I don’t even know where to start with this story, or how to even properly process what I just read. We Used To Live Here is about a young couple Eve and Charlie who just recently moved into an older home that they are excited to renovate. That is until one day Thomas and his family stop by while Eve is home alone. Thomas claims the house is his childhood home and he would love to show his kids around before it goes through major renovations. Right away, warning bells start going off in Eve’s brain and something felt off from their first greeting - if only Eve had listened to those warnings. We Used To Live Here is an eerie, psychological thriller that takes readers through Eve’s efforts to uncover the truth about Thomas and his family, while also trying to decipher between reality and illusion.



Note: this review was also posted to our Instagram @designatedreadingbuddies and also to Goodreads. I was unable to add the links to this review - please let us know if you'd like for us to provide them via email.

Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199798006-we-used-to-live-here" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="We Used to Live Here" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1697756012l/199798006._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199798006-we-used-to-live-here">We Used to Live Here</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45401685.Marcus_Kliewer">Marcus Kliewer</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6491610930">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I don’t even know where to start with this story, or how to even properly process what I just read. We Used To Live Here is about a young couple Eve and Charlie who just recently moved into an older home that they are excited to renovate. That is until one day Thomas and his family stop by while Eve is home alone. Thomas claims the house is his childhood home and he would love to show his kids around before it goes through major renovations. Right away, warning bells start going off in Eve’s brain and something felt off from their first greeting - if only Eve had listened to those warnings. We Used To Live Here is an eerie, psychological thriller that takes readers through Eve’s efforts to uncover the truth about Thomas and his family, while also trying to decipher between reality and illusion.
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Rule 1: Don't let strangers into your home. Rule 2: Never violate Rule 1. Rule 3: See Rule 1.

I love old houses and all their quirks. The Old House in We Used to Live Here is a living breathing character in its own right. Mind bending and claustrophobic as House of Leaves and as anxiety provoking as Dark Matter, We Used to Live Here instills one of my favorite types of horror,,, the loss of the ability to trust yourself and what you know about your own reality. This is a story that leaves you with many questions and only hints at some of the potential answers. It leaves you asking, "What in tarnation did I just read?" and "Can I get more of it?" It leaves you frustrated and unsettled in all the best ways! Fabulous debut horror writing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I thought this was a thriller novel which is why I originally requested it. I would say this is more of a horror novel though. I mean it was alright. I don't know if it was my favorite.

Having read this as a Reddit post previously I will say it is very entertaining. Keeps the reader captivated and the story follows some unexpected twists and turns.

Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for my advanced copy of this book!

Okay, so I’m not going to lie y’all, definitely thought I was requesting a thriller arc with this one, but while crazy suspenseful, I’d say this leans closer into the horror genre.

So let me just start by saying that I have never read a horror book, and I’ve never had any interest. I’m a big ol’ baby, I know my limits, and I avoid horror movies as well. I just can’t do them.

But I’m happy to report that there are no lingering nightmares with this one. In fact, this book was SO GOOD. If you can’t tell from my graphic up there…ridiculously creepy, but a fantastic, keeps you on the edge of your seat, read.

One thing that @marcus_kliewer did that was super unique and cool was add shorter chapters in between the chapters telling the story. These smaller ones at first seem random and confusing but as the story goes on become (somewhat) clearer. I was showing some of them to my husband (who has never been interested in any book I read), and he spent like half an hour trying to figure some things out. He was totally intrigued by the idea of this book.

I don’t want to give too much away, but this story is well woven. Did I have all of the answers by the end? No. Did I want them? Of course lol, but overall I think the lingering questions can mostly be found in the story if you’re paying attention. It would actually be an interesting re-read.

I was so tense while reading this book because it just builds and builds throughout. You really feel in the moment with the FMC as she is trying to figure out what in the world is happening to her life.

ALSO, this book has already been picked up to be a Netflix movie starring Blake Lively 🤩 Super excited to see that!

If you’re not a horror fan, read with caution, but I still loved it!

4.5 stars

Absolutely one of the scariest books I’ve ever read!! A mysterious family shows up on the doorstep of a queer couples home and bring with them a world full of confusion and nonsense. I had to sleep with one eye open after this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria book for my copy!

I picked this book up this am. It creeped me out. It was weird. I was scared. I was confused. When I finished I was like wtf did I just read? And I loved every second of it. I literally read this one in like maybe two hours give or take a few minutes. I sped through it. I’m glad I grabbed it in the day time. I would not have been able to read this at night without having to stay up for fear of nightmares. I still don’t know how to process what I red and it’s been hours. Like I need more. That ending! Like I can’t even write a proper review without sounding crazy because that’s what this book was a crazy ride that you can’t explain. Did we have an unreliable narrator or did we not I still don’t know.
I recommend this read for people who love the creepy, the weird and the mystery of it all.

I made the huge mistake of reading this alone at night and had a heart attack when my neighbor knocked on my door. This is one of the most realistically scary books I have read! I loved it!

