller! This was a chilling, atmospheric thriller that completely pulled me in. I WAS SO HOOKED.
The setting alone hooked me. A fixer-upper in a small-town in Maine with ties to Acadia National Park? It had that isolated.... eerie vibe where you just know something isn’t right from the start. The house was almost like a character itself.
We follow Gwen who is a former homicide detective and right from the start you are like....what's going on here? She is somewhat of an unreliable narrator because you question if the issues lie within her own mind with what she sees and hears in the house, is it trauma from the past or is someone out to get her truly? You also are trying to piece together why her and her husband and daughter left town to buy this new house and why she is no longer a detective.
I loved how the story slowly unraveled. The pacing kept me engaged, with just enough building in each chapter to keep me needing to know all the things.
And the twists.....Y'ALL, it was definitely twisty with some big turns at the end that I didn’t fully see coming. Everything came together and I was like WHAT!! So good. If you like thrillers, you will definitely enjoy this one. This was my first Jessica Patch book and I am looking forward to more.
Please be aware that this book does lean into some heavier themes, so just be aware of content warnings: child abuse, murder, child death, miscarriage, fertility struggles, marriage issues, panic attacks, sexual assault, grooming, child abduction, mental health struggles. My only wish was for some added faith content since it was a love inspired read, there was not much faith moments or discussions.
Overall, this was a strong thriller with a haunting atmosphere that keeps you guessing. Thank you to the publisher Harlequin for a copy of the book to read for review. All thoughts are my own.
November 5, 2025
Jessica R. Patch’s The Girl Upstairs is a skillful work of psychological suspense. Former homicide detective Gwen McDaniel moves to Cold Harbor, Maine, hoping that restoring an old home will help her rebuild her marriage. Instead, the house begins to unearth a past she cannot explain or escape.
Told through the eyes of an unreliable narrator, Gwen’s story blurs the line between perception and truth. Each sound, memory, and discovery leaves the reader uncertain whether danger is real or imagined. This uncertainty drives the book’s tension from the opening scene. Because Patch writes Christian fiction, I never assumed the house was haunted. My need to understand the source of the disturbances propelled me forward.
Though the description mentions Acadia National Park, most of the story takes place in Gwen’s home and the nearby town. The rugged setting creates a sense of isolation that mirrors Gwen’s private unrest.
The novel’s emotional currency rests in Gwen confronting her demons while trying to hold on to her failing marriage. Patch handled these two conflicts with well, crafting a story that acknowledges human sinfulness while allowing Light to penetrate. The resolution satisfied my desire for reconciliation and justice.
I first read this book while traveling, picking it up and putting it down between activities. When I finished, I wanted to start again to find the Easter eggs I missed. On the second read, the clues stood out clearly.
Read it once for the suspense. Read it again to see how carefully Patch has laid every thread in place.
Content advisories: child grooming and miscarriage.
I received an early copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Told through the eyes of an unreliable narrator, Gwen’s story blurs the line between perception and truth. Each sound, memory, and discovery leaves the reader uncertain whether danger is real or imagined. This uncertainty drives the book’s tension from the opening scene. Because Patch writes Christian fiction, I never assumed the house was haunted. My need to understand the source of the disturbances propelled me forward.
Though the description mentions Acadia National Park, most of the story takes place in Gwen’s home and the nearby town. The rugged setting creates a sense of isolation that mirrors Gwen’s private unrest.
The novel’s emotional currency rests in Gwen confronting her demons while trying to hold on to her failing marriage. Patch handled these two conflicts with well, crafting a story that acknowledges human sinfulness while allowing Light to penetrate. The resolution satisfied my desire for reconciliation and justice.
I first read this book while traveling, picking it up and putting it down between activities. When I finished, I wanted to start again to find the Easter eggs I missed. On the second read, the clues stood out clearly.
Read it once for the suspense. Read it again to see how carefully Patch has laid every thread in place.
Content advisories: child grooming and miscarriage.
I received an early copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2026
Yet again, I’m longing for an infinite stars button. Five just doesn’t do this book justice. It’s mind-blowingly incredible!
And talk about intense! I struggled constantly to just keep turning the page and not skipping to the end to see what was coming and to release the breath I’d been holding for so long.
Gwen is a mess. She’s made critical mistakes in her law enforcement career and has lost her position. Her marriage is hanging on by a thread, and now she might be losing her mind.
Steven is struggling to stay. He knows he loves her, but can he continue to be with her after all she’s done? Can he make their new life in Cold Harbor, Maine work, or will the unraveling become permanent?
I’m mind-boggled at how skillfully Jessica R. Patch has taken seemingly random threads and crafted a tapestry that is more unsettling than any other thriller I’ve read, but so infused with hope and redemption that the darkness has no choice but to flee.
And there are a lot of dark themes at work here. She tackles subjects that are difficult to read, but she does so with zero coarse language, zero se*ual content, and she always leaves a light shining to help us find our way.
I’m convinced that Patch is the queen of thrills and chills, and she’s at the top of my must read list. Her psychological thrillers aren’t for the faint of heart, but I can’t get enough.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highest recommendation here!
And talk about intense! I struggled constantly to just keep turning the page and not skipping to the end to see what was coming and to release the breath I’d been holding for so long.
Gwen is a mess. She’s made critical mistakes in her law enforcement career and has lost her position. Her marriage is hanging on by a thread, and now she might be losing her mind.
Steven is struggling to stay. He knows he loves her, but can he continue to be with her after all she’s done? Can he make their new life in Cold Harbor, Maine work, or will the unraveling become permanent?
I’m mind-boggled at how skillfully Jessica R. Patch has taken seemingly random threads and crafted a tapestry that is more unsettling than any other thriller I’ve read, but so infused with hope and redemption that the darkness has no choice but to flee.
And there are a lot of dark themes at work here. She tackles subjects that are difficult to read, but she does so with zero coarse language, zero se*ual content, and she always leaves a light shining to help us find our way.
I’m convinced that Patch is the queen of thrills and chills, and she’s at the top of my must read list. Her psychological thrillers aren’t for the faint of heart, but I can’t get enough.
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highest recommendation here!
April 5, 2026
Wow. What a book. This is probably the first Christian fiction thriller I’ve read that isn’t cheesy and is genuinely well done! Finally!!!!!
