Reviews with content warning for Physical abuse - The House Across the Lake

Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

38 reviews

sarahmeshille's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

bookishwithms_blinn's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was on my TBR and I just happened to stumble up on it on Libby. Started it one day and realized the next day I was hours in. It was very easy to listen to and I was immediately sucked into the story. I loved the emotional complexity of the main character, Casey. At times you dislike her, or you feel bad for her or you want to help her. It definitely plays well for where this story goes. She has different types of relationships with each other character which helps you to understand her. I loved her relationship with Catherine even though it was short lived. This book has murder mystery along with a little paranormal thriller and although it's not something I would go out of my way to read I found myself unable to put it down. There were times that it felt slightly cheesy but then you have to remember that it's a work of fiction.

Content Warnings

honorbound13's review

4.0

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Note before the review: this book was solely read in one night between 1-4am so please bear that in mind.

I have to say, I was entertained as hell. Honestly this is the kind of stuff I want when I pick up a thriller, but I know that that isn’t true for everyone: a literal rollercoaster where some of it makes just enough sense for you to suspend your disbelief until the end of the book, and it really hooks you. I did read this in one sitting, so it seems fair to say Sager’s writing works for me.

I haven’t seen the media this book seems to be based on so i had no expectations going in. I had a lot of theories as I went through, but when we got to about 75% where it all takes a turn, I have to say I was impressed. I went back and reread the “now” chapters to see if I had missed an important detail, but I realized I had very conveniently assumed some things using the context. I know that’s the point, but I can appreciate my man Riley doing it in a way so I didn’t notice I was doing it; should I have noticed, probably, but see aforementioned comment about it being 1-4am.

I think my enjoyment of this was enhanced by 2 things: this is my first Riley Sager, and I didn’t know if it was a normal thriller or a paranormal thriller. Those two things meant I had no idea what to expect, which for me was ideal. Was it ridiculous? Absolutely. Did I have a great time? Yes. This got me out of the start of a reading slump so I’m happy about that

Content Warnings

lyndsmarie321's review

3.0

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I felt like this book had potential but fell short. I am not buying how the author shaped the end of the story. I was suspicious of every single character and I felt that because there were so many characters introduced in this book that Sager just chose an off-the-wall conclusion rather than picking one of them to be the culprit. And just when you think everything is being tied up in a neat little bow, Sager was like "oh wait, I meant to actually end it this so let me add 3 more pages". This thriller just didn't hit the mark for me.

Content Warnings