I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough Published by Flatiron Books on May 20 2025
Genres: Adult, Horror, Mystery
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
The nitty-gritty: A twisty take on the haunted house trope, We Live Here Now oozes creepy atmosphere and suspense.
“There are no ghosts at Larkin Lodge.”
Sarah Pinborough’s latest is a haunted house thriller with a twist, and I had a bunch of fun with it. While some of the haunted house elements are ones I’ve seen many times before, I loved that the author came up with some very cool ideas. If you’re looking for a unique take on ghosts, with a hefty dose of domestic drama added to the mix, this might be perfect for you.
The story follows married couple Emily and Freddie and their experiences in their new house. Emily is recovering from a life-threatening fall off a cliff, after which she suffered from sepsis and went into a months-long coma. Freddie was told she wouldn’t make it, but Emily pulled through and although she walks with a limp, she’s alive and mostly well. Buying Larkin Lodge is Freddie’s idea of a fresh start after the accident, and although Emily isn’t crazy about moving, she decides to go with the flow to make Freddie happy.
Right after they move in, though, Emily starts to hear and see strange things. Something seems to be scratching at the walls, and horrible smells emanate from the third floor master suite. Even worse, Emily is the only one experiencing these otherworldly events. Freddie thinks Emily’s pain medication has something to do with it, perhaps she’s having side effects?
But Emily is convinced something in the house is trying to communicate with her. She decides to do a little research into its past and uncovers some odd things, all of which raise even more questions. Emily knows she isn’t crazy, despite what Freddie might think, and she’s determined to prove it.
As with just about every mystery/thriller I’ve read, all the characters in this story are hiding big secrets, and those secrets don’t come out until late in the story, leaving the reader with lots of questions for most of the book. The chapters alternate between Emily’s and Freddie’s first person perspectives, so we get to hear everything they’re thinking about the other, and none of it is very flattering. Clearly their marriage is suffering, and each one blames the other for what they think is going on. Pinborough packs her story with all sorts of dramatic elements, maybe too many for my taste. Things like infidelity, murder, miscarriage, blackmail and more add lots of drama to the story, but at times all these elements made it feel a bit overstuffed.
Despite that, though, We Live Here Now is dripping with eerie atmosphere and suspense. There are some very creepy moments in the house, and Pinborough’s writing style is perfect for this Gothic mystery. She even includes several nods to Edgar Allan Poe. For example, we get a few chapters from the perspective of a raven who lives nearby, and these chapters did a great job of setting up the eventual reveal of what’s actually happening in the house.
When Emily finally puts all the pieces of the puzzle together and the reasons behind the spooky events are revealed, I have to admit my mind was blown! Once Emily and Freddie both figure it out, they use that information in some horrifying ways, and the last chapter leaves the reader with a wonderful sense of unease.
While We Live Here Now wasn’t as good as some of my favorite haunted house stories, I still enjoyed the creepy sense of dread and yes, even the marital drama between Emily and Freddie. Recommended for fans of Sarah Pinborough, and this would be a great place to start if you haven’t yet read this talented author.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
The chapters by the raven’s POV sound cool! And I am glad you had fun with this one, it sounds intriguing for sure! I haven’t read anything by this author so far, but I have some of her books on my TBR!!
She’s written a lot of books, and I need to catch up with some of her earlier ones.
I do enjoy a haunted house story and the Gothic air and Poe references appeal too. Another new-to-me author to enjoy 😀
I do recommend her! This is a fun mystery with some relationship drama as well. And a very creepy house:-)
You seem to be reading more horror than ever lately.
Anne – Books of My Heart
I’ve always read a lot of horror:-) I would call this more paranormal mystery than horror, though.
This sounds good and creepy! I haven’t read Sarah Pinborough yet (although I already have a few books marked as TBR) — this may be the one that finally gets me to give her books a try. Great review!
Thank you! I think this is only the second book of hers I’ve read, and her style is very British, but she really has a way of creating a creepy atmosphere.
I love the idea of a raven narrating part of the events! Also, you piqued my interest about the ending…
The raven chapters were really well done! And I loved that there was a purpose for them.
This sounds creepy and I’m so here for it. I’m also pleased to know that the author includes several nods to Edgar Allan Poe. I love his work! Also, why is it always whether it’s in a horror book or movie that the husband doesn’t believe the wife when she starts experiencing stuff. That would be my actual fear!
It does seem it’s always the woman who is made out to be “crazy.” I didn’t mind it here, though, it works for the story:-)
OMG Tammy even with it being a notch lower than other books from the genre I would never have been able to read it! I would have died of heart attack
LOL ok stay away Sophie!
Ok I’m sold. In fact, I was sold when I saw you mention chapters from a raven’s POV. Gotta make time for this one.
At first I couldn’t figure out the purpose of the raven chapters, but it does make a lot of sense eventually.
Your mention of Poe reminds me that despite him being one of my favorite authors of that era that I’ve still not taken the time to read all his works. 🙁
I haven’t begun to read everything by Poe either, but many of his stories are on the short side, which might make it easier.
Ooh I’m definitely going to have to check this one out. I definitely wouldn’t have guessed that a ravens POV would pop up at times and I’m intrigued to see how it works here. Plus gothic is one of my go to vibes and I did love the book that I’ve previously read by the author although as that was a YA mystery I’m very intrigued to see her take on an adult haunted house tale.
I thought the raven’s POV was such a nice touch.
You’ve piqued my interest in this one! I always want to know what’s really going on in a haunted house, haha.
Can’t wait to start this one.
Lynn 😀
It sounds like it got really good, but I wonder if how you said there are those questions for most of the book that I might get bored and give up. Thanks for sharing though. I think this is one my aunt might really like!
I finished this book in just two days. It started with a jolt and a chill, but by the end, I was laughing and smiling. I’m definitely going to read more of her books.