Summary and Review of Riley Sager's Middle of the Night

Summary

In Middle of the Night, Riley Sager delivers another gripping thriller that expertly blends mystery, suspense, and psychological tension. The story follows Sarah Larson, a night-shift worker at a secluded hotel, who becomes entangled in a web of secrets when she starts receiving cryptic calls during her shifts. Each call reveals chilling details about unsolved disappearances in the area, and Sarah soon realizes she may be the key to solving the mystery. But as she delves deeper, it becomes clear that someone—or something—is determined to stop her from uncovering the truth.

Sager masterfully builds an atmosphere of dread and unease, keeping readers on edge from start to finish. The plot is filled with unexpected twists that challenge Sarah's grip on reality and leave the audience questioning what is real and what is not. The hotel's eerie setting becomes a character in itself, adding layers of claustrophobic tension as secrets are slowly peeled back.

The novel’s strength lies in its deeply developed characters, particularly Sarah, whose vulnerability and tenacity make her a relatable protagonist. Sager also uses the narrative to explore themes of trauma, trust, and the thin line between paranoia and legitimate fear. Readers who appreciate an immersive psychological thriller that constantly keeps them guessing will find Middle of the Night to be a thrilling and satisfying experience.

While some of the twists may feel a bit over the top to more seasoned thriller readers, the tension and emotional stakes make this novel hard to put down. Sager once again proves why he is one of the best in the genre, delivering a chilling tale that will leave readers questioning their own perceptions long after the final page is turned.