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The Caretaker
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26Follow the Rites...
Nothing less than the survival of humanity is at stake.
From Marcus Kliewer, a new “titan of the macabre and unsettling” (Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author), comes a supernatural horror about a young woman who accepts a caretaking job from Craigslist, only to discover the position has consequences far greater—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:
Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.
Macy Mullins can’t say why the job posting grabbed her attention—it had the pull of a fisherman’s lure, barbed hook and all—vaguely ominous. But after an endless string of failed job interviews, she's not exactly in the position to be picky. She has rent to pay, groceries to buy, and a younger sister to provide for.
Besides, it’s only three days’ work…
Three days, cooped up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by Oregon Coast wilderness.
What starts as a peculiar side gig soon becomes a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on this property—and Macy Mullins might just be the only thing standing between it, and the rest of humanity.
Follow the Rites...
Follow the Rites...
Follow the Rites...
..--- / ..... / ---..
Nothing less than the survival of humanity is at stake.
From Marcus Kliewer, a new “titan of the macabre and unsettling” (Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author), comes a supernatural horror about a young woman who accepts a caretaking job from Craigslist, only to discover the position has consequences far greater—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:
Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.
Macy Mullins can’t say why the job posting grabbed her attention—it had the pull of a fisherman’s lure, barbed hook and all—vaguely ominous. But after an endless string of failed job interviews, she's not exactly in the position to be picky. She has rent to pay, groceries to buy, and a younger sister to provide for.
Besides, it’s only three days’ work…
Three days, cooped up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by Oregon Coast wilderness.
What starts as a peculiar side gig soon becomes a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on this property—and Macy Mullins might just be the only thing standing between it, and the rest of humanity.
Follow the Rites...
Follow the Rites...
Follow the Rites...
..--- / ..... / ---..
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 21, 2026
50315 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Kliewer
4 books3,730 followersMarcus 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, where it won the Scariest Story of 2021 award on the NoSleep forum. Film rights were snapped up by Netflix, and it was acquired by Simon & Schuster for publication even before it had been extended into a full-length novel. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.
Follow him on Instagram @marcus_kliewer for exclusive book updates / writing things / stop motion animation & a lot of pet videos.
Follow him on Instagram @marcus_kliewer for exclusive book updates / writing things / stop motion animation & a lot of pet videos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
December 10, 2025
Intense. Creepy. Full of jump scares. Mind-bending. Absolutely terrifying. This book takes horror to another level—one of those stories that crawls into your head and refuses to leave. It lingers for days, maybe even months, because it doesn’t just try to scare you with monsters; it targets your softest spots: fear, resentment, regret, emotional pain, loneliness. And the way it tackles grief, suicide, and depression is so raw and unfiltered that if you’ve ever struggled with anything similar, the dread settles even deeper into your bones. Truly scary as hell.
I adored the author’s previous novel. (And yes—full disclosure—I did cry in protest when they cast Blake Lively in the film adaptation. I stand by that reaction.) So I approached Caretaker with sky-high expectations. Following a debut that eerie and atmospheric is a risk in itself, and I was anxious to see if lightning could strike twice.
The opening felt slow for my taste—a simmer rather than a boil. The strange rituals, the suffocating gothic house waiting for its “visitor,” the oppressive quiet… all of it felt like the calm before a storm you know is going to be catastrophic. Some of the repeated sequences were nerve-fraying and borderline irritating, but then the second half hit—especially that explosive, jaw-dropping ending—and everything clicked. I went from “this is interesting” to full-volume “NOOOO WHAT IS HAPPENING” real quick. I ended up loving it more than the author’s first book, which I didn’t think was possible.
This story is dark, psychological horror at its finest. It digs into human vulnerability—those inner nightmares we try so hard to bury. No cheap gore, no cliché monsters. Just the terrifying truth of what we fear most, what we’re willing to sacrifice, and how quickly darkness can grow inside us if we let it.
The plot follows Macy Mullins, a young woman drowning in grief, debt, and responsibilities as she cares for her sister Jemma after their father’s sudden death. She can’t catch a break—her graphic design degree isn’t opening doors, she can’t keep a barista job after a breakdown, and eviction looms over them. So when she sees a caretaker job on Craigslist—red flags and all—she’s desperate enough to apply.
Arriving at Brooksview Heights, an old, eerie estate on the Oregon Coast, Macy meets Grace Carnswell, who claims she just needs someone to “watch the house” while she visits her grandchildren. Her husband is dead, the money is suspiciously good, and the job is only three days—but the warning signs are practically screaming. Then Grace hands Macy a VHS tape, recorded by her deceased husband, outlining the house’s bizarre rules: turn on lights at witching hour (exactly 3:00 a.m.), answer landline calls from mysterious “visitors” and obey whatever eerie instructions they give, never allow rabbits inside, and above all… FOLLOW THE RITES.
Jemma begs her not to take the job, but Macy is broke, exhausted, and out of options. And the second she’s alone in that house—with its rituals, its secrets, its visitors—Macy realizes she has stepped straight into the kind of nightmare from which no one truly wakes.
Overall: I’m speechless. This book is freaking fantastic. Dark, atmospheric, imaginative, and genuinely skin-crawling. The ending left me absolutely rattled. Someone please option this for a horror film immediately (and please, for the love of cinema, no wooden actresses with jealous rich husbands). I cannot express enough how much this story shook me—in the best way.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books and Emily Bestler Books/ 12:01 Books for sharing this AMAZING horror novel’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I adored the author’s previous novel. (And yes—full disclosure—I did cry in protest when they cast Blake Lively in the film adaptation. I stand by that reaction.) So I approached Caretaker with sky-high expectations. Following a debut that eerie and atmospheric is a risk in itself, and I was anxious to see if lightning could strike twice.
The opening felt slow for my taste—a simmer rather than a boil. The strange rituals, the suffocating gothic house waiting for its “visitor,” the oppressive quiet… all of it felt like the calm before a storm you know is going to be catastrophic. Some of the repeated sequences were nerve-fraying and borderline irritating, but then the second half hit—especially that explosive, jaw-dropping ending—and everything clicked. I went from “this is interesting” to full-volume “NOOOO WHAT IS HAPPENING” real quick. I ended up loving it more than the author’s first book, which I didn’t think was possible.
This story is dark, psychological horror at its finest. It digs into human vulnerability—those inner nightmares we try so hard to bury. No cheap gore, no cliché monsters. Just the terrifying truth of what we fear most, what we’re willing to sacrifice, and how quickly darkness can grow inside us if we let it.
The plot follows Macy Mullins, a young woman drowning in grief, debt, and responsibilities as she cares for her sister Jemma after their father’s sudden death. She can’t catch a break—her graphic design degree isn’t opening doors, she can’t keep a barista job after a breakdown, and eviction looms over them. So when she sees a caretaker job on Craigslist—red flags and all—she’s desperate enough to apply.
Arriving at Brooksview Heights, an old, eerie estate on the Oregon Coast, Macy meets Grace Carnswell, who claims she just needs someone to “watch the house” while she visits her grandchildren. Her husband is dead, the money is suspiciously good, and the job is only three days—but the warning signs are practically screaming. Then Grace hands Macy a VHS tape, recorded by her deceased husband, outlining the house’s bizarre rules: turn on lights at witching hour (exactly 3:00 a.m.), answer landline calls from mysterious “visitors” and obey whatever eerie instructions they give, never allow rabbits inside, and above all… FOLLOW THE RITES.
Jemma begs her not to take the job, but Macy is broke, exhausted, and out of options. And the second she’s alone in that house—with its rituals, its secrets, its visitors—Macy realizes she has stepped straight into the kind of nightmare from which no one truly wakes.
Overall: I’m speechless. This book is freaking fantastic. Dark, atmospheric, imaginative, and genuinely skin-crawling. The ending left me absolutely rattled. Someone please option this for a horror film immediately (and please, for the love of cinema, no wooden actresses with jealous rich husbands). I cannot express enough how much this story shook me—in the best way.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books and Emily Bestler Books/ 12:01 Books for sharing this AMAZING horror novel’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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January 5, 2026Oh... *adds to TBR*
December 12, 2025
No sophomore slump for Marcus Kliewer, his second novel The Caretaker, is one addicting, page-turner of a story!
The Caretaker is a highly original gripping work of horror. Concisely written with psychological elements, an atmospheric setting, and moments of foreboding, Marcus crafted a highly entertaining read that left me breathless.
I enjoyed Marcus’s debut novel but to be perfectly honest I didn't love it so The Caretaker blew away all my expectations. Horror readers will absolutely love this one!
The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer will be available on April 21. Many thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
The Caretaker is a highly original gripping work of horror. Concisely written with psychological elements, an atmospheric setting, and moments of foreboding, Marcus crafted a highly entertaining read that left me breathless.
I enjoyed Marcus’s debut novel but to be perfectly honest I didn't love it so The Caretaker blew away all my expectations. Horror readers will absolutely love this one!
The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer will be available on April 21. Many thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“My heart pulsed-a terrible pounding like drums from the deepest level of hell.”
"Follow the Rites... Nothing less than the survival of humanity is at stake."
The Caretaker is due for release on April 21, 2026.
Waaait... WHAT?!? This read was bananas! Marcus Kliewer delivers a novel that is the DEFINITION of a thriller!! The first half of the book, he builds that suspense up, and the second half, he's got you grabbing your anxiety sedatives and high blood pressure meds, cause you're on the edge of your seat with your heart racing, it's so intense.
Listen, money talks, so when Macy answered a Craigslist ad for a caretaking job that ended up sounding sketchy as hell, the red flags didn't outweigh the dollar signs. It's just her and her sister Jemma, and they are struggling to make ends meet, on the verge of getting evicted. Macy is broke and desperate, so it's worth the risk... isn't it? Okay, so the caretaking job is really to house sit, and the homeowner gave her a videotape of very bizarre instructions. Something about lights, rabbits, and people called The Visitors? Eh, the job is only for 3 days in a very upscale community, sure the homeowners seem super eccentric and nutty, but it's for a ridiculous amount of money. How bad could it be? Besides, at the first sign of trouble, she could just leave, right?
Written with psychological elements, in an atmospheric setting, Kliewer crafted a creepy, fast-paced, entertaining read. Does it leave you with some unanswered questions? Yes. Do you at times wish you could strangle Macy? Yup. Am I going to check out his first novel We Used to Live Here now that I enjoyed this book so much? Also, yes.
"You need to get out of there, NOW!"
A big Thank You to NetGalley and Atria Publishing for gifting me this advanced copy. It was an absolute pleasure to read and review this book.
"Follow the Rites... Nothing less than the survival of humanity is at stake."
The Caretaker is due for release on April 21, 2026.
Waaait... WHAT?!? This read was bananas! Marcus Kliewer delivers a novel that is the DEFINITION of a thriller!! The first half of the book, he builds that suspense up, and the second half, he's got you grabbing your anxiety sedatives and high blood pressure meds, cause you're on the edge of your seat with your heart racing, it's so intense.
Listen, money talks, so when Macy answered a Craigslist ad for a caretaking job that ended up sounding sketchy as hell, the red flags didn't outweigh the dollar signs. It's just her and her sister Jemma, and they are struggling to make ends meet, on the verge of getting evicted. Macy is broke and desperate, so it's worth the risk... isn't it? Okay, so the caretaking job is really to house sit, and the homeowner gave her a videotape of very bizarre instructions. Something about lights, rabbits, and people called The Visitors? Eh, the job is only for 3 days in a very upscale community, sure the homeowners seem super eccentric and nutty, but it's for a ridiculous amount of money. How bad could it be? Besides, at the first sign of trouble, she could just leave, right?
Written with psychological elements, in an atmospheric setting, Kliewer crafted a creepy, fast-paced, entertaining read. Does it leave you with some unanswered questions? Yes. Do you at times wish you could strangle Macy? Yup. Am I going to check out his first novel We Used to Live Here now that I enjoyed this book so much? Also, yes.
"You need to get out of there, NOW!"
A big Thank You to NetGalley and Atria Publishing for gifting me this advanced copy. It was an absolute pleasure to read and review this book.
November 24, 2025
"We defend even those who cast filth upon your name"
Macy Mullins is barely getting by since the death of her father. She is caring for her 17 year old sister while trying to keep a roof over their head. Times are tough, money is short, and that eviction notice isn't going to go away until she coughs up some cash fast.
That's when she finds the job ad:
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:
Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.
Macy figures she has nothing left to lose by applying.
When she arrives at the interview she is told that the position isn't quite what was advertised. She debates leaving that very minute but the money this old woman is willing to pay her for three days is too good to pass up. She desperately needs that money.
"As soon as you set foot on this property with intention to be it's caretaker, you can't just quit."
If Macy thought things couldn't get worse she is in for a BIG surprise.
Follow the rites....Follow the rites....Follow the rites
Marcus Kliewers debut, We Used to Live Here, was my favorite book last year. When I was approved for his new novel, The Caretaker, I nearly jumped for joy.
I'm pleased to tell you that this did not disappoint. It may not have terrified me quite as much as his debut did but it's a really solid entry in the horror genre.
Macy was easy to root for and that is so important in a book of this kind.
The ending was totally unexpected in the best way possible.
What really sets this apart from so many others in the horror genre is how talented of a writer Kliewer is. As I've gotten older my taste for horror leans more literary so if your like me then this is an author you should have tried yesterday. Seriously, do yourself a favor and order his debut. If your an arc receiver, request this and hope for approval. You can all thank me later.
I can honestly say that Kliewer has joined the ranks as one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for his next nightmare inducing story! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my complimentary copy.
Macy Mullins is barely getting by since the death of her father. She is caring for her 17 year old sister while trying to keep a roof over their head. Times are tough, money is short, and that eviction notice isn't going to go away until she coughs up some cash fast.
That's when she finds the job ad:
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:
Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.
Macy figures she has nothing left to lose by applying.
When she arrives at the interview she is told that the position isn't quite what was advertised. She debates leaving that very minute but the money this old woman is willing to pay her for three days is too good to pass up. She desperately needs that money.
"As soon as you set foot on this property with intention to be it's caretaker, you can't just quit."
If Macy thought things couldn't get worse she is in for a BIG surprise.
Follow the rites....Follow the rites....Follow the rites
Marcus Kliewers debut, We Used to Live Here, was my favorite book last year. When I was approved for his new novel, The Caretaker, I nearly jumped for joy.
I'm pleased to tell you that this did not disappoint. It may not have terrified me quite as much as his debut did but it's a really solid entry in the horror genre.
Macy was easy to root for and that is so important in a book of this kind.
The ending was totally unexpected in the best way possible.
What really sets this apart from so many others in the horror genre is how talented of a writer Kliewer is. As I've gotten older my taste for horror leans more literary so if your like me then this is an author you should have tried yesterday. Seriously, do yourself a favor and order his debut. If your an arc receiver, request this and hope for approval. You can all thank me later.
I can honestly say that Kliewer has joined the ranks as one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for his next nightmare inducing story! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my complimentary copy.
November 20, 2025
Thank you atria books for the early copy!!
