What do you think?
Rate this book
The Neighbour Upstairs
Every decision has a consequence…
The break-up of Olivia’s marriage is hard on all involved, but especially her nine-year-old daughter, Ellie. They attempt to build a new life, and focus on the future. But Olivia is crushingly lonely, so when her new neighbour, Michael, extends the hand of friendship, it’s all she can do to stop herself clutching at it and never letting go.
Olivia has no idea how the course of her life will be altered by that choice.
Before long, Michael and Oliva are a couple. There are some difficulties making it work – after all, both parties have emotional baggage. Doesn’t everyone keep some secrets? If only Ellie could adjust, and Michael’s erratic sister, Chloe, didn’t keep bringing drama to their door.
But Olivia doesn’t listen to the warning signs before it’s far, far too late. By the time she realises something is badly wrong with the man she’s involved with, she cannot escape. The only way out is for the truth to explode like a bomb, shattering their lives, and ensuring no one caught in the middle will ever be the same again…
The break-up of Olivia’s marriage is hard on all involved, but especially her nine-year-old daughter, Ellie. They attempt to build a new life, and focus on the future. But Olivia is crushingly lonely, so when her new neighbour, Michael, extends the hand of friendship, it’s all she can do to stop herself clutching at it and never letting go.
Olivia has no idea how the course of her life will be altered by that choice.
Before long, Michael and Oliva are a couple. There are some difficulties making it work – after all, both parties have emotional baggage. Doesn’t everyone keep some secrets? If only Ellie could adjust, and Michael’s erratic sister, Chloe, didn’t keep bringing drama to their door.
But Olivia doesn’t listen to the warning signs before it’s far, far too late. By the time she realises something is badly wrong with the man she’s involved with, she cannot escape. The only way out is for the truth to explode like a bomb, shattering their lives, and ensuring no one caught in the middle will ever be the same again…
- GenresThriller
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2022
51 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 22, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 6, 2022
Olivia is crushed after her marriage with the love of her life ended with his infidelity. Left to co-parent her nine old daughter, Olivia is desperate to start over and bring happiness into her, and Ellie’s, life again. When she moves into her new flat, she is eager to make friends but when she is introduced to her upstairs neighbour, Michael, it becomes so much more than that. Soon, Olivia and Michael are in a relationship and after so many years with her ex, who ended up betraying her without her knowledge, Olivia misses all the red flags- including the strained relationship Michael has with his flighty, unstable sister, Chloe. It all comes to an ugly head when Olivia begins to receive threats, threats to herself and to young Ellie. Who means to cause them harm? And, most importantly, why?
“The Neighbour Upstairs” is the newest novel by U.K. author Kathryn Croft. Although I’ve only read one of her previous works, “The Girl You Lostt”, I loved it enough to eagerly anticipate getting to read this new story!
The story is told completely from Olivia’s perspective, during the time after the divorce and leading up to when Olivia meets Michael. There are a few snippets scattered throughout where Olivia is narrating from some sort of institution, with very few others around for support (later determined to be a psych ward, although we aren’t given the reason for her admission until the end) but this portion only serves to add more tantalizing suspense to the dramatic plot. The snippets are not separated from other parts of the chapters, and although it was easy to determine where Olivia was narrating from, I would’ve liked to see a more definitive marking (perhaps an italicized script?) to ensure an easier flow.
Each and every character, with the exception of Ellie of course, were not particularly likable. This seemed purposeful, as I had suspicions about each and every one until the very end. Olivia started off to be someone to root for, but once she began a relationship with the neurotic, domineering and controlling Michael, and fell prey to his gaslighting, I felt more pity for her than anything else.
Croft has a way of keeping her readers guessing and the ending definitely took me by surprise. It was heartbreakingly tragic, and supremely discomforting at the same time. Each character and plot line received a firmly cemented end, but there is no way I would’ve come close to guessing the twist in this one. “The Neighbour Upstairs” is suspenseful and creative, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to Croft readers, and it is definitely something that will keep you up at night!
Expected publication date: October 6, 2022
Olivia is crushed after her marriage with the love of her life ended with his infidelity. Left to co-parent her nine old daughter, Olivia is desperate to start over and bring happiness into her, and Ellie’s, life again. When she moves into her new flat, she is eager to make friends but when she is introduced to her upstairs neighbour, Michael, it becomes so much more than that. Soon, Olivia and Michael are in a relationship and after so many years with her ex, who ended up betraying her without her knowledge, Olivia misses all the red flags- including the strained relationship Michael has with his flighty, unstable sister, Chloe. It all comes to an ugly head when Olivia begins to receive threats, threats to herself and to young Ellie. Who means to cause them harm? And, most importantly, why?
