We Used to Live Here: A Novel
Written by Marcus Kliewer
Narrated by Jeremy Carlisle Parker and Corey Brill
4/5
()
About this audiobook
As a young, queer couple who flip houses, Charlie and Eve can’t believe the killer deal they’ve just gotten on an old house in a picturesque neighborhood. As they’re working in the house one day, there’s a knock on the door. A man stands there with his family, claiming to have lived there years before and asking if it would be alright if he showed his kids around. People pleaser to a fault, Eve lets them in.
As soon as the strangers enter their home, inexplicable things start happening, including the family’s youngest child going missing and a ghostly presence materializing in the basement. Even more weird, the family can’t seem to take the hint that their visit should be over. And when Charlie suddenly vanishes, Eve slowly loses her grip on reality. Something is terribly wrong with the house and with the visiting family—or is Eve just imagining things?
This unputdownable and spine-tingling novel “is like quicksand: the further you delve into its pages, the more immobilized you become by a spiral of terror. We Used to Live Here will haunt you even after you have finished it” (Agustina Bazterrica, author of Tender Is the Flesh).
Marcus Kliewer
Marcus Kliewer is a writer and stop-motion animator. His debut novel We Used to Live Here began life as a serialized short story on Reddit. Film rights were snapped up by Netflix, and it was acquired by Simon & Schuster in the US for publication even before it had been extended into a full-length novel. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.
Related to We Used to Live Here
Related audiobooks
The Haunting of Ashburn House Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Good House for Children: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Family Inside Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The House of Last Resort Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Model Home: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Listen for the Lie: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Horror Movie: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Kill for Me, Kill for You: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Keep It in the Family Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Last One at the Wedding: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Reformatory: A Novel Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Nestlings Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Return of Ellie Black Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Midnight Feast: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5FantasticLand: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5That's Not My Name Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5My Darling Girl Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Diavola Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5None of This is True: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Hunted Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Wedding People: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Home Is Where the Bodies Are Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Darling Girls: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sleep Tight Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Five Year Lie: A Domestic Thriller Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dead of Winter Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5She's Not Sorry Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beautiful Ugly: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I Was A Teenage Slasher Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Suspense For You
Fairy Tale Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Crash Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Long Walk Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Home Is Where the Bodies Are Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Silent Patient Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dying to Meet You: A Domestic Thriller Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Then She Was Gone: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wrong Place Wrong Time: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Tenant Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Guest List: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Teacher Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Wife Upstairs Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5None of This is True: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5You Like It Darker: Stories Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Count My Lies: A GMA Book Club Pick! Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Institute: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Holly Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Gone Girl: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Housemaid: An absolutely addictive psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Midnight Feast: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Perfect Son Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/511/22/63: A Novel Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Coworker Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Don't Let Him In: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Did I Kill You?: A Thriller Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dark Matter: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Never Flinch: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The First Protectors: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related categories
Reviews for We Used to Live Here
1,820 ratings88 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be a great, creepy horror thriller with a well-produced audiobook. The story includes twists and turns that keep readers hooked, leading to a mind-bending experience with an unexpected ending. While some find the plot slow-paced or repetitive, the majority enjoy the bone-chilling mystery and psychological thrill of the book, making it a highly recommended read for those who enjoy a good twist.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Oct 28, 2025
WTF did I just read?!?! I need book 2 right now. So many questions! - Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5
Oct 2, 2025
Wow…I hated this. lol. That’s all I can say. I heard there were 2 camps when it came to this book, you either love it or hate it. I can definitely see that. Unfortunately, I’m the latter. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Aug 24, 2025
