Book description
There's something magical about a mystery that whispers in your ear. Lisa Jewell's The Family Upstairs works brilliantly as an audiobook, where the narrator's voice pulls you into the heart of Chelsea's darkest secrets with effortless tension. You don't just read Libby's life-changing letter-you hear her shaky breath rip it open, the weight of twenty-five years of searching suddenly lifting.
What makes this audiobook so addictive? It's the way the story unfolds across three timelines, each with its own distinct voice. The narrator masterfully shifts between Libby's present-day shock, the chilling 1990s police report, and the unsettling perspective of a child hiding in the shadows of Cheyne Walk. You'll find yourself leaning closer to your headphones during the quiet moments, the silence amplifying the dread before a reveal.
Here's what hooked me:
- The pacing is perfect for audio. Jewell builds suspense like a slow, deliberate heartbeat. You feel the tension in the pauses between sentences, the way a whisper of a voice in the next room makes you freeze. The audiobook feels like a thriller you'd hear in a dimly lit room, not just read.
- The narrator's control of voices is spot-on. You'll instantly recognize the anxious Libby, the cold detachment of the past, and the eerie calm of someone who's lived in fear for years. It's not just a performance-it's how you experience the story.
- The twists land harder when you hear them. That moment when Libby realizes she's not just inheriting a house but stepping into a decades-old trap? The narrator's subtle shift in tone makes it land like a physical blow. You don't just understand the danger-you feel it in your chest.
This isn't just another mystery. It's a story about identity, legacy, and the ways families bury their darkest truths-only for them to claw their way back out. The audiobook makes you live in that house, hearing the creak of the stairs, the distant sound of the Thames, the unspoken fear in every room. You'll find yourself pausing to replay a line because it's so perfectly delivered, or because you need a moment to catch your breath after a revelation.
If you love slow-burn mysteries where every character has a secret and every location feels like a character itself, this is a must-listen. It's the kind of story that stays with you long after the final chapter-like a whisper you can't quite shake. Trust me: you'll be reaching for the "play again" button before you've even finished the first listen.
Mirage
๐ถ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! ๐ต๐ ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Iโve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Darkside Hooker
No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ๐๐ฑ Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iโll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
QuestQuill
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. Iโm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Fire Queen
๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Efficiency meets audiobooks โ this app's functionality is a true winner. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Snake Eyes
Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is a triumph. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
Infinite Hole
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Killer Grenade
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury โ it's an essential part of my day. ๐ The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. ๐ฑ๐ง I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Divine Bramble
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
DollFaceKillah
Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature.
Old Man Winter
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available โ so much to learn! With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs.
HighBomber
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
X-Dew
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Knight Light
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Metal Star
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. Download options are plenty โ I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Blister
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. Audiobook immersion simplified โ this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word.
Demolition Queen
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. Simplifying my audiobook experience โ this app's design is remarkable.
Kamikaze Granny
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume.
Third Moon
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream โ simple and efficient. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. Iโm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Burn
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature! A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience