A Dream Apartment Becomes a Nightmare
We’ve all fantasized about suddenly inheriting a glamorous New York City apartment, right? The kind of place with soaring ceilings, a doorman, and a coveted address that would normally be way out of reach. But what if that dream come true turned into your worst nightmare?
In her latest psychological thriller “The New Couple in 5B,” bestselling author Lisa Unger takes this tantalizing premise and spins it into a web of escalating tension and creeping dread. As we follow aspiring writer Rosie Lowan and her actor husband Chad into their newly inherited luxury apartment at the historic Windermere building, we’re drawn into a claustrophobic world where nothing is quite as it seems. What starts as an exciting new chapter for the young couple slowly unravels into a fight for survival as long-buried secrets and an obsession with the past threaten to destroy everything they hold dear.
A Twisty, Addictive Plot That Keeps You Guessing
Unger wastes no time ratcheting up the suspense, opening with a chilling prologue that immediately sets an ominous tone. From there, she expertly weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives to create a richly layered mystery. In the present day, we follow Rosie as she settles into life at the Windermere and begins researching the building’s dark history for her next book. But strange occurrences and an increasing sense of paranoia soon have her questioning everything and everyone around her.
Interspersed with Rosie’s narrative are flashbacks to 1963 and the doomed romance of Willa Winter, a previous tenant of apartment 5B. As the two women’s stories begin to intersect in unexpected ways, Unger keeps readers on their toes with jaw-dropping twists and shocking revelations. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s really going on, she pulls the rug out from under you once again.
The pacing is relentless, with short chapters and cliffhanger endings that make it nearly impossible to put the book down. I found myself staying up way too late, constantly promising “just one more chapter” as I raced to uncover the truth. Unger has a knack for ending each section on a perfectly calibrated note of suspense that compels you to keep reading.
Complex Characters You Love to Hate (and Hate to Love)
While the plot of “The New Couple in 5B” is undeniably gripping, it’s Unger’s nuanced character work that truly elevates the novel. Rosie makes for a compelling and relatable protagonist, her natural curiosity and writerly instincts constantly at war with her growing fears and suspicions. As a fellow writer, I found her internal struggle between pursuing the truth and protecting herself painfully authentic.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from Chad’s easygoing charm that may be hiding darker impulses to the eccentric neighbors who all seem to be harboring their own secrets. I was particularly intrigued by Ella and Charles Aldridge, the elderly couple next door who take Rosie and Chad under their wing. Their outward warmth and hospitality is undercut by an unsettling intensity, leaving you constantly wondering about their true motivations.
Even minor characters feel fully realized, with distinct personalities and hidden depths. Unger has a gift for revealing telling details that speak volumes about a person’s inner life. With just a few deft strokes, she brings the Windermere and its inhabitants vividly to life.
Themes of Obsession, Legacy, and the Weight of the Past
Beyond the pulse-pounding suspense, “The New Couple in 5B” grapples with some weightier themes that linger long after the final page. At its core, this is a story about the sometimes destructive power of obsession—whether it’s Rosie’s fixation on uncovering the building’s secrets, the Aldridges’ desperate attempts to reclaim their family legacy, or the way past trauma can warp a person’s entire worldview.
Unger explores how the places we live can become extensions of ourselves, absorbing our hopes, fears, and darkest impulses. The Windermere itself emerges as a character in its own right, its grand facade hiding rot and darkness within—much like the secrets festering behind closed doors.
There’s also a poignant examination of the ties that bind us to family, both chosen and blood. Rosie’s strained relationship with her estranged sister Sarah provides a compelling counterpoint to the closeness she feels with her new “family” at the Windermere. The novel asks provocative questions about the nature of belonging and the lengths we’ll go to protect the people and places we love.
Atmospheric Writing That Gets Under Your Skin
One of Unger’s greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to conjure a palpable atmosphere of unease that permeates every page. Her descriptions of the Windermere are lush and evocative, bringing its faded grandeur and creeping menace to life. You can practically smell the polish on the marble floors and feel the weight of history pressing down.
The prose strikes a perfect balance between lyrical and propulsive, with moments of quiet introspection giving way to scenes of heart-pounding action. Unger has a knack for building tension through small details and offhand comments that take on greater significance as the story unfolds. A stray glance, an odd turn of phrase, a fleeting shadow—all contribute to a growing sense of wrongness that keeps you on edge throughout.
I was particularly impressed by the way Unger uses the changing seasons to mirror Rosie’s psychological state, the harsh winter giving way to a deceptively sunny spring as secrets are brought to light. The city itself becomes a reflection of the characters’ inner turmoil, by turns inviting and alienating.
A Satisfying Conclusion That Leaves You Wanting More
Without spoiling anything, I’ll say that the climax of “The New Couple in 5B” is a tour de force of suspense writing. Unger brings all the narrative threads together for a shocking and emotionally resonant finale that had me on the edge of my seat. While not every question is neatly answered, the resolution feels earned and true to the characters.
I appreciated that Unger doesn’t shy away from some darker elements in the ending, resisting the urge to tie everything up with a neat bow. There’s a bittersweetness to the final pages that feels honest and lingered with me long after I closed the book.
How It Stacks Up to Unger’s Previous Work
As a longtime fan of Lisa Unger’s novels, I was curious to see how “The New Couple in 5B” compared to her earlier books. While it shares some DNA with classics like “Beautiful Lies” and “In the Blood,” I think this may be her strongest and most mature work yet. The intricate plotting and character work showcase an author at the height of her powers.
Readers who enjoyed the haunted house vibes of “Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six” will find plenty to love here, but Unger takes the concept in bold new directions. There are echoes of Ira Levin’s “Rosemary’s Baby” in the claustrophobic setting and mounting paranoia, but Unger puts her own unique stamp on the material.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read Thriller That Will Keep You Up All Night
With “The New Couple in 5B,” Lisa Unger cements her status as one of the premier thriller writers working today. This is psychological suspense at its finest—smartly plotted, emotionally resonant, and guaranteed to keep you guessing until the very end. Clear your schedule before starting this one, because you won’t want to put it down.
Unger’s vivid prose and keen insights into human nature elevate what could have been a standard haunted house story into something far more compelling. By grounding the more outlandish elements in relatable characters and universal themes, she creates a world that feels unnervingly plausible.
Whether you’re a longtime Unger fan or new to her work, “The New Couple in 5B” is not to be missed. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself eyeing your neighbors suspiciously or jumping at every creak in your floorboards after reading. Some books get in your head—this one might never leave.
Who Should Read This Book:
- Fans of psychological thrillers with a supernatural edge
- Anyone who loves a good haunted house story
- Readers who enjoy complex, morally grey characters
- Those fascinated by New York City history and architecture
- Lisa Unger devotees looking for her best work yet
Who Should Skip It:
- Readers sensitive to themes of gaslighting and psychological manipulation
- Those looking for a light, breezy read
- People who prefer their thrillers more action-oriented and less cerebral
- Anyone currently apartment hunting in New York City (trust me, you don’t need the added stress)
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
If you tear through “The New Couple in 5B” and are hungry for more in a similar vein, here are a few recommendations:
- “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson—the OG haunted house story that still packs a punch
- “Lock Every Door” by Riley Sager – Another twisty thriller set in a historic Manhattan apartment building
- “The Grownup” by Gillian Flynn – A deliciously dark novella about a fake psychic and a very creepy house
- “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley – A missing person mystery with shades of “Rear Window”
With “The New Couple in 5B,” Lisa Unger has crafted a thriller that will make you think twice about that dream apartment. Just remember—if the rent seems too good to be true, it probably is. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go double-check all my locks…
