Literally Dead Book Club discussion

Discussion topic 1 of 3 for Home Before Dark by Riley Sager.

Chapter 5 ends on page 110 in my Dutton hardcover edition.
(There are no chapter titles, so for reference- chapter 6 begins with "After seeing that person...")

What did you think about the first 5 chapters?
Favourite character?
Any predictions of what's to come?
Are you preferring the regular narrative, or the "house of horrors" book within?

So far so good—nothing super unexpected has happened yet, but some consistently creepy things are starting to emerge (the chandelier, the bells, the armoire, etc).

Really like the 'book-within-book' structure, especially in the the physical copy where the page design is also different between them.

Side comment: I guess no writer/screenwriter has really solved the logic leap of 'Why would anyone move into a place like this in the first place' syndrome!

I'm cautiously optimistic to see where this goes—as I was very disappointed with Lock Every Door (unpopular opinion!) but so far Home Before Dark has corrected some of my concerns.

I'm really enjoying this so far. Not much has happened yet, but I'm already so intrigued to find out how much of her dad's book was truth and how much was fiction. And what really happened!?!

I'm also really enjoying the book within the book. I love both narratives and think the author did a really good job dividing up each section.

Maggie ruined the whole book for me. I hated her attitude the whole time. I understand her frustration as a child wanting answers but sometimes parents just know best, so she should have been given better answers.

Had a chance to let my thoughts simmer overnight, my prediction:

Deal with the Devil: Curtis Carver made a deal with the house (or William Gardon specifically), for success in exchange of his daughter. Curtis regretted the decision and 'saved' his daughter by killing her. Ewan Holt did the same deal, he got his success (House of Horror the book), but tried to keep Maggie away all these years from fulfilling his promise. But he knows her fate is inevitable upon his death.

Really enjoying this so far! I just say I admire the authors writing and setting the scene between both the house of horrors and Maggie’s narrative. I think the connections between the two that come to life each chapter is great! My only criticism is that sometimes the authors voice is too similar for both Ewan’s story and Maggie’s story, although as I continue I’m noticing this less. But I do think that the author could have differentiated between the two a little more distinctly, or maybe this is just me as a reader!

I’m very intrigued to find out the truth and why Maggie’s parents have kept it from her for so long. I’m usually surprised by thrillers and can never guess what’s gonna happen, but I’m very impressed by Justin’s prediction!! Definitely gets me thinking...

This is my first time reading any Riley Sager's book and even though nothing has happen, I still found it interesting, especially when it is about the house. What frustrates me a little is Maggie's attitude. But other than that, I really enjoyed the book

I am happy that I am enjoying this book more than the previous one. I feel like the author was inspired by 'The Haunting of Hill House', because I can see many similarities, but I don't mind that.

The switching between Maggie and the haunted house is well done and I like how they intertwine. For predictions: obviously, the house is haunted and Maggie will stay for too long because she doesn't want to admit that ghosts are real. I feel like Justin's prediction is very likely to happen or Maggie made a deal when she was younger and her parents are protecting her (and themselves by running away).

Natasha wrote: "Really enjoying this so far! I just say I admire the authors writing and setting the scene between both the house of horrors and Maggie’s narrative. I think the connections between the two that com..."

Agree regarding the author's voice between the 2 'books'—could've been more distinct if this is the core gimmick of the novel.

Ina wrote: "I am happy that I am enjoying this book more than the previous one. I feel like the author was inspired by 'The Haunting of Hill House', because I can see many similarities, but I don't mind that. ..."

Woo—I'm intrigued by the 'Maggie made a deal' (perhaps by accident) angle!

I like how this begins and builds my anticipation.

I'm listening to the audiobook and I'm loving it! it is rare for a horror story, be it book or film, to scare me but this one is doing the job lol. maybe it's the audiobook, because with it I imagine things more vividly, but, even if it's that, I'm enjoying.
I don't love the characters, but they interest me, specially maggie's parents.
I like the house of horrors narrative better but it's interesting how both "timelines" complement what is being narrated on the other. it really intrigues me that fact that I have no clue in who or what to believe, so I travel between believing that the house is haunted and that the book is a hoax.

