The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (2026)

The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (2026)

Kliewer’s second mind-bending novel after We Used to Live Here. 

Laura’s Rating: 4/5 Stars

Plot: When Macy interviews for a job as a caretaker, she hopes to make some quick and easy money. The job seems simple, if not a little quirky, and she’s desperate for the money. Macy’s instructions for taking care of the property start with this: “Follow the Rites…Nothing less than the survival of humanity is at stake.”

Analysis: Talk about a book that’s bad for anxiety and OCD (but which illustrates those thoughts and feelings in a tangible way). Following simple routines means everything will be okay, while messing up can have dire consequences… Are the characters paranoid and suffering from mental illness or are they literally preventing the end of the world?

The Caretaker is lowkey pretty scary. There’s a constant feeling of unease that doesn’t let you relax and also makes you want to keep reading. What I like about Kliewer’s books is that every detail feels intentional rather than just random facts thrown in to make up a backstory. 

This book reminded me a bit of Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House, with the house reflecting the fears and troubled psyche of the character(s). The psychological pain is half self inflicted but it feels like the house thrives on it. There are plenty of dark themes and reflections about grief, depression, and responsibility. 

The Caretaker, much like the author’s first novel, leaves some unanswered questions, but overall it’s a surreal and spooky adventure.