From the very beginning, it hooks you, and about every 20 percent there’s another twist that keeps you fully invested. So buckle up!
The main character, Gwen, quickly becomes a favorite. You find yourself rooting for her early on, even when it feels like everyone is turning against her. Watching her story unfold is incredible, and there are moments that will both surprise and shock you.
Each character is written in a way that feels natural and relatable. Nothing feels forced. It all comes across as authentic.
Content note: the story includes themes of kidnapping, miscarriage, murder, suicide, and mental illness. Also, there are moments this book seems “paranormal” - it’s not. But, if ghosts and stuff freak you out. This may not be the book for you,
However, there is no cursing, no spice, and no graphic depictions of abuse. Most of the heavier elements are implied rather than described in detail.
This will be one of my top books from 2026 for sure!
From the very beginning, it hooks you, and about every 20 percent there’s another twist that keeps you fully invested. So buckle up!
The main character, Gwen, quickly becomes a favorite. You find yourself rooting for her early on, even when it feels like everyone is turning against her. Watching her story unfold is incredible, and there are moments that will both surprise and shock you.
Each character is written in a way that feels natural and relatable. Nothing feels forced. It all comes across as authentic.
Content note: the story includes themes of kidnapping, miscarriage, murder, suicide, and mental illness. Also, there are moments this book seems “paranormal” - it’s not. But, if ghosts and stuff freak you out. This may not be the book for you,
However, there is no cursing, no spice, and no graphic depictions of abuse. Most of the heavier elements are implied rather than described in detail.
This will be one of my top books from 2026 for sure!
April 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Love Inspired Trade.
📝 Short Summary
A gripping small town thriller about a woman trying to fix her life, only to uncover a dark, buried truth that refuses to stay hidden.
Review
This book had me hooked almost immediately. The setting alone pulled me in. A quiet coastal town in Maine, a cliffside fixer upper, and that feeling that something is just not right from the moment they arrive. It gave that perfect mix of cozy and unsettling, and I was fully in it.
Gwen is such a strong character, and I really liked that she trusted her instincts even when no one else did. Her background as a homicide detective added so much depth because you know she is not just imagining things. That tension between what she feels and what everyone else is telling her kept building in a way that made it hard to put down.
The house itself felt like a character. The sounds, the shadows, the message hidden under the attic carpet… it all created this creeping sense of dread that kept growing the deeper Gwen dug into the past. I loved how the story slowly unraveled instead of rushing everything. It made each reveal hit harder.
Even though I figured out part of the twist early, it honestly did not take away from the experience at all. The way everything came together was still so satisfying. There were enough layers and tension throughout that I stayed completely engaged. It kept me on edge the whole time, and I just needed to know how it was all going to play out.
The pacing was really strong for me. It balanced the investigation, the emotional side of Gwen’s marriage, and the mystery of the house in a way that never felt overwhelming. It just kept pulling me forward chapter after chapter.
This is one of those thrillers that feels classic but still fresh. Small town secrets, a missing girl, and a house that holds more than it should. It is atmospheric, suspenseful, and honestly hard to put down.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially if you love small town thrillers, strong female leads, and stories that keep you on edge even when you think you have it figured out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Love Inspired Trade.
📝 Short Summary
A gripping small town thriller about a woman trying to fix her life, only to uncover a dark, buried truth that refuses to stay hidden.
Review
This book had me hooked almost immediately. The setting alone pulled me in. A quiet coastal town in Maine, a cliffside fixer upper, and that feeling that something is just not right from the moment they arrive. It gave that perfect mix of cozy and unsettling, and I was fully in it.
Gwen is such a strong character, and I really liked that she trusted her instincts even when no one else did. Her background as a homicide detective added so much depth because you know she is not just imagining things. That tension between what she feels and what everyone else is telling her kept building in a way that made it hard to put down.
The house itself felt like a character. The sounds, the shadows, the message hidden under the attic carpet… it all created this creeping sense of dread that kept growing the deeper Gwen dug into the past. I loved how the story slowly unraveled instead of rushing everything. It made each reveal hit harder.
Even though I figured out part of the twist early, it honestly did not take away from the experience at all. The way everything came together was still so satisfying. There were enough layers and tension throughout that I stayed completely engaged. It kept me on edge the whole time, and I just needed to know how it was all going to play out.
The pacing was really strong for me. It balanced the investigation, the emotional side of Gwen’s marriage, and the mystery of the house in a way that never felt overwhelming. It just kept pulling me forward chapter after chapter.
This is one of those thrillers that feels classic but still fresh. Small town secrets, a missing girl, and a house that holds more than it should. It is atmospheric, suspenseful, and honestly hard to put down.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially if you love small town thrillers, strong female leads, and stories that keep you on edge even when you think you have it figured out.
November 17, 2025
The Girl Upstairs follows Gwen McDaniel, a former Baltimore homicide detective who has relocated to Cold Harbor, Maine with her husband and baby, Tara. Her husband, Dr. Steven McDaniel leaves behind his prestigious career to be a small town doctor. You can feel the tension between Gwen and Steven with the move and career changes. They move into an old house with a dark past. The house has history and the people in town say it is haunted because of the deaths surrounding the house. A bone is found on her property. Gwen begins hearing and seeing things that spook her and cause her detective instincts to kick in, The story jumps between present day and flashbacks of a little girl named Lily Ann. The more Gwen digs into the history of the house, she finds more secrets than you can imagine. This book is filled with twist you do not see coming. Every character feels like a potential suspect and it does not let up until the final page. There are a lot of characters which was a bit confusing at times, but overall it was a fast paced thriller that was hard to put down. This is my first read from this author and look forward to reading more!
Thank you to NetGalley for the thrilling eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the thrilling eARC.
October 14, 2025
This was one of those books that kept you at the edge of your seat, balancing on your toes for a majority of the book.
There was angst, there was fear, there was uncertainty, there was confusion, and like all Jessica Patch books there were twists. One of my favorite things about Jessica's books is how the red herrings take me on wild goose chases and I never know where I'll end up. And in some of these twists, when you think you know--you don't. Seriously, everyone is a suspect. Even our FMC, Gwen.
Honestly, I don't know how to review this book without giving anything away. I'll just say it was an amazing thriller with subplots I did not expect but absolutely loved. It may be my favorite of hers yet. (But I feel like I say that with every new Jessica R. Patch release.)
