Riley Sager

I've seen his name and I've read the reviews (all very good) but...I've never read or listened to one of Riley Sager's book! Big mistake.

I just finished listening to Middle of the Night, and I really it!

It was thirty years ago when Ethan and his best friend Billy had a sleep over in their tent. But when Ethan woke up the next morning...Billy was gone...and never found.

Ethan is back at his parent's home and his memories and guilt are lying heavy. But is someone playing games with him? Signs of Billy, things that only Ethan could know and more...

The book is told in a then and now style that I always enjoy. We're with Ethan as he explores the past and tries to figure out what is going on now. There's a cast of supporting players that knew Billy and they may have some answers. The path to final answers takes a twisted path. One that I really enjoyed.

There was a great Stranger Things and Stand By Me feeling to Middle of the Night.

I often find that I become more immersed in a tale by listening. That was absolutely the case with Middle of the Night. The narrator was Santino Fontana and he was perfect for this tale. His voice was clear and easy on the ears. He enunciated clearly. He provides voices are perfect for each character - male, female, old and young. He captured the plot and presented it wonderfully.… (altro)

3.75 stars easily bumped to 4.

I liked this latest Sager, mostly because it was a different and -in comparison to many of his other books which I've also read and liked - it was more nuanced and emotionally driven plotting. Maybe it's fair to say that this is an elevated thriller or at least, more...I don't know...mature than some of his other novels?

This has ghostly/spooky elements, but offers a different take on a ghost story with ghosts of past relationships and traumas haunting the main character, Ethan, in the present.

It didn't feel like a departure from the Riley Sager canon of work exactly, but did seem a little bit of a writing flex. If you're looking for the Sager formula poolside read, this isn't it. Though those are good, this may actually be better - I hope he tried more flexes in the future. Recommended if you're up for a slightly different Sager.… (altro)

I should have finished this last night.
Want to know why I waited?

Because I was too afraid to!

If haunted mansions, atmospheric tension and creepy dead girls are your thing- look no further, Home Before Dark is your next read.

I've read quite a few by this author, but this one actually gave me goosebumps (especially a few scenes with mansion bells and another with a polaroid camera)

Even better, it's a book within a book with many unreliable narrators. I love a good unreliable narrator. I paired the physical book with audible and they both gave a terribly creepy vibe. Put on your list for October and DON'T read before going to bed,,,,,you've been warned!… (altro)