I’m loving this book so far. I also like the audiobook. Y’all should see my notes😂 too pretty lol

I am really liking the anticipation or build up right now. At this point, nothing scary has happened Ed, but I can just feel like it’s coming. I get Maggie being curious about the house that she has no memory of. I think the Petra ,issuing may be part of the mystery?

The writing is good and I like the book within a book style. But the set up to the story has huge problems that annoy me. On his death bed, Maggie's father tells her to NEVER go back to that house because it's not safe for her. Then he leaves the house to her in his will. Seriously? Yeah, I know, suspension of disbelief, yada, yada, yada. But stupid is still stupid.

In this first part the story is almost identical to ‘The haunting of Hill House’, but then the Netflix series (which I think to be the best series on Netflix of the past 5 years). So yes, storywise it is promising, but then again very run of the mill like every haunted house tale starts, and I hope that just as in the series, there will be massive twists that are coming our way.

The main character, Maggie, is rather flat and annoying. All her actions are not even close to rational or even justifiable. Example: she sets out for at least a week with a truck full of building material and only a few protein bars. Seriously? Not even coffee?
The character of her father seems much more interesting but then we only get glimpses of him which I think is a shame. I hope we will get to see more of him.

The writing style is contradicting the atmosphere that the author tries to depict and therefor I find it not very successful. The surroundings and even the house that should be the main character, are described in very short sentences with very few words and I find this a pity. It’s almost as if the author would rather show us a photograph rather than trying to describe every nook and cranny. Even the dialogues seem very short and not very realistic. So, if I feel the story to be close to Hill House, it is yet miles away from Shirley Jackson’s mmasterpiece.

Let’s hope it will get better...

It’s gradually building up to something! I’ve got this authors books but this is the first I’ve read.......really enjoying the “setting of the scene” at the moment.

Definitely enjoying this book so far :)
However, I'm not attached to any of the characters right now.
I think what's happening in the 'house of horrors' book will relate to whats happening in the present and I really like that concept.

I'm liking both timelines but I have no predictions to whats going to happen.... maybe the towns people are crazy..... but I'm hoping for the house actually being haunted

I'm enjoying this so much more than I expected. So far the anticipation and pacing has been just right leaving me wanting more and thinking about the book every time i put it down. So far it feels a bit like Haunting of Hill House, but better. love the alternating storylines too. Sure maybe not everything is realistic and I don't love Maggie but I'm loving the story regardless

I've enjoyed what I've read so far. I'm not a huge scary story person but I liked the sound of the premise of this book. I'm also not one to be easily spooked but there was one moment, even in the light of day, that spooked me a little. It was where dad was checking on Maggie and the door closed.

I don't think I have a favorite character yet.

I predict that, just like in Scooby Doo cartoons, the haunting turns out to be man-made - maybe something to do with the caretakers family.

I like going back and forth between the two timelines. It's creative that the older timeline is actually the book that was written. I haven't seen anything like that before. With that said, I enjoy the present day narrative better.

Question: If the caretaker comes to clean the how every so often, how come after all these years the toys in the playroom are still on the floor? Why haven't they been picked up?

Now off to read some more

Roxanne wrote: "The writing is good and I like the book within a book style. But the set up to the story has huge problems that annoy me. On his death bed, Maggie's father tells her to NEVER go back to that house ..."

Good point! Why leave it to her? Especially since she didn't even know they still owned it. He could have disposed of it somehow before he died. Though maybe we'll find out he couldn't for some reason.

I was hooked in with this book from the very beginning. It has a few elements I like in stories. The only thing is at the beginning I felt that the daughter & father’s voices were too similar when switching chapters but I Don was able to figure out who was talking.

I'm really enjoying this so far! I love the switching perspective, but there were a few times when I was slightly confused when picking the book back up in the middle of a chapter. I'm annoyed at the parents. Like, the truth will out, you can't keep lying to people.

Excited to keep going.

So far I'm enjoying this book very much. It gives me a lot of "The Haunting of Hill House" vibes but I like that.

At this point I want to learn more about Ewan's secrets. I don't have any predictions yet, although I believe that in the end there's going to be a logical explanation for everything rather than a paranormal element. However I found Justin's prediction very interesting. Also I agree with Charlene that Petra might have something to do with the hole story.

I prefer the "house of horrors" narrative because it's more spooky, but I love how both narratives intertwine.

