The Only One Left

Riley Sager crafts a gothic chiller set in Maine, focusing on the Hope family murders of 1929. The narrative centers on Lenora Hope, who was accused of hanging her sister and stabbing her parents decades ago. She has remained isolated at Hope’s End ever since. In 1983, home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives to care for Lenora, who is now in her seventies and confined to a wheelchair. After her previous nurse fled, Kit begins tapping sentences on an old typewriter with Lenora. This device allows the mute woman to communicate her side of the story. The plot unfolds as Lenora offers to reveal everything about that bloody night. Her account challenges the schoolyard chant that has defined her life. However, details regarding her predecessor’s sudden departure raise doubts. Kit begins to suspect Lenora is hiding the complete truth. The tension grows as the seemingly harmless woman in care reveals herself to be potentially dangerous. Sager, a New York Times bestselling author, draws on Lizzie Borden-like historical echoes to build suspense. This book suits readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with gothic atmospheres and unreliable narrators. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or clear resolutions. The story relies on the claustrophobic dynamic between caregiver and patient within a decaying cliffside mansion.