The Best Riley Sager Books Ranked
In the past few years, I have devoured all the Riley Sager books and thus find myself qualified to call myself a superfan. I wanted to rank his books so that you can pick your next read. Spoiler, the ratings go from great to fantastic. You really cannot go wrong.
Riley Sager’s psychological thrillers are spine-tingling. He is the best-selling author of eight thriller novels and each is more twisty than the last. If you want to learn more about the Riley Sager Books in Order of publication, head over to my post.
I have enjoyed EVERY single book on this list. None of the books relate to each other so, you can read them in whatever order you choose. So now, I am turning my love for Riley Sager’s books into a time saver for you in time for the thriller season. These are the Riley Sager books in order of least favorite to favorite although we do agree you cannot go wrong reading any of these Riley Sager Books.
The Best Riley Sager Books Ranked
Each colorful block below represents my ranking for best Riley Sager Books. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” from lowest to highest. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to read my review of that book.
#8
Home Before Dark – Click to Read the Review
#7
House Across the Lake – Click to read the review
#6
Lock Every Door – Click to read the review
#5
Survive the Night – Click to read the review
#4
The Last Time I Lied – Click to read the review
#3
Final Girls – Click to read the review
#2
Only One Left – Click to read the review
#1
Middle of the Night- Click to read the review
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Our Favorite Riley Sager Books Ranked with Reviews
#1
Middle of the Night
Author: Riley Sager
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range:16+
Plot
Ethan Marsh’s best friend Billy disappeared 13 years ago while they were camping in Ethan’s backyard. Now, years later Ethan is still plagued with memories from that night. He cannot remember anything and even worse, he is seeing signs of Billy everywhere. Who could be playing such a terrible prank?
As Ethan tries to remember what happened that night, he becomes more convinced that Billy’s ghost is trying to give him clues.
Why Jackie loves it
I have read and ranked all of Riley Sager’s books so you know that I jumped at the chance to read this book.
Find this book in: Riley Sager Books Ranked / Best Psychological Thriller Books
#2
The Only One Left: A Novel
Author: Riley Sager
Year: 2023
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In this new mystery thriller book, Kit McDeere has taken a position as a home health aid for Lenora Hope who was accused of murdering her whole family years before. With no evidence, Lenora was never convicted and has lived in her home without leaving all this time. Lenora can only move her one finger and communicates with a typewriter.
Kit feels like there may be more to the story than anyone knows and wants to leave the crumbling mansion, but she has nowhere else to go. This is a perfect thriller book for fall.
Why Jackie loves it
If you have been following Beyond the Bookends for a while you know we love Riley Sager. This is one of my favorites! I was left guessing until the end what was really going on in this crazy house.
Find this book in: Isolation Thrillers / Riley Sager Books Ranked
#3
Final Girls
Author: Riley Girls
Year: 2017
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
2018 Winner of the International Thrillers Writer Award for Best Hardcover Novel
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It was the Winner of the International Thrillers Writer Award for Best Hardcover Novel in 2018 and for good reason.
Quincy is a member of a club to which only three girls belong. Final Girls are the only survivors of mass killings. Ten years after Quincy’s horrible nightmare in a cabin in the woods, she is being forced to relive the memories that she has completely blocked out since that night.
Why Jackie loves it
This thriller was Riley Sager’s first book. It also happens to be one of my favorite books of his. This book had completely unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the last chapter.
Find this book in: Riley Sager Books Ranked / The Best Books of 2017
#4
Plot
Emma is returning to her summer camp as a counselor after avoiding it since the tragedy of her bunkmates, Vivian, Natalie, and Allison’s disappearance. Trying to piece together what happened that fateful summer, she realizes she might be in danger.
Why Jackie loves it
I was so freaked out that I finished this thriller in 2 days, maybe because I visited my own overnight camp while reading it. I just needed to know how it ended! Other people have told me they were shocked at the twists and turns too.
Find this book in: Books Set at Camp / Best Riley Sager Books Ranked / Lake Novels / Popular Thrillers
#5
Plot
Riley Sager is back with a heart-pounding read about a girl who took a ride from a stranger to get home. She’s leaving college after finding out her best friend was murdered by an unknown serial killer.
But as the night progresses, she begins to think that the stranger giving her a ride is actually the serial killer. Can she survive the night? This is one of the creepier Riley Sager Books.
Why Jackie loves it
The creep factor in this book is off the charts. I was not sure what was going to happen and I loved the feeling.
Find this book in: Halloween Thriller Books / Serial Killer Books / Riley Sager Books Ranked
#6
Plot
Jules is hired to apartment-sit at a ridiculously wealthy building in NYC. But there are strange rules to protect the residents of The Bartholomew – no visitors, no disturbing the neighbors, and no spending nights away from the apartment. There are also some concerning urban legends surrounding the lush residence. Let’s just say I was glad I was not alone while I was reading this creepy tale. If you love Riley Sager books, this one is a must-read.
Why Jackie loves it
Riley Sager is a must-read author for me. I loved this last book, The Last Time I Lied, so I was eager to pick this one up. The story is told via a dual timeline about 4 days apart. I love books that use this as a plot device. It keeps me on my toes
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2020 / Riley Sager Books Ranked / Best Horror Thriller Books
#7
The House Across the Lake
Author: Riley Sager
Year: 2022
Genre: thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Casey Fletcher is an actress fleeing bad press after the death of her beloved husband. She retreats to the family’s lake house, despite the fact that this is where he husband drowned.
Casey spends her days drinking and spying on the house across the lake. When she saves former supermodel, Katherine Royce from drowning, the two strike up a friendship, it becomes clear that Katherine and her husband are having some serious issues- after all, you find out a lot of things when watching the neighbors all day through binoculars.
Why Jackie likes it
Some points in the story moved slowly for me and at one point, the story nearly lost me. But, I am so glad that I kept reading. There were definitely surprises that I did not see coming. If you like a creepy thriller, this pick from Riley Sager books is for you.
Find this book in: Riley Sager Books Ranked/ Ghost Books / Novels Set on a Lake / Haunted House Books
#8
Home Before Dark
Author: Riley Sager
Year: 2020
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Best Books of 2020
Age Range: 18+
Plot
It is so strange that I have read four paranormal fiction this month! Maggie Holt spent three weeks in a house that became the subject of a best-selling novel written by her father.
During the three weeks in the house, the family was haunted by ghosts before they were eventually forced to flee. Twenty-five years later, Maggie is shocked to learn that her father still owned the house when he died and the house is now hers.
As Maggie returns to the house to find out what really happened, she might be in for more than she bargained for. Even though this is last on our list of Riley Sager books, it was a fun read that I would highly recommend.
Why Jackie likes it
This is a fun book that is not only about books but also has a touch of paranormal as well. If ghosts are not your thing but you love thrillers, I would recommend this one as a perfect “in-between” book. Riely Sager is very readable and his books are never a disappointment.
Find this book in: The Best Riley Sager Books Ranked / Fall Books / Halloween Thriller Books / Books About Books
Expert Tip
- When trying to decide your favorite Riley Sager book, there are several factors you might consider. Which one was the scariest? Which one was your favorite plot? You can rank all of these when deciding
- This list is entirely subjective, you might have an opinion much different than mine! Let me know what you think of my rankings!
Who is Riley Sager?
Riley Sager is the best-selling author of 7 books. He is a native of Pennsylvania who now lives in Princeton, New Jersey, and his real name is Todd Ritter! Todd writes under the nom de plume of Riley Sager. We are guessing that Todd picked the name Riley, a very gender-neutral name, for people who have preferences for the gender of the authors they read.
He had been previously published under his real name but was relatively unknown. He, along with his publicist, agreed that a new name would give him a fresh start. We agree that Riley Sager’s books offer a fresh voice from a thriller perspective.
What is Riley Sager’s Newest Book?
Riley Sager’s Newest book is called Middle of the Night. It was published in June 2024 and it is my favorite of all Riley Sager’s books.
What is Riley Sager’s Best Book?
Riley Sager’s books are all thrillers you will not want to put down. His most critically acclaimed book is his first book, Final Girls. My favorite of all Riley Sager books is the most recent, Middle of the Night.
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Epilogue
Do you like the Riley Sager books as much as I do? I would love to know your list of Riley Sager books ranked. Did you agree with my picks? Or even better, did you completely disagree? I want to hear your thoughts.
Riley Sager Books in Order
If you love Riley Sager books, you should check out the Riley Sager books in publication order as well. I hope this list keeps growing!
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