Home Before Dark Summary
"Home Before Dark" is a mystery thriller novel written by Riley Sager. The novel follows the story of Maggie Holt, who moves with her parents to Baneberry Hall, a supposedly haunted house, when she was a child. Her family lives there for just three weeks before fleeing in the dead of night, never to return. Twenty-five years later, Maggie inherits the house from her father after his death and returns to Baneberry Hall to confront her past and uncover the truth about what really happened there.
The novel is told in alternating perspectives between Maggie's present-day investigation and her father's book, "House of Horrors," which recounts the family's time at Baneberry Hall. As Maggie delves deeper into the house's dark history and the secrets of her family's past, she begins to question whether the ghosts of Baneberry Hall are real or just a figment of her imagination.
One of the strengths of "Home Before Dark" is the atmosphere and setting. The novel is set in a creepy, isolated house with a haunted history, and the descriptions of the house and its surroundings are vivid and atmospheric. The tension and suspense build up gradually as Maggie uncovers the secrets of the house and her family, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the story.
The characters are well-crafted and complex, with their own motivations and secrets. Maggie is a determined and intelligent protagonist who is not afraid to confront her fears and unravel the mysteries of her past. The supporting characters are also well-developed and add depth to the story.
Overall, "Home Before Dark" is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. It is a haunting and atmospheric novel that explores the themes of family, memory, and the power of storytelling. If you enjoy mystery thrillers with a gothic edge, this book is definitely worth reading.
