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The Couple Upstairs
I should never have become friends with the couple upstairs…
The first time I step inside this cosy apartment with its sash windows, just minutes from the sea, I think it would be the perfect place for me and my partner Zac to start again. A chance to leave our troubled past behind.
Chris and Vanessa, the couple upstairs, are so welcoming: smiles, flowers, a home-baked cake. It’s strange how he does all the talking, and she seems so shy, but I’m just thrilled to have new friends nearby.
But everything starts to go wrong… my business begins to crumble, I can’t ignore the whispers at our housewarming party and loud arguments from upstairs keep me awake at night. I can’t sleep, I can’t think straight and I feel like someone is watching me in my own home.
And then Zac comes home one afternoon, his face clenched with fury, and says he knows what’s going on. He knows about my secret…
He won’t listen to me. He storms out and I’m left in tears, completely devastated.
Why has my life fallen apart since we moved here? Am I going mad? Or is someone trying to destroy us?
If only I’d known what I know now.
If only I hadn’t trusted the couple upstairs.
From the USA Today bestselling author Shalini Boland comes an absolutely heart-thumping psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us.
The first time I step inside this cosy apartment with its sash windows, just minutes from the sea, I think it would be the perfect place for me and my partner Zac to start again. A chance to leave our troubled past behind.
Chris and Vanessa, the couple upstairs, are so welcoming: smiles, flowers, a home-baked cake. It’s strange how he does all the talking, and she seems so shy, but I’m just thrilled to have new friends nearby.
But everything starts to go wrong… my business begins to crumble, I can’t ignore the whispers at our housewarming party and loud arguments from upstairs keep me awake at night. I can’t sleep, I can’t think straight and I feel like someone is watching me in my own home.
And then Zac comes home one afternoon, his face clenched with fury, and says he knows what’s going on. He knows about my secret…
He won’t listen to me. He storms out and I’m left in tears, completely devastated.
Why has my life fallen apart since we moved here? Am I going mad? Or is someone trying to destroy us?
If only I’d known what I know now.
If only I hadn’t trusted the couple upstairs.
From the USA Today bestselling author Shalini Boland comes an absolutely heart-thumping psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2021
1566 people are currently reading
2715 people want to read
About the author
Shalini Boland
41 books3,429 followersShalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 427 reviews
August 14, 2021
Shalini Boland’s latest thriller is about a couple, Nina and Zac, who move into a beautiful two flat on the idyllic Mistletoe Lane. They are in the lower unit, and excited by the prospect of owning their own place. Nina is hopeful that having neighbors so close by (and upstairs) will provide an opportunity to make new friends.
Except, when she and Zac meet the couple upstairs, something seems off. The husband hardly acknowledges Nina, and the wife seems way too quiet. Nina eventually meets some of the other neighbors, and she is just not feeling the love...but she doesn’t know why.
It eventually becomes clear to Nina that she and Zac aren’t welcome in the neighborhood as tension escalates and bad things happen...things that may turn out to be dangerous.
Shalini Boland is an auto-read author for me. I fly through her books and almost always enjoy them. This one is no exception. Her writing is smooth, and I was hooked for most of it, wanting to know the who, the what, and the why.
The last 20% is a bit absurd as the story gets into motives and consequences. I couldn’t really buy into it. Now granted, we hear about unhinged people all of the time who do bad things for a myriad of reasons. I was hoping for something a bit more twisty.
While this won’t offer anything startlingly new to fans of the genre, it’s still an enjoyable and quick read that should entertain most readers. Don’t let the generic title and book cover turn you off. Boland really has some great stories to tell.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 9/13/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Except, when she and Zac meet the couple upstairs, something seems off. The husband hardly acknowledges Nina, and the wife seems way too quiet. Nina eventually meets some of the other neighbors, and she is just not feeling the love...but she doesn’t know why.
It eventually becomes clear to Nina that she and Zac aren’t welcome in the neighborhood as tension escalates and bad things happen...things that may turn out to be dangerous.
Shalini Boland is an auto-read author for me. I fly through her books and almost always enjoy them. This one is no exception. Her writing is smooth, and I was hooked for most of it, wanting to know the who, the what, and the why.
The last 20% is a bit absurd as the story gets into motives and consequences. I couldn’t really buy into it. Now granted, we hear about unhinged people all of the time who do bad things for a myriad of reasons. I was hoping for something a bit more twisty.
While this won’t offer anything startlingly new to fans of the genre, it’s still an enjoyable and quick read that should entertain most readers. Don’t let the generic title and book cover turn you off. Boland really has some great stories to tell.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 9/13/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
September 15, 2021
"A good neighbor is a priceless treasure." - Chinese Proverb
Home, it's where the heart is, right? Home is where you are supposed to feel safe. It's a place to unwind, to reconnect, to entertain, and for some to work. But what happens when your home soon becomes none of those things????
15 Mistletoe Lane
Zac and Nina take the plunge and buy a beautiful flat. Zac would love to travel the world, but Nina wants a home, she runs an online clothing business and needs to have a home base to work. They find the perfect place and soon meet the couple upstairs, Vanessa and Chris. Nina doesn't quite get the warm and fuzzies from the couple. Nina hears things moving at all hours and hears the couple arguing. Heck, the other neighbors aren't too friendly either. But hey, their flat is amazing and they are happy.
From the title, I just knew there would be something about "The couple upstairs" but what???? This book is a fast read and follows the characters as the plot gets going and readers watch as things begin to fall apart and go from bad to worse.
This proved to be a fast paced, enjoyable book about couples, friends, and neighbors. I enjoyed watching as things unraveled and the book came to its thrilling conclusion. This was my first book by Shalini Boland, I know *gasp* but it won’t be my last. This was fun, entertaining, and kept me guessing!
If you are looking for a no nonsense read that is entertaining, well thought out and a quick read, this just may be the book for you!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Devious, dangerous and fast paced.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Home, it's where the heart is, right? Home is where you are supposed to feel safe. It's a place to unwind, to reconnect, to entertain, and for some to work. But what happens when your home soon becomes none of those things????
15 Mistletoe Lane
Zac and Nina take the plunge and buy a beautiful flat. Zac would love to travel the world, but Nina wants a home, she runs an online clothing business and needs to have a home base to work. They find the perfect place and soon meet the couple upstairs, Vanessa and Chris. Nina doesn't quite get the warm and fuzzies from the couple. Nina hears things moving at all hours and hears the couple arguing. Heck, the other neighbors aren't too friendly either. But hey, their flat is amazing and they are happy.
From the title, I just knew there would be something about "The couple upstairs" but what???? This book is a fast read and follows the characters as the plot gets going and readers watch as things begin to fall apart and go from bad to worse.
This proved to be a fast paced, enjoyable book about couples, friends, and neighbors. I enjoyed watching as things unraveled and the book came to its thrilling conclusion. This was my first book by Shalini Boland, I know *gasp* but it won’t be my last. This was fun, entertaining, and kept me guessing!
If you are looking for a no nonsense read that is entertaining, well thought out and a quick read, this just may be the book for you!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Devious, dangerous and fast paced.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
August 10, 2021
3.5 rounded up.
Zac Ainsworth and Nina Davenport excitedly move into the downstairs apartment of 15 Mistletoe Lane in the Bournemouth area. The couple upstairs are Chris and five months pregnant Vanessa. Chris seems cool, reserved and rather dismissive of Nina and friendlier to Zac whereas Nina just seems to be a quiet little mouse hovering in his shadow. Vanessa offers a welcoming gift of a chocolate cake and let the games begin!!
If you’ve ever read a Shalini Boland then you know it’s a twisty ride! A somewhat curmudgeonly neighbour informs Nina, Mistletoe is a parasite, so who is the manipulative parasite in this tale and why? The premise is good and the incidents build in intensity and there are some good moments of fizzling fear and tension. Scenes are described very clearly and it’s easy to visual the scary happenings and I love the setting. Both the couples dynamics are done well but frankly Nina, Zac ain’t worth hanging onto if he lacks trust!!
This is an easy read and I do enjoy it but it follows a predictable path in that you KNOW that there’s going to be a volatile, unpredictable and unhinged character and though I don’t get 100% there, my suspicions are heading in that direction just because it had to be! The reasons for the unfolding events do seem a tad spurious but it does take all sorts and people do take silly things to heart then let things fester and carry out the craziest of actions. There are at least two 180’s by characters that are a bit abrupt, sudden and fortuitous but not necessarily unexpected. Some dialogue is a bit meh on occasions!
Overall though it’s a sort of ‘beach read novel’ especially suitable for Dorset! It’s enjoyable, entertaining and doesn’t take a huge amount of effort to read and sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Zac Ainsworth and Nina Davenport excitedly move into the downstairs apartment of 15 Mistletoe Lane in the Bournemouth area. The couple upstairs are Chris and five months pregnant Vanessa. Chris seems cool, reserved and rather dismissive of Nina and friendlier to Zac whereas Nina just seems to be a quiet little mouse hovering in his shadow. Vanessa offers a welcoming gift of a chocolate cake and let the games begin!!
If you’ve ever read a Shalini Boland then you know it’s a twisty ride! A somewhat curmudgeonly neighbour informs Nina, Mistletoe is a parasite, so who is the manipulative parasite in this tale and why? The premise is good and the incidents build in intensity and there are some good moments of fizzling fear and tension. Scenes are described very clearly and it’s easy to visual the scary happenings and I love the setting. Both the couples dynamics are done well but frankly Nina, Zac ain’t worth hanging onto if he lacks trust!!
This is an easy read and I do enjoy it but it follows a predictable path in that you KNOW that there’s going to be a volatile, unpredictable and unhinged character and though I don’t get 100% there, my suspicions are heading in that direction just because it had to be! The reasons for the unfolding events do seem a tad spurious but it does take all sorts and people do take silly things to heart then let things fester and carry out the craziest of actions. There are at least two 180’s by characters that are a bit abrupt, sudden and fortuitous but not necessarily unexpected. Some dialogue is a bit meh on occasions!
Overall though it’s a sort of ‘beach read novel’ especially suitable for Dorset! It’s enjoyable, entertaining and doesn’t take a huge amount of effort to read and sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 21, 2021
Nina and Zac have just moved into the cozy apartment of their dreams. It’s close to the sea and the perfect place to start their life together. Chris and Vanessa are their new neighbors. After meeting them, things instantly start to go wrong. Nina’s perfect life begins to unravel. Beneath the idyllic facade, lies deception, betrayal and danger. This fast paced thriller had me on the edge of my seat. Shalini Boland never disappoints. Extremely entertaining and suspenseful!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.
September 25, 2021
EXCERPT: 'Nina? Are you coming in, then? ' Zac's warm brown eyes beckon.
I realise I'm standing on the doorstep in a dream while Zac has stepped into the hallway. Suddenly, I'm giddy with nerves and excitement. I can't wait to get inside, but I'm also a little anxious. The one and only time we saw the inside of the flat was three months ago before we put in the offer. I knew we had to move fast to secure it. Property gets snapped up so quickly in this area. I hope it lives up to my memory.
ABOUT 'THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS': I should never have become friends with the couple upstairs…
The first time I step inside this cosy apartment with its sash windows, just minutes from the sea, I think it would be the perfect place for me and my partner Zac to start again. A chance to leave our troubled past behind.
Chris and Vanessa, the couple upstairs, are so welcoming: smiles, flowers, a home-baked cake. It’s strange how he does all the talking, and she seems so shy, but I’m just thrilled to have new friends nearby.
But everything starts to go wrong… my business begins to crumble, I can’t ignore the whispers at our housewarming party and loud arguments from upstairs keep me awake at night. I can’t sleep, I can’t think straight and I feel like someone is watching me in my own home.
And then Zac comes home one afternoon, his face clenched with fury, and says he knows what’s going on. He knows about my secret…
He won’t listen to me. He storms out and I’m left in tears, completely devastated.
Why has my life fallen apart since we moved here? Am I going mad? Or is someone trying to destroy us?
If only I’d known what I know now.
If only I hadn’t trusted the couple upstairs.
MY THOUGHTS: I have read, loved and rated books by this author at five stars in the past but, to be honest, The Couple Upstairs was a very average read. As I got to the 50% mark, I realised I was bored. I seriously debated not finishing, and couldn't quite believe I was considering doing this to a book by Shalini Boland! I had decided to read one more chapter - they are very short - when Boland threw me a curveball, and I kept reading.
Even though I kept reading, The Couple Upstairs was ultimately a disappointment for me. 'Average', and 'obvious' are the words that come to mind, and there's no way that I consider this to be a psychological thriller. No thrills, no suspense, and the psychological motivation is very weak.
Even though this is written in the first person, I didn't feel that I was there, living Nina's experiences. I didn't like Nina, or Zac, their families, or their neighbours. I didn't relate to any of them.
There were a number of things that seemed totally unrealistic to me, from buying a flat after only one viewing, to the end where
Not a read that I will be recommending. This author can do, and has done, much better. Had this been the gripping psychological thriller it's promoted as, I would have read the 260 odd pages in one sitting rather than taking 3 days, as I did.
⭐⭐.6
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama
I: @shaboland @bookouture
T: @ShaliniBoland @Bookouture
THE AUTHOR: Hello :) I write suspense thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog. I only write reviews for books I enjoy!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Couple Upstairs by Shalini Boland via Netgalley for review.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
I realise I'm standing on the doorstep in a dream while Zac has stepped into the hallway. Suddenly, I'm giddy with nerves and excitement. I can't wait to get inside, but I'm also a little anxious. The one and only time we saw the inside of the flat was three months ago before we put in the offer. I knew we had to move fast to secure it. Property gets snapped up so quickly in this area. I hope it lives up to my memory.
ABOUT 'THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS': I should never have become friends with the couple upstairs…
The first time I step inside this cosy apartment with its sash windows, just minutes from the sea, I think it would be the perfect place for me and my partner Zac to start again. A chance to leave our troubled past behind.
Chris and Vanessa, the couple upstairs, are so welcoming: smiles, flowers, a home-baked cake. It’s strange how he does all the talking, and she seems so shy, but I’m just thrilled to have new friends nearby.
But everything starts to go wrong… my business begins to crumble, I can’t ignore the whispers at our housewarming party and loud arguments from upstairs keep me awake at night. I can’t sleep, I can’t think straight and I feel like someone is watching me in my own home.
And then Zac comes home one afternoon, his face clenched with fury, and says he knows what’s going on. He knows about my secret…
He won’t listen to me. He storms out and I’m left in tears, completely devastated.
Why has my life fallen apart since we moved here? Am I going mad? Or is someone trying to destroy us?
If only I’d known what I know now.
If only I hadn’t trusted the couple upstairs.
MY THOUGHTS: I have read, loved and rated books by this author at five stars in the past but, to be honest, The Couple Upstairs was a very average read. As I got to the 50% mark, I realised I was bored. I seriously debated not finishing, and couldn't quite believe I was considering doing this to a book by Shalini Boland! I had decided to read one more chapter - they are very short - when Boland threw me a curveball, and I kept reading.
Even though I kept reading, The Couple Upstairs was ultimately a disappointment for me. 'Average', and 'obvious' are the words that come to mind, and there's no way that I consider this to be a psychological thriller. No thrills, no suspense, and the psychological motivation is very weak.
Even though this is written in the first person, I didn't feel that I was there, living Nina's experiences. I didn't like Nina, or Zac, their families, or their neighbours. I didn't relate to any of them.
There were a number of things that seemed totally unrealistic to me, from buying a flat after only one viewing, to the end where
Not a read that I will be recommending. This author can do, and has done, much better. Had this been the gripping psychological thriller it's promoted as, I would have read the 260 odd pages in one sitting rather than taking 3 days, as I did.
⭐⭐.6
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama
I: @shaboland @bookouture
T: @ShaliniBoland @Bookouture
THE AUTHOR: Hello :) I write suspense thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog. I only write reviews for books I enjoy!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Couple Upstairs by Shalini Boland via Netgalley for review.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 3, 2021
Shalini Boland is an author that I have been reading for several years now with The Couple Upstairs I believe being the ninth book of hers that I have read. A wonderful author of psychological thrillers with plenty of twists and turns I would find myself incredibly shocked to not enjoy one of her books and of course I did enjoy this one too.
