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The Girl Upstairs
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26She 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
Expected publication April 28, 2026
838 people want to read
About the author
Jessica R. Patch
117 books1,132 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 163 reviews
November 7, 2025
WORTHY OF ALL THE STARS!!!!!
I binge-read this one last night and still slept like a baby! 😂
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“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! 😂
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“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
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.
October 17, 2025
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!
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
February 4, 2026
Gwen and Stephen need a fresh start in their marriage so they move to a small town in Maine where they plan to restore their new house. But this house has a very disturbing history and Gwen is determined to get to the bottom of it.
This is a book where you must pay attention! We are constantly finding new information that’s unfolding this mystery of the house. Lots of twists and turns and honestly I didn’t see any of it coming!
This is a book where you must pay attention! We are constantly finding new information that’s unfolding this mystery of the house. Lots of twists and turns and honestly I didn’t see any of it coming!
October 2, 2025
This one keeped me turning pages all thru the night! A hunting suspense where a broken marriage , a cliff side fixer upper, and the secrets of a Cold Harbor unravel into a decades old nightmare that refuses to stay buried!
Would you spend the night in the house of horror with a dark past?
Would you spend the night in the house of horror with a dark past?
October 6, 2025
Wow, what a wild ride! From the first page to the last, the book was engaging and suspenseful, full of twists, turns and unexpected surprises. So many times I said "just one more chapter" because I needed to know what happened next. If you are looking for a great suspense/thriller book, look no further, you've found it! You will find real life tragedy, personally relatable characters (if you live in the real world) and may even find parts of yourself in one or more of these characters. You will also see a story of hope, redemption, forgiveness and justice amongst other things. What you won't find is explicit language or smut which is refreshing.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This review is my personal and honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This review is my personal and honest opinion.
October 2, 2025
Wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The twists kept me guessing the whole time. I really couldn’t put this book down! I also enjoyed seeing a character with a pretty familiar name. This one book that I know that I’ll be suggesting to my friends and family!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 10, 2026
Wow, I totally devoured this book. I loved the characters, and the mystery threw me for a loop more than once. It was creepy, mysterious, and delightfully layered—giving me all the vibes I look for in a good psychological thriller. I also appreciated the subtle underlying message of hope, and the fact that it was clean. I’ve definitely found a new favorite author.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the opportunity to read this complementary Advanced Reader Copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the opportunity to read this complementary Advanced Reader Copy.
November 3, 2025
"Even when things go sideways, I believe God can fix you when no one and nothing else can."
It's another read-through-the-night and get-scared-with-every-noise Jessica R. Patch book. It's totally engrossing, extremely clever, and completely satisfying mystery suspense novel. Gwen's first person voice was raw, honest even in her dishonesty and lack of insight, heart-breaking, and tenacious. She made a lot of mistakes, fueled by confusion, loss, grief, and pain. I have read the author's previous books so I knew to suspect everyone and anyone who is in the story as the villain. Even with this cautious approach I couldn't help but love Cady and Steven. Cady provided the friendship Gwen needed and became a sounding board for Gwen's murder-solving, crime-fighting self even if Gwen no longer carried a badge. Stephen was the long-suffering husband who gave up so much to salvage his marriage to Gwen. Neither Stephen nor Gwen was perfect; they both had issues of insecurity but we discover much later in the book why Gwen had trust issues. Gwen had good gut instincts but not every one of them led to the truth. These broken characters made the story real and tangible. Plenty of plot twists kept the story moving at a fast clip. Once you start the book, you will not be able to put it down.
Jessica R Patch has become one of my favorite suspense authors. Her books are a bit more suspenseful than I normally read in this genre but you will never be disappointed by her books.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Harlequin and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
It's another read-through-the-night and get-scared-with-every-noise Jessica R. Patch book. It's totally engrossing, extremely clever, and completely satisfying mystery suspense novel. Gwen's first person voice was raw, honest even in her dishonesty and lack of insight, heart-breaking, and tenacious. She made a lot of mistakes, fueled by confusion, loss, grief, and pain. I have read the author's previous books so I knew to suspect everyone and anyone who is in the story as the villain. Even with this cautious approach I couldn't help but love Cady and Steven. Cady provided the friendship Gwen needed and became a sounding board for Gwen's murder-solving, crime-fighting self even if Gwen no longer carried a badge. Stephen was the long-suffering husband who gave up so much to salvage his marriage to Gwen. Neither Stephen nor Gwen was perfect; they both had issues of insecurity but we discover much later in the book why Gwen had trust issues. Gwen had good gut instincts but not every one of them led to the truth. These broken characters made the story real and tangible. Plenty of plot twists kept the story moving at a fast clip. Once you start the book, you will not be able to put it down.
