After reading “The Family Upstairs” I learned that Lisa Jewell had a sequel to the novel and figured why not read that next, and I am glad I did. “The Family Remains” was published three years after its predecessor and admitly I was concerned that it may not live up the hype given the hiatus between books; Jewell acknowledges this in the novel’s epilogue as well noting that she very seldom creates sequels to her work. However, I am glad an exception was made for this series following the mysteriously aloof Henry Lamb and his family’s secrets.

I have to say, I preferred the follow novel as it explored new depths without having to get into the history for context. The addition to the original is wonderfully written and keeps the suspense pumping until the very last pages. I enjoy Jewell’s writing style and her ability to captivate an audience through multiple character’s point of view, it keeps you guessing and craving to learn more about each.

Without giving too much away, I had a few “OMG” moments while I reading, and even one moment where I audibly gasped at the revelation. This novel is a true gem if you love a suspenseful mystery. Jewell even teases us with an ending that could easily lead to a third novel, but will she deliver or keep us speculating forever? I suppose only time will tell!