You know that one book that’s been sitting on your Kindle for months, silently judging you while you keep reading everything else? Yeah, that was Middle of the Night by Riley Sager for me. I don’t know why I avoided it for so long. Maybe it was the title, maybe it was my mood, or maybe I just wasn’t ready for another sleepless night because Sager’s books have a habit of hooking me and not letting go.
Here’s the kicker: I love Riley Sager. The House Across the Lake? One of my absolute favorites of the past couple of years. So why I let Middle of the Night collect digital dust for months is a mystery even I can’t solve. But I’m thrilled I finally decided to crack it open. Spoiler alert: It did not disappoint.
Why Did I Wait So Long?
Honestly, I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s the same weird resistance we all feel sometimes when something seems too good. (Anyone else procrastinate watching a highly recommended show because the hype feels overwhelming?) Whatever the reason, Middle of the Night lingered while I tore through other books, but its time eventually came—and thank goodness for that.
From the first chapter, the book had me questioning everything. Riley Sager’s signature style of slowly unraveling a story is all over this one. It’s like walking into a dark forest where every creak and rustle makes you jump, and you just know something is waiting for you…but what? The tension was palpable, and I was immediately intrigued.
A Twisty Journey
About halfway through, I had this smug moment where I thought, “Ohhhh yeahhh, I’ve got this all figured out.” I mentally high-fived myself for being such a thriller genius. But…yeah, no. Turns out, Riley Sager was just setting me up. That twist? It hit like a ton of bricks. I’m talking full-on jaw-drop, page-staring disbelief. I didn’t see it coming, and let’s just keep that between us because my kids already think they’re better at solving mysteries than I am.
What I Loved About ‘The Middle of the Night’
The atmosphere was classic Sager: eerie, moody, and just the right amount of unsettling. Every chapter felt like it was dripping with tension, and the characters were flawed and real, making them all the more compelling. And that twist? It’s the kind of payoff that makes all the slow build worthwhile. Sager has a way of making you rethink everything you’ve read, and Middle of the Night is no exception.
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What Could’ve Been Better
If I’m nitpicking, the pacing in the first third of the book felt a little slow. It’s like the story was stretching, getting ready for the sprint to the finish. But honestly? That’s par for the course with thrillers that rely on a strong buildup. Once things started clicking into place, I was hooked.
Final Verdict
Middle of the Night reminded me why Riley Sager is one of my go-to authors for thrillers. It’s a wild ride with twists that keep you guessing and an ending that’ll leave you stunned. While it didn’t dethrone The House Across the Lake as my favorite, it’s still a fantastic read that’ll keep you up past your bedtime.
So, if this one’s been giving you the Kindle side-eye like it did me, don’t wait any longer. Dive in. And remember: just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Riley Sager will prove you wrong.
Until next time, my bookish besties, keep it brash, keep it bookish, and keep it true to you!
Book Club Questions for ‘Middle of the Night’ by Riley Sager
- First Impressions: What were your initial thoughts about Middle of the Night? Did the title or cover draw you in, or did it leave you hesitant, like me?
- Atmosphere: How did Riley Sager’s use of setting contribute to the overall mood of the story? Did the eerie, moody vibe enhance your reading experience?
- Character Dynamics: Which character did you find the most relatable or compelling? Did you trust any of them completely, or were you suspicious throughout the story?
- The Twist: Without giving away spoilers, did you see the twist coming? How did it change your perception of the story?
- Pacing: The first third of the book was a slow build. Did you find this effective in creating suspense, or did it make it harder for you to engage with the story early on?
- Themes: What themes stood out to you in the book? Were there any underlying messages or ideas that resonated with you?
- Comparisons: How does Middle of the Night compare to Riley Sager’s other books, like The House Across the Lake? If you’ve read his other works, where does this one rank for you?
- Misdirection: Sager is known for leading readers in one direction before pulling the rug out from under them. How did you feel about the way he handled misdirection in this story?
- Adaptation Potential: Do you think Middle of the Night would make a good movie or limited series? Why or why not? Who would you cast as the main characters?
- Takeaways: After finishing the book, what stuck with you the most? Was it the twist, the characters, or something else entirely?
