Literally Dead Book Club discussion

This discussion is for page 122 to 232.
Before chapter 20 begins, how are you feeling about the book?
How are you finding the pace? What questions do you have?
Are you enjoying the characters?

I didn’t read this in sections, but I really enjoyed this book! Super fun.

I can count the number of twists on one hand. I figured out about Ragesh's 'secret' and that Fritz was involved early on. The pace is slower than I'd like and different than what I expect from Riley Sager. I like the book and hope that the storyline picks up. I like the characters. My questions are who is responsible for the baseballs/lights going on etc. Is it Fritz? Why don't he and his wife have kids but live in a family based community?

The overall tone and direction of this story feels very different than Riley’s usual fun fast paced thrillers. It’s more serious in terms of what is involved so far (grief, drugs, coming out, etc)

I will say it’s moving pretty slow, but still very much enjoying it.

Let’s see how this ends!

I think it was slow paced in the first section we read but has since really picked up and I’ve been tense and excited this whole time.
I feel Ashley’s Dad is involved somehow and I still suspect that Fritz guy.

I agree with the general sentiments already expressed here — this is probably one of the more 'serious' story Riley Sager has written (especially comparing to his past few titles).

It doesn't quite feel like a 'fun summer thriller', but a solid, quiet mystery (more of an autumn read if I have to pick a season, ha!). I like how the pieces are coming together (so far), and appreciate the characters are less stereotypical this time.

I have theory about Claudia...

I'm still really enjoying it and I'm enjoying the pacing, it's really moving along. But if this turns out to be one of these 'Satanic cult makes sacrifices in the quest for immortality/to raise the dead' things I'm gonna be a little disappointed. I like that we've been given more answers about Ethan's mom and what went down that night.

I like the characters, especially Henry. I'm a little suspicious of Ethan, he just gives me a weird vibe. Like there's something he's holding back or hiding, I don't know.

I think my biggest questions right now are what happened to Billy in the hours between him being left at the institute and him coming home hours later? Because whatever it was is probably what got him murdered. And also, what was said during the tent argument?

I think the pace is picking up now which I hope continues because it's a medium pace now. I'm wondering what happened to Billy when they left him stuck, what was going on when Joyce saw a cultish ritual, and if more Hemlock Circle are involved...
I like Henry and I'm wondering about Claudia and why she hasn't responded.

I really like the pace and the story so far. main question now is what happened between Billy returning from the institute that night and being taken from the tent. Ethan mentioned some harsh words were said in the tent so I'm intrigued to see what happened there. I've seen comments here about Claudia, which I hadn't even picked up on, but now I'm starting to wonder.... Some of the characters are a little forgettable so I hope they aren't part of the mystery being explained!

I agree with the comments above. It doesn't feel like other Riley Sager's books. It's more serious and slow paced, but I'm still intrigued. I like the characters, Henry is my favourite, and I believe Sager should write more about male protagonists.
I'm curious to find out what happened to Billy, while he was alone at the institute, and his conversation with Ethan when they were alone in the tent.
I love the 2 timelines and the way the story unravels.

This section was better than the beginning section…

I like the story. I think the pace is good. A bit on the slower side but it is not boring and keeps me engaged.
The character are good. I really like Henry.
Questions:
- What happened to Billy?
- Why is Claudia not answering Ethans calls or texts?
- Is there more to Ethan not being able to remember anything and having this reoccurring dream?

I’m happy the pace of the book has picked up and more details are being revealed about that night. I’m enjoying all the characters, concerning Claudia, I keep thinking why does Ethan keep calling her and leaving messages when obviously she doesn’t want to speak with him. Is she behind the balls? Dropping signs for Ethan to investigate? And can finally move on with his life?

in the audiobook Fritz sounds like Optimus Prime lol

I finding the pace of this book dragging. It's taking a long while to get through but I enjoy unraveling the mystery. I am curious to see what going on at the Hawthrone Institute and what happened to Billy. The characters are fine but not really in depth.

The characters are pretty alright. They aren’t exactly the most distinguishable characters but they are cool. I wanna know more about what they did at the institute and I kinda wish Johnny played more of a part ? He seemed to have known more about the place. But it is a little peculiar how after 30 years now things are starting to come together and unravel itself. Such a long time. And what happened to Ethan’s ex-wife ?

I have to admit I like the slow pace of this book. I also like that right now where I am at not a lot has been answered just yet. Though it is becoming clearer I think to what is up with Ashley's dad.

The story is moving a bit slow for my taste. Especially since I’m used to Riley’s books being fast paced and thrilling. But I’m still curious about the mystery.

I feel the pace of the book has picked up and I’m really enjoying the dual time lines. I do feel like the Hawthorne institute is just a red herring and there is definitely something sus about Russ and his older brother.

The pace has certainly picked up and I'm much more invested! I probably would have DNF'd if it weren't for this book club. however, I'm really liking the direction it's going. It's feeling much more gothic and interesting now. I am hooked and want to know more.

I actually really like the fact that Ethan isn’t spending half the boom trying to talk himself out of his suspicions and beliefs. He’s leaning into them! I love that. Usually it’s 200+ pages of the main character doubting themselves because “that can’t be true” when it absolutely can be true and is.

Not shocked that Ragesh is gay. I still don’t think he’s a good guy though.

Not shocked that Fritz is the scary boss either.

Overall, this section was kinda boring. I still need to know if Claudia is real/alive

I'm still liking the slowness of this book. I also liked finally getting answers about Ethan's mom and Fritz..was kind of shocked about how they were connected but also not..and Ragesh's sexuality was also another shock for me even though it made sense after what we saw between him and Johnny.

Before chapter 20 begins, how are you feeling about the book?

I'm loving it! Had trouble remembering to stop to update here, I just want to keep reading.

How are you finding the pace?

It's working perfectly for me. Every time we're in the past I want to go back to the present and vice versa.

What questions do you have?

Plenty. Claudia - the way Ethan keeps calling her and only getting her answering machine is kind of reminding me of Bruce Willis' character in The Sixth Sense and the way his wife wouldn't really talk to him or look at him.
The Institute - did Billy have a supernatural experience while he was there? He was so different when he got back that it feels like something must have happened. Also, what's going on with the cult?

Are you enjoying the characters?

Yes, even the ones I wouldn't think I'd like, like Rajesh the teenage bully. Like everyone else I love Henry.