"The New Couple in 5B" by Lisa Unger is a thrilling journey into the heart of a luxury New York apartment building wrapped in mystery and history. Unger, a master of suspense, crafts a tale that not only grips you from the start but also ensnares you in a web of intrigue, where every corner of the historic Windermere seems to whisper secrets of the past.

Rosie and Chad Lowan, the protagonists, are a couple struggling to make ends meet in the bustling city of New York. The unexpected inheritance of a luxurious apartment in Murray Hill promises a new beginning for them. Yet, as they navigate their new life among the Windermere's eclectic residents, a sense of unease begins to settle in. Rosie's discovery of the building's dark history, coupled with the mysterious demeanor of its tenants, throws her into a quest for truth that becomes increasingly perilous.

Unger's narrative prowess is on full display as she deftly weaves together a story that is as much about the secrets we keep as it is about the lengths we'll go to uncover them. The Windermere, with its prewar elegance and shadowy past, becomes a character in its own right, embodying the charm and menace of old New York.

The novel's suspense is amplified by its dual timeline, which explores the building's grim history through the eyes of former tenants. This narrative choice enriches the story, offering a haunting glimpse into the lives that have traversed its halls and the tragedies that have unfolded within its walls. Unger masterfully balances the supernatural elements with the psychological, creating a spine-tingling atmosphere that keeps you on edge.

While the plot twists are cleverly executed, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying, it is Unger's exploration of the human psyche that truly elevates the story. Rosie's resilience and determination to uncover the truth, even as she grapples with her own doubts and fears, make her a compelling and relatable protagonist.

In "The New Couple in 5B," Lisa Unger has crafted a mesmerizing thriller that combines the allure of a Gothic mystery with the pace of a modern suspense novel. It's a story that not only entertains but also lingers, prompting reflection on the nature of history, memory, and the buildings we call home. A solid four-star read, this novel is a testament to Unger's skill in creating a world that is both eerily familiar and unsettlingly mysterious.

Unputdownable! Read when you have time to binge the whole thing! Engaging and fast-paced writing style, interesting and multidimensional character. Spooky and thrilling.

“You. Standing on solid ground, reaching. Me. On the ledge, looking down.” Here are reasons to read the Thriller book:

An Inheritance - Rosie and Chad inherited and apartment from Chad’s Uncle the could literally change their lives
Building History - not only is it located in the expensive Murray Hill, but Rosie, an author, is writing a book about it’s extremely dark past
Suspicions - She begins to have creepy suspicions about the people who live there, and then she starts to see things
Mistrust - And the biggest realization of all could be how they got this apartment in the first place, and that maybe her husband is not everything she thinks she knows

When I first heard about this book, I was expecting a gothic and creepy tale. And while there were parts that were very creepy, there was so much suspicion thrown everywhere that you really could not figure out who was responsible for it all. Rosie is not a stupid character, and she uncovers the plot as best as she can, considering the amount of trauma she has had to endure. I thought it was a great thriller read and another solid one from this author.

The blurb I read when I received the widget didn't mention anything supernatural about this thriller, but I was pleasantly surprised by that aspect once I really started getting into the book. It isn't an overwhelming or dominant part of the story, but complements the overall mystery of the book. It gave me very strong Rosemary's Baby throughout, and once I read the author's note at the end I understood why. I quickly got invested in the mystery of this story, and while I wish some more time had been spent on some of the other deaths in the building, the split timeline between past and present really enhanced the mystery. And I like the mix of predictable mystery with the twists you don't see coming.

This book is about Rose and Chad Lowan who are struggling financially in NYC. They then inherit a luxury apartment, Windermere, from Chad's late uncle. But this apartment has a past of violence.

At first all the tenants seems welcoming of the new couple but then she starts noticing unsettling things. Like the ever-present doorman and there are security cameras everywhere.

This book was an alright thriller, not mind blowing but not that bad either. The plot kept me engaged and I was interested in the story.

There were flashback chapters from the POV of Willa, a former tenant of Windermere. But I did not like her character because there was cheating involved.

I saw the plot twist coming and there was a tiny bit of supernatural element to the story.

Overall, an entertaining thriller.

So good.

