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We Used To Live Here
Every house has secrets. But not all of them stay buried forever...
When the Burgess family move into their 'forever' home, it seems like they are set for many happy years together at their new address. Steph and Grant, along with their children, Charlie and Amelia, settle into their new surroundings quickly. But then they receive an unexpected visit from a couple who claim to have lived in the house before.
They wish to come in and have a look around for old time's sake. Seeming pleasant and plausible, Steph invites them in. And that's when things begin to change.It's not long after the peculiar visit when the homeowners begin to find evidence of the past all around their new home as they redecorate. But it's the discovery of a hidden wall containing several troubling messages that really sends Steph into a spin.
After digging into the history of the house a little more, she learns it is connected to a shocking crime from the past. A crime that still remains unsolved...
When the Burgess family move into their 'forever' home, it seems like they are set for many happy years together at their new address. Steph and Grant, along with their children, Charlie and Amelia, settle into their new surroundings quickly. But then they receive an unexpected visit from a couple who claim to have lived in the house before.
They wish to come in and have a look around for old time's sake. Seeming pleasant and plausible, Steph invites them in. And that's when things begin to change.It's not long after the peculiar visit when the homeowners begin to find evidence of the past all around their new home as they redecorate. But it's the discovery of a hidden wall containing several troubling messages that really sends Steph into a spin.
After digging into the history of the house a little more, she learns it is connected to a shocking crime from the past. A crime that still remains unsolved...
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2022
2211 people are currently reading
9973 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Hurst
95 books4,095 followersDaniel Hurst is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of fast paced psychological thrillers. His most popular titles include Til Death Do Us Part, The Passenger and The Doctor's Wife, the latter title reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle store in February 2023. A regular KDP Select All Star since he became a full-time author in 2021, Daniel prides himself on writing fast, releasing stories often and engaging with his readers.
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,312 reviews
April 25, 2022
A couple in their 30’s (Steph and Grant) with two young children move into a new home. One day they get a visit from the previous owners, an elderly couple (Ken and Julie) who would like another look around the place, for old time’s sake. Steph walks through the house with the couple and then they leave. While Steph and Grant begin renovating their new home, they discover that the house holds some secrets from the past… hidden messages under the wallpaper, a secret wall, etc. I was curious to find out more about the previous occupants of the house.
An entertaining and enjoyable read by Daniel Hurst with some surprises at the end.
An entertaining and enjoyable read by Daniel Hurst with some surprises at the end.
January 7, 2023
Who hasn’t moved into a home and wondered about the previous owners? Ahh…If only the walls could talk.
With great excitement and anticipation Steph and Grant have moved into their dream home. But when a couple come knocking claiming to be the previous owners, Steph’s imagination goes into overdrive. What if this house truly does have a haunted history? Will anyone believe her?
This was a fast, twisty thriller from beginning to end. And like all Daniel Hurst books you must stay on your toes as you never know when a twisty, lil' bump-in-the- road will be thrown in!
I listened to the audio and both narrators did a fabulous job!
With great excitement and anticipation Steph and Grant have moved into their dream home. But when a couple come knocking claiming to be the previous owners, Steph’s imagination goes into overdrive. What if this house truly does have a haunted history? Will anyone believe her?
This was a fast, twisty thriller from beginning to end. And like all Daniel Hurst books you must stay on your toes as you never know when a twisty, lil' bump-in-the- road will be thrown in!
I listened to the audio and both narrators did a fabulous job!
June 20, 2024
3.5⭐ 31 Burchfield Drive has secrets! A quick popcorn thriller.🍿
December 13, 2022
the setup…
Stephanie (Steph) and Grant Burgess believe they’ve found their forever home and move into it with their two young children, Charlie and Amelia. She’s a stay-at-home mother and he’s the primary breadwinner working mostly from home. Though they love the house, it requires some updating and commence with the remodeling. Steph discovers some initials carved into one of the walls and they’re later visited by the original owners who match those initials. They just wanted to see their old house out of nostalgia. However, it’s after they leave that Steph and the contractor find a hidden wall behind the one they demolished, along with some disturbing messages that send her on a mission to find out what actually happened in this home.
