Don’t Go Downstairs by Jack Dane
Release: August 29, 2025
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Back Alley Press
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Amazon , GoodReads
Enjoy your stay! There’s only one rule…
After three decades of marriage, Deb and Larry are in a rut. So when the chance to spend a whole week at a Long Island seaside cottage comes up, they take it. A week on the beach could be just what they need. The best part? It’s completely free.
There’s just one Don’t go downstairs into the basement.
But soon after arriving at the beautiful home that belongs to a separated couple, a hurricane brings rain and road-flooding that traps them inside for longer than they’d like.
The longer Deb and Larry are forced to stay, the more they learn about the owners of the house. The loud arguments, the sudden separation. The fact no one has seen the wife since. As their questions grow, so does the temptation to break that one rule.
Because the only way to get answers is to go downstairs.
But if they do, the whole horrifying truth will be revealed.
Fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, and Kiersten Modglin won’t be able to put down this binge-able thriller that’ll keep you guessing to the very end.
About the Author:
Jack Dane is the author of twisted psychological thrillers, many of which are set in New York City, where he lives. When not writing, Jack enjoys getting lost in the Park, going to jazz clubs, and people watching for new ideas.
Don’t Go Downstairs Review:
I’ve been binge-reading Jack Dane’s books lately, and Don’t Go Downstairs marks the fourth one I’ve picked up. What I admire most about this author is how each story feels fresh, even while staying true to his signature style of psychological suspense.
This time, the spotlight falls on Deb, a middle-aged woman whose marriage with Larry has lost its spark. I found both characters compelling and wholesome, with their relationship struggles adding a very real layer to the story. Their dynamic isn’t just filler—it deepens the central dilemma and makes the unfolding mystery even more intriguing. Even Sprinkles, their pet, had a small but memorable presence that added charm to the narrative.
The seaside cottage setting was another highlight for me. Dane’s writing transported me right beside Deb as she lay awake at night, hearing strange noises and wondering what lurked beneath their feet. The recurring question—why are they forbidden to go into the basement?—keeps the tension simmering throughout.
Unlike some of the author’s other works, this book keeps the cast tight, with only a handful of supporting characters. This worked surprisingly well, as each one contributed meaningfully to the plot without cluttering the storyline.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to Dane is his ability to deliver shocking twists, especially in the climaxes. While Don’t Go Downstairs didn’t pack as many jaw-dropping surprises as I’ve come to expect, the ending was still satisfying and tied everything together neatly.
Overall, this is another engaging entry in Jack Dane’s growing collection of psychological thrillers. With its atmospheric setting, relatable characters, and steady suspense, it’s an enjoyable read that left me turning the pages late into the night.
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