logo

67 pages 2 hours read

Home Before Dark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Riley Sager

Home Before Dark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Vermont • 2010s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager follows Maggie Holt as she returns to Baneberry Hall, a house her family fled due to alleged supernatural occurrences. Alternating between Maggie's present-day perspective and her father Ewan's memoir, House of Horrors, the story unravels dark secrets about the house, including mysterious deaths and the possibility of a hidden murderer among those she trusts.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.2

239,234 ratings

79%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Riley Sager's Home Before Dark garners praise for its atmospheric tension and compelling dual narratives, intricately weaving past and present. Readers are captivated by its eerie, haunted-house setting and unexpected twists. However, some critique the pacing and predictability in parts. Overall, it succeeds as an engaging thriller with a blend of mystery and suspense.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Home Before Dark?

Readers who enjoy a blend of psychological thrillers and horror, especially fans of The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson and The Shining by Stephen King, would be captivated by Riley Sager's Home Before Dark. This novel appeals to those who relish spine-chilling mysteries set in eerie, atmospheric locations.

4.2

239,234 ratings

79%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Maggie Holt

The protagonist, Maggie is a complex character struggling with her identity and the truth behind her family's history at Baneberry Hall, as depicted in her father's book.

Maggie's father and the author of a bestselling book about their time at Baneberry Hall, Ewan is characterized by the tension between his affectionate nature and the secrets he keeps.

Maggie's mother, who serves as a skeptic in her husband's narrative, is viewed by Maggie as an unengaged parent and struggles with the past involving the infamous book.

The charming caretaker and grandson of a previous resident of Baneberry Hall, who harbors a personal history that he conceals from Maggie.

The sheriff called by Maggie during her return to Baneberry Hall, who was also involved in the original investigation and aims to resolve unfinished matters.

The journalist whose article about the Holt family's experiences significantly contributed to the widespread attention and subsequent book deal.

A resident of Bartleby who is later revealed to have a deeper involvement in the events at Baneberry Hall than initially apparent.

The former housekeeper at Baneberry Hall, noted for her faith and superstitious beliefs, who holds symbolic and narrative significance.

The teenage daughter of Elsa Ditmer, whose history and presence in the story are largely posthumous and central to the mystery.

Petra's younger sister, who as an adult, remains deeply affected by past events and demonstrates a protective attitude toward their legacy.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Vermont • 2010s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.