“The Neighbour Upstairs” is the newest novel by U.K. author Kathryn Croft. Although I’ve only read one of her previous works, “The Girl You Lostt”, I loved it enough to eagerly anticipate getting to read this new story!
The story is told completely from Olivia’s perspective, during the time after the divorce and leading up to when Olivia meets Michael. There are a few snippets scattered throughout where Olivia is narrating from some sort of institution, with very few others around for support (later determined to be a psych ward, although we aren’t given the reason for her admission until the end) but this portion only serves to add more tantalizing suspense to the dramatic plot. The snippets are not separated from other parts of the chapters, and although it was easy to determine where Olivia was narrating from, I would’ve liked to see a more definitive marking (perhaps an italicized script?) to ensure an easier flow.
Each and every character, with the exception of Ellie of course, were not particularly likable. This seemed purposeful, as I had suspicions about each and every one until the very end. Olivia started off to be someone to root for, but once she began a relationship with the neurotic, domineering and controlling Michael, and fell prey to his gaslighting, I felt more pity for her than anything else.
Croft has a way of keeping her readers guessing and the ending definitely took me by surprise. It was heartbreakingly tragic, and supremely discomforting at the same time. Each character and plot line received a firmly cemented end, but there is no way I would’ve come close to guessing the twist in this one. “The Neighbour Upstairs” is suspenseful and creative, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to Croft readers, and it is definitely something that will keep you up at night!
September 13, 2022
This was a surprise! I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. The writing style took awhile to get used to and it was a bit of a slow burn which I don’t normally like but it worked well in this case. I could not imagine being a floor awhile from this creepy, unpredictable guy. It was creepy and I found myself frustrated with the main character as she put herself in various situations.
Olivia and her daughter Ellie move to a new apartment after the end of Olivia’s marriage. Lonely and heartbroken, Olivia is immediately taken with her new neighbor Michael. They quickly develop a friendship that turns into more than Olivia could have predicted.
Olivia and Michael’s relationship hits some bumps especially when Michael’s sister Chloe gets involved. Olivia ignores all the red flags about Michael and by the time she finally listens to the warning signs it’s too late.
The Neighbour Upstairs is available October 6, 2022.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Olivia and her daughter Ellie move to a new apartment after the end of Olivia’s marriage. Lonely and heartbroken, Olivia is immediately taken with her new neighbor Michael. They quickly develop a friendship that turns into more than Olivia could have predicted.
Olivia and Michael’s relationship hits some bumps especially when Michael’s sister Chloe gets involved. Olivia ignores all the red flags about Michael and by the time she finally listens to the warning signs it’s too late.
The Neighbour Upstairs is available October 6, 2022.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2022
I would give this book zero stars if I could. The MC was weak and annoying. She was obviously being abused mentally, emotionally and sexually. She ignored so many red flags from the beginning and didn't put her daughters needs first. The ending was absolutely ridiculous and their was no real closure. I wish I would have put this down after the first chapter!
October 11, 2022
Thank you the publishers Canelo and Netgallex for this opportunity.
The book os written like a letter to a man from a woman. About how life went on afer she separed from the husband and meet him. How she developed a complete different personality and needs. For thriller was a very very steamy one. The characters were comunicating a very strange way and unfortunately that was crocial for one of them. I was sad and mad about some crazy decisions and actions, consequsnces. Just wanted a different end.
The book os written like a letter to a man from a woman. About how life went on afer she separed from the husband and meet him. How she developed a complete different personality and needs. For thriller was a very very steamy one. The characters were comunicating a very strange way and unfortunately that was crocial for one of them. I was sad and mad about some crazy decisions and actions, consequsnces. Just wanted a different end.
September 5, 2022
Olivia moves into rented accommodation with her young daughter after her marriage falls apart.
She starts a relationship with the man who lives upstairs.
A slow moving story about her relationship that felt very drawn out.
I was disappointed in this book because I had previously enjoyed books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
She starts a relationship with the man who lives upstairs.
A slow moving story about her relationship that felt very drawn out.
I was disappointed in this book because I had previously enjoyed books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2023
I have never ever ever EVER wanted to slap the stupid out of a fictional character so badly in my life.
October 11, 2022
Kathryn Croft's THE NEIGHBOUR UPSTAIRS is a slow-burn, a dark and twisted tale told in a second-person perspective from Olivia.
Olivia has left her husband, Carl of eleven years and is taking their daughter Ellie to Putney on the other side of London. She wants a fresh start.
However, her new start may be a nightmare and much worse than her current life.
Ellie is a gifted artist, even at nine years old. She is torn between her parent's separation. Ellie will plan on seeing her father on the weekend.
She moves to a Victorian house with other tenants. The realtor says the neighbor upstairs, Michael seems nice. Olivia writes reviews for an online magazine and works from home.
