Welcome, or Welcome back! My name is Amanda and this is where I share spoiler-free book reviews and other bookish things. Not every book is my cup of tea – and that’s ok. Even if I didn’t like it, I attempt to find readers that would. Thanks for visiting. Let’s get Smitten For Fiction.
I’m going to be upfront and let you know I did not like this book, so be warned. That being said, 81% of Goodreads members gave it 4 or 5 stars. I read this because it was the July selection for The Literally Dead Book Club. I listened to the audiobook on Libro fm. The audiobook is really well done by the way.
“This twist on the Lizzie Borden murders has it all: A reclusive woman who was acquitted of brutally murdering her family living in a big, decrepit house; a new caretaker hiding secrets of her own. And, most importantly, there are a number of twists you won’t see coming.” -Katie Couric Media
About The Book 📚
Title: The Only One Left
Author: Riley Sager
Narrated by: Dawn Harvey, Christine Lakin
Publication Date: June 2023
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Pages: 385
Content Warnings: murder, death, suicide, chronic illness, infidelity, ableism, drug use, abandonment, alcohol, sexual assault
Rated R: Profanity, violence, sexual situations, drug use.
My Review
› The Only One Left takes place in Maine. Thirty-one-year-old Kit is a caregiver returning to work after a six-month suspension for being accused of breaking protocol. She’s been working for Guerlain Home Health Aids, a long-term living care service, for 12 years. Kit dislikes working for Mr. Guerlain and although the investigation cleared her of any wrongdoing, rumours have spread and Kit feels like she doesn’t have a choice but to stay at this job.
› Mr. Guerlain has a new patient for Kit – Lenora Hope – known as the woman who murdered her entire family in 1929 and got off scot-free. It’s been 54 years since that dreadful night and now Lenora is in need of constant care. Kit will be required to live with Lenora in her mansion on the cliffs called Hope’s End. Like Kit, Lenora was accused, but never proven guilty.
At seventeen, Lenora Hope
Hung her sister with a rope
Stabbed her father with a knife
Took her mother’s happy life
“It wasn’t me.” Lenora said.
But she’s the only one not dead
› Kit’s last job was caring for her dying mother. She’s been living with her father, however, they’ve grown apart since her mother died. Maybe some time apart will give them the space they need to grieve.
› Kit arrives to find Hope’s End is in disarray. Mrs. Baker works there, along with Jessica the young and naive cleaner, and Carter the “hot” maintenance person (a must-have in every Sager novel). Lenora’s previous caregiver Mary left and no one knows why or where she went.
› Lenora can only move one hand. She needs help with every aspect of her life including eating and bathing. Lenora shows Kit that she can use the typewriter to communicate, but doesn’t want anyone else to know she can do that. Lenora wants to tell the story of what really happened the night her entire family was murdered – the night when she became The Only One Left.
“She’s capable of so little yet accused of so much, and I remain torn between wanting to protect her and the urge to suspect her.”
› Characters: 3
I don’t like the way Sager writes female characters. The portrayal of female characters being sex-crazed is annoying. The female protagonist is always broke and has no friends. I don’t know why he doesn’t write anything with a male lead.
› Atmosphere: 4
› Writing Style: 2
I like the dual timeline/perspective. I’m enjoying Lenora’s perspective more than Kits. She’s giving me Allie vibes from The Notebook. This novel feels immature, rushed, and unedited. The writing is repetitive with info dumps and there’s too much telling, not enough showing.
› Plot: 2
Of course, the twists surprised me because they came out of left field and were absolutely ridiculous. I felt extremely bored for most of the book.
› Intrigue: 1
I did not want to keep reading. The only reason I finished it is because it was a book club pick.
› Logic: 1
Why is the mansion falling apart? Don’t they have money? Kenny just shows up? So many plot holes, it’s like Swiss cheese up in here. I’m going to try and explain them without spoilers. A note is still legible after being in water for 2 weeks? If a certain person was going to leave why didn’t the other person tell them and go together? 54 years is a long time to do something. Where did Archie go when shit was hitting the fan? Detective says he worked there a long time ago right so like, shouldn’t he know stuff? And like one person left someone knowing they were in danger and just like peaced-out. Then the twist at the end is just…wrong.
› Enjoyment: 2
Average 2.1
Average Story Graph Rating 4.13
Average Goodreads Rating 4.22
My Rating ★
The Last Time I Lied ★★★★★
Survive the Night ★★★
The House Across the Lake ★
The Only One Left ★
› Final Thoughts
• The Only One Left is a dark locked-door mystery with an absolutely ridiculous and unbelievable ending. If you want to suspend belief and be hit with crazy twists then this is for you. As I said before, the audiobook is really good. The two voices narrating Kit and Lenora’s story help submerge you into each timeline and point of view.
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