Book Review: Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
There’s something undeniably enticing about a thriller set in a glamorous Manhattan apartment building, especially when the promise of secrets and suspense is served on a silver platter. Riley Sager, known for his capacity to weave intriguing tales, caught my eye with Lock Every Door. With glowing reviews lighting up my feed, I hoped to unearth a thrilling gem. However, as I dove into the pages, my expectations quickly unraveled, leaving me more frustrated than captivated.
At the heart of this story is Jules Larsen, a twenty-something trying to escape a series of unfortunate events: losing her job, her boyfriend’s betrayal, and ultimately, her home. She seizes an opportunity as an "apartment sitter" at the Bartholomew, a prestigious building that promises an easy paycheck. But the catch? A strict list of rules that would make most pause, but not Jules. Right from the beginning, her character felt alarmingly naïve—surely, I thought, she’d notice the glaring red flags waving in her face. Alas, it seemed my hopes were misplaced.
While thrillers often rely on flawed characters making questionable choices, I found Jules to be more than just an unreliable protagonist; she became an source of irritation. Her decision-making was infuriatingly reckless, making me wonder if her judgment had been tossed aside alongside her dignity. Even the wise words from her best friend, Chloe—undoubtedly the most rational soul in this mess—did little to steer Jules in a more sensible direction. At times, I wished the story would veer into more cunning territory, but rather, it treaded a predictable path that felt painfully dull.
Sager’s writing style has its strengths, with moments of eerie ambiance that genuinely creep under your skin. However, the potential fizzled away as the pacing became sluggish, failing to maintain the tension that a gripping thriller demands. By the time I reached the twist—an unexpected turn that brought a hint of shock—I found myself more bewildered than exhilarated. It wasn’t just the unpredictability that fell flat, but the sheer implausibility of the resolution that left a bitter aftertaste; a twist is only as good as its foundation, and here, it crumbled under scrutiny.
Despite my dissatisfaction, I did find a couple of redeeming moments—the creepy atmosphere and flashes of insight into the Bartholomew’s sinister past sparked curiosity, albeit too briefly. Yet, they weren’t enough to redeem the overall experience. In an ocean of thrilling potential, I felt like I’d stumbled upon an underwhelming sandcastle.
Lock Every Door is perhaps not the savior for those of us battling a reading slump. If you’re in search of mind-bending suspense and authentic characters, I’d gently steer you in a different direction. For those who love to sift through the complex webs of urban thrillers—maybe give it a go, but approach with caution. After this read, I’m left wondering whether I should explore more of Sager’s work or tread carefully on the brusque edges of the thriller genre.