20 Best Books By Lisa Jewell (2023 Update)

THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS by Lisa Jewell is told from the point of view of three characters: Libby, Henry and Lucy as well as two time periods. Libby Jones has turned twenty-five and receives a letter that tells her the identity of her birth parents and that she has inherited their old mansion in a ritzy area of London. The plot is set mainly in England and France. Twenty-five years ago, the police found a baby and three dead adults in the mansion. The other people that lived there are gone, including several children. Was it suicide, murder or a combination of both? Where are the other people that lived in the house? What was really happening in this mansion? The plot is clever and shocking, but it does switch POV and timelines throughout the book. Despite this not being my favorite style of writing, it is a tribute to Jewell's talent that I still felt it deserved 4 stars. The story is dark, twisted and disturbing as well as being a page-turner. The characters are complex with more depth to them that most authors can inject in a trilogy. While this is the first book I have read by Jewell, I look forward to reading more of her novels. Many thanks to Atria Books, Lisa Jewell and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.lynguy1

When twenty five year old Libby opens her mailbox. She finds a letter that she knows is going to finally tell her who she is! She has been waiting for this letter all of her life and is surprised to find that the letter brings one huge shock instead of answers. She finds out that she has inherited a house worth millions. While she finds out who she is..the road to discovery leads her down a lot of different paths.⁣ 🏚️ ⁣ I loved the way this story was told! There were multiple perspectives that ranged from the past and present and had me SO confused for the longest time. I kind of loved it 😆⁣ The writing was really well done and I feel like the characters were developed enough to make you sort of understand them, but still with so much mystery left! ⁣ While I didn't find the story overwhelmingly shocking I still liked it a lot and was surprised by some aspects. I moreso really enjoyed hearing about the living situation in the past and the mind games! The mental health and abuse in the story is really what drew me in, I was so intrigued that I needed to know what was going to happen. I would definitely recommend this one if you are into mysteries and can handle reading about emotional abuse. ⁣ I will definitely be checking out Jewell's other novels.Samantha

Such an original storyline. I love how easily the author pulls you into the characters lives. She smoothly blends between past and present while introducing the individuals-no confusion or needing to flip back in the book to keep them straight. I love it when the book sucks you into the story so well you enjoy it from cover to cover. This is one of those books.PAULETTE

Omg yes. I… wow. It’s just so sad and heartbreaking, it’s so wow I can sometimes predict the twists, but in this case it was so unpredictable, I love it. It does start very slow, I almost wanted to stop reading it but I am so glad I kept reading it, it’s so worth it. One of my favorites at the moment for sure. Totally recommend if u like suspenseful thrillers and a little bit of sadness. I did cry.Sophia

I liked this one. It had its sad moments without a doubt. It also really shed light on how family dynamics change when they experience such trauma. It was a quick read and held my interest. This was my first book from Jewell. I bought it on a whim seeing it at Target. I’d recommend it!kerry.b

I just bought this book from Target online and found that it was missing the first 11 chapters. And then a few pages in chapter 12 is repeated again! So needless to say i returned it back to Target and the team member found 5 more books misprinted like mine. finally found a correct version with all chapters so looking forward to reading it soon, but this was a first for me 🙂MLeonard

In the words of Karin Slaughter "Unputdownable"! I usually guess the outcomes but the twists and turns in this book were unexpected. Thoroughly enjoyed!The Thriller Seeker

Fantastic book. I couldn't put it down and read it in two days. We read this in our reading group and we all loved it. Everyone got so involved in it that they read it quickly. It has a really good plot that gets you thinking. Very enjoyable and I would thoroughly recommend this book.Debbie

I liked this one a lot! I found it more enjoyable than “The Family Upstairs”. I’ve read others saying they could predict the ending early on, but I actually did not. Now with that said, I didn’t think it would be the true obvious choice. I actually found the true story behind it all to be rather sad. Bullying is definitely a problem, and while I know two wrongs don’t make a right, it did somehow feel like karma was served. And it also felt a bit sad knowing that Jenna’s mom really was paranoid beyond reason. It’s a quick read, so if you’re a fan of Jewell’s work, I definitely recommend this one, too!kerry.b

You may have read "Then She was Gone" last year, this is Lisa Jewell's latest book. In a beautiful and colorful neighborhood, the neighbors are all suspicious of each other. The book begins with a murder and then starts the story back in time leading up to the fateful event. Thankfully, the neighbors are always spying on each other so you are able to hear the suspicions of everyone as they play out. Every person has their own issues (and sins) and so it was hard for me to decide who I was rooting for while reading this book. Enjoyable, you might be able to predict it by the end (still enjoyable though). If you are patiently waiting for your next five star thriller read, this may hold you over.ajskid