The Couple Upstairs is aptly named with our protagonist, Nina, and her significant other, Zac, have moved into a new home in the ground floor and have found themselves with new neighbors upstairs, Chris and Vanessa. Nina does her best to be welcoming to the new neighbors and befriend them even inviting Vanessa to work part time in Nina’s new business adventure. However, Nina keeps hearing things coming from upstairs and begins to have concerns.
One thing that I never fail to find picking up Shalini Boland’s books is a story that pulls me in from the opening pages and doesn’t want to let go. Of course another thing that I’ve come to expect is also questioning everything and just waiting for the twists to come. The story was fast paced and definitely thrilling as I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out how it all tied together and what would happen in the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Couple Upstairs is aptly named with our protagonist, Nina, and her significant other, Zac, have moved into a new home in the ground floor and have found themselves with new neighbors upstairs, Chris and Vanessa. Nina does her best to be welcoming to the new neighbors and befriend them even inviting Vanessa to work part time in Nina’s new business adventure. However, Nina keeps hearing things coming from upstairs and begins to have concerns.
One thing that I never fail to find picking up Shalini Boland’s books is a story that pulls me in from the opening pages and doesn’t want to let go. Of course another thing that I’ve come to expect is also questioning everything and just waiting for the twists to come. The story was fast paced and definitely thrilling as I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out how it all tied together and what would happen in the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 20, 2021
3.5 Stars
When Nina and her boyfriend (Zac) moved to a new flat, she thought they are lucky but their happiness didn’t long last. There are some strange activities upstairs, strange noises, some unfortunate events with her business, health issues… but are they really accidental?!
When I decided to read this story I was excited. I’d read books by this author and enjoyed them but unfortunately, this one didn’t live up to my expectations. It was so predictable. I guessed the twist early on, just didn’t know the reason and after finding out, well, it was far-fetched. I expected something more twisty but still, the writing was good enough to make me read it till the end. Alternating between Then and Now and it’s fast-paced. Overall, despite the issues, I still enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
When Nina and her boyfriend (Zac) moved to a new flat, she thought they are lucky but their happiness didn’t long last. There are some strange activities upstairs, strange noises, some unfortunate events with her business, health issues… but are they really accidental?!
When I decided to read this story I was excited. I’d read books by this author and enjoyed them but unfortunately, this one didn’t live up to my expectations. It was so predictable. I guessed the twist early on, just didn’t know the reason and after finding out, well, it was far-fetched. I expected something more twisty but still, the writing was good enough to make me read it till the end. Alternating between Then and Now and it’s fast-paced. Overall, despite the issues, I still enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
August 26, 2021
This my 13th book have read and reviewed by this author ( my record! ) and so I know it’s going to be a good read, I love the writing style and stories, this one as you can guess was ‘even more up my street’ as was about neighbours, moving home and settling in to discover all is not well ( an understatement)
All I will say is that if you are moving home this book will make you vet any neighbours thoroughly and make sure you know exactly who is going to be living in close quarters to you
Good characters, the always lovely setting of Bournemouth/Dorset, a great party scene where you couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with pity for the poor host and some wonderfully awful Mum’s ( of each main character ) led to a well paced, intriguing and genuinely exciting read where I wasn’t sure who was good and who was bad until all was revealed, great read
9/10
5 Stars
All I will say is that if you are moving home this book will make you vet any neighbours thoroughly and make sure you know exactly who is going to be living in close quarters to you
Good characters, the always lovely setting of Bournemouth/Dorset, a great party scene where you couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with pity for the poor host and some wonderfully awful Mum’s ( of each main character ) led to a well paced, intriguing and genuinely exciting read where I wasn’t sure who was good and who was bad until all was revealed, great read
9/10
5 Stars
November 10, 2021
DNF @ 83%
Oh. My. God.
What was that? Junior high?
The whole time I was hoping this would end up being just a meh read but no. This was much worse.
I'm not a complicated reader, everything works for me. Just give me a bunch of characters (good, evil, sane, insane, whatever) with good characterization, normal pace, a twist (even an obvious one works for me) and any kind of a plausible plot.
But stupid cardboard characters, mundane repetitive actions, juvenile behavior, boring, ridiculous plot, terrible pace - it's way too much, even for me. I'm not picky with my heroines but this heroine... I have no words.
Oh. My. God.
What was that? Junior high?
The whole time I was hoping this would end up being just a meh read but no. This was much worse.
I'm not a complicated reader, everything works for me. Just give me a bunch of characters (good, evil, sane, insane, whatever) with good characterization, normal pace, a twist (even an obvious one works for me) and any kind of a plausible plot.
But stupid cardboard characters, mundane repetitive actions, juvenile behavior, boring, ridiculous plot, terrible pace - it's way too much, even for me. I'm not picky with my heroines but this heroine... I have no words.
September 7, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
All our friends and family were gathered, glasses raised to toast our fresh start. It should have been a night for happiness and celebration. Zac and I had worked hard for this: our first home together, just a minute from the sea. But the dream turned quickly into a nightmare. We'd invited our neighbours too. I wanted to make a good impression - show them we're exactly the sort of people they want living on their street.
Nina and her boyfriend Zac couldn't be happier as they move into their dream home together. Nina has set up her own online business where she will work in the outbuildings as her new office, and Zac is a freelance plumber. They have been together for five years. The neighbours all seem friendly.
The story is told in the present day and the "THEN" format. We do not know who the person is narrating the "THEN" chapters, bit I did guess correctly who it was. Chris and Vanessa come across as a strange couple. I thought Vanessa was maybe just a little bit shy. It's not long before Nina and Zac's lives are falling apart. I did see a few of the twists coming but the one near the end, it came as a complete surprise. The pace is steady in this gripping read. Most of the characters I wasn't too keen on: Belinda, Zac and Nina's mothers and Chris and Vanessa. Shalini Boland has a canny knack at pulling you quickly into the plotline and takes you on a twisted journey while you try to workout who you can and cannot trust. I found the epilogue a bit creepy. The story held my attention throughout. My only problem was, I couldn't read it fast enough.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #ShaliniBoland for my ARC of #TheCoupleUpstairs in exchange for an honest review.
All our friends and family were gathered, glasses raised to toast our fresh start. It should have been a night for happiness and celebration. Zac and I had worked hard for this: our first home together, just a minute from the sea. But the dream turned quickly into a nightmare. We'd invited our neighbours too. I wanted to make a good impression - show them we're exactly the sort of people they want living on their street.
Nina and her boyfriend Zac couldn't be happier as they move into their dream home together. Nina has set up her own online business where she will work in the outbuildings as her new office, and Zac is a freelance plumber. They have been together for five years. The neighbours all seem friendly.
The story is told in the present day and the "THEN" format. We do not know who the person is narrating the "THEN" chapters, bit I did guess correctly who it was. Chris and Vanessa come across as a strange couple. I thought Vanessa was maybe just a little bit shy. It's not long before Nina and Zac's lives are falling apart. I did see a few of the twists coming but the one near the end, it came as a complete surprise. The pace is steady in this gripping read. Most of the characters I wasn't too keen on: Belinda, Zac and Nina's mothers and Chris and Vanessa. Shalini Boland has a canny knack at pulling you quickly into the plotline and takes you on a twisted journey while you try to workout who you can and cannot trust. I found the epilogue a bit creepy. The story held my attention throughout. My only problem was, I couldn't read it fast enough.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #ShaliniBoland for my ARC of #TheCoupleUpstairs in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2021
Zac and Nina purchase their dream flat on Mistletoe Lane only to find out that something is not quite right with their upstairs neighbors. The bulk of the story is told from the present perspective of Nina, while the past perspective of an unknown narrator is told in very brief chapters.
I chose The Couple Upstairs because I liked the premise of the book, but as I've seen a lot lately, the synopsis gives too much away and leaves little to the imagination. I'll start with the characters, I actually didn't care for any of them, including Zac and Nina who didn't seem to have a great relationship from the start. Nina was very self absorbed and Zac didn't seem very supportive. Despite not liking the characters, the writing is good and the pace of the story ramps up steadily mostly keeping the reader engaged, but towards the end it lost momentum and I started skimming a bit.
