Book Review: The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a book blogger is the ability to stumble upon a story that reels you in almost effortlessly. When I first heard about The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger, the combination of a suspense-filled psychological thriller set against the backdrop of New York City was enough to pique my interest. After some mixed feelings about her previous work, I approached this book with a touch of skepticism, but I was pleasantly surprised. This novel has certainly redeemed Unger in my eyes!
Set in the heart of NYC, The New Couple in 5B follows Rosie and Chad, a married couple struggling to make their way as artists—Rosie as a nonfiction writer and Chad as an actor. Life takes a dramatic turn when they inherit a luxury apartment from Chad’s late Uncle Ivan, a seemingly golden ticket to stability in their otherwise hectic lives. But as they settle into their new home in the historic Windermere building, things begin to unravel, unveiling layers of suspense that kept me glued to the pages.
Unger does a fantastic job of creating an unsettling atmosphere within the apartment. The doorman, Abi, is particularly memorable—a figure who feels eerie and omnipresent, almost like a specter watching over Rosie’s every move. This aura of surveillance is compounded by the building’s hidden past, leading Rosie to increasingly question her safety and sanity. The tension steadily builds, and I appreciated how effectively Unger leans into the psychological thriller genre. Rosie’s isolation and paranoia brilliantly accentuate the chilling feeling of being trapped in a gilded cage.
One of the most intriguing dynamics for me was the evolving relationship between Rosie and Chad. While Rosie is fleshed out beautifully—we follow her descent into suspicion—Chad hovers between friend and foe. This mystery surrounding his character added layers of intrigue and kept me guessing about his true motives and loyalties, making the stakes feel incredibly high.
Though I found the historical context woven throughout the narrative a bit distracting, it ultimately added depth to the story. I wish that this perspective had been incorporated more seamlessly, as I was more invested in Rosie’s journey rather than a historical backdrop. However, Unger’s keen ability to keep me guessing—especially toward the climax—redeemed this element to a degree.
Narrating the audiobook version of The New Couple in 5B was a wholly enriching experience. The narration captured Rosie’s voice splendidly, elevating her emotional journey and making the tension feel all the more acute.
In conclusion, I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with a touch of urban grit. If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by the paranoia of a character unraveling in a new environment, you’ll especially enjoy Unger’s immersive storytelling. This compelling read left me eager for more of her work, a sentiment I hadn’t anticipated when I began. The New Couple in 5B has undoubtedly widened my appreciation for Lisa Unger, and I look forward to diving deeper into her catalog!
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