The Only One Left by Riley Sager: A Spoiler-Free Review You Need to Read 🕵️‍♀️

Let me start by saying that if you live for books with mind-blowing twists that leave you staring at the wall and questioning your life choices, The Only One Left is about to become your new obsession. Riley Sager does what he does best here—he keeps you guessing, gasping, and furiously turning pages long after you should have gone to bed. (Seriously, just cancel your plans and settle in for the ride.) 

This isn’t just a mystery; it’s an experience. The characters feel so real you could swear you’ve met them, and the plot? It’s a wild, twisty, utterly addictive rollercoaster that somehow keeps upping the stakes with every chapter. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s dive in (spoiler-free, of course). 

Why You Won’t Be Able to Put This Book Down

Do you love a story where every chapter hits you with a twist you didn’t see coming? Sager has you covered. This book doesn’t just drop surprises—it throws them like curveballs straight at your face. One second, you think you know where the story is headed, and the next? BAM. Plot twist.

And trust me, this isn’t one of those books that drags its feet to fill pages. Every moment has a purpose, pulling you deeper into the mystery of Hope’s End, the eerie mansion at the heart of it all. Just when you think you’ve uncovered the truth, the story doubles back on itself and sends you spinning. 

Welcome to Hope’s End: The Creepiest Mansion You’ll Never Forget

At the center of the story is Kit McDeere, a caregiver sent to Hope’s End—a crumbling estate dripping in gothic vibes—to care for Lenora Hope. Decades ago, Lenora was accused of something truly horrific: the murders of her entire family. But since no proof was ever found, she’s lived out her days in silence and isolation, surrounded by whispers and suspicion.

The mansion itself feels alive, almost like another character in the story. The way Sager describes it, you can almost hear the creaking floorboards, feel the chill in the air, and see the shadows flickering in the corners. It’s unsettling in the best way. I could practically hear the ghostly whispers of “What really happened here?” as I read.

Kit McDeere: A Protagonist You’ll Root For

Kit is flawed, determined, and so relatable—basically, she’s everything you want in a main character. She’s thrown into a situation that’s as mysterious as it is terrifying, and her journey to uncover the truth about Lenora is what drives this book forward. You’ll cheer for her, stress for her, and maybe even yell at her (in a loving way, of course).

And then there’s Lenora. She doesn’t speak, yet her presence is massive. Is she a villain? A victim? Both? You’ll be asking yourself that right up until the final page. 

The Twists Will Leave You Speechless

Here’s the thing about Riley Sager: just when you think you’ve hit the “big twist,” he hits you with another. And another. By the time you reach the finale, you’re left sitting there, book in hand, wondering how he managed to pull it all off.

I’ll admit, there was a moment when I thought I had it all figured out. I smugly told myself, “I’ve cracked this mystery.” Then, Sager laughed (probably) and threw in a twist that had me frantically flipping pages late into the night. (Let’s just say I didn’t get much sleep, and I’m not even mad about it.) 

Should You Read This Book? Absolutely.

If you love thrillers, mysteries, or really good storytelling, The Only One Left needs to be on your radar. It’s gripping, atmospheric, and, honestly, so much fun to read.

Grab a copy, find your coziest blanket, and get ready for a wild ride through the chilling halls of Hope’s End. And when you finish, please come find me so we can scream about it together—I promise, you’ll need to talk to someone about that ending.