This started so slowly that I almost put it down but buddy when it HIT!!! I was desperate to know what was going on and every layer of the mystery that was unveiled left me with new questions.

I was on the edge of my seat figuring out the mystery of the island. The final twists were beautiful but what absolutely sent this to the next level was that final chapter... I will be thinking of that for a long time, I think. Praise Emerson.

Something I Keep Upstairs by J.D. Barker and narrated by Michael Crouch was a spooky scary tale and dark in some places. I loved it! I love the twist and turns within this book, especially as it keeps you on your toes. . . . . .

This book is set in a sleepy coastal town of New Castle, in New England, where a seventeen year old Billy Hasler life is about to take a terrifying turn. When, his best friend David Spivey inherits a mysterious house on a nearby island. . . This seems to be a perfect place to spend their final summer before heading off to college. Especially as there are No parents. No police. and above all, No responsibilities. What could possibly go wrong?

But, as they start to explore the area and its dig into the island's dark past, they awaken an ancient evil that has influenced generations.

What begins as an innocent summer adventure quickly descends into a nightmare.

Will they survive their final summer? or will it be their last?

Wow! This audiobook is excellent and the narrator Michael Crouch was excellent.

I highly recommend Something I keep upstairs, but don;t read or listen to it at night!!!!! There maybe something hidden upstairs!

I’d been craving something spooky to read, and I found this novel perfectly suited my mood. While it didn’t leave me sleepless, its chilling, unsettling moments hooked me from start to finish.

The story follows a group of teens who decide to spend their summer on this weird, haunted island after one of them inherits a super mysterious house. Of course, there are a bunch of rules they break (classic), and everything starts to spiral from there. It has ghosts, witchy stuff, and a house that sort of shifts through time, which was a cool twist I wasn’t expecting.

My main critique is the pacing… some sections dragged, making the book feel a bit too long. And, certain backstory elements felt repetitive, pulling me out of the tension.

Still, this was a fun, eerie read with a strong haunted house setup. It wasn’t nightmare fuel, but it hit the spot and now I’m curious to check out more from J.D. Barker.

This book felt like a dream. I was confused, sad, scared, annoyed, angry and a lot of other emotions while reading this book. I’m not sure how I feel about it

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

THIS WAS GOOOOOD. I loved how our author gave the darkest eerie feeling that went straight to the bone with this one. This book isn’t called a CHILLER for no reason. The setting is dark, the writing is done in such a way that you can imagine it all playing out as you read. There’s nothing more creepy that a scary book with deep dark mystery and things hidden in every corner. The book involves a place called Wood Island…just the name alone and something on that island just isn’t right and we are about to find out what that is. I don’t want to go too far into this because there’s just too much I could say and give it away but I’ll leave you with a quote and let you snag this read and curl up on the chair and binge away.

“For a haunted house to be born, somebody has to die.”

Large thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well Hampton Creek Press / Simon & Schuster | Hampton Creek Press

This is my first time reading this author's work, and I was thoroughly impressed. The book is a captivating blend of suspense and supernatural elements, making it a top-notch paranormal thriller. The plot is intricately woven, with well-developed characters and unexpected twists that kept me engaged from start to finish. I can't wait to explore more of their writing in the future

I'm a huge fan of J.D. Barker's Fourth Monkey series. I thought it was one of the darkest, grittiest serial killer series I'd ever read. I was hoping J.D. Barker's horror novel would have the same vibe, but unfortunately I was a little let down by this novel. It started off with a lot of promise as the atmosphere of Wood Island was introduced, but I thought the plot slowed down in the middle and it felt like a lot was unnecessary.

I also didn't connect with any of the characters which also felt like a missed opportunity. It isn't a bad book by any means and it definitely is going to have an audience for it, but this isn't one that will live on in my memory.