RATINGS:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
💋
✝️
17+
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher but all opinions are my own)
There was angst, there was fear, there was uncertainty, there was confusion, and like all Jessica Patch books there were twists. One of my favorite things about Jessica's books is how the red herrings take me on wild goose chases and I never know where I'll end up. And in some of these twists, when you think you know--you don't. Seriously, everyone is a suspect. Even our FMC, Gwen.
Honestly, I don't know how to review this book without giving anything away. I'll just say it was an amazing thriller with subplots I did not expect but absolutely loved. It may be my favorite of hers yet. (But I feel like I say that with every new Jessica R. Patch release.)
RATINGS:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
💋
✝️
17+
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher but all opinions are my own)
November 1, 2025
“Homes hold secrets. Sometimes they rot the place from the inside out.”
“Even when things go sideways, I believe God can fix you when no one and nothing else can.”
“I AM NOT CRAZY.”
Twists, twists, and more twists! This was a great take on the unreliable narrator/psychological thriller. Jessica R. Patch is an excellent writer and The Girl Upstairs is no exception. You don’t know who to trust and you don’t know how it will all turn out. My only real complaint that one of the twists (and there were many) seemed so obvious to me that it made the book drag some. But once that was revealed and I was proved right, the book flew by and then it was twist upon twist upon twist. I felt like those twists were well written, satisfying, and made the story all come together nicely. I would recommend this book to Christians looking for a psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jessica R. Patch for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“Even when things go sideways, I believe God can fix you when no one and nothing else can.”
“I AM NOT CRAZY.”
Twists, twists, and more twists! This was a great take on the unreliable narrator/psychological thriller. Jessica R. Patch is an excellent writer and The Girl Upstairs is no exception. You don’t know who to trust and you don’t know how it will all turn out. My only real complaint that one of the twists (and there were many) seemed so obvious to me that it made the book drag some. But once that was revealed and I was proved right, the book flew by and then it was twist upon twist upon twist. I felt like those twists were well written, satisfying, and made the story all come together nicely. I would recommend this book to Christians looking for a psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jessica R. Patch for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2025
Such a great book. I got an ARC of this one and got to read it in October and it just made it that much better. Lots of great plot twist to keep you guessing and some actually surprised me. I didn't want to stop reading it. I also love a Suspense book that is clean and has no cussing and not a gore fest this one lives up to that.
April 17, 2026
**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ Review of The Girl Upstairs**
This book pulls you in right from the start. Gwen and her husband, whose marriage is already on the rocks, move into a new home hoping for a fresh start—but things quickly take a dark turn. From the moment they arrive, nothing feels quite right to Gwen, and that unease only grows as increasingly terrifying incidents begin happening in the house.
The tension builds perfectly throughout the story, making it nearly impossible to put down. The pacing is fast, but never rushed, and the writing keeps you fully immersed in Gwen’s fear and uncertainty. You really feel her paranoia and begin to question what’s real right along with her.
Overall, this was a gripping, well-written thriller that kept me hooked until the end. If you enjoy eerie, unsettling stories with a strong psychological edge, this one is definitely worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC
This book pulls you in right from the start. Gwen and her husband, whose marriage is already on the rocks, move into a new home hoping for a fresh start—but things quickly take a dark turn. From the moment they arrive, nothing feels quite right to Gwen, and that unease only grows as increasingly terrifying incidents begin happening in the house.
The tension builds perfectly throughout the story, making it nearly impossible to put down. The pacing is fast, but never rushed, and the writing keeps you fully immersed in Gwen’s fear and uncertainty. You really feel her paranoia and begin to question what’s real right along with her.
Overall, this was a gripping, well-written thriller that kept me hooked until the end. If you enjoy eerie, unsettling stories with a strong psychological edge, this one is definitely worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC
December 9, 2025
This book defines intense suspense and heart-pounding action as Gwen and Steven move into an apparently haunted house in Maine. The weather is cold, the people are hiding secrets and Gwen, recently fired from her job as a police officer in Baltimore, is on the trail of a mystery that is begging to be solved. But with her past, she may not be the right one to solve it, and her husband Steven wants her to just stay home, make a few friends and socialize. The house itself is personified as a character in this mesmerizing story of a house that has witnessed untold horrors. Gwen hears voices, the crying of a baby in the middle of the night and even sees things that quickly disappear. Everyone else questions her sanity except the new friend from the coffee shop, Cady, and together the two of them set out to find the truth, no matter the consequence of doing so. There are a ton of twists and surprises in this book and just when I thought I had something figured out, the author threw in another twist that made me rethink everything. I didn’t think anyone could really be trusted in this novel, but all of the characters were very believable and some I could even relate to. I felt sorry for Gwen who was mourning the loss of her baby, but I also felt sorry for Steven who was a doctor trying to get established in a new place and also dealing with his wife’s nightmares about their new home. There was not a single surprise that I was able to figure out, but I totally enjoyed trying to follow the numerous clues and distinguish them from fake trails. There are suspects galore, crimes from the past and in the present, and all tied up neatly together by an author who is a mistress of suspense thrillers. This book is not to be missed by anyone who enjoyed an Alfred Hitchcock kind of twisted tale as well as a good story with a faith foundation and a theme of second chances. I loved this novel and cannot recommend it highly enough!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 10, 2026
What a phenomenal book! It will scare you, send your mind spinning, and break your heart. A complex storyline with complex characters that kept me throughly engrossed throughout the book and completely swept me away. My mind was blown away trying to piece together the puzzle to what really happened. Twists that I never saw coming and left my mouth open in surprise.
I found it difficult to put down and longing to read it again any chance I got it is that good! My favorite Jessica R. Patch book yet!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
I found it difficult to put down and longing to read it again any chance I got it is that good! My favorite Jessica R. Patch book yet!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first book by Jessica R. Patch and now I want to read her entire backlist!
Gwen, her husband Steven and baby Tara have just moved to Cold Harbor, Maine. They are hoping that this new move will give them a chance to start over and work on their marriage. The other main character in this story is the house they purchased. The home is secluded on a cliff, surrounded by woods, and has a very dark history which Gwen uncovers.
As a former homicide detective Gwen becomes fixated on the possibility that a murder had taken place on her property, after a bone was discovered. Although the local police chief declared it belonged to an animal, Gwen isn't convinced. Her husband repeatedly warns her to let it go, adding tension to their already tenuous relationship.
