The New Couple in 5B

Everything is creepy about the Windermere, a ritzy, historic New York City apartment building with Rosemary‘s Baby vibes to spare. But at first, Rosie, an author; and Chad, her husband and an aspiring actor, hardly notice. They’re too busy taking care of one of the residents, Chad’s uncle, who has died as the book opens, and who leaves the apartment to the broke young couple—and not his own daughter. Why? And while the residents couldn’t be more welcoming, Rosie—who’s writing a book about the history of the Windermere, focusing especially on the many murders—can’t contain her suspicions. What’s up with the doorman, who seemingly works around the clock? And the child she would swear she saw crouching in the basement? Why are there cameras absolutely everywhere? And, most importantly, why is Chad acting so weird, disappearing for huge stretches of time? Unger’s novels are textbook examples of perfect suspense fiction, and this title is no different. As we race through the narrative, we watch in terror as “something dark is on the horizon” becomes something dark that is right next to you. And we are helpless to stop it. Love New York? Then this super accurate portrayal of the City is doubly fun.