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The New Couple in 5B
A couple inherits an apartment with a spine-tingling past in this binge-worthy thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six.
Rosie and Chad Lowan are barely making ends meet in New York City when they receive life-changing news: Chad’s late uncle has left them his luxury apartment at the historic Windermere in glamorous Murray Hill. With its prewar elegance and impeccably uniformed doorman, the building is the epitome of old New York charm. One would almost never suspect the dark history lurking behind its perfectly maintained facade.
At first, the building and its eclectic tenants couldn’t feel more welcoming. But as the Lowans settle into their new home, Rosie starts to suspect that there’s more to the Windermere than meets the eye. Why is the doorman ever-present? Why are there cameras everywhere? And why have so many gruesome crimes occurred there throughout the years? When one of the neighbors turns up dead, Rosie must get to the truth about the Windermere before she, too, falls under its dangerous spell.
Rosie and Chad Lowan are barely making ends meet in New York City when they receive life-changing news: Chad’s late uncle has left them his luxury apartment at the historic Windermere in glamorous Murray Hill. With its prewar elegance and impeccably uniformed doorman, the building is the epitome of old New York charm. One would almost never suspect the dark history lurking behind its perfectly maintained facade.
At first, the building and its eclectic tenants couldn’t feel more welcoming. But as the Lowans settle into their new home, Rosie starts to suspect that there’s more to the Windermere than meets the eye. Why is the doorman ever-present? Why are there cameras everywhere? And why have so many gruesome crimes occurred there throughout the years? When one of the neighbors turns up dead, Rosie must get to the truth about the Windermere before she, too, falls under its dangerous spell.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2024
About the author
Lisa Unger
45 books8,951 followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-one novels, including THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B. With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,482 reviews
June 13, 2024
Wow! "666 Park Avenue" meets "Rosemary’s Baby" with spine-tingling supernatural vibes! Lisa Unger takes us on another heart-throbbing journey into the paranormal and psychological thriller realm, transporting us to a claustrophobic residence in Manhattan. Here, murders, suicides, and jaw-dropping scandals haunt the place along with its creepy occupants, including an extra-creepy doorman who seems like he never sleeps, always watching and listening.
Welcome to Windermere, a haven for creative souls such as artists, writers, performers, and, of course, sensitive occultists like mediums and astrologers. These eccentric inhabitants have lived in the same location for decades, appearing at least twenty years younger than their actual ages, prompting theories about possible vampiric tendencies. But I won't give away any spoilers; you'll have to read to test my far-fetched, silly theory!
Enter the happy yet financially struggling couple, Rosie and Chad Lowan, who hit the jackpot when they inherit Chad’s late uncle Ivan’s Windermere apartment. However, Ivan’s only daughter Lana is far from pleased, appearing at their apartment out of nowhere, throwing threats to sue them and casting doubt on Chad's innocence.
Despite the initial challenges, Rosie sees the positive side: a $5 million apartment and the opportunity to interview her new neighbors about the dark history of Windermere, becoming the subject of her new true crime novel. The Park Avenue residence, with its grisly murders, suicides, and terrible accidents, becomes the backdrop for Rosie's investigation. The history of the building, its unique architecture, and the fact that it was built on the site of a burned-down church all captivate Rosie like a moth to a flame.
However, as they move in, Rosie senses that Windermere has its own sinister soul, slowly penetrating her skin.
She keeps seeing a young boy who disappears when she turns her back, and the doorman, Abi, seems to know everything about their lives, even daring to lie to make Rosie question her sanity. Sudden deaths around them make Rosie question her past life, having run away from occultist parents who believed she had powers to see the future and other entities that nobody could conjure up.
As the thin veil between reality and illusion fades away, Rosie realizes that nobody close to her is as innocent as they seem. Moving into Windermere might put her life in danger. Can she run without looking back? Can she save herself?
The occult vibes, including devil eye pendants, astrology seances providing insight into the Taurus sign, ghostly appearances, and a family of dreamers and healers, hooked me easily. This riveting page-turner with multiple ongoing incidents keeps you on your toes, pushing you to make sense of it all. There's an ongoing murder investigation, unexplainable incidents in Windermere, and thankfully, the reasoning behind all these events is explained as rationally as possible, avoiding far-fetched and clichéd revelations.
The only thing that bugged me a little was the dragging ending, which rubbed me the wrong way. It was still tragic, but I wished Rosie’s character could be more rational as a talented, investigative true crime author. That's why I deducted one star from my rating, even though I fell in love with the gothic atmosphere and the meeting of occult vibes with paranormal elements. I'm giving it four stars, and I have to admit my heartfelt gratitude to dear Lisa Unger for sending me a physical and signed copy of her new creation, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I'm looking forward to reading her next works in the near future.
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Welcome to Windermere, a haven for creative souls such as artists, writers, performers, and, of course, sensitive occultists like mediums and astrologers. These eccentric inhabitants have lived in the same location for decades, appearing at least twenty years younger than their actual ages, prompting theories about possible vampiric tendencies. But I won't give away any spoilers; you'll have to read to test my far-fetched, silly theory!
Enter the happy yet financially struggling couple, Rosie and Chad Lowan, who hit the jackpot when they inherit Chad’s late uncle Ivan’s Windermere apartment. However, Ivan’s only daughter Lana is far from pleased, appearing at their apartment out of nowhere, throwing threats to sue them and casting doubt on Chad's innocence.
Despite the initial challenges, Rosie sees the positive side: a $5 million apartment and the opportunity to interview her new neighbors about the dark history of Windermere, becoming the subject of her new true crime novel. The Park Avenue residence, with its grisly murders, suicides, and terrible accidents, becomes the backdrop for Rosie's investigation. The history of the building, its unique architecture, and the fact that it was built on the site of a burned-down church all captivate Rosie like a moth to a flame.
However, as they move in, Rosie senses that Windermere has its own sinister soul, slowly penetrating her skin.
She keeps seeing a young boy who disappears when she turns her back, and the doorman, Abi, seems to know everything about their lives, even daring to lie to make Rosie question her sanity. Sudden deaths around them make Rosie question her past life, having run away from occultist parents who believed she had powers to see the future and other entities that nobody could conjure up.
As the thin veil between reality and illusion fades away, Rosie realizes that nobody close to her is as innocent as they seem. Moving into Windermere might put her life in danger. Can she run without looking back? Can she save herself?
The occult vibes, including devil eye pendants, astrology seances providing insight into the Taurus sign, ghostly appearances, and a family of dreamers and healers, hooked me easily. This riveting page-turner with multiple ongoing incidents keeps you on your toes, pushing you to make sense of it all. There's an ongoing murder investigation, unexplainable incidents in Windermere, and thankfully, the reasoning behind all these events is explained as rationally as possible, avoiding far-fetched and clichéd revelations.
The only thing that bugged me a little was the dragging ending, which rubbed me the wrong way. It was still tragic, but I wished Rosie’s character could be more rational as a talented, investigative true crime author. That's why I deducted one star from my rating, even though I fell in love with the gothic atmosphere and the meeting of occult vibes with paranormal elements. I'm giving it four stars, and I have to admit my heartfelt gratitude to dear Lisa Unger for sending me a physical and signed copy of her new creation, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I'm looking forward to reading her next works in the near future.
medium.com
March 10, 2024
Inspired by the HORROR classic, Rosemary’s Baby, we have “The New Couple in 5B”-55 Park Avenue-a historic NY city building now called the Windemere-built on the same soil where “The Church of the Holy Name” once stood until it burnt to the ground.
All that remained of the building was the foundation, some of the stones, and the Gargoyles that stood sentry over the front door.
Moving in, a newlywed couple, Chad and Rosie Lowan, he an actor, she a writer, who inherited the 5 million dollar unit from his Uncle Ivan.
Rosie has plans to write a book about the building’s history-divided into sections for the Violent Murders, the many Accidents, the frequent Suicides, and the natural deaths-which seem to have happened in abundance at this address-one of which occurred in their very own unit-where a writer, Paul, once lived with his beautiful, dancer wife, Willa.
Are there dark forces at work in this haunted building?
At first, the building and its eclectic tenants couldn’t feel more welcoming. But soon, the Lowans begin to wonder why the SAME doorman is always on duty, and why there are cameras everywhere? And, what about the intercom, which summons that doorman without needing to even press a button?
Creepy and claustrophobic, this ENTERTAINING story has a gothic feel which will grip you from the opening pages-but don’t expect it to feel plausible.
A fun buddy read with Susan, Ceecee and Mary Beth, which offered much lively discussion! Be sure to check out their amazing reviews for additional thoughts!
This book is available now!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title!