the heart of the story…
It was a bit odd when those previous owners showed up as they hadn’t lived there in decades but it was after Steph discovered that hidden wall and then those messages that I became just as suspicious as she was. The story is told from both Steph and Grant’s points of view and they provide interesting contrasts. He’s more skeptical, which offers some balance, but he’s also engaging in some shenanigans of his own. It just added to the intrigue as I vacillated between the two about whether there was “something there” there.
the narration…
Two narrators were used for this story and both captured the personalities of their respective characters. I heard Steph’s growing tension and Grant’s nonchalance, exactly as the story seemed to demand. They provided strong performances.
the bottom line…
The author is known for his twisty stories and this one certainly lives up to that expectation. I thought I’d identified the twist and I did but only one aspect of it. The other conundrum was that I liked those previous owners and was conflicted about the possibility of them being guilty of something. This was a short tale but one with a lot of intrigue and mystery. The ending offered more than I expected and that’s a good thing. Glad I had the opportunity to listen to it as well since it just enhanced the whole experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Tantor Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Stephanie (Steph) and Grant Burgess believe they’ve found their forever home and move into it with their two young children, Charlie and Amelia. She’s a stay-at-home mother and he’s the primary breadwinner working mostly from home. Though they love the house, it requires some updating and commence with the remodeling. Steph discovers some initials carved into one of the walls and they’re later visited by the original owners who match those initials. They just wanted to see their old house out of nostalgia. However, it’s after they leave that Steph and the contractor find a hidden wall behind the one they demolished, along with some disturbing messages that send her on a mission to find out what actually happened in this home.
the heart of the story…
It was a bit odd when those previous owners showed up as they hadn’t lived there in decades but it was after Steph discovered that hidden wall and then those messages that I became just as suspicious as she was. The story is told from both Steph and Grant’s points of view and they provide interesting contrasts. He’s more skeptical, which offers some balance, but he’s also engaging in some shenanigans of his own. It just added to the intrigue as I vacillated between the two about whether there was “something there” there.
the narration…
Two narrators were used for this story and both captured the personalities of their respective characters. I heard Steph’s growing tension and Grant’s nonchalance, exactly as the story seemed to demand. They provided strong performances.
the bottom line…
The author is known for his twisty stories and this one certainly lives up to that expectation. I thought I’d identified the twist and I did but only one aspect of it. The other conundrum was that I liked those previous owners and was conflicted about the possibility of them being guilty of something. This was a short tale but one with a lot of intrigue and mystery. The ending offered more than I expected and that’s a good thing. Glad I had the opportunity to listen to it as well since it just enhanced the whole experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Tantor Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
April 23, 2022
Decent Storyline, Mediocre Writing
I really, really wanted to enjoy this book more. The storyline seemed to be going somewhere good, but the writing was so dry and literal that I had a hard time really getting into the plot.
Rather than paint a picture of what was going on, the author used really literal language and almost over-the-top details that were completely irrelevant to evoking emotion or furthering any part of the storyline.
There was one line that read like this, “I used the hands-free device in my car, and it is a good thing that my child did not cry because if she had started crying I would have not heard the person on the phone, and I would have had to hang up.”
Additionally, the book carries on and on and then abruptly twists and ends. Not a ton of buildup and definitely more of an eye-roll than a shocker.
I hate leaving bad reviews, and I’m not sure if I’ve read any of this author’s other pieces, but I will give one a try and see if I like it better. Would have loved to see this story pan out a bit more colorfully.
I really, really wanted to enjoy this book more. The storyline seemed to be going somewhere good, but the writing was so dry and literal that I had a hard time really getting into the plot.
Rather than paint a picture of what was going on, the author used really literal language and almost over-the-top details that were completely irrelevant to evoking emotion or furthering any part of the storyline.
There was one line that read like this, “I used the hands-free device in my car, and it is a good thing that my child did not cry because if she had started crying I would have not heard the person on the phone, and I would have had to hang up.”
Additionally, the book carries on and on and then abruptly twists and ends. Not a ton of buildup and definitely more of an eye-roll than a shocker.
I hate leaving bad reviews, and I’m not sure if I’ve read any of this author’s other pieces, but I will give one a try and see if I like it better. Would have loved to see this story pan out a bit more colorfully.