The ending was a little far-fetched in my opinion and the epilogue should have been left out altogether. Overall, 3 stars. This was my first Shalini Boland book, but I look forward to checking out some of her previous work.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I chose The Couple Upstairs because I liked the premise of the book, but as I've seen a lot lately, the synopsis gives too much away and leaves little to the imagination. I'll start with the characters, I actually didn't care for any of them, including Zac and Nina who didn't seem to have a great relationship from the start. Nina was very self absorbed and Zac didn't seem very supportive. Despite not liking the characters, the writing is good and the pace of the story ramps up steadily mostly keeping the reader engaged, but towards the end it lost momentum and I started skimming a bit.
The ending was a little far-fetched in my opinion and the epilogue should have been left out altogether. Overall, 3 stars. This was my first Shalini Boland book, but I look forward to checking out some of her previous work.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2021
Nina and Zac move into a lovely two-flat and they have their entire future ahead of them. Their eagerness and excitement about the move soon begins to fade, especially for Nina as she quickly becomes concerned about the actions of her neighbors upstairs. The wife, Vanessa, is pregnant and more than a bit quiet, but Nina still holds out hope that they will become friends. However, Nina doesn't like the husband, Chris. Something about him rubs her the wrong way. What is more is that Nina often hears arguments, as well as furniture being tossed about at all hours. What is going on upstairs?
Meanwhile, Nina has a business that she is struggling to get off the ground. When she hosts a dinner for Vanessa and Chris that does not go well, she offers Vanessa a part-time job performing clerical duties. Nina hopes that by working together that Vanessa will be comfortable confiding in her. Nina knows things are not right upstairs and she hopes to do something about it.
Meanwhile, her business is hitting the wall. One neighbor complains about deliveries. Some customers are complaining. Other things go wrong. Nina's partner Zac is completely unconcerned. However, Nina starts to query as to all of these things happening at the same time and if there could be any possible connection.
As this is a psychological thriller, we can expect there to be at least one nefarious character. I was more than drawn into the story the more it progressed, and found myself quite surprised as to who that individual was. I loved being on the edge of my seat while struggling to work things out, especially as Nina's frustrations were so utterly palpable.
If you are looking for a thrilling story that will garner you attention from beginning to end, then this is the book for you. Shalini Boland never disappoints, and The Couple Upstairs most certainly proves that.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Meanwhile, Nina has a business that she is struggling to get off the ground. When she hosts a dinner for Vanessa and Chris that does not go well, she offers Vanessa a part-time job performing clerical duties. Nina hopes that by working together that Vanessa will be comfortable confiding in her. Nina knows things are not right upstairs and she hopes to do something about it.
Meanwhile, her business is hitting the wall. One neighbor complains about deliveries. Some customers are complaining. Other things go wrong. Nina's partner Zac is completely unconcerned. However, Nina starts to query as to all of these things happening at the same time and if there could be any possible connection.
As this is a psychological thriller, we can expect there to be at least one nefarious character. I was more than drawn into the story the more it progressed, and found myself quite surprised as to who that individual was. I loved being on the edge of my seat while struggling to work things out, especially as Nina's frustrations were so utterly palpable.
If you are looking for a thrilling story that will garner you attention from beginning to end, then this is the book for you. Shalini Boland never disappoints, and The Couple Upstairs most certainly proves that.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 8, 2021
A very good stand alone psychological thriller by author Shalini Boland. I read this novel very quickly due to the suspense built up by the author. Good characters and a fast suspenseful plot.
Zac and Nina have moved into a new home and are hoping to leave their past behind. But its not long before they start to have doubts about their home and the dream is starting to feel like a nightmare. Chris and Vanessa live upstairs and Nina hears constant arguing with Chris appearing to bully and manipulate his pregnant partner Vanessa. Other things are also going wrong and Zac and Nina are also arguing a lot and their relationship appears to be seriously at risk.
Quick paced plot with lots of suspense make this an excellent read.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Zac and Nina have moved into a new home and are hoping to leave their past behind. But its not long before they start to have doubts about their home and the dream is starting to feel like a nightmare. Chris and Vanessa live upstairs and Nina hears constant arguing with Chris appearing to bully and manipulate his pregnant partner Vanessa. Other things are also going wrong and Zac and Nina are also arguing a lot and their relationship appears to be seriously at risk.
Quick paced plot with lots of suspense make this an excellent read.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2021
3-3.5 Stars ⭐️
November 20, 2021
Nina and Zacare move into their new flat in a beautiful area, but soon after that strange things begin to happen. Nice thriller, I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
August 3, 2024
I love Shalini Boland
October 16, 2021
Worth a look through your curtains
☀️☀️☀️🌤 3.75 stars
Nina and Zac are adulting - buying their first home together, and hoping that they’ll create a life, with neighbours as friends, successful businesses, and a happy future together.
That is, until things start going wrong. Nina suspects Chris, the abrasive upstairs neighbour, who has all the hallmarks of a toxic abusive relationship with his pregnant wife, Ness.
This thriller keeps the suspense going at a good pace, until about three quarters through - how much more could go wrong? Quite a lot, it would seem. Nina is in a battle for her relationship, her business, her sanity, it would seem, and eventually, her life. Who is behind this campaign of terror? That kept me guessing to the end, but I did find the dragged-out revenge plans a bit OTT. That’s just me. I like my revenge subtle.
☀️☀️☀️🌤 3.75 stars
Nina and Zac are adulting - buying their first home together, and hoping that they’ll create a life, with neighbours as friends, successful businesses, and a happy future together.
That is, until things start going wrong. Nina suspects Chris, the abrasive upstairs neighbour, who has all the hallmarks of a toxic abusive relationship with his pregnant wife, Ness.
This thriller keeps the suspense going at a good pace, until about three quarters through - how much more could go wrong? Quite a lot, it would seem. Nina is in a battle for her relationship, her business, her sanity, it would seem, and eventually, her life. Who is behind this campaign of terror? That kept me guessing to the end, but I did find the dragged-out revenge plans a bit OTT. That’s just me. I like my revenge subtle.
October 10, 2021
4+
This is my third Shalini Boland story. I read The Wife a year ago and have been looking forward to Ms. Boland’s next book.
Nina Davenport and Zac Ainsworth are excited about moving to their new place at 15 Mistletoe Lane. They have been saving to buy a house; a first floor flat wasn’t what they were looking to buy but the house is in a 'great' expensive neighborhood and somewhat near the shore. Nina loves it and although Zac likes it, he is worried about expenses. They decide that moving into a place they own is a sign of a new beginning and a chance to leave their past behind (Not sure what past they are leaving but sure we will know soon!)
They are welcomed by Chris and Vanessa the couple upstairs with wine and homemade chocolate cake. They seem nice, Chris is outgoing and Vanessa is 5 months pregnant and very quiet. That evening after eating the cake both Nina and Zac get sick and believe it is just the stomach flu.
Soon Nina and Zac have concerns about the couple upstairs and the sounds they are hearing in the middle of the night. Chris continues to be outgoing but Vanessa seems to be always near tears. She claims it is morning sickness she has in the evenings.
Nina is worried this move might have been a mistake. (Hmm it gets worst)
Story is told from the POV of Nina; however, ‘Then’ has POV chapters. I was rather sure I knew who was ‘then” but certainly didn’t know the details!
As always I enjoyed reading the author’s ‘Acknowledgements’’ ~ Shalini Boland does NOT disappoint!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture, for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my honest professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 13, 2021
This is my third Shalini Boland story. I read The Wife a year ago and have been looking forward to Ms. Boland’s next book.
Nina Davenport and Zac Ainsworth are excited about moving to their new place at 15 Mistletoe Lane. They have been saving to buy a house; a first floor flat wasn’t what they were looking to buy but the house is in a 'great' expensive neighborhood and somewhat near the shore. Nina loves it and although Zac likes it, he is worried about expenses. They decide that moving into a place they own is a sign of a new beginning and a chance to leave their past behind (Not sure what past they are leaving but sure we will know soon!)
They are welcomed by Chris and Vanessa the couple upstairs with wine and homemade chocolate cake. They seem nice, Chris is outgoing and Vanessa is 5 months pregnant and very quiet. That evening after eating the cake both Nina and Zac get sick and believe it is just the stomach flu.
Soon Nina and Zac have concerns about the couple upstairs and the sounds they are hearing in the middle of the night. Chris continues to be outgoing but Vanessa seems to be always near tears. She claims it is morning sickness she has in the evenings.