The New Couple in 5B took all the elements of suspense and mystery and sprinkled with the paranormal in a way I found spellbinding. The story takes place around a historical apartment in the "Windermere" building. Rosie and Chad inherit the posh apartment after his uncle passes away. Rosie and Chad were his caregivers throughout his end of life and he left the 5M apartment to them in his will. Not everyone is happy about this, however.

Throughout the book, we get to know the other owners living in the Windermere. They all live under the watchful eye of the doorman, Abi. He's so watchful all they have to do is say "Hey Abi"and he will answer them through the state of the art intercom system set up in the apartment. If you think this is creepy, let's add in the ghosts of Windermere past, including one of little Miles hanging out in the basement.

Rosie is writing a book inspired by the Windermere and she is researching its history. The book toggles back and forth from past to present and blends together perfectly,

I loved this story. The ending had a few surprises in it I did not see coming. It was a mezmerizing story and the history of the building was the star of the book in my eyes.

4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.

This book was pretty good, set in a super old mysterious building in New York. Told in 2 different timelines which come together. This one gives Rosemarys baby vibes. And then when you think it’s over BAM at the end, my favorite part. Definitely a good read.

Publication date: March 5th, 2024
Page count: 384
Genre: domestic thriller
Setting: Murray Hill, NYC

Financially struggling couple Rosie and Chad Owen inherit Chad’s late uncle’s luxury apartment in the Windermere in Murray Hill. This apartment comes with the history of its tenants previous occupants. This is presented with dual timelines- from the 60s and now.

Solid. Entertaining. Not my favorite Lisa Unger’s book, looking forward to her next one!


Thank you to author, publisher, NetGalley for advanced copy. This is an honest voluntary review.

If you loved:
•Nestlings
•Lock Every Door
•Rosemary’s Baby
…then this is the book for you!

Rosie and Chad inherit a luxurious NYC apartment but the building possesses a spine-tingling past…when a dead body is found, will they also fall under its dangerous spell?

What I loved most about this story was the creepy, haunting undertones! Both the present and past timelines/POVs were mysterious and highlighted the gothic atmosphere. Her descriptions are eerie and vivid, transporting me right to the doorstep of the Windermere building.

I’m a huge fan of paranormal elements in stories and Unger delivers it. I loved the twisty ending…just when you think it’s over, it’s not. It was a great story on audio, especially if you like to be creeped out!

In this most recent psychological thriller from Lisa Unger, a young couple inherits a luxury apartment in a historic New York building with a mysterious past. Rosie, a non-fiction author, and Chad, her charming actor husband, have been named as the heirs to his uncle’s multi-million dollar apartment in the Windemere but their windfall is not without its consequences. The will may be contested, Rosie finds the ever-present doorman off-putting, and when a neighbor is found dead under questionable circumstances, she begins to think their fortune may be ill-fated. Told from Rosie’s perspective this thriller almost reads like a modern gothic with the Windermere as a formidable, malignant presence.

✨Book Review✨
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
This was a pretty good thriller! If you like creepy building vibes, I would recommend this one. It reminded me a little of the Paris Apartment and Lock Every Door so if you liked either of those I think this one is for you. I read the majority of this book in two days, so the drive to know what is going to happen is strong. And I actually liked the ending, which is not always the case for me. I listened to the audio for most of the book, but I think I preferred the e-book.

How well do you really know those closest to you? That is the central question at play throughout this compelling psychological thriller. You may think that you see the twists coming, but they will keep surprising you right up through the last page. This was a real page turner with a hint of paranormal and haunting activity and will leave you wanting more from this author!

I suppose I enjoy mysteries much more than thrillers. More and more, I feel like thrillers cheat, adding convenient, impossible twists to explain events. I so appreciate books like Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone where there's no deception of the reader to explain the plot.

Certainly many of my criticisms of this book are a me problem. I don't mind stories that might have ghosts, or where a character thinks they saw something. But when a non-fantasy novel relies on spirits, I'm out. Too bad there isn't a way to have a "supernatural twist" warning so I can just avoid books with real ghosties.

I absolutely loved Confessions on the 7:45. Unger is an excellent writer, compelling without being too dramatic, fun without being too campy. I enjoyed the creepy old building with the ageless bellhop. I did figure out some of the twists, but nothing that spoiled it too much for me.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! I purchased for my library.

Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row, and NetGalley for an advance electronic copy of this book.