This was a psychological thriller like no other that I have ever read. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the author threw in another unexpected twist. The characters were good and evil or innocent and unassuming. My favorite character was Joey who metamorphosed into a lovable sister by the end of the book. Her brother Jack was almost an absent character, but he played a big role in the actual plot. I heartily disliked Tom Fitzwilliam from the beginning because he seemed such a shady character. His son, Freddie, seemed to be a neglected loner, so he is another one that the readers will need to watch carefully as the plot unfolds. This book's plot is developed like a thread that is unraveling from a garment. You see the thread and you pull on it and think that you have found the problem. The author is a master at misleading clues and innuendoes. This is a fantastic book for those who enjoy psychological suspense! It is so good that you will want to buy it on a weekend and plan to spend the weekend absorbed by it! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from #AtriaBooks via a contest on Goodreads. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising."Vickie W

The Whispers is an enthralling psychological mystery/suspense read. Heidi Perks explores the dynamics, intricacies and intensities of female friendships, from childhood, through adolescence to motherhood and beyond. The book opens tantalisingly with the discovery on New Year's Day of a woman's body at the bottom of Crayne's Cliff, an area locals know to be prone to landslips. We're not told the victim's identity, but the detective from whose perspective the prologue is told recalls an earlier tragedy, involving a younger woman, and the fact that three weeks ago, a woman called Grace Goodwin had reported a crime… We're then taken back four months, as the narrative works forward to the present day. The point of view shifts between those of Grace Goodwin, Anna Robinson and a Greek chorus-like overview emanating from the observations of other parents in the school playground. Thirty-something mother of one Grace Goodwin has recently returned to her (fictional) childhood hometown of Clearwater, on the UK's south coast, having lived in Australia since late adolesence. Her husband has a high-flying job based in Singapore, so she's effectively a single mother of 8-year-old Matilda much of the time. She's looking forward to re-establishing a close friendship with Anna Fallow (now Robinson), with whom she enjoyed a childhood and teenage friendship akin to sisterhood. However, as the story slowly unfolds, through present day perspectives and occasional flashback sections, we realise that there is a darkness underpinning Grace and Anna's relationship. What is the past event that seems to preoccupy them both in the present day, and why does Anna seem so reticent to rekindle her close friendship with Grace? Heidi Perks skilfully uses foreshadowing, hints at the possible unreliability of the character's recollections, and immerses the reader in each woman's experience. Our sympathies are pulled back and forth as we observe the tensions between the central group of female characters. What loyalties do we owe our friends? Is the length of a friendship necessarily indicative of its strength or health for the protagonists? What can we reasonably expect from our friends, or they of us? At what point do we concede that we have outgrown a friendship and walk away? I found The Whispers a thought-provoking and deliciously suspenseful read. Any female reader will recognise the types of individual and group dynamics Heidi Perks describes, especially those of us who have observed and/or experienced playground (parent) politics ourselves! I would highly recommend The Whispers to any and all readers who enjoy character-based dramas set against a background of mystery and suspense. My thanks to the author Heidi Perks, publisher Penguin Random House UK – Cornerstone – Century imprint, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. (Thanks also to Carolyn, whose excellent review prompted me to seek out a last-minute ARC)Duchess of New Town

This followup to "Ralph's Party" is a compelling story of life 10 years after the romance and wedding. It's easy to guess the ending but the book is a great read.havalark

This book was so good . It draws you in almost like you are with the characters in the book . I read this whole book in a day sitting at the beach . I am looking forward to reading her other booksShoop

Lisa Jewell's book The House We Grew Up In: A Novel isn't a must read it's a HAVE to read. Once you begin it it will grab you and not let go until the end. Those pages will keep turning until they can turn no more. It is the story of the Bird family. From the outside people see them as the perfect family. But behind the closed doors the mother is a hoarder and keeps everything. It is a unique creative storyline. It takes you from the four children being young up into their adulthood. I gave this book 5 stars but it truly deserves at least 10+. It is an excellent read and I will re-read it again; as I believe you will too. I highly recommend it to all. I look forward to more from Lisa Jewell.Cocos Reviews

Haven’t read this book yet but have read most others by this author. Once again the price and quality of the book was perfect.Christopher M.

The Good Daughter is the third full-length stand-alone novel by popular American author, Karin Slaughter. Early one May morning, small-town Georgia lawyer Charlotte Quinn is at Pikeville Middle School for an embarrassing reason when she is caught in a school shooting. Quick action by those present averts a major tragedy, but Charlie is disturbed by the actions of the Police officers who attend, and those of a witness who takes an active role, as well as the affect of the shooter. And, inevitably, Charlie is forcefully reminded of the incident that devastated her family, twenty-eight years earlier. Charlie's father, Rusty Quin is a lawyer infamous (and reviled) for representing those that no-one else will: murderers, rapists, petty criminals unlikely to pay. So of course, he is acting for the shooter, which attracts something more than just the usual condemnation from the town. Meanwhile, a certain earlier indiscretion magnifies the awkwardness between Charlie and her estranged husband, Assistant District Attorney, Ben Bernard. Another gripping page-turner from Karin Slaughter in which the action takes place over the space of three days; the recall goes back thirty years. It includes an excellent court scene, lots of clever banter between characters and a generous dose of very dark humour throughout. Slaughter's characters are complex; all have scars, both mental and physical, all are strong but betray very human flaws; there are no saints here, but these characters are easy to care about. And of course, there are twists and red herrings that will keep the reader guessing right up to the final pages. Once again, Slaughter does not disappoint.Cloggie Downunder

I realise that I still prefer a book with pages to hold in my hands. Having said that – ordering; paying and receiving the book was a smooth operation.Trudawg

The book was excellent. However it is also published under the title Now You See Her (which I already have) I was very upset to start book & realize I had just read it under the othee title. So it waz a waste of my $$. Why would a book have 2 titles?grcy7653-aa06a680

Since Covid started I haha was been reading all my books that I had. Needed some more. Thank you zulily for keeping me intrigued!!Smellie422

Good read…hard to put down…really could not guess the real thing that was happening…don't want to divulge any secrets!!!BevG

Very interesting story…..particularly informative about the tea industry, as well as focusing on the Chinese children adopted by Americans. Very spell binding to watch how the characters would ultimately encounter one another.Susan

I love books by Lisa See. I had read this from the library but decided I want to start keeping books at home again. I like how this story begins as if this is a culture separated from modern day but the heroine comes up to date later. I have not read a Lisa See book yet that I did not like.brownga1963

It is a very well written book. I could not put it down. When you read this book, you learn a lot about the rituals and superstitions of the Akha people. You will see the life of this ethnic minority from the point of view of an Akha, and from the point of view of an outsider. You will understand both. I also like how Lisa See explores the different aspects of mother-daughter love. In this book, there are plenty of situations, where the relationship between mother and daughter are depicted in different ways. Excellent book! Highly recommended!2014_csak

The Appeal by Janice Hallett is her debut novel and its epistolary format may tempt amateur sleuths to work alongside the two junior lawyers tasked with sorting through emails, texts, newspaper clippings, social media activity, messages, letters, and police reports which make up the narrative of the book to answer the senior partner's questions which change over time. As Olufemi (Femi) Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd read, took notes, and sorted through the various information, so did I. They are kept in the dark initially as to the true nature of the case and it is best that readers go in without all of the details as well. A local theatre group, The Fairway Players, are getting ready for Arthur Miller's play, All My Sons, when tragedy strikes the family of Martin Hayward, the director, and his wife, Helen, the play's star. Their granddaughter has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. An experimental treatment costing a large amount of money may be the only thing to save her life. Their friends and colleagues support them by babysitting, dog-sitting, and fundraising. However, accusations, fights, and a dead body bring a mystery to life. The large cast of characters that required notes as I attempted to uncover the truth and answer the senior partner's questions. Some of the correspondence is just gossip and others provide key information if one reads them carefully while others seem enigmatic or irrelevant. But are they? The plot is clever and somewhat convoluted, requiring more notes to keep things straight. The epistolary dialogue is well-crafted. Overall, this was suspenseful with compelling characters that engaged my inner sleuth and kept me turning the pages. The occasional humor helped as well. Atria Books and Janice Hallett provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.lynguy1

From the first page you become invested in the main character , twists and turns throughout . Devoured in one day. I actually held my breath towards the end .Kaz 61

Very thought-provoking indeed. In fact – a bit scary. Opens your eyes to what could be happening…..everywhere. Gives a glimpse into life in the raw!!!Cheesetown Girl

This is a top quality read. If you liked Misery, or any of the held against your will type stories this is a great one. Well written with a really nice flow you will fly through this book, plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. Read it !hey_funboy

Part family saga, part murder mystery, Liz Nugent's latest title, Our Little Cruelties is a discomfiting exploration of the festering resentments, internalised trauma and vicious betrayals within the dysfunctional Irish Drumm-Craig family over a 50-year period. Narcissistic matriarch Molly "Melissa" Craig, a one-time professional performer whose star is on the wane, is not the world's greatest mother, and her behaviour has lasting and profound effect on the psyches and adult lives of her three sons. William, the eldest and demonstrably Melissa's favourite, is self-assured and ruthless, unashamedly sweeping aside the interests, hopes and wishes of others (including his own brothers) in his lifelong pursuit of getting what he wants. Brian, the middle son, alternately ignored and tolerated by Melissa, grows up resentful of anything either of his brothers have that he hasn't. On the surface he's the stabilising influence, but behind the scenes, he's coniving and undermining whilst feathering his own nest. Youngest son Luke, rejected and ridiculed by Melissa and his older brothers, is blessed with musical genius and deep insight, but internalises his hurt and rejection, descending into a tortured life of substance abuse and psychiatric illness. The family drama unfolds in a four part narrative against the backdrop of a mystery: the book opens with three brothers at a funeral – two ostensibly mourning, one in the casket, deceased. Via short prologues to each of the parts, the reader learns that another of the brothers is responsible for the death. Who is dead? Who is guilty of murder? These mysteries aren't solved until the final pages of the book. Three of the four parts are told from the perspectives of each of the brothers, giving alternate perceptions of many of the same events and personalities. The fourth part draws the narrative together. While none of the characters are particularly likeable, they're well-developed and interesting. Nugent's depiction of inter-generational trauma and long-held patterns of resentment, self-preservation and revenge is frightening but compelling. While the reader may not like the way the brothers behave, their motives are to some degree understandable, given the circumstances of their upbringing. The author skilfully uses foreshadowing, dramatic irony and non-linear narrative to maintain momentum and reader engagement. From the brothers' self-interested perspectives, we gradually see revealed something approaching an objective reality. Our Little Cruelties wasn't a pleasurable read at times, however I found it a thought-provoking and compelling depiction of family dynamics. My thanks to the author, Liz Nugent, publisher Penguin Ireland and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review a copy of this title prior to publication.Duchess of New Town

Part family saga, part murder mystery, Liz Nugent's latest title, Our Little Cruelties is a discomfiting exploration of the festering resentments, internalised trauma and vicious betrayals within the dysfunctional Irish Drumm-Craig family over a 50-year period. Narcissistic matriarch Molly "Melissa" Craig, a one-time professional performer whose star is on the wane, is not the world's greatest mother, and her behaviour has lasting and profound effect on the psyches and adult lives of her three sons. William, the eldest and demonstrably Melissa's favourite, is self-assured and ruthless, unashamedly sweeping aside the interests, hopes and wishes of others (including his own brothers) in his lifelong pursuit of getting what he wants. Brian, the middle son, alternately ignored and tolerated by Melissa, grows up resentful of anything either of his brothers have that he hasn't. On the surface he's the stabilising influence, but behind the scenes, he's coniving and undermining whilst feathering his own nest. Youngest son Luke, rejected and ridiculed by Melissa and his older brothers, is blessed with musical genius and deep insight, but internalises his hurt and rejection, descending into a tortured life of substance abuse and psychiatric illness. The family drama unfolds in a four part narrative against the backdrop of a mystery: the book opens with three brothers at a funeral – two ostensibly mourning, one in the casket, deceased. Via short prologues to each of the parts, the reader learns that another of the brothers is responsible for the death. Who is dead? Who is guilty of murder? These mysteries aren't solved until the final pages of the book. Three of the four parts are told from the perspectives of each of the brothers, giving alternate perceptions of many of the same events and personalities. The fourth part draws the narrative together. While none of the characters are particularly likeable, they're well-developed and interesting. Nugent's depiction of inter-generational trauma and long-held patterns of resentment, self-preservation and revenge is frightening but compelling. While the reader may not like the way the brothers behave, their motives are to some degree understandable, given the circumstances of their upbringing. The author skilfully uses foreshadowing, dramatic irony and non-linear narrative to maintain momentum and reader engagement. From the brothers' self-interested perspectives, we gradually see revealed something approaching an objective reality. Our Little Cruelties wasn't a pleasurable read at times, however I found it a thought-provoking and compelling depiction of family dynamics. My thanks to the author, Liz Nugent, publisher Penguin Ireland and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review a copy of this title prior to publication.Duchess of New Town

This book was really good. I stayed up to finish it. I would definitely recommend this book. But beware that you won’t be able to put it down! A must read!!adenise47

This book was really good. I stayed up to finish it. I would definitely recommend this book. But beware that you won’t be able to put it down! A must read!!adenise47