Book Review | Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

Lock Every Door

by Riley Sager

Dutton Books

Publication Date : July 2, 2019

Pages : 371

Synopsis From Publisher :

No visitors. No nights spent away from the apartment. No disturbing the other residents, all of whom are rich or famous or both. These are the only rules for Jules Larsen's new job as an apartment sitter at the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan's most high-profile and mysterious buildings. Recently heartbroken and just plain broke, Jules is taken in by the splendor of her surroundings and accepts the terms, ready to leave her past life behind.

As she gets to know the residents and staff of the Bartholomew, Jules finds herself drawn to fellow apartment sitter Ingrid, who comfortingly, disturbingly reminds her of the sister she lost eight years ago. When Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and the dark history hidden beneath its gleaming facade is starting to frighten her, Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story . . . until the next day, when Ingrid disappears.

Searching for the truth about Ingrid's disappearance, Jules digs deeper into the Bartholomew's dark past and into the secrets kept within its walls. Her discovery that Ingrid is not the first apartment sitter to go missing at the Bartholomew pits Jules against the clock as she races to unmask a killer, expose the building's hidden past, and escape the Bartholomew before her temporary status becomes permanent.

There is an old saying “ If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.” I have learned over the years that this expression holds true most of the time. In Lock Every Door Jules Larsen puts this expression to the test by accepting a job which requires much more than she is willing to give. 

When Jules sees an advertisement for an apartment sitter she believes her luck has finally changed. The opportunity to be paid well to only occupy a space seems ideal. This job will give her the means to get back on her feet after a break up and being laid off. In addition she will have the chance to stay in one of the most glamorous buildings in New York City, The Bartholomew. Although there are very strict rules linked to the job, Jules accepts and hopes for the best. When her friend and fellow apartment sitter, Ingrid disappears Jules learns of a disturbing pattern involving other apartment sitters. She realizes too late that as bad as her life seems, it can get much worse. 

Built in 1919 The Bartholomew is an iconic and exclusive apartment building in New York City. For decades there have been rumors about the building. These rumors were fueled by murders, suicides, and unexplained deaths.  The Bartholomew is the costar of Lock Every Door, the plot would not be as awesome if it was set in any other location. Sager’s descriptions of the building are vivid and atmospheric. From the gargoyles which stand guard around the building to the seemingly all seeing wallpaper, and the old fashioned elevator; readers will feel as if they have been transported to The Bartholomew.

Jules Larsen is in her early twenties and with the exception of her best friend Chloe, she is all alone in the world. Living paycheck to paycheck and just one step ahead of being homeless. Jules’ circumstances made her extremely relatable. The ever present worry and fear surrounding her circumstances is palpable. Sager does an excellent job of describing Jules’ dire financial situation. Readers will understand Jules’ desperation in agreeing to stay at The Bartholomew while at the same time wanting to scream at her to run and run fast. 

As a child Jules’ favorite book was Heart Of A Dreamer by Greta Manville. The lead character of Heart Of A Dreamer, Ginny lived in The Bartholomew. Throughout Lock Every Door the book is referenced and a few excerpts are mentioned. I absolutely love when other books are mentioned in my current read. Although Heart Of A Dreamer is not an actual book written by Greta Manville, both Lock Every Door and Heart Of A Dreamer put me in mind of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. The Bell Jar is much darker than both Lock Every Door and (I assume) Heart Of A Dreamer but I could not help but notice and enjoy the parallels. 

The story of a small town girl coming to the big city in search of adventure and hoping to fulfill her dreams is not new. However Sager has managed to give the story a suspenseful and thrilling upgrade. Fans of writing duo Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen and Lexie Elliott should add Lock Every Door to their list of must reads. 

*Thanks to Netgally and Dutton Books for my free E-Copy of Lock Every Door*

Murder and Moore Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars