Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Lock Every Door is a thriller novel by American author Riley Sager. The book tells the story of Jules, a struggling New Yorker who takes a job apartment-sitting at the prestigious Bartholomew building. While staying there, Jules begins to uncover the dark secrets of the building and the people who live there, leading to a series of shocking revelations and twists.
Themes and Ideas
One of the main themes of Lock Every Door is the idea of ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. Jules, the protagonist, is a struggling writer who sees the apartment-sitting job at the Bartholomew as an opportunity to change her fortunes. However, as she delves deeper into the secrets of the building, she realizes that the price of ambition may be too high. The book also explores the themes of power, wealth, and societal hierarchies, highlighting the disparities between the residents of the Bartholomew and the rest of society.
The book also touches upon the theme of mental health, with several characters struggling with various mental illnesses. This adds depth to the characters and makes them more relatable, as mental health is a topic that touches the lives of many people.
Writing Style and Effectiveness
Riley Sager’s writing style in Lock Every Door is fast-paced and engaging, with a strong emphasis on suspense and tension-building. The author effectively conveys the feeling of unease and mistrust that permeates the Bartholomew building, making the reader question the motives of every character. The use of unreliable narrators and multiple perspectives adds to the intrigue and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
Sager’s descriptions of the setting are vivid and atmospheric, making the Bartholomew building feel like a character in its own right. The author’s use of short, snappy sentences and cliffhanger chapter endings keeps the momentum of the story going and makes it difficult to put the book down. Overall, Sager’s writing style is highly effective in creating a thrilling and suspenseful story.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the strengths of Lock Every Door is the depth and complexity of the characters. Each character is multi-faceted and has their own motivations and backstories, adding to the mystery and intrigue of the story. The use of mental health as a theme also adds depth to the characters and makes them more relatable.
However, one weakness of the book is that some of the plot twists can feel contrived and overly dramatic. While the book is highly suspenseful and engaging, some of the revelations towards the end of the book feel forced and may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
Comparison to Other Works in its Genre
Lock Every Door belongs to the psychological thriller genre, and as such can be compared to other works in the same category. While it shares some similarities with other books in the genre, such as the use of unreliable narrators and plot twists, it also stands out due to the complexity of the characters and the unique setting of the Bartholomew building.
Compared to other works in the genre, Lock Every Door is a highly suspenseful and engaging novel that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. However, some readers may find that the plot twists are not as satisfying as those in other similar books.
Overall Impression and Recommendation
Overall, Lock Every Door is a highly engaging and suspenseful novel that is sure to captivate fans of the psychological thriller genre. The characters are multi-dimensional and the setting is unique, making the book stand out from others in the same category. While some of the plot twists may feel contrived or overly dramatic, the book is still highly entertaining and suspenseful.
I would definitely recommend Lock Every Door to fans of the psychological thriller genre or anyone looking for an engaging and suspenseful read. The book is a page-turner from beginning to end, and is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
FAQ
Who is the author of Lock Every Door?
The author of Lock Every Door is Riley Sager, a bestselling American author known for her psychological thriller novels.
What is the main theme of Lock Every Door?
The main theme of Lock Every Door is ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. The book also explores the themes of power, wealth, and mental health.
Is Lock Every Door a fast-paced book?
Yes, Lock Every Door is a fast-paced book that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
How does Lock Every Door compare to other psychological thrillers?
Lock Every Door compares favorably to other psychological thrillers, with its unique setting and complex characters making it stand out in the genre.
Would you recommend Lock Every Door to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend Lock Every Door to fans of the psychological thriller genre or anyone looking for an engaging and suspenseful read.
