Psychological Thriller Suspense Ghost Thriller Book Review: The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

How I Found It

I just finished reading a psychological ghost thriller The House Across the Lake last night, finishing around 3:45 a.m. on 12/28/2025. This is my second book by Riley Sager. I started it on 12/21/2025, and after enjoying The Only One Left, I wanted to read another book in his catalog, which brings me to this one and my short book review.

What It's About

Popular actress Casey Fletcher is banished from the spotlight to her family's lake house after her drunken tirade hits the tabloids. Casey spends her days drinking and spying on the other houses across the lake. One night she saves a supermodel from drowning, and the incident leads her down a rabbit hole involving her dead husband, a murder, a supernatural occurrence, a serial killer, and the discovery that the dead don't always stay dead.

What I Loved/Didn't Love

I liked the beginning of the story and kept reading because I thought I was going to get a good murder mystery with some excellent twists at the end. The chapters seemed to drag on, though, and I nearly stopped reading. Once I got past two hundred pages, the story took

a wild turn.

Instead of a murder mystery, I got a scary paranormal story—and I don't do those types of paranormal stories. I don't mind if the paranormal is used for good, but the ones used for evil get in my psyche.

Sager's writing is good, and the character development was well-rounded. However, Casey's excessive drinking was a little off-putting for me, though I understood why by the end. The pacing could have been tighter throughout the entire novel.

Themes

The novel explores loss, addiction, betrayal, secrets, blame, alcoholism, family dynamics, and the paranormal.

Who Would Enjoy It

If you love a mystery with paranormal or supernatural elements and stories where the dead won't stay dead, then this book is perfect for you.

My Rating

3 out of 5 stars

I gave it the lower rating because I simply found the book not as engaging as Sager's The Only One Left. The paranormal twist wasn't what I was expecting, and it took the story in a direction that wasn't for me.

Have you read The House Across the Lake? What did you think of the twist? I'd love to hear your thoughts!