17 June 2024

Thank you to Random Things Tours for inviting me to participate in this blog tour. This is a five-star read and I cannot wait to see what Netflix does with this incredible story!

“We Used to Live Here” is a hauntingly evocative thriller that masterfully blends psychological suspense with elements of supernatural horror. The novel follows Charlie and Eve, a young, couple who make a living flipping houses. Their latest acquisition, an old house in a charming neighbourhood, seems like a dream deal—until it turns into a nightmare.

Kliewer sets the stage with an intriguing premise: a man shows up at the house with his family, claiming to have lived there previously and asking to show his kids around. Eve, the more accommodating of the couple, agrees to let them in, setting off a series of eerie and unsettling events. This seemingly benign decision is the catalyst for a descent into madness and fear.

The novel maintains a high level of suspense and uncertainty. From the moment the strangers enter their home, Charlie and Eve’s lives spiral into chaos. The mysterious disappearance of the family’s youngest child and the ghostly presence in the basement are just the beginning. Kliewer expertly builds tension, making you question what is real and what might be a product of Eve’s deteriorating mental state. Eve’s gradual unravelling is portrayed with chilling realism. Her psychological descent is both terrifying and heartbreaking, as she struggles with the disappearance of her partner Charlie and the inexplicable phenomena occurring in the house. Kliewer’s writing delves deep into Eve’s psyche, capturing her fear, confusion, and desperation in a way that is intense and compelling.

The atmosphere in “We Used to Live Here” is a standout feature. Kliewer’s descriptions of the old house and its eerie ambiance are vivid and immersive. The house itself becomes a character, its secrets and dark history slowly revealed through the chilling events that unfold. The sense of dread is persistent, and you are kept on edge, anticipating what might happen next. The supporting characters, particularly the enigmatic family claiming to have lived in the house before, add layers of mystery to the story. Their intentions and true nature are confusing, contributing to the novel’s suspenseful and unpredictable narrative.

“We Used to Live Here” is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Marcus Kliewer has crafted a story that is both psychologically complex and deeply unsettling. The novel’s exploration of reality versus illusion, combined with its richly drawn characters and suspenseful plot, makes it a brilliant read. Fans of psychological horror and supernatural suspense will find much to admire in this chilling tale.