February 3, 2023
2.5🌟: Sadly, I don't think this author is for me! There is no doubt that this was a fast read, but I thought the plot was weak and the ending totally underwhelming. I'm glad a lot of my GR friends enjoy his books!
On to the next one! 📚
On to the next one! 📚
July 15, 2023
—3 stars—
People, I’ve found an alternative to shitty romcoms on Libby!
SHORT THRILLERS!
this audiobook is literally 5 hours long, and when I tell you I did not take my headphones off once—
Was this book jaw dropping? No.
But it was fun, and I enjoyed seeing how the different parts of the mystery came together (even though I didn’t particularly like the writing style)
The twists weren’t surprising, but at most eyebrow-raising.
However...it was the sort of thriller that jumps the TRUTH on you in the last 30 minutes (or 50 pages)
So I’m left feeling underwhelmed—but I still enjoyed it.
Thanks for reading!❤️
People, I’ve found an alternative to shitty romcoms on Libby!
SHORT THRILLERS!
this audiobook is literally 5 hours long, and when I tell you I did not take my headphones off once—
Was this book jaw dropping? No.
But it was fun, and I enjoyed seeing how the different parts of the mystery came together (even though I didn’t particularly like the writing style)
The twists weren’t surprising, but at most eyebrow-raising.
However...it was the sort of thriller that jumps the TRUTH on you in the last 30 minutes (or 50 pages)
So I’m left feeling underwhelmed—but I still enjoyed it.
Thanks for reading!❤️
September 4, 2023
I'm not sure how this book has 4 stars on here. The story was drawn out and the big twist at the end is revealed and wrapped up in about 2 pages. Characters are annoying and writing is terrible.
June 4, 2024
This is not a groundbreaking thriller by any means. It was a short read and a fast-paced popcorn thriller which a nice palate cleanser. Grant is such a super dick that I couldn't hardly stand reading from his perspective, and the ending was predictable for me unfortunately. But I did like the writing style. I enjoyed the dual perspective as much as I could, even though Grant was, as earlier referenced, a huge dick. I don't think this will stick with me for long, but it was a good time while it lasted.
April 18, 2023
EXCERPT: How many people does it take to look for a dead body?
Seventeen, apparently, if the number of people currently in the garden at 31 Burchfield Drive was any way of judging it.
ABOUT 'WE USED TO LIVE HERE': When the Burgess family move into their 'forever' home, it seems like they are set for many happy years together at their new address. Steph and Grant, along with their children, Charlie and Amelia, settle into their new surroundings quickly. But then they receive an unexpected visit from a couple who claim to have lived in the house before.
They wish to come in and have a look around for old time's sake. Seeming pleasant and plausible, Steph invites them in. And that's when things begin to change.It's not long after the peculiar visit when the homeowners begin to find evidence of the past all around their new home as they redecorate. But it's the discovery of a hidden wall containing several troubling messages that really sends Steph into a spin.
After digging into the history of the house a little more, she learns it is connected to a shocking crime from the past. A crime that still remains unsolved...
MY THOUGHTS: Like Steph, I think that if I moved into a house that had a mystery attached to it, notably an unsolved one involving a missing child, I would feel both curious and unsettled. Although some of her reactions seemed a bit extreme, some of her actions ill thought out, I could empathise with her. I would want to know, too.
Well written and evenly paced, We Used to Live Here kept my interest throughout. The bonus is the ending. I certainly didn't see that coming. Although it did feel a little rushed and could have been made a lot more suspenseful.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#WeUsedtoLiveHere
I: @danielhurstbooks @wfhowes
T: @dhurstbooks @WFHowes
THE AUTHOR: Writer/wanderer.
I listened to the audiobook superbly narrated by Deirdra Whelan.
Seventeen, apparently, if the number of people currently in the garden at 31 Burchfield Drive was any way of judging it.
ABOUT 'WE USED TO LIVE HERE': When the Burgess family move into their 'forever' home, it seems like they are set for many happy years together at their new address. Steph and Grant, along with their children, Charlie and Amelia, settle into their new surroundings quickly. But then they receive an unexpected visit from a couple who claim to have lived in the house before.