Jessica R Patch has become one of my favorite suspense authors. Her books are a bit more suspenseful than I normally read in this genre but you will never be disappointed by her books.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Harlequin and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
✨ But the lies never really leave do they? They cling to the underside of every laugh, every easy moment. I don’t like lies. ✨
✨Whisper a prayer- not for clarity, not for forgiveness that I don’t deserve, just for God to see me. To lift the veil that’s been draped over my soul for decades. ✨
✨Bitterness is an ugly weed with a root that wraps like choking vines, leaving no breathing room for grace and mercy to bloom. ✨
✨ Time robs us of memory. Robs us of the good moments. We think we’ll remember them. But we don’t ✨
✨ Monsters, I’ve learned, come in many forms, clothed in both beauty and deceit. ✨
~
📖Summary:
She bought this house to save her marriage. But the secrets inside might destroy her first. Gwen hopes a fresh start in Cold Harbor, Maine—the town she loved as a child—will heal both her and her marriage. The plan is simple: fix up their cliff-side home and maybe fix each other along the way. But from the moment they arrive, the house feels wrong. Strange noises, shifting shadows, whispers in the dark. Her husband brushes it off, but Gwen’s instincts as a former homicide detective tell her otherwise. Then she pulls back the attic carpet—and finds a chilling message carved into the floor. The deeper Gwen digs into the town’s past, the more horrifying the truth becomes: a missing girl, a house with secrets, and a nightmare that never really ended.
~
🖊️💞My thoughts:
Ok so yeah give me a second…. that just happened. Jessica strikes again—absolutely blowing my mind! I’ll give myself some credit for catching two plot twists (out of the thousands she throws in, because with her you can never be too sure 🤭). Her foreshadowing is unreal—you don’t realize it until the whole truth comes crashing down, and suddenly it all makes sense. Truly, she’s been blessed with such a gift. I love how her stories always weave light and hope through the darkness, and this one was no exception. Suspenseful, thrilling, and filled with jaw-dropping twists that had me questioning everyone. I couldn’t trust a single story, and I was wrong about so many characters in the best possible way. Jessica has quickly become one of my favorite clean psychological thriller authors, because with her you never know what’s coming—and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive. Opening one of her books is like strapping into a wild ride you’ll never forget. So, if you’re looking for a read that will absolutely blow your face off—this is the one, my friend. 😌☝️
~
Thank you Netgalley & Jessica for providing me with an Arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
~
Stay blessed 🙏
✨ But the lies never really leave do they? They cling to the underside of every laugh, every easy moment. I don’t like lies. ✨
✨Whisper a prayer- not for clarity, not for forgiveness that I don’t deserve, just for God to see me. To lift the veil that’s been draped over my soul for decades. ✨
✨Bitterness is an ugly weed with a root that wraps like choking vines, leaving no breathing room for grace and mercy to bloom. ✨
✨ Time robs us of memory. Robs us of the good moments. We think we’ll remember them. But we don’t ✨
✨ Monsters, I’ve learned, come in many forms, clothed in both beauty and deceit. ✨
~
📖Summary:
She bought this house to save her marriage. But the secrets inside might destroy her first. Gwen hopes a fresh start in Cold Harbor, Maine—the town she loved as a child—will heal both her and her marriage. The plan is simple: fix up their cliff-side home and maybe fix each other along the way. But from the moment they arrive, the house feels wrong. Strange noises, shifting shadows, whispers in the dark. Her husband brushes it off, but Gwen’s instincts as a former homicide detective tell her otherwise. Then she pulls back the attic carpet—and finds a chilling message carved into the floor. The deeper Gwen digs into the town’s past, the more horrifying the truth becomes: a missing girl, a house with secrets, and a nightmare that never really ended.
~
🖊️💞My thoughts:
Ok so yeah give me a second…. that just happened. Jessica strikes again—absolutely blowing my mind! I’ll give myself some credit for catching two plot twists (out of the thousands she throws in, because with her you can never be too sure 🤭). Her foreshadowing is unreal—you don’t realize it until the whole truth comes crashing down, and suddenly it all makes sense. Truly, she’s been blessed with such a gift. I love how her stories always weave light and hope through the darkness, and this one was no exception. Suspenseful, thrilling, and filled with jaw-dropping twists that had me questioning everyone. I couldn’t trust a single story, and I was wrong about so many characters in the best possible way. Jessica has quickly become one of my favorite clean psychological thriller authors, because with her you never know what’s coming—and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive. Opening one of her books is like strapping into a wild ride you’ll never forget. So, if you’re looking for a read that will absolutely blow your face off—this is the one, my friend. 😌☝️
~
Thank you Netgalley & Jessica for providing me with an Arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
~
Stay blessed 🙏
January 24, 2026
Summary:
Unearthing its secrets could cost her everything. The Girl Upstairs is a masterclass in psychological thriller, proving the scariest monsters aren't under the bed—they’re the ones hiding in plain sight.
