DachsWhatSheRead
I have a complicated relationship with Sager. The first book of his I read was Lock Every Door and I’ve never had more trouble reviewing something that I’m fully aware is someone’s art. I’m still not willing to pick the fight I want to about it but the gist is on my Goodreads and Blog.
Let’s just say I went into this extremely skeptical and weary. I love stories revolving around camps. I mean, Jason… legendary. Apparently Netflix liked the synopsis too because they’ve optioned it for a series. I’m not sure I would classify it as a full-fledged thriller but it is creepy, fun, and potentially a binge worthy series.
There’s something about people disappearing without a trace that draws us all in. As an artist I loved the way the fourth member of the cabin of girls that disappeared continued to deal with the trauma in adulthood. I once read an interview about an artist that hid things in drawers or the furniture of his digital paintings that no one would ever know was there but him. When Emma talks about her art and similar tendencies, I’m reminded of how complicated and secretive creation can be. I love it.
The psychological aspects addressed in the plot are interesting and it frequently twists, releasing a few details at a time until the timeline crashes into the flashbacks. There were some parts that could’ve been played up a bit and the end will give most readers what they want. I’d recommend it to someone that likes thrillers that won’t keep you up at night. No shade intended.
Finally, during an inner dialogue Sager has a character refer to another book sure to be in many TBRs by revealing the ending unnecessarily. This considered with my experience of Lock Every Door I’m led to believe Sager doesn’t have as much respect for the work of others as I would appreciate but do you need to like/respect the author to continue reading their work?
I don’t know the answer to that and so many love him I’ve made this an experiment. I believe my 4/5 review for The Last Time I Lied is fair. I’m about to read Final Girls so the experiment goes on.