3.5 stars - We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer is a chilling debut that masterfully blends horror and psychological thriller elements. The story c3.5 stars - We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer is a chilling debut that masterfully blends horror and psychological thriller elements. The story centers on Charlie and Eve, a young, queer couple who purchase an old house in a seemingly idyllic neighborhood. Their lives spiral into a nightmare when the house’s previous residents arrive unexpectedly, requesting a tour. Eve’s decision to let them in sets off a series of eerie and inexplicable events.
Kliewer excels at creating an atmosphere of creeping dread. From the moment the family steps into the house, reality and imagination blur, and every creak and shadow is charged with malevolence. Eve is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and her descent into paranoia and fear is portrayed with keen realism.
However, the novel leaves several questions unanswered, which might frustrate some readers. While the ambiguity adds to the eerie, dreamlike quality of the story, certain plot threads feel unresolved, leaving the reader wanting more clarity on the motivations and supernatural elements.
Despite these loose ends, We Used to Live Here delivers a chilling experience that lingers long after the final page. Marcus Kliewer’s talent for creating spine-tingling horror makes this a strong debut, perfect for fans of psychological horror and stories that blur the boundaries of reality.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Paul Tremblay's Horror Movie is an unsettling and engrossing novel that explores the eerie and often terrifying world of a cursed film. Tremblay, knowPaul Tremblay's Horror Movie is an unsettling and engrossing novel that explores the eerie and often terrifying world of a cursed film. Tremblay, known for his psychological horror, delivers a masterful narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, creating a story that is as compelling as it is disturbing.
The novel begins in June 1993 when a group of young guerilla filmmakers spent four weeks creating Horror Movie, an art-house horror flick that quickly gained notoriety despite only three scenes ever being released. The film developed a cult following, and now, three decades later, Hollywood is planning a big-budget reboot. The unnamed protagonist, who played "The Thin Kid" in the original film, is the only surviving cast member and remembers all too well the bizarre and dangerous events that took place during the original production. As he revisits the past, his memories and the boundaries between reality and film start to blur. His journey through the production of the reboot and the haunting memories of the original film are both captivating and deeply disturbing.
Tremblay's writing is concise yet richly descriptive, creating a creeping sense of dread that permeates the entire novel. The narrative switches between the past and present, interweaving fragments of the original screenplay with the current production process, adding layers of complexity to the story. This structure effectively builds tension and keeps readers on edge. The themes of obsession, memory, and the impact of art on reality are explored with depth and nuance, making the story not only a horror novel but also a commentary on the power of film and the psychological toll it can take on its creators.
Horror Movie is a haunting and immersive read that will appeal to fans of psychological horror and the "cursed film" genre. Tremblay's ability to craft a story that is both deeply unsettling and thought-provoking makes this novel a standout in contemporary horror literature. The chilling atmosphere, combined with the intricate narrative structure, ensures that Horror Movie will linger in readers' minds long after they turn the final page.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review....more
Thanks to NetGalley, Titan Books, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Unfortunately this was confusing and ultimately unsatisThanks to NetGalley, Titan Books, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Unfortunately this was confusing and ultimately unsatisfying. I do think that Hall is quite a gifted writer, but the plot here just didn’t really work for me, because I could barely follow it....more
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