Unlocking Disappointment: A Review of Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
There’s something undeniably captivating about a thriller—especially one with a premise as intriguing as Lock Every Door. The notion of an apartment sitter in a glamorous Manhattan building, drawn in by the tempting allure of a life wrapped in mystery and dark secrets, had my heart racing with excitement. I had high hopes, especially given Riley Sager’s reputation for crafting suspenseful narratives. But as I turned each page, I couldn’t help but feel that this was not the breathless rollercoaster I anticipated. Instead, I found myself trapped in a lackluster loop, where the twists I craved were overshadowed by sheer frustration.
At the story’s center is Jules Larsen, a woman reeling from a series of setbacks—losing her job, a breakup with a cheating boyfriend, and ultimately leaving her without a place to stay. These trials set the stage for her decision to accept a job at the Bartholomew, a posh building where she’ll earn a thousand dollars per week to essentially do nothing but abide by a series of peculiar rules. The stakes feel high, and while the setup is promising, it quickly unravels into a narrative mired by an infuriating protagonist and decisions so absurdly implausible that my disbelief could not be suspended.
I’ll be honest: I found Jules utterly grating. Her decisions were maddening, and her blind acceptance of the red flags surrounding her living situation left me shaking my head in disbelief. Are there aspects of thrillers that require characters to make irrational choices for the sake of plot? Absolutely. But Jules didn’t just stumble; she sprinted blindfolded into danger. Her snubbing of well-meaning warnings from her only sensible friend, Chloe, made me wonder how someone could be so naive and foolish. Honestly, it felt like I was watching a horror movie where you’re screaming, “Don’t go in there!” This disconnect made it difficult for me to empathize with her plight.
As for the writing itself, well, let’s just say it lacked the sharp edge I had hoped for. The pacing dragged, leaving me longing for something—anything—that would propel the story forward. And while I sought a compelling twist to redeem the narrative, the revelation felt more like an abrupt departure from reason than an impactful moment. I relish being surprised in thrillers, but there’s a critical line between unpredictable and unrealistic, and this book wavered into the latter territory.
Despite my disappointment, I can’t ignore the eerie atmosphere that Sager attempted to conjure within the walls of the Bartholomew. The creaky staircases, hushed whispers of the building’s history, and the sense of isolation were all commendable touches that provided a glimmer of what could have been a gripping setting. So, I’ll give credit where it’s due: the ambiance had its moments, and it even netted a couple of stars from me.
In conclusion, Lock Every Door is an ambitious attempt at a suspenseful thriller that, frankly, missed the mark for me. While it may resonate with readers looking for a quick, chilling read without delving too deeply into character development, it left this thriller enthusiast craving something meatier. If you’re seeking a book to spark your imagination and thrill your senses, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. But if you’re curious and willing to take a chance on a premise that ultimately might not deliver, then give it a try. Your reading experience is yours alone, after all, and you never know—it might just unlock a door to a different world for you.