The island gives, and the island takes. But above all… never forget to feed Emerson!
Equal parts mystery and thriller, this novel delivers all the eerie elements I crave in a story. Set on a remote island with a haunted house, and an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the last page. While I was initially unsure about the teenage protagonists, it quickly became clear that their age added a compelling layer to the narrative's intensity and emotional depth.
Barker masterfully weaves together some of my favorite horror tropes…. creepy teens, witchcraft, local lore, isolated location, and an ominous house all with a seamlessness that feels fresh rather than forced. I especially enjoyed how the main character, Billy, is forced to confront multiple moral dilemmas that help deepen the storyline beyond its terrifying surface.
I devoured this book in one sitting, completely hooked by the mystery of what was real, who could be trusted, and how far these characters would go to satisfy one terrifying demand… to please Emerson. If you're looking for a gripping, creepy read that pulls you into a dark, atmospheric world then you won't want to miss this one.

*Thank you to J.D. Barker, Hampton Creek Press / Simon & Schuster | Hampton Creek Press and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Something I Keep Upstairs was such an amazing read. It was creepy, seductive, addictive, with enough horror and unexplainable phenomena that was just perfect to keep you hooked! 💫💫💫💫💫

Please feed Emerson
Billy Hasler and David Spivey are best friends. Spivey inherits a house, Woodland Island, from his grandmother Geraldine Rote, whom he has never met or spoken to and was unaware of. But the house comes with many rules (Don't answer the phone), and they are all imposed by one weird lawyer named Lockwood Marston. (Never lock the doors)

Chief Whaley knows that the island where the house is situated holds many secrets. (Watch pilot light in basement) And he will have to figure them all out the hard way in order to save some lives. (Anyone here at sunset must stay until sunrise)

Matt, Izzie, Chloe, Kira, Alesia, Billy, and Spivey will learn dark secrets and past sacrifices that were made. Their friendships, loyalty, and lives will be tested. (Nothing can be removed from the house)

Thank you, Netgalley and Hampton Creek Press/ Simon & Schuster

A good creepy story but it is a slow burn and took the creepiness a little time to settle in. I liked that the main characters were teens as it made for a coming of age story as well

Let me start off by saying "I love J.D. Barker." After reading "Something I Keep Upstairs" I still love his work. This one was scary. I didn't know what was coming next. I did like the characters and I think that's why I was sucked in right from the beginning. Not only did it have that spooky feel, it offered so much more.

Go grab JD’s latest novel along with his M2K series.

It is usually hit or miss if I like these sort of books. I was shockingly surprised how intrigued and sucked in I was with this book! From the very beginning I wanted answers! I wanted to know what was going on and surprises came from all sides with no answers for a while then they slowly started trickling in and I was even more intrigued! I really enjoyed this book. I felt it kept a good pace and kept me hooked throughout. The only reason it wasn't a 5 star for me was I guess it could have been a little shorter. At times I felt like it sort of dragged on a bit but those times didn't last too long so i never lost interest. It has some twists and turns and surprise towards the end I wasn't expecting and I always love a book that catches me off guard!

This was my first ever J.D Barker book & it won’t be my last. While this didn’t blow me away, I still thoroughly enjoyed it! The theme of friendship was really strong throughout and I was always excited to see what would happen next for Billy and David. The creepiness was definitely there especially after reading the Author’s Note at the end! I felt like that gave us a little something extra which I appreciated! I was still left with a few questions but nothing crazy. Overall I really enjoyed this book!

Something I Keep Upstairs by J.D. Barker is  a horror novel about a number of teenagers who explore a rather haunted house on an island.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher  Simon & Schuster and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.   All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
New Castle, New Hampshire has some haunted buildings, and Wood Island has a house that is very strange.  Seventeen year-old David Spivey (just known as Spivey) has inherited that house when his grandmother died, although it comes with conditions.  The lawyer, Marston, oversees and manages the whole thing, even though it belongs to Spivey.  The will is very specific.

Billy Hasler is Spivey's best friend, and they decide this is the perfect place to spend the summer before heading off to college.  Their friend Matty agrees to take them over on his boat, and Billy gets his girlfriend Kira to come along.  But Matty's younger sister and her friend insist on tagging along, even though Spivey says no.  One of the rules of his inheritance is no one under 16 can set foot on the island.  It's a strange rule, and just one of many.  Spivey is persuaded to let them come, convinced that no one will know.  The two young girls promise to stay on the boat.