Obsessed, phenomenal, weird, heart pounding, perfect
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTreapFPC/
Obsessed, phenomenal, weird, heart pounding, perfect
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTreapFPC/
November 24, 2025
All that Macy Mullins had to do was follow the rites. That’s it. But alas, it’s harder than what it seems. Let me back up a bit. Macy is currently guardian to her little sister, Gemma, after their dad died. Due to insurance being tied up, they are struggling to make ends meet. While perusing Craigslist Macy finds a job for a caregiver in an upscale community for one weekend. Once she arrives, she realizes the request is a bit strange but she can’t turn down the money. How hard can it be? Needless to say things don’t go to plan and we begin to see that this job is not as simple as what Macy had hoped.
This definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I felt I was right there in there assisting Macy, whether I wanted to be or not. The premise of the rites is super intriguing and I loved every bit of it. The Pacific Northwest set the tone for a very atmospheric setting.
So the ending… I have questions. The idea of why was never explained( unless I’m stupid and completely missed it, which is highly possible). Maybe there was never a need to understand it to that level, but I would’ve enjoyed a little bit more backstory behind the rites.
I definitely prefer this novel over the authors previous one. I feel there there’s not as many unanswered questions with this one. Highly recommend picking this one up for sure. I can’t wait to see what this author has for us in the future. I will gladly be the first in line to read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
This definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I felt I was right there in there assisting Macy, whether I wanted to be or not. The premise of the rites is super intriguing and I loved every bit of it. The Pacific Northwest set the tone for a very atmospheric setting.
So the ending… I have questions. The idea of why was never explained( unless I’m stupid and completely missed it, which is highly possible). Maybe there was never a need to understand it to that level, but I would’ve enjoyed a little bit more backstory behind the rites.
I definitely prefer this novel over the authors previous one. I feel there there’s not as many unanswered questions with this one. Highly recommend picking this one up for sure. I can’t wait to see what this author has for us in the future. I will gladly be the first in line to read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
November 21, 2025
We Used to Live Here was one of my favorite reads last year so I knew I had to read The Caretaker but ultimately this fell short for me. It's not bad by any means, but I didn't love it either.
Now I was so into it for the first half. The writing pulled me in pretty quickly. I loved the suspenseful, tense atmosphere & I'm a sucker for isolated anything so this was gearing up to be right up my alley.
What kept me from fully connecting to the story was Macy. Girl why do you suck so bad at this job? Not only is she too busy wallowing in self loathing but she's kind of stupid. Every decision she made started to irritate me. How hard is it to follow the damn rites Macy, like not even just one???
I don't know if it's the Leo in me or what but I just do not have the patience to sit around & listen to people having pity parties every day. Every few pgs I kept expecting something creepy to happen & instead here we go again going through another pity party for Macy. There's so much build up of tension that almost goes nowhere. I get it, you've had a few bad years girl & now you suck at life but oh my goodness can you please stop letting this define you? Can we not grow? Can we not make stupid decisions & literally risk unleashing whatever evil is here? That'd be great.
Aside from that, I would have liked for the story to have leaned more into the rites. I know a lot of people will love this but unfortunately it was kind of a let down for me. Anywho, I will not be telling any rabbits into my house any time soon.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
Now I was so into it for the first half. The writing pulled me in pretty quickly. I loved the suspenseful, tense atmosphere & I'm a sucker for isolated anything so this was gearing up to be right up my alley.
What kept me from fully connecting to the story was Macy. Girl why do you suck so bad at this job? Not only is she too busy wallowing in self loathing but she's kind of stupid. Every decision she made started to irritate me. How hard is it to follow the damn rites Macy, like not even just one???
I don't know if it's the Leo in me or what but I just do not have the patience to sit around & listen to people having pity parties every day. Every few pgs I kept expecting something creepy to happen & instead here we go again going through another pity party for Macy. There's so much build up of tension that almost goes nowhere. I get it, you've had a few bad years girl & now you suck at life but oh my goodness can you please stop letting this define you? Can we not grow? Can we not make stupid decisions & literally risk unleashing whatever evil is here? That'd be great.
Aside from that, I would have liked for the story to have leaned more into the rites. I know a lot of people will love this but unfortunately it was kind of a let down for me. Anywho, I will not be telling any rabbits into my house any time soon.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
December 31, 2025
3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Without a doubt, Marcus Kliewer is one of the most promising new voices in horror. Despite not being wowed by this book, my opinion certainly hasn’t changed! I’m ecstatic to see what his next project will be already 😂
Now. I cannot say that I think The Caretaker reaches the level of genius that is apparent in We Used To Live Here, but it still makes for an exciting horror novel. Although I can’t say any part particularly terrified me (more as to why later), I think the possible evil was SO well done in this book. It was in the descriptions of things not actually haunted - such as the possibility of things lurking behind a shower curtain - that really got my spine tingling.
The main reason the real horror elements didn’t get me here is because NONE of them are explained. Not one thing. And I just felt that anything could have been thrown in. I mean Macy could have literally been faced with a cotton candy monster or something and it would have fit in due to how loose the horror is in this book. I was really just wishing for one singular thing to be explained or at least hinted at. One of the things I appreciate most about his debut is we got snippets of the same evil happening to other people, and I think that format would have worked here as well. Give me some fake Reddit chains and police interviews again! I needed something to convince me that this truly was happening and not just Macy being manipulated into seeing everything for 320 pages.
The characters….were no Eve and Charlie to say the least. Macy is a character I feel SO much sympathy for but cannot relate to at all. I think this book, which hinges so much on her internal monologue, would hit harder and be scarier with people who relate to her struggles. As someone who just does not think the way she does, I found myself getting tired of the constant looping her thoughts would do to the same topics. If I had to read her say ‘Red. Blue. Red. Blue’ one more time!!! 😭😭
The side characters are kind of non existent other than my girl Jemma (who I love!). Grace is ???? And what was the point of some of the other people we see honestly? I just didn’t care for anyone really at the end of the day.
This is a novel where it’s kinda impossible to not get supremely frustrated at Macy. Because, undeniably, she messed up literally everything she could. I wished we had more of her thoughts as to why she did the thing she did at the end. Also, speaking of the ending, it was a bit too abrupt for my tastes. I expected it from the first few pages to be honest (this novel just starts off bleak) but I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed as to how we got there. I understand Macy somewhat, but not enough for me to not just plainly question why she’d make such a monumental decision.
This is a slow burn of a novel, which can’t be for everyone. I think it only gets truly page turning at 70% in, which is by no means a bad thing - just not entirely my taste. I don’t really know if the horror elements themselves were my taste either. Also my biggest pet peeve ever is when a character is thinking about their past and gets broken off and just doesn’t finish their thought that is about to reveal pivotal information. It happens frequently in this book which made me want to shake Macy ☺️
I hope someone smarter than me can analyze this book and come up with some theories. I have literally only one. This book seems much more straightforward than Marcus’ last, but I think the complete lack of resolution (or at least to me, I may have missed some things!) kind of makes it not hit as hard as I know it could. I haven’t thought about it nearly as much as I did We Used To Live Here (I am trying my hardest to not compare them though!).
Ultimately, this book didn’t quite scratch the horror itch for me, but Marcus can write exceptionally and I’m seated for this third novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Without a doubt, Marcus Kliewer is one of the most promising new voices in horror. Despite not being wowed by this book, my opinion certainly hasn’t changed! I’m ecstatic to see what his next project will be already 😂
Now. I cannot say that I think The Caretaker reaches the level of genius that is apparent in We Used To Live Here, but it still makes for an exciting horror novel. Although I can’t say any part particularly terrified me (more as to why later), I think the possible evil was SO well done in this book. It was in the descriptions of things not actually haunted - such as the possibility of things lurking behind a shower curtain - that really got my spine tingling.
