We Used to Live Here Summary
**We Used to Live Here Audiobook by Marcus Kliewer: A Chilling Tale of Unseen Forces and Psychological Terror**
*We Used to Live Here* by Marcus Kliewer is a gripping and unnerving debut novel that expertly blends elements of horror, psychological suspense, and the supernatural. Soon to be adapted into a Netflix original movie, this haunting story delves into the lives of a young, queer couple who inadvertently invite terror into their home when the previous residents make an unexpected return. As they become entangled in a web of strange and inexplicable events, they must confront the unsettling reality of what’s happening in their house—and whether the forces at play are truly supernatural or merely the result of a slowly unraveling mind.
### Plot Overview: The Uninvited Guests
The novel follows Charlie and Eve, a couple who have recently embarked on the adventure of flipping houses. After purchasing a rundown but charming home in a picturesque neighborhood, they believe they've landed the perfect deal. But their excitement soon turns to unease when, one day, a stranger knocks on their door. The man, accompanied by his wife and children, claims to have lived in the house years before and asks if they can show his kids around. Eve, being a people-pleaser, reluctantly agrees and invites them inside.
What begins as a seemingly innocent visit quickly takes a terrifying turn. As soon as the family enters, strange events start to unfold. The youngest child goes missing, a ghostly presence manifests in the basement, and the house itself begins to feel more like a prison than a home. Despite the mounting tension and eerie occurrences, the family refuses to leave, making the couple feel trapped in their own home.
But the horror doesn’t stop there—Charlie suddenly vanishes without a trace, leaving Eve to navigate the increasingly bizarre situation on her own. She is left questioning whether the strange happenings are the result of a supernatural force, or if the mounting pressure is causing her mind to break down. As she struggles to maintain her sanity and uncover the truth, she finds herself questioning whether the visitors are hiding something sinister or if the house itself is cursed.
### Themes of Isolation, Fear, and the Uncanny
At its core, *We Used to Live Here* is a story about fear—fear of the unknown, fear of losing control, and fear of the unknown forces that can invade our lives without warning. Kliewer’s novel expertly explores the psychological horror of being unable to trust one’s own perception of reality. As Eve begins to spiral, the reader is forced to wonder: is there truly something sinister happening in the house, or is Eve’s mind playing tricks on her?
The theme of isolation also runs deep throughout the novel. Charlie and Eve, as a young queer couple in a new home, are already somewhat isolated from their community. Their decision to flip houses puts them in a vulnerable position, both financially and emotionally. The house, a supposed sanctuary, becomes a place of dread, heightening their feelings of alienation. This sense of loneliness is further compounded when Charlie disappears, leaving Eve to fend for herself in a terrifying situation with no one to turn to.
Additionally, the novel plays with the uncanny—those moments when something familiar becomes unsettlingly strange. The house, once a dream home, becomes a nightmarish labyrinth of mystery, with inexplicable occurrences that defy logic. The ghostly presence in the basement, the missing child, and the uninvited family’s increasingly strange behavior all contribute to a growing sense of dread. Kliewer expertly builds tension with each chapter, keeping readers on edge as they try to discern what is real and what is the product of a shattered mind.
### The Audiobook Experience: A Gripping Performance
The audiobook of *We Used to Live Here* brings Marcus Kliewer’s unsettling tale to life with a gripping and immersive performance. The narrator’s voice captures the escalating tension of the story, bringing the characters’ fear and confusion to the forefront. The pacing is perfectly suited to the story’s slow burn, allowing the unease to grow with each passing moment.
The narrator’s tone shifts subtly as Eve’s mental state begins to deteriorate, reflecting her growing panic and isolation. The voice performance intensifies as the strange occurrences mount, making listeners feel as if they are trapped in the house with the characters. The eerie atmosphere of the novel is heightened by the narrator’s skillful delivery, which draws the listener deeper into the chilling world Kliewer has created.
Sound effects and pauses at key moments further enhance the suspense, making the audiobook experience all the more immersive. The tension builds naturally, and by the time the climactic moments unfold, the listener is completely engrossed in the unfolding terror.
### A Spine-Tingling, Unputdownable Thriller
*We Used to Live Here* is a novel that refuses to be put down once you start it. With its clever blend of psychological horror, supernatural intrigue, and unrelenting suspense, this audiobook will leave listeners on the edge of their seats. The tension builds gradually, pulling listeners into a web of fear and uncertainty. The story’s slow, creeping terror is as much about the protagonist’s unraveling mind as it is about the ghostly forces at play in the house.
Kliewer’s writing is both lyrical and sharp, creating a narrative that is both haunting and mesmerizing. The emotional depth of the characters, especially Eve’s internal struggles, adds complexity to the plot, making it more than just a typical haunted house story. Instead, it’s a psychological exploration of fear, loss, and the fragility of the human mind.
### Conclusion: A Must-Listen for Horror Fans
For fans of unsettling, atmospheric horror with psychological depth, *We Used to Live Here* is a must-listen. Its spine-tingling premise and gripping narrative will keep listeners hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of ghost stories or psychological thrillers, Kliewer’s debut offers something for everyone—offering twists, turns, and an ending that will stay with you long after the final chapter.
*We Used to Live Here* is a haunting exploration of memory, fear, and the ways in which our past can come back to haunt us. Perfectly suited for audiobook listeners who love to be drawn into a chilling, immersive experience, this novel will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined, making it an unforgettable ride through terror and suspense.