All that remained of the building was the foundation, some of the stones, and the Gargoyles that stood sentry over the front door.
Moving in, a newlywed couple, Chad and Rosie Lowan, he an actor, she a writer, who inherited the 5 million dollar unit from his Uncle Ivan.
Rosie has plans to write a book about the building’s history-divided into sections for the Violent Murders, the many Accidents, the frequent Suicides, and the natural deaths-which seem to have happened in abundance at this address-one of which occurred in their very own unit-where a writer, Paul, once lived with his beautiful, dancer wife, Willa.
Are there dark forces at work in this haunted building?
At first, the building and its eclectic tenants couldn’t feel more welcoming. But soon, the Lowans begin to wonder why the SAME doorman is always on duty, and why there are cameras everywhere? And, what about the intercom, which summons that doorman without needing to even press a button?
Creepy and claustrophobic, this ENTERTAINING story has a gothic feel which will grip you from the opening pages-but don’t expect it to feel plausible.
A fun buddy read with Susan, Ceecee and Mary Beth, which offered much lively discussion! Be sure to check out their amazing reviews for additional thoughts!
This book is available now!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title!
January 19, 2024
A solid 3.5🌟
Let’s start with location. This story takes place in an old pre-war apartment building in Murray Hill. My favorite neighborhood in New York City.❣️
Rosie and Chad just inherited a beautiful apartment in the coveted neighborhood of Murray Hill. Worth a fortune, they thank their lucky stars. But this apartment comes with a history. It would seem the ghosts of past occupants still have their hold on the present.
An engaging read that kept me captivated till the end. But truthfully, I was expecting something different. I assumed it would be more of a domestic thriller than a ghost story.
My bad! Sometimes glossing over the blurb backfires. (Though on second look it’s not that clear in the blurb either - only the genre tags on GR identify it as paranormal and horror)
But it was a Lisa Unger novel so there’s no way I was about to pass up the chance to read her latest.
If you enjoy your thrillers with a bit of a spooky element 👻this will be the perfect read for you!
Thank you to Park Row via Edelweiss
Let’s start with location. This story takes place in an old pre-war apartment building in Murray Hill. My favorite neighborhood in New York City.❣️
Rosie and Chad just inherited a beautiful apartment in the coveted neighborhood of Murray Hill. Worth a fortune, they thank their lucky stars. But this apartment comes with a history. It would seem the ghosts of past occupants still have their hold on the present.
An engaging read that kept me captivated till the end. But truthfully, I was expecting something different. I assumed it would be more of a domestic thriller than a ghost story.
My bad! Sometimes glossing over the blurb backfires. (Though on second look it’s not that clear in the blurb either - only the genre tags on GR identify it as paranormal and horror)
But it was a Lisa Unger novel so there’s no way I was about to pass up the chance to read her latest.
If you enjoy your thrillers with a bit of a spooky element 👻this will be the perfect read for you!
Thank you to Park Row via Edelweiss
March 14, 2024
ERRRRRRM What TF was this???
You know that pain you get in the back of your head because the pressure of the headache in the front is clearly not enough... yeah that's me right now... SUFFERING!
The New Couple in 5B is SUPPOSED to be a spine tingling, binge worthy thriller following Rosie and Chad(🤢) who are barely making ends meet but after Chad's uncle passes away he has left them with his luxury apartment at the historic Windermere in glamorous Murray Hill.
But like with every thriller all that glitters is not gold and the excitement is short lived when Rosie starts to suspect that there is something wrong with the apartment building and the occupants within it.
Is the spine tingling and binge worthy thriller in the room with us!?????
WOW! This was a chore to get through! (i really need to get over my issue with book FOMO) I promise you had i not been listening to the audiobook and had to use my eyeballs to read this it would have been a straight DNF!
The ratings on this book is relatively high, so clearly I'm an outlier but this was just not good!
The book comprises of 4 acts and there was not one that i enjoyed.
The characters were sooooooooo dull and boring although they were meant to be perceived as eccentric, odd and mysterious.
Again... ARE THEY IN THE ROOM WITH US!????
90% of the time was spent practically drooling cause the story was putting me too sleep. There was nothing exciting going on!!
The murders had me like-😒
The 'plot twist' had me like-🙄
and that ending-😐🔫
I am so disappointed because I really enjoyed 'Confessions on the 7:45' by this author but this for me gave MEH!
It was sloth moving slow, the story I'm sure has been done many times before and for me its just not memorable.
1.5⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩Pre Review ⋆｡°✩
After my last read, i just need a good mystery thriller to take the edge off!
The blurb is so enticing! I hope i enjoy this one 🤞🏾❤️
You know that pain you get in the back of your head because the pressure of the headache in the front is clearly not enough... yeah that's me right now... SUFFERING!
The New Couple in 5B is SUPPOSED to be a spine tingling, binge worthy thriller following Rosie and Chad(🤢) who are barely making ends meet but after Chad's uncle passes away he has left them with his luxury apartment at the historic Windermere in glamorous Murray Hill.
But like with every thriller all that glitters is not gold and the excitement is short lived when Rosie starts to suspect that there is something wrong with the apartment building and the occupants within it.
Is the spine tingling and binge worthy thriller in the room with us!?????
WOW! This was a chore to get through! (i really need to get over my issue with book FOMO) I promise you had i not been listening to the audiobook and had to use my eyeballs to read this it would have been a straight DNF!
The ratings on this book is relatively high, so clearly I'm an outlier but this was just not good!
The book comprises of 4 acts and there was not one that i enjoyed.
The characters were sooooooooo dull and boring although they were meant to be perceived as eccentric, odd and mysterious.
Again... ARE THEY IN THE ROOM WITH US!????
90% of the time was spent practically drooling cause the story was putting me too sleep. There was nothing exciting going on!!
The murders had me like-😒
The 'plot twist' had me like-🙄
and that ending-😐🔫
I am so disappointed because I really enjoyed 'Confessions on the 7:45' by this author but this for me gave MEH!
It was sloth moving slow, the story I'm sure has been done many times before and for me its just not memorable.
1.5⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩Pre Review ⋆｡°✩
After my last read, i just need a good mystery thriller to take the edge off!
The blurb is so enticing! I hope i enjoy this one 🤞🏾❤️
February 29, 2024
3.5 STARS
I did enjoy this one, but it was slow moving and took me awhile to finish it.
I really enjoyed the setting of an apartment building in Murray Hill, NY. It has a dark, haunted past. All of its secrets are slowly revealed in two separate timelines. One in present day and the other follows Willa and her escapades in 1963.
Chad and Rosie inherit one of the apartments and strange happenings begin. The doorman, especially creeped me out.
If you don't mind a slow burn and some supernatural elements, you may enjoy this one too.
Thanks to EW for my arc. OUT on March 5, 2024
I did enjoy this one, but it was slow moving and took me awhile to finish it.
I really enjoyed the setting of an apartment building in Murray Hill, NY. It has a dark, haunted past. All of its secrets are slowly revealed in two separate timelines. One in present day and the other follows Willa and her escapades in 1963.
Chad and Rosie inherit one of the apartments and strange happenings begin. The doorman, especially creeped me out.
If you don't mind a slow burn and some supernatural elements, you may enjoy this one too.
Thanks to EW for my arc. OUT on March 5, 2024
April 18, 2024
The New Couple in 5B is Lisa Unger’s homage to the late great author Ira Levin of Rosemary’s Baby fame.
Chad and Rosie Lowan — he, a struggling actor and she, a true-crime author — inherit an iconic New York City apartment in Murray Hill.
Despite its coveted location and pre-war architectural elegance, the historic Windermere has a rather sordid past.
Rosie decides to write about its chilling history: quite a number of tenants’ suicides and mysterious deaths over the years…in fact, some say that the building is inhabited by ghosts.
Rosie has a dark past as well. She’s estranged from her family who she perceives to be charlatans and con artists — mom’s a tarot card reader; her father, a faith healer.
Oh, and Rosie sees dead people (hi, M. Night Shyamalan).
Hmmm, so with its host of eccentric neighbors and ever-present doorman, is 55 Park Avenue cursed? Haunted?
Welp, Rosie intends to find out. And you will, too.
Chad and Rosie Lowan — he, a struggling actor and she, a true-crime author — inherit an iconic New York City apartment in Murray Hill.
Despite its coveted location and pre-war architectural elegance, the historic Windermere has a rather sordid past.
Rosie decides to write about its chilling history: quite a number of tenants’ suicides and mysterious deaths over the years…in fact, some say that the building is inhabited by ghosts.