They wish to come in and have a look around for old time's sake. Seeming pleasant and plausible, Steph invites them in. And that's when things begin to change.It's not long after the peculiar visit when the homeowners begin to find evidence of the past all around their new home as they redecorate. But it's the discovery of a hidden wall containing several troubling messages that really sends Steph into a spin.
After digging into the history of the house a little more, she learns it is connected to a shocking crime from the past. A crime that still remains unsolved...
MY THOUGHTS: Like Steph, I think that if I moved into a house that had a mystery attached to it, notably an unsolved one involving a missing child, I would feel both curious and unsettled. Although some of her reactions seemed a bit extreme, some of her actions ill thought out, I could empathise with her. I would want to know, too.
Well written and evenly paced, We Used to Live Here kept my interest throughout. The bonus is the ending. I certainly didn't see that coming. Although it did feel a little rushed and could have been made a lot more suspenseful.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#WeUsedtoLiveHere
I: @danielhurstbooks @wfhowes
T: @dhurstbooks @WFHowes
THE AUTHOR: Writer/wanderer.
I listened to the audiobook superbly narrated by Deirdra Whelan.
December 26, 2022
Did not enjoy the writing, which over explains simple things, as if you are dumb. Unnecessary detailing such the frequency of using windshield wipers.. The two main characters were both highly unlikeable. The wife who could not “read the room” and the sexist misogynistic husband.
What made me laugh was also mentioning that the husband was not much of a drinker yet every chapter included him drinking.
What made me laugh was also mentioning that the husband was not much of a drinker yet every chapter included him drinking.
June 8, 2022
I feel somehow attracted to books
with doors on their covers, so adding
a bucolic English garden with a corpse
buried in it made this masterpiece of
domestic noir all more appealing. ;)
with doors on their covers, so adding
a bucolic English garden with a corpse
buried in it made this masterpiece of
domestic noir all more appealing. ;)
September 20, 2025
1200th review!!!! Now let’s look at this novel by Daniel Hurst. The writing is great. Hurst is a proven talent. And this actually didn’t have as many twists and turns as I anticipated, which was appreciated. Thrillers often focus more on all the excessive plot points to keep the reader shocked and uncertain, rather than just completing a quality story. The plot here was pretty straightforward and had a great atmosphere. Grant and Steph, our leads, were a great pairing and fully developed throughout. The finale and ending were done well and this was a very positive experience. There were a handful of instances where I highly questioned the internal logic and necessity of certain plot points, ie why Grant had the seemingly random affair with Rose, Grant’s odd character shifts, why Steph would go to Rose and Ken’s house while suspecting them of such foul play, etc. Just a bunch of spots where these needed to be either eliminated or given more context to have it all flow together with the main, overarching plot. So, not without some minor issues, it was still a very good experience.
December 4, 2022
Some of Daniel Hurst's books are better than others.
Unfortunately, "We Used To Live Here" was not one of this talented "popcorn thriller" author's better books.
To the author's credit, the book was fast-paced, well-written, and entertaining.
It was the plot that fell flat.
The book's storyline was predictable and lacked the intrigue and signature gasp-worthy twists that readers usually expect from a Daniel Hurst book.
I listened to the audiobook read by Adam Goodwin and Deirdra Whelan. Both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
I am still a Daniel Hurst fan and look forward to listening to future titles by this author.
2 Stars, Rounded Up.
Unfortunately, "We Used To Live Here" was not one of this talented "popcorn thriller" author's better books.
To the author's credit, the book was fast-paced, well-written, and entertaining.
It was the plot that fell flat.
The book's storyline was predictable and lacked the intrigue and signature gasp-worthy twists that readers usually expect from a Daniel Hurst book.
I listened to the audiobook read by Adam Goodwin and Deirdra Whelan. Both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
I am still a Daniel Hurst fan and look forward to listening to future titles by this author.
2 Stars, Rounded Up.
October 23, 2024
Kept me listening!
March 1, 2022
Great plot idea spoilt, for me, by poor writing. There was no character development so I didn't really care about any of them (Ken and Julie were more likeable than Steph or Grant!) Tone was very "textbook" with little emotion or realness of speech and vernacular.