The ending wasn’t what I wanted, but I think that’s the point?? Weird from beginning to end - but I liked it! I don’t know if I would read it again, but I did enjoy it! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Aug 9, 2025
The beeping between chapters is Morse code, it has purpose. A secret to decode while reading! Exciting, fast, confusing and scary read. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Aug 8, 2025
An eerie book that will certainly be memorable. The pacing felt good - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Aug 3, 2025
The beep/siren/scrape sound throughout is absolutely obnoxious, made it really hard to listen to. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jul 7, 2025
Can't believe this is his first book! Excellent ride!!! Pay attention and hold on!!!! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Jun 2, 2025
The writing was excellent, and the characters had depth, but I wish the ending was a bit better. It was a definitely a mind twist. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
May 26, 2025
I think this was a book recommended by Stephen King, apparently it scared the bejesus out of him. The creep factor was the atmosphere of the book, this crazy house which seemed to change and you never knew what was coming next. I am not much of a horror fan but this book was very scary without the gore (I don't like gore). I would have given it a five if the ending had been done a little better but then it leaves you to make your own conclusions. I am not a fan of writing my own endings. If I could do so, I would be a writer myself and I don't have the gift (wish I did). Also I thought it was odd to refer to the couple as queer. This doesn't seem to be a very politically correct term to use. I liked this couple because they were good characters, not because they fit some sort of ideology writers feel compelled to fit with cultural pressures. I was really rooting for Charlie and Eve but you will have to read or listen to this story to find out their tale. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
May 4, 2025
I would’ve given it 4.5 if possible. It was such a mind-bender. But the ending was very disappointing. There were so many little parts that could have really come together to make it truly exceptional. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to be psychologically challenged it’s got a bit to a science fiction feel as well. Reminded me of the second season of the show The OA. I wish it had ended better. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Apr 13, 2025
Good book and great audio book. But did not stick the landing in my opinion. I was waiting for a better ending but it never came. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Mar 27, 2025
Worth reading!! And amazing audiobook.
The ending is ?? Well written. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Mar 25, 2025
Love it!! Absolutely right down my alley for book reading.. it had a mix of everything for me... - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Mar 17, 2025
Hace rato no me entretiene tanto una historia de suspenso, muy vieb lograda. El final no me fascinó, pero por puro gusto personal. Hay información que me gustaría haber tenido, aunque no era necesaria, de chusma ?
Recomiendo - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Mar 1, 2025
Charlie and Eve he look out for her till the dangler took Charlie from Eve I would recommend this audiobook the narrator very good you feel you were there going thru what Eve was going thru - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Feb 3, 2025
It was a little hard to follow and I'm still not sure what really happened, I think that was the point though - Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5
Jan 30, 2025
It is a good audiobook, not a good book, unfortunately. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Jan 22, 2025
I almost DNF this audiobook. It jumped around too much for my liking. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Jan 18, 2025
actually quite mehhhhhhh for me loved the way it started tho - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Jan 15, 2025
Amazing just amazing to be honest. i loved every part of it. Favorite book of the year. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Dec 12, 2024
Love this trope, and the narration is very well executed too contributing to the overall creepiness of the story.
Would I have enjoyed more answers? Sure, but to be honest this is the kind of story where the unanswered questions serve it well... I'm more impressed that the author was able to not give more into explanations - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Dec 9, 2024
SO tense and scary! This book exceeded my expectations for sure. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Dec 8, 2024
it was suspenseful at times but ending was a let down - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Dec 8, 2024
Omg!!!!
What a fantastic read!! Interesting character development and a plot twist to die for. Highly recommend reading!! 10!stars - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Nov 17, 2024
Over I was thoroughly entertained throughout this book. I was on edge. This was a really good thriller. I liked that there was a mixed media element to it. For example, there was newspaper articles from the past and interview clips from the present. This was very creepy. There was a couple holes that I feel I could not bypass the main one being that when the main character tells the other main character that there’s someone in their basement it’s just brushed off and they go to sleep. There’s no way I would have not been able to sleep, I hear that there is possibly going to be a sequel which I think needs to happen because that ending was mind blowing especially the final paragraphs. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 11, 2024
Really enjoyed it. Developed well. Twisty ending. I hope there's a sequel - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Oct 29, 2024
Truly had my jaw on the floor and gave me chills. This is a great book if you want a good thrill - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Oct 24, 2024
This book def has twist I didn’t expect, it kept me eager to hear the next chapter.. you won’t be disappointed! - Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5
Oct 15, 2024
These types of books are not for me. I was told this was one of the scariest books out currently. I would recommend skipping. - Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5
Oct 13, 2024
Where’s the plot? Where’s the solution? Where’s the hero? Where’s the origin story? Hated every second of this book. Wasted a lot of time on overly descriptive nonsense!