The main reason the real horror elements didn’t get me here is because NONE of them are explained. Not one thing. And I just felt that anything could have been thrown in. I mean Macy could have literally been faced with a cotton candy monster or something and it would have fit in due to how loose the horror is in this book. I was really just wishing for one singular thing to be explained or at least hinted at. One of the things I appreciate most about his debut is we got snippets of the same evil happening to other people, and I think that format would have worked here as well. Give me some fake Reddit chains and police interviews again! I needed something to convince me that this truly was happening and not just Macy being manipulated into seeing everything for 320 pages.
The characters….were no Eve and Charlie to say the least. Macy is a character I feel SO much sympathy for but cannot relate to at all. I think this book, which hinges so much on her internal monologue, would hit harder and be scarier with people who relate to her struggles. As someone who just does not think the way she does, I found myself getting tired of the constant looping her thoughts would do to the same topics. If I had to read her say ‘Red. Blue. Red. Blue’ one more time!!! 😭😭
The side characters are kind of non existent other than my girl Jemma (who I love!). Grace is ???? And what was the point of some of the other people we see honestly? I just didn’t care for anyone really at the end of the day.
This is a novel where it’s kinda impossible to not get supremely frustrated at Macy. Because, undeniably, she messed up literally everything she could. I wished we had more of her thoughts as to why she did the thing she did at the end. Also, speaking of the ending, it was a bit too abrupt for my tastes. I expected it from the first few pages to be honest (this novel just starts off bleak) but I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed as to how we got there. I understand Macy somewhat, but not enough for me to not just plainly question why she’d make such a monumental decision.
This is a slow burn of a novel, which can’t be for everyone. I think it only gets truly page turning at 70% in, which is by no means a bad thing - just not entirely my taste. I don’t really know if the horror elements themselves were my taste either. Also my biggest pet peeve ever is when a character is thinking about their past and gets broken off and just doesn’t finish their thought that is about to reveal pivotal information. It happens frequently in this book which made me want to shake Macy ☺️
I hope someone smarter than me can analyze this book and come up with some theories. I have literally only one. This book seems much more straightforward than Marcus’ last, but I think the complete lack of resolution (or at least to me, I may have missed some things!) kind of makes it not hit as hard as I know it could. I haven’t thought about it nearly as much as I did We Used To Live Here (I am trying my hardest to not compare them though!).
Ultimately, this book didn’t quite scratch the horror itch for me, but Marcus can write exceptionally and I’m seated for this third novel!
January 7, 2026
Well I got to 70% and I just don't have it in me for another 30%. A boring lot, followed by inane circumstances, and a no resolution to the issues is a prescription for a two star book.
I know the author was going for scare, but unlike his book We Live Here Now, there was little, scare with a whiny main character, who couldn't seem to work her way out of a paper bag.
There was no scare but lots of naval gazing as the future of the world depended on the whiny highly inefficient Macy is in charge of our destiny.
Color me hugely disappointed.
I know the author was going for scare, but unlike his book We Live Here Now, there was little, scare with a whiny main character, who couldn't seem to work her way out of a paper bag.
There was no scare but lots of naval gazing as the future of the world depended on the whiny highly inefficient Macy is in charge of our destiny.
Color me hugely disappointed.
December 9, 2025
Thank you to Atria Books for the ARC. I’m standing up and applauding. Marcus Kliewer, you are one brilliant man. For lovers of Mike Flanagan’s 𝘖𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘴, Patrick Brice’s 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘱, and of course the lovers of Kliewer’s debut 𝘞𝘦 𝘜𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦.
This was a fast-paced, heart-pounding, chills-down-your-spine horror that leaves you with more questions than answers but not in a “wow, that was full of plot holes” way, but in the way that makes you want to stare blankly at a wall in silence for 3 hours (yes, 3).
If you want a book that makes you question your sanity, your choices, your reality, and how far you’d be willing to go to save the people you love (or in this case the entire world), that perfectly blends the psychological with the supernatural, look no further.
This was a fast-paced, heart-pounding, chills-down-your-spine horror that leaves you with more questions than answers but not in a “wow, that was full of plot holes” way, but in the way that makes you want to stare blankly at a wall in silence for 3 hours (yes, 3).
If you want a book that makes you question your sanity, your choices, your reality, and how far you’d be willing to go to save the people you love (or in this case the entire world), that perfectly blends the psychological with the supernatural, look no further.
November 29, 2025
This was weird AF and I loved it!
More detailed review to be posted closer to the release date, (4/21/26), per the request of the publisher.
More detailed review to be posted closer to the release date, (4/21/26), per the request of the publisher.
Want to read
August 10, 2025Just like every early 00’s horror movie, you know this is going to be a bizarre trip.
Spring 2026 could not come soon enough my friends.
Spring 2026 could not come soon enough my friends.
December 9, 2025
Oh my god.. if you’ve ever watched the movie oculus and it follows it’s like if those two movies had a baby. Pure horror and dread. Marcus Kliewer is slowly becoming one of my favourite horror authors! A bit undecided about the ending but I’m simmering on it for now as the whole book was fantastically creepy and exciting. Full RTC. Thanks very much to the publisher for my review copy!
January 8, 2026
TW/CW: death of parent, classism, grieving, anxiety, smoking, mourning, death by suicide (attempt), trauma, blood, gory scenes, violence, language, animal death (attempt)
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.Macy Mullins can’t say why the job posting grabbed her attention—it had the pull of a fisherman’s lure, barbed hook and all—vaguely ominous. But after an endless string of failed job interviews, she's not exactly in the position to be picky. She has rent to pay, groceries to buy, and a younger sister to provide for.Besides, it’s only three days’ work…Three days, cooped up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by Oregon Coast wilderness.What starts as a peculiar side gig soon becomes a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on this property—and Macy Mullins might just be the only thing standing between it, and the rest of humanity.Follow the Rites...Follow the Rites...Follow the Rites...
Release Date: April 21st, 2026
Genre: Horror
Pages: 320
Rating: ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Book reads fast
2. Absolutely creepy things happening
What I Didn't Like:
1. Writing is choppy
2. So many dreams
3. Repetitive
4. Ending sucked
5. Trama focused too hard
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
Well I don't know about Macy but she goes to an interview in the middle of nowhere from a Craigslist ad that's so vague it's one line. Then the lady lies to her about the job is and the husband is dead. Now the lady is saying it's a weekend of cleaning the house that is very precise to what her dead husband wanted. The kicker is that the lady says it pays $6,000 with a $3,000 bonus. Macy get out. Ever heard the saying if it's too good to be true than it probably is? I get Macy is desperate but she can't be this stupid? All of this is suspicious.
Get out of here that they own a vcr. They gave so little belongings and are living in a tiny studio but they hold onto a vcr and 200 vhs'. Do you know how much room those would take? I'm sorry but who owns a vcr? Okay granted I own two but they were mine and I still have my tapes. These young girls holding onto one for no reason seems out of place. As soon as the vhs was mentioned I knew they would have a vcr.
Thank God, Macy's sister has some smarts. She tries to convince her sister how dumb this job is to take and how weird it is. Macy decides she has to take it because she was already paid and there's still another $6,000 left to be paid (supposedly). I get where Macy is coming from - her choices are so limited and she has to take what she can take, but you still have to the brains to think logically.
So far this book is reminding me of Something I Keep Upstairs from J.D. Barker with the directions of what to do at the house to keep things away.
It's so weird that Macy would think that her asking Grace about if anyone calls on the phone that Grace would think she's being indicative saying that she has no family that would call her when she's on her way to her granddaughter's birthday. Why would she think that in that way?
Well that's weird a photo falls of what looks like a family photo of a woman with blue eyes for Grace has light brown eyes so very odd. Are we going to find out Grace really isn't the wife of David?
