The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager - [Book Review]

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Book Details:

Title: The House Across the Lake

Author: Riley Sager

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Print length: 369 pages

Source: A library copy

Blurb:

The New York Times best-selling author of Final Girls and Survive the Night is back with his most unexpected thriller yet.

Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress trying to escape a streak of bad press, has retreated to the peace and quiet of her family’s lake house in Vermont. Armed with a pair of binoculars and several bottles of liquor, she passes the time watching Tom and Katherine Royce, the glamorous couple who live in the house across the lake. They make for good viewing—a tech innovator, Tom is rich; and a former model, Katherine is gorgeous.

One day on the lake, Casey saves Katherine from drowning, and the two strike up a budding friendship. But the more they get to know each other—and the longer Casey watches—it becomes clear that Katherine and Tom’s marriage is not as perfect and placid as it appears. When Katherine suddenly vanishes, Casey becomes consumed with finding out what happened to her. In the process, she uncovers eerie, darker truths that turn a tale of voyeurism and suspicion into a story of guilt, obsession and how looks can be very deceiving.

With his trademark blend of sharp characters, psychological suspense, and gasp-worthy surprises, Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake unveils more than one twist that will shock readers until the very last page.

Purchase link:

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My Review:

This book didn't seem great in the beginning. Actually it felt boring as the protagonist Casey who is alcoholic drinks to death every day and passes time observing the house of a model Katherine on the other side of the lake with binoculars just curious. She intervenes when she suspects that Katherine's husband Tom might be trying to kill her. 

So far, the story seemed predictable but it takes many strange and unexpected turns later. The second half of the book deserves all 5 stars. This is my first book of this author but I really liked his narrative and story telling skills.

The first half is slow and second half picks up the pace. A thriller with slow boring pace is a disappointment. The characters are great but mysterious. The book cover is attractive and apt. The title is perfect for the story.

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

Riley Sager is the New York Times bestselling author of seven novels, most recently THE HOUSE ACROSS THE LAKE and SURVIVE THE NIGHT. His first thriller, FINAL GIRLS, won the ITW Thriller Award for Best Hardcover Novel and has been published in more than thirty countries. His latest novel, THE ONLY ONE LEFT, will be published in June.

A native of Pennsylvania, he now lives in Princeton, New Jersey. When he's not writing, he enjoys reading, cooking and going to the movies as much as possible. His favorite film is "Rear Window." Or maybe "Jaws." But probably, if he's being honest, "Mary Poppins."

Website: www.rileysagerbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rileysagerbooks
Twitter: @Riley_Sager.

Until next time,