Nina is worried this move might have been a mistake. (Hmm it gets worst)
Story is told from the POV of Nina; however, ‘Then’ has POV chapters. I was rather sure I knew who was ‘then” but certainly didn’t know the details!
As always I enjoyed reading the author’s ‘Acknowledgements’’ ~ Shalini Boland does NOT disappoint!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture, for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my honest professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 13, 2021
September 14, 2021
The premise of this book sounded super interesting: a couple moves into a beautiful flat and soon finds out that something's going on with the neighbours. I thought that it would be extremely thrilling and scary but unfortunately it turned out to be pretty predictable. I still don't know if the main character was insufferable or just being gaslighted - I think the story would've benefitted from being told in 3rd person narration. At first I thought that he book would be too short to tell the whole story but it turned out to have so many unnecessary sentences and descriptions that provided absolutely nothing to the story. The last 40% was when I started to skim because I just couldn't care about those long descriptions of friends, buildings or page-long dialogues that could've been shortened to a sentence. There was way too many added characters that didn't add anything to the story with their presence. I didn't like the main plot twist but it might be a personal preference because I just can't stand twists like this. The reason behind it all was absolutely ridiculous and I guessed it before it was revealed (it never happens to me so I guess it means that it was very obvious). It's a quick read but I don't think it's worth your time if you're looking for a good thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this book.
March 5, 2024
3.9 ⭐️
Nina thinks her and her boyfriend have bought the perfect flat, with the perfect neighbors as built-in friends. But as things start to go wrong and her life starts to pull apart, she can't help but wonder. Was this really the perfect home for them.
My Thoughts
I love this style of book. It's perfect for when you don't actually have the time to get stuck in but still want a good read/listen. It's perfect for work, where I keep having to put it aside to deal with customers. It's perfect to listen to while driving even if you tend to get slightly distracted because you're paying attention to the road. It's just a good book.
Nina is such an adorable FMC. She is so sweet and confused and kind. So many little things are going wrong, but they all seem to have big consequences. She runs around trying to put the peices together but never quite being able to make them fit together.
The suspense is spot on. I could feel the anxiety in my blood. Even knowing that the big twist has been revealed and everything will be "fine", I'm also a fan and knew beyond a doubt there was going to be one last turn that I wouldn't see until it was to late.
What I like best about Boland is that everything is so in the realm of ordinary possibilities that I can become alarming. She never crosses into the unbelievable. It's easy to enjoy her books because it could happen to any of us.
Nina thinks her and her boyfriend have bought the perfect flat, with the perfect neighbors as built-in friends. But as things start to go wrong and her life starts to pull apart, she can't help but wonder. Was this really the perfect home for them.
My Thoughts
I love this style of book. It's perfect for when you don't actually have the time to get stuck in but still want a good read/listen. It's perfect for work, where I keep having to put it aside to deal with customers. It's perfect to listen to while driving even if you tend to get slightly distracted because you're paying attention to the road. It's just a good book.
Nina is such an adorable FMC. She is so sweet and confused and kind. So many little things are going wrong, but they all seem to have big consequences. She runs around trying to put the peices together but never quite being able to make them fit together.
The suspense is spot on. I could feel the anxiety in my blood. Even knowing that the big twist has been revealed and everything will be "fine", I'm also a fan and knew beyond a doubt there was going to be one last turn that I wouldn't see until it was to late.
What I like best about Boland is that everything is so in the realm of ordinary possibilities that I can become alarming. She never crosses into the unbelievable. It's easy to enjoy her books because it could happen to any of us.
December 5, 2021
Nina and Zac have just bought their first home, their dream home on Mistletoe Lane near the Bournemouth coast it is a ground floor flat in a converted house. They are excited about it and Nina has even named her new fashion business after Mistletoe Lane. Chris and Vanessa are the couple who live above them. who are expecting their first baby. pleasant at first but Nina quickly becomes suspicious of Chris's inconsistent attitude and behaviour and is concerned about his treatment of Vanessa, who appears rather reserved and downtrodden. When strange things start to happen Nina begins to think they've made a mistake moving there, is it all in her mind or is someone out to destroy them and the business?
The Couple Upstairs is told from Nina's perspective, with intermittent chapters in the past by an unknown person. Life starts to go wrong for Nina and Zac soon after they move into the apartment and this has a detrimental effect on their relationship.
The Couple Upstairs is told from Nina's perspective, with intermittent chapters in the past by an unknown person. Life starts to go wrong for Nina and Zac soon after they move into the apartment and this has a detrimental effect on their relationship.
September 7, 2021
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Shalini Boland's newest twisty thriller THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS.
The last book I read was one in which poses the question "how well do you know your neighbours?" as did the one before that? Am I sensing a pattern here? LOL However, not to be outdone, Shalini puts pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and thrashes out yet another outstanding domestic thriller that will have us questioning just how well we really do know our neighbours!
“Our new home was supposed to be a chance to leave our past behind. But was moving here the worst mistake of our lives?”
When Nina and Zac first set eyes on 15A Mistletoe Lane, it's love at first sight. The flat, which was once couple with the upstairs flat to make an even bigger home, is perfect for their needs with a couple of outbuildings in which Nina can house her online fashion business which she has named "Mistletoe Lane" in honour of their first home together.
Excited at the prospect of all the things they could do with the space, Zac and Nina arrive on moving-in day to a welcoming party in the form of Chris and Vanessa Jackson who are expecting their first child and live in the upstairs flat. Almost at once, Chris immediately defers to Zac and practically ignoring Nina whilst his wife Vanessa barely utters a word expect to hand over a chocolate cake she baked as a welcome gift. After devouring the scrumptious cake, Nina and Zac suddenly fall ill to a mysterious stomach bug some hours later. It couldn't have been the cake, surely? But even so, the two events now linked in their minds, Nina can barely stomach the thought of chocolate since.
As soon as they have set up their new home, Nina decides to throw a flat-warming party, inviting the neighbours as well as their friends and family. It proves to be something of a success as they meet and greet their new neighbours and catch up with old friends. Although it's a shame her brother Henry's fiance Belinda had to turn up. The woman is a self-absorbed cow, always looking down her nose at Nina and never far from Nina's mother whose champagne taste has her looking a little distastefully at the dated decor of their new home. Despite some of their neighbours looking a little like fish out of water, the evening is a success. And Zac and Nina are looking forward to settling into this neighbourhood which is just a stone's throw from the beach.
Throughout the day Zac is busy with his self-employed plumbing business whilst Nina busies herself with launching "Mistletoe Lane". Although this place was initially out of their budget, because it was to be a working from home business they were able to factor that into their mortgage to negotiate a loan with the help of her new investor. As it was, if it hadn't have been for her investor they might never have known about the existence of this place and Nina hasn't stopped thanking her lucky stars.
And then things begin to go wrong...
Despite their initial friendliness, their upstairs neighbours appear to be somewhat standoffish to the point of rude. And then there are the catastrophic arguments to which Zac and Nina are subjected with the crashing and moving about of furniture and Chris' angry shouts. And why does Chris always defer to Zac but ignore Nina? Why does his wife never speak or hardly leave the flat? Is she intimidated or fearful of him? And why is Zac so enamoured by his new buddy Chris and unable to see what Nina does?
As if that's not enough, her business starts to collapse. Nina had initially employed Vanessa on a casual basis for three hours three days a week. Until her investor got wind of it and the drop in their reviewer rating and suggest Nina let her go until business picks up enough to employ an assistant. Her once popular business now begins to struggle in light of recent bad reviews which now affect sales. From a top that gave a customer a bad rash to comments about rude staff and customer service, Nina has no idea who is doing this to her or why? She begins to suspect her brother's fiance Belinda, thinking she may fear Nina as a rival to her high-end designer stores. But if it isn't, then who is out to destroy her? And more importantly, why?
Then just when Nina thought things couldn't get any worse, she sees Chris having a quiet word with Zac outside their flat one afternoon as he returned home from work after which Zac punched his van, jumped in and drove off with Chris in the passenger seat. What had Chris said that had riled Zac up so much? What she discovers makes her blood run cold. And even worse, Zac refuses to take her calls or even talk to her to get her side of the story. But even when he does...he doesn't listen. So entrenched is he in what Chris had told him that he would take the word of a stranger he has known barely weeks over that of his girlfriend who he has known for five years! The very idea was ludicrous.
