A melancholic suburban mystery, for someone who's releasing novels on a schedule, Riley Sager still manages to diversify his output. Middle of the Night is quite a departure tonally from his last couple releases, rather than the expected over-the-top camp, he aims for a much more muted and character-driven approach. This one might be the least 'thrillery' work of his, and feels less like a summer 'fun' read due to its emphasis on grief, but at the same time it is still well-structured and immersive to dive into.

Riley Sager has always been excellent at generating a storied environment, and this one is no different — a secluded cul-de-sac butted against a mysterious, ancient institution. However, as the plot moves towards its ultimate destination, the intriguing settings gradually revealed to be mostly red herrings, and the 'truth' is much more mundane than the misdirection along the way. One can certainly argue 'evil lurks in the ordinary', but when the core event ends up having only a superficial connection to its location, I can't help but imagining a punchier story line that utilizes its setting to the fullest.

Middle of the Night is definitely one of the more emotional (even a tad melodramatic at times) story Riley Sager has written, for once what I recall from the novel after reading are some of its character moments, rather than the twists and reveal. Even though this one is not ranking high from the perspective of bingeable entertainment (it's too downbeat and placid as a thrill-seeking, fast read), I still appreciate the atmosphere, layered storytelling, and its mixture of mystery and paranormal. Can't wait to see what Riley Sager will bring next summer!

**The Book Troop Book Club July 2024 Selection**