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finalgirl1986's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Three decades have passed since Ethan’s world was shattered: his best friend vanished from the tent in his backyard, leaving behind a void filled with nightmares. Now, as Ethan returns to his childhood sanctuary, he grapples with the scars of that fateful night—PTSD, insomnia, and an ever-vigilant gaze. But as the 30th anniversary of Billy’s disappearance looms, a series of eerie events grips his quiet cul-de-sac, compelling Ethan to unravel the mystery that has long tormented him, for the sake of his own peace of mind.
This novel is a masterful blend reminiscent of “Stand By Me,” “White Noise,” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” featuring a rich tapestry of characters, each meticulously crafted and vibrant. Ethan, our protagonist, is a character I share little with, yet his journey drew me in, stirring deep empathy and a fervent hope for his recovery and fulfillment.
Having delved into Riley Sager’s repertoire, I can attest that each book has been a triumph, yet “Middle of the Night” stands out as a true tour de force, surpassing even “The Last One Left” as my top pick.
For aficionados of dual-timeline narratives, the “Kids on Bikes” subgenre, spectral encounters, or crime fiction delving into the realms of the lost and the taken, this book is a must-read.
Crafted with exquisite prose, the story weaves in twists that, despite the breadcrumbs left along the way, caught me off guard, leaving me astounded. “Middle of the Night” is undoubtedly Sager’s most poignant work to date, a testament to his storytelling prowess that will leave readers thoroughly captivated. Once unable to conceive of anyone rivaling Stephen King as my favorite author, Sager’s consistently gripping tales have earned him a place at the pinnacle of my literary pantheon.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy.
Pre-order today. Out June 18th, 2024.
Amazon https://amzn.to/3JYMk4P
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Three decades have passed since Ethan’s world was shattered: his best friend vanished from the tent in his backyard, leaving behind a void filled with nightmares. Now, as Ethan returns to his childhood sanctuary, he grapples with the scars of that fateful night—PTSD, insomnia, and an ever-vigilant gaze. But as the 30th anniversary of Billy’s disappearance looms, a series of eerie events grips his quiet cul-de-sac, compelling Ethan to unravel the mystery that has long tormented him, for the sake of his own peace of mind.
This novel is a masterful blend reminiscent of “Stand By Me,” “White Noise,” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” featuring a rich tapestry of characters, each meticulously crafted and vibrant. Ethan, our protagonist, is a character I share little with, yet his journey drew me in, stirring deep empathy and a fervent hope for his recovery and fulfillment.
Having delved into Riley Sager’s repertoire, I can attest that each book has been a triumph, yet “Middle of the Night” stands out as a true tour de force, surpassing even “The Last One Left” as my top pick.
For aficionados of dual-timeline narratives, the “Kids on Bikes” subgenre, spectral encounters, or crime fiction delving into the realms of the lost and the taken, this book is a must-read.
Crafted with exquisite prose, the story weaves in twists that, despite the breadcrumbs left along the way, caught me off guard, leaving me astounded. “Middle of the Night” is undoubtedly Sager’s most poignant work to date, a testament to his storytelling prowess that will leave readers thoroughly captivated. Once unable to conceive of anyone rivaling Stephen King as my favorite author, Sager’s consistently gripping tales have earned him a place at the pinnacle of my literary pantheon.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy.
Pre-order today. Out June 18th, 2024.
Amazon https://amzn.to/3JYMk4P
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, Death of parent, Bullying, and Child death
Minor: Car accident, Dementia, Mental illness, Drug abuse, Kidnapping, Addiction, and Panic attacks/disorders
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 Three decades have passed since Ethan’s world was shattered: his best friend vanished from the tent in his backyard, leaving behind a void filled with nightmares. Now, as Ethan returns to his childhood sanctuary, he grapples with the scars of that fateful night—PTSD, insomnia, and an ever-vigilant gaze. But as the 30th anniversary of Billy’s disappearance looms, a series of eerie events grips his quiet cul-de-sac, compelling Ethan to unravel the mystery that has long tormented him, for the sake of his own peace of mind. This novel is a masterful blend reminiscent of “Stand By Me,” “White Noise,” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” featuring a rich tapestry of characters, each meticulously crafted and vibrant. Ethan, our protagonist, is a character I share little with, yet his journey drew me in, stirring deep empathy and a fervent hope for his recovery and fulfillment. Having delved into Riley Sager’s repertoire, I can attest that each book has been a triumph, yet “Middle of the Night” stands out as a true tour de force, surpassing even “The Last One Left” as my top pick. For aficionados of dual-timeline narratives, the “Kids on Bikes” subgenre, spectral encounters, or crime fiction delving into the realms of the lost and the taken, this book is a must-read. Crafted with exquisite prose, the story weaves in twists that, despite the breadcrumbs left along the way, caught me off guard, leaving me astounded. “Middle of the Night” is undoubtedly Sager’s most poignant work to date, a testament to his storytelling prowess that will leave readers thoroughly captivated. Once unable to conceive of anyone rivaling Stephen King as my favorite author, Sager’s consistently gripping tales have earned him a place at the pinnacle of my literary pantheon. I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy. Pre-order today. Out June 18th, 2024. Amazon https://amzn.to/3JYMk4P Trigger Warning: Insomnia & Night Terrors, missing child, kidnapping, child harm, drug overdose, bullying, grief, dementia, mental illness, child death, panic attacks, paranoia. If you like cul-de-sac mysteries like this one, read Magnolia Court by J. L. Hyde next!shawniejo's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Kidnapping, Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Dementia, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Toxic friendship
darthbiblia's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
When Ethan Marsh was ten, he and his best friend, Billy, were enjoying one of their Friday camp-outs in his back yard. In the morning, Ethan woke to a slash in the side of the tent and Billy missing. Law enforcement determined that he was abducted. Billy was never found. His case was moved to the back burner by law enforcement, and true crime enthusiasts posted photos of him and the tent, speculating what may have happened.
Thirty years later Ethan has moved back. His marriage has crumbled and his parents bought a condo in Florida, so they offered to have him stay in his childhood home. Other than Billy's family, the other residents are the same. Now he's being left mysterious messages by somebody who knows something. Is it the person that took Billy? Is it Billy himself?
As with all of Riley Sager's books, the story is filled with twists, turns, and red herrings that will keep you guessing until the end. This one had a different feel than most of them, but it might be my favorite. Thank you to the publisher, author, and Edelweiss for the chance to read this ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Addiction, Death, and Abandonment
mosreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Grief
tspencley0621's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a really good read. Every time I thought I had the answer, there was a twist to make me change my mind. The plot of “repressed memories-missing kid/best friend-immense guilt-investigating-haunting” was pretty well written and easy to follow.
4.25 stars, but only because I could see where it was going at times
4.25 stars, but only because I could see where it was going at times
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Stalking, and Death
Moderate: Child death, Drug abuse, Death, and Addiction
Minor: Kidnapping and Blood
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