Can't wait to see what's going to happen.

I’m also listening to this as an audiobook. Caught up on a long drive today. Maggie is kind of annoying, but not enough to make me dislike the book so far. I do find that I look forward to the House of Horrors excerpts already.

So far I am really liking this book. I love how you get Maggie’s point of view and then her dads also. I love a flashback moment. I’m feeling very intrigued on many storylines. Obviously mom is covering up and knows dad was right. But why did dad keep the house and why does he visit on the same day?? Did he make some kind of a deal with the house? One that maybe the previous owner couldn’t keep so that’s why he killed his child and himself? I don’t know but I’m intrigued.

I agree with you Justin!! There was some sort of deal that Maggie’s father kept that the other father could not. That’s why he killed his daughter and himself, to save her.

Finally a book what I enjoy (so far). The others in the book club was not my cup of tea except The Other People.

I was so excited picking this up and reading that it’s based in Vermont my home state!😁 I’m liking it so far. I don’t really have a favorite character yet, I guess for now Maggie. I like both narratives but I perk up a little more when it’s the fathers telling in - House of Horrors. No predictions yet.

really enjoying it so far. I love the use of the book within a book trope, it's one of my favourites.

very excited to continue on over the next few days.

First time participating in a book club and I'm loving the book so far! I've never read a book by this author before, so far the writing is keeping me engaged and I don't want to put it down.

I will say, although I am enjoying the book within a book style, I agree with Natasha that the POVs do not have distinct enough voices. It took me several chapters to stop mixing up POVs in my head (and I have the physical hard back that has literal physical differences yet I still struggle to keep them straight... haha).

I think overall I prefer the "House of Horrors" segments so far. Even though nothing spooky has happened yet...

I do not have a favorite character yet. I am intrigued by the role Dane will play but I wouldn't say his character is particularly engaging yet.

As far as predictions go I think that Justin's "Deal with the Devil" prediction is very interesting and I could see it going that way. I love Lisa's prediction of it being a "Scooby Doo" trope of all the supernatural having logical explanations (although I think it is unlikely to work out that way).

My personal prediction is more that something is drawn to the girls specifically. Because of the mention of Indigo Garson dying at age 16 and then Petra going missing at 16 (and then Curtis Carver killing his daughter Katie, although it sounds like she was younger) it seems like there must be some sort of curse that takes girls at the age of 16. In the case of Katie, I wonder if Curtis caught onto curse and killed his daughter in a delusional attempt to save her from this curse? I'm not sure. And maybe Maggie's father returned once a year to take care of the girls stuck in the house because of the curse?

Can't wait to see what happens!

Eszter wrote: "Finally a book what I enjoy (so far). The others in the book club was not my cup of tea except The Other People."

Agreed, that's been my favorite one so far! I liked The Guest List, but it wasn't really "thrilling."

Definitely liking it so far. Superb structuring and I like how the “House of Horror” sections help to inform the current narrative and vice versa. Maggie can be annoying at times.

However, I am intrigued as Maggie’s mom has already admitted the story was a lie. Unless, she’s lying to keep some truths from her. I’m curious to see how that’s rectified.

I’m also looking forward to seeing how Dane Hibbets factors into the story. If this place is truly haunted, wouldn’t groundskeepers also sense the strangeness that occurs? Looking forward to next section!

I like the build up in the first 5 chapters. I don't have a favorite character yet. I think the next set of chapters will begin to unfurl/reawaken Maggie's memories. I really like the "House of Horrors " book within a book style. The story blends with the present and propels the narrative forward. I'm can't wait to see what happens next.

I’ve read and enjoyed all of Riley Sager’s books, and I’m liking this one so far as well! It’s a bit of slow burn, but I’m intrigued to find out whether there really are supernatural things happening/what the truth is.

Can’t say I have a favourite character yet.. maybe Mister Shadow lol.

If I had to guess, I predict that the house really is haunted. There’s things happening that seem pretty inexplicable, but I’m bad at figuring out plots so who knows!

I’m enjoying reading both the main story and the “House of Horrors.” I prefer the main one because of plot advancing, but I love that the other reminds me a lot of Amityville Horror.

I am really loving the book so far, I love how they've laid it out between Maggie and the book that her father wrote.

I whipped through those first 110 pages... lets see how it goes.

