The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell

The Family Upstairs #2

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 2/3/23 - 2/3/23

TW: Slight TW for readers sensitive to scenes of sexual assault as well as emotional abuse.

    One morning, DCI Samuel Owusu is summoned to a chilling crime scene along the Thames. As he sends evidence for analysis, he uncovers a disturbing connection to a cold case that shook a Chelsea mansion three decades earlier, leaving three lives extinguished on its kitchen floor.

    Rachel Rimmer is hit with devastating news: her husband, Michael, has been discovered dead in the cellar of their house in France. French authorities suspect foul play and demand her immediate presence to shed light on Michael's mysterious past, forcing Rachel to confront secrets she'd rather leave buried.

    Lucy Lamb, who fled London three decades ago following a devastating tragedy, is returning home to start anew with her children. Just as she's about to purchase their first-ever house, her brother embarks on a quest to locate a boy from their troubled past. As they delve into the tangled web of mysteries, they will uncover surprising connections that stretch beyond their wildest imagination.

    Although this book is labeled as a standalone, I highly recommend revisiting the first installment for valuable background details on the characters. It adds depth and enhances the overall reading experience. Plus, the first book is an enjoyable read in its own right.

    The sequel kicks off with a classic thriller setup: a dead body and a twenty-year-old mystery waiting to be unraveled. However, it quickly evolves into a captivating tale of family drama, with interwoven subplots that gradually converge to form a larger, more complex narrative.

    Rachel's story, while both mesmerizing and disturbing, is made even more compelling by the unique structure of the book. Starting with the conclusion and then delving into the backstory, it keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.

    Henry is such an interesting character, and I was totally hooked on his story. People in the book see him as messed up, and yeah, he's definitely twisted. But that's what made reading from his perspective so exciting. You never know what he's going to do next, even when you're inside his head. It added an extra level of suspense to the whole thing.

    The ending of this book really hit me in the feels. I appreciated how Jewell tied everything together, even though it might not be everyone's cup of tea. The way she addressed important issues in the story was done with care and sensitivity, and it gave a strong sense of female empowerment that resonated with me. I'm definitely excited to read more from this author in the future.