Book Review: We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

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Alone in her new home, Eve opens the door one night to a man with his family, claiming that he grew up in this very house, asking to look around for old times sake. As a people pleaser, Eve obliges. But once the family enter, strange things start happening, and Eve starts to lose her grip on reality.

I feel like every book-tuber mentioned this book last year, and as I'm trying to get more into horror books, it was definitely high on my list.

I loved this book.

It felt scary from 3 pages in. We get right into the story from the second we open the book, and it pulls us in so well that we become invested immediately.

I really liked Eve as a main character. Particularly at the beginning, she's somewhat easy to relate to, and her reactions feel authentic. Not that most people would do what she did in the first place, but you can sympathise with her and root for her.

The author makes things feel scary effortlessly. Things are teased out really well, and the overall unsettling atmosphere is present on practically every page.

It's the kind of book that you can feel involved in. You talk to the characters, you imagine yourself in the situation, and as you get to each twist and turn, you sink deeper into this world and think more and more about how you would handle it.

It's quite a quick read; the story itself takes place over a few days so you can really get stuck in. It's one that you pick up and don't want to put down. You have no idea where it's going but you want to get to the end as soon as possible to see how it gets resolved.

Though speaking of the ending, it was probably a bit too ambiguous for me. It leaves you with more questions than answers. But I did like the originality of it.

Overall, this is a great book. The horror comes across really well, and it would make a great movie or show. In fact, if you want a show with a slightly similar feel, check out 'Shining Girls', there are definitely similarities. But if you're a horror fan, definitely check this one out!

4/5




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