We Live Here Now is a "haunted house" type of psychological thriller that blends of eerie and the unexpected, but with a caveat: patience is required.

This is my first Pinborough read, thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!

The story centers on Emily, recovering from sepsis, who, with her husband Freddie, relocates from London to an isolated house for a fresh start. From there, things unravel...slowly. The first 65% of the book is a brooding, atmospheric slow burn heavy on internal monologue, marriage dynamics, and repeated medical references (seriously, if I never hear the word "sepsis" again, it'll be too soon). While the setup is rich in mood and tension, it teeters on overwrought, almost drowning in its own prologue.

But then: the shift. The last 35% delivers everything you'd hope for in a thriller/horror: psychological spirals, reality-bending twists, and a narrative that refuses to let you go. Once the suspense kicks in, it's utterly gripping. The payoff is undeniably satisfying, and the audiobook narration enhances the suspense, especially as Emily's world becomes increasingly unreliable.

This is a tale of two books: the first a moody meditation on trauma and isolation, the second a twisty thriller that sticks the landing. If you can endure the slow burn, the reward is worth it.

'We Live Here Now' provides a different type of haunting. I won't give away the twist at the end, but there definitely is one. The book was atmospheric and tense throughout. I think this might be my favorite book by Pinborough. There is dual narration that works well. A male narrator for the MMC, and a female for FMC. 4 stars.

Wow, mind blown…again! Reading a Sarah Pinborough novel is always a unique and surprising experience. There’s just no way to know where she’s going to take you and where she’s going to drop you off.

Emily is recovering from a nearly fatal accident. Her husband, Freddie, has bought her the country manor she was looking at before her illness. He thinks a move from busy London to the fresh air and slower pace will be good for Emily’s recovery. But the big house is difficult for Emily; she hears things and sees things. She doesn’t know if the house is haunted or if she is going mad.

This story is so unsettling; it is atmospheric, gothic, and so very spooky. The ending was perfection, making me laugh out loud at this author’s creativity. This book will be definitely be in my top read of the year. Don’t miss out on this one, it’s so good!

The narration in this audio production was fantastic performed by Helen Baxendale, Jamie Glover, and the author, Sarah Pinborough.

Thank you Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on May 20, 2025

WOW WOW WOW!!!!! This was absolutely fantasic! I've been on the hunt for a book that could scare me at times and this one did it! We Live Here Now is impeccably written and descriptive that you can't help but get creeped out and get goosebumps at times (I even read/listened to it during the day and I was still looking behind me). Both narrators did an absolutely fantastic job of getting the emotions across and making you feel like a part of the story. And the ending? Just wow in the best possible way! If I could give this book 10 stars, I absolutely would.

The story follows Emily and Freddie as they move into a new home after Emily has recovered from an incident and she has some experiences that questions her sanity at times. The story did have me questioning til the very end of this if it was all really happening or if she was in a coma and this was just a story she created in her head. But I was delightfully surprised that the twists and turns and supernatural aspects were all indeed happening in reality, well, the reality of that world, and the other-worldly purgatory (for lack of a better term) was an interesting concept. I did audiobook this (thank you NetGalley for the ALC) so the last hour or so of this book had me on the edge of my seat and I was craving more and more and I definitely was not disappointed. I did find the very ending amusing, being stuck in the space with your significant other was the cherry on the top of the twist story. The secrets of the house and the marriage and previous occupants makes you wonder what may be hiding in your own home.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I listen to the audio for this book.

This was dual narration with multiple POV. I enjoyed the narration very well I could hear the emotions clearly between both narrators, especially with the aggressive and more angry parts. I thought they did a great job.

This book was decent. I do think they lead up to the conclusion was a little bit much of a lot added to this book. Overall, I did think it was a decent book and I don’t regret listening to it because the story was not bad at all.

I got both of the main characters point of views with the problems that they had going on with each other and we got to see the mystery of the house unfold very slowly.

I think the secrets in life were to watch untold through this book rather than the actual secret that has to do with the house itself.

Overall, not bad.

I’ve read one from Sarah. Yes, it was Behind Her Eyes. I didn’t love it, but had to admit it was fun, so I really wanted to try another from her. Now I have to say, this one I liked much more!
For the first half, I was a bit underwhelmed. The second half however really started to come together and I became very invested. Still not quite sure the role of the bird.
The narrators were great. I won’t hesitate to pick up another from this author. I’m curious to see what else she writes.
Very easy to listen.

Helen Baxendale and Jamie Glover are fantastic in the audiobook, perfectly capturing the alternating POVs of Emily and Freddie. Their performances add another layer of tension and depth to a story that's already dripping with atmosphere.