Gwen McDaniel's life is shattered. Once a homicide detective, her career ended abruptly after a series of critical mistakes. Desperate for a fresh start, she moves with her husband, Steven, and their baby, Tara, to a cliffside fixer-upper in Cold Harbor, Maine—the town where she vacationed as a child. Their goal: renovate the house and save their marriage.
Peace in the small town is short-lived. From the moment of arrival, Gwen is haunted by eerie sounds and sights, which Steven dismisses as shadows or her troubled past. Yet Gwen’s detective instincts refuse to stay dormant.
The tension escalates when Gwen removes the attic carpet and finds a chilling message carved into the floorboards. She dives into the house’s history and the local community, uncovering a decades-old nightmare.
Review:
Jessica R. Patch's The Girl Upstairs left me breathless. This book was an absolute psychological rollercoaster from start to finish. There were so many nights I found myself reading late into the evening, and let me tell you – this is the type of story that has you glancing at your own ceiling and looking behind you. Reading it in the dark definitely had me constantly on my toes, trying to solve the mystery.
What sets this thriller apart is how it handles Gwen McDaniel. As a former homicide detective, she has the skills to solve a mystery, but her trauma makes her an unreliable witness in everyone else's eyes, even her husband’s. This dynamic creates a tension that never relents. You feel her fear and frustration as she hears attic noises and uncovers chilling messages after pulling up the carpet.
This suspenseful book is masterfully paced, never leaving you bored. Patch doesn't rely on jump scares; instead, she creates atmospheric dread using the cold, isolated Maine coastline. Each character is layered and interesting, and you never know who to trust, which keeps you guessing through every twist. This is a haunting look at how those closest to us can mask the darkest intentions. If you love stories that reveal the most terrifying monsters hiding in plain sight, you need to pick this up – just maybe keep the lights on while you read!
Unearthing its secrets could cost her everything. The Girl Upstairs is a masterclass in psychological thriller, proving the scariest monsters aren't under the bed—they’re the ones hiding in plain sight.
Gwen McDaniel's life is shattered. Once a homicide detective, her career ended abruptly after a series of critical mistakes. Desperate for a fresh start, she moves with her husband, Steven, and their baby, Tara, to a cliffside fixer-upper in Cold Harbor, Maine—the town where she vacationed as a child. Their goal: renovate the house and save their marriage.
Peace in the small town is short-lived. From the moment of arrival, Gwen is haunted by eerie sounds and sights, which Steven dismisses as shadows or her troubled past. Yet Gwen’s detective instincts refuse to stay dormant.
The tension escalates when Gwen removes the attic carpet and finds a chilling message carved into the floorboards. She dives into the house’s history and the local community, uncovering a decades-old nightmare.
Review:
Jessica R. Patch's The Girl Upstairs left me breathless. This book was an absolute psychological rollercoaster from start to finish. There were so many nights I found myself reading late into the evening, and let me tell you – this is the type of story that has you glancing at your own ceiling and looking behind you. Reading it in the dark definitely had me constantly on my toes, trying to solve the mystery.
What sets this thriller apart is how it handles Gwen McDaniel. As a former homicide detective, she has the skills to solve a mystery, but her trauma makes her an unreliable witness in everyone else's eyes, even her husband’s. This dynamic creates a tension that never relents. You feel her fear and frustration as she hears attic noises and uncovers chilling messages after pulling up the carpet.
This suspenseful book is masterfully paced, never leaving you bored. Patch doesn't rely on jump scares; instead, she creates atmospheric dread using the cold, isolated Maine coastline. Each character is layered and interesting, and you never know who to trust, which keeps you guessing through every twist. This is a haunting look at how those closest to us can mask the darkest intentions. If you love stories that reveal the most terrifying monsters hiding in plain sight, you need to pick this up – just maybe keep the lights on while you read!
November 17, 2025
Gwen McDaniel along with her husband and baby moved to Cold Water Maine to start over. He is a doctor and she is a former detective.
Trigger warning: This book deals with some dark matters such as child abduction, grooming, child SA, miscarriage and mental health.
I could not put this book down. Stayed up way too late reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Something happened in the former place they lived but the reader is not given much information at first. They moved into an area where she remembers visiting as a child. They purchase an older home which is downright creepy. She hears noises in the night but her husband doesn't hear those noises. I am wondering when I start reading this book if her husband is gaslighting her. Also a femur bone is found on the property but the local officials says it is an animal bone. Gwen questions that and so does Cady a new friend she made in town. More strange things keep happening. There are so many twists and turns. Around 70 percent into the book the twists start coming and they don't stop until the end. I keep thinking the book was going into one direction and then I realize I am wrong. So many twists in this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Trigger warning: This book deals with some dark matters such as child abduction, grooming, child SA, miscarriage and mental health.
