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The Caretaker
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16 days and 04:55:54
100 copies available
U.S. only
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...
..--- / ..... / ---..
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
46 people are currently reading
29968 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Kliewer
4 books3,542 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 (eighteen million members). Film rights were snapped up by Netflix, and it 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 241 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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Want to read
August 12, 2025Oh... *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!
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 6, 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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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
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
Want to read
August 12, 2025he's baaaaaack (to traumatize me even further into oblivion) (complimentary) !!!
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 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.
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
Want to read
November 15, 2025ARC received! Thank you so much, Atria!!
November 15, 2025
"𝐀𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭..."
One of my most highly anticipated reads that had me foaming at the mouth ever since I learned of its existence. Was it a worthy successor to 𝑾𝒆 𝑼𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆? YES. Is this a much different book even though the writing style is the same? YES. Are you going to be upset about some things? I'll never tell.
For something that's right out of a horror movie, this book does a beautiful job of avoiding the typical cliches. Macy Mullins is still healing from the type of loss that time will never heal. She's a recent college graduate bogged down with both debt from school and trying to provide for her teen sister. When she stumbles upon the innocuous Craigslist post asking for a caregiver for an elderly husband, she's intrigued. She interviews, she's offered an obscene amount of money, and she accepts. She just doesn't realize the burden she's taken on.
This is so much more than just a haunted house book. Truthfully, I wouldn't even characterize it using that trope. The visceral fear that the author created was masterful. All too often, authors rely on the same checklist of fears, but not Kliewer. He's woven together a hellish miasma of events that explore the physical, psychological, and behavioral elements of fear. And his creation of Macy with her internal monologue that was both familiar and heart-wrenching gave me one of my favorite female MCs in recent memory.
The prologue commands your attention, and like a nightmare you can't wake up from, you find yourself helplessly being led by some unseen force. I have SO many unanswered questions, and I know that when I close my eyes tonight, sleep will remain elusive. Many thanks to Atria Books for this stunning early read. THE CARETAKER will publish April 21, 2026.
One of my most highly anticipated reads that had me foaming at the mouth ever since I learned of its existence. Was it a worthy successor to 𝑾𝒆 𝑼𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆? YES. Is this a much different book even though the writing style is the same? YES. Are you going to be upset about some things? I'll never tell.
For something that's right out of a horror movie, this book does a beautiful job of avoiding the typical cliches. Macy Mullins is still healing from the type of loss that time will never heal. She's a recent college graduate bogged down with both debt from school and trying to provide for her teen sister. When she stumbles upon the innocuous Craigslist post asking for a caregiver for an elderly husband, she's intrigued. She interviews, she's offered an obscene amount of money, and she accepts. She just doesn't realize the burden she's taken on.
This is so much more than just a haunted house book. Truthfully, I wouldn't even characterize it using that trope. The visceral fear that the author created was masterful. All too often, authors rely on the same checklist of fears, but not Kliewer. He's woven together a hellish miasma of events that explore the physical, psychological, and behavioral elements of fear. And his creation of Macy with her internal monologue that was both familiar and heart-wrenching gave me one of my favorite female MCs in recent memory.
The prologue commands your attention, and like a nightmare you can't wake up from, you find yourself helplessly being led by some unseen force. I have SO many unanswered questions, and I know that when I close my eyes tonight, sleep will remain elusive. Many thanks to Atria Books for this stunning early read. THE CARETAKER will publish April 21, 2026.
December 11, 2025
Oh my fucking god
November 27, 2025
Honestly, terrifying.
The perfect mix of creepy cabin-in-the-woods and downright nightmare. The main character is one you can actually root for, which can be rare in this genre. I would absolutely love to see Marcus Kliewer continue to write novels about ominous homes; his writing has made me realize it’s definitely my favourite flavour of horror!
I cannot wait until this releases to recommend it to everyone I know!
The perfect mix of creepy cabin-in-the-woods and downright nightmare. The main character is one you can actually root for, which can be rare in this genre. I would absolutely love to see Marcus Kliewer continue to write novels about ominous homes; his writing has made me realize it’s definitely my favourite flavour of horror!
I cannot wait until this releases to recommend it to everyone I know!
Want to read
July 16, 2025ooh I loved this author's previous book! Can't wait to read this one!! 2026 has some really great releases coming!!
December 13, 2025
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.
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.
December 8, 2025
In this new supernatural horror novel, we follow Macy Mullins, a cash-strapped young woman who answers a mysterious Craigslist ad for a high-paying caretaker job at a remote Oregon Coast estate, only to find herself thrust into a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil dwells on the property and Macy might just be the only thing standing between it and the rest of humanity.
This book has everything I love to see in my horror stories. It’s mysterious, complex, beautifully written, and gave me so much anxiety. It genuinely scared me to the point I had to force myself to continue reading certain parts 😮💨
I read We Used to Live Here last year and found it to be genuinely creepy (the attic scene…IYKYK) but this book took that scene/feeling and amplified it tenfold. AND THE ENDING! It was perfect.
Imagine The Cabin at the End of the World with dashes of It Follows and a sprinkle of The Cabin in the Woods. If that sounds like the perfect blend of horror for you, then you might love this one like I did.
There is also an added layer of emotion tacked onto this one. Marcus Kliewer expertly blends a uniquely horrific supernatural story alongside the emotional rollercoaster of grief. There is a lot to unpack with this one, so I will be doing a reread once it gets released in April!
Overall, this was the perfect horror story for me. This book is a must read for horror fans. It’s scary, emotional, and I promise you’ll struggle to put it down. This is my new favorite horror book.
Thank you so much to Atria Books and the author for granting me access to the eARC of this amazing book. I will be talking about this book constantly until its release day!
This book has everything I love to see in my horror stories. It’s mysterious, complex, beautifully written, and gave me so much anxiety. It genuinely scared me to the point I had to force myself to continue reading certain parts 😮💨
I read We Used to Live Here last year and found it to be genuinely creepy (the attic scene…IYKYK) but this book took that scene/feeling and amplified it tenfold. AND THE ENDING! It was perfect.
Imagine The Cabin at the End of the World with dashes of It Follows and a sprinkle of The Cabin in the Woods. If that sounds like the perfect blend of horror for you, then you might love this one like I did.
There is also an added layer of emotion tacked onto this one. Marcus Kliewer expertly blends a uniquely horrific supernatural story alongside the emotional rollercoaster of grief. There is a lot to unpack with this one, so I will be doing a reread once it gets released in April!
Overall, this was the perfect horror story for me. This book is a must read for horror fans. It’s scary, emotional, and I promise you’ll struggle to put it down. This is my new favorite horror book.
Thank you so much to Atria Books and the author for granting me access to the eARC of this amazing book. I will be talking about this book constantly until its release day!
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