Is Lucy even real? She's on the bus but disappears (yeah Macy had fallen asleep so she could have gotten off). She mentions death twice to Macy; one about all the people who have jumped from the cliff ending their lives and two about how her friend and her would go knocking on doors but everyone got guns so they quit. Plus her hair is wet but it wasn't raining and Macy's hair isn't wet. If her hair is wet and she's scared of the edge of the cliff was she pushed into the water?
The scene with the jerk snapping into her ear because he wanted cream in his cup when Macy already explained it was by the door was so real feeling. I've worked customer service and what Macy did wound be so amazing to watch or do.
No thank you to a random truck parked out in the woods and her sewing it in the dark drive off. That would be my last night in that house.
Oh she finds a knife with C.C. carved into it. I suppose it's Caleb's knife.
So many dreams in this book. I hate dreams in books. Very rarely does it actually do anything for the plot and it's just filler.
This entity is a jerk. She's so close to catching the rabbit and then the phone rings to tell her to not let the rabbit go. What was the point of that? You don't want the rabbit to get out but you interrupt her minutes from being able to get the rabbit.
This whole insurance thing for her father is so weird to me. Usually you use your insurance money to cover the funeral but maybe they didn't have a funeral since his body wasn't found they didn't have to bury anyone or worry about a body. In any case now the insurance company is claiming after 3 years that her father chose to drive into the river and end his life. Isn't there a video that shows him sliding on the road into the river so if you're sliding it would mean you're attempting to not go that direction and gain control.
God, Macy is the worst housesitter! How has she messed up this badly on day one? I wish the author would spread it out a little but so we could adjusted to our settings as a reader to learn the dangers more personally. Having everything thrown at us just feels exhausting and overwhelming.
I just knew they'd want you to kill the rabbit. I can't blame Macy for not wanting to do that it would be horrific. She let's the rabbit out and then 3 knocks from Lucy. Luckily she has enough smarts to hide from Lucy because I'm still suspicious of Lucy. I don't think she's one of the visitors since she has green eyes not ice blue, but I'm still thinking she's dead. Why else would this cleaning person by in the woods all the time? What cleaning person has the time to hang out in the woods and go visit people? I know she said she's comes out a few times a week to hike but she saw someone jump last night and there are no police? Plus she went home and came back to talk to Macy?
After Macy leaves in an Uber she decides to come back because she's having this weird feeling that something bad is going to happen if she doesn't. Honestly I wonder how she's going to fix everything she's already messed up. She let the rabbit out and she didn't answer the phone.
So they did have a funeral for her dad but how did they pay for it without the insurance money? I doubt Macy had the money to cover it.
Oh my God the man on the phone said she has to follow Lucy Footprints Into the Woods at dark in night all by herself. And I'm over here saying no way because I would be so scared. Oh and then if the person starts breaking down and getting all crazy she has to run back to the house and make sure all the doors are locked so that none of them get in. We also get a tidbit the guy calling losing a world where the person failed and he's dealing with the aftermath of it. So the people calling on the phone must exist in a different Realm maybe were things didn't go as planned. I wonder why they have to help other people or how they know that other people are failing in their worlds.
How does Macy know the property line is 30 feet away? She's in the middle of the woods and this is the 2nd time she has been out of the house and in the woods.
Have you ever ran at night in the woods? Even when the moon the trees still block the light. It's just too hard to do without falling.
So even her failing at not letting them in the house isn't the end of it. There are more ways to fix everything. Sigh. So you just get more and more chances to fix things. Every note and phone made it seem like the end of the world if you didn't do it this way but then she keeps getting more chances. It gives you more chances than your parents do. Than your jobs allow.
At a certain point it starts to feel repetitive - turning the lights off and now they have to be on. We just follow Macy around while she checks each floor over and over. It gets as boring as it sounds.
I don't get how so many boots went into the house and Macy passes out but only Lucy comes in. What a build up all for nothing. I imagined she'd have the house full and would have to deal with being quiet while moving around them. Lucy shuts herself in a room so that seems convenient and easy.
Okay so it's still dark in the house and she is able run down the hall, avoid the glass, get a switchblade off the table, and see Brownie in the dark? I get there's moonlight but not through every window is it shining.
Here we are again... Moving the goal posts and nothing bad happens when she doesn't keep the lights on and picture frames up. I mean I get now she's being chased by a monster but that's it? She's failed every thing she was supposed to do and it's just now actually chasing her?
So that's it???? She only had to kill a monster and that's it! That's what saved humanity???
God, there is the reminder that a woman doesn't eat! Every book I swear loves to tell us that women don't eat because they are just so stressed. You know how many books I've read where men are mentioned not eating? So few so few.
The phone rings and tells her she has to mow the lawn. I get this house is tied to mourning and people who have lost someone come here but what a stupid thing to have to do.
Ahhhhhh get out of here!!! Macy sees a white rabbit and goes to burn it in the fireplace but does she get the cage out like instructed to do while she gets the fire ready? No. She holds the rabbit and it gets loose in the basement. Her timer goes off and now 3 knocks. How can humanity rely on her?? It's all so annoying and repetitive. I'm honestly tired of reading about Macy messing up. While dealing with this problem she also answers the phone to talk to her sister. Why??
House tricks her into thinking that her sister was killed by her but I'm not really sure why she believes this since she calls her sisters number and it rings from the white room - a room Jemma wasn't in. So Macy gives up (did she even really try?) decides to not follow the ritual. She let's the white rabbit out and Jemma calls saying she and the police are their way but the sun has turned red now. I mean don't worry her next phone call is probably something ridiculous like sit in a room and clap 35 times while thinking of a movie she saw when she was 5 & 3/4 years old.
Final Thoughts:
Did I find it odd that the author was writing a second book centered around another house doing weird things; yes, I did.
This book reminds me of The Cabin at the End of the World meets Cabin in the Woods.
There are definitely some scary scenes in this book but overall the book has very little substance to it. So much time is spent doing/saying the same stuff over and over that it comes off boring by the climax.
That ending... Wow was terrible.
What's with all the trama dumping this book did? It was exhausting. It's on every page that I honestly stopped caring about her father. A little less might have meant caring more about her loss of her father but when it's beaten over your head countless times it gets redundant. There are 123 uses of the word dad which is insanely too much.
For me reading this book is broken down into;
10% wth?
30% this is scary and I can't stop reading.
60% why is she messing up so much - get it together Macy!
80% I'm bored and how many chances does she get to make it right?
100% well that took a turn for the worse.
This book went from 5 stars to 1 star for me. I only really enjoyed the first 200 pages but the last 100 plus took a nose dive the book just couldn't come back from.
There was something I didn't understand. Like how this Lucy person's description was on the bus on her way with Macy to the interview but was gone when she woke up. Was this person just from Macy's memory? Can these visitors only take from your memory? How did Lucy first have green eyes and then white blue?
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.Macy Mullins can’t say why the job posting grabbed her attention—it had the pull of a fisherman’s lure, barbed hook and all—vaguely ominous. But after an endless string of failed job interviews, she's not exactly in the position to be picky. She has rent to pay, groceries to buy, and a younger sister to provide for.Besides, it’s only three days’ work…Three days, cooped up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by Oregon Coast wilderness.What starts as a peculiar side gig soon becomes a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on this property—and Macy Mullins might just be the only thing standing between it, and the rest of humanity.Follow the Rites...Follow the Rites...Follow the Rites...
Release Date: April 21st, 2026
Genre: Horror
Pages: 320
Rating: ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Book reads fast
2. Absolutely creepy things happening
What I Didn't Like:
1. Writing is choppy
2. So many dreams
3. Repetitive
4. Ending sucked
5. Trama focused too hard
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
Well I don't know about Macy but she goes to an interview in the middle of nowhere from a Craigslist ad that's so vague it's one line. Then the lady lies to her about the job is and the husband is dead. Now the lady is saying it's a weekend of cleaning the house that is very precise to what her dead husband wanted. The kicker is that the lady says it pays $6,000 with a $3,000 bonus. Macy get out. Ever heard the saying if it's too good to be true than it probably is? I get Macy is desperate but she can't be this stupid? All of this is suspicious.