Soon, Gwen is hearing voices and other sounds in the house. She begins to see things that may or may not be real, including a little girl. She finds hidden rooms in her home. She finds a frightening message carved over and over again into the floorboards of the attic. There are people roaming the woods outside her home in the middle of the night.
As she tries to uncover the history of the home she's living in, she learns that the "very safe" small town they've moved into is not what it seems. With multiple murders, a child kidnapping and no one providing solid answers, Gwen feels isolated and fearful. Is there something sinister happening in her home or is she just losing her mind?
There were so many twists and turns with this book! I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you to the author and publisher and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Gwen, her husband Steven and baby Tara have just moved to Cold Harbor, Maine. They are hoping that this new move will give them a chance to start over and work on their marriage. The other main character in this story is the house they purchased. The home is secluded on a cliff, surrounded by woods, and has a very dark history which Gwen uncovers.
As a former homicide detective Gwen becomes fixated on the possibility that a murder had taken place on her property, after a bone was discovered. Although the local police chief declared it belonged to an animal, Gwen isn't convinced. Her husband repeatedly warns her to let it go, adding tension to their already tenuous relationship.
Soon, Gwen is hearing voices and other sounds in the house. She begins to see things that may or may not be real, including a little girl. She finds hidden rooms in her home. She finds a frightening message carved over and over again into the floorboards of the attic. There are people roaming the woods outside her home in the middle of the night.
As she tries to uncover the history of the home she's living in, she learns that the "very safe" small town they've moved into is not what it seems. With multiple murders, a child kidnapping and no one providing solid answers, Gwen feels isolated and fearful. Is there something sinister happening in her home or is she just losing her mind?
There were so many twists and turns with this book! I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you to the author and publisher and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2026
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, you have to read The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch. The story takes so many twisty turns that your head will still be spinning long after you put the book down.
Gwen McDaniel and her husband buy a fixer upper in a small town. But the house holds secrets, and Gwen, a former police investigator, can't help herself from getting sucked into the small-town lore. But Gwen's marriage is on the rocks, and she has secrets of her own.
This checks all the boxes for me of what I expect in a psychological thriller. The story builds slowly, letting the reader soak in all the details. And at multiple points, I had no idea what was going on. I questioned Gwen's sanity along with some of the other questionable people in the town. I was caught off guard by several plot twists, and I never saw the ending coming.
I love Jessica Patch's storytelling skills. She weaves broken characters with a message of hope. Life is gritty and messy, and the author doesn't shy away from difficult topics. Things might not always work out the way we expect them to, and this story gives readers a wild ride until the very last page.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Gwen McDaniel and her husband buy a fixer upper in a small town. But the house holds secrets, and Gwen, a former police investigator, can't help herself from getting sucked into the small-town lore. But Gwen's marriage is on the rocks, and she has secrets of her own.
This checks all the boxes for me of what I expect in a psychological thriller. The story builds slowly, letting the reader soak in all the details. And at multiple points, I had no idea what was going on. I questioned Gwen's sanity along with some of the other questionable people in the town. I was caught off guard by several plot twists, and I never saw the ending coming.
I love Jessica Patch's storytelling skills. She weaves broken characters with a message of hope. Life is gritty and messy, and the author doesn't shy away from difficult topics. Things might not always work out the way we expect them to, and this story gives readers a wild ride until the very last page.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 4, 2026
Oh!!!! My!!!! Word!!!!!!!! This book had soooo many twists to it! I was guessing and recalculating those guesses throughout the whole book!!! Seriously! Even up to the epilogue!!! Talk about my jaw hanging open A LOT while reading this one! This was the second book I've read by this author and talk about keeping me hooked from the beginning to the end, and all the way in between!
The title is very accurate: A Gritty Psychological Thriller! Holy Moly it was completely that!!! I was reading the book throughout the day when I had time and right before bed time, I had read just past 80% of the book and was like I can't stop there, I NEED to know what happens! Cause we all know that those several chapters are going to be INTENSE and reveal EVERYTHING!!! So what do we do when we need answers? Why we keep reading! Hahaha! Annnnnnd maybe I shouldn't have! *Peeks through fingers* You guys!!! I finished it. But I was also laying in the dark reading it and kind of scaring myself! *Laughing Crying* I'm not even kidding! I normally don't read psychological thrillers as I'm going to bed. I can during the day but ummm, I messed up and didn't follow my normal routine for this one. Because...I HAD TO KNOW WHODUNNIT & ALLLLLL THE THINGS!!!! What ensued was quite a humorous story that will be laughed about and told over and over again with my family! *Giggling, scratch that, LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY* I stayed up waaaay too late and then when I finished the book and finally fell asleep I was having CRAZY dreams! And I have been known to have crazy dreams in the past and scream in my dream, but really scream out loud as well. *Hiding and Giggling* Of course that scares my poor husband and wakes him from a dead sleep and wondering what in the world is going on with me! Now these screams have only happened a couple of times but they're pretty funny and has us both shaking our heads. Well this time was quite a bit more intense. Oh my poor brain! I just knew in my dream (that felt real) that I needed to scream even louder so the people around us could hear us and could help. So that's just what I did! I screamed at the top of my lungs and even louder and longer! (I'm seriously sitting here laughing so hard over this as I'm typing-you didn't expect to be laughing over my review of a psychological thriller did ya?*Winks*) And that's when I woke up and realized what I was doing and my poor husband sits up in bed trying to get me to stop and asking what is wrong? I finally stop screaming and I'm apologizing and thinking in my head, "I told you not to read the ending of that book, you knew this was going to happen"! Let's just say that we both had a laughing fit for 10 minutes or longer and then finally fell back to sleep. Only to wake up a couple hours later and I couldn't stop laughing...ALLL DAY!!! I wondered when I woke myself up screaming if my children had heard me or not. None of them came running to see what was wrong with me so I assumed maybe they all slept through it. Nope!!! *Cue Giggling Hysterically Again* Oh My Word!!! Let's just say that it was all pretty funny the comments that my kids had over being woken up by my scream. Scared one of them so bad that they thought someone was in the house and was going to come get us all that that child was paralyzed and holding their sibling's hand and snuggling up next to them scared. *Cue Even More Remorse Over Reading The Book That Late At Night...OOPSY* That child finally fell back to sleep figuring it was just crazy mom again! The child who's hand was being squeezed didn't wake up from the scream, but in the morning they woke up to their sibling practically laying on top of them and their hand in a vice grip! Hahahaha! There's more to the story but I better just end it there because this review is super long and I've been talking about my funny story rather than the book. Just know that my family and I laughed soooooooo hard for days about it! And we're still laughing. There are just so many more layers to the story that are hysterical!
