The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch is this week’s Reader Friday post. Here’s the first line: She can breathe easy since she feels no consequences. I, on the other hand, feel suffocated every day.
But first the photo and verse.
This has long been one of my favorite verses because of how it shows God’s strength. When I’m fearful, I claim Isaiah 45:2! I didn’t have a photo of bronze gates, but I love this photo I took on the North Shore while on a trip with Delores Topliff back in 2015! We stayed at the best little place with a patio just off the room. I stepped out and snapped the photo with my iPhone 4.
Now for The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch. Here’s the cover and back copy:
“Jessica R. Patch weaves a dark, twisty tapestry that’s both unsettling and unexpectedly hopeful. Masterful.” –New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan
She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.
Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.
Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath.
As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined…
My Take:
Oh, my goodness! I could not put this book down when I read it in view of an endorsement. I don’t know how she’s going to top this one, but knowing Jessica R. Patch, I know she will.
I quickly felt for the heroine, Gwen. She’d lost so much — her job and maybe her marriage. She and her husband, Steven, who I wasn’t sure was a good guy or not (not giving away a spoiler here–you’ll have to read the book to find out) bought a house in Cold Harbor, Maine, hoping to rebuild their marriage as they rebuilt the house. When Gwen discovers writing on the floor upstairs, along with scratch marks on the door, she becomes obsessed with who’d been held there.
This is a tense, twisty read with a strong psychological thriller vibe. The Girl Upstairs keeps the pages moving with secrets, family tension, and a creeping sense that something is very wrong. I especially liked the atmospheric setting with the house as a strong character. The twists and turns kept me guessing–just as I thought I’d figured out a twist, something happened that knocked my guess out of the water. If you’re a fan of the Sixth Sense you will love The Girl Upstairs.
Okay, Readers, what are you reading this week? Leave the first line, title or just say “hi” in the comments, and I’ll enter you in a May drawing for a booklight! April’s winner is…Delores Topliff!
Don’t forget the audio of Counter Attack is 60% off until May 5th!
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Now here’s a song I hope you enjoy!
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Comments 47
Love the picture and verse. This book is on my TBR list. I just finished up reading all 14 books in Lacy William ‘s Wind River Legacy series.
Author
Hi, Sharon. Sorry I’m late answering comments, but I’m still recovering from getting stuck in traffic for an hour in Chattanooga yesterday! I’ve heard about the Wind River Legacy, and I’ve been meaning to get started on it…
Beautiful picture and comforting verse. Congratulations to Delores! The Girl Upstairs sounds so good. Patch is a talented storyteller. I am reading But There Were Signs by Georgia Curtis Ling. It’s the May ACFW online book club pick. The first line is a doozie: He singled out his next victim.
Author
I meant to read that one, too, Priscilla, but I got behind on my reading when I judged for the ACFW Carol awards. Hopefully, I’ll get to it soone!
Once again you’ve given us a first class photo to start our day. I like the Scripture promise of smooth ways, and strong doors broken and opened for us. That’s our all powerful, yet gentle God.
Congrats Delores!
“Panic sliced through preschool teacher Lydia Caldwell’s awareness when she turned to find that her three-year-old daughter Elsie had disappeared.” This is the first line of book two in the Colorado K9 Unit series. This one is by author Sharon Dunn and titled “Tracking the Taken Child.” I’m almost finished reading this book, and I still don’t have an idea of who done it, and why they want Lydia dead. I’d also like to give a shout out to Carol Post for her four book “Harmony Grove” series which I’ve just finished reading.
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed the photo and verse, Tim! Sharon Dunn is one of my Suspense Sisters and I’ve been meaning to read Tracking the Taken Child. Maybe soon! And now I have to check out the …
“The Dark Time” by Nick Petrie is my current read.
Author
I’ll have to check it out, Pam!
What a phenomenal photo. Love the mist over the water. Definitely looks like a suspense story in the making. Amen to that verse, Pat!
I’ve read several of Jessica’s books, but honestly sometimes they about scare me to death. Lol She is quite talented. That was a great review.
I’m reading Children of the Shadows by “Erica Vetsch. “How can you be late for what might be the most important meeting of your life?”
Barbara, I’m with you regarding Jessica’s books. They spook me out sometimes, too. But, she is a top notch author and does it right. “The Girl Upstairs” is my next read, and I’ll probably get started on it tonight. Is that a good idea? 🙂
Tim, you’d better start in the morning if you want to get any sleep tonight!!
Author
I think so, Tim. I read it at night.
Author
The Girl Upstairs is more psychological thriller than her other books. I couldn’t put it down! Love that first line!