Rosie has a dark past as well. She’s estranged from her family who she perceives to be charlatans and con artists — mom’s a tarot card reader; her father, a faith healer.
Oh, and Rosie sees dead people (hi, M. Night Shyamalan).
Hmmm, so with its host of eccentric neighbors and ever-present doorman, is 55 Park Avenue cursed? Haunted?
Welp, Rosie intends to find out. And you will, too.
March 10, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ NYC
Publication date ~ March 5, 2024
Est page Count ~ 387 (p+ 45 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 12 hours 8 minutes
Narrator ~ Vivienne Leheny
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, ghosts, secrets, child & adult death, suicide, miscarriage, infidelity
Rosie & Chad are thrilled to inherit his uncle's apartment after his death. She's a true crime writer eager to write a bestseller, so living on site will give her a closer look into the history of the ghosts at Windermere.
We hear from Willa in the 1963 timeline. She and husband, Paul, lived in the same apartment and their demise is slowly revealed.
This was so slow moving for me and took me over a week to read it. I like the idea of a haunted building and I enjoyed the secrets and history within Windermere, but it was pretty predictable. Overall, fine if you like a gothic paranormal setting with a side of unlikable characters.
Side note ~ I'm loving the eerie vibes of the cover.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ NYC
Publication date ~ March 5, 2024
Est page Count ~ 387 (p+ 45 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 12 hours 8 minutes
Narrator ~ Vivienne Leheny
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, ghosts, secrets, child & adult death, suicide, miscarriage, infidelity
Rosie & Chad are thrilled to inherit his uncle's apartment after his death. She's a true crime writer eager to write a bestseller, so living on site will give her a closer look into the history of the ghosts at Windermere.
We hear from Willa in the 1963 timeline. She and husband, Paul, lived in the same apartment and their demise is slowly revealed.
This was so slow moving for me and took me over a week to read it. I like the idea of a haunted building and I enjoyed the secrets and history within Windermere, but it was pretty predictable. Overall, fine if you like a gothic paranormal setting with a side of unlikable characters.
Side note ~ I'm loving the eerie vibes of the cover.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
April 9, 2024
True-crime author Rosie Lowan and her struggling actor husband, Chad, have just laid their last family member to rest. After caring for Chad’s Uncle Ivan at his glamorous Murray Hill apartment until his last dying breath, they’re shocked to find out at the reading of the will that it now belongs to them. A posh apartment in the historic Windermere on the East Side of Manhattan, it’s worth nearly $5 million dollars. A figure well outside of either Rosie or Chad’s financial constraints.
Moving into the building, the smartly dressed doorman and opulent surroundings take on new meaning now that Rosie and Chad call it home. They are quickly welcomed into the fold by their affluent neighbors who seem to relish a new, young couple living amongst them. It seems as is life couldn’t be better as Chad and Rosie’s dreams start to come true.
As the days pass, however, the Windermere and the neighbors take on a darker tone. Why does it seem that the doorman, Abi, is always around? How could she have missed the security cameras that are located all over the building? And what about the new intercom feature that seems to always be listening? The longer she lives within its walls, the more Rosie begins to wonder about the decades of horrifying accidents and crimes that make up the dark history of her new home.
And then more death visits the Windermere. Within a week, two residents meets their demise. Worried for her own safety, Rosie takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of what has been occurring behind the building’s doors. Can she uncover the truth before she too meets a horrible end? Or was her fate already decided the moment she moved into the apartment? One thing is for sure, Rosie better watch her back. Especially since others just might be watching it as well.
Holy cannoli! What a strange yet captivating tale. From nearly the start, The New Couple in 5B was a total departure—but also not—from Unger’s prior books. Working in plenty of details pertaining to the supernatural, anyone with a penchant for horror will absolutely love what they find within these pages. At the same time, it was also yet another one of Unger’s typical suspense-laden plots, filled with growing unease and characters that hit just the right chord.
Speaking of those characters, I was captivated by Rosie. Complex and finely layered, her persona revealed how her past left an impression upon her and how she so desperately wanted a future separate from it as well. It was the rest of the cast, however, that truly brought this one home. An eclectic group of wealthy individuals, they were kind and welcoming to start, but each morphed as the page count grew into darker versions of themselves. But even as I second-guessed their motives and looked at them with suspicion, there wasn’t a chance that I was going to be able to guess where this plot was headed.
Just like the characters, the plot shifted from merely creepy to a more claustrophobic, adrenaline-pumping beast. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t exactly a horror novel, even though it was inspired by Rosemary’s Baby. No, it was instead a well-written exploration of what else might exist beyond what we can see with our own eyes. With clear-cut occult vibes and a definite gothic atmosphere, Unger nailed it in one with the setting. After all, the Windermere could easily count as a character itself in all of its spine-chilling, The Shining-esque glory.
By the end, however, I was thrilled to find that the mystical aspects weren’t the end-all-be-all to the plot. With plenty of tricks up her sleeves, Unger brought the rising crescendo of suspense home with an even better climax, all said and done. And while it wasn’t anything like I was expecting, it was everything that I wanted and more. An addictive, binge-worthy book, I was lost in the pages until I finished the very last word. Bravo, Ms. Unger, you’ve done it yet again! Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lisa Unger, Park Row, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Trigger warning: suicide, anxiety, gaslighting, miscarriage, infidelity, strangulation, getting drugged, abduction, mention of: stalking, blackmail
Moving into the building, the smartly dressed doorman and opulent surroundings take on new meaning now that Rosie and Chad call it home. They are quickly welcomed into the fold by their affluent neighbors who seem to relish a new, young couple living amongst them. It seems as is life couldn’t be better as Chad and Rosie’s dreams start to come true.
As the days pass, however, the Windermere and the neighbors take on a darker tone. Why does it seem that the doorman, Abi, is always around? How could she have missed the security cameras that are located all over the building? And what about the new intercom feature that seems to always be listening? The longer she lives within its walls, the more Rosie begins to wonder about the decades of horrifying accidents and crimes that make up the dark history of her new home.
And then more death visits the Windermere. Within a week, two residents meets their demise. Worried for her own safety, Rosie takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of what has been occurring behind the building’s doors. Can she uncover the truth before she too meets a horrible end? Or was her fate already decided the moment she moved into the apartment? One thing is for sure, Rosie better watch her back. Especially since others just might be watching it as well.
Holy cannoli! What a strange yet captivating tale. From nearly the start, The New Couple in 5B was a total departure—but also not—from Unger’s prior books. Working in plenty of details pertaining to the supernatural, anyone with a penchant for horror will absolutely love what they find within these pages. At the same time, it was also yet another one of Unger’s typical suspense-laden plots, filled with growing unease and characters that hit just the right chord.
Speaking of those characters, I was captivated by Rosie. Complex and finely layered, her persona revealed how her past left an impression upon her and how she so desperately wanted a future separate from it as well. It was the rest of the cast, however, that truly brought this one home. An eclectic group of wealthy individuals, they were kind and welcoming to start, but each morphed as the page count grew into darker versions of themselves. But even as I second-guessed their motives and looked at them with suspicion, there wasn’t a chance that I was going to be able to guess where this plot was headed.
Just like the characters, the plot shifted from merely creepy to a more claustrophobic, adrenaline-pumping beast. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t exactly a horror novel, even though it was inspired by Rosemary’s Baby. No, it was instead a well-written exploration of what else might exist beyond what we can see with our own eyes. With clear-cut occult vibes and a definite gothic atmosphere, Unger nailed it in one with the setting. After all, the Windermere could easily count as a character itself in all of its spine-chilling, The Shining-esque glory.
By the end, however, I was thrilled to find that the mystical aspects weren’t the end-all-be-all to the plot. With plenty of tricks up her sleeves, Unger brought the rising crescendo of suspense home with an even better climax, all said and done. And while it wasn’t anything like I was expecting, it was everything that I wanted and more. An addictive, binge-worthy book, I was lost in the pages until I finished the very last word. Bravo, Ms. Unger, you’ve done it yet again! Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lisa Unger, Park Row, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Trigger warning: suicide, anxiety, gaslighting, miscarriage, infidelity, strangulation, getting drugged, abduction, mention of: stalking, blackmail
March 10, 2024
Rosie and Chad Lewan inherit 5B in the prestigious Windermere building in Murray Hill, New York City. However, very soon after moving in, several unsettling incidents make Rosie believe there’s way more to the building than meet the eye. For instance, why is doorman Abi always there? Why are there cameras in every conceivable space? The more she learns about the building and its occupants, the closer to danger she steps.
