Under the Stairs

I started this book and I admit, it started a little slow. It took me about a quarter of the book to develop a strong interest in the characters. The author does a masterful job of slowly unraveling this family’s complicated connections. Mystery throughout, some of which don’t get resolved until the very end. There is plenty of drama, a lot of exposition, a lot of history, and a dab of dialogue. A lot of this story takes place in the view of thoughts and feelings of each person. The journal was a nice touch to create a bit of variety. Spanning over multiple decades, this book gets hard to put down!

Under the Stairs is a slow start with a satisfying ending. I almost put it down and moved on multiple times in the first quarter of the book, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Mystery lovers who don't mind going back and forth timeframes will enjoy Under the Stairs.

This book was a little tough for me in the beginning. Not only are we jumping through different time frames only to end up going back to multiple times, the difference in language during each time period took my mind some time to adjust. Once I became use to that, omg the story and mystery completely took over. The way everything unraveled slowly but eventually came together at the end really made me connect with the characters. I love how everyone who was seeking some sense of closure eventually received it. If you love history, you will definitely love this book.

Navigating the initial complexities of this book posed a challenge, with its shifting time frames and distinct language variations. However, once acclimated, the story and mystery seized control, drawing me in completely. The gradual unraveling of events, ultimately converging at the end, formed a deep connection with the characters. The satisfying closure sought by each character resonated well with me.

I liked this author's style of writing. It was sophisticated historical fiction, and it had a kind of suspense that meant I felt compelled to keep turning the pages. There were several storylines and narratives, and I think my only complaint would be that at times, I struggled to keep track of the time shifting, and found myself connecting with some characters more than others. That said, I enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

Breathtakingly beautiful.
This book was a nice surprise to me, it had some parts that I consider bookish red flags, namely the multiple timelines and different POVs, however, it all worked together so well that I actually ended up loving these parts.
The intricate details of every time period were so clear and distinctive, they showed through description of the settings and social norms, and through the characters as well, the way they talked and their thoughts about life struggles totally reflected the time period they were part of.
Another aspect I admired greatly was, how each timeline had a different slang, to be honest the language itself differed greatly depending on the setting and the character.
The plot was simply fantastic, it was so rich and the sub plots were so entertaining. The love story arc was my favorite, Elsie and James's chemistry was undeniable and their struggle tugged at my heart strings.
Susan was a character I think should have been unwritten, she didn't add to the book, and the fantasy element wasn't necessary.
The moment when everything clicked I almost cried, I was that invested!
To me, I think the book needed to be longer, I wasn't ready to part with the story yet.
One of my favorite reads this year.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher*

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review ♥️

Under the Stairs is a sweeping family saga that explores themes of love, identity, secrets, and self-discovery across multiple generations. The story moves from a young girl's first love in 1936 to a young man's struggles with his identity in 1959, and finally to a young boy's discovery of hidden truths in the 1970s.

At first, I wasn't hooked on this book. But the more I read, the more I became fascinated by the family's tangled web of secrets and relationships. The author expertly drops clues and hints, keeping me curious and eager for answers. I love how the story moves between drama, history, and personal thoughts, with a journal adding a cool perspective. As the decades-spanning story unfolds, I found myself totally absorbed and unwilling to put it down. Now I'm hooked!"

Under the Stairs by Alan J Hill is a poignant journey through time, skillfully weaving the lives of a family grappling with love, identity, and the eternal quest for self-discovery. Initially, the narrative unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the characters to gradually reveal their complexities. Hill's masterful storytelling unfolds mysteries that persist until the very end, creating an enthralling experience that spans decades.

The multiple timelines and diverse perspectives, which could have been potential drawbacks, instead enhance the narrative, seamlessly interconnecting the characters' lives. Each era is vividly brought to life through detailed settings, social norms, and distinct character voices, showcasing Hill's meticulous research and storytelling prowess. The love story between Elsie and James becomes the emotional anchor, evoking a genuine connection with the reader.

While the inclusion of Susan and the fantasy element may be considered superfluous, the intricate subplots contribute to the overall richness of the plot. The moment of revelation hits with a powerful emotional resonance, leaving a lasting impact. Personally, I found myself wishing the book were longer, a testament to the captivating narrative that Hill has crafted. Under the Stairs is not merely a novel; it's a captivating exploration of familial bonds, love, and the perennial question of identity.

This was a interesting concept overall, it had a great story going on and worked with this genre. The characters were what I was expecting and felt like real people. Alan J Hill has a great writing style and I enjoyed the use of the real events.

If you love you mysteries you will love this book. The book goes through multiple timeliness and a family and there set of characters. The author weaves the story through the various timelines in the quest find out the real truth. The author gives you hints and keeps you guessing. You become immersed in the story and want to know more about the characters and what's under the stairs.
So get ready for this read.

This is one of the very best novels I have read in recent years. It is a magnificent family saga, full of mystery and surprises, romance and tears, and an intricate storyline spanning more than a century.
I was hooked from the opening scenes in 1937 at Gawthorpe Hall (a building I know extremely well), and then the action shifts backwards and forwards between different eras (all drawn with an evocative care for historical detail), different locations, and many different characters.
In many ways it's a tearjerker, an emotional roller-coaster, but it is also poignant and humorous, written with sensitivity, integrity and passion. The ghosts of real people clearly linger behind this sumptuously engaging narrative. I hope the lovers are reunited now.