This book is everything I want in a gothic thriller—creepy, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling. The addition of ravens and the subtle nods to Poe give it a rich, literary texture that fans of classic horror will love.

Sarah Pinborough knows exactly how to pull readers in and never lets go. She builds suspense masterfully, making even inanimate objects feel alive. At one point, you can hear the wallpaper breathe—yes, really—and it’s unforgettable.

What sets this apart from typical haunted house stories is the psychological thriller and mystery element woven through the supernatural narrative. Larkin Lodge isn’t just a setting—it’s a character with secrets and a hunger of its own.

I’ll always read or listen to whatever Sarah Pinborough writes. She’s one of the best at blending horror with heart and leaving you haunted long after the final page.

This was SO CREEPY! I feel like if I had read the physical book it wouldn’t have scared me as bad but the audio was so creepy ESPECIALLY at night lol I love the twist that this book had on a typical haunted house story. I thought it was very unique and fun.

The story here is dark and creepy. I love the twists the author puts into her books and this one is great. Helen Baxendale and Jamie Glover are both excellent in their narration in the audiobook production.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for an ALC of We Live Here Now.

We Live Here Now is a unique twist on a haunted house story. It's a slow burn with supernatural vibes and an eerie atmosphere. I thought the characters were well written. The one thing I had trouble with was that I didn't really feel any tension throughout the book. I was invested in the story itself, but I wanted to feel like I was on the edge of my seat more with a spooky story, and that did not deliver for me.
I was able to listen to the audio version of this book, and I thought the narrator nailed it!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to @macmillanaudio for the gifted audiobook!
Admittedly, the first half of this book felt a bit slow. An intriguing premise and what felt like a sinister mystery with a deadly secret between a husband and wife took an unexpected turn. I was not expecting the supernatural element and everything clicked into place once it was revealed. After finishing the book I thought back on certain plot points and I think a re-read of this with the knowledge gained after finishing would be so interesting! The narrators absolutely killed it! They truly enriched the experience and once things picked I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Unique slow burn horror - very entertaining.

4.25/5 rounded down

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!

I was sooo excited to read this one after our book club meeting last month; despite it not being my typical type of book, everyone hyped it up so much that I had high expectations! I think I actually set my expectations a little bit too high, despite still enjoying this one a lot!

This book moved super fast, and kept me hooked the entire time. There were really sh0rt chapters with a lot of movement, and that kept this one progressing really quickly. I actually wish I had read my physical copy of this book, rather than on audio, because that would have led me to tear through the pages more quickly. Some parts felt a little bit redundant, which I'm way more likely to notice on audio, and I struggle a bit with potentially unreliable narrators like this.

Overall, this was still the first audiobook in a bit that hooked me immediately and kept me interested the entire time, despite my complaints. This was my first by Sarah Pinborough and I'm really excited to tackle some of her back list after hearing such great things about her at book club!

This book was the perfect blend of creepy and compelling. Haunted House? Check. Ghosts and secrets? Check. Sketchy friends and Poe references? Yes, please. The atmosphere was thick with unease, and I loved every unsettling minute of it.

The cast of narrators was fabulous!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to listen to this title in exchange for my opinion.

I love a haunted a house story! This is my first time reading Sarah Pinborough’s work and i’m happy to say it wont be the last. Following a near death experience that left her in a coma, Emily along with her husband Freddie, move into Larkin Lodge in the countryside just outside London for a fresh start. While there, Emily starts to notice weird things happening around the house leading her into an investigation of its past. Freddie on the other hand, notices nothing and assumes it is only post traumatic stress while also hiding secrets of his own.
This was a proper mystery/thriller with some elements of horror. It was a perfect mix of twisty and creepy. I did remove a star because I felt that some parts dragged a little bit but I did like everything else about it! The plot was executed well and got me thinking that this would be an excellent horror movie. As for the characters, I wasn’t rooting for any of them (except Sally) but I believe that was the point as they were extremely flawed and made the worst decisions possible.
I highly recommend the audiobook, it really makes you feel like you’re in Larkin Lodge hearing all the creepy noises and feeling the tension!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!

Emily and her husband, Freddie, move to a beautiful Dartmoor country house called Larkin Lodge after Emily's near-death accident in London. Emily feels something is deeply wrong with the house, experiencing strange occurrences like creaking boards and falling objects. However, she is medically fragile, and her post-sepsis condition may be causing hallucinations. Freddie does not notice anything wrong, but Emily becomes obsessed with the idea that the house is haunted. As her marriage crumbles and bizarre events pile up, Emily is determined to uncover the truth about Larkin Lodge, which holds secrets of its own.

