There is an old saying “ If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.” I have learned over the years that this expression holds true most of the time. In Lock Every Door Jules Larsen puts this expression to the test by accepting a job which requires much more than she is willing to give.

When Jules sees an advertisement for an apartment sitter she believes her luck has finally changed. The opportunity to be paid well to only occupy a space seems ideal. This job will give her the means to get back on her feet after a break up and being laid off. In addition she will have the chance to stay in one of the most glamorous buildings in New York City, The Bartholomew. Although there are very strict rules linked to the job, Jules accepts and hopes for the best. When her friend and fellow apartment sitter, Ingrid disappears Jules learns of a disturbing pattern involving other apartment sitters. She realizes too late that as bad as her life seems, it can get much worse.

Built in 1919 The Bartholomew is an iconic and exclusive apartment building in New York City. For decades there have been rumors about the building. These rumors were fueled by murders, suicides, and unexplained deaths.  The Bartholomew is the costar of Lock Every Door, the plot would not be as awesome if it was set in any other location. Sager’s descriptions of the building are vivid and atmospheric. From the gargoyles which stand guard around the building to the seemingly all seeing wallpaper, and the old fashioned elevator; readers will feel as if they have been transported to The Bartholomew.

Jules Larsen is in her early twenties and with the exception of her best friend Chloe, she is all alone in the world. Living paycheck to paycheck and just one step ahead of being homeless. Jules’ circumstances made her extremely relatable. The ever present worry and fear surrounding her circumstances is palpable. Sager does an excellent job of describing Jules’ dire financial situation. Readers will understand Jules’ desperation in agreeing to stay at The Bartholomew while at the same time wanting to scream at her to run and run fast.

As a child Jules’ favorite book was Heart Of A Dreamer by Greta Manville. The lead character of Heart Of A Dreamer, Ginny lived in The Bartholomew. Throughout Lock Every Door the book is referenced and a few excerpts are mentioned. I absolutely love when other books are mentioned in my current read. Although Heart Of A Dreamer is not an actual book written by Greta Manville, both Lock Every Door and Heart Of A Dreamer put me in mind of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. The Bell Jar is much darker than both Lock Every Door and (I assume) Heart Of A Dreamer but I could not help but notice and enjoy the parallels.

The story of a small town girl coming to the big city in search of adventure and hoping to fulfill her dreams is not new. However Sager has managed to give the story a suspenseful and thrilling upgrade. Fans of writing duo Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen and Lexie Elliott should add Lock Every Door to their list of must reads.

*Thanks to Netgally and Dutton Books for my free E-Copy of Lock Every Door*

Murder and Moore Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars

This was my first book by Riley Sager so I went in with zero expectations. This book was definitely a slow burn at first, but it quickly became a page turner that I couldn't put down. Jules was one of those likeable characters you find yourself rooting for and the Bartholomew was definitely a creepy setting. Her drive to find out what was happening to those who were disappearing was admirable, but it was also completely reckless. I understood how her past drove her to keep digging, but at what point does self preservation kick in? While I was able to guess bits and pieces of the plot, there were still twists that completely surprised me.

This book does address the issue of how society views those seen as a burden. While the privileged feel their lives are worth more because of what they "contribute", their lives are not worth more than anyone else. I felt the author did a great job writing about the issue.

I found parts of this book a bit farfetched and unrealistic, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. Overall I would recommend this book.

A young girl, broke and desperate, takes the job of a lifetime only to uncover horrifying secrets amongst society’s elite.

Author Riley Sager (FINAL GIRLS) delivers a modern-day twist on a horror story with her latest, LOCK EVERY DOOR.

Fresh from a breakup and jobless, Jules Larsen can hardly believe she’s been offered a job apartment sitting at the Bartholomew—one of Manhattan’s most glamourous and mysterious buildings. With celebrity tenants, epic views of Central Park, luxurious spaces and a huge paycheck to boot, it’s a gig she can’t refuse.

It’s almost too good to be true.

And that may very well be the case because almost immediately, Jules fears something isn’t right. The building is creepy with its famous gargoyles and unexplained noises, and the rules she must follow are ridiculously strict. She cannot invite anyone over. She must not talk to any of the tenants. She must mind her own business at all times.

