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by Robin Sharma
Home Before Dark summary
Brief summary
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Maggie Holt as she returns to her childhood home, a house with a dark history that her father claimed was haunted. As she unravels the truth, she discovers chilling secrets that shake her to the core.
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Home Before Dark
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Haunted Past
In Home Before Dark by Riley Sager, we are introduced to Maggie Holt, who has spent her life trying to escape the notoriety of her childhood home, Baneberry Hall. Her father, Ewan Holt, wrote a best-selling book about their brief, terrifying stay at the supposedly haunted house, but Maggie has always believed it to be a work of fiction. When her father dies and she inherits Baneberry Hall, she is forced to confront her past and the truth behind her family's flight from the house.
As Maggie begins to renovate the old mansion, she discovers that the house is indeed haunted, just as her father claimed. She finds hidden passages, secret rooms, and evidence of the terrifying events that led to their sudden departure. The more she uncovers, the more she realizes that her father's book may not have been entirely fictional after all.
Unraveling the Mystery
As Maggie delves deeper into the history of Baneberry Hall, she uncovers a series of tragic events that took place within its walls. She learns about the previous owners, the Barretts, who were driven to madness and murder-suicide by the house's malevolent spirits. Maggie also discovers that her own family's experiences at the house were eerily similar to those of the Barretts, leading her to question her father's motives for writing his sensationalized account of their time at Baneberry Hall.
Simultaneously, the novel takes us back to the past, narrating Ewan Holt's experiences at Baneberry Hall. We witness his growing obsession with the house, his descent into paranoia, and his desperate attempts to protect his family from the malevolent forces within the mansion. These flashbacks provide insight into Ewan's character and his motivations, adding layers to the mystery surrounding Baneberry Hall.
Confronting the Truth
As Maggie continues to unravel the dark history of Baneberry Hall, she becomes increasingly convinced that the house is indeed haunted. She experiences terrifying encounters with the supernatural, and her skepticism begins to wane. She also uncovers evidence that her father may have been involved in the Barretts' tragic fate, raising questions about his credibility and his true role in the house's haunting.
In a climactic twist, Maggie discovers the truth about Baneberry Hall's haunting. She learns that the malevolent spirits were not the cause of the tragedies that occurred within the house, but rather a result of them. The true horror lies in the human capacity for evil, as the house became a site of unspeakable acts that left a lasting imprint on its walls.
A Haunting Conclusion
In the end, Home Before Dark leaves us with a haunting conclusion. Maggie comes to terms with the fact that Baneberry Hall is indeed haunted, but not by vengeful spirits. Instead, it is haunted by the memories of the tragic events that took place within its walls. She also grapples with the realization that her father, whom she idolized, was not the hero she believed him to be, but a deeply flawed man driven to madness by the house's dark history.
In conclusion, Home Before Dark is a chilling exploration of the past's lingering influence and the thin line between reality and the supernatural. It is a story of family secrets, haunted houses, and the terrifying power of the human mind. The novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning what is real and what is imagined until the very end.
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What is Home Before Dark about?
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager is a gripping thriller that follows a woman named Maggie who returns to the supposedly haunted house where her family experienced terrifying events when she was a child. As she begins to renovate the house, she uncovers dark secrets and must confront the truth about what really happened all those years ago. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Home Before Dark Review
Home Before Dark (2020) is a gripping thriller that intertwines past and present, centered around a young woman returning to the haunted house of her childhood. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- With its twists and turns, the storyline keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.
- The suspenseful atmosphere and eerie setting create a chilling backdrop, enhancing the overall sense of mystery and intrigue.
- Through unexpected revelations and shocking secrets, the novel ensures that boredom is never an option, promising a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Who should read Home Before Dark?
- Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a haunted house theme
- Fans of suspenseful and twisty storytelling
- People who appreciate well-developed and complex characters
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Book summaries like Home Before Dark
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Home Before Dark FAQs
What is the main message of Home Before Dark?
The main message of Home Before Dark revolves around uncovering buried family secrets and facing the past.
How long does it take to read Home Before Dark?
Reading Home Before Dark takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Home Before Dark a good book? Is it worth reading?
Home Before Dark is a gripping mystery that keeps you on edge. It's definitely worth a read for thriller fans.
Who is the author of Home Before Dark?
Riley Sager is the author of Home Before Dark.
What to read after Home Before Dark?
If you're wondering what to read next after Home Before Dark, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher