14.3k reviews for:

A casa prima di sera

Riley Sager

4.01 AVERAGE


***These are my random thoughts after finishing the book for me to save as personal notes (because I can't see an option to make my review private). Some of the thoughts are an overall review of the book, or any questions/feelings that nagged at me throughout. There will almost definitely be spoilers. Read at your own risk.***

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Good haunted house story, a look at what could've been and what's usually behind the story
I knew the pie was suspicious
I wish the front cover would've been illustrated with the house so I could see what it might have looked like

Maggie’s father died, and she inherited the house that her father wrote a best selling horror novel based on the brief time that lived there. Maggie constantly says that the book is just fiction, but strange things continue to happen as she’s trying to fix it up.
Not to mention, the local town doesn’t like the bad reputation that the book received. Who’s telling the truth?
Sager is an exceptionally talented writer as all four of his books have proven. Still to this day, I’ll recommend him to anyone including this one.
A great talent here is that it alternates chapters with the main plot involving Maggie, and the chapters of her fathers book and never once are you confused since he uses different fonts and writing styles.
I will say though that this is my least favorite of his, but that doesn’t mean I hate it! Even at his work worst, Sager still is an entertaining and captivating writer. He knows how to write mood, tension, and mystery and even have a great twist near the end.
My problem here is that Maggie wasn’t that much of a interesting character to me. Not that she wasn’t poorly written, it’s just that she doesn’t really stand on her own like Sager had done in his other books. Maybe this was because of the alternating chapters, but I do wish that she was more fleshed out. But hey, all of my favorite authors have their hiccups.

3.5
adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

3.5⭐️

This was an enjoyable listen with a bunch of twists to it. Some aspects were a bit ridiculous, ie. snakes near the end and other things as well, but overall, it was enjoyable.

Not overly a fan of female characters written by men. The usage of the word "bosom" gave me the ick very early on in this book.

This author has such an amazing way of mixing imaginary with reality, they are one of a kind!! I eagerly waited to read this book and , per usual, Riley Sager NEVER disappoints!!
dark mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Dark, twisting, and mysterious, this is a great haunted house story about secrets kept and suspicions harbored. I liked it a lot.
medium-paced

I love a thriller or mystery when I'm on vacation and Home Before Dark did not disappoint when it came to delivering those vibes. The pacing is excellent as the dual time line keeps the story moving forward. The creepy gothic house is the perfect setting and the oddball cast of characters leave you wondering who to trust. It's entertaining and easy and made for a great beach read.