I have to admit, this book has quickly become my new obsession! The cover alone was enough to reel me in, and let me tell you, I am not one to typically judge a book by its cover. But hey, if it works, it works! This is officially my go-to Halloween read - move over pumpkin spice latte, there's a new favorite in town!

With three different points of view - the Raven's, Emily's, and Freddie's - this book is like a rollercoaster for your brain. A bird's perspective? Sign me up! The characters are so unique and the eerie events in the house will have you on the edge of your seat, craving more.

The way the author describes the setting is so vivid, I had to grab an extra pair of socks just to keep warm from the chills running down my spine. It reminded me of my trip to England, where everything was gloomy and mysterious - this book takes that feeling to a whole new level.

I was completely blindsided by the twists and turns in the plot, and the big reveal at the end left me speechless. I am now a die-hard fan, and I need more! I was so invested in the story and the characters that I didn't want it to end - talk about conflicting emotions!

And let's not forget about the audiobook - the narrators were top-notch, bringing the story to life with the perfect amount of tone and emotion. Even the Raven had a narrator that was just too cool!

If you're into atmospheric, fast-paced, and unpredictable chilling reads, this book will have you hooked from start to finish. I would give it 10 stars if I could - bravo to the author for creating such a masterpiece!

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In this eerie gothic thriller, Sarah Pinborough blends psychological suspense with supernatural chills. When Emily and her husband move into an isolated Dartmoor lodge after a near-death experience, strange occurrences—and buried secrets—threaten her grip on reality. Twisty, atmospheric, and unsettling.

After surviving a near-fatal accident, Emily and her husband Freddie leave London for a fresh start at Larkin Lodge, a stunning yet eerie house nestled in Dartmoor. While Freddie is enchanted by their new home, Emily can’t shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong—especially with the third-floor room. Strange occurrences seem to follow her when she’s alone, but with her fragile health and hallucinatory side effects, she’s unsure if she can even trust her own mind. Oh, this was a fun book! I finished it in two days and could not stop listening. The twists, the deceit, the betrayal—it all made for such an addictive, twisty ride. I loved how this story unfolded and kept me guessing the whole way through. The ending was crazy in the best way, and I was obsessed with how it wrapped up. This was my first Sarah Pinborough book, but it definitely won’t be my last!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar for an ALC of this for a review! This book publishes on May 20th!

Gothic, atmospheric, creepy and unsettling. We Live Here Now is a slow burn mystery thriller which shows Emily and Freddie moving to Larkin Lodge after an accident which almost kills Emily. It's a big change from London but they are ready to settle into their country home. What they are not ready for is the creaking floors, falling books, and things that go bump in the night. There seems to be a presence in the home, at least that is what Emily believes.

This was a slow burn, and I do not do well with slow burns. Not at all. I found myself betting bored at times. This is by no means a ding to the narrators. I thought the narration was well done. I wanted this book to hurry up and get to it numerous times while listening to the audiobook. Emily can't shake the feeling that there is something lurking in the home, but her husband believes that his wife is sick and possibly hallucinating.

As I mentioned, I struggled with the slowness in this book. I really feel that this book would have been more enjoyable had it been shorter and the pace moved faster. Things seemed to drag on and on at times for me. What I didn't struggle with was the atmosphere, the setting, the sense of unease and the tension.

There were some twists and turns which were nice, and the ending was great which saved this book from getting a lower rating from me. Even though I found this book to be slow moving, I can see this being made into a movie. It does have a great premise, and other readers enjoyed this more than I did, so please read their reviews as well. I typically love Pinborough's books and writing and will happily read more books by this author. We can't love them all and that was the case for me with this book.

I won an arc of this and I got the audio version on netgalley. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I couldn’t put it down.

Emily and Freddie move into a new house after Emily has a bad accident and she almost didn’t pull through. Emily thinks the house is haunted but Freddie is convinced Emily is just having issues from when she was in the hospital. Weird stuff keeps happening at the house and Emily comes to find the previous owner of the house to see if she’s going crazy or not.

I finished this book in less than 48 hours. It. Is. So. Good. I needed a good thriller book to read and this was exactly what I was looking for. I wish I could read behind her eyes again for the first time, I love Sarah Pinborough’s books.

I loved the narrator’s accent in this audiobook. I think it really added to the spookiness of this book and I loved how the writer wrote about raven’s.

Thanks netgalley and publisher for a chance to listen to this book for free in return for my honest opinion.