I could not put this book down. Stayed up way too late reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Something happened in the former place they lived but the reader is not given much information at first. They moved into an area where she remembers visiting as a child. They purchase an older home which is downright creepy. She hears noises in the night but her husband doesn't hear those noises. I am wondering when I start reading this book if her husband is gaslighting her. Also a femur bone is found on the property but the local officials says it is an animal bone. Gwen questions that and so does Cady a new friend she made in town. More strange things keep happening. There are so many twists and turns. Around 70 percent into the book the twists start coming and they don't stop until the end. I keep thinking the book was going into one direction and then I realize I am wrong. So many twists in this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
February 16, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Love Inspired Trade for an ARC copy of The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch. Gwen McDaniel was detective in Baltimore until she made a huge mistake and lost her job. She and her husband, Steven, move to Cold Harbor, Maine to start over. They move into a house built in 1896 that has a long and tragic history. When a bone is found on their property, the secrets from the house began to haunt Gwen. But not only secrets from the house, but also with the people in Cold Harbor, and with Gwen herself. The writing in this book is fantastic. It's creepy and the descriptions are spot on. This story is filled with twists and turns. I have rated it 3.5 rounded up to 4, because there was so much going on with the house's history, it made it hard to keep up with and one of the twists I didn't really care for. But overall, this was a solid thriller. and I can't wait to read more by the author.
December 6, 2025
Holy moly, the twists towards the end left me reeling! The Girl Upstairs is a masterclass in psychological suspense. Gwen is drawn to a dream home perched on a seaside cliff—so perfect, she and her husband Steven buy it sight unseen. But paradise quickly turns into a waking nightmare as mysterious happenings blur the line between reality and madness.
Gwen’s struggle with her past, her sanity, and her identity as a former detective is raw and compelling. Steven, a doctor weary of her “antics,” adds tension to an already fragile dynamic. And then there’s Cady— Their friendship and bond is the emotional heartbeat of the story.
Jessica Patch delivers a haunting, atmospheric read that pulls at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Gwen’s heartbreak, resilience, and unraveling past will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend for fans of twisty thrillers with emotional depth.
Gwen’s struggle with her past, her sanity, and her identity as a former detective is raw and compelling. Steven, a doctor weary of her “antics,” adds tension to an already fragile dynamic. And then there’s Cady— Their friendship and bond is the emotional heartbeat of the story.
Jessica Patch delivers a haunting, atmospheric read that pulls at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Gwen’s heartbreak, resilience, and unraveling past will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend for fans of twisty thrillers with emotional depth.
October 6, 2025
I’m not usually a thriller reader but this one sounded right up my alley. A haunted house with a cold atmosphere, things that go bump in the night and SO many secrets.
The plot twists (yes, multiple) came out of nowhere and made everything fall into place. The last hour had me hooked and I totally lost track of time, completely submerged into the story. This is one of those books that keeps you reading well into the night and waking up thinking about what will happen next.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC.
The plot twists (yes, multiple) came out of nowhere and made everything fall into place. The last hour had me hooked and I totally lost track of time, completely submerged into the story. This is one of those books that keeps you reading well into the night and waking up thinking about what will happen next.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Four and a half stars rounded up to five. Gwen McDaniels and her husband, Steven, have moved to Cold Harbor, Maine. When she starts researching the house they bought, she finds that many tragedies have taken place in it. Then strange things start to happen. She hears a baby's cries in the night. She sees a young girl skipping rope, and a red ball that bounces down the stairs. Areas of the house are freezing cold. Is it truly a haunted house? Gwen intends to find out.
Wow. What a book! I literally could not put it down. I did figure out part of the plot, but there were other clever twists that I never saw coming. Highly, highly recommended.
Wow. What a book! I literally could not put it down. I did figure out part of the plot, but there were other clever twists that I never saw coming. Highly, highly recommended.
October 4, 2025
Jessica R. Patch is hands-down my favorite Christian thriller author. The Girl Upstairs is another fantastic read from her! From the very first chapter, she pulls you right in and keeps you hooked. There are so many twists and turns throughout the story — just when you think you’ve got it figured out, she throws in something completely unexpected. And that ending? Total shocker!
If you love fast-paced thrillers with a faith-based message, I definitely recommend this one. Just a little heads-up — if you’ve recently lost a child, some parts might hit a bit too close to home, so you may want to wait until you’re ready.
If you love fast-paced thrillers with a faith-based message, I definitely recommend this one. Just a little heads-up — if you’ve recently lost a child, some parts might hit a bit too close to home, so you may want to wait until you’re ready.
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