And just when Nina discovers the truth behind the campaign that has been waged against her, is it too late for her and Zac? Will he reach her in time? Or will he be too late?
Shalini Boland is a go-to author for me as I can always count on her to thrill and entertain me at a rate of knots while still managing a twist here and there to throw me off (sometimes). I hardly ever read the premise to her books before grabbing them because I just know I won't be disappointed because...I've said it before and I'll say it again...even a bad book by Shalini is a good book!
And I wasn't disappointed. THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS is a fast paced addictive, is frustrating, domestic thriller which had me turning the pages in an attempt to finish before dinner. I read this book in one day as it is such a quick and easy read, as most of Shalini's books are.
The story unfolds through Nina's first person narrative with the inclusion of "THEN" chapters by an unnamed character who will leave us guessing as to their identity. I thought one person, then another before quickly adding a couple of others to my suspect list, before discovering my first choice was the culprit. As with all characterisations, we are left guessing throughout as Shalini is a dab hand at painting each one with slightly unpleasant traits. There is an extra twist that may shock some readers but I had the foresight to believe no one and challenge everything...which lead me to an unlikely aspect.
Overall, THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS will not disappoint die-hard Shalini fans and is perfect for those who enjoy a good twisty domestic thriller that is both addictive and fast-paced from beginning to end.
I would like to thank #ShaliniBoland, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheCoupleUpstairs in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Shalini Boland's newest twisty thriller THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS.
The last book I read was one in which poses the question "how well do you know your neighbours?" as did the one before that? Am I sensing a pattern here? LOL However, not to be outdone, Shalini puts pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and thrashes out yet another outstanding domestic thriller that will have us questioning just how well we really do know our neighbours!
“Our new home was supposed to be a chance to leave our past behind. But was moving here the worst mistake of our lives?”
When Nina and Zac first set eyes on 15A Mistletoe Lane, it's love at first sight. The flat, which was once couple with the upstairs flat to make an even bigger home, is perfect for their needs with a couple of outbuildings in which Nina can house her online fashion business which she has named "Mistletoe Lane" in honour of their first home together.
Excited at the prospect of all the things they could do with the space, Zac and Nina arrive on moving-in day to a welcoming party in the form of Chris and Vanessa Jackson who are expecting their first child and live in the upstairs flat. Almost at once, Chris immediately defers to Zac and practically ignoring Nina whilst his wife Vanessa barely utters a word expect to hand over a chocolate cake she baked as a welcome gift. After devouring the scrumptious cake, Nina and Zac suddenly fall ill to a mysterious stomach bug some hours later. It couldn't have been the cake, surely? But even so, the two events now linked in their minds, Nina can barely stomach the thought of chocolate since.
As soon as they have set up their new home, Nina decides to throw a flat-warming party, inviting the neighbours as well as their friends and family. It proves to be something of a success as they meet and greet their new neighbours and catch up with old friends. Although it's a shame her brother Henry's fiance Belinda had to turn up. The woman is a self-absorbed cow, always looking down her nose at Nina and never far from Nina's mother whose champagne taste has her looking a little distastefully at the dated decor of their new home. Despite some of their neighbours looking a little like fish out of water, the evening is a success. And Zac and Nina are looking forward to settling into this neighbourhood which is just a stone's throw from the beach.
Throughout the day Zac is busy with his self-employed plumbing business whilst Nina busies herself with launching "Mistletoe Lane". Although this place was initially out of their budget, because it was to be a working from home business they were able to factor that into their mortgage to negotiate a loan with the help of her new investor. As it was, if it hadn't have been for her investor they might never have known about the existence of this place and Nina hasn't stopped thanking her lucky stars.
And then things begin to go wrong...
Despite their initial friendliness, their upstairs neighbours appear to be somewhat standoffish to the point of rude. And then there are the catastrophic arguments to which Zac and Nina are subjected with the crashing and moving about of furniture and Chris' angry shouts. And why does Chris always defer to Zac but ignore Nina? Why does his wife never speak or hardly leave the flat? Is she intimidated or fearful of him? And why is Zac so enamoured by his new buddy Chris and unable to see what Nina does?
As if that's not enough, her business starts to collapse. Nina had initially employed Vanessa on a casual basis for three hours three days a week. Until her investor got wind of it and the drop in their reviewer rating and suggest Nina let her go until business picks up enough to employ an assistant. Her once popular business now begins to struggle in light of recent bad reviews which now affect sales. From a top that gave a customer a bad rash to comments about rude staff and customer service, Nina has no idea who is doing this to her or why? She begins to suspect her brother's fiance Belinda, thinking she may fear Nina as a rival to her high-end designer stores. But if it isn't, then who is out to destroy her? And more importantly, why?
Then just when Nina thought things couldn't get any worse, she sees Chris having a quiet word with Zac outside their flat one afternoon as he returned home from work after which Zac punched his van, jumped in and drove off with Chris in the passenger seat. What had Chris said that had riled Zac up so much? What she discovers makes her blood run cold. And even worse, Zac refuses to take her calls or even talk to her to get her side of the story. But even when he does...he doesn't listen. So entrenched is he in what Chris had told him that he would take the word of a stranger he has known barely weeks over that of his girlfriend who he has known for five years! The very idea was ludicrous.
And just when Nina discovers the truth behind the campaign that has been waged against her, is it too late for her and Zac? Will he reach her in time? Or will he be too late?
Shalini Boland is a go-to author for me as I can always count on her to thrill and entertain me at a rate of knots while still managing a twist here and there to throw me off (sometimes). I hardly ever read the premise to her books before grabbing them because I just know I won't be disappointed because...I've said it before and I'll say it again...even a bad book by Shalini is a good book!
And I wasn't disappointed. THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS is a fast paced addictive, is frustrating, domestic thriller which had me turning the pages in an attempt to finish before dinner. I read this book in one day as it is such a quick and easy read, as most of Shalini's books are.
The story unfolds through Nina's first person narrative with the inclusion of "THEN" chapters by an unnamed character who will leave us guessing as to their identity. I thought one person, then another before quickly adding a couple of others to my suspect list, before discovering my first choice was the culprit. As with all characterisations, we are left guessing throughout as Shalini is a dab hand at painting each one with slightly unpleasant traits. There is an extra twist that may shock some readers but I had the foresight to believe no one and challenge everything...which lead me to an unlikely aspect.
Overall, THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS will not disappoint die-hard Shalini fans and is perfect for those who enjoy a good twisty domestic thriller that is both addictive and fast-paced from beginning to end.
I would like to thank #ShaliniBoland, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheCoupleUpstairs in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 9, 2021
Nina and Zac believe they found the perfect home by the sea. They meet the couple from the upstairs flat, Chris and Vanessa, who welcome them with a chocolate cake. Predictively, they become sick. Oh, but wait! Maybe it’s the stomach bug going around. Obviously things only go downhill from here with lots of ambiguous things happening around and to Nina. She begins to suspect that someone around her is sabotaging her life, business, and relationship with Zac. She just needs to figure out who before it’s too late.
Sounds intriguing enough but even the book synopsis is misleading, luring you to think something sinister will happen at their housewarming party. Nope! The frustration with this book continues to the very end. And yeah, the book title here gives everything away. Therefore, the story had to be told in such a different way to make this work, like if there was tangible history between the villain and Nina. Instead, Boland gives us overkill of the “villain's” past, focusing on the father’s death for sympathy? This is not character development at all. Now if Nina had something to do with his death, we’d have crackling tension in every scene.
I wouldn’t call this a thriller at all. Only lukewarm suspense. They were so many inconsistencies with characters motives and behaviors that this book makes little sense. Nina just comes across as paranoid and ungrateful all the time. If Nina was honestly worried about the husband upstairs fighting with his pregnant wife, wouldn’t she call the police instead of her boyfriend who couldn’t do anything about the situation. And wouldn’t her boyfriend of five years believe her over a stranger making baseless cheating accusations? And lastly, but most importantly, the entire story comes down to a grudge. A really insignificant silly grudge. The insane behaviors do not match up with the motives. Total miss here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sounds intriguing enough but even the book synopsis is misleading, luring you to think something sinister will happen at their housewarming party. Nope! The frustration with this book continues to the very end. And yeah, the book title here gives everything away. Therefore, the story had to be told in such a different way to make this work, like if there was tangible history between the villain and Nina. Instead, Boland gives us overkill of the “villain's” past, focusing on the father’s death for sympathy? This is not character development at all. Now if Nina had something to do with his death, we’d have crackling tension in every scene.