What did you think about the first 5 chapters? - loved them, really set the tone, I could picture everything in my head.

Favourite character? - Maggie is a nice change from the Femme characters that might usually be found in these books.

Any predictions of what's to come? - no idea, I hope it's a true haunting and not people messing around.

Are you preferring the regular narrative, or the "house of horrors" book within? - I am loving both because you get the cross over between the two as they move along.

I hate characters like the mum and dad who won't tell her why she shouldn't go there and expect that to be enough.

**What did you think about the first 5 chapters?
I haven't read any Riley Sager books before, nor do I read a lot of horror, so this is kind of fun to get spooked out! I'm enjoying The Book within the book.

**Favorite character?
It seems like people listening to the audiobook find Maggie annoying (maybe the narrator is not the best fit?) but I like her! She is no BS and super skeptical.

**Any predictions of what's to come?
Maybe some sort of connection with girls (up to the age of 16) and the house? Maybe it all started with Indigo?

**Are you preferring the regular narrative, or the "house of horrors" book within?
I like the Maggie narrative. I am easily spooked and really find comfort when Maggie's scepticism tries to analyze things.

Justin wrote: "Had a chance to let my thoughts simmer overnight, my prediction:

Deal with the Devil: Curtis Carver made a deal with the house (or William Gardon specifically), for success in exchange of his daug..."

This is a really interesting theory! Maybe he swapped Maggie for Petra and that's why she went "missing"? And also why it's not safe for Maggie to go back there...

So far i'm enjoying the book. I like the premise and the setting of Baneberry Hall, although i felt like the author could have used more time to describe the house and used the opportunity to really set the scene, but saying that i'm having no issues imagining it in my head.
I'm not sure if i have a favourite character per say. I saw a lot of people here are finding Maggie annoying but she doesn't bother me at all. I don't feel like i know the characters well enough to form any strong opinions just yet but i like that we are being introduced to more characters from Bartleby. I like the small town vibe and with each character being introduced it's starting to feel like a traditional mystery (the cop, the reporter, the house staff etc).
Surprisingly, i'm really enjoying the House of Horrors chapters. I didn't think i would but it's providing most of the creepiness! I hope the present day chapters get creepier too. I also think this is an effective way of doing flashbacks as i don't always enjoy the way some books handle them, but in this book it is very seamless and clear.
I don't think i have any predictions so far, other than that the house is actually haunted and that Petra didn't disappear but maybe she was murdered in the house? I'd be disappointed if there turned out to be a human explanation for the haunting like disgruntled townsfolk running new people out or something..
This book is going to have me ready for Halloween once i'm finished!

I’m enjoying it so far! my favorite character is definitely Ewan and i’m enjoying the House Of Horrors narrative better than the actual narrative tbh.

i’m AWFUL at guessing or predicting what’s gonna happen next, which is the reason i enjoy mystery/thriller/horror books because i’m usually surprised by what happens lol.

looking forward to continue! i can’t say how i’m feeling really bc not TOO much has happened quite yet, but i am enjoying what i’m reading :)

So far so good. definitely has my interest. i can see where maggie is coming from and not believing that what is in her fathers book is true due to she was too young to remember or she even may have suppressed the memories.

im very curious to see how this continues. i have read books that are similar to this and so i am very interested to see how this all plays out.

i do also love how it goes back and forth on from what Ewan wrote in his book to what is happening with Maggie in present time. It really gives you an idea of what happened and what just might happen

So far I am enjoying it! I feel that this book has a good balance between character and plot development, although those developments are mostly coming from narrative, not action. This is causing the pacing to feel perhaps a touch slow, but it is counteracted a bit by the reveals and spooky moments. I'm hoping we get an upswing of action as Maggie begins her renovations and the pace increases some! Really enjoying the setting, and the descriptions are well done, though I would have LOVED an illustration of the house and a map of the layout (but I know and accept how I like to know where things are so I don't picture it incorrectly in my head, haha). There are lots of threads to look into and follow, especially with going back and forth in time, which I really enjoy! I've gone overboard with note-taking and annotating so I don't forget details, haha! Looking forward to finding out what happens next and how the pieces fit together/what the TRUTH is!