Then Oliva meets Michael, the neighbor upstairs. She thinks an evening out will allow her to escape her mess. His flat does not seem lived in with no artwork or nothing to showcase his personality. But perhaps he is a minimalist.
She thinks he is intelligent, and she does not know much about him except they are about the same age, he is a math teacher, and he has a sister.
Olivia becomes too focused on Michael and obsessed. She is ignoring all the red flags and warning signs of this guy. She thinks of him constantly, and they become sexually (freaky) active for the next three months.
She does not allow herself to be happily single and alone. She feels there is something wrong, but she cannot walk away.
She finally meets his sister, Chloe, the blonde. Chloe seems very possessive of her brother and appears she does not like Olivia. There is something off about her, but again Olivia is in denial.
She finds this relationship is too much work. She is also neglecting her daughter. Then Chloe seems to always be around her brother with so much drama. Then he gets freaky, and Olivia seems to go along with it.
His manic sister Chloe moves in and out of the apt. The story takes a decidedly semi-sadistic sexual turn, and Olivia and her daughter end up moving in with him. BIG MISTAKE!
Carl is not happy. She should have stayed with Carl. At least he is better than Michael/Chloe!
WAKE UP!!!
Things start to fall apart. Ellie is not happy. The grandmother dies (Carl's mother, Barbara) and they were close.
From here, the book continues on a downward spiral. No likable characters, and everyone is MENTAL!
It appears Olivia is in some kind of mental institution or hospital, which is not clearly defined, speaking with someone named Henny.
Then the disaster...
This story was NOT for me! Totally disliked Olivia, Michael/Chloe. When someone does not like your child, this is a wake-up call - HELLO! I found myself skipping over parts to get to the end.
Published previously under another title, "Behind Closed Doors" (this is definitely not B. A. Paris's book).
Even though I have enjoyed Kathryn Croft's other books and will read more in the future, I cannot recommend this one even though I like the cover and the description. Totally weird.
Thank you, #NetGalley and #Canelo for a gifted e-ARC for an honest review.
Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins |#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 6, 2022
Olivia has left her husband, Carl of eleven years and is taking their daughter Ellie to Putney on the other side of London. She wants a fresh start.
However, her new start may be a nightmare and much worse than her current life.
Ellie is a gifted artist, even at nine years old. She is torn between her parent's separation. Ellie will plan on seeing her father on the weekend.
She moves to a Victorian house with other tenants. The realtor says the neighbor upstairs, Michael seems nice. Olivia writes reviews for an online magazine and works from home.
Then Oliva meets Michael, the neighbor upstairs. She thinks an evening out will allow her to escape her mess. His flat does not seem lived in with no artwork or nothing to showcase his personality. But perhaps he is a minimalist.
She thinks he is intelligent, and she does not know much about him except they are about the same age, he is a math teacher, and he has a sister.
Olivia becomes too focused on Michael and obsessed. She is ignoring all the red flags and warning signs of this guy. She thinks of him constantly, and they become sexually (freaky) active for the next three months.
She does not allow herself to be happily single and alone. She feels there is something wrong, but she cannot walk away.
She finally meets his sister, Chloe, the blonde. Chloe seems very possessive of her brother and appears she does not like Olivia. There is something off about her, but again Olivia is in denial.
She finds this relationship is too much work. She is also neglecting her daughter. Then Chloe seems to always be around her brother with so much drama. Then he gets freaky, and Olivia seems to go along with it.
His manic sister Chloe moves in and out of the apt. The story takes a decidedly semi-sadistic sexual turn, and Olivia and her daughter end up moving in with him. BIG MISTAKE!
Carl is not happy. She should have stayed with Carl. At least he is better than Michael/Chloe!
WAKE UP!!!
Things start to fall apart. Ellie is not happy. The grandmother dies (Carl's mother, Barbara) and they were close.
From here, the book continues on a downward spiral. No likable characters, and everyone is MENTAL!
It appears Olivia is in some kind of mental institution or hospital, which is not clearly defined, speaking with someone named Henny.
Then the disaster...
This story was NOT for me! Totally disliked Olivia, Michael/Chloe. When someone does not like your child, this is a wake-up call - HELLO! I found myself skipping over parts to get to the end.
Published previously under another title, "Behind Closed Doors" (this is definitely not B. A. Paris's book).
Even though I have enjoyed Kathryn Croft's other books and will read more in the future, I cannot recommend this one even though I like the cover and the description. Totally weird.
Thank you, #NetGalley and #Canelo for a gifted e-ARC for an honest review.
Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins |#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 6, 2022
October 9, 2022
Boring
Totally boring ridiculous story. Absolutely nothing thrilling about it
Whole story was silly and characters were unbelievable
Can't believe the reviews about it being an unputdownable thriller.im still confused about Jonathan's role?and there was no twist as I'd guessed what was going on early in the book
Totally boring ridiculous story. Absolutely nothing thrilling about it
Whole story was silly and characters were unbelievable
Can't believe the reviews about it being an unputdownable thriller.im still confused about Jonathan's role?and there was no twist as I'd guessed what was going on early in the book
October 12, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller (apparently a republish of an older one that I didn't read!) by a favorite, Kathryn Croft - 4 stars!
Olivia and Carl are separated and Olivia is trying to forge out a new life for herself and their daughter, Ellie. She soon meets and becomes obsessed with the neighbor upstairs, Michael. Michael's sister, Chloe, is the biggest detriment to their new relationship but Olivia is determined to make things work, until everything goes very, very wrong.
The writing style was a bit difficult to get your brain around - there were sections where Olivia was talking to Michael - so it was Your hand, You did this. Not my favorite. There was some additional confusion as to where Olivia was physically located when she was writing this, but it becomes more clear as you go along. While it was a good thriller and I was anxious to read until the end, none of the characters were likable and you wanted to scream at Olivia for some of her choices! Croft's books are usually 5 star reads from me, so check out the rest of her books!
Olivia and Carl are separated and Olivia is trying to forge out a new life for herself and their daughter, Ellie. She soon meets and becomes obsessed with the neighbor upstairs, Michael. Michael's sister, Chloe, is the biggest detriment to their new relationship but Olivia is determined to make things work, until everything goes very, very wrong.
The writing style was a bit difficult to get your brain around - there were sections where Olivia was talking to Michael - so it was Your hand, You did this. Not my favorite. There was some additional confusion as to where Olivia was physically located when she was writing this, but it becomes more clear as you go along. While it was a good thriller and I was anxious to read until the end, none of the characters were likable and you wanted to scream at Olivia for some of her choices! Croft's books are usually 5 star reads from me, so check out the rest of her books!
August 17, 2023
Olivia Taylor has recently spit up with her husband Carl after eleven years together. She is hoping to start a new life with her nine year old daughter Ellie.
When they move into their new apartment she is lonely and keen to make new friends, so when she meets Michael she hopes for a friendship, but the sparks fly and soon they are in a relationship. Olivia has no idea that her life will be turned upside down by this choice.
It was like watching a car crash about to happen and you cannot stop it. I was screaming inside for Olivia to open her eyes and see the giant red flag!!
This was a slow burner for me. I love Kathryn Croft's books but this was not my favourite one.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
When they move into their new apartment she is lonely and keen to make new friends, so when she meets Michael she hopes for a friendship, but the sparks fly and soon they are in a relationship. Olivia has no idea that her life will be turned upside down by this choice.
It was like watching a car crash about to happen and you cannot stop it. I was screaming inside for Olivia to open her eyes and see the giant red flag!!
This was a slow burner for me. I love Kathryn Croft's books but this was not my favourite one.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2023
An utter waste of time.
Firstly, I didn’t like this writing style at all - the way it seemed it was addressed to Michael, I’m not sure, I found it hard to follow.
Secondly, there was SO many unanswered questions?? Why did Ellie hate Chloe so much? Why Jonathan, and more, if not him, who was sending those threats? Why was Michael so sexual - kind of rape-y if you ask me? Was Olivia admitted into a mental hospital, and why?
Thirdly, what on earth was that ending?? Was Chloe actually his sister, or did they have a strange sex life together? Did the parents know??
So many questions!
I just found this book to be extremely slow. I was expecting a huge plot twist but there was nothing really. The last 2 chapters provided more questions than it did answers. I wanted to see more character development, but there wasn’t even much of that!
All in all, I didn’t enjoy this book - and I hope other books from Croft are a lot better! Recommendations are appreciated!
Firstly, I didn’t like this writing style at all - the way it seemed it was addressed to Michael, I’m not sure, I found it hard to follow.
Secondly, there was SO many unanswered questions?? Why did Ellie hate Chloe so much? Why Jonathan, and more, if not him, who was sending those threats? Why was Michael so sexual - kind of rape-y if you ask me? Was Olivia admitted into a mental hospital, and why?
Thirdly, what on earth was that ending?? Was Chloe actually his sister, or did they have a strange sex life together? Did the parents know??
So many questions!
I just found this book to be extremely slow. I was expecting a huge plot twist but there was nothing really. The last 2 chapters provided more questions than it did answers. I wanted to see more character development, but there wasn’t even much of that!
All in all, I didn’t enjoy this book - and I hope other books from Croft are a lot better! Recommendations are appreciated!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
Reading this book is like watching a train wreck in action and you can't look away. It is essentially the story of a woman who becomes obsessed with an awful man and how her life unravels as a result. Olivia is recently separated from her husband Carl and along with her ten year old Ellie, she moves into a lower flat. She is feeling lonely and unsure of herself when she meets the upstairs neighbor Michael. Michael is an awful person and he never really came alive for me as someone real. He provides Olivia with some awesome if violent sex but then ghosts her for weeks or months, is almost always in a bad mood and is a neat freak who doesn't seem to like little Ellie. He also has a sister Chloe who is. a heavy drinker and has many mental issues and who involves herself in his life to an uncomfortable degree. .