I wouldn’t call this a thriller at all. Only lukewarm suspense. They were so many inconsistencies with characters motives and behaviors that this book makes little sense. Nina just comes across as paranoid and ungrateful all the time. If Nina was honestly worried about the husband upstairs fighting with his pregnant wife, wouldn’t she call the police instead of her boyfriend who couldn’t do anything about the situation. And wouldn’t her boyfriend of five years believe her over a stranger making baseless cheating accusations? And lastly, but most importantly, the entire story comes down to a grudge. A really insignificant silly grudge. The insane behaviors do not match up with the motives. Total miss here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 8, 2022
A new home, a new business, a new beginning for Nina and Zac with a good couple upstairs. Until things started going wrong for Nina. Every single thing. Her love of 5 years too leaves her.
Absolutely formulaic. The beginning was fun when Nina had to see one thing going wrong after the other. Then it was so obvious *spoiler alert* if you have read Between You and Me by Lisa Hall
The final motive was flimsy, reminded me of Mean Girls movie where *spoiler alert* high school still influenced the perp even after 2 decades. Ever heard of Carpe Diem? Seize the day?
The writing was good where the build-up of suspense was step-wise. Screws were being tightened on Nina from all directions.
Unanswered questions, I so hated them. Never knew why Nina's investors got into a fight with an upstairs neighbor. Zac left her based on the testimony of a stranger whom he had known for less than a month rather than the love of his life with whom he had lived together for years. She took him back. I would have kicked him out. Easily guessable. No suspense. No thrill. No sitting at the edge of the seat. This style had been done by many other authors. No twists - that was my biggest regret.
Short chapters made the book turn fast. Overall an okay read.
Absolutely formulaic. The beginning was fun when Nina had to see one thing going wrong after the other. Then it was so obvious *spoiler alert* if you have read Between You and Me by Lisa Hall
The final motive was flimsy, reminded me of Mean Girls movie where *spoiler alert* high school still influenced the perp even after 2 decades. Ever heard of Carpe Diem? Seize the day?
The writing was good where the build-up of suspense was step-wise. Screws were being tightened on Nina from all directions.
Unanswered questions, I so hated them. Never knew why Nina's investors got into a fight with an upstairs neighbor. Zac left her based on the testimony of a stranger whom he had known for less than a month rather than the love of his life with whom he had lived together for years. She took him back. I would have kicked him out. Easily guessable. No suspense. No thrill. No sitting at the edge of the seat. This style had been done by many other authors. No twists - that was my biggest regret.
Short chapters made the book turn fast. Overall an okay read.
August 28, 2021
3.7 Stars
Nina and Zac move into a ground floor flat in Mistletoe Lane. The house is charming and near a beach, a perfect choice to settle down and grow roots, Nina feels. The couple has been in a relationship for five years and considers this move a way to add to their happy relationship.
Zac is busy with his plumbing business, and Nina is running an online fashion store. They interact a little with the neighbors, and life seems to go on fine more or less. However, the couple upstairs causes mixed feelings in Nina. Why is Chris always rude? Why doesn’t Vanessa talk much? What are those sounds in the middle of the night? Why can’t Zac see what she notices?
As if that’s not enough, her business starts to collapse. Bad reviews are affecting sales, and the arguments between Zac and Nina have escalated. Someone is doing this on purpose. But who and why? What do they get by ruining Nina and Zac’s lives?
The premise was intriguing, and the story maintains a good pace. There were quite a few characters introduced, and not all of them are important. Since the note down the names, it wasn’t an issue to remember who was who.
Though I wasn’t thinking of the twist, I figured it out pretty soon. The ‘why’ was a mystery, though I had a slight inkling. It was fun to read and discover that my guess was right, even if the reason seemed a little too far-fetched and melodramatic. But then, people do all kinds of things, and worse has happened in real life.
The author did a good job of keeping my interest intact. However, the reveal and the subsequent drama fell flat to me. It was over too soon, followed by a lengthy summary of the events. The solid buildup went for a toss here.
I also have a few issues with Nina and Zac’s relationship. Yeah, the book is narrated by Nina, and I’m bound to take her side. But it did seem like Zac wasn’t really worth all the stress, and he sure didn’t handle things well (despite being matured).
Considering these issues, the rating fell to 3.5. Still, I could finish it sooner than planned, and the story didn’t feel boring anywhere. So that’s plus 0.2 stars.
I remember reading The Wife by the author and thought that ending diluted the book. Looks like the same has happened here (at least for me). Some readers loved the ending, so likely that I’m the odd one out (won’t be a first).
To sum up, The Couple Upstairs is a decent thriller with a great pace and light twists. Don’t worry about figuring things out in advance. The story is still gripping enough to keep you interested.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #TheCoupleUpstairs
Nina and Zac move into a ground floor flat in Mistletoe Lane. The house is charming and near a beach, a perfect choice to settle down and grow roots, Nina feels. The couple has been in a relationship for five years and considers this move a way to add to their happy relationship.
Zac is busy with his plumbing business, and Nina is running an online fashion store. They interact a little with the neighbors, and life seems to go on fine more or less. However, the couple upstairs causes mixed feelings in Nina. Why is Chris always rude? Why doesn’t Vanessa talk much? What are those sounds in the middle of the night? Why can’t Zac see what she notices?
As if that’s not enough, her business starts to collapse. Bad reviews are affecting sales, and the arguments between Zac and Nina have escalated. Someone is doing this on purpose. But who and why? What do they get by ruining Nina and Zac’s lives?
The premise was intriguing, and the story maintains a good pace. There were quite a few characters introduced, and not all of them are important. Since the note down the names, it wasn’t an issue to remember who was who.
Though I wasn’t thinking of the twist, I figured it out pretty soon. The ‘why’ was a mystery, though I had a slight inkling. It was fun to read and discover that my guess was right, even if the reason seemed a little too far-fetched and melodramatic. But then, people do all kinds of things, and worse has happened in real life.
The author did a good job of keeping my interest intact. However, the reveal and the subsequent drama fell flat to me. It was over too soon, followed by a lengthy summary of the events. The solid buildup went for a toss here.
I also have a few issues with Nina and Zac’s relationship. Yeah, the book is narrated by Nina, and I’m bound to take her side. But it did seem like Zac wasn’t really worth all the stress, and he sure didn’t handle things well (despite being matured).
Considering these issues, the rating fell to 3.5. Still, I could finish it sooner than planned, and the story didn’t feel boring anywhere. So that’s plus 0.2 stars.
I remember reading The Wife by the author and thought that ending diluted the book. Looks like the same has happened here (at least for me). Some readers loved the ending, so likely that I’m the odd one out (won’t be a first).
To sum up, The Couple Upstairs is a decent thriller with a great pace and light twists. Don’t worry about figuring things out in advance. The story is still gripping enough to keep you interested.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #TheCoupleUpstairs
August 13, 2021
Zac Ainsworth and his girlfriend, Nina Davenport, both in their 30s, are the new owners of 15A Mistletoe Lane. Zach is a self-employed plumber and heating engineer, and Nina has just started up her online fashion store, “Mistletoe Lane.” The couple upstairs in 15B, Chris and Vanessa Jackson, are expecting their first child. After a promising neighbourhood party, Zach and Nina are looking forward to settling into the neighbourhood. Doubt creeps in when an innocent comment is made about the name of their street and suddenly everything is not as it once seemed.
“Our new home was supposed to be a chance to leave our past behind. But was moving here the worst mistake of our lives?”
Shalini Boland is an auto-buy author for me as I can always count on her fast-paced thrillers to entertain. This one, like all others, has a purpose to each chapter. Boland is very aware of her character arc and the overall theme, resulting in each chapter ending up like a mini story. You’ll notice she ends each chapter with an unsettling feeling or question to be answered. In this case, the upstairs neighbours and the investor. This propels the reader to the next chapter, immersing them further in the story.
Boland is also a master of exquisite characterization. Her main characters are always interesting and each have a personal journey aside from what’s going on around them. Although I had trouble identifying with Nina at first, I became invested in her story when I realized her business was being sabotaged. The author is so adept at making the culprit seemingly appear obvious and then catches readers off guard once they realize who it really is.
Boland creates tension in this story with the weather and adds to it by backing the protagonist into a physical or emotional scenario. Sometimes I felt like yelling at Zach because I knew more than he did! He repeatedly treats Nina with undeserved disdain.
Once you reach the last remaining chapters, the brakes come off the cart and it gains unstoppable speed as it hurtles along the rollercoaster track, twisting and turning, throwing all your preconceived notions to the wind. As it pulls into the final chapter, it all makes sense and you are reminded of the warning about the street name and undoubtedly agree that Boland got you AGAIN!
Publishes September 13, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Shalini Boland, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
“Our new home was supposed to be a chance to leave our past behind. But was moving here the worst mistake of our lives?”
Shalini Boland is an auto-buy author for me as I can always count on her fast-paced thrillers to entertain. This one, like all others, has a purpose to each chapter. Boland is very aware of her character arc and the overall theme, resulting in each chapter ending up like a mini story. You’ll notice she ends each chapter with an unsettling feeling or question to be answered. In this case, the upstairs neighbours and the investor. This propels the reader to the next chapter, immersing them further in the story.
Boland is also a master of exquisite characterization. Her main characters are always interesting and each have a personal journey aside from what’s going on around them. Although I had trouble identifying with Nina at first, I became invested in her story when I realized her business was being sabotaged. The author is so adept at making the culprit seemingly appear obvious and then catches readers off guard once they realize who it really is.
Boland creates tension in this story with the weather and adds to it by backing the protagonist into a physical or emotional scenario. Sometimes I felt like yelling at Zach because I knew more than he did! He repeatedly treats Nina with undeserved disdain.
Once you reach the last remaining chapters, the brakes come off the cart and it gains unstoppable speed as it hurtles along the rollercoaster track, twisting and turning, throwing all your preconceived notions to the wind. As it pulls into the final chapter, it all makes sense and you are reminded of the warning about the street name and undoubtedly agree that Boland got you AGAIN!
Publishes September 13, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Shalini Boland, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 11, 2021
This was a very compelling and additive book to read. From page one I was hooked and I loved the twists and turns. The ending was brilliant and I'm wondering if there will be a sequel. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
I loved this creepy book. It was very addictive. The ending was brilliant. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
I loved this creepy book. It was very addictive. The ending was brilliant. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 3, 2024
Nina and Zac have just bought their dream home, 15A Mistletoe Lane. They've hit the jackpot with this converted ground floor apartment with its elegance, charm and idyllic location. There's even a private garden complete with a shed out back, which Nina can use as a home office. Sure, the apartment may need a little bit of tender care, but the couple are thrilled.
Nothing could possibly mar their joy. Not even a bout of food poisoning on their first day. Oh. Right. The married couple upstairs have made a welcoming guesture with a chocolate cake. Which they refuse to eat. RIIIIGGGHHT. If Chris and Vanessa's odd behaviour wasn't already a red flag, THAT should've been.
Still, Nina wants to make friends. In her mind, Vanessa is her new bestie already. It doesn't even matter that she's a bit too meek and let's her husband walk over her. In fact, Nina suspects that Chris may be physical abusing his pregnant wife. He's certainly got the deminior for it and Nina really doesn't like him AT ALL. Even worse, Mr Jackson is getting pally with Zac!
Then odd stuff starts occuring frequently. Stuff that not only threatens Nina's online business, but also her and Zac's relationship. Watch those cracks start developing guys. Before long, this so called odd stuff becomes DANGEROUS. Nina's still convinced that Chris is behind all the shenanigans. But what reason does he have to sabotage someone he's just met?
What did I just read, because this was crazy with a capital C!! Whilst I'm all for a psychological thriller it's the MC that let this down for me. Nina is. Just. So. Whiny and a tad too self centred. Girl. There's plenty of things out there that's worth more than fame and fortune! I'd even go as far as calling Nina a spoilt brat. You can do better, Zac. So much better.
And what's with their surrounding neighbours, who are less than welcoming? One even goes so far to inform (quite rudely) Nina that mistletoe is a kind of parasite. When she's just registered her business name AFTER her new residential address. Then there's another who's just a complaining busy body who has nothing better to do than fuel the outlandish rumours!!
There's absolutely no way I'll want to live in this street, even if you paid me a fortune!!
4🌟
Nothing could possibly mar their joy. Not even a bout of food poisoning on their first day. Oh. Right. The married couple upstairs have made a welcoming guesture with a chocolate cake. Which they refuse to eat. RIIIIGGGHHT. If Chris and Vanessa's odd behaviour wasn't already a red flag, THAT should've been.
Still, Nina wants to make friends. In her mind, Vanessa is her new bestie already. It doesn't even matter that she's a bit too meek and let's her husband walk over her. In fact, Nina suspects that Chris may be physical abusing his pregnant wife. He's certainly got the deminior for it and Nina really doesn't like him AT ALL. Even worse, Mr Jackson is getting pally with Zac!
Then odd stuff starts occuring frequently. Stuff that not only threatens Nina's online business, but also her and Zac's relationship. Watch those cracks start developing guys. Before long, this so called odd stuff becomes DANGEROUS. Nina's still convinced that Chris is behind all the shenanigans. But what reason does he have to sabotage someone he's just met?
What did I just read, because this was crazy with a capital C!! Whilst I'm all for a psychological thriller it's the MC that let this down for me. Nina is. Just. So. Whiny and a tad too self centred. Girl. There's plenty of things out there that's worth more than fame and fortune! I'd even go as far as calling Nina a spoilt brat. You can do better, Zac. So much better.
And what's with their surrounding neighbours, who are less than welcoming? One even goes so far to inform (quite rudely) Nina that mistletoe is a kind of parasite. When she's just registered her business name AFTER her new residential address. Then there's another who's just a complaining busy body who has nothing better to do than fuel the outlandish rumours!!
There's absolutely no way I'll want to live in this street, even if you paid me a fortune!!
4🌟
September 5, 2021
Nina and her boyfriend Zac decide to purchase a downstairs flat on Mistletoe Lane together. Nina is excited because it is near the beach and her dream home. Their upstairs neighbors Chris and Vanessa are welcoming when they first arrive but things take a turn for the worst. Nina hears Chris and Vanessa shouting all the time, and furniture being moved in the early morning hours. Nina’s new business and her relationship with Zac also begin to crumble after they move in. Someone is not happy with Nina living on Mistletoe Lane, could it be a neighbor? Or someone else close to her?
This was a quick enjoyable read. I have read several of Shalini Boland's books and they never disappoint. It had just the right amount of suspense to keep me hooked in from beginning to end. The fast pace made it even better and I would definitely recommend THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This was a quick enjoyable read. I have read several of Shalini Boland's books and they never disappoint. It had just the right amount of suspense to keep me hooked in from beginning to end. The fast pace made it even better and I would definitely recommend THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
August 9, 2021
A "creeping up on you" psychological thriller that you can't stop reading, and you have no clue where this story will take you. This well-written book has a refreshing perspective, and you end up thinking anyone could be behind this. How is it possible that one woman can have so many weird and creepy people in her life? Everything seems great in the beginning when a lovely couple moves in to their lovely new house. Lots of weird things happen quite quickly, and there is most definitely something strange with the upstairs neighbours.
The story gets creepier and weirder in a steady way which makes it impossible to put down. It has many twists and turns, but they are believable, and makes you really feel for the protagonist. No one seems to believe her, and she no longer knows what to do, whom to trust. This book will stay with me for awhile, because it went under my skin. Only a skillful writer can make that happen. A wonderfully creepy book that many people will enjoy reading!
The story gets creepier and weirder in a steady way which makes it impossible to put down. It has many twists and turns, but they are believable, and makes you really feel for the protagonist. No one seems to believe her, and she no longer knows what to do, whom to trust. This book will stay with me for awhile, because it went under my skin. Only a skillful writer can make that happen. A wonderfully creepy book that many people will enjoy reading!
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