The Only One Left

Bookseller recommendation

“A gothic thriller with a mysterious mansion on a cliff that is literally falling to shit? Sign me up. Kit is an in-home caretaker. After Kit goes through some dark and troubling issues, she is back on the job and assigned to care for the famous Lenora Hope, who was accused of killing her mom, dad, and sister many years ago. I loved the dark undertones of this book and the vivid description of the creepy mansion. Sager does an amazing job fully developing every character, because in some thrillers, the author can get sloppy with that aspect. It very much gave me Fall of the House of Usher vibes. The twists keep on twisting at the end, which I love because I love a good shock at the very end once I think everything is said and done. ”

— Anna • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I was surprised again and again as the many buried secrets in the Hope family’s story were revealed. Kit knows that the woman in her care is suspected by most everyone of having murdered her parents and sister many years ago. But as Lenora begins to tell her own story, Kit becomes increasingly uncertain about what really happened. Sager weaves a mesmerizing and often chilling tale. Be prepared; you won’t want to stop listening until you’ve heard every last word. ”

— Nancy • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“A must listen! Dual voices sent shivers up my spine and Sager spun this tale of murder, deceit, and family. Up until the last few sentences I was guessing. A powerful story to remind us that not everyone is who they seem. If you are a lover of gothic tales this is the perfect modern gothic thriller. ”

— Alex • Bookishly Happy

Bookseller recommendation

“A fast paced mystery full of twists and turns. I loved the two different narrators throughout the book . More than once I yelled out loud at the wild plot twists and the ending had me gasping out loud!”

— Penny • Birchbark Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Sager's writing made me feel like I was on a wooden roller coaster, the kind where the safety bar only comes over your lap, doesn't completely lock into place, and those innocent twist and turns have you grasping for support. If you thought Verity had an unreliable narrator, The Only One Left takes it to a whole new level. Recommended for fans of Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, and Paula Hawkins. ”

— Jenny • E. Shaver, bookseller

Bookseller recommendation

“The Only One Left is a gothic thriller dripping with atmosphere that is so addictive I couldn’t touch another book until I consumed every last word. Sager has, once again, crafted a masterpiece.”

— Kassie • Oxford Exchange

Bookseller recommendation

“You will never see this one coming! I could not go to sleep. I wanted to keep on listening. Then I went on looooooong walks just to know what was happening. The story really pulls you in and won’t let go. Perfect! ”

— Andrea • Molly's Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Trigger Warning: Suicide, alcoholism, cancer, family abuse, forced adoption, abortion. Riley Sager never disappoints! In his 6th publication he provides his readers a gothic murder mystery that keeps you guessing (and gasping) until the very last page! In an atmospheric gothic mansion called Hopes End a terrible crime was committed. Over 5 decades later the rumors remain that the lone survivor, Lenora Hope, was the perpetrator. Now in her late 70’s Lenora requires continual private nursing care. When Kit McDeere is hired to provide that care, the parallels between the two women begin to emerge. What follows is a twisted story of a tragic family dynamic that leads the reader through all the terrible events and continued sorrow that occurred in Hope’s End.”

— Kristen • Little Green Bookstore