This Thing Between Us
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno is a highly acclaimed modern gothic horror novel that blends intense psychological grief with cosmic and paranormal elements. The story follows a young widower in rural Colorado who is stalked by a supernatural entity that initially manifests through a smart speaker. It is frequently praised for its emotional depth, its ability to make the reader's "skin crawl," and its heartbreaking but beautifully written narrative.
Pros
- Powerful and relatable exploration of grief and loss
- Effective blend of cosmic horror and psychological tension
- Strong characterization, including memorable side characters and a dog
- Highly recommended audiobook experience for atmosphere
- Fast-paced and impactful at approximately 300 pages
Cons
- The heavy emotional weight can be draining for some readers
- Occasional mixed reviews regarding the steady buildup and specific plot twists
Caveats
- Features an extremely sad and heavy ending
- Readers suggest avoiding it immediately after other heavy horror titles like The Fisherman to avoid emotional burnout
- The 'smart device' paranormal trope is present but evolves into broader cosmic horror
Best for
- Fans of grief-driven horror
- Readers of cosmic and psychological horror
- Those looking for a modern gothic atmosphere
- Readers who prefer shorter, focused horror novels
Avoid if
- You are seeking lighthearted or 'fun' horror
- You are currently sensitive to themes of spousal death and intense mourning
- You prefer long, epic-length horror novels
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 122-month half-life. The evidence is based on a consistent volume of mentions from the r/horrorlit community over the last 14 months.
Sentiment
47 positive (84%) · 7 mixed (13%) · 2 negative (4%)
Trust + time weighted score: +80% · raw score 80%
What redditors said (10 of 56)
For instance, I was splitting between reading and listening to the audiobook of This Thing Between US by Gus Moreno and when reading it at home I was enjoying it but not scared at any of the content Later on, I was listening to the audiobook while walking through the woods near my neighborhood, it was foggy and I was at a part of the book where I felt like something was watching me or, specifically, chasing me.
This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno
This Thing Between Us really felt like a modern gothic to me in many ways.
This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno is like 300 pages of this without a breather. Great book.
This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno
You might also enjoy This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno-- the inner thoughts of a young widower who encounters strange phenomena after moving to rural Colorado.
I don't know if it's obscure, but I hate that people don't like This Thing Between us by Gus Moreno. I think that book is incredible.
I enjoy creepy/liminal/uncanny horror in particular so these have that vibe: This Thing Between Us - Moreno
This thing between us by Gus Moreno. Was pretty good and easy read.
This thing between us by gus moreno kinda works i don't think i can say much without spoiling
Compare
This Thing Between Us vs Dark MatterThis Thing Between Us vs MiseryThis Thing Between Us vs Books of Blood
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