This is a chock full, richly atmospheric read, a sort of Rosemary‘s Baby meets Shakespeare’s Scottish play, which is very present in the first two Acts, even down to Chad playing a role in it off Broadway. There are a lot of things I love about this book. The building itself is like a character in its own right, it seems to be a living thing. Is it cursed? Are there ghosts stuck in time within the walls? The characters who live in the building give off creepy and vibes and there are some very unsettling aspects that give you the chills. I love the supernatural and occult elements which are very well done.
You also have no idea which source the treachery will emanate from as there is a rich pool of suspects. Too many characters are wearing masks to hide the darkness that lurks within. Are others as vulnerable as they seem? In addition who can Rosie trust? Is she safe?
This slow burn novel builds well, however, I’m a bit underwhelmed by one of the reveals towards the end. You hope for more after all the escalating danger and threats although the ultimate end is dramatic and it feels just right.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this and find it a gripping and intriguing novel. I think Lisa Unger nails the Gothic elements of this book.
A buddy read with Jayme, Susan and Mary Beth. Check out their reviews to see if they enjoy it as much as I do.
This is a chock full, richly atmospheric read, a sort of Rosemary‘s Baby meets Shakespeare’s Scottish play, which is very present in the first two Acts, even down to Chad playing a role in it off Broadway. There are a lot of things I love about this book. The building itself is like a character in its own right, it seems to be a living thing. Is it cursed? Are there ghosts stuck in time within the walls? The characters who live in the building give off creepy and vibes and there are some very unsettling aspects that give you the chills. I love the supernatural and occult elements which are very well done.
You also have no idea which source the treachery will emanate from as there is a rich pool of suspects. Too many characters are wearing masks to hide the darkness that lurks within. Are others as vulnerable as they seem? In addition who can Rosie trust? Is she safe?
This slow burn novel builds well, however, I’m a bit underwhelmed by one of the reveals towards the end. You hope for more after all the escalating danger and threats although the ultimate end is dramatic and it feels just right.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this and find it a gripping and intriguing novel. I think Lisa Unger nails the Gothic elements of this book.
A buddy read with Jayme, Susan and Mary Beth. Check out their reviews to see if they enjoy it as much as I do.
May 27, 2024
So, this is only my fifth read by Lisa Unger (with one being a short story), and I’m thinking I need to hurry up and read more from her! I really enjoyed this book and the author’s writing. I loved the main character of Rosie, and felt like I could easily connect with her. This book was very atmospheric and did keep me on my toes.
This story starts off with Rosie and her husband Chad, inheriting his late uncle Ivan’s upscale apartment. Rosie is a writer, with only one book under her belt, she needs to publish another one soon before their money runs out. Chad, is a struggling actor always looking for the next big break. However, once they learn that they have inherited this luxury apartment 5B at 55 Park Avenue, they feel their luck is finally about to change. Or is it?
Once they’ve moved into the apartment, Rosie receives phone calls from Chad’s cousin Dana who is very irate about not inheriting the apartment. Rosie hopes that she can mend things with Dana, while Chad assures her everything is as it should be. Rosie and Chad also become very friendly with their new neighbors, Charles and Ella Aldridge, who have lived at the Windermere apartments forever.
While at the apartment, tragic events start to occur and Rosie starts to have visions and see things. Because of these visions, Rosie starts to dig up the Windermere’s past history and is very bewildered by what she finds. During this time we also have flashback chapters from Willa that take place in 1963, which I loved reading! We also have the ever-present doorman Abi, who is always listening in on the intercoms located in every room. Why is he so concerned with everyone’s business?
All in all, this was a very entertaining read. My only gripe was that the chapters were a bit long (that’s a me thing). Otherwise, I highly recommend reading this story and the acknowledgments at the end as to how this story came about. Very interesting!
“Some buildings just have bad personalities. And I think maybe it attracts darkness. If you’re vulnerable to dark energies, if they speak to something going on inside you, maybe there’s a strange attraction, a lure to that dark past inside you.”
This story starts off with Rosie and her husband Chad, inheriting his late uncle Ivan’s upscale apartment. Rosie is a writer, with only one book under her belt, she needs to publish another one soon before their money runs out. Chad, is a struggling actor always looking for the next big break. However, once they learn that they have inherited this luxury apartment 5B at 55 Park Avenue, they feel their luck is finally about to change. Or is it?
Once they’ve moved into the apartment, Rosie receives phone calls from Chad’s cousin Dana who is very irate about not inheriting the apartment. Rosie hopes that she can mend things with Dana, while Chad assures her everything is as it should be. Rosie and Chad also become very friendly with their new neighbors, Charles and Ella Aldridge, who have lived at the Windermere apartments forever.
While at the apartment, tragic events start to occur and Rosie starts to have visions and see things. Because of these visions, Rosie starts to dig up the Windermere’s past history and is very bewildered by what she finds. During this time we also have flashback chapters from Willa that take place in 1963, which I loved reading! We also have the ever-present doorman Abi, who is always listening in on the intercoms located in every room. Why is he so concerned with everyone’s business?
All in all, this was a very entertaining read. My only gripe was that the chapters were a bit long (that’s a me thing). Otherwise, I highly recommend reading this story and the acknowledgments at the end as to how this story came about. Very interesting!
“Some buildings just have bad personalities. And I think maybe it attracts darkness. If you’re vulnerable to dark energies, if they speak to something going on inside you, maybe there’s a strange attraction, a lure to that dark past inside you.”
March 10, 2024
“There’s a lot to like here”.
So says her editor to our main character Rosie regarding her new book proposal.
This quote encompasses the story in principle and I found myself swept up and captured into an unexpected time vacuum. Smooth writing made this a quick and effortless read and I was finished before I’d barely started.
How I love a convoluted plot and attempting to assemble the numerous puzzle pieces! I lost track of time pondering the possibilities which a good mystery is all about, right?
The dark history of their new building “The Windermere” aside, Rosie has also begun to doubt her husband. Why is he unreachable or does he disappear for long periods? Not to mention his omissions and outright lies. Things that make you go “Hmmmm…”
A buddy read with Ceecee, Jayme, and Mary Beth which enhanced my reading experience because of the spirited discussions. We were all forthcoming with comments regarding the who and why combined with the atmospheric tone. Please check out their reviews for more insight.
So says her editor to our main character Rosie regarding her new book proposal.
This quote encompasses the story in principle and I found myself swept up and captured into an unexpected time vacuum. Smooth writing made this a quick and effortless read and I was finished before I’d barely started.
How I love a convoluted plot and attempting to assemble the numerous puzzle pieces! I lost track of time pondering the possibilities which a good mystery is all about, right?
The dark history of their new building “The Windermere” aside, Rosie has also begun to doubt her husband. Why is he unreachable or does he disappear for long periods? Not to mention his omissions and outright lies. Things that make you go “Hmmmm…”
A buddy read with Ceecee, Jayme, and Mary Beth which enhanced my reading experience because of the spirited discussions. We were all forthcoming with comments regarding the who and why combined with the atmospheric tone. Please check out their reviews for more insight.
March 22, 2024
4.5 srars
OMG she did it again!! 👏👏 I have wanted this book from the second I heard about it!! I absolutely love @launger’s books!! She kills it… every… single… time… 🔥🔥🔥Huge thank you to the 🐝 buzzy @htp_hive @htpbooks peeps for this gorgeous gifted copy!!! 🙌🙌 You made my week… 🥰 GUYS… pub date is tomorrow!!! March 5th!! 🥳🥳🥳 Okay listen to this….
@launger is the queen of creating an amazing… atmospheric… creeptastic read… she can creep me out in five seconds flat… 😂 It doesn’t matter if it’s a novella or 400 pages… she ALWAYS freaks me out!! 🙌🙌 You know I love that!! 😉 So why is this going to make your little thriller loving hearts 🖤 happy??? It checks ALL the boxes!!
✅ Gothic creepy vibes… OMG 😳 Yes please!! My favorite!
✅ Dual time lines… present and 1963 👏👏
✅ New York City!!! Ahhh again my favorite!! 😍 🍎
✅ Murder… I mean I am a thriller lover… 🤷♀️
✅ Perhaps a ghost 👻 or two 😳👏👏
Welcome home to The Windmere… one of the most prestigious apartment buildings in NYC… all 1700 square feet 👣 of it… on Park Avenue 🛍 is YOURS!!! … You inherited this life of luxury… 😳… You lucky 🦆 duck… You also are going to inherit the nightmares and ghosts 👻… that go along with it… 😏
Okay I loved every minute of this!! A creeptastic luxury apartment building with such a dark… dark… DARK.. history.. 🤫… My absolute favorite part was how brilliant it was when we jumped back to 1963. You see… we got to meet the previous owners of 5B… and learn just how dark 5 B really can be.. 😦😬😳🤯 I could NOT put this book down!!!