Moral of my story...probably better to not read the last part of this book late at night, especially if you have a tendency to have crazy dreams and scream out loud super duper loud and wake everyone up in the middle of the night! There's your warning with this book! Hahaha!
Gwen and Steven move to Cold Harbor, Maine to start over. And the things that Gwen starts to experience are making her spidey-senses go on high alert. She used to be a homicide detective and knows that there's something wrong with her house. But the problem is, if she starts saying too many things about the house to her husband Steven, it could cause more problems in their marriage and they're both trying so hard to make everything work and have a new start!
It's deliciously thrilling and should be read in daylight! But it's also not creepy. But it is. I know...make sense of that if you can. I'm just going to stop my review right there but reiterate that I loved the book! And now to wait for another one by this author...or go grab her backlisted titles that I haven't read yet! I hope you've enjoyed my silly story and that it brought some giggles to your day! And if psychological thrillers aren't your thing, maybe that's a good thing, because you won't wake up screaming and scaring everyone like I did! Just sayin'! *Winks*
Content: There are some gritty topics discussed in this book but the author wrote them in a way that made it feel like it was a PG-13ish, cleanish read. I don't know the best way to describe content without giving spoilers. Definitely missing persons, seeing things, death, moments of peril, heartache and sorrows from the past. The character does mention God occasionally.
I received a copy from the publisher, Harlequin-Romance Love Inspired Trade (this is a clean line from this publisher), via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading & Screaming!!!
The title is very accurate: A Gritty Psychological Thriller! Holy Moly it was completely that!!! I was reading the book throughout the day when I had time and right before bed time, I had read just past 80% of the book and was like I can't stop there, I NEED to know what happens! Cause we all know that those several chapters are going to be INTENSE and reveal EVERYTHING!!! So what do we do when we need answers? Why we keep reading! Hahaha! Annnnnnd maybe I shouldn't have! *Peeks through fingers* You guys!!! I finished it. But I was also laying in the dark reading it and kind of scaring myself! *Laughing Crying* I'm not even kidding! I normally don't read psychological thrillers as I'm going to bed. I can during the day but ummm, I messed up and didn't follow my normal routine for this one. Because...I HAD TO KNOW WHODUNNIT & ALLLLLL THE THINGS!!!! What ensued was quite a humorous story that will be laughed about and told over and over again with my family! *Giggling, scratch that, LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY* I stayed up waaaay too late and then when I finished the book and finally fell asleep I was having CRAZY dreams! And I have been known to have crazy dreams in the past and scream in my dream, but really scream out loud as well. *Hiding and Giggling* Of course that scares my poor husband and wakes him from a dead sleep and wondering what in the world is going on with me! Now these screams have only happened a couple of times but they're pretty funny and has us both shaking our heads. Well this time was quite a bit more intense. Oh my poor brain! I just knew in my dream (that felt real) that I needed to scream even louder so the people around us could hear us and could help. So that's just what I did! I screamed at the top of my lungs and even louder and longer! (I'm seriously sitting here laughing so hard over this as I'm typing-you didn't expect to be laughing over my review of a psychological thriller did ya?*Winks*) And that's when I woke up and realized what I was doing and my poor husband sits up in bed trying to get me to stop and asking what is wrong? I finally stop screaming and I'm apologizing and thinking in my head, "I told you not to read the ending of that book, you knew this was going to happen"! Let's just say that we both had a laughing fit for 10 minutes or longer and then finally fell back to sleep. Only to wake up a couple hours later and I couldn't stop laughing...ALLL DAY!!! I wondered when I woke myself up screaming if my children had heard me or not. None of them came running to see what was wrong with me so I assumed maybe they all slept through it. Nope!!! *Cue Giggling Hysterically Again* Oh My Word!!! Let's just say that it was all pretty funny the comments that my kids had over being woken up by my scream. Scared one of them so bad that they thought someone was in the house and was going to come get us all that that child was paralyzed and holding their sibling's hand and snuggling up next to them scared. *Cue Even More Remorse Over Reading The Book That Late At Night...OOPSY* That child finally fell back to sleep figuring it was just crazy mom again! The child who's hand was being squeezed didn't wake up from the scream, but in the morning they woke up to their sibling practically laying on top of them and their hand in a vice grip! Hahahaha! There's more to the story but I better just end it there because this review is super long and I've been talking about my funny story rather than the book. Just know that my family and I laughed soooooooo hard for days about it! And we're still laughing. There are just so many more layers to the story that are hysterical!
Moral of my story...probably better to not read the last part of this book late at night, especially if you have a tendency to have crazy dreams and scream out loud super duper loud and wake everyone up in the middle of the night! There's your warning with this book! Hahaha!
Gwen and Steven move to Cold Harbor, Maine to start over. And the things that Gwen starts to experience are making her spidey-senses go on high alert. She used to be a homicide detective and knows that there's something wrong with her house. But the problem is, if she starts saying too many things about the house to her husband Steven, it could cause more problems in their marriage and they're both trying so hard to make everything work and have a new start!
It's deliciously thrilling and should be read in daylight! But it's also not creepy. But it is. I know...make sense of that if you can. I'm just going to stop my review right there but reiterate that I loved the book! And now to wait for another one by this author...or go grab her backlisted titles that I haven't read yet! I hope you've enjoyed my silly story and that it brought some giggles to your day! And if psychological thrillers aren't your thing, maybe that's a good thing, because you won't wake up screaming and scaring everyone like I did! Just sayin'! *Winks*
Content: There are some gritty topics discussed in this book but the author wrote them in a way that made it feel like it was a PG-13ish, cleanish read. I don't know the best way to describe content without giving spoilers. Definitely missing persons, seeing things, death, moments of peril, heartache and sorrows from the past. The character does mention God occasionally.
I received a copy from the publisher, Harlequin-Romance Love Inspired Trade (this is a clean line from this publisher), via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading & Screaming!!!
