Survive The Night

Survive The Night

Adult Chiller
"And that's what has Charlie so on edge. If she knew with
certainly that Josh was dangerous, she'd be barricading the bathroom
door or running for the highway or hiding in the woods.
But nothing about the situation is certain. She could be wrong
about Josh. It could be a huge misunderstanding..."
After the first thirteen posts on our Halloween Eve adventure
(hope you're enjoying the journey) I realized all the books I've
reviewed so far are YA or juvenile works. Nothing for the adult adult
set. So I borrowed Riley Sager's latest offering. Sager is one of
the alpha chiller authors of this century and in Survive The Night
seems to be channeling Alfred Hitchcock to imbue a small, banal
setting with heart stopping suspense.
It's the middle of the night in the paragraph above. Charlie,
Sager's protagonist, has sought refuge in a bleak, dimly light
restroom reeking of urine and harsh cleansers. She needs to clear her
mind and make a major decision. Should she return to the car of the
virtual stranger who is giving her a ride home from college or flee
his presence?
From first semester freshman year quiet, introverted Charlie had
roomed with flamboyant, outgoing Maddy. The suggestion that she
functioned as Maddy's audience rather than friend didn't bother her.
Larger than life Maddy added excitement to what she knew would be a
rather drab existence.
But not all was tranquil. Charlie resented Maddy's insisting
that she accompany her to parties and other late night venues she
hadn't wanted to go to in the first place and then ditching her. One
night she decides enough is enough. After an argument she goes back
to their dorm room alone.
Unfortunately that's the night Maddy becomes the latest victim
of a serial slayer dubbed the Campus Killer.
Charlie misses her vivacious roommate. She also feels
responsible for her death. If she hadn't abandoned her she might
still be alive. After a period of self isolation she realizes she
can't stand being on campus anymore.
Josh responds to an ad Charlie puts on the campus ride board.
He can drive her home the next night. Despite her understandable
misgivings Charlie accepts his offer. Alone with him, though, Charlie
begins to see red flags. She catches him in some lies. At times he
seems to be gaslighting her. Could she be trapped in a vehicle with
Maddy's killer? Might he have an interest in silencing a potential
witness?
Will Charlie arrive safely at home, embarassed about suspecting
a nice guy? Or will this be her last ride ever?
Fasten your seatbelt. This is going to be a bumpy ride.
On a purrrsonal note, October break is going fine. Saturday Eugene
went overnight to camp on a bird hunting expedition. When he got back
we went on a drive with jazz on the radio and had a picnic lunch. We
got subs which meant I didn't have to cook supper. We also stopped at
Goodwill to try to find Amber a porcelain doll. (Jules)
I'm loving this October break. So many belly rubs. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to our Eugene.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway



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