OMG she did it again!! 👏👏 I have wanted this book from the second I heard about it!! I absolutely love @launger’s books!! She kills it… every… single… time… 🔥🔥🔥Huge thank you to the 🐝 buzzy @htp_hive @htpbooks peeps for this gorgeous gifted copy!!! 🙌🙌 You made my week… 🥰 GUYS… pub date is tomorrow!!! March 5th!! 🥳🥳🥳 Okay listen to this….
@launger is the queen of creating an amazing… atmospheric… creeptastic read… she can creep me out in five seconds flat… 😂 It doesn’t matter if it’s a novella or 400 pages… she ALWAYS freaks me out!! 🙌🙌 You know I love that!! 😉 So why is this going to make your little thriller loving hearts 🖤 happy??? It checks ALL the boxes!!
✅ Gothic creepy vibes… OMG 😳 Yes please!! My favorite!
✅ Dual time lines… present and 1963 👏👏
✅ New York City!!! Ahhh again my favorite!! 😍 🍎
✅ Murder… I mean I am a thriller lover… 🤷♀️
✅ Perhaps a ghost 👻 or two 😳👏👏
Welcome home to The Windmere… one of the most prestigious apartment buildings in NYC… all 1700 square feet 👣 of it… on Park Avenue 🛍 is YOURS!!! … You inherited this life of luxury… 😳… You lucky 🦆 duck… You also are going to inherit the nightmares and ghosts 👻… that go along with it… 😏
Okay I loved every minute of this!! A creeptastic luxury apartment building with such a dark… dark… DARK.. history.. 🤫… My absolute favorite part was how brilliant it was when we jumped back to 1963. You see… we got to meet the previous owners of 5B… and learn just how dark 5 B really can be.. 😦😬😳🤯 I could NOT put this book down!!!
April 20, 2024
Couldn’t get into it. 🤷♀️
❌ I found myself bored a lot
❌ too many random characters who all seem like the same couple people
❌ predictable
❌ a little more supernatural than I was anticipating
❌ no characters spoke to me. I thought Rosie was incredibly pessimistic and could be very rude.
❌ why is every single character ridiculously superstitious?
⚠️ Small spoiler ⚠️
❌ Discrepancy: Rosie gets pregnant and Chad tells everyone yet no one really acknowledges this. Then she miscarried and no one acknowledges this either.
✅ flashbacks were cool
More of a checklist than a review but I don’t really want to waste any more time dwelling on this book.
I own a few of her other books so fingers crossed for better luck in the future. 🤞🏼
2.5 ⭐️ rounding up.
❌ I found myself bored a lot
❌ too many random characters who all seem like the same couple people
❌ predictable
❌ a little more supernatural than I was anticipating
❌ no characters spoke to me. I thought Rosie was incredibly pessimistic and could be very rude.
❌ why is every single character ridiculously superstitious?
⚠️ Small spoiler ⚠️
❌ Discrepancy: Rosie gets pregnant and Chad tells everyone yet no one really acknowledges this. Then she miscarried and no one acknowledges this either.
✅ flashbacks were cool
More of a checklist than a review but I don’t really want to waste any more time dwelling on this book.
I own a few of her other books so fingers crossed for better luck in the future. 🤞🏼
2.5 ⭐️ rounding up.
March 9, 2024
that was the worst thought out mystery i’ve had the displeasure of reading in a long time
July 28, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
The New Couple in 5B follows a married couple, Rosie and Chad, as they try to navigate life in the uber-expensive rat race that is NYC. They're both struggling artists of a sort, Rosie is a nonfiction writer and Chad is an actor, so they're just trying to make ends meet any way they can.
That's why when they receive news that Chad's recently deceased Uncle Ivan has bequeathed to them his fully-paid off luxury apartment, it seems like they've won the lottery.
To Rosie the inheritance is a surprise, but it also make sense. Ivan had been quite ill before his passing and she and Chad took care of him when no one else in the family stepped up, including Ivan's own daughter, Dana.
The apartment itself is located in the desirable neighborhood of Murray Hill on the East side of Manhattan. The building it is housed in, the Windermere, is well-known as a haven for creative types and boasts a rich cultural history.
As the couple settles in, Rosie, frequently left home alone while Chad is out working, starts to feel unsettled by the building and its other residents.
The doorman, Abi, is always there; as in, it's like he never sleeps. He's also always listening, with a intercom within their apartment that he is constantly connected to. There are cameras everywhere, and Rosie feels like her every move is under surveillance.
When people connected to the apartment unexpectedly and suspiciously die, Rosie feels like she could be next. She needs to get to the truth behind the Windermere before its too late. No inheritance is worth your life.
Lisa Unger and I haven't had the best relationship, but this was quite entertaining. Unger has redeemed herself for me after the mess that was Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six.
This does have heavy, HEAVY Rosemary's Baby vibes, but I'm not mad about it. Those are some solid vibes. We'll take 'em.
I liked the unsettling feel of the property. Abi, the doorman, was an especially disturbing character, who even I wanted to get away from.
I do feel like the intensity built steadily as Rosie begins to become more and more suspicious of the Windermere and its residents. I also like the way it leaned into the Psychological Thriller genre. It felt like Rosie was on her own, like no one was going to believe her.
Rosie does have some allies, but her husband Chad felt like he could be friend and foe. I really appreciate that mystery surrounding his character. We got to know Rosie so much more than Chad, obviously by design, but I did feel like their relationship was framed perfectly to keep the suspense high.
There was a historical perspective that I wasn't crazy about, but it did make sense in context with the overall story.
Personally, I just wish we could have received those details in a different way, as I found that perspective more distracting than anything. I just wanted to be with Rosie.
I did really enjoy how Unger kept me guessing though. It gets especially wild towards the end, but overall, yeah, I feel like this is engaging and entertaining, which was exactly what I was hoping for.
I did listen to the audiobook and would highly recommend that format. I did feel like the narration was very well-done, particularly as a voice for Rosie.
At the end of the day, I had fun with this.
I'm glad I picked it up and won't hesitate to pick up more from this author in the future. I couldn't say that before this book, so we have progress!
The New Couple in 5B follows a married couple, Rosie and Chad, as they try to navigate life in the uber-expensive rat race that is NYC. They're both struggling artists of a sort, Rosie is a nonfiction writer and Chad is an actor, so they're just trying to make ends meet any way they can.
That's why when they receive news that Chad's recently deceased Uncle Ivan has bequeathed to them his fully-paid off luxury apartment, it seems like they've won the lottery.
To Rosie the inheritance is a surprise, but it also make sense. Ivan had been quite ill before his passing and she and Chad took care of him when no one else in the family stepped up, including Ivan's own daughter, Dana.
The apartment itself is located in the desirable neighborhood of Murray Hill on the East side of Manhattan. The building it is housed in, the Windermere, is well-known as a haven for creative types and boasts a rich cultural history.
As the couple settles in, Rosie, frequently left home alone while Chad is out working, starts to feel unsettled by the building and its other residents.
The doorman, Abi, is always there; as in, it's like he never sleeps. He's also always listening, with a intercom within their apartment that he is constantly connected to. There are cameras everywhere, and Rosie feels like her every move is under surveillance.
When people connected to the apartment unexpectedly and suspiciously die, Rosie feels like she could be next. She needs to get to the truth behind the Windermere before its too late. No inheritance is worth your life.
Lisa Unger and I haven't had the best relationship, but this was quite entertaining. Unger has redeemed herself for me after the mess that was Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six.
This does have heavy, HEAVY Rosemary's Baby vibes, but I'm not mad about it. Those are some solid vibes. We'll take 'em.
I liked the unsettling feel of the property. Abi, the doorman, was an especially disturbing character, who even I wanted to get away from.
I do feel like the intensity built steadily as Rosie begins to become more and more suspicious of the Windermere and its residents. I also like the way it leaned into the Psychological Thriller genre. It felt like Rosie was on her own, like no one was going to believe her.
Rosie does have some allies, but her husband Chad felt like he could be friend and foe. I really appreciate that mystery surrounding his character. We got to know Rosie so much more than Chad, obviously by design, but I did feel like their relationship was framed perfectly to keep the suspense high.
There was a historical perspective that I wasn't crazy about, but it did make sense in context with the overall story.
Personally, I just wish we could have received those details in a different way, as I found that perspective more distracting than anything. I just wanted to be with Rosie.
I did really enjoy how Unger kept me guessing though. It gets especially wild towards the end, but overall, yeah, I feel like this is engaging and entertaining, which was exactly what I was hoping for.
I did listen to the audiobook and would highly recommend that format. I did feel like the narration was very well-done, particularly as a voice for Rosie.
At the end of the day, I had fun with this.
I'm glad I picked it up and won't hesitate to pick up more from this author in the future. I couldn't say that before this book, so we have progress!
April 9, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -NetGalley ARC
Description:
Rosie and Chad Lowan are barely making ends meet in New York City when they receive life-changing news: Chad’s late uncle has left them his luxury apartment at the historic Windermere in glamorous Murray Hill. With its prewar elegance and impeccably uniformed doorman, the building is the epitome of old New York charm. One would almost never suspect the dark history lurking behind its perfectly maintained facade. At first, the building and its eclectic tenants couldn’t feel more welcoming. But as the Lowans settle into their new home, Rosie starts to suspect that there’s more to the Windermere than meets the eye. Why is the doorman ever-present? Why are there cameras everywhere? And why have so many gruesome crimes occurred there throughout the years? When one of the neighbors turns up dead, Rosie must get to the truth about the Windermere before she, too, falls under its dangerous spell.
Review:
I LOVE a locked-room mystery, especially one based in New York, so I was super excited to read this. From the very beginning you can feel a sense of unease and tension between Rosie and her new neighbors, (and the creepy doorman -who’s always there and always watching!) even though her husband thinks of them as great friends. Rosie doesn’t quite trust them, but Chad convinces her she’s being ridiculous. There’s also a supernatural element to the story when ghosts try to warn Rosie she’s in danger, but exactly who is she in danger from? While reading this book I kept thinking about the catch phrase from a 1930’s radio show my mom used to talk about. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" *Insert evil laugh* It had everything you want in a good mystery and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
Description:
Rosie and Chad Lowan are barely making ends meet in New York City when they receive life-changing news: Chad’s late uncle has left them his luxury apartment at the historic Windermere in glamorous Murray Hill. With its prewar elegance and impeccably uniformed doorman, the building is the epitome of old New York charm. One would almost never suspect the dark history lurking behind its perfectly maintained facade. At first, the building and its eclectic tenants couldn’t feel more welcoming. But as the Lowans settle into their new home, Rosie starts to suspect that there’s more to the Windermere than meets the eye. Why is the doorman ever-present? Why are there cameras everywhere? And why have so many gruesome crimes occurred there throughout the years? When one of the neighbors turns up dead, Rosie must get to the truth about the Windermere before she, too, falls under its dangerous spell.
Review:
I LOVE a locked-room mystery, especially one based in New York, so I was super excited to read this. From the very beginning you can feel a sense of unease and tension between Rosie and her new neighbors, (and the creepy doorman -who’s always there and always watching!) even though her husband thinks of them as great friends. Rosie doesn’t quite trust them, but Chad convinces her she’s being ridiculous. There’s also a supernatural element to the story when ghosts try to warn Rosie she’s in danger, but exactly who is she in danger from? While reading this book I kept thinking about the catch phrase from a 1930’s radio show my mom used to talk about. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" *Insert evil laugh* It had everything you want in a good mystery and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
May 29, 2024
A lot of mixed reviews for this one but I thought it was fun!
Rosie and Chad inherit a grand apartment in downtown Manhattan from Chad's dying uncle. This is just what they need to kick start not only their careers but hopefully a family as well.
The Windemere is well known in NYC for it's seemingly bad luck. From murders to suicides to accidental deaths. The building seems to be the downfall for all that enter it's doors. What does the Windermere have in store for it's new residents? You'll have to read this to find out!
Reminiscent of Rosemary's Baby and wonderfully entertaining. This was a real page-turner. I can't say that there were any twists or surprises. In fact, I had this one figured out from the start but that didn't deter me from reading right to the last page. I loved Rosie and I was happy to read along as she started slotting the puzzle pieces together. If you're a fan of Rosemary's Baby and spine-tingling stories then this is one for you! 4 stars!
Thanks to Overdrive for the loan!
Rosie and Chad inherit a grand apartment in downtown Manhattan from Chad's dying uncle. This is just what they need to kick start not only their careers but hopefully a family as well.
The Windemere is well known in NYC for it's seemingly bad luck. From murders to suicides to accidental deaths. The building seems to be the downfall for all that enter it's doors. What does the Windermere have in store for it's new residents? You'll have to read this to find out!
Reminiscent of Rosemary's Baby and wonderfully entertaining. This was a real page-turner. I can't say that there were any twists or surprises. In fact, I had this one figured out from the start but that didn't deter me from reading right to the last page. I loved Rosie and I was happy to read along as she started slotting the puzzle pieces together. If you're a fan of Rosemary's Baby and spine-tingling stories then this is one for you! 4 stars!
Thanks to Overdrive for the loan!
April 23, 2024
3/5 ★'s
This was certainly an interesting story, however, it fell a bit flat by the endpoint. Rosie and her husband inherit an old New York apartment from the uncle they had been caring for. From that point forward all of the creepiness starts.
You basically start to learn the hotel's history, meet the people who stay there, and follow Rosie's life. There is also another perspective that does come into play, but there was almost no reason for it.
I enjoyed the eeriness of the story, but besides that, there weren't really any gasping moments with twists. With all of the story and set up I was expecting something that blew me away.
By the end of the story I thought "All for this?" and then when they finally started exploring the tidbits I had been waiting for they just kind of blew past it.
I am glad I read the book, but I don't know that I would recommend it to anyone unless you were just looking to read a well-written story with the eerie factor.
This was certainly an interesting story, however, it fell a bit flat by the endpoint. Rosie and her husband inherit an old New York apartment from the uncle they had been caring for. From that point forward all of the creepiness starts.
You basically start to learn the hotel's history, meet the people who stay there, and follow Rosie's life. There is also another perspective that does come into play, but there was almost no reason for it.
I enjoyed the eeriness of the story, but besides that, there weren't really any gasping moments with twists. With all of the story and set up I was expecting something that blew me away.
By the end of the story I thought "All for this?" and then when they finally started exploring the tidbits I had been waiting for they just kind of blew past it.
I am glad I read the book, but I don't know that I would recommend it to anyone unless you were just looking to read a well-written story with the eerie factor.
February 21, 2024
Something about an author complaining about capitalism and the traditional publishing industry, while taking our money via the traditional publishing industry, does not sit right with me. You don't sound edgy, Lisa. You sound ungrateful.
June 6, 2024
Nah Ms Unger, this was so beyond belief, I couldn't believe what I was reading. And don't even know what I was reading.
0.5 stars!!!!!!
0.5 stars!!!!!!
February 4, 2024
Lisa Unger's "The New Couple in 5B" took me on a pulse-quickening ride filled with suspense and uncertainty, delivering an electrifying thrill that gripped me from the opening pages. The novel masterfully navigated the shadows of its questionable characters and kept me on the edge of my seat with a perfect blend of suspense that left me breathless.
The dual timelines, seamlessly interwoven with excerpts from the past, added a thrilling complexity to the narrative. Surprisingly, the '60s storyline stole the spotlight at times, injecting an extra dose of excitement that surpassed the intensity of the present-day plot. The loose connection between the two timelines only heightened the mystery, making every revelation more tantalizing.
Unger's exploration of the world of writers and publishing was a highlight, creating a deliciously connection with readers who share a passion for the written word. The narrative skillfully peeled back the layers, immersing me in the lives of characters who resonated with the struggles and triumphs of the writing journey.
At the core of the story is Rosie, a true crime writer, and her struggling actor husband, Chad, battling financial woes in the heart of New York City. Their fortunes take an unexpected turn when Chad inherits a luxurious apartment in the historic Windermere. The building's prewar charm and impeccably uniformed doorman belie a dark history that added a spine-chilling layer to the unfolding drama.
Unger's writing style achieved a remarkable feat by not just telling the story but enveloping me in its atmosphere. The vivid descriptions transported me to the eerie corridors of the Windermere, making every twist and turn pulse with a sense of urgency. The historic setting and its enigmatic inhabitants further intensified the novel's gripping allure.
While the connection between the two timelines may have been loosely tethered to the main plot, I found myself relishing every moment of the additional layer it brought to the narrative. Lisa Unger's "The New Couple in 5B" left me yearning for more, marking a spectacular introduction to her work. For those who crave a spine-tingling mix of ghosts, murder mystery, and relentless suspense, this is a literary rollercoaster that guarantees an exhilarating ride until the final page.
The dual timelines, seamlessly interwoven with excerpts from the past, added a thrilling complexity to the narrative. Surprisingly, the '60s storyline stole the spotlight at times, injecting an extra dose of excitement that surpassed the intensity of the present-day plot. The loose connection between the two timelines only heightened the mystery, making every revelation more tantalizing.
