We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
Kindle | Amazon | Kobo | Bookshop | Nook | Audible | Barnes & Noble
Book Overview:
We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer introduces us to queer couple Eve and Charlie as they’re settling into their home located in the Pacific Northwest with plans to renovate and flip the property to make some much-needed cash. On a quiet Friday evening as Eve waits for Charlie to come home so they can enjoy a quiet evening together a mysterious family of four shows up on her doorstep. The father grew up in the house and wants to give his family a tour of the place and take a walk down memory lane. Eve is reluctant but due to her need to people please she decides to let them enter.
Upon entering the house a series of strange, unexplainable events take place in which Eve begins to question her sanity. With each passing second Eve slowly begins to slip into madness threatening everything that she knows and holds dear.
My Review:
This book has been all the rage on social media. And being susceptible to peer pressure specifically when it comes to books had to see what all the fuss was about. I had high expectations for this novel and I’m happy to say Kliewer exceeded all those expectations and created a magnificent story perfect for spooky season.
What really made this book stand out was how well Kliewer was able to create an atmosphere of dread and foreboding that remained consistent throughout the novel. For me, this started at the beginning of the story. You could feel the discomfort and unease that Eve experienced. And as the story progressed this feeling became more intense.
He also did an excellent job of showcasing Eve’s slow descent into madness. It made you feel as if you were losing your mind as well. Additionally, the inclusion of the mixed media elements helped with clueing you into what was really happening but created more questions than answers. And while this may be frustrating for some I loved this element.
Also, I found Eve to be the perfect character for this story. While it’s safe to say the majority of us would have slammed the door in the family’s face Eve’s flawed desire to want to be liked and perceived as nice by others was a crucial catalyst in this story. Additionally, her anxiety and suspicious nature helped shape the atmosphere and draw attention to the curious events that transpired.
Another win for this story was how fast-paced it was. There was always something happening even if it seemed small and insignificant we see in the end how all these seemingly innocent events reveal a more sinister purpose. Furthermore, these happenings helped to build intrigue and suspense compelling you to continue to find out what was happening.
Additionally, the mixed media elements helped with moving the plot forward. They also foreshadowed future events and happenings that would later transpire.
Then there’s the ending. It leaves you with more questions than answers. And again many may find this aggravating because they prefer an ending that’s perfectly wrapped up but I felt this worked for this story. When you reflect on the story of the house and everything that happened it makes sense for it to end the way it did. There really can’t be a perfect ending in such a situation. This made the story all the more captivating to me. I’m a sucker for open-endings when they’re done well and this one was.
I’m so glad I decided on a whim to add this book to my spooky season TBR for October. I experienced all the spooks, chills, and thrills just like I wanted to. I asked for a scary haunted house story for Halloween and Kliewer delivered. Looking forward to reading more of his work in the future. And oh, this is set to be a movie adaptation which I’m super excited to see this novel come to life on the big screen. Keeping my eyes peeled for a release date.
What spooky reads have you been enjoying this season? Have you read this book and did you think it was worth the hype? Sound off in the comments below. Til next time Happy Reading!!
To learn more about the spooky books I chose for October visit my post October 2024 TBR: 5 Star Predictions