My suspicions veered wildly from person to person, my mind becoming every bit as overwrought as Scarlett's. But never did I even come close to guessing what had really happened, and what Scarlett's actions would uncover. I have loved everything I have read by this author, but The Apartment Upstairs is the best yet. THE AUTHOR: THE AUTHOR: Lesley Kara is an alumna of the Faber Writing Academy 'Writing a Novel' course. She lives in the small town of Flinstead-on-Sea on the North Essex coast. The Rumour is her first novel. When Scarlett approaches Dee about planning her aunt's funeral, an unexpected link between them emerges. Together, the two women could uncover secrets that have long been buried. Even while someone wants to stop them digging . . .

The Apartment Upstairs (Audio Download): Lesley Kara, Clare The Apartment Upstairs (Audio Download): Lesley Kara, Clare

Startlingly original . . . It's hard to think of a recent novel than can match it for an almost unbearable level of suspense' Sunday Times Mystery and thriller fans will find themselves losing touch with their surrounding as they open this book. You can expect a relaxed easy read during the first half of this book but be prepared for an edge-of-your-seat experience once you pass the halfway mark. The Apartment Upstairs is a fantastic read that I would highly recommend. If you haven’t yet, add this one to your TBR.

The characters were great, various personalities but likeable. Definitely characters that are full of determination. Unfortunately, as the narrative progressed, so the style and content deteriorated. By the final third of the story, what had, until then, been a reasonably entertaining mystery with hints of cosiness, descended rapidly into something that was just plain silly. The plot and the characterisation became simplistic to the point of being puerile and developments were unrealistically convenient. It was almost as if the author suddenly realised that she had a deadline looming and just needed to get it finished. She even decided to introduce some totally pointless references to the global Covid pandemic in the final stages of the book, which added no value at all and were totally unnecessary and avoidable. Disappointing. A thoroughly enjoyable read, great pace and the chapters flow nicely. 100% recommend the apartment upstairs. A brilliant read, I devoured this in the space of a few hours as I could not put it down at all!!' ***** Really enjoyed the whole guessing throughout with secrets, twists and lies thrown in a long the way to keep the reader engaged and trying to figure out how it would end.

The Apartment Upstairs — Lesley Kara

Lesley Kara tells a detailed story, allowing you to get to know the characters and reveal each one’s past before she drops a bombshell. I enjoy the way the story slowly unfolds, allowing you to feel comfortable with the characters and their roles before everything is turned upside down. She digs deep into the emotions of the characters as she brings them to life. Slowly revealing their inner workings, leaving you feeling as if you are forming new friendships as you get to know them. Scarlett steals your heart with her vulnerability. She is ill and struggles with her grief at the loss of her aunt. Her family cares deeply for her and the way they look after her warms your heart. Ollie is a caring brother and his devotion to his sister leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy.I have now read all four of Lesley Kara's novels and none of the most recent three have come close to living up to the impressive promise of her debut, "The Rumour". Sadly, I would have to say that this latest offering is the weakest of the lot. Lesley Kara books are always so addictive! I read this in an afternoon, with each chapter leaving me needing more. I loved the way the two stories intertwined and kept me guessing right until the end. Once again I was thinking I knew it all but I was wrong in so many ways 😅 I love it when this happens.

The Apartment Upstairs by Lesley Kara | Waterstones

Lesley Kara always constructs engaging novels and this is no exception. It's a good slow burner/psychological thriller with a never a dull moment plot. The characterisation is good throughout but especially of Dee and Scarlett and I like that the author gave some focus to ME via Scarlett who has frequent struggles with its symptoms. There are interesting dynamics between Dee and her partner Lindsay who have plenty of ups and downs and the relationship between Scarlett and her father and brother undergo fascinating changes too. A particularly good inclusion is hearing Rebecca’s voice through Scarlett and I like that touch. Startlingly original . . . It's hard to think of a recent novel than can match Kara's for an almost unbearable level of suspense. Sunday Times

It seemed rather predictable to me what had happened to Rebecca but the other part of the story kept me guessing right up until the reveal. Proving once more that you never really know someone, nor should you ever trust anyone. I mean, really, if you have trust issues, you might want to reconsider reading this one 😉. Some things became rather silly and somewhat over the top. Some characters’ behaviours had me utterly baffled at times. Yet, for some reason I can’t put my finger on, I couldn’t stop reading. That book was underwhelming. The idea itself wasn't bad, but it was written like a cozy murder mystery and I wasn't expecting that.

The Apartment Upstairs by Lesley Kara | Goodreads The Apartment Upstairs by Lesley Kara | Goodreads

The plot was far too slow and predictable with too little development. I also think that Scarlett and Dee, the two main characters, had far too little interactions. The author hinted that they become friends or even more in the future, but we'll never know. ABOUT 'THE APARTMENT UPSTAIRS': Scarlett's aunt lived - and was brutally murdered - in the apartment upstairs. But Scarlett is determined that life should return to some kind of normal, even if that means living with just a ceiling between her and the scene of such a devastating crime. After all, this is her home. She's safe here. Isn't she? With fairly short chapters that leave you wanting more, this was a read that I enjoyed and raced through. Scarlett is an engaging character, suffering from illnesses, including ME, her health issues were highlighted sympathetically and if she wasn’t fully focused, it was quite understandable. The Apartment Upstairs is the sort of read that will have you listening out for creaks in the floorboards from other rooms. Lesley Kara is incomparable .'We also have Dee who runs funeral firm Fond Farewells with business partner Lindsay. They are arranging Rebecca’s funeral and also a big memorial for the anniversary of her missing friend Gina. When threats start appearing my first thought was the convenience of the timing and that they must be connected. Was it murder/suicide or was it framed to look that way? Where is Gina?