We've officially settled into summer, which only means one thing: Riley Sager has a new book out this week! Since his debut with Final Girls in 2017, Sager has consistently thrilled readers with his fast-paced standalone thrillers, blending compelling mysteries with hints of horror and the supernatural. He's become one of my must-read authors, so I was ecstatic when his publisher shared an audio copy of his latest release, Middle of the Night. Adding to my excitement, the main character in the story is also named Ethan, making it an even more irresistible read for me.
Home is supposed to be a sanctuary, especially for a child. For Ethan Marsh, his backyard on the quiet cul-de-sac of Hemlock Circle was exactly that. It all changed one July night when that sense of security was turned upside down. Ethan and his best friend, Billy, had fallen asleep in a tent set up in the yard. When Ethan woke up in the morning, Billy was gone. Someone had sliced the tent open with a knife and abducted Billy during the night. Billy was never seen again.
That was thirty years ago. Ethan left that world behind, trying to build a new life, free from the tragedy that scarred his suburban community. But no matter how far he traveled, he couldn't escape the trauma of that night. The sound of the tent being sliced open haunted his dreams, filling him with an inescapable guilt. Life has a way of forcing us to face our demons, and Ethan's journey has brought him back to his childhood home. Plagued by bad dreams and strange occurrences, he sees signs of Billy's presence in his backyard. Is his mind playing tricks on him, or has his childhood friend returned? As Ethan delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that no place is truly safe and that the past has a way of haunting the future.
Riley Sager is at his best when he writes about hauntings. Hauntings by ghosts, yes, but also by the past. This talent is on full display in Middle of the Night. Ethan is a man tormented by the "what ifs" of his life. What if he had never camped in the tent in his backyard? What if he had never told his wife he didn't want children? What if he had never returned home? Sager alternates between chapters set in the present day and the past, methodically filling in the puzzle pieces and revealing just enough information to keep readers hooked. The line between the supernatural and reality blurs, making readers question everything. The story culminates in an ending filled with twist after twist—almost too many for my taste. Nevertheless, Middle of the Night is everything I've come to expect from a Riley Sager novel: spooky, twisted, and immensely fun to read.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2024, 48)
I haven't read anything by this author yet, but it sounds like I need to add him to my list. This sounds like a thrilling read!
ReplyDeleteI think you'd really enjoy Sager!
DeleteAlways a joy for readers when the author's writing talent brings such high and anticipation. The way you describe how Middle of the Night hit you has me wanting to give it a go, too.
ReplyDeleteSophia Rose
I've come to really look forward to his new book each year!
DeleteI love when I can depend on an author to captivate and entertain me. I like the idea of the dual haunting too.
ReplyDeleteIt was cool to see the way his past and present come together.
DeleteYay for enjoying a book with a character who has your name! I love audiobooks, but mysteries are hard for me to follow in that format.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw the characters name, I knew I had to read it haha
DeleteI like a good twist in a story like this as long as it makes sense to the story. The premise for this sounds great. I feel bad for him and wonder what happened to Billy.
ReplyDeleteThe final twist in this one works really well, but there were a few too many before it.
DeleteI do like Riley Sager's books...though some are definitely better than others. This does sound like a fun one, though I wish there were a few less twists at the end. Too many can ruin an otherwise great thrill ride.
ReplyDeleteI agree with his books being kind of hit or miss. This is one of the better ones IMO
Delete"The line between the supernatural and reality blurs"
ReplyDeleteIntriguing! This one has kind of a Stephen King vibe...
He's very much playing in that same kind of world, steeped in nostalgia.
DeleteI can't believe I still haven't read anything by Sager. I love the supernatural aspect!
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy his books!
DeleteSummer is the perfect time for thrillers. I have the audio as well, so I'm happy to see you enjoyed it! I'll be sure to put on my seatbelt for all those twists and turns at the end, lol!
ReplyDeleteI'm flying through the thrillers right now, and there's no end in sight!
DeleteI'm so jealous that you've read it already!! I'm still waiting in line for it from the library.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky to get an ARC!
DeleteNice! My request for the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT e-ARC is still pending on NetGalley. Ha ha. I'm on the waitlist at my library for it, so hopefully, I won't have to wait too long. Sounds like it's well worth the read. I love Sager!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised and lucky to get approved. I usually don't for his books. Hopefully the library wait isn't too long!
DeleteAlmost too many twists? Lol, ok I am kind of into that now
ReplyDeleteThen you'll love this ending!
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