October 12, 2025
OMG I loved this book. It’s dark, creepy, and twisty. It’s hard to put down. If I didn’t have to work I could’ve easily finished it in one day. This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica Patch, but I’ll be looking for more books from her in the future.
Thanks to Jessica Patch and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Thanks to Jessica Patch and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
May 3, 2026
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Harlequin - Romance.
She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.
Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.
Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it is more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts do not lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath.
As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined.
I was really excited to read this one because the premise sounded so intriguing, and I can definitely see why so many readers have been raving about it. The setup was strong, and the first half pulled me in right away. I wanted to keep reading to figure out where the story was going and how all the pieces would connect. That being said, there were a few too many characters for me at the beginning, which made it a little confusing to keep track of everyone. As the story progressed, I did start to get a better grasp on who was who, but it still took some time to fully settle into the cast. Around the halfway point, though, the book started to lose me. The twists and reveals became a bit too unrealistic for my taste, and some of the darker secrets felt too conveniently connected to the main characters. Because of that, the plot started to feel less believable.
There were definitely some surprising moments I did not see coming, but unfortunately, they did not fully land for me emotionally. The book had an interesting concept, a compelling beginning, and plenty of twists, but it never completely pulled me in the way I hoped it would. I found myself becoming less invested as the story went on. I know I am probably in the minority with this one, so I would still recommend giving it a try, especially since so many readers loved it.
She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.
Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.
Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it is more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts do not lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath.
As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined.
I was really excited to read this one because the premise sounded so intriguing, and I can definitely see why so many readers have been raving about it. The setup was strong, and the first half pulled me in right away. I wanted to keep reading to figure out where the story was going and how all the pieces would connect. That being said, there were a few too many characters for me at the beginning, which made it a little confusing to keep track of everyone. As the story progressed, I did start to get a better grasp on who was who, but it still took some time to fully settle into the cast. Around the halfway point, though, the book started to lose me. The twists and reveals became a bit too unrealistic for my taste, and some of the darker secrets felt too conveniently connected to the main characters. Because of that, the plot started to feel less believable.
There were definitely some surprising moments I did not see coming, but unfortunately, they did not fully land for me emotionally. The book had an interesting concept, a compelling beginning, and plenty of twists, but it never completely pulled me in the way I hoped it would. I found myself becoming less invested as the story went on. I know I am probably in the minority with this one, so I would still recommend giving it a try, especially since so many readers loved it.
April 28, 2026
This book defines intense suspense and heart-pounding action as Gwen and Steven move into an apparently haunted house in Maine. The weather is cold, the people are hiding secrets and Gwen, recently fired from her job as a police officer in Baltimore, is on the trail of a mystery that is begging to be solved. But with her past, she may not be the right one to solve it, and her husband Steven wants her to just stay home, make a few friends and socialize. The house itself is personified as a character in this mesmerizing story of a house that has witnessed untold horrors. Gwen hears voices, the crying of a baby in the middle of the night and even sees things that quickly disappear. Everyone else questions her sanity except the new friend from the coffee shop, Cady, and together the two of them set out to find the truth, no matter the consequence of doing so. There are a ton of twists and surprises in this book and just when I thought I had something figured out, the author threw in another twist that made me rethink everything. I didn’t think anyone could really be trusted in this novel, but all of the characters were very believable and some I could even relate to. I felt sorry for Gwen who was mourning the loss of her baby, but I also felt sorry for Steven who was a doctor trying to get established in a new place and also dealing with his wife’s nightmares about their new home. There was not a single surprise that I was able to figure out, but I totally enjoyed trying to follow the numerous clues and distinguish them from fake trails. There are suspects galore, crimes from the past and in the present, and all tied up neatly together by an author who is a mistress of suspense thrillers. This book is not to be missed by anyone who enjoyed an Alfred Hitchcock kind of twisted tale as well as a good story with a faith foundation and a theme of second chances. I loved this novel and cannot recommend it highly enough!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book and I also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book and I also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
October 27, 2025
Review to come...
But for now I'll say what I always seems to say with Jessica R. Patch, WOW! I was so proud of myself for figuring out a couple things, and yet, I hadn't even scratched the surface. There were so many twists I did not see coming. I don't know how it's possible because Patch has some incredible psych thrillers, but I think this may be my favorite one yet.
But for now I'll say what I always seems to say with Jessica R. Patch, WOW! I was so proud of myself for figuring out a couple things, and yet, I hadn't even scratched the surface. There were so many twists I did not see coming. I don't know how it's possible because Patch has some incredible psych thrillers, but I think this may be my favorite one yet.
April 30, 2026
I am still amazed that I only recently came across Jessica R Patch. She is a prolific writer and her books fit in perfectly on my book shelf. She has now become an automatic read whenever I see one of her books available.
Gwen McDaniel's life is a mess, so, WTH, why not buy a rundown house in Cold Harbor, Maine...that is in dire need of a renovation? Their marriage could use an overhaul too. Immediately we are drawn in to drafty rooms and music playing, yet no one is there.
I was immersed in the ominous mystery. The pacing kept the suspense rising, the further into the book I got. The twists and turns gave me many aha moments, sometimes wondering why I didn't see that coming. That is how good Jessica R Patch's stories are. She sneaks those nuggets of emotional turmoil below the obvious, amazing me as she delivers blow after blow to Gwen. The danger rises and there are those who will do anything to stop the secrets being exposed. I didn't know whether to race through the pages to find out what happens, or relax and enjoy the journey.
Many thanks go out to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Jessica R Patch for the opportunity to read The Girl Upstairs.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Gwen McDaniel's life is a mess, so, WTH, why not buy a rundown house in Cold Harbor, Maine...that is in dire need of a renovation? Their marriage could use an overhaul too. Immediately we are drawn in to drafty rooms and music playing, yet no one is there.
I was immersed in the ominous mystery. The pacing kept the suspense rising, the further into the book I got. The twists and turns gave me many aha moments, sometimes wondering why I didn't see that coming. That is how good Jessica R Patch's stories are. She sneaks those nuggets of emotional turmoil below the obvious, amazing me as she delivers blow after blow to Gwen. The danger rises and there are those who will do anything to stop the secrets being exposed. I didn't know whether to race through the pages to find out what happens, or relax and enjoy the journey.