Olivia continues to seek Michael out even if her fights with Michael and issues with Chloe and with another man she briefly meets tear her life apart and leave her with no energy to care for her daughter. I found Olivia to be a very neglectful mother and she seemed concerned only with sex. The book is written in a second person narrative which can get annoying after awhile and I think it would have worked just as well in a first person story. The last third of the book becomes a bit scattered with the same things happening over and over and some snippets suggesting Olivia is at a mental health facility at some point. I did not guess the twist at the end but wished it had ended differently. Four stars for original writing and story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for a review.
Olivia continues to seek Michael out even if her fights with Michael and issues with Chloe and with another man she briefly meets tear her life apart and leave her with no energy to care for her daughter. I found Olivia to be a very neglectful mother and she seemed concerned only with sex. The book is written in a second person narrative which can get annoying after awhile and I think it would have worked just as well in a first person story. The last third of the book becomes a bit scattered with the same things happening over and over and some snippets suggesting Olivia is at a mental health facility at some point. I did not guess the twist at the end but wished it had ended differently. Four stars for original writing and story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for a review.
September 7, 2022
Have you ever wanted to scream at someone for ignoring all the red flags? Olivia kept putting her "relationship" with Michael as her number one priority. I actually felt bad for Ellie because of how Olivia was acting. In the beginning Olivia is leaving Carl, spill the goods girl! I wanna know why, obviously later in you find out he cheated. I am nosey, so when notes are left for Olivia, I wanna know what they say. I feel like more detail could have been added here and less detail of the painstaking relationship or lack of with Michael could have been talked about. It kind of got repetitive with Michael and Olivia having an argument, them having sex, and Michael apologizing later. But hey I guess that's what you do when you're dating a narcissistic? Chloe was just annoying with drinking and fighting with Michael all the time. I don't feel there was any character growth, Olivia remaind oblivious to everything that was going on around her and bringing her daughter into that situation. In the end I did feel bad for Olivia and Carl. Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for this read for honest feedback.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2022
I don't know, what I was expecting from this book, but if this book is being marketed as psychological thriller, it is far from the truth. There is no mystery or thriller aspect to it. It was a boring read about a vacuous woman. I imagined the neighbour upstairs something more of sinister/psycho, but it turned out he was commiting incest. Kathryn, never really spelled out the actual relationship at the end and so I am assuming it. Character of Olivia was shallow, lacked sustance and addicted to sex. This was a very lack-lustre book, I am sorry to say.
September 5, 2022
My Review:
Loved!!!!! I don’t know what it is about this author but I sure do love her books. I’m not sure if it’s her writing style or her story lines but I’m hooked on her. Once I start one of her books I can’t put it down for the life of me so I make sure I have everything done before I even start. Now on to the book. All I have to say is you definitely don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. This title was perfect for this book. This book was so sick and twisted but you didn’t realize how much so until the end of the book. I was so shocked and speechless at that ending. All of it finally made sense. Every single thing clue you were given came in clear view by the end. Kathryn Croft always delivers when it comes to her endings and that is one of reasons I love her so much. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Loved!!!!! I don’t know what it is about this author but I sure do love her books. I’m not sure if it’s her writing style or her story lines but I’m hooked on her. Once I start one of her books I can’t put it down for the life of me so I make sure I have everything done before I even start. Now on to the book. All I have to say is you definitely don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. This title was perfect for this book. This book was so sick and twisted but you didn’t realize how much so until the end of the book. I was so shocked and speechless at that ending. All of it finally made sense. Every single thing clue you were given came in clear view by the end. Kathryn Croft always delivers when it comes to her endings and that is one of reasons I love her so much. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 24, 2022
Reading thinking this book thinking it would actually go somewhere interesting but it didn't.
Repetitive and a lot of sexfor no reason really seemed to flow around horneyness. Got boring after awhile. Left wondering what happened to certain people in the book as well.
This definitely wasn't interesting or worth my read.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Repetitive and a lot of sexfor no reason really seemed to flow around horneyness. Got boring after awhile. Left wondering what happened to certain people in the book as well.
This definitely wasn't interesting or worth my read.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
February 18, 2023
It took a long, long time to settle in to the first person narrative which really took me away from the story to be honest.
However, that wasn't my main issue with the whole story. It has huge jumps in time so the reader is left to fill in the gaps which is a tad annoying especially when Olivia, Michael, Chloe and Carl are all unlikeable people. The only likeable character is the kid, Ellie. She knows the craic.
So Olivia leaves her husband, Carl, after he has an affair. We don't really find out much at all about it, how long it lasted, how Olivia found out. Nothing. Olivia cannot forgive him for this.
But then...her upstairs neighbour, Michael, comes on the scene. And boy, the red flags. He is obsessively tidy, has a dysfunctional view of sex (to the point of rape), doesn't much care for Ellie and is rather possessive, jealous and...well, he's just not right. Yet Olivia stays with him. Moves in with him. Agrees to all his decisions. Urgh. Love is never mentioned.
And the ending. After reading the odd snippet of narration whereby Olivia seems to be in an institution (and these parts aren't seperated from the main story which is frustrating) we finally find out why. Over 3 or 4 pages. I honestly could have thrown the book at that point.
However, that wasn't my main issue with the whole story. It has huge jumps in time so the reader is left to fill in the gaps which is a tad annoying especially when Olivia, Michael, Chloe and Carl are all unlikeable people. The only likeable character is the kid, Ellie. She knows the craic.
So Olivia leaves her husband, Carl, after he has an affair. We don't really find out much at all about it, how long it lasted, how Olivia found out. Nothing. Olivia cannot forgive him for this.
But then...her upstairs neighbour, Michael, comes on the scene. And boy, the red flags. He is obsessively tidy, has a dysfunctional view of sex (to the point of rape), doesn't much care for Ellie and is rather possessive, jealous and...well, he's just not right. Yet Olivia stays with him. Moves in with him. Agrees to all his decisions. Urgh. Love is never mentioned.
And the ending. After reading the odd snippet of narration whereby Olivia seems to be in an institution (and these parts aren't seperated from the main story which is frustrating) we finally find out why. Over 3 or 4 pages. I honestly could have thrown the book at that point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2025
I have never disliked a main character as much as I despised Olivia. The ending is an absolute cop out, and absolutely pathetic. This book is like watching a bad movie, where at the end you’re left with ‘did I really just waste my time on that.’
June 4, 2025
This book is billed as a 'compelling psychological thriller', but there was nothing thrilling about it, sadly. Olivia was such a dislikeable protagonist - a terrible mother who seemed to always put her sex life ahead of her young daughter's needs; it was hard to feel any sympathy for her. The big 'twist' at the end was overall not too surprising either. A good idea for a plot, I think, but not well executed.
December 4, 2024
Liked this book as it was easy to read and quick to get through. There were some great characters and you could really feel empathy for the MC as her life spirals around her, wrong decision after another.
However. I do feel like the ending could have done with a bit more explanation. There were a lot of holes and questions I had regarding Michael and was hoping for that conclusion, but I don’t think what was revealed explained his behaviour. The ending just felt a bit rushed and I’m ****** off with the ending IMO.
However. I do feel like the ending could have done with a bit more explanation. There were a lot of holes and questions I had regarding Michael and was hoping for that conclusion, but I don’t think what was revealed explained his behaviour. The ending just felt a bit rushed and I’m ****** off with the ending IMO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Normally I absolutely love Kathryn Croft books but this one didn't do it for me. Olivia just came across as a horny hysterical pushover. No characters had any depth to them. It was all just meh.
Normally I absolutely love Kathryn Croft books but this one didn't do it for me. Olivia just came across as a horny hysterical pushover. No characters had any depth to them. It was all just meh.
March 14, 2023
Not my favorite
I'll start by saying I love this author's books, and have been working my way through all of them. This one was a definite surprise, however, and not a great one.
The first person/second person POV made it clunky and a little confusing, especially in spots the "you" seemed to wander (perhaps an editing mistake). I kind of feel like it could have been about 150 pages shorter, too. It dragged on and on for far too long.
And the characters? I refuse to believe anyone alive is as stupid as Olivia. The woman couldn't see a red flag if you wrapped her up in it and rolled her down a hill. And the guy - did he even have a name? - he just sucked. Zero redeeming qualities. Same for his weird sister. The whole plot was pretty obvious from the beginning, to be honest, but to get there you have to slog through three hundred pages of I don't even know what.
So... Two stars. I finished it because I bought it.
I'll start by saying I love this author's books, and have been working my way through all of them. This one was a definite surprise, however, and not a great one.
The first person/second person POV made it clunky and a little confusing, especially in spots the "you" seemed to wander (perhaps an editing mistake). I kind of feel like it could have been about 150 pages shorter, too. It dragged on and on for far too long.
And the characters? I refuse to believe anyone alive is as stupid as Olivia. The woman couldn't see a red flag if you wrapped her up in it and rolled her down a hill. And the guy - did he even have a name? - he just sucked. Zero redeeming qualities. Same for his weird sister. The whole plot was pretty obvious from the beginning, to be honest, but to get there you have to slog through three hundred pages of I don't even know what.