That is when the problems start, as the under-age girls do not stay on the boat.  But in reality, the problems started many, many years ago.  Not all will survive this summer.




My Opinions:
First, I was so happy to be offered this book.    Barker is finally writing on his own again, no collaboration.  I knew that this would be good, and I certainly was not disappointed.

Yes, the book is a haunted house/island story filled with ghosts, and witchcraft, and a house that changes (cycles) to a past time.  But it is also a story of friendship, young love, and teenage angst.

The characters were great, and most of them were well-fleshed out.  The reader could really get behind the heroes and boo the villains.  There were very few "grey" characters, although a few of the adults were in that category.  My sympathies went out to Spivey, Billy and Kira, right from the start.  You just felt that things were not going to end well for that trio.  Chief Whaley also earned my admiration.

The overall plot was interesting, suspense rose and fell, and just when you could take a breath, Barker would throw in a twist.

I think the main thing that didn't work for me was the chapters.  Things were broken down by different days, and that didn't seem logical.  I would sooner have the chapters broken down by character points of view.  Another thing that bothered me was that it was a little too long.  Barker's novels are always long, but I think there was just a little too much history included, and it seemed to be repeated.

Overall, this was a dark, highly atmospheric tale of supernatural evil that has been around for hundreds of years, and has been awoken again.

 Anyway, until next time....

J.D. Barker’s *Something I Keep Upstairs* is a riveting plunge into the depths of dread, masterfully weaving together nostalgia, friendship, and the chilling specter of the supernatural. Set in the quaint, coastal town of New Castle, New Hampshire, Barker crafts a haunting narrative that encapsulates the eerie undertones of summer escapades tinged with malevolence.

At the heart of the story is seventeen-year-old Billy Hasler, whose life takes an ominous turn when his best friend, David Spivey, inherits an enigmatic, decaying house on a deserted island. This once idyllic backdrop serves as the catalyst for the unfolding horror, as the boys plan their final summer of freedom before embarking on the daunting journey to college. The premise offers a nostalgic glimpse into youthful exuberance, seamlessly juxtaposed with the encroaching darkness that looms over their summer of adventure.

Barker’s writing stands out for its atmospheric depth and vivid descriptions, expertly bringing the island and its haunted past to life. As Billy and David delve deeper into the island's history, the layers of suspense build intricately, propelling the reader into a world where innocence is corroded by foreboding truths. The sense of place is palpable, as the author paints the island with a brush dipped in shadow, revealing a sinister backstory that is as compelling as it is terrifying.

What elevates *Something I Keep Upstairs* beyond your typical haunted house tale is its exploration of friendship and the inevitable loss that comes with growing up. Billy and David's bond is palpable, portrayed with a raw authenticity that resonates with anyone who has cherished a close friendship during their formative years. As the stakes escalate and the horrors unfold, readers watch helplessly as their relationship is tested in ways they could never have anticipated.

Barker's ability to seamlessly blend supernatural elements with the very real emotions of fear, nostalgia, and loss is commendable. The ancient evil they awaken does not merely function as a source of terror; it becomes a reflection of their inner fears and the inevitable changes that life brings. The author's deft pacing ensures that tension remains constant, with the chilling revelations coming at just the right moments to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, *Something I Keep Upstairs* is a haunting exploration of courage, the darkness that lurks just beneath the surface of our lives, and the ghosts of our past that we cannot escape. J.D. Barker has delivered a captivating tale that chills to the bone while simultaneously capturing the essence of youth and the bittersweet nature of growing up. For fans of psychological horror and well-crafted suspense, this novel is an unforgettable dive into the fog of fear and the bonds that tie us to those we hold dear. Highly recommended for anyone willing to brave the unknown lurking just upstairs.

Thank you Hamton Creek Press / Simon & Schuster & JD Barker for this read.

After reading the plot to this book I just knew I had to read it.

The plot to this was totally addictive. A haunted house style book always tends to hook me in. This book offered a unique spin on the usual haunted house tale and I loved it.

