Riley Sager Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

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About Riley Sager

American novelist Todd Ritter writes gripping thrillers under the name Riley Sager. His books pull readers in with fast-moving stories that are hard to put down. He has a knack for creating characters who feel real, with clear motivations and flaws. The people in his stories drive the action forward in ways that keep the tension high.

His protagonists often face high-stakes situations that test their limits. Ritter builds their personalities through smart dialogue and believable choices. This makes the challenges they encounter more engaging for the reader. The way he shapes their journeys adds depth to the twists and turns of each plot.

Ritter’s storytelling stands out because he balances suspense with well-paced reveals. His narratives unfold smoothly, keeping the reader curious without confusion. The entertainment value comes from how he blends mystery, tension, and character growth. It’s this skill that makes his books enjoyable for fans of the thriller genre.

Riley Sager, the pen name of author Todd Ritter, has written nine bestselling thrillers, with several hitting the New York Times bestseller list. Some of his most popular books include Middle of the Night, The Only One Left, and With a Vengeance. His novels have reached readers in more than 35 countries, showing their wide appeal. Over three million copies of his books have been sold around the world.

His stories keep readers hooked with tight pacing and unpredictable twists. The way he builds suspense makes his books hard to set down once started. Strong, relatable characters add to the excitement, pulling audiences deeper into the plot. Each novel delivers the kind of tension and surprises that thriller fans love.

Sager’s, aka Ritter’s, success comes from his ability to craft gripping, well-structured stories. His books balance mystery, emotion, and action in a way that feels fresh. The international reach of his work proves how well his writing connects with different audiences. For those who enjoy suspenseful reads, his novels are a solid choice.

As Riley Sager, Ritter continues to write, with new projects already in the works. Fans can expect more tense, twist-filled stories from him in the coming years. His track record suggests future books will deliver the same gripping suspense readers love. There’s plenty more excitement ahead from this bestselling author.

Early and Personal Life

Todd Ritter, who also writes as Riley Sager and Alan Finn, grew up in a Pennsylvania ranch-style home. Like many authors, his love for storytelling began early, fueled by books that sparked his imagination. Over time, that passion turned into a desire to create his own thrilling tales.

Before making a name for himself as a novelist, Ritter built a career in journalism, editing, and graphic design. These experiences sharpened his writing skills and eye for detail, which later helped shape his suspenseful fiction. The transition from journalist to full-time author allowed him to focus entirely on crafting gripping thrillers.

Now based in Princeton, New Jersey, Ritter continues to draw inspiration from everyday life and the world around him. His journey from a Pennsylvania childhood to bestselling author shows how dedication and creativity can lead to success. Readers can look forward to more of his page-turning stories in the years ahead.

Writing Career

Under the pen name Riley Sager, Todd Ritter has published over six bestselling thrillers and counting, while also releasing three novels under his real name as part of the Kat Campbell series. He wrote one standalone novel, Things Half in Shadow, as Alan Finn, showcasing his versatility across different pseudonyms. Ritter adopted the Sager name strategically, aiming for a fresh start with publishers after earlier works received critical praise but modest sales.

Initially, the Riley Sager website avoided personal details, keeping the author’s identity ambiguous before later updating with Ritter’s photo and pronouns. His career demonstrates how reinvention and smart branding can lead to broader success in the publishing world. With more projects underway, Ritter continues to expand his body of work as both Sager and under his other names.

The Only One Left

Riley Sager’s thriller The Only One Left was published on June 20, 2023, by Penguin. The novel earned a Goodreads Choice Award nomination for Best Mystery & Thriller that same year. Written under Sager’s pseudonym, it became another successful standalone entry in the author’s growing catalog of suspense fiction.

The Hope family murders became infamous along Maine’s coast after a violent 1929 night, though no proof ever confirmed seventeen-year-old Lenora’s guilt. Decades later in 1983, home-health aide Kit McDeere shows-up at the decaying Hope’s End to care for the now-elderly, mute Lenora, who communicates only by typewriter. When Lenora offers to reveal the truth about that night, Kit assists in documenting her account, but inconsistencies emerge.

Strange discoveries about the previous nurse’s sudden departure make Kit question whether Lenora is hiding something far darker than anyone suspects.

Readers looking for a twisty thriller will enjoy The Only One Left for its eerie atmosphere and slow-burning suspense. The dual timelines and unsettling mansion setting create perfect tension as secrets from the past unravel. Sager masterfully keeps readers guessing with clever reveals and shifting suspicions. Fans of psychological thrillers will find this a gripping, satisfying read.

Home Before Dark

Riley Sager’s thriller Home Before Dark was published on June 30, 2020, by Dutton. The novel received a Goodreads Choice Award nomination for Best Mystery & Thriller that same year. Written under Sager’s pseudonym, it became another well-received standalone work in the author’s collection of suspenseful fiction.

Twenty-five years after fleeing Baneberry Hall as a child, Maggie Holt inherits the infamous Vermont estate following her father’s death. Though she dismisses the supernatural claims from his bestselling book House of Horrors, unsettling events during her renovation project mirror his documented experiences. The hostile local community and the house’s disturbing artifacts suggest a troubling past beyond mere ghost stories.

As unexplained phenomena escalate, Maggie begins questioning whether her father’s account might contain truth after all.

This chilling haunted house thriller delivers perfect suspense with its eerie atmosphere and clever dual narrative. Sager masterfully blends psychological tension with supernatural elements that keep readers guessing until the final page. A must-read for fans of smart, atmospheric horror.

One Response to “Riley Sager”

1. Judy osborn: 2 years ago

   Riley Sager is a great author. Would like update on any of her/his new books

   Reply