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A Noise Downstairs cover art

A Noise Downstairs

Written by: Linwood Barclay
Narrated by: George Newbern
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Publisher's Summary

The internationally best-selling author of No Time for Goodbye returns with a haunting psychological thriller that blends the twists and chills of Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe with the driving suspense of Dennis Lehane and Harlan Coben, in which a man hears sounds that quite possibly emanate from the dead.

Paul Davis is hearing some very strange noises in the night. He hears the clickety-click of a manual typewriter - as if someone is vigorously tapping the keys. The eerie sounds began soon after his wife, Charlotte, bought him a classic antique Underwood. But only Paul can hear the noise coming from downstairs; Charlotte doesn't hear anything unusual.

Is Paul losing his mind? Maybe. Or is something really there? Eight months ago, he stumbled upon Connecticut's infamous "Apology Killer" - a psychopath who forced his victims to typewrite personal apologies to him before he cut their throats - disposing of two mutilated bodies on Milford's Post Road. Most shocking of all, the killer was his colleague, someone he thought he knew. Paul's been seeing a therapist for months to recover from the nearly fatal encounter, but his nerves and short-term memory have suffered since the traumatic event.

There's only one way to learn if the noises are real or a figment of his hyper-imagination. One night, Paul rolls a sheet of paper into the machine. The next morning, when he checks the page, there is a chilling message:

"We typed our apologies like he asked but he killed us anyway."

As he desperately searches to find a rational explanation for the note and the noises, Paul slowly begins to consider the unthinkable: The message is authentic, and the women butchered by his colleague are reaching out to him from beyond the grave.

©2018 Linwood Barclay (P)2018 Doubleday Canada

What the critics say

"[Barclay] does a masterful job of layering on the mysteries until we're almost frantically turning the pages, impatient to find out what the hell is going on. A beautifully executed thriller." (Booklist, starred review)

"[A]rtfully crafted.... Don't turn your back on any of these guys." (The New York Times Book Review)

"[A] fast-paced psychological thriller... Harlan Coben fans will find much to like." (Publishers Weekly)

"[A Noise Downstairs] echoes a classic movie from the 1960s.... Proving that Linwood Barclay is a master of manipulation, he pulls a genuinely un­expected twist that throws everything out the window. This thriller then kicks into high gear as it becomes a race for answers and justice.... Predictable becomes unpredictable in this compelling book that echoes the best of Harlan Coben." (The Associated Press)

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What listeners say about A Noise Downstairs

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    3 out of 5 stars

Good story, great narration = fun listen

This was my first Linwood Barclay book, and probably won't be my last - the characters were well-developed, and the suspense was great. A good listen, as the narrator was especially great.

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Barclay delivers again!

I have read all of Linwood Barclays books and once again he creates believable characters and an interesting story. It was a bit creepy in parts and you can imagine yourself going through some of what is happening, wondering how you would react. I liked the narrator as well, I thought he did a great job. #Audible1

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5 people found this helpful

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  • Jan
  • 2019-05-03

A Noise Downstairs

Good listening. Suspenseful, with a surprise ending. Narration was excellent. Typical quality of Barkley. Enjoyed it!

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

red herrings

This was a fast, fun listen with a twist that I should have figured out from the start. But I didn't. I thought it was going to be one sort of book but it turned out to be something quite different. But still, it was worth investing in for the special discounted price. Good narration, solid writing and a big shock or two.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

it is a good book

it is a good book. it didn't have me sitting on the edge of my seat but I enjoyed reading it. the typewriter is a good tool to drive anyone crazy.

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  • Overall
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  • JJM
  • 2020-08-10

GOOD STORY

Good read. A bit muddled at the end but enjoyable. I did have a clue as to 'who done it' but another surprise ending.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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  • K
  • 2023-08-18

Good

Good narrator, good story. I wasn’t particularly surprised by any of the “twists” they were a bit predictable but overall it’s a good listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Surprising end

It's the first time in a while I didn't see the end coming. Really enjoyed the story.

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5 people found this helpful

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Excellent reading

Linwood Barclay does it again. Just when you think you have it figured out, you don’t. The twists are numerous.
Another novel that I found myself finding things to do so I could listen to it.
Definitely a winner and highly recommend it to all.

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1 person found this helpful

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Amazing

Very well done all around and was impressed with the narrator and I will also be looking for more from the author.

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