So... Two stars. I finished it because I bought it.
April 10, 2023
Read in one day, what a huge disappointment.
The main character Olivia - I have never disliked the main character so much. Her decisions were sometimes so stupid I just couldn’t believe it.
I have not bonded with any of the characters in this book, they were all annoying and unstable.
I have expected the storyline to go completely different so the ending shocked me in the worst way possible. It felt like the author took months to write the book and as she was approaching finishing the book she had a call from her publisher who wanted the book finished in an hour…the worst, shortest and most disappoint ending.
I think this book had a lot of potential, but the ending has absolutely ruined it. What a shame!
The main character Olivia - I have never disliked the main character so much. Her decisions were sometimes so stupid I just couldn’t believe it.
I have not bonded with any of the characters in this book, they were all annoying and unstable.
I have expected the storyline to go completely different so the ending shocked me in the worst way possible. It felt like the author took months to write the book and as she was approaching finishing the book she had a call from her publisher who wanted the book finished in an hour…the worst, shortest and most disappoint ending.
I think this book had a lot of potential, but the ending has absolutely ruined it. What a shame!
May 22, 2023
Thought this was going to be a good book and was sadly disappointed - such a slow burn that I thought the ending must be amazing - the entire ending summed up in about 4 pages that barely explained anything - had the potential to be a good book but the ending felt so rushed while the boring bits dragged on - disappointed :((
June 16, 2023
I don’t normally write reviews but this is one of the worst books I’ve ever read. I continued reading in the hope it would get better but it just got worse and more confusing and then after droning on for pages and pages it quickly ends with no real story or proper explanation.
August 21, 2023
What... I have just finished this book and I have so many questions. What was Jonathan's involvement? Were Michael and Chloe incestuous, or what? What was Myrah's involvement? Was Chloe behind everything? I need more background!!!
Really disappointed with the ending...
Really disappointed with the ending...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2022
The break-up of Olivia’s marriage is hard on all involved, but especially her nine-year-old daughter, Ellie. They attempt to build a new life, and focus on the future. But Olivia is crushingly lonely, so when her new neighbour, Michael, extends the hand of friendship, it’s all she can do to stop herself clutching at it and never letting go.
Olivia has no idea how the course of her life will be altered by that choice.
Before long, Michael and Oliva are a couple. There are some difficulties making it work – after all, both parties have emotional baggage. Doesn’t everyone keep some secrets? If only Ellie could adjust, and Michael’s erratic sister, Chloe, didn’t keep bringing drama to their door.
But Olivia doesn’t listen to the warning signs before it’s far, far too late. By the time she realises something is badly wrong with the man she’s involved with, she cannot escape. The only way out is for the truth to explode like a bomb, shattering their lives, and ensuring no one caught in the middle will ever be the same again…
My Thoughts: When Olivia first leaves her husband Carl, she and daughter Ellie set about to create their new home in the downstairs flat of a nice building. The Neighbour Upstairs portrays Michael, who seems like a nice person, as someone to fill in the emptiness in this new life. But things are not what they seem, and while I couldn’t believe that Olivia spent so much time giving this weird neighbor so much of her attention, I was actually stunned by the truth when it finally exploded, changing everything about her life.
The story dragged quite a bit for me, and I was frustrated by how Olivia gave in to Michael, trying to create a happy relationship when the man had no redeeming qualities, in my opinion. The dark secret he is keeping would have been the final straw much sooner if Olivia had been paying more attention, and unfortunately, when it did come out, the damage was almost insurmountable. 3.5 stars.
Olivia has no idea how the course of her life will be altered by that choice.
Before long, Michael and Oliva are a couple. There are some difficulties making it work – after all, both parties have emotional baggage. Doesn’t everyone keep some secrets? If only Ellie could adjust, and Michael’s erratic sister, Chloe, didn’t keep bringing drama to their door.
But Olivia doesn’t listen to the warning signs before it’s far, far too late. By the time she realises something is badly wrong with the man she’s involved with, she cannot escape. The only way out is for the truth to explode like a bomb, shattering their lives, and ensuring no one caught in the middle will ever be the same again…
My Thoughts: When Olivia first leaves her husband Carl, she and daughter Ellie set about to create their new home in the downstairs flat of a nice building. The Neighbour Upstairs portrays Michael, who seems like a nice person, as someone to fill in the emptiness in this new life. But things are not what they seem, and while I couldn’t believe that Olivia spent so much time giving this weird neighbor so much of her attention, I was actually stunned by the truth when it finally exploded, changing everything about her life.
The story dragged quite a bit for me, and I was frustrated by how Olivia gave in to Michael, trying to create a happy relationship when the man had no redeeming qualities, in my opinion. The dark secret he is keeping would have been the final straw much sooner if Olivia had been paying more attention, and unfortunately, when it did come out, the damage was almost insurmountable. 3.5 stars.
