The House Across the Lake

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How did you feel about the book’s sudden genre shift? Do you think there were signs that the novel would take a supernatural turn early on, or were you completely surprised by this development?
• Discuss your impressions of Casey as a narrator. Did you trust her completely before her big secret was revealed? Why or why not?
• Sager frequently writes female protagonists in his novels. Compare and contrast Casey with Sager’s other thriller heroines.

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• How have you dealt with the loss of a loved one, especially if your relationship with that person was complicated or unresolved?
• Casey is compelled to intervene when she fears that Tom has put Katherine in danger. What is your view on the right moment to intervene in somebody else’s life? Should you wait for a crisis point or act early to prevent it from happening?
• Discuss an experience or the experience of someone you know who has had to deal with an addiction. What were the factors that influenced their behavior? What does this suggest about the root causes of addiction?
• What role do secrets play in a marriage? Do you think it is possible for any relationship to exist without secrets?

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