But then Jules discovers another sitter missing. And worse yet, the more she digs, the more horrifying tales she uncovers. Before too long, she finds herself in the middle of something far more dangerous, far more sinister than she imagined and she may not find her way out.

Atmospherically creepy with notes of horror and ratcheting paranoia, LOCK EVERY DOOR is every bit the nightmare. While I was never bored, I did feel the book could have used more narrative tension, more propulsion to get us to that shocking finale. I loved the premise of the novel, the mystery of the luxurious building, the gothic feel of it, the social commentary threaded throughout… I just wanted that ever intangible “more” along the way.

This is a great one to listen to if you love thrillers.

I read Final Girls last summer and loved it so I had high hopes for Lock Every Door ... and they were met 100 percent.

The whole book takes place over 11 days, and flashes back and forth between the past days and now. Jules Larsen has lost everything; her job, her boyfriend and her apartment. She now officially has nothing and no one, except Chloe, her best friend whose couch she is currently crashing on. Jules see an ad for an apartment sitter and she inquires, only to find out it is for the Bartholomew, an iconic condo building in Manhattan.

The apartment sitter position comes with a great paycheck, $1,000/week (which Jules desperately needs), but also comes with strings, in the form of rules. No visitors, no nights away and no talking/disturbing the real residents. Despite the unconventional arrangement and being warned by Chloe, Jules signs up and moves into apartment 12A. Over the course of the first few days, Jules meets a fellow apartment sitter, who then goes missing. She starts to discover that the Bartholomew is more than just an old building in one of her favorite novels. It is a building with a story to tell and secrets it is keeping. Jules is determined to find out what is going on there even if it means breaking all the rules.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

It’s not an understatement to say that Riley Sager may just eclipse Harlan Coban as the next great thriller author. What starts as a seemingly harmless tale of one down on her luck girl's all expenses paid vacation in an illustrious hotel quickly turns into a decade-spannong and far reaching conspiracy of the utmost degree.

This is Sager‘s third thriller novel, and his writing continues to improve with each entry. What is most notable about his writing is that each book has both a unique feel to it, while also creating new signature hallmarks in his writing. Much like the other books, I enjoyed how this was a slow burn of a mystery, until the end, which escalated quite quickly. However, this setting is far different than the other two. Similarly, the split timeline device from the previous books is used again here, but in a different and refreshing way.

The only minor criticism I have is the sub plot involving Jules' sister. A lot of the plot is dedicated to it without any major payoff at the end. However, with everything else being incredible, this is a minor gripe.

The characters, both good and bad, are well fleshed out and I feel like I really got to know them well. Of the three protagonists of Sager's works, I feel Jules is the best developed. On the other hand, while twisted, the villains' motivations do make sense, and I could sadly see this as a real story in our society. Descriptions of the setting are exquisite and well described.

I highly recommend this one and cannot wait to see what Sager releases next.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Don't let this bright and cheery photo fool you; this book is dark and sinister. Lock Every Door has been everywhere on social media lately, and with good reason. As someone who read and loved Sager's first two books, I was extremely excited when I found out he had a new book coming out. There was also a little level of nervous anticipation: would I love the newest book as much as the first two? I am happy to report that Lock Every Door did not disappoint. I loved the setting of the Bartholomew, the exclusive, posh, and mysterious apartment complex of the rich and famous. There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the Bartholomew, but for $1000 a week, Jules believe she can "tough it out". The story was fast-paced and true to Sager's style: completely addictive, page-turning, and unputdownable. I read this book in less than 24 hours, just like I did with his first two books. The twist at the end was one I didn't see coming, and I thought this was a pretty refreshing thriller to read. If you haven't read this one, or anything by Sager, I highly recommend picking up one of his books. Lock Every Door cemented the fact that Sager is, and continues to be, an auto-read author for me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐. Out now! Thank you @duttonbooks @netgalley @riley.sager for providing me with a digital ARC to read and review.

This is a fast paced gripping thriller that keeps you guessing until the final pages.

Jules is struggling with everyday life. She’s broke, heartbroken and feeling at her lowest, until an opportunity to make some money and stay at the most luxurious apartment building in NY, presents itself. But you know the saying “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is”, cause things just don’t seem right.