Many thanks go out to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Jessica R Patch for the opportunity to read The Girl Upstairs.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
From the start, I knew this wasn’t your typical fresh-start story. Gwen’s new home has secrets of its own, and uncovering them made for such a chilling read.
This was my second book by Jessica Patch, and after loving The Other Sister, I couldn’t wait to dive in. That one was gritty, gripping, and totally addictive—and this one was a little less compelling. Like The Other Sister, I was intrigued byThe Girl Upstairs. Patch knows how to hook you with her dark, twisty plots and emotional depth.
The Girl Upstairs is about Gwen, a former detective who moves with her husband to a seaside house in Maine, hoping for a fresh start. But strange noises, eerie shadows, and a hidden message under the floorboards make her realize something isn’t right. As she digs into the town’s past, she uncovers dark secrets about a missing girl and the house’s chilling history.
I liked the themes and tone of this story. It has a nice mix of eerie suspense and emotional depth. The blend of small-town secrets, guilt, and redemption kept me invested, and I liked how the creepy, atmospheric setting added to the tension without ever feeling over the top. It’s dark and unsettling at times, but there’s also an undercurrent of hope that balances it out really well. I also liked how Gwen was written—strong, flawed, and easy to root for—and how Patch’s vivid, smooth writing style pulled me right into the story.
Despite that, a few parts dragged for me and there were also moments where I wished certain side characters had been explored more. Still, the story’s tone and tension made it an entertaining read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin for an advance copy of this thrilling book in return for my feedback.
From the start, I knew this wasn’t your typical fresh-start story. Gwen’s new home has secrets of its own, and uncovering them made for such a chilling read.
This was my second book by Jessica Patch, and after loving The Other Sister, I couldn’t wait to dive in. That one was gritty, gripping, and totally addictive—and this one was a little less compelling. Like The Other Sister, I was intrigued byThe Girl Upstairs. Patch knows how to hook you with her dark, twisty plots and emotional depth.
The Girl Upstairs is about Gwen, a former detective who moves with her husband to a seaside house in Maine, hoping for a fresh start. But strange noises, eerie shadows, and a hidden message under the floorboards make her realize something isn’t right. As she digs into the town’s past, she uncovers dark secrets about a missing girl and the house’s chilling history.
I liked the themes and tone of this story. It has a nice mix of eerie suspense and emotional depth. The blend of small-town secrets, guilt, and redemption kept me invested, and I liked how the creepy, atmospheric setting added to the tension without ever feeling over the top. It’s dark and unsettling at times, but there’s also an undercurrent of hope that balances it out really well. I also liked how Gwen was written—strong, flawed, and easy to root for—and how Patch’s vivid, smooth writing style pulled me right into the story.
Despite that, a few parts dragged for me and there were also moments where I wished certain side characters had been explored more. Still, the story’s tone and tension made it an entertaining read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin for an advance copy of this thrilling book in return for my feedback.
November 17, 2025
Secrets are things that will keep you in the dark and sometimes warp your view of things.
Twists and turns in a story can also do the same thing, and there is NO ONE more gifted in twists and turns than Jessica R. Patch. Her stories are full of these plot twists, and she is a masterful weaver of psychological wordplay.
So many times, when reading one of her books, I think I’ve figured out the plot, and then BAM, I’m thrown for a loop. I pride myself on solving puzzles and figuring out a book's ins and outs, but I was so not even close to this one! When I thought I knew who the “bad” guy was, I stopped to remember that this was Jessica R. Patch, a master at deception and twists. I was totally stumped. Even up to the very end, I was totally blown away!
Now, I should not have been reading this book late at night or during the week of Halloween. Call me crazy! It had so many moments of creepiness that I actually couldn’t continue to read for a bit. My husband thought I was crazy because I’d read a chapter and then needed to watch a sappy, sweet TV show so that I could fall asleep without having crazy dreams.
Jessica Patch is a very skilled author who weaves intriguing stories that will grip your heart and captivate your soul. Her writing will keep you on the edge of your chair and keep you reading long after it’s time to stop. She has just the right way with words, and even though her stories can be creepy, scary, and suspenseful, and yet, she weaves in hope, resolution, and justice for those who are hurting and lost.
I highly recommend picking up this book.
However, I must warn you that you might not want to read this at night! Also, be prepared: You might not get much sleep until you finish reading it!
I received this book from the publisher, but it in no way influenced my review; all opinions are my own.
Twists and turns in a story can also do the same thing, and there is NO ONE more gifted in twists and turns than Jessica R. Patch. Her stories are full of these plot twists, and she is a masterful weaver of psychological wordplay.
So many times, when reading one of her books, I think I’ve figured out the plot, and then BAM, I’m thrown for a loop. I pride myself on solving puzzles and figuring out a book's ins and outs, but I was so not even close to this one! When I thought I knew who the “bad” guy was, I stopped to remember that this was Jessica R. Patch, a master at deception and twists. I was totally stumped. Even up to the very end, I was totally blown away!
Now, I should not have been reading this book late at night or during the week of Halloween. Call me crazy! It had so many moments of creepiness that I actually couldn’t continue to read for a bit. My husband thought I was crazy because I’d read a chapter and then needed to watch a sappy, sweet TV show so that I could fall asleep without having crazy dreams.
Jessica Patch is a very skilled author who weaves intriguing stories that will grip your heart and captivate your soul. Her writing will keep you on the edge of your chair and keep you reading long after it’s time to stop. She has just the right way with words, and even though her stories can be creepy, scary, and suspenseful, and yet, she weaves in hope, resolution, and justice for those who are hurting and lost.
I highly recommend picking up this book.
However, I must warn you that you might not want to read this at night! Also, be prepared: You might not get much sleep until you finish reading it!
I received this book from the publisher, but it in no way influenced my review; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this ARC from book gallery in exchange for an honest review. While I enjoyed it the ending big reveal was disappointing. I knew Gwen had been kidnapped but found the denouement confusing. Apparently the town sheriff killed the pedophile and the mother killed the missing girl accidentally. Gwen was the wife in training to Cady's older sister. The older sister gave birth and Gwen kidnapped the baby and reached safety. That baby was Cady.
Lots of drams about Gwen's big secret which was that she got groomed and knocked up at age 16 by another pedophile. Baby was put up for adoption.