I have been putting off reading The Girl Upstairs fearing it might be too scary. I know I will eventually read it, just not yet.
I am currently reading a digital ARC of Winter’s Folly by Eliza McJames.
Thank you for sharing the song. As usual, it brought back fond memories.
Author
It’s not really scary, Carolyn. More mystery and psychological…I’m glad you enjoyed the song!
Wow! What a gorgeous photo and comforting verse, Pat!
Thank you for sharing this classic Gaither recording of The Old Country Church.
Good review of The Girl Upstairs – another want to read book. Too many books and not enough time.
I’m reading Protecting Honor by Christy Barritt. “Max Kincaid should have trusted his instincts.”
Congratulations Delores!
Author
Thanks, Mary G! I really enjoy Christy Barritt’s books
I just finished The Girl Upstairs and wow! Tim, you will not be able to put it down. I agree with your review, Pat, about Steven and everything. I started A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham. The first line: (starting after some tweets that start the first chapter) Ladies did not drool over cars.
Congratulations, Delores.
Author
Hi Gloria,
Pepper Basham is a great writer!
Thank you for the verse. I love it! What a comfort that God goes before us! I also love The Old Country Church! It’s playing while I am typing this. Forgive typos.
I am reading When Justice Comes by Coble & Acker. Next, I will read Tim Tebow’s, If The Tree Could Speak
Author
I have When Justice Comes on audio and will probably start it when I drive home to Mississippi.
Carrie at readingismysuperpower.org has a great interview with Jessica R Patch today on her website. I got the email this morning.
Author
I’ll have to check it out, Gloria. I’m interviewing her on the Suspense Sisters the last of May…
I am reading Terri Reed book Danger In The Rockies I have Jessica Patch book on my TBR list I can’t wait to read it!
Author
Sarah, I just finished Terri Reed’s Pursued on the Run. I think you’ll enjoy Jessica’s book!
Pat, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on The Girl Upstairs. Enjoy your weekend!
Author
You, too, Caryl!
Hi, not reading anything now
Author
BN100, right now, I’m haven’t had time to read anything, either.
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
It is very interesting, Diana!
I love this author’s writings and this one sounds like one I’d enjoy. Psychological thriller, yes! I’m still running The Other Sister around in my mind and thinking of reading it again before I review it. It messed with my mind big time!
I’m currently reading Desi Arnaz The Man Who Invented Television by Todd S. Purdum. I knew Desi was brilliant but I really didn’t know how much until I started reading The Book by him and this one that touches on things from that book and adds more to it.
Author
I would love to read the one on Desi Arnes, Gail! And Jessica’s books sometimes mess with my mind, too. lol
Hi! Just starting The Vow by D L Woods
Author
D L Woods is a great author, Shelia!
This may be one of my favorite pictures of all you have shared. I am not familiar with North Shore. Where is it? Great choice for the verse.
I love the early Gaither Homecoming videos with all the old singers I used to listen to in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. However, it’s a bit bittersweet when I realize that possibly 30-40 percent of those singers have passed on. Practically all of the old ones and a few of the younger ones. I have a lot on my plate and am lagging in my reading.
I am reading Ann H. Gabhart’s book, A Chance for Kallie Mae, which will release on May 19.
August 22, 1911
Kallie Mae Bertram picked up the book her brother threw across the room when he came in from school. Whitt’s shirt was torn, and a bump under his right eye was turning purple.
Author
It was taken on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Edward. I traveled there with Delores Topliff and we drove from there on up to Thunder Bay so I could say I’d visited Canada. 🙂 Ann H, Gabhart’s books sounds good!
I am still reading Christmas with the Single Dad by Amie Denman. A lot has been going on with me medically so reading has taken a back seat lately but hopefully I can get it read soon.
Author
Deborah, when life comes at me fast, it’s hard to concentrate and read anything. Hope everything turns around quickly!
I am reading “Driving Force: An Elite Guardians Novel” by Lynette Eason.
Author
I love Lynette Eason’s books, Becky!
I love the photo & scripture. I am reading A Chance For Callie Mae by Ann Gabhart.
Author
Thanks, Lucy! Edward is reading the same book.
I should be getting Jessica’s book in a couple of weeks. I’m currently reading The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham. It starts off “Grace Percy had always dreamed of being part of a dashing pursuit of a villain; she’d just never imagined doing so in a gondola with a complete stranger.”
Author
Pepper Bashams’s books are always good, Kelly! I think you’ll enjoy Jessica’s book.
I’m currently reading the Jonathan Island prequel by Susan May Warren. Your new review sounds very intriguing.
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Susan May Warren is always a great choice, Sally Jo!