Some books not only take you in, but hint at a much bigger world behind the pages if you are willing to explore it. We Used to Live Here is one of those. It’s a spooky, unnerving tale, that is enmeshed in secrets and codes that eager readers can work to solve, and join online communities as more information is uncovered.

Eve and Charlie are a happy couple who have bought a remote house in the hopes of repairing, upgrading and flipping it. They and their dog, Shylo, are settling in, but there are some odd things going on.

When a stranger and his family show up just as a snowstorm is hitting, Eve, a people-pleaser lets them in for a few minutes when Thomas, the patriarch, claims he grew up in the house. But once they’re in, there’s always something that seems to keep them there. And Eve becomes increasingly unnerved and anxious.

And… things seem to be changing around her. There is a strange presence stalking the home, unusual doors connecting to strange locations, but Eve soon learns it reaches further than that. And she may be caught up in something, as those around her may no longer be the people and places she knew.

Kliewer tells the story very well. Initially you begin to believe that Eve may just be an unreliable narrator, but as things progress, you realize there is something horrible and terrifying going on. And it’s executed so well.

The chapters are intercut with documents that hint at the larger world surrounding the Old House. Kliewer doesn’t offer complete answers but a number of theories that spur on the imagination. Check out the Old House Archive on Reddit – there are discussions about the codes, and the possibilities of what is going on and the occasional release of new tidbits.

Eve struggles to maintain her sanity as everything begins to shift around her. Is the woman she loves the same person she thought she was? What about the world around her? And what is the presence in the basement? The attic? And how is Thomas connected to it all?

I loved this book, and am already browsing Reddit to try and figure out other things about this intriguing and terrifying reality.

I was conflicted reading this book. I didn’t want to stop reading, but I also knew the faster I got through it, the quicker it would be over. And this one is over way too quick. But I love the sense of mystery and terror the book evokes.

I was initially intrigued because it sounded like a good haunted house story. That’s the way it came up in my feed. But getting into it, it’s so much more than that. And if you like to explore the world of the books you find yourself caught up in. This one is a must.