It’s so easy to really feel for Jules and root for her. She’s not only a kick ass protagonist but she’s also an amazing friend to have when things go down. I was truly engaged not only with her story but also with the history of The Bartholomew and all its secrets.

A definite must read!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Dutton Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I know this is fiction, but this book was so far-fetched from the plot to character's actions throughout that it almost took enjoyment out of reading it. The ending also left some unanswered questions that felt kind of weird to not have. This was a quick read though.

3.5/ 5 stars

Lock Every Door is my second book by this author. I previously read The Last Time I Lied. This is a mystery/thriller.

The story is about Jules (25 years old - 1st person POV). There are both Now and THEN chapters.

In THEN Jules gets a job as an apartment sitter at the Bartholomew (famous building in NYC).

In the NOW a woman wakes up in the hospital.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. I was captivated by the premise. And I really enjoyed Jules. The middle had less happening. But past the halfway point there were a bunch of very interesting developments.

To me the end is everything. And I'm not sure how much I liked the ending of this book. When I read a mystery I like for the story to culminate with a big reveal of who the guilty party is. This book did not really do that. I really liked the idea of this story. And I did like the actual end. But I am torn about the reveal. It was interesting. But I wanted more.

:Pros:

1) The writing is a lot better in this book than the last book. I was impressed when I found myself actually liking the pace of it.

2) I was creeped out at parts of the book. The way it was described at times gave me chills and made me a little scared while reading it at night. That was a nice surprise that I enjoyed.

3) As a child who grew up watching Columbo on syndication I was over the moon about him adding "Just one more thing." into the book. I don't know if it was his intention of adding it because of Columbo or it just happened, either way I adored it.

4) The visuals that were written were interesting and I could imagine being in the very creepy hotel with Jules and solving the mystery.

:Cons:

1)Most of the time it felt repetitive. I felt as though the author was just going over and over what was written. It got a little stale and boring.

2)A lot of the time it was very predictable. I knew where it was going and there felt as though the mystery was gone. I wish there would have more twists but it was as though we just followed this straight line.

3)Too many dreams in this book. So many chapters opened with them. They didn't help the plot and at times I felt like it slowed it down.

4)The texting conversations were difficult to follow as it only had a line and another line. There was nothing who said what.

This book was meh for me. I'd definitely give the author another chance to change my mind from 3 stars to 5. I'll read his next book

What a great, engaging thriller! I was hooked from the beginning and could not put this one down. I loved the writing style and the pace was spot on. I could not see where this one was going and the twists were totally unpredictable! As this is my first Sager novel, I fully intend to read the others. Overall, my favorite thriller of the year so far!

Seriously fantastic narration. Dylan Moore was seriously amazing. I enjoyed her voice, her tone. The nation by itself is 5 star!!

The book was good. The last 2 hours is some of the best thriller I've listened to in a while!! I wish all the hours felt like that. They didn't. It was the normal building up the story and setting a foundation. Which I appreciate a good solid story but I do with the entire book had some of that thrilling, or suspenseful feel.

The ending was fantastic! I never saw that conclusion coming. Great development, great story. My only issue is the consistency in the thrill-feel.

Who wouldn't take the job as an apartment sitter in the luxurious Bartholomew? Homeless, heartbroken and broke Jules Larsen doesn't hesitate when she finds that she will earn $12,000 in just 3 months! Surrounded by opulence and fine things in 12A, the unit she's assigned, Jules can't believe her luck. At the back of her mind, and because of the concern expressed by her best friend, Chloe, Jules can't help but wonder if it's all too good to be true. Quite soon after she's settled and living in the private residence, Jules meets Ingrid and the two of them find that the Bartholomew is a very scary place to live. When Ingrid vanishes, Jules discovers that behind the walls of this stately facade are secrets that just might kill her. NO SPOILERS.

This was a fun, fast read full of twists and turns that kept me rapidly turning the pages eager to find out the secrets. The writing is good and the characters interesting with the typical stereotyping separating good guys from bad ones. Although I was rooting for Jules, I secretly had this teeny, tiny desire...well, I won't say more. The book provided me with a couple of hours of pure entertainment so I could leave my reality check at the door.

