Home Before Dark: A Novel

Derrick CollegeOctober 2026

★★☆☆☆

This was my very first Riley Sager book. I thought I read something else from him, but I guess I was wrong. I hear good things about this author. He is praised for his work. I want to read more from him.. but this book.. ( I’m shaking my head ) was so bland. I listened through Alexa like I normally do.. and I got a headache ( not from Alexa’s reading ) but from how dull this book was. I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I think the only character I like was Janey June Jones.. or something to that effect. Only because of her name. Maggie ( the MC ) irritated me. Her father got under my skin. No one else was memorable. I had trouble remembering who was who from the minor characters and ghosts. The backstory, mystery and “hauntings” were nothing to be spooked over. It was just underwhelming. The chapters switch POVs so it was hard to follow as well. The BIG reveal at the end.. was kind of interesting. Not enough for me to like this book unfortunately. It’s just an underwhelming overly written book by an author I hope I start like reading. ( Still going to give him a chance )