“Crawford's writing is assured…the protagonist emerges as likable and authentic, yet his humorous narration never obscures his underlying struggles with severe trauma. Crawford, who graduated from Amherst College, gets the details of a New England town and the tensions between well-heeled summer visitors and the local community just right…An assured mystery with an engaging narrator and a distinctive cast.”

Kirkus Reviews

“A likeable protagonist along with a colorful mix of admirable characters and a few despicable ones. A satisfying conclusion that’s perfect for the optimistic reader.”

Boomer Magazine

“A classic on the level of To Kill a Mockingbird and Catcher in the Rye. It will change you.” 

5-star reader review, Amazon

“I put this novel in the category of books like The Goldfinch, with characters that will stay with you and a well-executed balance between gritty and tender.”

5-star reader review, Amazon

“Funny, witty, unusual, and very profound.”

5-star reader review, Amazon

“I was kept guessing by the twists of the investigation right up until the final reveal at the end of the book. The style of writing was so good that I was swept up in (the protagonist’s) life from start to finish and found myself really caring about his character and hoping that he would find some happiness. Something I Keep Upstairs is one of the best books I have read this year!”

Loopyloulaura, book influencer

“Crawford has created a compelling read that simply cannot be put down until it is finished in a single sitting. Small town tensions, mental health challenges, and a series of murders are channeled through a memorable protagonist amid various plot twists and memorable characters. Crawford has a genuine talent for plotting and characterization. Something I Keep Upstairs would make a fabulous televised series or feature film.”

Alan K. Rode, film historian and author of Michael Curtiz: A Life in Film

“Crawford elegantly lays the foundational ground work of each character...you literally have no idea who the culprit is until the very last few pages of the story. This novel is an all-encompassing read that grabs you from the start and takes you on a journey...around small-town life and beyond. A great mystery with much finesse.”

5-star reader review, Amazon

“Something I Keep Upstairs shines a spotlight on the violence that can lurk within a seemingly peaceful small town, where ‘people can hold grudges for 50 years’ and there’s ongoing tension between year-round residents and summer tourists. The novel also offers a look at small-town politics and journalism, as well as some unexpected plot twists; the mystery behind the killings in Pierrevert deepens.”

—Daily Hampshire Gazette