Scarlett, an independent accountant, plagued by CFS and ME, lives in the apartment below that of her aunt who was brutally bashed to death by her fiance. She chooses Fond Farewells to help organize Rebecca's funeral. 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. 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. Scarlett's aunt was brutally murdered in the apartment upstairs. One of Dee's closest friends has been missing 10 years. These two women will meet, and secrets will unearth that links both of them more than they could ever have realised. What bothered me the most was something near the end of the book (don't read any further if you don't want to know the solution to the murder):

The Apartment Upstairs – Lesley Kara - My Reading Corner The Apartment Upstairs – Lesley Kara - My Reading Corner

The characters were great, various personalities but likeable. Definitely characters that are full of determination.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. There is creeping sense of tension and unease from the very beginning which continues throughout and which had me gripped desperate to know what was going to happen but I definitely didn't see that ending coming ... and what a great ending it is!

The Apartment Upstairs — Lesley Kara

I spotted this book in my local books shop and was intrigued by the synopsis. I had not ready books by Lesley Kara before but it was a good sign when shortly after starting it I was already looking to see what other books she had written.A brilliant read, I devoured this in the space of a few hours as I could not put it down at all!!' ***** My thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for the invite and to the publisher for the copy to review. Having read and enjoyed two of Lesley’s previous books, The Rumour and Who Did You Tell, I was looking forward to this one. Scarlett’s beloved Aunt Rebecca has been brutally murdered on the apartment upstairs. It’s incredibly traumatic for Scarlett, but she’s determined to try and move on, she has no choice - this is her home too. 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.

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

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 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.' With the clever plotting my suspicions veered uncontrollably from person to person and I did not want to lay aside this compelling tale for even a minute, such was my need to see what was around the corner. Another hit for me by the talented author, Lesley Kara. 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.This was a really great read, I devoured the book in two sittings - that’s when you know it’s a good book! Loved the writing style, the different POV - it felt like one of those reads you can just sink in to. An easy storyline to follow and especially one that’s addictive. Dee and Lindsay's best friend Gina disappeared many years ago. There's been no trace of her and Dee is helping Gina's family to organise a memorial event for her. 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? Who is Anna Stenberg? – Tracey Norman | Blog Tour Extract | #WhoIsAnnaStenberg | @DartmoorGal @RandomTTours