The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch

The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch
Series: NA (stand alone)
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade on April 28, 2026

REVIEW BY STACI TROILO

Christian suspense is among my favorite types of books to read, and Jessica R. Patch is one of my favorite authors in the genre, so I was excited to read this novel. I’m happy to say it did not disappoint.

It opens with Gwen (the protagonist) approaching her new home in a new state, chosen by her from an online listing and purchased by her husband, who traveled to and toured the property without her. Readers know there’s tension in the marriage and an uncomfortable reason for the fast and desperate move, but that’s just one of many mysteries to unravel. Upon arrival, she focuses on getting her baby from the back seat. He, on the other hand, hurries to greet their real estate agent—a young, bubbly, attractive woman who is too friendly and familiar with Steven for Gwen’s comfort.

That dynamic would be enough to set any wife on edge, but Gwen barely registers it before she’s hit with a wave of dread. There’s something not right with the house. The danger is palpable, visceral—and she seems to be the only one who senses it.

People say the house is haunted. Gwen, a former detective, doesn’t believe in the supernatural. In her experience, evil is perpetuated by people, not spirits. But she has no rational explanation for the things she’s encountering. Her husband, a doctor, has nothing but rational explanations. This disparity—her instinct versus his pragmatism—is another layer of disquiet added to the growing pile of problems.

The novel’s pace is brisk, the plot unfolding quickly. Steven grows increasingly frustrated with Gwen, spends less and less time at home, and lies about where he is and who he’s with. He claims he’s trying to fit into the community and wants her to do the same. She trusts almost no one… not when there are crimes being committed and covered up. Crimes escalating in occurrence and severity. Crimes that ultimately threaten her family and her life. 

Her only friend, Cady, is a coffeeshop owner/true crime enthusiast who has tragedies in her own past. She and Gwen partner up to investigate Cady’s family history, which leads them down a dangerous road. It seems every person in town has an agenda, acts suspicious, and is determined to drive Gwen away or drive her crazy.

She’s too stubborn to go and fears her sanity is already compromised.

Sorry for so much setup (which, believe it or not, barely scratches the surface), but it seemed necessary to explain the psychological twists in this story.

To protect her sanity, Gwen must protect herself. She lies to the town, her husband, her only friend, and even herself. Instead of this behavior making her unsympathetic, it adds to our empathy for her. We sense her trouble even though we don’t know what it is, and we ache for her. Especially when it’s obvious the townspeople are truly against her and her husband doesn’t take her concerns seriously… not when his time and attentions are focused elsewhere.

As this is a Christian suspense story, one saturated with inner turmoil, it would be easy for the faith element to be prominent, maybe even preachy. Instead, it is subtle. Almost covert. Certainly not intrusive.

Cady hugs me. It’s tight, warm and everything I need. “Here’s the rub, Gwen. Broken things can be mended. Healed. And made whole. I’m a person of faith. Even when things go sideways, I believe God can fix you when no one and nothing else can.”

Jessica R. Patch, The Girl Upstairs

When I say there are twists in this novel, I laugh at the absurd understatement. This is probably the “twistiest” story I’ve ever read.

The first seems designed to have the biggest impact, but I saw it coming. (To be fair, I watched a show with the same twist a couple of years ago, and it was something I’d never seen and felt strongly about, so it stuck with me.) Careful readers will have suspicions but probably won’t guess it, which will be hugely impactful.

The subsequent reveals, where the core of the mysteries take place, make the pieces fall like dominoes. Some are predictable, at least in part, but most are heartbreaking and all made my pulse race. While it almost seems like too many threads tie together so closely, the resolution is incredibly satisfying.

The ending is a bit rushed, but then again, after spending so much time mired in intricate mental and emotional quagmires, it’s possible the pacing of external events just felt fast in comparison. 

These are interesting characters in a creepy town with a fascinating plot. Very easy to recommend to fans of the genre. 4.5 fish.

_{I read The Girl Upstairs through NetGalley.}