Rounding up to 4 stars on this one.

I found that I don’t read too many spooky books and this book has me wanting to read more.

Sarah Pinborough created a fun and creepy atmosphere where a potentially haunted house takes on a life of its own. Couples are drawn to windows, doors, and floors that seem to hold an ominous past. I would not call any of the characters good people, and that just added to the interest of the book. Not knowing what was real or who to trust kept me invested in the story.

If you like spooky elements in books without things being scary at all, then I would check this one out for sure.

The nitty-gritty: A twisty take on the haunted house trope, We Live Here Now oozes creepy atmosphere and suspense.

Sarah Pinborough’s latest is a haunted house thriller with a twist, and I had a bunch of fun with it. While some of the haunted house elements are ones I've seen many times before, I loved that the author came up with some very cool ideas. If you’re looking for a unique take on ghosts, with a hefty dose of domestic drama added to the mix, this might be perfect for you.

The story follows married couple Emily and Freddie and their experiences in their new house. Emily is recovering from a life-threatening fall off a cliff, after which she suffered from sepsis and went into a months-long coma. Freddie was told she wouldn’t make it, but Emily pulled through and although she walks with a limp, she’s alive and mostly well. Buying Larkin Lodge is Freddie’s idea of a fresh start after the accident, and although Emily isn’t crazy about moving, she decides to go with the flow to make Freddie happy.

Right after they move in, though, Emily starts to hear and see strange things. Something seems to be scratching at the walls, and horrible smells emanate from the third floor master suite. Even worse, Emily is the only one experiencing these otherworldly events. Freddie thinks Emily’s pain medication has something to do with it, perhaps she’s having side effects?

But Emily is convinced something in the house is trying to communicate with her. She decides to do a little research into its past and uncovers some odd things, all of which raise even more questions. Emily knows she isn’t crazy, despite what Freddie might think, and she’s determined to prove it.

As with just about every mystery/thriller I’ve read, all the characters in this story are hiding big secrets, and those secrets don’t come out until late in the story, leaving the reader with lots of questions for most of the book. The chapters alternate between Emily’s and Freddie’s first person perspectives, so we get to hear everything they’re thinking about the other, and none of it is very flattering. Clearly their marriage is suffering, and each one blames the other for what they think is going on. Pinborough packs her story with all sorts of dramatic elements, maybe too many for my taste. Things like infidelity, murder, miscarriage, blackmail and more add lots of drama to the story, but at times all these elements made it feel a bit overstuffed.

Despite that, though, We Live Here Now is dripping with eerie atmosphere and suspense. There are some very creepy moments in the house, and Pinborough’s writing style is perfect for this Gothic mystery. She even includes several nods to Edgar Allan Poe. For example, we get a few chapters from the perspective of a raven who lives nearby, and these chapters did a great job of setting up the eventual reveal of what’s actually happening in the house.

When Emily finally puts all the pieces of the puzzle together and the reasons behind the spooky events are revealed, I have to admit my mind was blown! Once Emily and Freddie both figure it out, they use that information in some horrifying ways, and the last chapter leaves the reader with a wonderful sense of unease.

While We Live Here Now wasn’t as good as some of my favorite haunted house stories, I still enjoyed the creepy sense of dread and yes, even the marital drama between Emily and Freddie. Recommended for fans of Sarah Pinborough, and this would be a great place to start if you haven’t yet read this talented author.

Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.

This was a creepy and twisty haunted house tale mixed with marital drama! 🙌

Lots of people with secrets and lies in this one! I do have to say that the FMC and MMC were very unlikeable, though I’m sure that the author intended for them to be that way. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and recommend checking it out! 👏

Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Sarah Pinborough for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️

Title/Author: WE LIVE HERE NOW by Sarah Pibborough

Page Count: 304

Publisher: Flatiron

Format: I read a NetGalley copy, it releases in hardcover-there are special editions with sprayed edges

Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: Behind Her Eyes, Insomnia

Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/9781250343857

Release Date: May 20th, 2025

General Genre: Horror, Mystery/Thriller & Crime

Sub-Genre/Themes: haunted house, marriage, married couples, domestic drama, secrets & lies, small town, moving into a new house

Writing Style: multiple POV, thriller-style, "queen of twists & turns"

What You Need to Know: Award-winning author of New York Times bestselling breakout novel (and hit Netflix show) Behind Her Eyes returns with a haunting Gothic novel about a house—and a marriage—gone terribly wrong.

My Reading Experience: With her signature human psychology, Pinborough invites readers to explore a haunted house like no other—some genuinely fresh takes here.

The story centers around a couple seeking a fresh start in a small town. After marital struggles, the move seems like the perfect opportunity to rebuild. But the house they choose isn’t just any house—it has a past. This book gives new meaning to "try before you buy".