Unger's exploration of the world of writers and publishing was a highlight, creating a deliciously connection with readers who share a passion for the written word. The narrative skillfully peeled back the layers, immersing me in the lives of characters who resonated with the struggles and triumphs of the writing journey.
At the core of the story is Rosie, a true crime writer, and her struggling actor husband, Chad, battling financial woes in the heart of New York City. Their fortunes take an unexpected turn when Chad inherits a luxurious apartment in the historic Windermere. The building's prewar charm and impeccably uniformed doorman belie a dark history that added a spine-chilling layer to the unfolding drama.
Unger's writing style achieved a remarkable feat by not just telling the story but enveloping me in its atmosphere. The vivid descriptions transported me to the eerie corridors of the Windermere, making every twist and turn pulse with a sense of urgency. The historic setting and its enigmatic inhabitants further intensified the novel's gripping allure.
While the connection between the two timelines may have been loosely tethered to the main plot, I found myself relishing every moment of the additional layer it brought to the narrative. Lisa Unger's "The New Couple in 5B" left me yearning for more, marking a spectacular introduction to her work. For those who crave a spine-tingling mix of ghosts, murder mystery, and relentless suspense, this is a literary rollercoaster that guarantees an exhilarating ride until the final page.
March 13, 2024
Lisa Unger is a wonderful storyteller and her stories are, yes, thrilling. In her new one, a young married couple inherits an apartment in a building that may (or may not) be cursed in the Murray Hill neighborhood in Manhattan. Imagine "Rosemary's Baby" meets "The Shining" -- or the Bramford meets the Overlook. It's that much fun. And while the novel is set in New York City, it has more twists than a Tuscan road.
April 2, 2024
If you are trash like me, you might be familiar with the term “the sun shines on a dog’s butt every once in a while.” This could also be rephrased as occasionally Kelly actually likes something that she has really been anticipating. Oh, but have no fear, friends – I’m still a wrongreader as most of my pals found this to be pretty lackluster. Me, however???
I was really vibulating with the Ira Levin sort of feels I was picking up. Be forewarned, this tale of a couple who inherit a deceased uncle’s $5M fat pad in NYC doesn’t contain many twists or turns, so it’s truly about the connection. I have no idea if the homage to Levin was intentional or not, but I was picking up on the best sort of tasty tidbits from Rosemary’s Baby and (maybe the only decent part at all) from Sliver.
The one thing I found absolutely unnecessary? The time-hop to the narrative in the past. That was 100% a lame distraction simply for “shock and awe” (and very little of that) that could have easily been information revealed while Rosie was digging through the boxes upon boxes in the storage unit to discover the “haunted” past of the historic Windermere. Also? Please don’t name characters “Chad” . . . .
This is the time where half stars would be great because I truly think this falls at 3.5. Buuuuuut, Imma round up because Lisa Unger remains firmly planted on my “don’t care how, I want it now” list and to maybe convince her publisher to not deny me every time I request an ARC since I actually read AND dig her stuff.
I was really vibulating with the Ira Levin sort of feels I was picking up. Be forewarned, this tale of a couple who inherit a deceased uncle’s $5M fat pad in NYC doesn’t contain many twists or turns, so it’s truly about the connection. I have no idea if the homage to Levin was intentional or not, but I was picking up on the best sort of tasty tidbits from Rosemary’s Baby and (maybe the only decent part at all) from Sliver.
The one thing I found absolutely unnecessary? The time-hop to the narrative in the past. That was 100% a lame distraction simply for “shock and awe” (and very little of that) that could have easily been information revealed while Rosie was digging through the boxes upon boxes in the storage unit to discover the “haunted” past of the historic Windermere. Also? Please don’t name characters “Chad” . . . .
This is the time where half stars would be great because I truly think this falls at 3.5. Buuuuuut, Imma round up because Lisa Unger remains firmly planted on my “don’t care how, I want it now” list and to maybe convince her publisher to not deny me every time I request an ARC since I actually read AND dig her stuff.
June 25, 2024
Totally thrilling ride. Having this set in NYC in a creepy building with macabre history, toss in a lovely young couple whom begin to grow darker.... completely up my alley. Supporting cast was refreshing. A bit of paranormal but only enough to set the mood. I kinda want to visit this building. A touch of Murders in the Building meets Rosemary's Baby meets Ghost. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2024
This was so bad. SO. BAD.
The writing was cringe-y and had me rolling my eyes on more than one occasion. It just felt like there was no thought put into this… I didn’t care about any of the characters, and everything I was told about them felt so out of leftfield. It’s offhandedly mentioned that Rosie was estranged from her family. And then we get all this batshit information about them being psychics and seers and readers? With no explanation for anything – which to some extent, okay, she did leave them. But clearly it was important to the plot.
There was SO much death and murder for shock value, and it did absolutely nothing to further the -lack of- plot.
You can tell that this author has never been to therapy and just really likes to use the world gaslit. Rosie’s sessions were a headache and a half.
The inclusion of the stories from the 60s would've been really cool if it was executed well. It all just felt very haphazardly shoved in to tie up loose ends when it mostly just forced things along and was jarring and random.
Chad – lord, let’s start with the fact that his name is Chad. That alone was enough for me to know he was going to be the worst. But the fact that we waited until everything had been resolved to be like OH WAIT JUST KIDDING, CHAD IS ALSO BAD LIKE YOU BELIEVED ALL ALONG LOL. And then for Rosie to GENUINELY think her love “changed him”. GIRL. YOU ARE IN THERAPY. Your therapist sucks, but nonetheless, you. are. in. therapy. UGH.
I hated having to slog through this, and I wish I had just dnf’d.
The writing was cringe-y and had me rolling my eyes on more than one occasion. It just felt like there was no thought put into this… I didn’t care about any of the characters, and everything I was told about them felt so out of leftfield. It’s offhandedly mentioned that Rosie was estranged from her family. And then we get all this batshit information about them being psychics and seers and readers? With no explanation for anything – which to some extent, okay, she did leave them. But clearly it was important to the plot.
There was SO much death and murder for shock value, and it did absolutely nothing to further the -lack of- plot.
You can tell that this author has never been to therapy and just really likes to use the world gaslit. Rosie’s sessions were a headache and a half.
The inclusion of the stories from the 60s would've been really cool if it was executed well. It all just felt very haphazardly shoved in to tie up loose ends when it mostly just forced things along and was jarring and random.
Chad – lord, let’s start with the fact that his name is Chad. That alone was enough for me to know he was going to be the worst. But the fact that we waited until everything had been resolved to be like OH WAIT JUST KIDDING, CHAD IS ALSO BAD LIKE YOU BELIEVED ALL ALONG LOL. And then for Rosie to GENUINELY think her love “changed him”. GIRL. YOU ARE IN THERAPY. Your therapist sucks, but nonetheless, you. are. in. therapy. UGH.
I hated having to slog through this, and I wish I had just dnf’d.
March 29, 2024
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger was a suspenseful and gripping mystery thriller. As in many of Lisa Unger’s novels, there were creepy and haunting scenes that portrayed elements of the supernatural. The New Couple in 5B took place in New York City in an exclusive apartment building on Park Avenue. It was told mostly in present day but there were flashbacks to 1963 when a married couple named Willa and Paul resided in apartment 5B. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Vivienne Leheny. She did a good job of distinguishing between the characters. I also read parts of the book on my kindle.
Chad and Rosie Lowan had only been married for a short time when they learned that Chad’s Uncle Ivan was dying. He was one of Chad’s only remaining relatives. Rosie had met Uncle Ivan on several occasions and liked him very much. Chad and Rosie both wanted to help with Uncle Ivan’s care as his condition worsened. Chad’s uncle lived in the notorious Windermere building on Park Avenue. The building itself was a prewar building that boasted a doorman and elevator operator. Uncle Ivan’s apartment was spectacular and quite large. Rosie and Chad could only dream of living in such a building like the Windermere. They were having a hard time making ends meet. Presently, Chad and Rosie lived in a walk up apartment building. Chad was an inspiring actor and Rosie was an author. She had written one book so far and was hoping to write another one.
Then the unexpected occurred. Uncle Ivan had recently died and had left his five million dollar apartment in the Windermere to Chad and Rosie. This was a complete surprise and shock to Rosie. She had assumed that Uncle Ivan would be leaving his apartment to his daughter, Dana. Rosie knew that Dana and Ivan had been estranged for years but she was his daughter. Chad reminded Rosie that they had been there for Ivan during his last few months. Dana had not come to see him and had not even called during his illness. Rosie was still in disbelief, though.
