Horror Book Review: We Used to Live Here

 This week's Horror Pick is a novella that is soon going to be turned into a Netflix original movie.

Written by Marcus Kliewer WE USED TO LIVE HERE is a bestseller in the Horror Suspense and Conspiracy Thriller categories.

The story was originally posted on reddit before it was published In June 2024.

The novella has received acclaim for its premise and unsettling theme. The book has been praised and called a wonderfully crafted novel.

Some readers found the ending to be too ambiguous and felt that they didn't receive closure. The negative reviews also point out that the characters got annoying after some point based on their motives and behavior.

Quick Book Review of WE USED TO LIVE HERE based on sample

The book opens with a family showing up at Eve Palmer's doorstep.

Eve and her partner Charlie have just moved in and Charlie has gone out. Eve is nervous about letting strangers in especially when the father, Thomas, claims to have lived here before.

He has three kids, Newton, Kai and Jenny. His wife is Paige who looks uncomfortable.

Eve initially tries to make excuses so that Thomas will leave, but seeing the disappointment on the family's faces, she relents and invites them in.

Thomas seems to know about the house which provides her with some relief because that means he wants lying about living here before.

But that's when Jenny decides to play hide and seek, and is nowhere to be found. On top of everything, there is some symbols found around the house which provoke Eve's paranoia and making her imagine that she may be dealing with a cult.

But she puts her fears to rest when she notices that the family does appear to be normal.

The author writes succinctly and manages to draw in the reader with an opening sentence that gives a distinct idea of what you're about to experience.

The author describes Eve as cautious and her apprehension regarding the strangers is palpable throughout the narrative.

Eve's character and thoughts are relatable, making us wonder if we would perhaps behave in the same manner should strangers approach our home and claim to have lived here before.

WE USED TO LIVE HERE is a masterfully crafted suspense story that is hard to put down. Even when the sample ends, it does so with a cliffhanger that prompts you to look for answers.

Does Charlie come back? Is the family going to leave soon? Does Eve have a connection with them?

The answers will be revealed only when you read the rest of the book.

It comes as no surprise that this titillating thriller has already been picked up for a movie adaptation.

To Read or Not to Read?

Marcus Kliewer's novel is not to be missed. It deserves a read and is a treat to all those who enjoy reading suspenseful thrillers.

I would definitely continue reading this captivating thriller.

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