Just when you think you know where the story is going, she pulls the rug out from under you, unraveling secrets that completely blindside the reader. It’s a story that redefines haunted house tropes by reframing the way readers see the main protagonists and keeping you on your toes--I never had any idea which was we were coming or going. There are a few CWs but they are pretty specific and I wouldn't want to take away from anyone's reading experience

Final Recommendation: Pinborough’s storytelling mastery is so full-on in this story. It reminded me so much of hose I felt reading, Behind Her Eyes, there is just a primal magnetism present that draws the reader into the narrative so effortlessly; Psychological horror at its finest

Comps: The Grip of It by Jac Jemc, A Good House for Children by Kate Collins, The Invited by Jennifer McMahon, The September House by Carissa Orlando, Gothictown by Emily Carpenter

I loved this for the Ravens and mentions of Poe.

Read if you are looking for:
🐦‍⬛ Eerie vibes + slow burn mystery
🐦‍⬛ Short chapters
🐦‍⬛ Marital secrets
🐦‍⬛ Unreliable narrator
🐦‍⬛ Unique haunted house twist

My hang up was that I had zero attachment to the unlikable main characters so I didn't really have anyone to root for and feel for. If you're ok with unlikable characters and a slow burn, I think you'll enjoy this one.

The dual POV narrators for the audio both did a great job creating atmosphere as they voiced the story.

“We Live Here Now” is what I’d call a gothic horror mystery by Sarah Pinborough. In some ways, this book felt like a slow slog - neither of the two main characters are great people. Emily, who nearly died in an accident, is still suffering from the accident. Her husband, Freddie, also has issues. I would have had more sympathy for Freddie as being a caretaker is a difficult job, but he mentioned that Emily had been in hospital for a long time, so I’m not sure how much care taking of her he actually did. But, that little aside aside, when I had more appreciation of a minor character (Paul the vicar) who had little page time, than the main characters - that’s always a difficult review for me to provide. There’s a LOT of references to Poe - at times I felt like I was being hit over the head with “see the Poe references, do you” that it became annoying instead of just repetitive. However, in a very Ms. Pinborough-like manner, I didn’t see the final twist (or two) coming … so that helped with my enjoyment of the book. Was this the best book by her I’ve ever read - no. Was this an enjoyable book - kinda, sure as I did finish it in a day. A solid 3.75 star rating - bumped up to 4 stars.

Thanks ti #NetGalley and #FlatIronBooks for the book #WeLiveHereNow by #SarahPinborough. This book is just what I needed, some paranormal and murder. Freddie and Emily have just moved to Larkin Lodge after Emily had recovered from an accident that almost killed her. The house just seems wrong to Emily, she is having hallucinations and doesn’t know if it’s because of her accident or if the house is haunted. As she digs deeper into the house, her marriage is falling apart. Can she save her marriage while figuring out who is haunting the house?

This was my second venture into this author’s work after reading and loving one of her other books, Behind Her Eyes, and I was definitely not disappointed! I was hooked in from the very start and loved seeing how the story unfolded. We Live Here Now was twisty, creepy and will keep you hooked and guessing until the very last page. I found it hard to put down even though I was thoroughly creeped out at some parts! I thought I had it figured out halfway through but was totally surprised and wrong in my guess! This book would make an amazing movie too. I feel like I need to go back and read all of this author’s other books now and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Thank you so much to Flatiron and NetGalley for my early digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Flatiron Books for the gifted digital ARC!

4.5 stars rounded up.

I think this is probably my favorite Sarah Pinborough book to-date! I loved how clever the whole plot ended up being, it's one of those books that had me thinking about it hours after I'd finished.

There is one storyline that I think the book would've been fine without (I'll wrap it in spoiler text in my Goodreads review), and that's what took it from a 5 to 4.5.

Also, this is creepy as heck. Don't read or listen at night by yourself if you're a whimp like me.

The wait is almost over! We Live Here Now US pub date is May 20.

I’m conflicted. Objectively, I can appreciate what the author was doing here. It was creative and unique and fairly well executed. The story just took a turn into a world that isn’t really my cup of tea, personally. The characters were complex and messy, which I love in my stories. SP comes up with the most outrageous twists and I applaud her for going there. I know they can be divisive but you can’t deny that they’re jaw dropping every single time. We Live Here Now was no exception. I think if you’ve read Behind Her Eyes you’ll be better prepared for the ride this novel takes you on near the end.

I was a big fan of Sarah Pinborough's BEHIND HER EYES, so I was thrilled when my book club decided to read her newest release!

This was a well-written psychological thriller, but I don't think I'm necessarily the target audience for books with the "haunted house" trope. I wasn't very invested in the characters and I wanted to be more pulled-in than I was.