Get out of here that they own a vcr. They gave so little belongings and are living in a tiny studio but they hold onto a vcr and 200 vhs'. Do you know how much room those would take? I'm sorry but who owns a vcr? Okay granted I own two but they were mine and I still have my tapes. These young girls holding onto one for no reason seems out of place. As soon as the vhs was mentioned I knew they would have a vcr.
Thank God, Macy's sister has some smarts. She tries to convince her sister how dumb this job is to take and how weird it is. Macy decides she has to take it because she was already paid and there's still another $6,000 left to be paid (supposedly). I get where Macy is coming from - her choices are so limited and she has to take what she can take, but you still have to the brains to think logically.
So far this book is reminding me of Something I Keep Upstairs from J.D. Barker with the directions of what to do at the house to keep things away.
It's so weird that Macy would think that her asking Grace about if anyone calls on the phone that Grace would think she's being indicative saying that she has no family that would call her when she's on her way to her granddaughter's birthday. Why would she think that in that way?
Well that's weird a photo falls of what looks like a family photo of a woman with blue eyes for Grace has light brown eyes so very odd. Are we going to find out Grace really isn't the wife of David?
Is Lucy even real? She's on the bus but disappears (yeah Macy had fallen asleep so she could have gotten off). She mentions death twice to Macy; one about all the people who have jumped from the cliff ending their lives and two about how her friend and her would go knocking on doors but everyone got guns so they quit. Plus her hair is wet but it wasn't raining and Macy's hair isn't wet. If her hair is wet and she's scared of the edge of the cliff was she pushed into the water?
The scene with the jerk snapping into her ear because he wanted cream in his cup when Macy already explained it was by the door was so real feeling. I've worked customer service and what Macy did wound be so amazing to watch or do.
No thank you to a random truck parked out in the woods and her sewing it in the dark drive off. That would be my last night in that house.
Oh she finds a knife with C.C. carved into it. I suppose it's Caleb's knife.
So many dreams in this book. I hate dreams in books. Very rarely does it actually do anything for the plot and it's just filler.
This entity is a jerk. She's so close to catching the rabbit and then the phone rings to tell her to not let the rabbit go. What was the point of that? You don't want the rabbit to get out but you interrupt her minutes from being able to get the rabbit.
This whole insurance thing for her father is so weird to me. Usually you use your insurance money to cover the funeral but maybe they didn't have a funeral since his body wasn't found they didn't have to bury anyone or worry about a body. In any case now the insurance company is claiming after 3 years that her father chose to drive into the river and end his life. Isn't there a video that shows him sliding on the road into the river so if you're sliding it would mean you're attempting to not go that direction and gain control.
God, Macy is the worst housesitter! How has she messed up this badly on day one? I wish the author would spread it out a little but so we could adjusted to our settings as a reader to learn the dangers more personally. Having everything thrown at us just feels exhausting and overwhelming.
I just knew they'd want you to kill the rabbit. I can't blame Macy for not wanting to do that it would be horrific. She let's the rabbit out and then 3 knocks from Lucy. Luckily she has enough smarts to hide from Lucy because I'm still suspicious of Lucy. I don't think she's one of the visitors since she has green eyes not ice blue, but I'm still thinking she's dead. Why else would this cleaning person by in the woods all the time? What cleaning person has the time to hang out in the woods and go visit people? I know she said she's comes out a few times a week to hike but she saw someone jump last night and there are no police? Plus she went home and came back to talk to Macy?
After Macy leaves in an Uber she decides to come back because she's having this weird feeling that something bad is going to happen if she doesn't. Honestly I wonder how she's going to fix everything she's already messed up. She let the rabbit out and she didn't answer the phone.
So they did have a funeral for her dad but how did they pay for it without the insurance money? I doubt Macy had the money to cover it.
Oh my God the man on the phone said she has to follow Lucy Footprints Into the Woods at dark in night all by herself. And I'm over here saying no way because I would be so scared. Oh and then if the person starts breaking down and getting all crazy she has to run back to the house and make sure all the doors are locked so that none of them get in. We also get a tidbit the guy calling losing a world where the person failed and he's dealing with the aftermath of it. So the people calling on the phone must exist in a different Realm maybe were things didn't go as planned. I wonder why they have to help other people or how they know that other people are failing in their worlds.
How does Macy know the property line is 30 feet away? She's in the middle of the woods and this is the 2nd time she has been out of the house and in the woods.
Have you ever ran at night in the woods? Even when the moon the trees still block the light. It's just too hard to do without falling.
So even her failing at not letting them in the house isn't the end of it. There are more ways to fix everything. Sigh. So you just get more and more chances to fix things. Every note and phone made it seem like the end of the world if you didn't do it this way but then she keeps getting more chances. It gives you more chances than your parents do. Than your jobs allow.
At a certain point it starts to feel repetitive - turning the lights off and now they have to be on. We just follow Macy around while she checks each floor over and over. It gets as boring as it sounds.
I don't get how so many boots went into the house and Macy passes out but only Lucy comes in. What a build up all for nothing. I imagined she'd have the house full and would have to deal with being quiet while moving around them. Lucy shuts herself in a room so that seems convenient and easy.
Okay so it's still dark in the house and she is able run down the hall, avoid the glass, get a switchblade off the table, and see Brownie in the dark? I get there's moonlight but not through every window is it shining.
Here we are again... Moving the goal posts and nothing bad happens when she doesn't keep the lights on and picture frames up. I mean I get now she's being chased by a monster but that's it? She's failed every thing she was supposed to do and it's just now actually chasing her?
So that's it???? She only had to kill a monster and that's it! That's what saved humanity???
God, there is the reminder that a woman doesn't eat! Every book I swear loves to tell us that women don't eat because they are just so stressed. You know how many books I've read where men are mentioned not eating? So few so few.
The phone rings and tells her she has to mow the lawn. I get this house is tied to mourning and people who have lost someone come here but what a stupid thing to have to do.
Ahhhhhh get out of here!!! Macy sees a white rabbit and goes to burn it in the fireplace but does she get the cage out like instructed to do while she gets the fire ready? No. She holds the rabbit and it gets loose in the basement. Her timer goes off and now 3 knocks. How can humanity rely on her?? It's all so annoying and repetitive. I'm honestly tired of reading about Macy messing up. While dealing with this problem she also answers the phone to talk to her sister. Why??
House tricks her into thinking that her sister was killed by her but I'm not really sure why she believes this since she calls her sisters number and it rings from the white room - a room Jemma wasn't in. So Macy gives up (did she even really try?) decides to not follow the ritual. She let's the white rabbit out and Jemma calls saying she and the police are their way but the sun has turned red now. I mean don't worry her next phone call is probably something ridiculous like sit in a room and clap 35 times while thinking of a movie she saw when she was 5 & 3/4 years old.
Final Thoughts:
Did I find it odd that the author was writing a second book centered around another house doing weird things; yes, I did.
This book reminds me of The Cabin at the End of the World meets Cabin in the Woods.
There are definitely some scary scenes in this book but overall the book has very little substance to it. So much time is spent doing/saying the same stuff over and over that it comes off boring by the climax.
That ending... Wow was terrible.
What's with all the trama dumping this book did? It was exhausting. It's on every page that I honestly stopped caring about her father. A little less might have meant caring more about her loss of her father but when it's beaten over your head countless times it gets redundant. There are 123 uses of the word dad which is insanely too much.
For me reading this book is broken down into;
10% wth?
30% this is scary and I can't stop reading.
60% why is she messing up so much - get it together Macy!
80% I'm bored and how many chances does she get to make it right?
100% well that took a turn for the worse.
This book went from 5 stars to 1 star for me. I only really enjoyed the first 200 pages but the last 100 plus took a nose dive the book just couldn't come back from.
There was something I didn't understand. Like how this Lucy person's description was on the bus on her way with Macy to the interview but was gone when she woke up. Was this person just from Macy's memory? Can these visitors only take from your memory? How did Lucy first have green eyes and then white blue?
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
December 3, 2025
BANGERRRRR
Kliewer is easily one of the best new horror authors in the game - i can’t believe this is only his 2nd novel. viscerally written horror with a story that sinks into your skin, i think i liked this even more than his debut. I never wanna see a rabbit again!!
Kliewer is easily one of the best new horror authors in the game - i can’t believe this is only his 2nd novel. viscerally written horror with a story that sinks into your skin, i think i liked this even more than his debut. I never wanna see a rabbit again!!
November 21, 2025
3.75 stars!
I want to make it clear right off the bat, I did enjoy this. It was interesting and a quick read and I was really engaged with it. I adored Marcus' debut novel last year, and this one pulled me in right away just like that one did. His writing is wonderful, and he's so skilled at setting an uneasy vibe and writing creepy imagery. The idea for this was amazing and after the prologue, I had super high expectations.
Sometimes not giving away every answer is okay, but in this case, I think it may have helped the plot a lot. It was just a lot of spooky things and cryptic messages thrown together and never explained. I kept waiting for some backstory or reason or connection between certain events, and it never came. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, and like I said, isn't always needed. But it'd have been nice here. Just a little, at least. Honestly, I'm looking forward to this being released so more people can discuss it and maybe figure things out that I couldn't, and explain it to me, if there even is anything to figure out.
As a main character, I liked Macy enough, but man. She was not good at this job and following these rites. Failure after failure. She was a little frustrating at times, but not unbearable. Also frustrating was the ending. Not a bad ending, not at all. I gasped out loud reading it, but it just had me asking even more questions. And that's pretty much a great way to sum up my entire reading experience here. A really fun ride, but it left me wanting a lot more answers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!
I want to make it clear right off the bat, I did enjoy this. It was interesting and a quick read and I was really engaged with it. I adored Marcus' debut novel last year, and this one pulled me in right away just like that one did. His writing is wonderful, and he's so skilled at setting an uneasy vibe and writing creepy imagery. The idea for this was amazing and after the prologue, I had super high expectations.
Sometimes not giving away every answer is okay, but in this case, I think it may have helped the plot a lot. It was just a lot of spooky things and cryptic messages thrown together and never explained. I kept waiting for some backstory or reason or connection between certain events, and it never came. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, and like I said, isn't always needed. But it'd have been nice here. Just a little, at least. Honestly, I'm looking forward to this being released so more people can discuss it and maybe figure things out that I couldn't, and explain it to me, if there even is anything to figure out.
As a main character, I liked Macy enough, but man. She was not good at this job and following these rites. Failure after failure. She was a little frustrating at times, but not unbearable. Also frustrating was the ending. Not a bad ending, not at all. I gasped out loud reading it, but it just had me asking even more questions. And that's pretty much a great way to sum up my entire reading experience here. A really fun ride, but it left me wanting a lot more answers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!
November 20, 2025
We Used to Live Here was a top read of the year for me last year, so I was so excited when I got access to his newest!
This story just like WUTLH is super unique. I’ve never read anything like it, it was intense and kept me turning the page. However, I have never disliked a main character more. Her choices drove me absolutely insane!
Overall I did enjoy the unique story, the pacing and the creepiness. If that sounds like something you would like, definitely add this to your tbr.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review. PUB DATE: 4/21
This story just like WUTLH is super unique. I’ve never read anything like it, it was intense and kept me turning the page. However, I have never disliked a main character more. Her choices drove me absolutely insane!
Overall I did enjoy the unique story, the pacing and the creepiness. If that sounds like something you would like, definitely add this to your tbr.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review. PUB DATE: 4/21
November 26, 2025
Marcus Kliewer has done it again 🙌
‘The Caretaker’ settles into your mind like a slow, creeping chill and it sticks with you long after you put the book down. That is exactly what I want from horror. I want that lingering sense of dread, the kind that follows you into a dark hallway or makes you second guess a noise in the house. Marcus knows how to tap into that feeling every single time.
There is just something about authors who came from NoSleep. It feels like they understand fear on a different level, almost like they have lived with it long enough to call it a friend. Most of my favourite horror novels were written by people who started there, and Marcus is easily one of the strongest voices to come out of that community. Watching him grow from spine tingling internet stories to full length nightmares has been so cool, and he always manages to pull us into eerie houses and dark woods that feel way too real.
I will read anything he writes at this point. And honestly, none of you are ready for what this one does 👀
‘The Caretaker’ settles into your mind like a slow, creeping chill and it sticks with you long after you put the book down. That is exactly what I want from horror. I want that lingering sense of dread, the kind that follows you into a dark hallway or makes you second guess a noise in the house. Marcus knows how to tap into that feeling every single time.
There is just something about authors who came from NoSleep. It feels like they understand fear on a different level, almost like they have lived with it long enough to call it a friend. Most of my favourite horror novels were written by people who started there, and Marcus is easily one of the strongest voices to come out of that community. Watching him grow from spine tingling internet stories to full length nightmares has been so cool, and he always manages to pull us into eerie houses and dark woods that feel way too real.
I will read anything he writes at this point. And honestly, none of you are ready for what this one does 👀
November 30, 2025
3.5⭐️
I really did enjoy this book, the dread and anxiety it gave me were chef’s kiss. I loved the mix of supernatural and psychological horror, and Kliewer’s writing style flows so easily. The atmosphere is tense, the character depth is great… but I have to admit, I finished the book feeling a little frustrated by the number of unanswered questions.
We follow Macy Mullins as she struggles with her mental health, continues grieving her father’s death, and tries to make ends meet while supporting herself and her younger sister. She decides to take on a mysterious short-term caretaking job she finds on Craigslist, and soon realizes the house and property are home to an incomprehensible evil. Her job? Prevent it from escaping and harming humanity.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: Apr 21, 2026
I really did enjoy this book, the dread and anxiety it gave me were chef’s kiss. I loved the mix of supernatural and psychological horror, and Kliewer’s writing style flows so easily. The atmosphere is tense, the character depth is great… but I have to admit, I finished the book feeling a little frustrated by the number of unanswered questions.
We follow Macy Mullins as she struggles with her mental health, continues grieving her father’s death, and tries to make ends meet while supporting herself and her younger sister. She decides to take on a mysterious short-term caretaking job she finds on Craigslist, and soon realizes the house and property are home to an incomprehensible evil. Her job? Prevent it from escaping and harming humanity.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: Apr 21, 2026
January 10, 2026
Review will be posted closer to pub date per request of the publisher. Know I loved it and if you wanna see my thoughts early come join my Bindery 👉🏻 https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.c...
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August 12, 2025he's baaaaaack (to traumatize me even further into oblivion) (complimentary) !!!
November 27, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
This would be a KILLER horror movie. Macy lives in Oregon, and she’s desperate for any sort of job. Her dad passed away, so she has to take care of her little sister. After seeing an ad on Craigslist, Macy is now the ‘caretaker’ of a house for Grace, whose husband David passed away a few months prior. David maintained the house and ‘Rites’—which saved the world from ending. Macy has to continue upholding the Rites for a hefty paycheck.
