**4 out of 5 stars**

Riley Sager's *The Only One Left* is a gripping, suspenseful thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The novel's gothic setting, a crumbling mansion on a cliff, adds an eerie atmosphere that perfectly complements the dark, twisted plot. Sager masterfully weaves a tale of secrets, betrayal, and psychological tension that kept me guessing until the very end.

The protagonist, Kit, is a well-drawn character whose investigation into the mysterious massacre that happened decades ago at the mansion uncovers more than she bargained for. The pacing is swift, and the twists are cleverly executed, leaving you questioning everything you think you know.

While the ending was satisfying, it felt a bit rushed, and some of the twists stretched believability. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent read. If you enjoy thrillers with a heavy dose of suspense and a touch of the macabre, *The Only One Left* is definitely worth picking up.

I loved this book so much. It kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time.
There is gothic creepiness, a bedridden old woman and a lot of secrets.
Highly recommended for fans of thrillers

This book reminded me of the vintage gothic novels I read. Kit arrives at Hope's End as a caregiver to Lenora Hope. In the 20s there were horrific murders on the estate and everyone thinks Lenora was guilty but there was not enough evidence to charge her. Now she is a stroke victim who can only move one hand and Kit is there to take care of her. The house is falling apart and everyone in the house is hiding something. The story moves along quickly and there are lots of twists. The book is a lot of fun to read. Enjoy

Another twisty thriller by Riley Sager! This is set in 1983- a home health aide arrives to care for an old woman who was a suspect in the murder of her family when she was 16 years old. The woman stays quiet about what happened that night for decades…she finally decides to put it on paper and it has an ending you will never see coming!

I'll admit, I was a little worried when this started with the whole Lizzie Borden type thing, because that could've gone in a very different direction, but I like how this worked. I enjoyed this. The twists are interesting and I definitely didn't see a big part of the ending coming. There were a couple things that kind of came out of left field, but I did really like this and already have more Riley Sager books standing by to read soon!

As with all of Sager’s books, this was compulsively readable. Loved the atmosphere and setting as well as the twists.

Sager's narrative in *The Only One Left* is a compulsive page-turner, leading readers through a labyrinth of unexpected twists and turns. While it contains all the elements of a dark, gothic psychological thriller—unreliable narrators, high suspense, tension, secrets, deceptions, and lies—it left me wanting more. The story, set in a drama-filled mansion on the brink of collapse, is masterfully plotted and gripping, yet it didn't fully satisfy my expectations. Fans of intricately twisted, chilling thrillers will still find much to appreciate.

Loved the 80's throwback setting. Very spooky without being too over the top. I liked the duel timelines and liked all the twists in the end, I just wish the last twist was played with a litte more.

I need to come to the realization that Riley Sager books just don't do it for me anymore. I keep trying every time he releases a new book and they never hit for me.

I just realized I didn't post a review of this book but that doesn't mean I didn't love it! Riley Sager is one of my favourite authors! This book had all the goodies. Isolated setting, the omnious ocean, gothic house and characters that you couldn't trust. I loved it!

Riley Sager’s The Only One Left is a masterful blend of suspense, mystery, and psychological thriller that grips the reader from the first page to the last. Known for his deft storytelling and ability to create tension, Sager delivers a novel that is both a haunting exploration of past trauma and a thrilling ride through unexpected twists and turns.

Set in 1983, the novel follows Kit McDeere, a home health aide with a troubled past who is assigned to care for Lenora Hope, the last surviving member of the infamous Hope family. Decades earlier, the Hope family was brutally murdered, and Lenora, then a young girl, was the prime suspect. Confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak, Lenora communicates by typing on an old typewriter. As Kit starts her new job in the decaying Hope mansion, she becomes determined to uncover the truth about the night of the murders and whether Lenora is truly guilty.

Sager excels at creating an atmosphere of creeping dread and tension. The Hope mansion, with its crumbling walls and dark secrets, is a character in itself, adding layers of gothic horror to the narrative. The setting perfectly complements the eerie and unsettling mood of the story, making the reader feel as though they are walking through the shadowy halls alongside Kit.

The character of Kit McDeere is well-developed and relatable. Her own troubled history and her determination to prove herself add depth to her character. As she digs deeper into Lenora's past, Kit’s growing obsession with the case and her struggle to maintain her sanity are portrayed with skill and nuance. Sager’s depiction of Kit’s internal battles and her complex emotions make her a compelling protagonist.

Lenora Hope is an equally fascinating character. Despite her physical limitations, Lenora's presence is powerful and enigmatic. Her cryptic messages typed out on the typewriter provide clues and drive the narrative forward. Sager masterfully keeps the reader guessing about Lenora’s true nature and her role in the horrific events that shattered her family.

One of the strengths of The Only One Left is its intricate plot and pacing. Sager weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, slowly revealing pieces of the puzzle while maintaining suspense. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and on edge. Just when you think you have figured out the mystery, Sager throws in another surprise that upends your assumptions.

The novel also delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for truth. Through Kit’s investigation, Sager explores how the past can haunt the present and how the quest for justice can become an all-consuming obsession. The moral ambiguities and psychological complexities of the characters add depth to the story, making it more than just a straightforward thriller.

Sager’s writing is crisp and evocative, capturing the gothic atmosphere of the mansion and the mounting tension of the plot. His ability to create vivid and immersive scenes enhances the overall impact of the story. The dialogue is sharp and believable, further drawing the reader into the world of the characters.

In conclusion, The Only One Left is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that showcases Riley Sager’s talent for crafting suspenseful and emotionally resonant narratives. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and haunting setting, the novel is a standout addition to the genre. Fans of psychological thrillers and gothic mysteries will find much to love in this chilling and expertly crafted tale. Sager’s ability to blend psychological depth with edge-of-your-seat suspense makes The Only One Left a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.

HUGE clue/Knives out vibes with this book. Absolutely loved this book all the way through - big + old mansion and you don't know who to trust!!

First, thank you netgalley and the publisher for sending me the e-arc of this title. Second, I had a good time during this read even though parts of it was very predictable, not all of it though! This book is perfect for lovers of Verity and Silent Patient.

This book should have every reason to keep me interested, engaged, and loving it, but somehow each female character is only discussed in regards to the men in their life who are absent in the stories. Specifically, the two main characters and how they relate everything back to their fathers. It leaves them feeling one dimensional and lackluster a lot of the time. However, the setting is fascinating, and the mystery was worth moving forward with the story if only to prove that I knew how it occurred from the very beginning.

This wasn’t my favorite Sager book but I did enjoy it. It took awhile to finish but the ending had quite the twist.

An unforgettable thriller! Riley Sager's The Only One Left will have you thinking you know exactly what is happening until twist after twist confirms that you have no idea. An excellent read.

In a stately mansion on the cliffs, a horrible murder occurred many years ago. Now, the elderly sister needs a caretaker, who might be just the person to unravel the mystery and bring peace to the estate. Or die trying.

I love Riley Sager's novels but I could not get into this one. I will definitely read his next because The Last Time I Lied remains one of my favorite thrillers.

Wow! I was thoroughly impressed with this book from Riley Sager. I loved the Gothic setting. The crumbling Hope's End estate was the perfect setting for this tale. A lot of twists and turns until the very end. I liked that the ending was hopeful, too.

This is one of the author’s best books. Holy moly is it twisty!
It’s about a woman that is hired to be the caretaker of a wealthy old woman that lives in a notorious house up on a cliff. The reason it is notorious is because the whole world believes the lady murdered her entire family when she was young 👀
Things immediately become concerning for the caretaker……..