Although it took me nearly a week to finish this 675 page novel, I savored each page. It’s by far the most realistic novel I’ve ever read. Riley Sager spins a taut and atmospheric psychological thriller that explores the cost of desperation, the lure of luxury and the dark secrets that lie behind locked doors of wealthy people. People who yield power. Set in a glamorous but eerie Manhattan apartment building called the Bartholomew, this novel fuses classic Gothic elements with modern suspense, which makes it a compulsive read for lovers of twisty thrillers.
The story follows Jules Larsen, a down-on-her-luck woman who accepts a strange but very lucrative job as an apartment sitter at the Bartholomew. The place is an infamous and elite high-rise in New York City. The rules are really strict; no visitors, no nights away, no interaction with other residents. But, the pay is too good to pass up. 12grand. I mean who would want to pass that up?
Anyway, two days in, Jules soon realizes that the building holds many secrets. Other apartment sitters have gone missing, residents are cagey and there’s a chilling history tied to the Bartholomew’s opulence.
This realization fuels her curiosity and she digs deeper which leads to the sudden discovery that she might be the next in a string of vanishings.
From the first chapter, Sager builds an atmosphere that is both glamorous and sinister. The Bartholomew is almost a character in itself - elegant, old, whispering with secrets - and it casts a shadow over every page. A shadow that is poignant. One that makes your skin crawl and your stomach lurch. The pacing is strong, alternating between present-tense action and flashbacks that slowly reveal how Jules ended up in her dire situation.
One thing I like about Jules’ character is that she’s relatable and compelling; vulnerable yet determined, shaped by personal tragedy and driven by both grief and survival. Her voice anchors the story and gives emotional weight to the mystery. The supporting cast is mysterious and well-drawn, especially Ingrid and the enigmatic residents of the building.
Sager’s writing is fast-paced and cinematic. It is just perfect for readers like me who enjoy thrillers with a blend of psychological tension and urban gothic. The reveals are well-timed and while some twists in my opinion felt a bit far-fetched, they’re undeniably entertaining.
What makes this book really stand out from many others I’ve read is its commentary on class disparity and the lengths people will go to secure comfort or escape poverty. It explores how institutions can prey on the vulnerable while appearing pristine on the surface.
Trust me, this novel is chilling. It is a smartly plotted thriller that blends mystery, suspense and social commentary with a classic haunted-building vibe.
If you enjoy psychological suspense and stories where the setting is just as menacing as the mystery, atmospheric, disturbing, and unputdownable, you may grab a copy and read away.
Rating: 4/5