This was VERY thrilling, with major horror aspects as well. At no point did I know what was going to happen. Macy also fails at everything. I feel like this is atypical for a thriller, since usually those start with a confident character and end in tragedy, but in The Caretaker, Macy fails at the beginning and at the end. Kliewer has a totally eerie way of writing, too. It kept me engaged the entire time, but it also gave me a weird/uncomfortable feeling because it was so creepy! Not a book you want to read alone at night.
Lots of unanswered questions—what happens after the red sun? How did David end up being the caretaker for this house? I’m sure the author intended it this way. I wouldn’t have minded if it was a little longer to answer these questions, but I also appreciate how short and fast paced this book was.
HUGE recommend!! Thank you to Netgalley, Atria, and Emily Bestler/12:01 Books for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This would be a KILLER horror movie. Macy lives in Oregon, and she’s desperate for any sort of job. Her dad passed away, so she has to take care of her little sister. After seeing an ad on Craigslist, Macy is now the ‘caretaker’ of a house for Grace, whose husband David passed away a few months prior. David maintained the house and ‘Rites’—which saved the world from ending. Macy has to continue upholding the Rites for a hefty paycheck.
This was VERY thrilling, with major horror aspects as well. At no point did I know what was going to happen. Macy also fails at everything. I feel like this is atypical for a thriller, since usually those start with a confident character and end in tragedy, but in The Caretaker, Macy fails at the beginning and at the end. Kliewer has a totally eerie way of writing, too. It kept me engaged the entire time, but it also gave me a weird/uncomfortable feeling because it was so creepy! Not a book you want to read alone at night.
Lots of unanswered questions—what happens after the red sun? How did David end up being the caretaker for this house? I’m sure the author intended it this way. I wouldn’t have minded if it was a little longer to answer these questions, but I also appreciate how short and fast paced this book was.
HUGE recommend!! Thank you to Netgalley, Atria, and Emily Bestler/12:01 Books for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Want to read
July 14, 2025new most anticipated book just dropped!!
Want to read
December 16, 2025I didn’t like the author’s first book much, but I can give him another chance bc that’s his first book ever.
January 9, 2026
To preface this entire review: This was one of my most anticipated reads of the 2026 and I feel so lucky to have been able to read/review it early! I LOVED We Used to Live Here and still think about it all the time a year post reading it, so I had the highest of hopes for The Caretaker. I'm afraid my expectations/hopes for this book were a bit unreasonably high though.
This book follows Macy, who is in a very bad life/financial situation and lands what looks to be a too good to be true caretaking/housesitting job from Craigslist.
This book had a lot of things going for it, and a lot that I really enjoyed. Namely:
-The vibes alone were immaculate. It is so unapologetically eerie and uncomfortable, which is exactly what I wanted from what is essentially a haunted house novel.
-It was not a traditional haunted house story--there was a lot more mystery happening than it simply being ghosties doing spooky shit.
-Macy was so full of personality, which made her very fun to follow initially.
Unfortunately I did have some issues as well:
-My biggest problem was the pacing. This book started off with a BANG and I was so hooked. Then we meandered for quite a while on setup before being thrown back into the thick of things. To me, this book either needed to be longer, or we needed to spend less time on setup and more time in the house. I feel like the lead-up went on for so long that by the time we got into the house, everything went from 0 to 100 really quick and suddenly it was over. That could be a good thing for some--it made the book a breeze to get through, but additionally left me feeling detached as I don't feel like we really got to sit in what was by far the most interesting part of the book.
-A side effect of the pacing was that it hurt my view of Macy's character a bit. Girl had 1 job, and couldn't even make it through what felt like an hour before screwing it all the way up, setting off the course of the rest of the book. Prior to this, she seemed street smart but in a bad situation by almost happenstance. The way she could not do anything right from the start of this job had me like COME ON GIRL, GET IT TOGETHER. I was hoping to love her more and more as I got to spend additional time in her POV, but instead came away feeling like she was one of those characters in every slasher flick that you spend the whole movie yelling "NO, DON'T GO IN THE ATTIC YOU IDIOT" at.
-Could've done without the animal cruelty.
-I think I was meant to care about Macy's trauma a lot more than I did, as it was a driving force within the plot. Unfortunately, I just didn't.
All of that said, I did have a pretty fun time with this despite my complaints. Marcus Kliewer is undoubtedly an excellent storyteller and I cannot wait to read his future books. Sadly, this one just wasn't perfect for me. 3.5 stars rounded up!
Thanks so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Macy, who is in a very bad life/financial situation and lands what looks to be a too good to be true caretaking/housesitting job from Craigslist.
This book had a lot of things going for it, and a lot that I really enjoyed. Namely:
-The vibes alone were immaculate. It is so unapologetically eerie and uncomfortable, which is exactly what I wanted from what is essentially a haunted house novel.
-It was not a traditional haunted house story--there was a lot more mystery happening than it simply being ghosties doing spooky shit.
-Macy was so full of personality, which made her very fun to follow initially.
Unfortunately I did have some issues as well:
-My biggest problem was the pacing. This book started off with a BANG and I was so hooked. Then we meandered for quite a while on setup before being thrown back into the thick of things. To me, this book either needed to be longer, or we needed to spend less time on setup and more time in the house. I feel like the lead-up went on for so long that by the time we got into the house, everything went from 0 to 100 really quick and suddenly it was over. That could be a good thing for some--it made the book a breeze to get through, but additionally left me feeling detached as I don't feel like we really got to sit in what was by far the most interesting part of the book.
-A side effect of the pacing was that it hurt my view of Macy's character a bit. Girl had 1 job, and couldn't even make it through what felt like an hour before screwing it all the way up, setting off the course of the rest of the book. Prior to this, she seemed street smart but in a bad situation by almost happenstance. The way she could not do anything right from the start of this job had me like COME ON GIRL, GET IT TOGETHER. I was hoping to love her more and more as I got to spend additional time in her POV, but instead came away feeling like she was one of those characters in every slasher flick that you spend the whole movie yelling "NO, DON'T GO IN THE ATTIC YOU IDIOT" at.
-Could've done without the animal cruelty.
-I think I was meant to care about Macy's trauma a lot more than I did, as it was a driving force within the plot. Unfortunately, I just didn't.
All of that said, I did have a pretty fun time with this despite my complaints. Marcus Kliewer is undoubtedly an excellent storyteller and I cannot wait to read his future books. Sadly, this one just wasn't perfect for me. 3.5 stars rounded up!
Thanks so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
November 15, 2025ARC received! Thank you so much, Atria!!
November 22, 2025
The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer. Thanks to @atriabooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Macy Mullins accepts a job of three days work for about of money. It is definitely an odd job, but should be easy. It quickly turns into a waking nightmare.
This book absolutely terrified me. It takes a lot to scare me, as I’m a huge horror fan. This was the perfect level of scare and eccentricity. It reminded me of a few other favorites such as Old Country and September House. They all have that extreme uniqueness and cleverness that make the plot so much creepier. This is one of my new favorite horrors!
“You are one thread away from unleashing something far worse than the most horrific imaginings of hell.”
The Caretaker comes out 4/21.
Macy Mullins accepts a job of three days work for about of money. It is definitely an odd job, but should be easy. It quickly turns into a waking nightmare.
This book absolutely terrified me. It takes a lot to scare me, as I’m a huge horror fan. This was the perfect level of scare and eccentricity. It reminded me of a few other favorites such as Old Country and September House. They all have that extreme uniqueness and cleverness that make the plot so much creepier. This is one of my new favorite horrors!
“You are one thread away from unleashing something far worse than the most horrific imaginings of hell.”
The Caretaker comes out 4/21.
Want to read
December 14, 2025this is probably my most anticipated book of 2026 tbh
December 26, 2025
What can I say other than phenomenal…I was a huge fan of the authors previous book “we used to live here” and this new book definitely keeps up and even exceeds expectations. Definitely an all time favourite author of mine.
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