And the ending was just thoroughly unbelievable; felt shoe-horned in as though the writer was bored and couldn't think how else to finish it. Rushed and under-developed.
And the ending was just thoroughly unbelievable; felt shoe-horned in as though the writer was bored and couldn't think how else to finish it. Rushed and under-developed.
April 28, 2022
I was interested almost immediately with this story. It was eerily relatable too. I mean most of us buy houses that have been previously lived in and while we try not to think about we can't help but wonder what may have happened in the past in our home. This novel brought those deepest, darkest fears to the forefront. I loved this. One of Hurst's best.
July 4, 2024
This book reads like the author thinks 1) more words means a better story 2) the reader is an idiot that needs every simple thing explained thoroughly and painfully. I don’t even care what happens at the end of this. The characters are boring and unlikeable but the absolute never ending drivel that is the writing is too much.
July 2, 2024
“We Used To Live Here”, by Daniel Hurst
This was my second book by this author, after “The Passenger”.
It is a very fast read and, although there was nothing extraordinary or groundbreaking, I was very pleased with the writing and with the duo POV’s, as well as with the development of the storyline, which was very absorbing. I was hooked from page one and absolutely curious about its conclusion. So curious that I prioritized this reading.
The characters, although not greatly developed, were very well created.
I thought that Grant, one of the characters, was well portrayed as a male going through a phase of low self esteem. I totally understood his behaviour.
The twists weren’t to my satisfaction, but I found this work to be very entertaining, hence my ratings.
Paperback: 272 pages
ebook (Kindle): 274 pages (default)
Audiobook narrated by Deirdra Whelan and Adam Goodwin: 5.1 hours (normal speed)
This was my second book by this author, after “The Passenger”.
It is a very fast read and, although there was nothing extraordinary or groundbreaking, I was very pleased with the writing and with the duo POV’s, as well as with the development of the storyline, which was very absorbing. I was hooked from page one and absolutely curious about its conclusion. So curious that I prioritized this reading.
The characters, although not greatly developed, were very well created.
I thought that Grant, one of the characters, was well portrayed as a male going through a phase of low self esteem. I totally understood his behaviour.
The twists weren’t to my satisfaction, but I found this work to be very entertaining, hence my ratings.
Paperback: 272 pages
ebook (Kindle): 274 pages (default)
Audiobook narrated by Deirdra Whelan and Adam Goodwin: 5.1 hours (normal speed)
January 18, 2023
Took me several days to listen to this short book. I just thought it was silly and Grant was unnecessarily a jerk.
June 13, 2022
I wanted to like this book but it just did not hit the spot. I felt like the characters in the book were unbelievable and I don't mean as unreliable authors. I understand the wife's curiosity and interest in the happenings of the house and what happened before but the obsession comes on fast and nonsensical - but maybe that's the point. I felt like the husband was unstable in his approach to everything, on one hand he is incredibly dismissive of his wife's worries but is also wracked with guilt about the affair and possibly ruining his marriage. I have questions about the affair as well, I don't think there was logical build up to the ultimate break of a promise. Rose showed them the house, texted him, flirted a little bit and that was enough for him to jump ship multiple times? Seems outlandish, but maybe that's the point again. And Rose? She was completely okay with him asking her to stop texting / contacting her after they began the affair until she started coming back due to the wife enlisting her help? I can't believe that she would totally drop it so easily, without fighting back at the beginning. The characters didn't make sense to me and I think it could have been such a solid book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
What a terrible book!!!
It was slow. It was way too descriptive. The affair with the real estate agent seemed abrupt and off character. The wife is super irritating. Lying to the cops about the old couple simply to make them dig the place seems spiteful and mean. Rose nicely backing off after Grant ends the affair and then suddenly showing up and acting all demanding seemed wierd, wooden and not logical at all. And Grant - a super boring and passive guy suddenly deciding to kill Rose and bury her in the back garden makes absolutely no sense, esp when his wife has been making a huge stink of the old couple having done the same thing with their kid. And the ending was just stupid. Even if the old couple had hidden their kid's body under the floorboards of the house, the police back in the 70s would have definitely found out, given how they were the prime suspects.