I understand this book may make its way to a television series at some point in the future. I'm looking forward to that and future novels by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House DUTTON for the e-book ARC to read and review.

RIley Sager has done it again, and dare I say it’s his best one yet? A creepy hotel with strange residents and a great female lead solving a mystery? Yes, please! If you like spooky mysteries that aren’t too gory, Lock Every Door is perfect for you! It’s a great summer or fall read, and I’ll be recommending it a ton!

I received a free copy for an honest review.

This is probably one of the best books I've read this year - and definitely this month.

This book was phenomenally written thanks to its amazing foreshadowing, pacing, and writing style. It had time jumps that not only made logical sense but also dramatically helped to establish the chilling atmosphere needed for a good thriller book. The time jumps to make the book so scary because of how it let us know that not only something bad is going to happen, but also how it didn't end yet even when it seems like it did (if you read the book you know what I am talking about).

Although I described the pacing and writing style as separate factors, they kind of overlap each other and positively highlight each other. The unique time-jumps undoubtedly contribute to the stable yet tense and stressful pacing, which successfully contributes to the writing style fitting for a thriller/horror story.

This book also touched me emotionally by conveying the truth about the cruelty of poverty and unfairness of social finance/debt. One of its biggest themes is the serious subject of income inequality and how that may link to the idea of worthiness in society, as well as how these people may be taken advantage of in times of desperation.

Lock Every Door is a sensational book that not only did a remarkable job scaring me as a thriller novel but also affected me emotionally as one of the most significant and touching books I've read in a long time. It's truly a book that made me just sit there and think of what I have just read.

Sooooo good....per the publishers request, I will wait to review this until it is closer to the publishing date

Ok, now it’s safe to say, Riley Sager has done it again. I don’t know how the author comes up with these ideas, but every book is as good as the last.

Jules is in a desperate situation, and takes a job with some rather unusual rules. But the money is good, so it will be worth it, right? But people disappear, strange noises are heard, and people are very secretive. What is going on in The Bartholomew?

I had read Final Girls by Riley Sager, and with all of the praise that it got, I wasn't as into it. I feel like I enjoyed Lock Every Door a lot more, and felt like it was more of the kind of thriller that interests me. There were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and just when I felt like I knew what was going on, it went in the completely opposite direction. I wanted to know more about this secret society living in the Bartholomew and what happened to all of the victims, but I did enjoy that all of the heinous people living there got what was coming to because Jules had the courage to stick it out and fight. This was a very fast-paced novel that I read while traveling, and it was the perfect thing for that. I think its going to be a bestseller just like Sager's other books, because of how accessible it is to read and how easy it is to get through.

I was hooked after reading the first 2 pages of this book! I can’t imagine anyone reading the beginning of this book & not wanting to read on to find out what happens. Everyone has heard the saying if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This takes it to a whole other level. When Jules finds an ad looking for an apartment sitter that pays she thinks it is the answer to all of her problems. If you’re a Riley Sager’s this will not disappoint. It’s my new favorite of his.

I loved the setting here with the creepy mysterious apartment building The Bartholomew and its tenants. The storyline is intriguing here and I was immediately pulled into the story and was a bit afraid as to what was going on behind the locked doors in this apartment building.

I was loving the direction I thought this story was going and I was trying to piece things together till it hit that twist that I never saw coming and everything fell apart for me. As shocking as that twist was it wasn’t that satisfying for me. I would have liked the clues to be more layered with some crumbs along the way instead of a twist that felt like it came out of nowhere. It was a little too far fetched with the direction I was hoping for even for this reader.

At first, I was a little unsure about the Manhattan setting. It didn't’ seem to fit with the type of book Sager usually writes. But the way he describes the Bartholomew gives the book the creepy, gothic vibes it needed.

The format of this book was original too. It starts out alternating between “6 days before” and “now”, ending up at “6 months after”. The format helped build the suspense, knowing part of what would happen when you got to the “now”.

The characters in the book are also well depicted. We get a clear understanding and theme around the type of apartment sitter the Bartholomew attracts, without experiencing numerous flashbacks for each of the sitters.

Overall, I loved this book, it’s very different from his other two, so I can see why some people may not like it as much, but I actually really enjoyed the different setting. This one gets a solit 5/5 stars from me!