The Only One Left by Riley Sager is set in 1983. In the eerie depths of a coastal Maine town, shrouded in Gothic mystery, we are introduced to Kit McDeere, a compassionate caregiver. Kit’s life takes a chilling turn when assigned to care for Lenora Hope, a frail 71-year-old woman confined to a wheelchair. What sets Lenora apart is her haunting silence, a consequence of debilitating strokes. Her sole means of communication with Kit is an ancient typewriter, each keystroke tapping out messages from her enigmatic world.
Beneath Lenora’s quiet exterior lies an extraordinary tale. In the dark shadows of 1929, her family met a gruesome fate akin to the infamous Lizzie Borden murders. The townsfolk always suspected Lenora’s guilt, but the truth eluded them, forever buried in the depths of uncertainty.
Isolated within the decaying walls of her ancestral mansion, Hope’s End, Lenora has remained imprisoned by her past, never uttering a word about that fateful night. However, a newfound connection blossoms between her and Kit, whispering of shared secrets and unspoken truths. In a tantalizing display of trust, Lenora types a message that beckons Kit to delve into the depths of her dark history: “I want to tell you everything”.
The Only One Left masterfully combines a hauntingly gothic atmosphere with an exhilarating mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The setting of Hope’s End lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, its dark allure captivating your thoughts. The protagonist, Kit, is a compelling character whose journey you can’t help but be drawn into. Together, you embark on a thrilling quest to unravel the enigma at hand. Brace yourself, because this gripping tale doesn’t settle for just one mind-bending twist—it delivers not one, not two, but three earth-shattering revelations that will leave you breathless.
If you found joy in reading Home Before Dark, The House Across the Lake, Lock Every Door, and most notably, Verity by Colleen Hoover, I believe you’ll thoroughly enjoy this captivating story “The Only One Left By Riley Sager”.
Also Read: Zero Days By Ruth Ware
