The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

A Twisty, Supernatural Thriller

Let’s talk about Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake. This book had me hooked before I even cracked it open—partly because I absolutely loved Sager’s In the Middle of the Night, but also because, let’s be real, the cover design is stunning. (Who is Sager’s graphic designer, and can I personally thank them?) The promise of a voyeuristic mystery set at a remote lake house felt like the perfect setup for a binge-worthy thriller. And while the book delivered plenty of twists, turns, and thrills, it also surprised me in ways I didn’t expect—both for better and for worse.

At its core, The House Across the Lake is a story about Casey Fletcher, a 35-year-old widow and former actress. Casey is struggling with grief and alcoholism following her husband Len’s death, and her downward spiral leads her to retreat to her family’s lake house in Vermont. Isolated and drowning (both figuratively and literally) in her sorrow, Casey finds herself drawn to her neighbors across the lake, Katherine and Tom Royce. Katherine, a former supermodel, and Tom, a tech mogul, seem like the picture-perfect couple, but things aren’t always as they appear.

When Katherine vanishes, Casey’s curiosity turns into obsession. Armed with a pair of binoculars and a head full of suspicions, she begins to piece together the dark secrets that lie behind the Royces’ glass walls. But this isn’t just a standard thriller where Casey is the plucky amateur detective uncovering the truth. Sager throws in a supernatural twist that turns the story on its head, making this book part mystery, part ghost story, and part psychological exploration of grief and guilt.

A Mystery That Twists and Turns

From the start, the book feels like a modern homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window. Casey’s voyeuristic spying and the sense of isolation at Lake Greene create an atmosphere of unease that’s palpable on every page. The lake itself is practically a character, its dark waters holding secrets that slowly rise to the surface as the story unfolds.

What sets this story apart from similar thrillers is the way Sager layers the suspense. The first half of the book builds slowly, focusing on Casey’s unreliable narration and the tension between what she sees, what she thinks she sees, and what’s actually happening. Casey is messy, flawed, and deeply human. Her struggles with addiction and grief make her relatable, even when her choices make you want to shake her.

But then, about halfway through, Sager shifts gears. The plot takes a turn for the supernatural as we learn that Casey’s husband Len might not be as gone as she thought. The book dives headfirst into a ghost story, and while it’s a bold move, it might not work for every reader. For me, the twist was shocking, but I found myself wishing it had been more subtly foreshadowed. Still, I couldn’t put the book down as the final act ramped up to an explosive and unpredictable conclusion.

Characters Full of Secrets

The characters in The House Across the Lake are as layered as the plot, each carrying their own secrets and motivations that slowly come to light.

Casey is the standout. As the unreliable narrator, she’s both frustrating and endearing. Her alcoholism and grief feel raw and real, and her arc—from spiraling self-destruction to eventual redemption—is compelling. Watching her confront her past, her guilt, and her fears is as much a part of the story as the mystery itself.

Katherine Royce is another fascinating character. On the surface, she’s the glamorous supermodel-turned-damsel-in-distress, but there’s so much more to her. Her unraveling marriage with Tom and her connection to Casey form the emotional backbone of the story.

Tom, who might be the most suspicious husband in thriller history. His motivations and actions keep you guessing, and just when you think you’ve figured him out, Sager pulls the rug out from under you.

Boone Conrad, the neighbor-turned-ally, is one of the book’s more complex characters. His backstory adds depth, and his evolving relationship with Casey provides a sense of grounding amid the chaos. However, his motives are always just murky enough to make you wonder if he’s truly trustworthy.

Len Fletcher looms large over the story. Even in death, his presence is felt, and the revelations about his past crimes add a chilling layer to the narrative. The supernatural elements tied to Len are where the story takes its biggest risks, and while it didn’t all work for me, it was undeniably bold.

The Good, the Great, and the Questionable

There’s a lot to love about The House Across the Lake. The setting is atmospheric and immersive—Lake Greene is a place you can practically feel as you read, from its glassy surface to its shadowy depths. The pacing is deliberate but never boring, with each chapter peeling back another layer of the mystery. And the themes—grief, guilt, and the way the past haunts us—are explored with a depth that elevates this book beyond a standard thriller.

But then there’s the twist. The supernatural elements felt like a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, they added an unexpected and chilling dimension to the story. On the other, they felt slightly out of place given the grounded realism of the first half. I don’t mind being surprised, but I want those surprises to feel like they fit within the world of the story. Still, I have to give Sager credit for taking risks—it’s part of what makes his books so memorable.

Why You Should Read It

If you’re a fan of twisty thrillers with unreliable narrators and atmospheric settings, this book is a must-read. It’s messy and bold, blending psychological drama with supernatural horror in a way that’s totally unique. Whether you love the twists or feel they’re a bit too much, one thing’s for sure: you won’t forget this story anytime soon.

Final Thoughts

The House Across the Lake is the kind of book that keeps you thinking long after you’ve finished it. It’s eerie, emotional, and completely unpredictable. While it’s not perfect, it’s a ride worth taking—especially if you’re a Riley Sager fan. So grab a copy, settle in, and prepare for a wild, spooky journey.