The Stranger Upstairs

"The Stranger Upstairs" is a gripping psychological thriller by Lisa M. Matlin, first published in 2025. The novel follows Sara Slade, a popular psychologist and self-help author, who moves into Blackwood, a house with a dark past. Once the site of a murder, the house has stood abandoned for decades. Sara plans to renovate and sell it, but her neighbors are opposed to her plans. Soon, she begins receiving anonymous notes addressed to her, her personal life unravels, and she faces troubles at work. Additionally, Sara discovers the mysterious disappearance of the previous owner, young Amanda. The novel delves into themes of psychological suspense, exploring the impact of a house's history on its inhabitants and the secrets that surface when one confronts the past. This book is ideal for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with complex characters and intricate plots. It offers an immersive experience into the human psyche and the consequences of unresolved histories. The novel's compelling narrative and well-developed characters provide both emotional depth and suspense, making it a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.