It is a slow burn and while I found it longer than I expected, the last 40% moves so fast that you can barely stop reading.

The ending gave me SHIVERS. I loved it. It was a brilliant end that made all the slow burn and questioning where this would end up worth it!

This one is definitely a book you NEED to add to your TBR this year. Go in blind and enjoy the ride!

I make no secret of the fact that I am a big fan of this author. His 4MK series, his stand alones and his collaborations. I have read and loved them all! So it was no shock that I loved this book just as much.
We start with seventeen year old Billy Haslar and his best friend David Spivey whose worlds arr about to change when Spivey inherits an island complete with mysterious house. With the both about to finish school and go off to college, where better to spend their last summer... along with their friends.
But the island and guardianship of it comes with a whole bunch of rules. But hey, they're kids and rules are meant to be broken, aren't they? But actions have consequences, and, as Billy soon discovers, the island has a rather deep and dark history which makes their summer shenanigans quickly descend into a chilling horror story...
Ooo this book is all things creepy and scary and things that go bump in the night. It's got a proper old school horror feel to it and reminds me of a lot of the books I read back in the 80s when I was a teenager. It's claustrophobic with a healthy dollop of foreboding and the everlasting fear of something evil... But I won't spoil it, you can discover it all for yourself.
It starts off quite slow paced as there is a right bunch of pieces to put in pace. Characters to introduce, scenes to set, intrigue to build up... but once it gets going... wowsers! It's a veritable race to the wholly satisfying end.
And if that wasn't everything. Once I finished the book and read the author's note at the end (please don't skip this one) Oh.My.Days... wow. Down the google rabbit hole I went...
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well respected back catalogue. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Billy Hasler is the sole survivor of something mystifying that happened on a small island near New Castle, NH, nearly eleven years ago, on a stormy night when his friends and the sheriff went missing. Now Billy is finally writing down the truth of what happened... Will you believe it?

Quite devilish and disturbing, even for J.D. Barker. Interesting (and scary) that he set the story in the town where he lives and many of the plot details are inspired by historical events and places. I'm still wondering where the title comes from though.

Many thanks to J.D. and the publisher for providing me with an arc of his new chiller. My review is voluntary and rhetorical opinions expressed are my own.

Overall this one was just ok for me. It started out strong and lost me somewhere along the way. I think because I didn't really LOVE any of the characters. Horror isn't my first pick either but I have enjoyed this author's other books so I was excited for it. It didn't help that it seemed to take me ages to get through! Almost an entire month and that's just unheard of for me! I will still give him another try though.

Moody, intricately layered, and quietly unsettling!

“For a haunted house to be born, somebody has to die”—how’s that for a hook? This book had all the ingredients I usually enjoy: a mysterious house, a coastal setting, summer friendships, and a sinister past just waiting to be uncovered. The eerie island atmosphere and haunting imagery were captured so well. Barker’s writing truly stands out—so vivid and cinematic that I could see everything play out like a supernatural thriller on screen.

There was a strong sense of foreboding throughout, which I really appreciated, but for some reason it was not quite enough to keep me fully invested.

I made it to about 70% and then found myself skimming to the end. I did catch the author’s note—which I actually think would have worked better if I snuck it in before starting. It might have added just the right amount of extra intrigue to draw me in more fully from the start. But I do understand why the author chose to place it at the end—it might be a bit spoilerish to read it beforehand.

I did not dislike the book, not at all. But I cannot say I truly connected with it either. It’s a long one—and long books are always a bit tricky for me. I have to be in the right headspace, with time to sink in and not feel rushed. Lately, the mood reader in me has been all over the place. I find myself reading one thing while thinking about something else entirely. What is up with that? I’m feeling impatient, easily distracted, and honestly considering whether it’s time to shift back to the genres I’ve always loved most.

This book often felt like it had too many layers competing for attention, and while the concept is fascinating and the writing is undeniably strong, in the end it left me feeling a little lost. No strong reactions either way, which is always the hardest kind of book for me to review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC. If you enjoy long, richly descriptive supernatural thrillers with a moody setting, dark supernatural elements, and a touch of horror, this might be a better fit for you.