The Only One Left has such a great premise: Kit is a home health aide assigned to take care of her town's Lizzie Borden character, a wealthy woman named Leonora, who supposedly killed her whole family and got away with it 50 years prior. Leonora is partially paralyzed and unable to speak, so the two begin to communicate by typewritten messages. The plot and premise of this book were fine, but the execution leaves something to be desired. The build-up took forever and was super repetitive and the resolution didn't make a ton of sense. I am not usually very bothered by unbelievable endings. But since this book dragged at the beginning, having a silly ending was kind of annoying. I felt the same way about The House Across the Lake- promising premise, a long and repetitive story without much substance, followed by a twisty ending that didn't make much sense. Overall, I would say it was worth the time I spent reading it, but I would probably suggest reading other Riley Sager books before this one.

I had to DNF this, sadly -- I think RIley Sager isn't for me, though I understand and respect the folks who enjoy his writing, and I can see why! I think I'm just not the target audience.

A great story that is helped by the use of the past; set in the 80s. As an Agatha Christie fan this was a fun read, and I love having someone tell their own story because there is potential for unreliable narrator.

This was my favorite Riley Sager book! Loved the story and the characters. I was able to figure some things out but was still surprised at some points.

I have been so hit or miss with Riley Sager lately so I went into this book with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised and Sager will continue to stay on my 'to read' list (for now). I loved the setting of this book and the twists. It was a fun read.

When I heard the premise of this book, I thought it sounded like a great read. However, I'm beginning to realize that books like these really don't work well for me. It started off good, but a lot of the premise just seemed weird to me and I ended up skimming a lot of parts. I thought the ending was a little too wacky and contrived. Looking at other reviews, I know I'm in the minority on this.

"The Only One Left" is a powerful and moving story that delves into themes of survival and resilience. With well-crafted characters and a thought-provoking narrative, it leaves a lasting impact on readers. Highly recommended for those seeking an emotionally charged and memorable read.

The Only One Left is exactly what I would want from a Riley Sager book: a gothic mansion setting, the eeriest atmosphere, complex characters, and a twist I never saw coming. While I always enjoy Sager’s books, this one may have wedged its way into my top three. This one seems to really return to what he does best. It slowly builds tension, crafts an incredible setting you want to both run to and run from, and carefully deceives the reader with new reveals along the way. The dual timeline was intriguing and even the wild ending felt right for this story. I think this is one every thriller reader should pick up.

This book took me multiple times to enjoy. Usually I lost interest and ended up putting it down before I even made it half way through. So if you are struggling then I implore you to push through it because you wont regret it.
Once I was able to sink my teeth into the book I was in love like with all of Sagers thrillers.
It kept me on the edge of my seat and even though I saw the ending coming I still enjoyed it none the less.

4.5 stars

The Only One Left by Riley Sager was a twisty, atmospheric suspense and I was here for it! I really enjoyed this book and was pleased to say that I did not see all the different twists coming. I loved that the creaky, old, falling down mansion was the setting for this creepy book. The descriptions of the house slowly tilting, cracking, and crumbling made me feel as though I was there (and feeling a bit of vertigo as I was reading). I highly recommend this book and it just might be my favorite Sager novel yet.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This is my favorite Sager novel to date!

I loved the suspense throughout and what an ambience. This was the strongest part of the book for me!

Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read and will definitely recommend!

Riley Sager is one of my favorites. I've read all of his books. My favorite being Lock Every Door and Last Time I Lied.

I loved the vibes in this one. The spooky atmosphere, the old creepy house, the main character that found herself in a creepy situation trying to find her way out.

If you love his books I'm sure you will enjoy this one as well!

RILEY SAGER has delivered again! After a disappointing novel, SURVIVE THE NIGHT, I was reluctant to pick this one up. When I saw it was available from Netgalley for review (thanks for the advance copy) I was eager to give Sager another shot.
And WOW, did he deliver. This is vintage suspense from a master. The plot is delicious gothic and creepy, and it is told from the first-person perspective, which lends well for this sub-genre of thriller.
This is like if The Haunting of Hill House and Agatha Christie were melded together. A fantastically dark and page-turning plot that will keep you guessing all the way up to its shocking finale.
Don't miss this one.

I've been a Riley Sager reader for years so when I got this title, I knew I'd enjoy it...I wasn't wrong. The book starts out a little slow, but I was quickly drawn to the storyline and characters. I enjoyed the build of the story and it kept me turning page after page so I could figure out what the secret was.

Where do I start… this book was so captivating from the beginning. It starts out with our FMC Kit, a home health aide, returning to work after being investigated for the death of her patient. And if that’s not bad enough she’s then given a new patient that just so happens to be Lenora Hope, who was accused of killing her parents and sister over a decade ago. Now frail, and in need of care there’s no way she can be dangerous or could she….

I enjoyed hearing Lenora’s story and how Kit overcame her fear to make sure the truth was uncovered. I do think parts of the story dragged on a bit but it all came together in a twisty way of course.
I could definitely see this becoming a movie!

I gave this book three stars because it just didn't grab my attention the way his other books have. There were plot holes and unreasonable and incomprehensible actions by so many people. It was a little frustrating to read. And a little confusing when the "twist" was revealed. The characters were only okay. I didn't connect or care about any of them. the best character was the house.

A solid thriller, but too many twists near the end. I am continually impressed with Sager’s ability to write female characters!

I LOVED this creepy, gothic thriller!! From the single point of few of Kit who I connected with from the first chapter. This was about unsolved triple murder from the late 1920s. The author gives you just enough creepy to make it hard to sleep and the perfect amount of bread crumbs to keep you guessing. And the twists at the end!! Wow!! I didn’t see ANY of them coming!

I always ahve liked Riley Sager's books and this one did not disappoint. I definitely will continue to pick up their books as they always keep me entertained and hooked on to solve the mystery.

Riley Sager has quickly become one of my favourite authors, and "The Only One Left" is among my favourite books of 2023. A gothic domestic thriller that will consume your thoughts well after the final page. In 1929 the Hope family was murdered and everyone suspects the only surviving family member Lenora. Police were unable to prove the case and Lenora denies her involvement and lives her life locked away in the family mansion. Fast forward to 1983 Kit McDeere is hired as the latest home-health aide to Lenora. Lenora is in ill heath and unable to speak or move after multiple strokes. She is confined to a wheelchair and communicates through a typewriter. Lenora types out one sentence that shocks Kit to the core "I want to tell you everything". Can Kit trust Lenora, as her story unfolds and secrets are revealed, Kit starts to wonder if this harmless women could be far more dangerous than anyone could imagine. This novel is the hallmark of excellence as a domestic thriller, with dueling timelines, unreliable narrators, and a atmospheric setting. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the digital ARC!