Riley Sager has done it again with his latest novel The Only One Left. A master of twists and turns, Sager takes us on a chilling journey that will leave even the most seasoned thriller reader gasping until the very last page.
The story follows an elderly woman named Lenora, who is accused of a Lizzie Borden-like massacre that took place decades earlier. Confined to a wheelchair and unable to communicate except through an old typewriter, Lenora enlists the help of a young caregiver named Kit McDeere to tell her story. As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading up to the massacre, it becomes clear that there is more to the tale than anyone realized.
Sager’s best thriller to date and that is saying something is a dark and gripping novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is told with such skill that even when you think you have figured everything out, Sager throws another curveball that will leave you reeling. The plot twists and turns are expertly executed, and each revelation is more shocking than the last.
Lenora and Kit are the two main characters that hold the story together. As Lenora’s dark and twisted past is slowly revealed through her typewriter, Kit finds herself becoming entangled in a web of lies and secrets that threaten to destroy her. The character development is exceptional, and both Lenora and Kit are fully fleshed out and relatable.
The setting of the novel is also expertly crafted. The decaying mansion that serves as Lenora’s home is full of mystery and intrigue. The gloomy and gothic atmosphere is perfect for the twisted story that unfolds, and Sager’s descriptions of the house are hauntingly beautiful.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Only One Left is how Sager manages to tie everything together in the end. Every loose end is neatly tied up, and readers are left feeling satisfied with the conclusion. The final twists are both shocking and fulfilling, and Sager manages to pull it off with style and finesse.
The Only One Left is a thrilling, twisty, and masterfully executed novel that is sure to delight fans of the thriller genre. Sager’s exceptional storytelling skills are on full display in this gothic chiller, and the plot twists and turns are sure to keep readers engaged until the very end. One of my favorite novels of 2023, by far.
The Only One Left is available at bookstores everywhere. We recommend the audiobook narrated by Christine Lakin and Dawn Harvey.
