Survive the Night
by Riley Sager
It’s November 1991. George H. W. Bush is in the White House, Nirvana’s in the tape deck, and movie-obsessed college student Charlie Jordan is in a car with a man who might be a serial killer.
Josh Baxter, the man behind the wheel, is a virtual stranger to Charlie. They met at the campus ride board, each looking to share the long drive home to Ohio. Both have good reasons for wanting to get away. For Charlie, it’s guilt and grief over the murder of her best friend, who became the third victim of the man known as the Campus Killer. For Josh, it’s to help care for his sick father. Or so he says. Like the Hitchcock heroine she’s named after, Charlie has her doubts. There’s something suspicious about Josh, from the holes in his story about his father to how he doesn’t seem to want Charlie to see inside the car’s trunk. As they travel an empty highway in the dead of night, an increasingly worried Charlie begins to think she’s sharing a car with the Campus Killer. Is Josh truly dangerous? Or is Charlie’s suspicion merely a figment of her movie-fueled imagination?
What follows is a game of cat-and-mouse played out on night-shrouded roads and in neon-lit parking lots, during an age when the only call for help can be made on a pay phone and in a place where there’s nowhere to run. In order to win, Charlie must do one thing–survive the night.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Riley Sager's Survive the Night is a gripping psychological thriller that transports readers back to the early 1990s, a time when the world was on the cusp of the digital age, yet still deeply entrenched in analog experiences. The novel's setting is not just a backdrop but a crucial element that amplifies the tension and suspense throughout the narrative. With no smartphones or GPS, the characters are left to navigate their fears and suspicions in a world where help is not just a click away.
The story centers around Charlie Jordan, a college student reeling from the recent murder of her best friend, Maddy. This tragedy is compounded by the fact that Maddy was the third victim of the notorious Campus Killer. Charlie's grief is palpable, and Sager does an excellent job of portraying her emotional turmoil. Her decision to leave campus and hitch a ride with Josh Baxter, a stranger she meets through a ride board, is driven by a desperate need to escape her current reality. However, this decision quickly spirals into a nightmarish journey filled with doubt and fear.
Josh Baxter, the enigmatic driver, is a character shrouded in mystery. Sager masterfully crafts his persona, leaving readers questioning his intentions at every turn. Is he genuinely the caring son he claims to be, or is there a darker side to him that Charlie needs to fear? The dynamic between Charlie and Josh is a central element of the novel, and Sager skillfully builds tension through their interactions. As the story unfolds, readers are left to grapple with the same questions that plague Charlie: Is Josh the Campus Killer, or is Charlie's paranoia getting the better of her?
One of the standout aspects of Survive the Night is its exploration of the theme of perception versus reality. Charlie, a film studies major, often retreats into her imagination, blurring the lines between what is real and what is a product of her movie-fueled mind. This narrative device adds a layer of complexity to the story, as readers are constantly challenged to discern the truth alongside Charlie. Sager's use of this theme is reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's work, where the protagonist's perception is often at odds with reality, creating a sense of unease and suspense.
The novel's pacing is another strong point. Sager expertly balances moments of intense action with quieter, introspective scenes that delve into Charlie's psyche. This ebb and flow keep readers engaged, as the tension builds steadily towards a climactic conclusion. The setting of the open road, with its desolate highways and dimly lit rest stops, serves as the perfect backdrop for this cat-and-mouse game. The isolation and vulnerability of being on the road at night heighten the stakes, making Charlie's quest for survival all the more urgent.
Character development is a key strength of Sager's writing. Charlie is a well-rounded protagonist whose internal struggles are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Her journey is not just a physical one but also an emotional and psychological odyssey. As she grapples with her grief and guilt, readers witness her growth and resilience. Josh, on the other hand, remains an enigma for much of the novel, his true nature only revealed in the final, heart-pounding moments. This ambiguity keeps readers on edge, mirroring Charlie's own uncertainty.
In comparison to other works in the thriller genre, Survive the Night stands out for its unique setting and character-driven narrative. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train will appreciate Sager's ability to weave a suspenseful tale that delves into the complexities of the human mind. Like these authors, Sager excels at creating flawed, relatable characters whose motivations and actions drive the plot forward.
Overall, Survive the Night is a compelling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Riley Sager has crafted a story that is both a thrilling ride and a poignant exploration of grief, guilt, and the power of perception. The novel's setting in the early '90s adds a nostalgic touch, while also serving as a reminder of the limitations and vulnerabilities of that era. For readers seeking a psychological thriller that challenges their perceptions and keeps them guessing until the very end, Survive the Night is a must-read.
In conclusion, Riley Sager's latest offering is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. With its well-drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and intricate plot, Survive the Night is a standout in the thriller genre. Whether you're a longtime fan of Sager's work or new to his novels, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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