Title: The Only One LeftAuthor: Riley Sager
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group (US), Hodder & Stoughton (UK)
Publication Date: June 20 2023
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Rating: ★★★★
Synopsis: At seventeen, Lenora Hope
Hung her sister with a rope
Now reduced to a schoolyard chant, the Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast one bloody night in 1929. While most people assume seventeen-year-old Lenora was responsible, the police were never able to prove it. Other than her denial after the killings, she has never spoken publicly about that night, nor has she set foot outside Hope’s End, the cliffside mansion where the massacre occurred.
Stabbed her father with a knife
Took her mother’s happy life
It’s now 1983, and home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives at a decaying Hope’s End to care for Lenora after her previous nurse fled in the middle of the night. In her seventies and confined to a wheelchair, Lenora was rendered mute by a series of strokes and can only communicate with Kit by tapping out sentences on an old typewriter. One night, Lenora uses it to make a tantalizing offer—I want to tell you everything.
“It wasn’t me,” Lenora said
But she’s the only one not dead
As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading to the Hope family massacre, it becomes clear there’s more to the tale than people know. But when new details about her predecessor’s departure come to light, Kit starts to suspect Lenora might not be telling the complete truth—and that the seemingly harmless woman in her care could be far more dangerous than she first thought.
The Only One Left by Riley Sager is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a suspenseful journey through a dark and haunting family history. With a blend of mystery, psychological tension, and unexpected twists, this novel keeps readers on their toes from start to finish. The story alternates between the past and the present, skillfully weaving together the events of the 1929 Hope family murders and the unfolding events in 1983.
The author’s ability to create a chilling atmosphere and evoke a sense of foreboding is commendable. The crumbling mansion of Hope’s End serves as a perfect backdrop, adding to the overall eerie ambiance. The characters are well-developed and complex, particularly Lenora and Kit. Lenora, rendered mute by strokes, is enigmatic and evokes sympathy while simultaneously raising suspicions. Kit, the home-health aide tasked with caring for Lenora, is a relatable and determined protagonist. The dynamic between these two characters is one of the highlights of the book, as Kit gradually unravels the truth behind the Hope family murders.
Sager’s writing style is engaging and keeps the reader invested in the story. The use of the schoolyard chant as a recurring motif adds an extra layer of intrigue and serves as a reminder of the dark history surrounding the Hope family. The pacing is well-maintained, with each chapter revealing new clues and revelations that propel the narrative forward.
While the plot is captivating and leaves readers guessing until the end, there were moments where the story felt slightly predictable. Some twists and turns were anticipated, which slightly diminished the element of surprise. Additionally, the resolution of certain subplots felt rushed, leaving a few loose ends that could have been tied up more satisfactorily.
Overall, The Only One Left is a compelling and suspenseful read that will keep fans of psychological thrillers thoroughly engaged. Riley Sager’s ability to create tension and mystery is commendable, and the complex characters and atmospheric setting make for an enthralling experience. Despite a few minor flaws, this book is a worthy addition to any thriller lover’s bookshelf.
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