The House Across the Lake: A Novel

4.5 out of 5 stars

I totally understand the hype around Riley Sager, now. I hella enjoyed this book. I loved the perspective/take on the unreliable narrator trope, with our main character, Casey, being a disgraced actress with an alcohol problem. It made me root for her even more.

I loved that this book felt like a nod to movies like Rear Window and Disturbia, because that’s definitely the vibe the author wants you to believe the story is. So when we get not one, but 2 crazy plot twists towards the end of the book, you don’t see it coming.

I felt like I was in the thick of the investigating with Casey (and later Boone), and was rooting for them even when they (aka Casey) made questionable AF decisions for the sake of finding proof of her theories on her neighbors across the lake. There was a {spoiler} paranormal plot twist that I didn’t see coming and while at first it felt jarring, I eventually did love how it all came together and tied up all the remaining questions and what ifs still left hanging at that point.

Again, I really enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read more from Riley Sager!

I appreciate that Riley Sager tried something a little out of the norm for this book. Some people dislike the paranormal element in this one, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Riley Sager is an expert at creating the right ambiance for his books, and this one was no exception. There were plenty of twists in this one that I didn't see coming, and I barely had time to guess what was going to happen next because I had a hard time putting this book down!

Casey Fletcher retreats to her family’s lake house, hoping to escape grief and bad press, and passes the time observing her neighbors. Fascinated by tech mogul Tom Royce and his glamorous wife Katherine, Casey becomes drawn into their seemingly perfect world. After saving Katherine from drowning and forming a tentative friendship, Casey begins to notice troubling cracks in the couple’s marriage. When Katherine suddenly disappears, Casey soon learns that the truth hides beneath the lake’s surface. 😮‍💨😮‍💨 I was NOT prepared for this book, Riley. I’ve been on a Riley Sager binge, literally I love the plot twist mastermind he is but this book is something else (in a really really great way). I truly have enjoyed how Sager’s novels have some kind of paranormal (horror-ish) elements. I know it’s not for everyone and that’s okay, but you’re absolutely missing out on masterpieces! The House Across The Lake had everything I love. Such thrill, such drama, and it’s written so well I kinda thought maybe I was the one going crazy?! Literally a top tier book, my favorite January read thus far and probably my favorite of the month—BUT we are only 10 days in and I have so many other books planned to read this month so we shall see what happens. Anyways, READ THIS, thanks

I went into this book with extremely low expectations and I have to say, I had a better experience that I had imagined. I can’t say that I’ve even remotely enjoyed reading a book by Riley Sager since Home Before Dark (which I rated three stars) and I have read all of his books.

I have a theory, if you liked Lock Every Door, then you’ll hate this book and vice versa. I loathed Lock Every Door the reveal did absolutely nothing for me. While I was reading LED, I was hoping for it to have a reveal similar to this book.

Also, I think I enjoy books that take place near a lake, especially if there’s a serial killer plot line.

I was really into it until I wasn't. If the whole possession part had been left out and I would have loved it. The other twists were believable. Either that or write the possession in a different/better way? I almost DNF and I have never done that before!