The Family Remains

literally how did i do this twice- I once again read a sequel without reading the FIRST?!?! how did I even manage this and I feel as though I need to start looking up books in detail before reading them.

anywayyyyy a captivating read that took me a little while to get into, but definitely got me in the second half!

Why did you listen to the fans and write a sequel?

Holy closure to the first book!

Honestly if I hadn't read the first book and felt some commitment to the characters I don't think I would have enjoyed this book. There were a lot of aspects that felt too unrealistic, such as the small town detective piecing things together from seemingly nothing or knowing every time someone is lying, movement of characters on fake documents they had been questioned about. It felt a bit far fetched.

I did enjoy learning about Racheal and in my own cluelessness/ forgetting people's names not realizing how she tied into everyone else until far later in the book. I also enjoyed Henry's twisted first perspective chapters, a broken person who puts you on edge because you never quite know what he's going to do. I found him quite gripping and engaging.

I do feel like the book dragged at the end trying to fit all the pieces of closure in, jumping from one aspect to another providing answers to wrap everything up.

I did really enjoy the story and appreciated the closure but, as I mentioned, I was already invested in the characters from book one and jumped right from finishing it into the second book. I recognize that if more time passed between reading or if I hadn't read the first book I don't think I would have enjoyed it.

Hot take but this sequel was necessary and needed. though I do think it dragged over at times but still it was an amazing experience. Henry Lamb is such a interesting character, I enjoy his chapters the most. very damaged and chaotic.
Lucy and Rachel stories connected satisfyingly. i loved their ending so much.

I might read more of Lisa Jewell after this incredible duology.

This was my first Lisa Jewell and I quite enjoyed it - suspenseful and engaging without veering into utter unbelievability or triteness.

Tällä kirjalla oli erittäin vahva aloitus. Oli kiinnostava seurata erilaisia tarinoita, mihin ne johtavat. Kuitenkin loppu mielestäni hieman lässähti, kirja ei paljoa jättänyt arvoituksia tai jännitystä.

Ihan ok jatko-osa siis.

Another Enjoyable Thriller



I thoroughly relished “The Family Upstairs” and bestowed upon it a 5-star review. Considering its tremendous success both artistically and commercially, it was inevitable that there would be a temptation to create a sequel at some point. However, history has demonstrated that releasing a sequel to a novel originally intended as a standalone isn't always a prudent decision. With this in mind, I approached “The Family Remains” hoping for the best but bracing myself for the worst. The outcome, however, fell somewhere in between.

Firstly, let's address whether “The Family Remains” can be enjoyed by someone who isn't already acquainted with the first book. Lisa Jewell does exhibit some consideration for her readers by offering brief background information on key characters at the beginning of the book. Additionally, she utilizes one of the early chapters, narrated from Henry's perspective, to provide background details from the first book. Nevertheless, I believe this serves better as a refresher for those who have actually read the initial installment rather than fully acquainting new readers with the story.

The novel itself delivers much of what you would anticipate from Lisa Jewell: fluent and engaging writing that captivates readers with her trademark page-turning style. The character development is, as always, commendable, with well-crafted protagonists, although not always likable. The pace remains steady throughout, and the plot has been carefully constructed, avoiding glaring plot holes or stretching believability too far beyond the bounds of dramatic fiction. However, despite these strengths, “The Family Remains” lacks the same level of originality, intrigue, and menace found in “The Family Upstairs,” resulting in a less impactful experience compared to its predecessor.

If you enjoyed “The Family Upstairs,” it's likely that you will also derive enjoyment from this sequel, albeit perhaps not to the same extent. Conversely, if you didn't appreciate the first book, it's highly unlikely that you'll find much enjoyment in this one either. If you haven't read “The Family Upstairs” yet, I recommend doing so before delving into “The Family Remains” to ensure maximum satisfaction from the latter.

Very erll written and great ending. Just a warning though: it's hard to follow if you don't remember what has happened in the first book, because the recollection in the chapters is not enough.

4.5

I feel like this book wasn't needed and that the first book could've stood on its own. It didn't add much to the story afterward, and it left me a bit disappointed.

There were definitely some loose ends at the conclusion of [b:The Family Upstairs 43822820 The Family Upstairs (The Family Upstairs, #1) Lisa Jewell https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564517337l/43822820.SY75.jpg 66179743] but I'm not sure they justified an entire sequel. But here we are anyway. Several new characters are introduced but don't add much to the story. The suspense consists of whether the police will connect the human remains discovered in a river with the traumatic events that occurred in the first book, and whether creepy Hugh will find the object of his obsession. Although the book answers most of the questions, the ending is anti-climactic. N.B. The book description insists that The Family Remains is a standalone, but I strongly disagree. You definitely need to read its predecessor or you will probably be confused by the relationships and dynamics among the major characters.

Great character building - all very unique. I definitely want to go back and read the first book now.

I am so relieved now that I have finished reading this book. And yes, you can say that there was really no mystery in this book. We already knew what happened. We suffered through it in the first book along with the characters. I think this book was more about resolution and peace of mind (mine particularly). I am very fond of the Lamb children. I believe they were the true victims in this tale. And I am happy they finally got closure. 

Now it makes sense! Reading The Family Upstairs first is very important! Love how Jewell makes you think hard while reading! Definitely did not see the end coming!

3.5⭐️ i liked this, but it wasn't as thrilling as i wanted it to be. i felt like the end was anticlimactic . i looovvvved the first book, this was just eh

I think if you go into this expecting a thriller you may be disappointed. It is really a family drama - and I think its almost essential that you read The Family Upstairs first. Having said that - I really enjoyed it.

3.5This review might contain spoilers for the family upstairs, so proceed with caution. Thank you!In this sequel to [b:The Family Upstairs 43822820 The Family Upstairs (The Family Upstairs, #1) Lisa Jewell https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564517337l/43822820.SY75.jpg 66179743] we explore the Lamb's family more thoroughly. Unlike [b:The Family Upstairs 43822820 The Family Upstairs (The Family Upstairs, #1) Lisa Jewell https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564517337l/43822820.SY75.jpg 66179743] which was more dark and twisted this is a slow burn mystery with family drama and in depth character study.In the typical Lisa Jewell style,we get short chapters that helps a lot in flying through the book and the writing is very easy to read.I liked the family upstairs more than this coz this was very slow and didn't have much twists but I really enjoyed reading more about the characters and their lives. There was one particular story line in this which had a very satisfying ending and I have given one star solely for that.While this can be read as a standalone I recommend reading The family upstairs first and then this coz you can get into the story more easily.My review of The Family Upstairs- Review of The Family Upstairs