Yes, I’m doing another Riley Sager book and, for the record, will continue to spotlight every book he writes going forward. After his first publication in 2017, Final Girls, Sager quickly shot up the ranks on my list of favorite authors. There is something so satisfying about his writing style. It’s sharp. It’s clean. It gets the job done, and the story told.
Although Sager is a thriller writer, his plot settings are reminiscent of classic horror—think spooky lakes and isolated cabins. His newest novel, Lock Every Door, is no exception. This story is set in an old Gothic apartment filled with strange tenants. Because of the building's unnerving history, many believe it to be cursed despite being smack dab in the middle of New York City. Remind you of anything? If you guessed Rosemary’s Baby, you get the prize.
There was a lot of hype surrounding this book’s release and even more comparisons to Ira Levin's Rosemary’s Baby. Those were big shoes to fill, and I am pleased to say that Sager, once again, did not disappoint. Rosemary's Baby similarities aside, Sager delivers a plot that is unique and heart-pounding good. Although Sager draws inspiration from classic horror, his novels remain rooted in reality. He writes about things that could actually happen. Not to say that you couldn't move next door to a Satanic cult that forcefully impregnates you with the Devil's baby. Where would the fun be if we were all that closed-minded?
What’s the Plot?
Jules Larsen is offered $4,000 to apartment sit at the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan’s most high-profile and mysterious buildings. The only rules: no visitors, no nights spent away from the apartment, and no disturbing other residents, all of which are famous, rich, or both.
Everything is great until Ingrid, a fellow apartment sitter, disappears without warning. While searching for the truth about Ingrid's disappearance, Jules uncovers the dark history of the Bartholomew. But there are those that want the secrets to stay hidden, and Jules must race against time to save her friend and possibly herself.
"She's fascinating in the same way tornadoes are fascinating. You want to see how much they're going to spin."
- Riley Sager (Lock Every Door)
Scary or Nay?
Scary, no. Thrilling, hell yes. As more secrets are unearthed, this quickly becomes a pulse-quickening read. I have heard some people describe this as a "slower burn" but hey, don't listen to them. If you're already reading this, you're listening to me. Get this book!
Whatcha Drinkin'?
I am obsessed with this book's pink cover. Inside, the flaps are an even more intense hot pink. I found myself thinking why aren't more books bright pink or crazy neon colors? They are so eye-grabbing, calling to you from shelves saying, "Go ahead, pick me up. Just read me for f**k's sake!" So, based solely on color, I paired Lock Every Door with this delicious Frozen Spiked Pink Lemonade. Because, let's be honest, this book is screaming to be read while drinking something pink. It's basically mandatory.
Two-Ingredient Frozen Spiked Pink Lemonade
What You Need
- 1 container pink lemonade
- 1 ½ vodka
- fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
What You Do
- Fill ice cube trays (making about twenty medium-sized ice cubes) with pink lemonade. Freeze overnight.
- Place pink lemonade ice cubes in a blender. Add vodka. Pulse to a slushie consistency.
- Pour into glasses. Garnish with strawberry slices if desired. Serve immediately.