Book Review: We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Horror
Vibe: You’re not imagining it—something is definitely wrong.

Let’s just say: I finished this in one sitting and then sat in silence, questioning everything.

We Used to Live Here is a tightly wound psychological thriller with a creeping sense of dread that doesn’t let up. It starts with a simple premise: a young couple renovating their dream home is interrupted by strangers who claim they used to live there. From there, things get weird fast—in the best, most chilling way.

Kliewer does an amazing job of building atmosphere. The setting is claustrophobic in a way that sneaks up on you, and the unease never feels cheap or forced. It’s the kind of story where you’re constantly asking: Would this happen to me? Am I overreacting? Or am I the only one seeing this clearly?

There’s a distinct undercurrent of domestic tension, gaslighting, and fear of losing control that will especially resonate with readers who love stories like The Watcher or Gone Girl but want something a little more offbeat and eerie.

Read if you like:

• The feeling of “What is going on?” in every chapter

• Slow-burn tension that actually pays off

• Short chapters that make you say “just one more” until it’s 1 a.m.

• A smart mix of thriller and horror without gore

Final thoughts:

This one messes with your head in the best way. If you're into unsettling reads that feel just one step off reality, you’ll be thinking about this long after the last page.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best read with the lights on and your doors locked.