I am definitely enjoying the book so far. I would say Ewan is my favorite character so far he is so mysterious now that we found out he has still been coming to Baneberry Hall behind his daughter's back. I think we are going to find out exactly what happened to the Carvers real soon. I prefer the House of Horrors book so far hopefully the narrative will get just as interesting

Very interesting start. There's a lot of detailed descriptions of the house at first. A lot of people are saying this book reminds them of Amytiville Horror. I'm a horror/thriller newbie so I'm actually getting Haunting of Hill House vibes just because in the show the family runs out of the house scared for their life and then one of them writes a book about it.

I don't have a favorite character yet. I had a good first impression of the lady sheriff (I forget her name).

I haven't even read the synopsis, so I have no idea what's going to happen. I feel like a few clues were dropped; I just need to follow the bread crumbs.

I don't prefer one narrative over the other. I like that it goes back and forth. I like the style of inserting a book within a book in general.

I finished chapter 5 last night and so far I am really enjoying it. I know some have said they are finding Maggie a bit annoying but I don’t feel the same, I think I need to read more before I form an opinion on her.

I get what people are saying about warning her never to return to the house and then leaving it to her, it does seem a bit odd. I did think there is a possibility that her mom wanting to buy the house from her may have been part of the fathers plan or agreement with the mom. I could be just overthinking though.

I’m looking forward to when her mom gets her message about going to the house and seeing the reaction.

I have a lot thoughts:

1) the page design for the maggie chapters is terrible. the font is so thin it is barely accessible to me and my vision is 100% corrected with glasses.

2) sager does a great job building suspense. his writing style, the choppy, short sentences, em-bashes, and use of periods in place of commas at times leads to a really good pace and air of suspense when reading suspenseful things

3) but the style doesn't work for me when he is writing non-suspenseful things. it's just a bit too dis-jointed then

4) he tells us way to much. there is never any space for us to set back and disgust and think before we are told what we were supposed to get from whatever we just read which is just... bad writing. an editor should have caught that.

5) the way femininity and beauty are discussed in this book make me feel... weird. maggie's mom is judged for how she dresses and the jewelry she wears and maggie has a few lines where she complains abt feminine stuff. now i know someone is going to say i am being sexist against men or that it doesn't matter but if this were written by a woman i wouldn't care but written by sager it just comes across as misogynistic since he doesn't have the lived expereince of feminine beauty standards

6) i am not really hating maggie's character but she can be frustrating at times but i think that's on purpose.

7) this is not going to have a supernatural twist. calling it now. the armoire is connected to a secret tunnel and someone used it to target maggie/the family probably the help bc that feels like a riley sager twist

8) why are we given so many unimportant details?? this connects to 4 bc some of it is just stuff we can infer but some of it is just,,, useless and most of it is in dialogue which makes it feel,,, unnatural and stilted at times

I am enjoying the book so far.... I am interested in finding out how much of her father’s book is true and I too don’t understand if her father never wanted her to step foot in the house again why did he leave it to her. Also why did he hold on to the house versus selling it...

I also like the book within the book...

So far I’m enjoying this, but I can feel that this is one of those books where it’ll be the ending that’ll make or break the book for me. I don’t care if the haunting is real or not, I just want it to be satisfying and acceptable conclusion. I also wish the parts of the Maggie’s story were longer - as it is it switches between the two storylines too quickly.
Anyway - so far it’s intriguing.

Enjoying it so far! I love the atmosphere that the book has, especially the House of Horrors chapters. I don’t have any favorite characters yet though, I can see how some people don’t really enjoy Maggie as a character lol.

Pretty sure that the house is not haunted and probably there’s a hidden door containing something important?

I didn't even need to warm up to the book, it hooked me just like that. Enjoying the book-in-a-book concept, just imagine if we aren't given the house of horrors chapters, i'd die out of curiosity.

Maggie is okay to me, not really annoying.I do get her point but the 'i don't remember it so it didn't happen' logic is bull to me. Haha i mean if you're 10-15 that might work, but you're a full grown adult. Obviously, she must have an idea of what trauma does to people. But I guess her parents never really gave her an answer so she needed to give herself one.

So far it does an effective job in getting me curious as hell as to what really happened. Kinda scared this might be just like most of the horror movies that start great but have their endings as their demise.

Hoping they get a balance between Ewan's narrative and the supposed 'truth'.