Review: The House Across The Lake - Riley Sager

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

Published by: Hodder & Stoughton on June 21, 2022

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Horror

Page Count: 369

Format: Kindle Edition

Source: Library/Libby App

Rating:  ★★★ ☆ ☆

Goodreads' synopsis:

"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."

My review:

I originally picked the book up because I feel like I have seen Sager plastered all over social media, and I have heard a lot of people talk about his books at my library. I figured, why the heck not, especially since it is a mystery/thriller! The title also originally drew me in, seeing as I loved The Woman in the Window and the Girl on the Train. It felt like it was going to be the same domestic thriller vibe with a great plot twist. And then I began reading…

I read this book about a month ago at this point because I haven’t been able to decide how or what I want to say about this book. I just want to start this whole review out by saying that I am kind of mad at this book. I think I would have LOVED it, if it weren’t for the unneeded paranormal elements in the book (or if I at least KNEW it was coming. There was nothing that even gave a hint to a paranormal element in the description, however I now know that this is what Sager does). It felt very misplaced and kiddish. It didn’t add to the thrill, however, I can see why Sager put it in the book. It makes readers uncertain what is real and what is not, but I still did not like the paranormal elements. 

Characters:

I don’t know what it is about obsessive and unhinged female characters, but I always end up loving them. Casey, our main character slowly sort of descends into a wishy-washy place of being unreliable and but also the only one we could trust as readers, and I loved that. 

Tom, I hated, naturally. You are meant to hate him, then feel bad for him, then hate him over and over again. Which is fine, because it keeps the story interesting. I just hated him pretty much the whole time. Maybe I am a horrible person or lack empathy, but I just couldn’t feel bad for him. I don’t know if he felt like such a detached character as first, one I didn’t pay attention to, or if I truly did just hate him - either way, he wasn’t my favorite.

As for Kathrine. I am very mixed about her because I didn’t hate her, but I feel like we didn’t get enough of her. I felt empathy and sadness for her at times, definitely, but it just felt like she was a figment of my imagination. However, that’s what happens when a character goes missing. I guess I just wish there was more build up of Casey & Katherine’s characters before the vanishing (not a spoiler, it’s in the description!) 

Setting:

The setting of the story is in the title, and therefore it bears heavy weight in the novel. I think Sager did an amazing job with scenery and descriptions for the setting. I loved the feeling of both posh, cozy, and comfortable while also having a twinge of unease in the air among all of the 5 houses on the lake. I like that the lake, too, had its own secrets to hide, just like the neighbors. I love these kinds of atmospheres - almost creepy but unsuspecting. 

Plot and Writing:

I definitely was hooked the whole time reading this. Even though some parts made me mad, I couldn't put the book down. The plot was perfectly paced and well written. Sager is clearly a great author, and now that I know what to expect going into his novels, I will be prepared and I know I will enjoy the next one even more. 

CAWPILE rating:

Characters: 6

Atmosphere: 7

Writing: 8

Plot: 7

Intrigue: 7

Logic: 4

Enjoyment: 7