Rosie and Chad made arrangements to move into the apartment they had inherited in the Windermere. There were lots of stories that had circulated about the Windermere over the years. Rosie had decided to write her next true crime novel about the rumors of the strange occurrences that had taken place at the Windermere over the years. It would make it easier to do her research now that she and Chad were living there. From the minute Rosie entered the Windermere, she felt uncomfortable. Were Rosie’s uncomfortable feelings and suspicions justified? Was she just overreacting? Why were so many unexplained things happening? Was Rosie in danger?
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger was well written and paced just right. I really enjoyed engaging with the characters that Lisa Unger had developed for this book. There was just the right amount of spookiness and mystique in this book to keep me engaged and focused on the plot. Be aware that there were several suspicious deaths, possible murders, suicides, sightings of ghosts, a miscarriage, hidden cameras and numerous secrets throughout the book. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger and highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Chad and Rosie Lowan had only been married for a short time when they learned that Chad’s Uncle Ivan was dying. He was one of Chad’s only remaining relatives. Rosie had met Uncle Ivan on several occasions and liked him very much. Chad and Rosie both wanted to help with Uncle Ivan’s care as his condition worsened. Chad’s uncle lived in the notorious Windermere building on Park Avenue. The building itself was a prewar building that boasted a doorman and elevator operator. Uncle Ivan’s apartment was spectacular and quite large. Rosie and Chad could only dream of living in such a building like the Windermere. They were having a hard time making ends meet. Presently, Chad and Rosie lived in a walk up apartment building. Chad was an inspiring actor and Rosie was an author. She had written one book so far and was hoping to write another one.
Then the unexpected occurred. Uncle Ivan had recently died and had left his five million dollar apartment in the Windermere to Chad and Rosie. This was a complete surprise and shock to Rosie. She had assumed that Uncle Ivan would be leaving his apartment to his daughter, Dana. Rosie knew that Dana and Ivan had been estranged for years but she was his daughter. Chad reminded Rosie that they had been there for Ivan during his last few months. Dana had not come to see him and had not even called during his illness. Rosie was still in disbelief, though.
Rosie and Chad made arrangements to move into the apartment they had inherited in the Windermere. There were lots of stories that had circulated about the Windermere over the years. Rosie had decided to write her next true crime novel about the rumors of the strange occurrences that had taken place at the Windermere over the years. It would make it easier to do her research now that she and Chad were living there. From the minute Rosie entered the Windermere, she felt uncomfortable. Were Rosie’s uncomfortable feelings and suspicions justified? Was she just overreacting? Why were so many unexplained things happening? Was Rosie in danger?
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger was well written and paced just right. I really enjoyed engaging with the characters that Lisa Unger had developed for this book. There was just the right amount of spookiness and mystique in this book to keep me engaged and focused on the plot. Be aware that there were several suspicious deaths, possible murders, suicides, sightings of ghosts, a miscarriage, hidden cameras and numerous secrets throughout the book. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger and highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2023
One thing about Lisa Unger and her novels, you never know what to expect! THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B not only has her best cover yet, but it's her most suspense-oozed mystery/thriller I've read.
When Rosie and her husband Chad get news about Chad's uncle passing away and leaving them his luxury condominium in the historic Windermere—a pre-war building in Murray Hill, the couple sees the light at the end of the tunnel. They're both trying to survive in New York and Rosie is working on her next book in hopes that she can build upon her last book's success. Rosie and Chad jump at this opportunity, but Rosie can't help but wonder why they were given this home in his will and not his own daughter. Why does the Windermere have such an interesting cast of tenants? Why is the doorman constantly watching them? Rosie begins to suspect something more sinister could be at play...
THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B is the perfect cocktail of Simone St. James and Riley Sager's Lock Every Door. This suspense-driven novel is ghastly unique to Unger's previous novels, but still provides the bingeworthy adventures you've come to love from the author. Teetering between supernatural and thriller, you may just be surprised how this novel turns out. As usual, Lisa Unger's books will leave you wanting to discuss and debate—a perfect book club choice! As you may expect from the author, THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B will keep you talking.
Lastly, after reading the acknowledgements, I appreciated how close to the story that Lisa was and how the journey in crafting THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B came to be. I always pay attention to the afterword or acknowledgements section because you just never know what the author will divulge to readers! Lisa Unger continues to be a staple in my reading and I can't wait to see what she gives readers next!
When Rosie and her husband Chad get news about Chad's uncle passing away and leaving them his luxury condominium in the historic Windermere—a pre-war building in Murray Hill, the couple sees the light at the end of the tunnel. They're both trying to survive in New York and Rosie is working on her next book in hopes that she can build upon her last book's success. Rosie and Chad jump at this opportunity, but Rosie can't help but wonder why they were given this home in his will and not his own daughter. Why does the Windermere have such an interesting cast of tenants? Why is the doorman constantly watching them? Rosie begins to suspect something more sinister could be at play...
THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B is the perfect cocktail of Simone St. James and Riley Sager's Lock Every Door. This suspense-driven novel is ghastly unique to Unger's previous novels, but still provides the bingeworthy adventures you've come to love from the author. Teetering between supernatural and thriller, you may just be surprised how this novel turns out. As usual, Lisa Unger's books will leave you wanting to discuss and debate—a perfect book club choice! As you may expect from the author, THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B will keep you talking.
Lastly, after reading the acknowledgements, I appreciated how close to the story that Lisa was and how the journey in crafting THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B came to be. I always pay attention to the afterword or acknowledgements section because you just never know what the author will divulge to readers! Lisa Unger continues to be a staple in my reading and I can't wait to see what she gives readers next!
April 15, 2024
This book was more than a little annoying... the stupidity, the gaslighting, the banal reflections. MC Rosie's sessions with her therapist made me dizzy with my eyes rolling out of control.
I may have to rethink my interest in Unger. GR Author Helen Power has a better book with ghosts in the basement, The Ghosts of Thorwald Place and the Green Soup in Korelitz's The Plot was more clever by far...and let's not even get into the pareve variation on Rosemary's Baby.
I may have to rethink my interest in Unger. GR Author Helen Power has a better book with ghosts in the basement, The Ghosts of Thorwald Place and the Green Soup in Korelitz's The Plot was more clever by far...and let's not even get into the pareve variation on Rosemary's Baby.
October 10, 2023
Thank you so much to Lisa Unger and Park Row Books for my copy of this book! This story was about Rosie and Chad, a couple who is struggling to succeed in New York. Rosie is a writer and Chad is an actor, and they’ve just come into some luck. Chad’s uncle passes away and leaves them a luxury apartment in a historic building, complete with an old elevator and doorman. But there is a dark history of death surrounding the building, and Rosie wants to write about it.
Rosie starts seeing the ghosts of the building, in more ways than one. She starts to suspect that someone is listening to her and watching her every move. The new surveillance in the building does nothing to make her feel safe, and as she starts to learn of the crimes in the building’s history, she is afraid everything, and everyone, are not who they seem.
Thoughts: This reminded me a lot of Riley Sager’s Lock Every Door. It was set in a creepy and historical New York building, the perfect place for old ghosts. I thought Rosie’s past was really interesting, as well as all the connections to mediums in the story. It was so hard to know who to trust, and I loved the chapters from the past and Willa’s perspective.
This story was a very slow burn and I felt an underlying chill the entire time. It felt like it could go supernatural, and I’m happy with the way it played out. The ending was so obvious and I knew where it was going from the middle of the book, but that didn’t ruin it for me. The ending just felt a bit lackluster, but the story was great. 4-stars for this eerie mystery.
Rosie starts seeing the ghosts of the building, in more ways than one. She starts to suspect that someone is listening to her and watching her every move. The new surveillance in the building does nothing to make her feel safe, and as she starts to learn of the crimes in the building’s history, she is afraid everything, and everyone, are not who they seem.
Thoughts: This reminded me a lot of Riley Sager’s Lock Every Door. It was set in a creepy and historical New York building, the perfect place for old ghosts. I thought Rosie’s past was really interesting, as well as all the connections to mediums in the story. It was so hard to know who to trust, and I loved the chapters from the past and Willa’s perspective.
This story was a very slow burn and I felt an underlying chill the entire time. It felt like it could go supernatural, and I’m happy with the way it played out. The ending was so obvious and I knew where it was going from the middle of the book, but that didn’t ruin it for me. The ending just felt a bit lackluster, but the story was great. 4-stars for this eerie mystery.
May 21, 2024
I knew I should have passed by this one unfortunately Lisa Unger takes her time in her novels lately to get you invested not for me.
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