Lock Every Door, Riley Sager, 2019
My favorite quote: “Never take anything you haven’t earned, my father used to say. You always end up paying for it one way or another.”
Notable characters: Jules Larsen, the apartment-sitter; Nick, another resident
Most memorable scene: The fire
Greatest strengths: The character motivation. I think most people would take a job that would allow them to earn $12,000 in three months. Also, I love that the building she moves into (the Bartholomew) is the setting for Jules’ favorite book. That just adds to the reasonability — and believability — of the decisions she makes
Standout achievements: Its mystery. This book has many, many unexpected layers that are peeled back in all the right ways at just the right time
Fun Facts: Lock Every Door is dedicated to Ira Levin
Other media: Announcements were made in 2019 that it was in development as a TV series
What it taught me: That there’s always a way to put a new spin on classic concepts. I thought for sure I knew where things were going (ala, Rosemary’s Baby) but nope. I definitely didn’t see THAT coming
How it inspired me: Riley Sager’s got serious skills — the kind that speak to my writerly sensibilities. His writing is clean, clear-cut, and concise … but his plots, the layers, the secrets … these things are deep and complex, creating an interesting balance to the almost deceptively straightforward prose. The overall effect is an unexpectedly thorough emotional experience — and Lock Every Door is a great example of that
Additional thoughts: Despite the sex and murder that frequently takes place in my own work, I have a great appreciation for books that can scare your pants off without getting all up in your face about it. Lock Every Door is one of those books. Some will say it’s slow, but I would disagree. I’d say it’s quiet … it creeps up on you, like a good little monster …
Haunt me: alistaircross.com
Alistair Cross 