If you’re a fan of heart-pounding psychological thrillers that blur the line between reality and nightmare, you’ve probably stumbled upon Marcus Kliewer. This rising star in horror fiction has a knack for turning everyday settings—like a cozy suburban home—into traps of unrelenting dread. His stories don’t just scare; they burrow into your mind, leaving you questioning every shadow and stranger at your door.
In this guide, we’ll dive into Marcus Kliewer books in order, from his breakout debut to the hotly anticipated follow-up. Whether you’re new to his work or a die-hard devotee, we’ll cover publication timelines, gripping synopses, and why his tales are must-reads for thriller enthusiasts. Ready to unlock the door to his terrifying world? Let’s get started.
Who Is Marcus Kliewer? Meet the Animator-Turned-Horror Phenom
Before we jump into the Marcus Kliewer book list, a quick intro to the man behind the menace. Marcus Kliewer is a Vancouver-based writer and stop-motion animator whose creative journey reads like a horror plot twist itself. By day, he crafts meticulous animations that bring inanimate objects to eerie life. By night? He pens stories that do the same for your worst fears.
Kliewer’s big break came not in a traditional publishing house, but on Reddit’s infamous NoSleep subreddit. Under the username u/polterkites, he serialized a short story that exploded in popularity, clinching the Scariest Story of 2021 award from a community of 18 million members. Netflix snapped up the film rights before the ink dried, and Simon & Schuster rushed to publish it as a full novel. Talk about a plot twist!
Today, Kliewer blends his visual storytelling chops with razor-sharp prose, creating horrors that feel intimately real. Follow him on Instagram @marcus_kliewer for behind-the-scenes peeks, pet videos (yes, really), and exclusive updates. If you’re searching for “Marcus Kliewer new book,” keep reading—his sophomore effort is already sending shivers down spines.
Marcus Kliewer Books in Order: Publication Timeline
Marcus Kliewer is still early in his literary career, with just two novels on the horizon (one out now, one pre-order gold). No sprawling series here—these are standalone gems that pack a punch without needing sequels. Here’s the Marcus Kliewer books in order by publication date:
| Title | Publication Date | Genre/Subgenre | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| We Used to Live Here | June 18, 2024 | Psychological Horror/Thriller | Debut novel; Netflix adaptation in the works |
| The Caretaker | April 21, 2026 | Apocalyptic Horror | Highly anticipated follow-up; pre-order now |
Since both are standalone, you can start anywhere—but why not follow the chronological order for that fresh-off-the-press thrill? Below, we’ll break down each one with non-spoiler synopses to hook you without ruining the scares.
1. We Used to Live Here (2024)
Why it’s a must-read: Imagine moving into your dream home, only for a seemingly friendly family to show up claiming they used to live there. What starts as awkward politeness spirals into a claustrophobic nightmare of gaslighting, disappearances, and questions about what’s really haunting the house. Kliewer’s prose is taut and immersive, blending social horror (think Get Out meets Parasite) with supernatural chills.
This debut originated as that viral Reddit tale, expanded into a full-length novel that’s been hailed as “a titan of the macabre” by Erin A. Craig. Readers rave about its twisty plot and relatable protagonists—a queer couple navigating love amid terror. If you’re into books that make you triple-check your locks, this is your gateway drug to Kliewer’s world.
Formats available: Hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated with spine-tingling intensity). Goodreads rating: 3.8/5 (based on early reviews—expect it to climb). Pro tip: Grab the audiobook for a late-night listen that’ll have you sleeping with the lights on.
2. The Caretaker (2026)
Why it’s a must-read: In a world teetering on apocalypse, survival hinges on ancient “Rites” that demand unthinkable sacrifices. Enter the Caretaker—a lone figure tasked with upholding these rituals to stave off humanity’s end. Kliewer amps up the stakes here, weaving folk horror with high-concept dread in a tale that’s equal parts ritualistic thriller and end-times prophecy.
Announced as his second novel, The Caretaker has already garnered buzz from advance readers and blurbs like “read this with every single light on” from bestselling author Erin A. Craig. If We Used to Live Here hooked you on domestic unease, this one’s for fans craving cosmic-scale terror. Pre-orders are live, and international editions (Spanish, French, Portuguese) drop in early 2025—perfect for global horror hounds.
Formats available: Pre-order hardcover, e-book, audiobook. Why pre-order? Early buzz suggests it’ll be another Netflix magnet. Don’t miss out on the signed editions if you’re near a bookstore event.
Why Read Marcus Kliewer? The Allure of His Unsettling Style
Kliewer’s not just writing horror—he’s dissecting the fragile threads of trust, home, and humanity. His backgrounds in animation shine through in vivid, frame-by-frame tension that makes every page feel like a meticulously crafted scene. Quotes from We Used to Live Here linger like bad dreams: “When things felt right, it only meant there was so much more that could go wrong.”
Fans compare him to masters like Stephen King and Josh Malerman for his ability to escalate ordinary moments into pure panic. And with Reddit roots, his stories feel accessible yet profoundly disturbing—ideal for book clubs debating “What would you do?”
Books Like Marcus Kliewer: If You Devour These, You’ll Love His Work
Craving more while you wait for The Caretaker? Here are five spine-chillers in the same vein:
- Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (2024): A family’s “friend” under the bed turns sinister—pure familial dread.
- The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: Twisty domestic thriller with a killer reveal.
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: Atmospheric house horror with colonial chills.
- The Troop by Nick Cutter: Visceral survival horror for gore lovers.
- HEX by Thomas Olde Heuvelt: A cursed town that echoes Kliewer’s communal unease.
Final Thoughts: Step Into the Nightmare with Marcus Kliewer
Marcus Kliewer’s slim but stellar bibliography proves quality trumps quantity in horror. Start with We Used to Live Here to feel the immediate grip of his talent, then pre-order The Caretaker to secure your spot in his growing legion of fans. In a genre crowded with jump scares, Kliewer stands out for stories that haunt long after the last page.
Which Marcus Kliewer book are you reading first? Drop a comment below—have you survived We Used to Live Here yet? For more author guides and thriller recs, subscribe to our newsletter. Sweet (or not-so-sweet) dreams!
Looking for Marcus Kliewer signed books or merch? Check out his Instagram for updates. All links are affiliates—happy haunting!
