Riley Sager has become one of the most talked-about names in modern psychological thrillers, and with The House Across the Lake, he once again proves why his books are both highly anticipated and hotly debated. This novel delivers the suspense, atmosphere, and gasp-worthy twists readers have come to expect from him, but it also ventures into unexpected territory that has divided opinions.
A Plot Drenched in Suspicion
The story follows Casey Fletcher, a once-celebrated actress whose life has unraveled after the sudden death of her husband. With paparazzi capturing her descent into alcohol-fueled chaos, Casey retreats to her family’s secluded lake house in Vermont. Armed with little more than liquor and her late husband’s binoculars, she spends her days drinking and spying on her wealthy new neighbors, Tom and Katherine Royce.
When Casey saves Katherine from drowning, a tentative friendship begins. Yet the more Casey observes, the more convinced she becomes that the perfect image of the glamorous couple hides something sinister. When Katherine vanishes without a trace, Casey’s suspicions spiral into obsession, pulling her into a web of secrets, deception, and an ending that veers sharply into the unexpected.
Strengths: Atmosphere and Suspense
Readers who enjoy voyeuristic thrillers will immediately pick up on the Rear Window vibes. The claustrophobic lake setting, coupled with Casey’s isolation and addiction, creates a tense, unsettling atmosphere that makes the pages turn quickly. Sager’s pacing keeps the mystery taut, with reveals delivered in ways that maintain suspense right up until the finale.
Casey herself is a complicated character. She is messy, flawed, and often reckless, yet her grief and self-destructive tendencies make her relatable in a raw way. Many readers appreciated her voice, finding it both vulnerable and oddly charming despite her downward spiral. The secondary characters around the lake add color and uncertainty, leaving readers guessing about who can truly be trusted.
Weaknesses: Overused Tropes and Abrupt Shifts
While Sager’s writing style is engaging, not every element lands perfectly. Some readers found the alcoholic-woman-spying-on-neighbors setup too reminiscent of thrillers like The Woman in the Window, making the early chapters feel familiar rather than fresh. Others felt that Casey’s drinking habits were exaggerated to the point of breaking believability.
Most divisive of all is the novel’s sharp tonal shift. What begins as a domestic thriller takes a turn into supernatural territory late in the story. For some, this genre-bending twist was bold, shocking, and wildly entertaining. For others, it felt jarring, almost like a different book had been spliced into the middle of the narrative. The paranormal possession element, in particular, left many readers conflicted about whether it enhanced or undermined the story.
Final Thoughts
The House Across the Lake is an undeniably entertaining thriller, though one that will not please everyone. If you enjoy unpredictable twists and do not mind a narrative that takes risks by leaping into the supernatural, this book will keep you hooked until the final page. If you prefer your thrillers to stay firmly grounded in reality, you may find the ending frustrating.
What cannot be denied is Sager’s ability to craft tension, atmosphere, and characters who linger in your mind even when you disagree with their choices. This novel is polarizing, but that very quality makes it a fascinating addition to Sager’s body of work.
If you are ready for a story that begins with voyeurism, spirals into obsession, and ends with a jaw-dropping twist, The House Across the Lake is waiting for you.
