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A review by annaavian
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The premise promises a thrilling and mysterious journey into the eerie and unknown. However, the execution of this promise falls short in several key areas, leaving readers with a sense of unfulfilled potential and a rather dull experience.
The author's choice of a simplistic and sparse narrative style might be intended to create an atmospheric, minimalist tone, but it unfortunately results in a lack of depth and engagement. The repetitive use of sentences and words further exacerbates this issue, making the reading experience feel monotonous and tiresome. Instead of drawing the reader into a suspenseful world, the prose feels uninspired and fails to build the intended chilling, mysterious atmosphere.
The central character, Ethan, is depicted with a paranoia that could have added layers to his personality, yet he comes across as bland and unremarkable. His interactions and internal monologues lack the necessary emotional complexity and nuance, making it difficult for readers to connect with him or care about his journey.
The plot, centered around a murder or disappearance mystery, lacks a solid foundation and a well-developed backstory. It feels superficial, with an overabundance of "maybe's" and "what if's" that do little to advance the storyline or add meaningful suspense. This book felt like an episode of "Desperate Housewives" with a hint of a ghost story. The narrative feels more like a disjointed TV drama than a cohesive and compelling mystery novel.
The ending borders on the ridiculous. Instead of providing a satisfying resolution or a surprising twist, it feels contrived and out of place, further detracting from the overall coherence and impact of the story.
Overall, "Middle of the Night" is a disappointing read. Its lackluster writing, underdeveloped characters, and weak plot fail to deliver the gripping and haunting experience that readers might expect from a Riley Sager novel. For those seeking a well-crafted mystery with depth and intrigue, this book might not be the best choice.
The author's choice of a simplistic and sparse narrative style might be intended to create an atmospheric, minimalist tone, but it unfortunately results in a lack of depth and engagement. The repetitive use of sentences and words further exacerbates this issue, making the reading experience feel monotonous and tiresome. Instead of drawing the reader into a suspenseful world, the prose feels uninspired and fails to build the intended chilling, mysterious atmosphere.
The central character, Ethan, is depicted with a paranoia that could have added layers to his personality, yet he comes across as bland and unremarkable. His interactions and internal monologues lack the necessary emotional complexity and nuance, making it difficult for readers to connect with him or care about his journey.
The plot, centered around a murder or disappearance mystery, lacks a solid foundation and a well-developed backstory. It feels superficial, with an overabundance of "maybe's" and "what if's" that do little to advance the storyline or add meaningful suspense. This book felt like an episode of "Desperate Housewives" with a hint of a ghost story. The narrative feels more like a disjointed TV drama than a cohesive and compelling mystery novel.
The ending borders on the ridiculous. Instead of providing a satisfying resolution or a surprising twist, it feels contrived and out of place, further detracting from the overall coherence and impact of the story.
Overall, "Middle of the Night" is a disappointing read. Its lackluster writing, underdeveloped characters, and weak plot fail to deliver the gripping and haunting experience that readers might expect from a Riley Sager novel. For those seeking a well-crafted mystery with depth and intrigue, this book might not be the best choice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Stalking, and Car accident