I’ve been a Lisa Unger fan for years. She’s well known for suspenseful thrillers. This one is full of twists and turns.

Rosie, a true crime writer, and her husband Chad, a struggling actor, inherit his uncle’s apartment at the Windermere. There are strange, ghostly happenings and a creepy history of the building. And a doorman named Abi… does he ever leave? Be careful what you say, you never know who might hear you…

All I can tell you is I didn’t know where this was going for a long time. The book has suspenseful, eerie vibes and a few jaw-dropping moments. Interweaving two timelines, one in the 60’s, and the current day, told from two perspectives. There’s a lot to take in, especially in the last quarter of the book, but if thrillers are up your alley, I think you’ll want to get your hands on this one.

‘I stood as a pupil of death; stood before death’s boundless knowledge and let myself be educated.
- Rainer Maria Rilke

Contains some strong profanity, not frequent. Several brief intimate scenes, light details.

I am so grateful to the author, publisher, and Netgalley, for allowing me to review this book!

This book follows Rosie, who with husband Chad have recently inherited an apartment in a beautiful, historic building with a harrowing history. As time goes on, murders and ghostly sightings begin to make Rosie question everything about her relationships and her own safety. It is one of the more gripping thrillers I’ve read in a while, and overall, I enjoyed it immensely! In some ways this book has everything: mystery, horror elements, a very cool and creepy setting, and interesting characters. However, I did have one major issue that kept me from giving a five star review.

The author was clearly trying to draw inspiration from, and even pay homage to, Ira Levin’s classic Rosemary’s Baby. Unfortunately, for the first third of the book, the author sticks so closely to that plot line (Rosie’s name, her actor husband, their move into the creepy but glamorous apartment, their suspicious elderly neighbors who gift them charm necklaces for luck, their attempts to have a baby) that the story takes far too long to feel original. At one point I told my mom (my forever reading buddy!), “This book is great, but I’ve read it before.” The similarities in the plot even made me feel convinced that I knew who the villains would be in the end- no spoilers, I won’t tell you what I thought or if I was right :-). But that feeling took the fun out of guessing.

Eventually, the plot takes off in a new direction, and gets very hard to put down! I’m glad I kept going with it and I think others will enjoy it as well!

I have never felt so conflicted on how I feel about a book. This story started out slow and a little hard to follow. I also wasn’t really interested in the ghost/spirits. Then by the middle, I didn’t want to put the book down and wanted to know more! The end was a little too “explain-y” for me but I’m glad it didn’t feel super rushed.. Unfortunately , I overall just felt like I didn’t jive with this one but it wasn’t a complete dud.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I had a really hard time getting into this. I don't quite understand how the two storylines were connected. They just didn't seem to be, in my opinion. It felt a bit forced. And the motivation behind the villains here just wasn't super believable. Overall, I wasn't a huge fan, but if you like a thriller, you might enjoy this one. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

"The New Couple in 5B" by Lisa Unger is a gripping tale that effortlessly weaves together dual timelines, offering readers an immersive journey through past and present. Unger masterfully crafts a narrative that will captivate readers who crave ghosts, seamlessly blending elements of the supernatural with a compelling murder mystery.

From the moment you step into the world of 5B, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat, engulfed in relentless suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end. Unger expertly builds tension with each turn of the page, drawing readers deeper into a labyrinth of secrets and deceit.

But what truly sets this novel apart is its literary rollercoaster ride of emotions. Unger skillfully explores the complexities of relationships, both past and present, while keeping the pulse-pounding mystery at the forefront. As the layers of the story unravel, you'll find yourself emotionally invested in the characters and their intertwined fates.

"The New Couple in 5B" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking thriller that delivers on every level. Unger's masterful storytelling will leave you breathless, eagerly turning pages late into the night. This is a book that lingers long after the final chapter, a testament to Unger's talent for crafting unforgettable tales.

She does it again! The master of twists and turns and just when you have it figured out…just kidding! I loved this NYC based novel by Lisa and she kept me guessing until the last pages of who done it! She always had well developed characters and takes the readers on a roller coaster ride, so hang on! 5 star read!

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 façade.

Definitely thought this would be more of a domestic thriller than a ghost story, but really liked it anyway! "666 Park Avenue" meets "Rosemary’s Baby" with spine-tingling supernatural vibes. Lisa Unger takes us on a 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.