Why Marcus Kliewer Is The Next Stephen King. The Caretaker Book Review!

Hi all!

Today I am discussing why I believe Marcus Kliewer is the next Stephen King, as well as reviewing his latest release: The Caretaker. His debut novel, We Used To Live Here, was one of my favourite horror reads of 2024. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

THE NEXT STEPHEN KING

I have never declared an up-and-coming horror author to be the next Stephen King. After all, it is gigantic shoes to fill. However, if anyone could carry that title, it would be Marcus Kliewer. The way his debut novel blew up, was nothing short of extraordinary. Originally a novella that went viral on Reddit, it went on to win Scariest Story of 2021. Following its success, Netflix acquired the screen rights to it, long before the story was adapted and published as a full-length book in 2024. At this stage, we do not have a film release date. However, Blake Lively is rumoured to be co-producing/starring in the lead role. Rarely does that happen to a new writer. I thought We Used To Live Here was a fluke. It was equally brilliant, as it was terrifying. Then I read The Caretaker and knew Marcus was something special. I really do believe, over time, his catalogue could rival that of Kings‘; should he show the same committment and dedication to the craft. He has all the makings of a bonafide ‘Master of Horror.’

THE CARETAKER – SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:
Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.

Macy Mullins can’t say why the job posting grabbed her attention – it had the pull of a fisherman’s lure, barbed hook and all – vaguely ominous. But after an endless string of failed job interviews, she’s not exactly in the position to be picky. She has rent to pay, groceries to buy, and a younger sister to provide for. Besides, it’s only three days’ work. Three days, cooped up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by Oregon Coast wilderness. What starts as a peculiar side gig, soon becomes a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on this property – and Macy Mullins might just be the only thing standing between it, and the rest of humanity.

Follow the Rites…
Follow the Rites…
Follow the Rites…

This is 100% my favourite read of 2026. I don’t see anything else topping it. In fact, I liked it a touch more than We Used To Live Here, which may seem wild. I dont know how Marcus managed to make a predictable story, so scary. From the beginning it is laid out what “could” happen to Macy, should she not follow the explicit set of instructions given to her. We, as readers, are presented with multiple Chekhov’s guns. As the principle goes: if you’re going to introduce a gun in the first act, it must be fired by the third. You would think knowing what was coming, would lessen the fear. It does the exact opposite. There is nothing more terrifying than being acutely aware of what’s around the corner. The tension is at a boiling point all throughout the novel. You can picture each scene as if it were you trapped inside the home. Furthermore, there is a big mystery hovering over everything. That being: is any of it real? You’ll need to read to find out. The Caretaker deserves to be adapted to screen. The visuals alone will haunt audiences for years to come. Be prepared for jump scares, found-footage elements, nail-biting dread and rabbits. Lots and lots of rabbits!

WHAT IS NEXT FOR MARCUS?

In September, Marcus will release Please Remain Seated exclusively on audiobook. It will contain three short stories from the land, sea and sky. I cannot wait to dive (pun intended) into this one!

In Please Remain Seated, a young woman misses her flight home. In her desperation to rebook, she accepts a ticket on an airline she’s never heard of. She soon discovers she is the only passenger.

Backroads opens with a car crash. Somewhere deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, a disoriented driver spins out of control after hitting…something. Calling out to offer help, what he finds is not a creature in need, but a dangerous, inexplicable predator.

Anomaly brings listeners on a deep-sea expedition. A first-time diver joins an experienced crew on what should be a simple mission – before all goes horribly wrong.

Thank you so much for reading. Are you a fan of Marcus Kliewer? I am seated for whatever he does next!

Peace & Love xoxo