Home Before Dark

Riley Sager, known for psychological thrillers like Final Girls, presents a haunted house narrative that challenges supernatural beliefs through grounded skepticism. The story centers on Maggie Holt, who inherits Baneberry Hall, a rambling Victorian estate in Vermont woods, after her father’s death. Her parents fled this home twenty-five years ago following events detailed in his memoir, House of Horrors, which rivaled The Amityville Horror in fame yet faced widespread doubt. Maggie does not believe in ghosts, but returning to renovate and sell the property triggers unsettling occurrences mirroring her father’s claims. The novel explores the tension between rational denial and eerie reality as locals remain hostile toward the town’s infamous past. Characters mentioned in House of Horrors appear in the shadows, creating a human threat alongside supernatural hints. Sager structures the plot around Maggie’s investigation into the house’s dark history, forcing her to confront what she thought was fiction. The narrative draws on gothic traditions and psychological suspense, blending family secrets with architectural dread. It suits readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries where truth is ambiguous. Those seeking clear-cut horror or fast-paced action may find the slow-burn tension less appealing.