It was slow. It was way too descriptive. The affair with the real estate agent seemed abrupt and off character. The wife is super irritating. Lying to the cops about the old couple simply to make them dig the place seems spiteful and mean. Rose nicely backing off after Grant ends the affair and then suddenly showing up and acting all demanding seemed wierd, wooden and not logical at all. And Grant - a super boring and passive guy suddenly deciding to kill Rose and bury her in the back garden makes absolutely no sense, esp when his wife has been making a huge stink of the old couple having done the same thing with their kid. And the ending was just stupid. Even if the old couple had hidden their kid's body under the floorboards of the house, the police back in the 70s would have definitely found out, given how they were the prime suspects.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
This was my first read from Daniel Hurst. Where have I been all these years?!! I will definitely read more from him.
It was so much fun and fast paced. The Grant character made me laugh several times. His sarcastic side was very entertaining. I also enjoyed Steph’s persistence in pursuing the truth behind what happened to an unsolved disappearance of a child 50 years ago.
The ending felt a little rushed but overall an enjoyable mystery.
Enjoy 🍷
It was so much fun and fast paced. The Grant character made me laugh several times. His sarcastic side was very entertaining. I also enjoyed Steph’s persistence in pursuing the truth behind what happened to an unsolved disappearance of a child 50 years ago.
The ending felt a little rushed but overall an enjoyable mystery.
Enjoy 🍷
November 27, 2025
Potentially the worst book I have ever read. It’s a wonder that this has more than three stars or even one star for that matter. It’s terribly written, and I mean really really really bad - the grammar and spelling is even off at times. I saw someone was reading a book called We Used to Live Here and I downloaded this one but turns out it’s the wrong book so I definitely wasted four days on this, but for some reason it was so bad that I had to continue.
An example of the writing for your reference:
“Using the buttons on my steering wheel to find the number I have saved in my phone, which is synced up to the in-car system in here, I locate it and start ringing him.
The sound of the ringtone fills the vehicle, but Amelia stays quiet, and that’s helpful because if she started crying then I would probably have to disconnect this call and try again another time. But I don’t, and it doesn’t take too long until somebody answers.
‘Hello, Jason speaking.’
‘Jason! Hi! My name is Steph. I got your number from my friend, Becky, who recommended you. I’m hoping to get a quote for some work in my garden.’
‘Oh, okay, no problem. What are you thinking?’
I quickly run Jason through my grand vision for the back garden as I carry on driving back home, and I’m relieved when he doesn’t query any of my ideas or tell me that it’s not possible.
‘Okay. When are you hoping to have this work done?’ is his next question, and I say ‘as soon as possible’, even though I’m well aware that might not be what he wants to here. If he is as busy as[…]”
An example of the writing for your reference:
“Using the buttons on my steering wheel to find the number I have saved in my phone, which is synced up to the in-car system in here, I locate it and start ringing him.
The sound of the ringtone fills the vehicle, but Amelia stays quiet, and that’s helpful because if she started crying then I would probably have to disconnect this call and try again another time. But I don’t, and it doesn’t take too long until somebody answers.
‘Hello, Jason speaking.’
‘Jason! Hi! My name is Steph. I got your number from my friend, Becky, who recommended you. I’m hoping to get a quote for some work in my garden.’
‘Oh, okay, no problem. What are you thinking?’
I quickly run Jason through my grand vision for the back garden as I carry on driving back home, and I’m relieved when he doesn’t query any of my ideas or tell me that it’s not possible.
‘Okay. When are you hoping to have this work done?’ is his next question, and I say ‘as soon as possible’, even though I’m well aware that might not be what he wants to here. If he is as busy as[…]”
September 30, 2025
If We Used to Live Here was meant to be a psychological thriller, someone forgot to add the psychology and the thrill. The plot kicks off with a couple settling into their new home, only to be visited by strangers who claim they used to live there. Intriguing setup, right? But instead of escalating tension, we get a slow descent into the wife’s obsessive spiral that’s less “gripping” and more “girl, get a grip.” Her paranoia becomes intolerable, dragging the story into repetitive loops of overreaction and zero payoff.
And Grant? The husband? He’s basically a cardboard cutout with dialogue so bland it could’ve been generated by a toaster. The suspense fizzles out early, replaced by predictable beats and characters who make baffling choices. By the time the “twist” arrives, you’re just relieved it’s over. If you’re craving a thriller, this one’s more like watching paint dry while someone insists the paint is haunted.
And Grant? The husband? He’s basically a cardboard cutout with dialogue so bland it could’ve been generated by a toaster. The suspense fizzles out early, replaced by predictable beats and characters who make baffling choices. By the time the “twist” arrives, you’re just relieved it’s over. If you’re craving a thriller, this one’s more like watching paint dry while someone insists the paint is haunted.
June 28, 2025
It feels like the author thought that readers don't know how to do normal everyday tasks, so everything was overexplained to the point of being patronising.
Both main characters were stereotypes of 'married couple that have a bad modern marriage' without any actual character, and the plot was tedious and thin.
Both main characters were stereotypes of 'married couple that have a bad modern marriage' without any actual character, and the plot was tedious and thin.
August 13, 2024
A young couple move into a home with a dark past. The son if the original owners went missing, and the author, typically makes the woman in the story a housewife and hysterical to find out the truth. First red flag.
Of course the author has the husband have an affair, yawn, and it gets tricky from there.
The woman goes on a dangerous and spiteful mission to find the missing son, and the husband barks orders, and continues to sleep around. Of course.
Can you tell where this is going? Yep, the garden scene at the end reveals, but we already knew what was coming....
So, so incredibly predictable. Writing is sophomoric to say the least. Zero plot twist, though the author tried. Typical of a male, you give away too much assuming everyone around you is dumber then you are, only to admit, you needed the reassurance yourself.
Of course the author has the husband have an affair, yawn, and it gets tricky from there.
The woman goes on a dangerous and spiteful mission to find the missing son, and the husband barks orders, and continues to sleep around. Of course.
Can you tell where this is going? Yep, the garden scene at the end reveals, but we already knew what was coming....
So, so incredibly predictable. Writing is sophomoric to say the least. Zero plot twist, though the author tried. Typical of a male, you give away too much assuming everyone around you is dumber then you are, only to admit, you needed the reassurance yourself.
November 4, 2024
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
If only the walls could talk...
"How many people does it take to look for a dead body?
Seventeen, apparently, if the number of people currently in the garden at 31 Burchfield Drive was any way of judging it."
So I thought I would treat myself to some of Daniel Hurst's earlier thrillers because...well, I could. This is number 28 of his that I've read and while it is not groundbreaking or action-packed like some of his other adrenaline-fuelled thrill-rides, it still bears the trademark hallmarks of a Daniel Hurst thriller. That being the quirky easy writing style, the snappy chapters and the killer twist at the end that (while much of the story was predictable) even I didn't see that coming! I think this book is one of those that lulls you into a type of sense where you think you pretty much know what's going to happen...and then bam!
Steph and Grant have just moved into their new home with their two children, Charlie (5) and Amelia (6 months), needing to upsize from their smaller first home. And from first sight, 31 Burchfield Drive was perfect. One day they get a visit from previous owners, Ken and Julie, who would like a look around for old times sake. Steph has no problem with it but Grant is a little uncomfortable with letting a couple of strangers into their home - previous owners or not. But they are soon gone and life goes back to normal. Or does it?
As they begin renovating their new home to their style and tastes, they discover that the house holds some secrets from the past. Scribbled words under the wallpaper, a secret wall and some disturbing messages. Steph's interest is piqued and sends her on a mission to delve into the history of the house (and its owners), as much as she can, until Grant tries to put a halt to her investigations. She is like a dog with a bone refusing to relinquish her hold on all she has uncovered while Grant just wants a quiet life. He has troubles of his own which plague his mind far more than the mystery of the secret wall.
The dual narrative between Steph and Grant offers the reader their respective perspectives. You can feel Steph's frustration and anticipation as well as Grant's nonchalance. He's far more skeptical than she, possibly due to some of his own antics which take up far more of his time that it should.
A slow burn to start with, the pace doesn't really pick up much throughout making this a different style for Hurst. But it was still enjoyable while it lasted. This quick read, which I devoured in one sitting and four hours, is filled with plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep the reader guessing with the ending offering more than expected. Though I shouldn't surprised...Daniel Hurst is renowned for his last minute twists and stings in the tail of his storylines.
An easy four star read...until that final twist.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
If only the walls could talk...
"How many people does it take to look for a dead body?
Seventeen, apparently, if the number of people currently in the garden at 31 Burchfield Drive was any way of judging it."
So I thought I would treat myself to some of Daniel Hurst's earlier thrillers because...well, I could. This is number 28 of his that I've read and while it is not groundbreaking or action-packed like some of his other adrenaline-fuelled thrill-rides, it still bears the trademark hallmarks of a Daniel Hurst thriller. That being the quirky easy writing style, the snappy chapters and the killer twist at the end that (while much of the story was predictable) even I didn't see that coming! I think this book is one of those that lulls you into a type of sense where you think you pretty much know what's going to happen...and then bam!
Steph and Grant have just moved into their new home with their two children, Charlie (5) and Amelia (6 months), needing to upsize from their smaller first home. And from first sight, 31 Burchfield Drive was perfect. One day they get a visit from previous owners, Ken and Julie, who would like a look around for old times sake. Steph has no problem with it but Grant is a little uncomfortable with letting a couple of strangers into their home - previous owners or not. But they are soon gone and life goes back to normal. Or does it?
As they begin renovating their new home to their style and tastes, they discover that the house holds some secrets from the past. Scribbled words under the wallpaper, a secret wall and some disturbing messages. Steph's interest is piqued and sends her on a mission to delve into the history of the house (and its owners), as much as she can, until Grant tries to put a halt to her investigations. She is like a dog with a bone refusing to relinquish her hold on all she has uncovered while Grant just wants a quiet life. He has troubles of his own which plague his mind far more than the mystery of the secret wall.
The dual narrative between Steph and Grant offers the reader their respective perspectives. You can feel Steph's frustration and anticipation as well as Grant's nonchalance. He's far more skeptical than she, possibly due to some of his own antics which take up far more of his time that it should.
A slow burn to start with, the pace doesn't really pick up much throughout making this a different style for Hurst. But it was still enjoyable while it lasted. This quick read, which I devoured in one sitting and four hours, is filled with plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep the reader guessing with the ending offering more than expected. Though I shouldn't surprised...Daniel Hurst is renowned for his last minute twists and stings in the tail of his storylines.
An easy four star read...until that final twist.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 20, 2025
We Used To Live Here by Daniel Hurst delivers a solid dose of suspense and unease, perfect for readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with a touch of the uncanny. The Burgess family's move into their "forever home" quickly unravels as they receive an unexpected visit from the previous owners. What starts as a seemingly innocent trip down memory lane soon turns into a descent into a chilling mystery.
Hurst effectively builds tension as Steph, the protagonist, begins to uncover unsettling evidence of the past within their new home. The discovery of hidden messages and the revelation of an unsolved crime tied to the house's history provide a compelling narrative thread. The creeping sense of dread is palpable, and the author skillfully uses the setting to amplify the sense of unease.
While the premise is familiar to fans of the genre, Hurst's execution is engaging. The pacing is well-maintained, and the unraveling of the house's secrets keeps the reader hooked. The exploration of family secrets and the lingering impact of past crimes adds depth to the story.
Overall, this is a satisfying read for those seeking a suspenseful thriller with a hint of gothic undertones. It's a page-turner that will leave you questioning the secrets hidden within your own home.
Would Recommend To: Fans of domestic thrillers, haunted house vibes, and suspenseful mysteries.
Keywords: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Haunted House, Family Secrets, Daniel Hurst, Domestic Thriller, Unsolved Crime.
April 6, 2025
4.5 🌟 For some unknown reason I thought this was gonna be just an average book for me. But as I listened to it I was taken by pleasant surprise! The story quickly pulled me in and held my interest every step of the way. Daniel Hurst is definitely a good author. As the story unfolded the concluding events I was very well pleased with. They made this great mystery story pretty awesome! Now as much as I enjoyed it it still didn't reach 5 stars. The ending brought it from a 4 to 4.5 stars!
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