I enjoyed the short chapters and how quickly the story moved. This was a great book club pick to discuss and our members LOVED it!

Thank you so much to Flatiron for the gifted book!

Wow- talk about an atmospheric read! I was absolutely CREEPED OUT!

I had no idea what was going to happen, but I knew I was going to be in for a wild and crazy time, especially with all the Raven/Edgar Allen Poe (my fav) talk!

While these characters made me CRAZY, I couldn't stop reading to see what would happen to them!

I was so shocked at the end! It was such a one-of-a-kind twist! I still feel like I need to go back and re-read the whole book again knowing what I know now to truly understand the depth of that twist!

This will be a big hit!

3.5 rounded up for GR

I... Really don't know how to feel. This was a lot and also.. Not enough?
Definitely more horror than thriller, I feel. It reminded me so much of The Amityville Horror. I just hated how slow paced it was.

Thank you publisher and Net galley for the ARC!

Emily has an accident that nearly kills her and she ends up in a coma for some time. During this time her husband Freddie buys a house and when ready they move into this new house in the middle of the country. After they move in, Emily starts noticing things that feel off to her or is it side-effects from her healing. Emily notices most things when she is alone, she starts to dig into the house's history and learns more than what she bargained for.

This book was everything and more! Short chapters, dual POV, haunted house, and friends and family with lots of secrets, what more could you want! I flew through this book and did not want to put it down. I cannot wait to go back and read some of Sarah Pinborough's other books.

Thank you Sarah Pinborough and Flatiron books for an eARC and a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

After an accident and long hospital stay, Emily and her husband have moved into a new home: Larkin Lodge. Emily feels a very odd sense in the third floor bedroom and begins to think the house is haunted , but her husband claims it’s post-sepsis effects. Regardless, they live here now.

This was such a unique take on the typical haunted house trope. It’s unique because you’ll never be able to guess what is going on, similar to how Behind Her Eyes was. Ms. Pinborough has quite the imagination. I loved the irony of the ending and found the whole thing spooky AND clever.

“Sometimes I wonder if this house is bringing out the worst in us.”

We Live Here Now comes out 5/20.

This was very interesting and not what I thought going into it! I love the dual point of views between husband and wife. I had no idea what the secrets were or what was going on. The ending was a fun surprise. I don’t love supernatural but this was still a 4 star read

I'd categorize this one as slow-burn, horror-lite. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it but it really picked up for me in the final quarter and I looked forward to see how it resolved. It wasn't my favorite but was widely liked at my book club

Emily almost died from a freak accident and spent months in a coma. Now she and her husband have bought a house in the English countryside - Larkin Lodge is a beautiful old manor house that should be their new start. But when Emily starts hearing, feeling, and even smelling things, she knows she isn’t alone in the house and that it’s trying to tell her something.

I liked this haunted house book a lot! The short chapters flew by, and there was enough mystery to keep my interest. I hadn’t read any Sarah Pinborough before, but now that will have to change!

4.25 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you, NetGalley and Flatiron Books, for the ARC of this title.

I really enjoy Sarah Pinborough's creepy, twisty, psychological stories. We Live Here Now delivers on all of that and more. With a nod to the gothic master himself, Edgar Allan Poe, Pinborough's latest story includes the viewpoint of a raven, a dark, Victorian house that one burned down, strange noises and smells from seemly random places, and dark, misty moors. This is a good one to sink into some night when you want some moodiness and chills.

Emily has some hesitations when her husband, Freddie, opens the door on their new home, Larkin Lodge, in the Devon moors. At one time they both wanted to get out of the London bustle, but since Emily's accident and coma, the healing properties of the countryside seemed the perfect solution. That is until Emily starts hearing and seeing strange things inside the house that no one else believes in. As their marriage begins to deteriorate (further), both Freddie and Emily find themselves behaving in ways they never imagine they would.

It's not that you don't know what is going to happen as you get further into the book and understand the secrets of Larkin Lodge. It's that you don't know exactly how it's going to play out - and it keeps you guessing until the very end.

If I were an author, this would be the book I'd want to write. In fact, of all the books I've had the opportunity to read in the last six months or so, I think this is my favorite. There is so much I want to say about this one, but I also feel that it is most likely a novel that will be enjoyed more and more the less you know going into it. The one thing I WILL say, however, is that I was completely blown away and in awe of the ending. Never in a million years would I have been creative enough to write an ending to a "ghost story" like that! This was the first book by Sarah Pinborough I've ever read, but I'm absolutely in love with her writing, and if her future books are as good as I felt this book was, she has a fan for life. Obviously I will be recommending this book to customers- and family, friends, enemies, pretty much anyone who will listen- because yes, it IS that entertaining. A definite must-read.