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A review by honorbound13
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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
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
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Violence, Murder
Minor: Physical abuse