4.5/5 stars

Their dream flip house turned into a nightmare the moment the unsettling family arrived. Eve, waiting for Charlie's return in the creaking old house, can't shake the feeling of dread. Their tense dinner with the unwelcome guests is interrupted by a storm that traps them all under one roof. When morning breaks, Charlie is gone. The family claims she just left, but a chilling detail sends a shiver down Eve's spine: Charlie's locket, hanging from a nail she removed yesterday. The house seems to shift, the basement an endless labyrinth. Is Eve losing her mind, or is a sinister force twisting reality? Alone and battling her own anxieties, Eve must find the truth before it consumes her.

This chilling novel delivers shivers down your spine from the very first page. I loved that the action gets off to a start with no preamble. The author masterfully crafts an unsettling atmosphere that kept me glued to the pages, reading "just one more chapter" way past my bedtime.

I really enjoyed the inclusion of unique documents like interview transcripts and forum threads between some of the narrative chapters. These elements added a layer of intrigue and allow the reader to piece together the larger puzzle of the unfolding events.

Overall, a fantastic read for horror fans who enjoy a good sense of unease and a touch of the unexpected.

This review will be posted to Goodreads on June 14, 2024 and to Instagram (@goodquietkitty) June 15, 2024.

This book is messed up, but I liked it! Eve and Charlie are a young couple who flip houses together. Their latest purchase is at 3709 Heritage Lane near Kettle Creek, Oregon. Shortly after they've moved in, a family shows up unannounced at the front door. The father claims to be the previous resident and wants to show the rest of his family around. Despite her inner voice that says this isn't a good idea, Eve lets them in. And this is where the craziness begins.

We Used to Live Here is eerie, creepy and bizarre. What is actually going on? It's hard to tell what's real and what's being imagined. Where does reality become hallucination or imagination? Or is some of this stuff a hoax? Is the house haunted? Are there paranormal forces at play? Who or what is causing and controlling all the odd happenings? This is an unusual, peculiar, scary story where you don't get all the answers at the end, but you continue to think about it long after you finish. It would make a great book club selection. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the digital ARC.

This was eerie and unsettling, and absolutely kept my interest. There was a few unanswered questions at the end and I was left puzzled, unsure of where my feelings really lie as to what was happening in the story when halfway through I was totally sure what was going on with Eve + Thomas.
The start was a little slow and I don’t know anyone that would welcome strangers in their house, honestly, it’s more likely they would hide and hope they would go away 😂 but aside from that I think it was a good read, I was just left wanting more.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars - We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer is a chilling debut that masterfully blends horror and psychological thriller elements. The story centers on Charlie and Eve, a young, queer couple who purchase an old house in a seemingly idyllic neighborhood. Their lives spiral into a nightmare when the house’s previous residents arrive unexpectedly, requesting a tour. Eve’s decision to let them in sets off a series of eerie and inexplicable events.

Kliewer excels at creating an atmosphere of creeping dread. From the moment the family steps into the house, reality and imagination blur, and every creak and shadow is charged with malevolence. Eve is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and her descent into paranoia and fear is portrayed with keen realism.

However, the novel leaves several questions unanswered, which might frustrate some readers. While the ambiguity adds to the eerie, dreamlike quality of the story, certain plot threads feel unresolved, leaving the reader wanting more clarity on the motivations and supernatural elements.

Despite these loose ends, We Used to Live Here delivers a chilling experience that lingers long after the final page. Marcus Kliewer’s talent for creating spine-tingling horror makes this a strong debut, perfect for fans of psychological horror and stories that blur the boundaries of reality.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5
A suspenseful read that leads the reader into a labyrinth of the unknown. The story is coated with mystery and a boding feeling of unease as the reader isn't sure what to make of the plot or the main character. By the end, I'm still not sure what really went down and I need to discuss with someone!

I would compare this book to Catronia Ward books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advance e-copy of this book.

Thank you, NetGalley & Atria for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

In "We Used to Live Here," Marcus Kliewer masterfully created an atmosphere that was as unsettling as it was immersive. From the very first page, I found myself drawn into the house, feeling every creak of the floorboards and every whisper of the wind through the broken windows. It was a sensation that strongly reminded me of the eerie and enigmatic house in "House of Leaves." The house in this novel felt alive, almost sentient.

One of the things I appreciated most about Kliewer's writing was how he built the characters. Each one carried an air of suspicion, and as the story progressed, the sense of distrust grew. This unease seeped into the interactions between the characters, making me question everyone's motives and adding layers of complexity to the narrative

However, not everything in "We Used to Live Here" worked seamlessly. There were a few plot holes that left me scratching my head, particularly concerning the role of the neighbor. Her involvement in the story felt underdeveloped and left a sense of confusion that detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, the pacing of the novel felt uneven. The beginning dragged a bit, taking its time to set the stage, while the ending felt rushed as if trying to tie up loose ends in a hurry.

Despite these flaws, I recommend "We Used to Live Here" to anyone who loves a good atmospheric horror and main characters who always have secrets to protect.

I thought this book was very fun! I picked it up because I wanted to be spooked and it absolutely did the job. I took off a star because there were way too many unanswered questions at the end, I’m all for an ending for you to interpret, but there were entire characters we never get any kind of information about. Overall fun though, and will recommend.

Spoiler free review:
Someone explain to me how this is a debut novel?! 🎉 Seriously, from page one, I was hooked like a fish on a line. The opening chapter pulled me in faster than a rollercoaster dive, and I was strapped in for the wild ride that followed.

Every twist and turn had me gasping and flipping pages like a madperson, desperate to see what would happen next. The plot twists were more surprising than finding out your quiet neighbor is actually a secret agent. And let’s talk about the descriptions—so vivid and detailed that I could practically feel the cool breeze and smell the blooming flowers. It’s like the author painted a masterpiece with words.

And oh, that ending. Just wow. I didn’t see it coming at all, and it left me staring at the wall, contemplating life for a good hour. If this is what the author can do with a debut novel, I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a story that’s full of surprises and beautifully written. 🌟📚

4.5 stars rounded down to 4!

This book was an absolute horrifying mind-fuck and I couldn’t get enough of it. Super glad that I ended up pre-ordering this one. Highly recommend going into this one blind with an open mind, and can’t wait to see it adapted on Netflix. Huge thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for my early review copy!

Thank you Netgalley & Atria Books Publishing for an eARC 🔥🔥🔥


As a huge horror fan, I'm always on the lookout for a book that will push me to the edge and keep me up all night. And let me tell you, this book delivers🔥🔥🔥!

The story expertly crafts a sense of unease and dread that will leave you questioning everything. Eve and Charlie's dream renovation project turns into a nightmare when a family claiming to be former occupants refuses to leave. As strange events unfold, Eve's grip on reality begins to slip, and the lines between truth and paranoia blur.

Marcus Kliewer’s expert storytelling weaves a web of tension, making the unthinkable seem plausible. The family's "normalcy" is eerily unsettling, and the details are meticulously crafted to freak you out.

I couldn't put this book down, even when it was too close to bedtime! It's a true page-turner that will keep you up all night, racing to the finish.

As a horror fan, I appreciate how this book gets under your skin and stays there. It's a slow-burning build of tension and suspense, with a payoff that's both terrifying and satisfying.

This is my top read of the year, and I'm thrilled it's being adapted into a series. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers and horror, do yourself a favor and grab a copy,but be warned: this book will haunt you, and you might not sleep afterwards 😵‍💫😲

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WHAT DID I JUST READ? Usually for ARC reviews, I try to give detail to explain why I felt the way I did. However, I believe this book should be one that readers go into as blindly as possible. With that being said, I’m intentionally leaving this review vague.

Here are a few things I think readers should know:
🏠 I would consider this a psychological horror.
🏠 I felt a sense of dread and unease the entire time I read this (even in broad daylight).
🏠 The author cleverly included breadcrumbs throughout that brought the reader in even more.
🏠 What even is reality?

I took off a star because I needed a bit more in terms of answers. I mean WHY??? I’m all for ambiguous endings, but I needed more explanation.

This book was an experience from start to finish. I think there will be tons of discussion around it. If you love haunted houses, psychological horror, or feeling a bit spooked while reading, check this one out! 👻

This was such a weird read. When I was at about 25%, I was super excited. I loved, loved it! The perfect queer FMC representation, yay, perfect for the pride month release! The story itself, wow, suspense, all the suspense! When I was at about 37%, I was messaging my book bestie telling her it seemed like she might enjoy this book, and she may have to get it when it’s out. When I was at 55%, I was messaging the same book bestie that it looked like I might have changed my mind and there is no way she (or anyone else) should ever be reading this, because I’m fairly certain the only twist is going to be a sneaky paranormal something. By 75% I was angry and hated the book. Because I hate sneaky paranormal surprise twists. it should have been stated somewhere, loud and clear, in bold and in huge print, that this HORROR here is all fake. Paranormal, fake, made up, not even far-fetched, just made up and stinky byproduct-of -a-bull’s-dinner.
By 85% I had given up on the story. I had zero expectations. I kept reading just to see how this bull’s dinner byproduct would end. And it didn’t disappoint. As I wasn’t expecting much, I didn’t get much. Nothing really happened.
I looked through all the other reviews of this book. And, it looks like this is just another (bad) case of Behind Her Eyes phenomenon. Different author, different story, wtf ending – some will call it the best twist ever, some (myself including) will say, oh, this was just dumb, extra dumb with a layer of extra crispy dumb sauce.
Also, the open ending. Yes, there is a sorta-kinda open ending. yeah.
It is really well-written, and it is an extremely well-told story. It would have been perfect, absolutely perfect, if not for the sneaky paranormal bull’s dinner byproduct twist. I loved, absolutely loved how it was multi-layered with tiny bonus texts between the chapters, and what I loved ABSOLUTELY THE MOST is… another layer. Which – and I’m really shocked here – seems like was missed by everyone else. I checked all the reviews people posted before me. No one mentions it. Weird.
I’m not spelling the EXTRA third layer out here. But I’m spelling it out on my thishumanreads.medium.com blog. Read it only if you have read the book. You are welcome. Thank me later.

p.s.
1 star for sneaky paranormal.
5 stars for writing.

p.p.s.
the book will be absolutely perfect for you if you tick BOTH boxes:
+ love horror
+ loved Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough