A supernatural thriller that toys with your certainty
I started The Unknown at the perfect time for spooky season and honestly it delivered exactly the kind of eerie fun I was hoping for. This was my first book by Riley Sager, so I had no idea what to expect, but the mix of supernatural tension and twisty mystery pulled me in straight away.
Marin is an actress who’s finally getting her big break. She lands a role in a major film and is sent to a secluded island in Vermont to prepare. The film is based on a century old mystery involving five women who vanished from a commune for spiritual mediums. Leaving their dresses behind, and a diary filled with strange writings about dark forces and terrible happenings. Marin, along with the cast and the director, arrives on the island prepared to become the role. Things start to change almost immediately. Strange sights, odd noises, and a creeping feeling that history might be repeating itself. Loved the idea of a haunted island and how the supernatural elements were worked into the plot without dominating it.
What worked the best was the atmosphere. The island felt alive in a way that made me question everything. I kept thinking I knew exactly what was happening. I felt confident about the ending. I felt sure I had the mystery solved. Then the story flipped and I realised I had absolutely no clue. Even at the end I was still thinking what in the world just happened. My heart raced more than once and some of the twists genuinely caught me off guard.
There were small moments that felt slightly confusing, especially when the modern characters sounded similar to the voices in the diary. There were a few plot points that could have been clearer, but none of it prevented me from enjoying the ride. The supernatural touches were just right and the dual timeline kept things interesting.
My general impression is that this is a fun, creepy and atmospheric thriller with a strong sense of place. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy mysteries with a paranormal twist.
