Take care who you invite into your home

When Libby Jones receives a letter from the trustee of her birth parents’ estate, telling her she has inherited their large house in Chelsea’s expensive Cheyne Walk, she has no idea about its tragic history. Nor does she know how, as a baby, she came to be the only surviving person in the house when the police discovered her dead parents. All she knows is – as her two older siblings are still missing, presumed dead – she is now a very rich woman.

This is the opening scenario for Lisa Jewell’s disturbing story about the rich, yet gullible Lamb family, whose comfortable, high society lifestyle is turned upside down after they invite a charming and believable conman and his family into their home. It is also the start of an intriguing and complicated mystery, which skilfully weaves three different storylines until they eventually converge for the final revelation.

Aided by the journalist who originally tried to solve the mystery, Libby’s attempts to discover the truth are interspersed with accounts of her siblings, as they each make their way back to the house. As their alternating individual stories unfold, the events leading up to the tragic demise of their parents are gradually pieced together.

At first, it is difficult to understand why the Lambs had willingly allowed such a situation to occur in the first place. However, as the story progresses you begin to realise how easy it can be to fall for the charms of an experienced con artist … especially if you are a trusting and kind person.

‘The Family Upstairs’ is a well-paced novel that will keep you gripped throughout. However, beware. It may also make you extra cautious about those you invite into your home.