I did not suspect baby Tara was a reborn doll. I thought she was the child of the baby killer Mom. Who apparently was innocent (of murder but not of trusting a boyfriend with her progeny who killed them as some sort of revenge- that wasn't clear). And I thought maybe she was biracial or deformed in some way so they hid her.
I was also disappointed her husband wasn't evil and cheating on her with the twinky real estate agent. I wanted Gwen back at work in Baltimore and in a relationship with her police partner.
An okay read but the denouement didn't match the buildup. I half expected the town to be a portal to the underworld or something from the build up. A fun light read but also easy to skip.
Lots of drams about Gwen's big secret which was that she got groomed and knocked up at age 16 by another pedophile. Baby was put up for adoption.
I did not suspect baby Tara was a reborn doll. I thought she was the child of the baby killer Mom. Who apparently was innocent (of murder but not of trusting a boyfriend with her progeny who killed them as some sort of revenge- that wasn't clear). And I thought maybe she was biracial or deformed in some way so they hid her.
I was also disappointed her husband wasn't evil and cheating on her with the twinky real estate agent. I wanted Gwen back at work in Baltimore and in a relationship with her police partner.
An okay read but the denouement didn't match the buildup. I half expected the town to be a portal to the underworld or something from the build up. A fun light read but also easy to skip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2025
If you are just now discovering this author with this book, allow me to make the introduction! Jessica R. Patch, the queen of dark and twisty strikes again with a stellar 5 stars!
Once again, she excelled in giving me whiplash with her didn’t-see-it-coming twist and turning surprises. I literally gasped out loud in the back of a van on a family trip, startling everyone (sorry, family). And not many authors/books can elicit a verbal response from me while I’m in the middle of devouring a book, but this one did! There were many “what?!” and “no blasted way!” moments.
And this author has such a gift of presenting real life darkness and messes in such a relatable way, but also highlighting that light always wins. This isn’t a feel-good story. It’s hard, ugly, and raw. You get a front row seat of the aftermath of trauma. And you get a front passenger view on the path of destruction that lies and deceit can lead.
And the ending was just absolutely excellent! I wouldn’t be the least bit displeased if the author decided to make a small series stemming from this book (*hint, hint, wink, wink).
By far, this one is a top notch clean thriller that didn’t lose one ounce of the spookiness.
I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for my review.
Once again, she excelled in giving me whiplash with her didn’t-see-it-coming twist and turning surprises. I literally gasped out loud in the back of a van on a family trip, startling everyone (sorry, family). And not many authors/books can elicit a verbal response from me while I’m in the middle of devouring a book, but this one did! There were many “what?!” and “no blasted way!” moments.
And this author has such a gift of presenting real life darkness and messes in such a relatable way, but also highlighting that light always wins. This isn’t a feel-good story. It’s hard, ugly, and raw. You get a front row seat of the aftermath of trauma. And you get a front passenger view on the path of destruction that lies and deceit can lead.
And the ending was just absolutely excellent! I wouldn’t be the least bit displeased if the author decided to make a small series stemming from this book (*hint, hint, wink, wink).
By far, this one is a top notch clean thriller that didn’t lose one ounce of the spookiness.
I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for my review.
March 8, 2026
3.5 🌟 This was a fun read with a creepy setting and atmosphere that worked well.
Because the premise sounded great, I hoped the book would hook me. While that didn’t happen, I still enjoyed the story and the writing.
The pacing felt a little off. It started fast, then slowed down and picked up again very much for the ending. I also missed some more depth to some things in the story and characters.
The twists and the build-up to them were well done, but they didn’t really blow me away. Overall, it was a solid and fun read, so I’d definitely recommend it.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Because the premise sounded great, I hoped the book would hook me. While that didn’t happen, I still enjoyed the story and the writing.
The pacing felt a little off. It started fast, then slowed down and picked up again very much for the ending. I also missed some more depth to some things in the story and characters.
The twists and the build-up to them were well done, but they didn’t really blow me away. Overall, it was a solid and fun read, so I’d definitely recommend it.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 6, 2025
Wow! More than 5 stars for this book! This psychological thriller had my heart racing from the beginning to the end. I even gasped out loud a few times (scaring my family!) I wouldn't have guessed who the perpetrator was in a million years.
Gwen really touched my heart. She's broken in many ways. Her life is full of questions and haunting memories. As the layers of her past story unfold, the more she can make sense of what's happening to her. Steven seems like an overbearing and controlling husband. It soon becomes apparent that he has his own heavy burdens to bear. Cady is my favorite! She's kind, compassionate, and loyal. Her friendship with Gwen helped to solve many mysteries.
There are not only missing girls, cryptic messages, and nightmares. Redemption and second chances offer hope and reconciliation!
Jessica Patch is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! I read "The Other Sister " a little while ago and man that one had my heart racing too! I'll probably read this book again when it gets closer to Halloween! 🎃
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gwen really touched my heart. She's broken in many ways. Her life is full of questions and haunting memories. As the layers of her past story unfold, the more she can make sense of what's happening to her. Steven seems like an overbearing and controlling husband. It soon becomes apparent that he has his own heavy burdens to bear. Cady is my favorite! She's kind, compassionate, and loyal. Her friendship with Gwen helped to solve many mysteries.
There are not only missing girls, cryptic messages, and nightmares. Redemption and second chances offer hope and reconciliation!
Jessica Patch is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! I read "The Other Sister " a little while ago and man that one had my heart racing too! I'll probably read this book again when it gets closer to Halloween! 🎃
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 29, 2025
This book is so well written, so spooky, and so mind bending. You think you have it figured out and then you are proven wrong, time and time again.
What a wild ride! This book addresses some very hard issues but is tastefully done. I’ve definitely read crime novels that go into explicit detail of said crimes, however, with good writing such as this book offers, there’s no need to go there.
There’s so much mystery in every chapter. And at the end, I was left with the thought of “what just happened?!”
I just want to clap for the last chapter. So well done.
I also enjoyed the faith elements scattered within. 👍🏼
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Release date April 28, 2026!
What a wild ride! This book addresses some very hard issues but is tastefully done. I’ve definitely read crime novels that go into explicit detail of said crimes, however, with good writing such as this book offers, there’s no need to go there.
There’s so much mystery in every chapter. And at the end, I was left with the thought of “what just happened?!”
I just want to clap for the last chapter. So well done.
I also enjoyed the faith elements scattered within. 👍🏼
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Release date April 28, 2026!
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