In the Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
A Spooky Suburban Whodunit
Let’s talk about In the Middle of the Night by Riley Sager. You know I’m a sucker for a good thriller, and when I saw this one—with its gorgeous font and eerie premise—I was all in. I’d already loved The House Across the Lake (seriously, who is Sager’s graphic designer, because they deserve an award), so I knew this one had potential to be just as good. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint…well, mostly.
This book is like a spooky suburban drama with a ghost story twist. It’s got all the vibes: creepy cul-de-sac, mysterious woods, and a secretive institute that screams “don’t go there,” so of course the characters do. Plus, we’re dealing with a decades-old mystery that centers around the disappearance of Ethan Marsh’s childhood best friend, Billy, who vanished one summer night from a tent in Ethan’s backyard. Thirty years later, Ethan is back, and weird things are happening…like, “Did I just see a ghost?” level weird.
Why You Need to Read This
If you’re into slow-burn mysteries that make you feel like you’re unraveling the truth right alongside the main character, this one’s for you. The story is told through dual timelines—ten-year-old Ethan dealing with the tragedy of losing his best friend and present-day Ethan trying to make sense of some seriously spooky occurrences. Sager absolutely nails the small-town vibe, and the atmosphere is chef’s kiss. Think suburban gossip, eerie woods, and a splash of paranormal just to keep you on your toes.
The themes of grief and forgiveness run through the book. It’s not just about solving a mystery; it’s about how these characters have been shaped (read: totally messed up) by their pasts. Ethan’s guilt, Ashley’s secrets, Andy’s obsession with the truth—it’s all so raw and real. And even though I didn’t relate to these themes personally, I loved how Sager explored them with so much depth.
Let’s Talk Characters
The characters in this book? Messy in the best way. Here’s a little breakdown:
Ethan Marsh: Our insomnia-ridden protagonist who’s back in his childhood home trying to make sense of his past. He’s got guilt for days and a habit of digging too deep into things he shouldn’t.
Billy Barringer: Ethan’s best friend who disappeared when they were kids. Even though he’s gone, his presence looms over the entire story.
Andy Barringer: Billy’s younger brother, who’s back with a vengeance (literally). He’s been leaving “signs” to push Ethan into uncovering the truth.
Ashley Wallace: The former babysitter-turned-neighbor who’s carrying a massive secret. She’s one of the most intriguing characters—complex, guilt-ridden, and totally unforgettable.
Russ Chen: A childhood friend with his own dark past. He’s one of those characters you’re not sure you can trust, and I was here for it.
Detective Ragesh Patel: Another childhood friend turned detective. His journey from childhood bully to someone trying to make amends added an interesting layer to the story.
What I Loved
The slow-burn pacing: Okay, this isn’t a book that will have you flipping pages at lightning speed (until the last 25%, that is). But that’s what I loved about it. It felt like popping into my favorite TV drama—not a wild ride, but one I thoroughly enjoyed every time I picked it up.
The atmosphere: Hemlock Circle felt like a character itself. The eerie woods, the creepy old Hawthorne Institute, and the neighborhood where everyone has secrets? Perfection.
The ghost story vibes: There’s something about the way Sager writes paranormal elements that just works. It’s spooky without being over the top, and it’s woven in so seamlessly that it keeps you guessing.
The themes: Grief, forgiveness, guilt—it’s all here, and it’s handled beautifully. Every character is dealing with their own version of these emotions, and it makes the story so much richer.
Final Thoughts
In the Middle of the Night is eerie, suspenseful, and brimming with emotional depth. It’s not your typical edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it’s the kind of book that sticks with you. If you’re a fan of suburban mysteries, ghost stories, or character-driven suspense, add this one to your TBR immediately. Riley Sager’s storytelling is just chef’s kiss (yes, again), and I can’t wait to see what he writes next.
Have You Read It?
If you’ve read this one, let’s chat! Did you guess the ending? Were you as obsessed with the characters as I was? And if you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for?
