Summary
Middle of the Night is the latest gripping thriller from New York Times bestselling author Riley Sager. Released to instant acclaim, this novel delves into the haunting disappearance of a child from a seemingly idyllic New Jersey neighborhood thirty years ago. Sager's masterful storytelling weaves together past and present, exploring themes of trauma, friendship, and the dark secrets that can lurk beneath even the most picturesque facades.
The book centers on Ethan Marsh, who returns to his childhood home on Hemlock Circle three decades after his best friend Billy vanished without a trace. As strange occurrences begin to plague the cul-de-sac, Ethan is forced to confront the mysteries of that fateful night. Sager's signature blend of suspense and psychological depth keeps readers on edge, questioning the nature of memory and the lingering effects of childhood trauma.
While Middle of the Night has not yet been adapted for screen, Sager's previous works have garnered significant attention in Hollywood. His debut novel, Final Girls, was optioned for film by Universal Pictures, demonstrating the cinematic potential of Sager's storytelling. As with his other bestsellers, Middle of the Night showcases Sager's ability to craft atmospheric, twist-filled narratives that captivate audiences and leave them guessing until the final page.
Plot
In Riley Sager's thriller Middle of the Night, Ethan Marsh returns to his childhood home on Hemlock Circle 30 years after the mysterious disappearance of his best friend Billy. As a 10-year-old, Ethan had fallen asleep next to Billy in a tent in his backyard, only to wake up alone with the tent sliced open. Billy was never seen again, leaving the neighborhood shaken and Ethan traumatized.
Now back in his old house, Ethan begins experiencing strange occurrences in the middle of the night. He notices someone roaming the cul-de-sac at odd hours and finds signs of Billy's presence appearing in his backyard. Plagued by insomnia and unsettling dreams, Ethan wonders if someone is playing a cruel prank or if Billy has somehow returned after all these years.
Driven to uncover the truth about that fateful night three decades ago, Ethan launches an investigation that reconnects him with old friends and neighbors from Hemlock Circle. His search leads him into the surrounding woods, an area Billy had claimed was haunted by ghosts. Ethan discovers a mysterious institute conducting secretive research on a crumbling estate within the forest.