January 25, 2023
Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia is separated from her husband Carl, and moves into a new flat with her daughter Ellie. Her neighbor upstairs Michael, is aloof at first but then they begin a relationship and Olivia feels off and on that the relationship is doomed because Michael is aloof, into rough sex, somewhat abusive, doesn't have much of a rapport with Ellie and constantly has his crazy sister Chloe stopping in and periodically staying over.
There was no point to this book. It was totally repetitive. Olivia suffering some abuse from Michael or dealing with Chloe's baggage, wondering about the viability of the relationship and staying with him despite all of the drama. I kept reading thinking there would be some explosive reveal at the end because we know Olivia is currently in an institution of some sort. Then I was at 99% and the whole thing wrapped up in a page and it was a surprise I guess, but nothing to justify the hours I spent reading this. I really like this author and her first book was the only book of hers that I had missed. Turns out this was the first book retitled I think this is a bad idea by publishers. If this was the first book I picked up from this author it would have been the last. Her books are so much better now. I look forward to her next one.
Olivia is separated from her husband Carl, and moves into a new flat with her daughter Ellie. Her neighbor upstairs Michael, is aloof at first but then they begin a relationship and Olivia feels off and on that the relationship is doomed because Michael is aloof, into rough sex, somewhat abusive, doesn't have much of a rapport with Ellie and constantly has his crazy sister Chloe stopping in and periodically staying over.
There was no point to this book. It was totally repetitive. Olivia suffering some abuse from Michael or dealing with Chloe's baggage, wondering about the viability of the relationship and staying with him despite all of the drama. I kept reading thinking there would be some explosive reveal at the end because we know Olivia is currently in an institution of some sort. Then I was at 99% and the whole thing wrapped up in a page and it was a surprise I guess, but nothing to justify the hours I spent reading this. I really like this author and her first book was the only book of hers that I had missed. Turns out this was the first book retitled I think this is a bad idea by publishers. If this was the first book I picked up from this author it would have been the last. Her books are so much better now. I look forward to her next one.
October 8, 2022
Although this was a slow burner for me, I was immediately sucked into the story and couldn't put it down.
Olivia has recently left her husband, Carl and is determined to start a new better life with her young daughter, Ellie. When she moves into a block of flats, she begins a friendship, then a passionate relationship with her upstairs neighbour, Michael. At first, despite his complex dramatic sister, Chloe, and his unorthodox behaviour, Michael seems ideal. It is only later that Olivia discovers that things are not what they seem....
This is so cleverly written, the plot meanders along, but all the time I was acutely aware of an insidious undercurrent, something sinister lurking and waiting to reveal itself. The story has an extremely dark side and, while my eventual guess as to what the outcome would be was correct, this in no way hindered my enjoyment. The characters are strong and, although not all likeable, all are vividly drawn.
I love the author's books and always look forward to her next one. This one was no exception.
Thanks to author, Kathryn Croft, publishers Canelo and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Olivia has recently left her husband, Carl and is determined to start a new better life with her young daughter, Ellie. When she moves into a block of flats, she begins a friendship, then a passionate relationship with her upstairs neighbour, Michael. At first, despite his complex dramatic sister, Chloe, and his unorthodox behaviour, Michael seems ideal. It is only later that Olivia discovers that things are not what they seem....
This is so cleverly written, the plot meanders along, but all the time I was acutely aware of an insidious undercurrent, something sinister lurking and waiting to reveal itself. The story has an extremely dark side and, while my eventual guess as to what the outcome would be was correct, this in no way hindered my enjoyment. The characters are strong and, although not all likeable, all are vividly drawn.
I love the author's books and always look forward to her next one. This one was no exception.
Thanks to author, Kathryn Croft, publishers Canelo and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2024
I really wanted to like this book because of its readability, but in the end, I just found too many things to be unbelievable. As a mother, I can’t see how she’d put that man before her daughter over and over again. It was like she wanted to believe that everything was great despite every instinct possible telling her otherwise. I understand that she was gaslit and ultimately unable to make great decisions, but you’re telling me (the reader) that a doting father would see the drama unfolding and leave their child in that environment?? Yeah. Right. Also, what happened to the other flat? Why was Michael so sketch. Were they even siblings??? It was all so chaotic and irrational. Olivia needed serious therapy. I didn’t like any of the characters really with the exception of Barbara and Ellie. I don’t know that any woman who has been cheated on would ever sip tea with the new, much younger partner, but I guess…. Anyway, final take away was the book really had me wondering how Chloe fit into everything because she was a lot to process throughout the story so the ending felt very “ahh, yes, that makes no sense at all and yet I guess it does.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews