A review by revengelyne
The Only One Left by Riley Sager

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

 

This gothic chiller brings us to the 1920s when a nearly identical murder of Lizzy Borden happened. The only survivor, Lenora, was considered to be the murderer of her family but at seventeen, she was never charged. As the years go by, Lenora recluses herself in the mansion her father built.

As the story turns to the 1980s, Kit McDeere had been an in-care nurse until one of her own patients had been killed. With the suspicion turned on her, Kit was forced to look for work elsewhere. As she goes through several jobs, Kit is reoffered her job but with stipulations of becoming the in-care aide to the notorious Lenora.

As Kit arrives at the mansion, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies and she will have to find a way to untangle herself and learn the truth of what really happened that night her family was murdered.

This was my first book by Riley and it kept me glued from the moment the story started to the very end. There were twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and the characters were well-developed and relatable.

Riley's writing style was descriptive and engaging, and he did an excellent job of creating a suspenseful atmosphere throughout the book. I found myself rooting for the characters and invested in their stories.

Final Thought:

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family dramas and mysteries. Riley is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.