We Live Here Now Summary: Gothic Terror Meets Mind Games

Introduction: Enter a House That Shouldn’t Be a Home

We Live Here Now Summary introduces readers to a disquieting gothic thriller where ghosts might not be the only things haunting the walls. In this chilling novel, Sarah Pinborough, famed for psychological suspense, explores themes of trauma, perception, and unraveling relationships through the story of a couple fleeing their troubled past. Set in the brooding moorlands of Dartmoor, Larkin Lodge is no ordinary house—it’s a character of its own, brimming with secrets.

We Live Here Now Summary breaks down the novel’s plot, characters, themes, and literary significance to help you decide whether this terrifying journey into psychological decay is your next must-read. Whether you’re drawn to haunted houses or unreliable narrators, We Live Here Now delivers all that and more. Let’s dive in.

Quick Summary

• We Live Here Now blends gothic horror with psychological suspense.

• Emily and Freddie flee London for Dartmoor’s eerie Larkin Lodge.

• The house appears haunted—but is it, or is Emily losing her mind?

• Themes of trauma, trust, and identity run deep.

• Unreliable narration, shifting POVs, and shocking twists drive the plot.

What Is We Live Here Now About?

Emily Bennett and her husband Freddie seek refuge from the chaos of London in the atmospheric Dartmoor countryside. After Emily survives a traumatic bout of sepsis, they hope for a fresh start. But Larkin Lodge, their newly acquired home, feels anything but peaceful.

• Fires extinguish themselves

• Books fall unprovoked

• Footsteps echo in empty halls

Yet these strange occurrences happen only when Emily is alone. Is she hallucinating? Or is something darker at play?

The core mystery: Is the house haunted, or is Emily’s mind fracturing under the weight of trauma and secrets?

What Makes the Setting So Important?

Dartmoor is more than a backdrop—it’s a looming force. Mist-drenched hills and screeching crows mirror Emily’s descent into doubt and dread.

• The house (Larkin Lodge) becomes a sentient antagonist

• The third-floor room remains ominously untouched

• The surrounding moors isolate Emily psychologically and physically

Pinborough uses setting as a weapon, building an oppressive mood reminiscent of Wuthering Heights or Poe’s most chilling tales.

Who Are the Main Characters?

• Emily Bennett – A woman recovering from sepsis, emotionally fragile, and increasingly isolated. She is the central POV, but not always reliable.

• Freddie Bennett – Her husband, supportive at first but gradually distant, secretive, and emotionally closed off.

• The Raven – A symbolic and possibly supernatural figure representing death, memory, or madness.

• Supporting Characters – Friends, neighbors, and Freddie’s acquaintances provide additional viewpoints that deepen the mystery.

What Themes Does the Book Explore?

1. Unreliable Perception

Emily’s illness creates a lens of doubt. Is she hallucinating, or is something genuinely wrong?

“Trusting your mind is the first step to trusting your life.”

2. Trust and Betrayal

Freddie and Emily’s marriage cracks under pressure. What secrets lie between them?

3. Haunted by Trauma

The haunting may be literal—but more profoundly, it is emotional. Emily’s past, fears, and mistrust manifest as ghostly phenomena.

4. Isolation

Both physical (Dartmoor’s remoteness) and emotional (Emily’s mental state).

How Does the Story Unfold?

Multiple Points of View

While Emily dominates the narrative, we occasionally dip into other characters’ perspectives, adding complexity and misdirection.

Twist-Packed Narrative

Just when you settle into a theory, Pinborough yanks the rug. Her final twist is darkly funny and deeply unsettling—one of her best yet.

How Is We Live Here Now Different from Typical Haunted House Stories?

• The horror is both psychological and atmospheric

• There’s no clear-cut ghost or villain—everything is ambiguous

• The emotional depth of Emily’s journey sets it apart

If you’re a fan of unreliable narrators like in The Girl on the Train or atmospheric chillers like Rebecca, this novel is your sweet (or terrifying) spot.

What Are the Major Questions the Book Answers?

1. Is Larkin Lodge genuinely haunted, or is it all in Emily’s mind?

2. What secrets are Freddie hiding—and why won’t he talk about them?

3. What happened in the house before they moved in?

4. What does the raven represent in Emily’s unraveling life?

5. Can you ever fully trust your perception after trauma?

What Readers and Reviewers Are Saying

“Hauntingly beautiful and psychologically layered. Pinborough does it again.” — Goodreads Reviewer
“The atmosphere is relentless—chilling to the last page.” — Mystery & Suspense Magazine
“Pinborough’s prose is as sharp as ever, with a twist I never saw coming.” — Horror DNA

Fans love the emotional depth, unpredictable twists, and eerie setting.

Author Spotlight: Sarah Pinborough

Sarah Pinborough is a British author known for genre-blending thrillers that dive deep into psychological terrain. With bestsellers like Behind Her Eyes (adapted into a Netflix series), she has become a household name in suspense fiction.

• Expertise: Over 20 novels, blending horror, sci-fi, and psychological fiction.

• Experience: Decades in publishing and TV scriptwriting.

• Authority: International bestseller, praised for unpredictable narratives.

• Trust: Published by Flatiron Books, with a loyal reader base and critical acclaim.

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Conclusion: A House You’ll Never Forget

We Live Here Now Summary isn’t just a retelling of a haunted house tale. It’s an exploration of how trauma, mistrust, and emotional disintegration can mimic the paranormal. Sarah Pinborough masterfully keeps you guessing, unsettled, and emotionally invested.

If you crave a gothic thriller with heart, horror, and harrowing psychological tension, We Live Here Now is the read for you.

Read it today—and prepare to question everything.

Why This Summary ?

We created this We Live Here Now Summary to help readers explore Sarah Pinborough’s compelling new novel before diving in. We hope this breakdown provides insight and intrigue, offering a spoiler-free yet thorough glance at what makes this book unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, gothic horror, or just great storytelling—this one belongs on your shelf.