Lock Every Door

Product Information

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: As soon as I read the revelation part which is not something so supernatural or satanic by the way, seemed like a little easy way out for me! Maybe I was waiting for more surprises, more twisty, edgy, terrifying, unforeseeable results. Because at the previous books of the author, I got all of them. But on this one, the ending was a little soft and regular. It didn’t shake me to my core( Lately several thriller books I read gave me this feeling maybe my pain threshold is in the maximum point so I want to read something more challenging!) Riley Sager's newest release is an addictive thriller that is a little dark and even spooky at times. I was so caught up in the “one more chapter” mode that I kept reading beyond our buddy read goals. The premise reminds me of An Anonymous Girl, but Sager has a style all his own. He manages to keep the tone light and fun, almost Scooby doo-like, with all the “kids” out to solve a crime in their Mystery Machine Van. I really enjoy this aspect! The examination of class and power dynamics highlights social inequalities and the potential for abuses of power within privileged environments. It prompts discussions about the impacts of social hierarchies and the treatment of individuals based on their socioeconomic status. I've only read one other Riley Sager book, an ARC of Final Girls, and all I'll say is that that review is one of the ones I get worried when I get comment notifications on. Let's leave it at that.

It is a creepy and addictive read. As usual, Sager approaches the “over-the-top” believability factor, but, for some reason, with Sager, you just let it slide. It is so much more fun just to go along with him! I love the NYC setting and the characters to root for. Of course, a satisfying ending for us! All in all, a fantastic beach read! Much like Sager's previous works, this is a slow burn, taking it's time leading you to a combustible conclusion. This ending, however, didn't even singe my eyebrows.Did I feel like I was right next to Jules with my heart-pounding along with her?.... I was practically holding her hand! The stark contrast between the wealthy residents of Bartholomew and the staff highlights the theme of class and power dynamics. The residents wield their wealth and influence over the staff, leading to abuses of power and the exploitation of those in lower social positions.

Some of that comes from the fact that I spoiled myself for it (I have an unbelievable tendency to do that - I have seen 2 seasons of Love Island, for example, and learned who won before I even reached the halfway point), but more of that comes from this just...not working for me. Content and Trigger Warnings: talk of being cheated on in the past, talk of loss of a loved one in the past, self-harm (fire + hand), talk of past suicide, talk of cancer, and murder. The book follows the story of Jules Larsen, a young woman struggling with personal and financial hardships in New York City.Gist: Lo, a travel journalist, embarks on a luxury cruise to cover a story. However, when she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth, even as others question her sanity. The story is filled with tension, secrets, and a claustrophobic atmosphere. This book’s story development and a little part of the ending have quiet resemblances with “Rosemary’s baby”! At least the apartment management doesn’t hire young people to have sex with devil and have beautiful satanic children looking like Tom Ellis. The revelations of the manipulations and the psychological toll it takes on Jules contribute to the psychological suspense of the novel. When left unattended, Jules lights her bed on fire using a lighter dropped by one of the nurses. In the ensuing chaos, she manages to escape from the building. After the fire has been extinguished, the police investigate the building and uncover the scheme. As a result many celebrities and former residents of the building are either arrested or commit suicide and the building itself is demolished.

Jules is told she will not be allowed any visitors, she cannot spend even one night away and she absolutely cannot bother the other tenants. In fact, any interaction is a no-no. My reading experience with this one probably wasn't as unpleasant, but it felt like a whole lot of nothing. No excitement, no investment in the characters, no admiration for the storyline/writing/setting/whatever. Jules’ personal journey of self-discovery and overcoming her own hardships adds emotional depth to the story, as she confronts her fears and finds inner strength throughout her investigation. Seriously, people there is some crazy stuff going on here. This was my second book by Sager (Final Girls is here begging to be read) and he is a master of atmospheric writing. Last time he took me to camp but this time we were on a dream trip to Manhattan! Not only Manhattan but the most prestigious building in the city- The Bartholomew.The theme of identity and self-discovery adds depth to the story, as Jules confronts her own past and struggles to uncover the truth about herself. It prompts readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the complexities of uncovering hidden aspects of one’s identity. Who is Jules, you might ask? She is the ever so curious protagonist who becomes an amateur sleuth when her stay at the ever so famous Bartholomew Apartment building begins to uncover its unsettling past. The buildings deep, dark secrets begin to surface, bubbling over. It's Gothic structure is over a hundred-years old and some disturbing articles have been written about it.

Jules is a strong, relatable, and engaging character. The toggling between past and present builds the tension to a fever pitch. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent. It was so engaging that I listened to the entire book in 2 days. Love it or hate it, I didn’t see the end coming, and it blew me away I freaking loved this book so much. I cannot even describe how much fun this was for me. It basically has everything I desire in a story and then some.

6. Chain Locks

The secrets and revelations surrounding Jules’ identity and the mysteries of Bartholomew contribute to the exploration of this theme.