Mr. McCane
I am so intrigued by the universe that Marcus Kliewer has created. We Used to Live Here is one of my favorite psychological/supernatural horror reads. I can’t stop thinking and talking about it. Yes, there are unanswered questions, but that’s honestly one reason I enjoyed it so much. The mystery and the investigation involved in trying to figure it all out are so satisfying. So when I heard that his new book “The Caretaker” would be in the same universe, I’ve been losing my mind trying to get an ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for granting me that opportunity, and as promised, here is my honest review.
This is another supernatural horror that follows Macy Mullins as she accepts a caretaking job from Craigslist. Her job is to house-sit for three days. But this is no ordinary house. All she has to do is follow some simple or not so simple instructions. And of course, this dream job turns into a living nightmare.
The book answers at least one question I had from We Used to Live Here. It also expands on the role of a “Visitor” and how they can enter your world. This is a slow burn and extremely creepy. I could not put this book down.
Things I loved: 1. Short chapters. 2. The creep factor is a 10. 3. The tension was intense. 4. Such a page-turner. 5. I loved the ending. 6. The universe the author created. 7. The descriptions
What I didn’t like. 1. Macy couldn’t follow simple instructions, which annoyed me. 2. I wanted to know more. I don’t want the author to give us everything, but I want more than what he gave. Your cult followers deserve it. 3. I was looking for a jump/scare scene, and I never got one.
Look, you either loved or hated We Used to Live Here, and I predict The Caretaker will be the same way. This is a great follow-up. I gave We Used to Live Here 5 stars; I’m giving this one a solid 4. This book releases on April 21st, 2026.
I am so intrigued by the universe that Marcus Kliewer has created. We Used to Live Here is one of my favorite psychological/supernatural horror reads. I can’t stop thinking and talking about it. Yes, there are unanswered questions, but that’s honestly one reason I enjoyed it so much. The mystery and the investigation involved in trying to figure it all out are so satisfying. So when I heard that his new book “The Caretaker” would be in the same universe, I’ve been losing my mind trying to get an ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for granting me that opportunity, and as promised, here is my honest review.
This is another supernatural horror that follows Macy Mullins as she accepts a caretaking job from Craigslist. Her job is to house-sit for three days. But this is no ordinary house. All she has to do is follow some simple or not so simple instructions. And of course, this dream job turns into a living nightmare.
The book answers at least one question I had from We Used to Live Here. It also expands on the role of a “Visitor” and how they can enter your world. This is a slow burn and extremely creepy. I could not put this book down.
Things I loved: 1. Short chapters. 2. The creep factor is a 10. 3. The tension was intense. 4. Such a page-turner. 5. I loved the ending. 6. The universe the author created. 7. The descriptions
What I didn’t like. 1. Macy couldn’t follow simple instructions, which annoyed me. 2. I wanted to know more. I don’t want the author to give us everything, but I want more than what he gave. Your cult followers deserve it. 3. I was looking for a jump/scare scene, and I never got one.
Look, you either loved or hated We Used to Live Here, and I predict The Caretaker will be the same way. This is a great follow-up. I gave We Used to Live Here 5 stars; I’m giving this one a solid 4. This book releases on April 21st, 2026.