We Came to Welcome You: A Novel of Suburban Horror by Vincent Tirado

We Came to Welcome You, Vincent Tirado’s chilling psychological debut, combines eerie social horror with the uncanny. The story follows Sol Reyes, a university researcher who’s grappling with a plagiarism accusation, strained family relationships, and increasing reliance on alcohol. Sol’s wife, Alice Song, remains hopeful as the couple moves into the seemingly idyllic, gated community of Maneless Grove.

But as soon as they settle in, Sol notices oddities: overbearing neighbors, a suspicious Homeowners Association, and a rigid community motto, “Invest in a neighborly spirit.” While Alice believes they’ve found a peaceful new start, Sol senses something deeply wrong. Strange events ensue—doors and stairs vanish, tree roots invade their home, and Sol’s unease grows as her mental stability is questioned by those around her.

Sol’s discovery of a missing resident’s journal confirms her fears: the neighborhood harbors dark secrets, and compliance might be deadly. As Alice dismisses Sol’s concerns and leans into their new life, Sol is forced to confront whether her paranoia is justified or if the house, the community, and her deteriorating sense of self are conspiring against her.

In the vein of The Other Black Girl and Midsommar, Tirado unpacks systemic racism and the suffocating pressure to assimilate, transforming these themes into a menacing, cult-like reality. With a sharp, darkly humorous narrative, We Came to Welcome You explores whether survival in oppressive environments is worth the loss of identity, offering a terrifying reflection on conformity. ❤️📚❤️