BookBrief Logo
Lock Every Door
Goodreads ratings
3.92 / 5
Add to Your Library

Sign in to save this book to your reading lists

"Lock Every Door" Summary

A young woman takes a job as an apartment sitter in a prestigious building, only to discover dark secrets and a series of disappearances.

Estimated read time: 6 min read

One Sentence Summary

A young woman takes a job as an apartment sitter in a prestigious building, only to discover dark secrets and a series of disappearances.

Introduction

"Lock Every Door" is a thrilling mystery novel written by Riley Sager. Published in 2019, it quickly became a New York Times bestseller, captivating readers with its gripping plot and suspenseful storytelling. The book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of fear and intrigue, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Brief Synopsis

The story is set in a luxurious and exclusive apartment building called The Bartholomew, located in the heart of Manhattan. Jules Larsen, a young woman struggling to make ends meet, lands a job as an apartment sitter at The Bartholomew. The job seems too good to be true – she will be paid a significant amount of money to live in one of the luxurious apartments, all she has to do is follow a set of strict rules.

As Jules settles into her new role, she starts to notice some strange occurrences and begins to uncover the dark secrets hidden within the walls of The Bartholomew. Mysterious disappearances, eerie happenings, and a sense of impending danger all contribute to the growing tension in the story. Jules races against time to unravel the mysteries of the building and protect herself from the lurking danger.

Main Characters

Character NameDescription
Jules LarsenA young woman who becomes an apartment sitter at The Bartholomew. She is determined, resourceful, and has a troubled past.
Ingrid HoltJules's best friend, who goes missing at the beginning of the story.
Oren MooreA fellow apartment sitter at The Bartholomew. He befriends Jules and helps her in her quest for the truth.
Ava BartholomewThe enigmatic owner of The Bartholomew, known for her secrecy and eccentricity.

Summary of Different Story Points Over Chapters

Chapter 1-5: The Introduction and Job Offer

Jules Larsen, struggling to make ends meet, loses her job and her boyfriend in quick succession. Desperate for a new opportunity, she lands an interview for an apartment sitting job at The Bartholomew. Despite some initial reservations, Jules is offered the job and quickly moves into her new luxurious apartment.

Chapter 6-10: Settling In and Strange Occurrences

As Jules starts to settle into her new role, she meets Oren Moore, another apartment sitter at The Bartholomew. Together, they begin to uncover odd happenings and strange rules that the residents must follow. Jules becomes increasingly suspicious of the building's owner, Ava Bartholomew, and starts digging into her mysterious past.

Chapter 11-15: Unraveling Dark Secrets

Jules and Oren continue their investigation, discovering a series of mysterious disappearances that have occurred at The Bartholomew over the years. They suspect that something sinister is happening within the building's walls and that the residents are not as they seem. Jules becomes determined to uncover the truth, even as her own life is put in danger.

Chapter 16-20: Race Against Time

As Jules gets closer to the truth, she becomes the target of the dangerous forces at play within The Bartholomew. She unravels a web of secrets, betrayal, and manipulation that puts her life in jeopardy. Jules must overcome her own fears and outsmart her adversaries in order to survive.

Main Events

  1. Jules moves into The Bartholomew as an apartment sitter.
  2. Jules meets Oren and they start investigating the mysteries of the building.
  3. Jules uncovers the dark secrets of The Bartholomew and its residents.
  4. Jules becomes the target of the dangerous forces within the building.
  5. Jules must outsmart her adversaries and fight for her life.

Themes and Insights

Themes:

  1. Trust and Betrayal: The novel explores the theme of trust, as Jules must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal within The Bartholomew. The story highlights the consequences of misplaced trust and the importance of being cautious in one's relationships.
  2. Identity and Secrets: The Bartholomew is a place where appearances can be deceiving. The theme of identity and secrets is prevalent throughout the story, as Jules uncovers the hidden lives of the building's residents and confronts the truth about herself.
  3. Power and Control: The book delves into the theme of power and control, as Jules discovers the extent to which some individuals will go to maintain their dominance over others. The Bartholomew becomes a symbol of the power dynamics at play, with Jules fighting to reclaim her own agency.

Insights:

"Lock Every Door" offers insight into the dark underbelly of seemingly perfect and exclusive communities. It explores the lengths people will go to maintain their secrets and control over others. The novel also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind trust and the importance of questioning the truth.

Reader's Takeaway

"Lock Every Door" is a gripping, suspenseful thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. With its well-developed characters, atmospheric setting, and intricate plot, the book offers a thrilling escape into a world of mystery and danger. It serves as a reminder to never take things at face value and to always question the hidden motivations of those around us.

Conclusion

Riley Sager's "Lock Every Door" is a captivating mystery novel that will leave readers breathless. With its compelling plot, well-drawn characters, and themes of trust, identity, and power, the book offers a thrilling reading experience. Whether you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers or looking for an engaging page-turner, "Lock Every Door" is a must-read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Lock Every Door FAQ

  1. What is the genre of 'Lock Every Door'?

    Lock Every Door is a thriller/mystery novel.

  2. Who is the author of 'Lock Every Door'?

    The author of 'Lock Every Door' is Riley Sager.

  3. What is the main plot of 'Lock Every Door'?

    The main plot of 'Lock Every Door' revolves around a young woman named Jules who takes a job as an apartment sitter in a luxurious but eerie building in New York City. As she uncovers dark secrets about the building and its residents, she becomes determined to unravel the mystery and survive.

  4. Is 'Lock Every Door' a standalone novel or part of a series?

    'Lock Every Door' is a standalone novel and does not belong to a series.

  5. Is 'Lock Every Door' suitable for readers who enjoy suspenseful stories?

    Yes, 'Lock Every Door' is a gripping and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

  6. Are there any supernatural elements in 'Lock Every Door'?

    No, 'Lock Every Door' does not contain supernatural elements. It is a psychological thriller grounded in reality.

  7. Can you provide any trigger warnings for 'Lock Every Door'?

    Some potential trigger warnings for 'Lock Every Door' include references to violence, domestic abuse, and manipulation.

  8. Is 'Lock Every Door' suitable for young adult readers?

    While 'Lock Every Door' can be enjoyed by young adult readers, it is primarily targeted towards an adult audience due to its mature themes and content.

  9. Does 'Lock Every Door' have a twist ending?

    Yes, 'Lock Every Door' is known for its unexpected and twisty ending that will leave readers surprised.

  10. Is 'Lock Every Door' a fast-paced book?

    Yes, 'Lock Every Door' is known for its fast-paced and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.