The Only One Left Book Summary

Introduction: Secrets Never Die at Hope’s End

Some stories refuse to be buried—especially the ones soaked in mystery and murder. The Only One Left by Riley Sager is one such story. A masterclass in suspense and gothic atmosphere, this 2023 mystery thriller takes readers deep into a decaying mansion perched on a Maine cliffside, where whispers of a 1929 family massacre still haunt its last living resident.

In this The Only One Left Book Summary, we uncover the grim tale of Lenora Hope—once a teenage suspect in the gruesome killing of her family, now a mute elderly woman with a story to tell. Told through the eyes of Kit McDeere, a troubled caregiver, the narrative slowly unwraps decades of deception, betrayal, and chilling truths that no one saw coming. If you’re looking for a tightly woven psychological mystery with gothic flair, you’re in the right place.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager Quotes

“You’re never alone when there’s a book,’ she used to say. ‘Never ever.”
“You’re never alone when there’s a book nearby.”
“My mother assured me not to worry. That by reading, whole worlds could be explored without ever leaving home.”
“Even a prison becomes comforting if it’s the only thing you know.”
“But I knew that looks could be deceiving. And that even prisons could appear lovely if lit the right way.”
“Wealthy we were. Happy? Not so much. And the house, though opulent, reflected that. It’s a cold place. An unwelcoming place.”
“But that’s not what you’re most curious about, is it? You want to know if I’m as evil as everyone says I am. The answer is no. And yes.”
“At seventeen, Lenora Hope / Hung her sister with a rope / Stabbed her father with a knife / Took her mother’s happy life.”
“Lenora, the only one left, claimed to have had nothing to do with it.”
“Mr. Gurlain chose me because Lenora Hope is the one patient nobody—not even the police—will mind if I kill.”
“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.”
“I’d also like to take a moment to salute the many caregivers out there… You care. Thank you.”
“Here, we give young women accused of terrible deeds the benefit of the doubt.”
“Yesterday, Mrs. Baker told me Hope’s End was a place where young women are given the benefit of the doubt. That’s not true everywhere.”
“Men like him gobbled up all they could, leaving nothing for everyone else.”
“It’s our lot in life, Kit-Kat. People like us toil. The rich bastards running everything make sure of that.”
“A peculiar trait among most self-important men is the need to try to hide their self-importance.”
“It sounds like a floorboard, emitting the faintest of creaks… But there’s nothing to see.”
“Never show fear, Kit-Kat. They can tell if you’re scared—and that’s when they sting.”
“I honestly have no idea how to respond… Is it refreshing being forced to sleep in my childhood bedroom and tiptoe around my silent, seething father?”

The Only One Left by Riley Sager Chapters

Cover
Also by Riley Sager
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter One to Chapter Forty-Four
Acknowledgments
About the Author

What is The Only One Left About?

Set across two timelines, 1929 and 1983, the novel centers on Lenora Hope, a woman accused of murdering her parents and sister at the age of 17. Decades later, Lenora, now in her 70s, is confined to a wheelchair, mute, and dependent on a new caregiver, Kit McDeere.

Kit, recently suspended after a patient death, arrives at Hope’s End—a once-grand mansion now decaying from time and secrets. When Lenora types the shocking sentence “I want to tell you everything,” the stage is set for a confessional that blurs the line between truth and manipulation. As Kit investigates, she uncovers a twisting path of deceit, dark family secrets, and a chilling possibility that Lenora may not be the harmless woman she appears to be.

Who is Lenora Hope, and Why Was She Accused?

The legend of Lenora Hope is practically folklore on the Maine coast:

“At seventeen, Lenora Hope / Hung her sister with a rope / Stabbed her father with a knife / Took her mother’s happy life.”

The grisly nursery rhyme captures what many believe: that Lenora was the sole culprit in the Hope family murders. Despite public opinion, she was never officially charged. Silence was her only defense—until now.

Lenora’s character raises compelling questions:

Was she a victim or villain?
Did she stay silent out of guilt or fear?
Why remain in the same house where her family was slaughtered?

As her story unfolds through typed confessions, readers are forced to reevaluate what they thought they knew.

Who is Kit McDeere and Why Is She Important?

Kit McDeere enters the story with baggage of her own. A home-health aide with a controversial past, Kit is assigned to care for Lenora after the sudden departure of the previous nurse. Kit is seeking redemption—but quickly realizes she’s entered a situation far more complex than elder care.

Her role becomes critical as:

A confidante to Lenora’s confessions
A detective unraveling the decades-old mystery
A flawed narrator whose own secrets threaten to compromise her objectivity

Kit’s outsider status adds urgency to the narrative. She doesn’t trust the residents of Hope’s End—and soon, she learns not to trust Lenora either.

How Does the Gothic Setting Add to the Mystery?

Few settings are as richly atmospheric as Hope’s End. The crumbling mansion perched on a cliff is more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right.

Key Gothic Elements:

Isolated location: The mansion is remote, accessible only by winding roads and surrounded by cliffs.
Decay and ruin: Time has taken its toll, mirroring the moral decay within its walls.
Dark secrets: Hidden rooms, creaking floors, and stormy nights amplify the eerie tone.

This setting enhances the suspense and elevates the psychological tension. The mansion holds not just memories, but evidence.

What Themes Are Explored in the Novel?

Sager weaves multiple themes throughout The Only One Left:

1. Truth and Perception

The novel questions what we believe and why. Public perception has painted Lenora as a killer for decades. But the story challenges that narrative.

2. Redemption

Both Kit and Lenora are seeking a second chance. For Kit, it’s professional; for Lenora, it may be existential.

3. Isolation and Vulnerability

Lenora is physically trapped—both by her body and her past. Kit is emotionally isolated. The mansion itself is metaphorically and literally cut off.

4. The Complexity of Family

Family secrets, abuse, and betrayal are core to the mystery. What appears perfect on the outside often hides rot within.

What Twists Can Readers Expect?

Without giving away spoilers, readers can expect:

A revelation about Lenora’s innocence or guilt
Shocking truths about Kit’s past
A plot twist involving the previous nurse
A jaw-dropping ending that redefines everything

Riley Sager masterfully uses misdirection, unreliable narration, and strategic pacing to keep readers guessing. Every revelation deepens the mystery rather than solving it outright.

Why is Riley Sager Known for Page-Turners?

Sager has built a reputation for delivering tightly crafted thrillers. With The Only One Left, he:

Creates multidimensional characters
Blends modern suspense with gothic tradition
Maintains narrative tension from start to finish

His skill lies in making the reader complicit. As you piece together clues, you question your own instincts. Who can you really trust?

Quick Book Facts

Feature	Detail
Title	The Only One Left
Author	Riley Sager
Genre	Mystery, Thriller, Gothic Fiction
Publisher	Dutton
Publication Year	2023
Pages	368
Goodreads Rating	4.1/5 (based on thousands of reviews)
Awards	Goodreads Choice Nominee (2023)

Who Should Read The Only One Left?

This book is a must-read for fans of:

Gothic suspense novels
Domestic thrillers
Mysteries with unreliable narrators
Haunting family secrets
Agatha Christie-style twists

If you enjoyed Verity by Colleen Hoover or Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, you’ll likely love this book.

About the Author: Riley Sager

Riley Sager is the New York Times bestselling pseudonym of Todd Ritter, an American author known for his gripping psychological thrillers and suspense novels. Adopting a gender-neutral pen name to avoid bias in the thriller genre (traditionally dominated by female authors), Sager has become one of the most recognizable voices in modern mystery fiction.

Key Details:

Debut Novel: Final Girls (2017), which won the ITW Thriller Award for Best Hardcover Novel and became a NYT bestseller.
Signature Style: Sager’s books blend Hitchcockian suspense, nostalgic horror (often referencing the 1980s–90s), and unreliable narrators. His plots frequently revolve around haunted pasts, suburban secrets, and shocking twists.
Notable Works:
- The Last Time I Lied (2018) – A summer-camp thriller inspired by Picnic at Hanging Rock.
- Home Before Dark (2020) – A haunted-house story with Amityville Horror vibes.
- The House Across the Lake (2022) – A Rear Window-inspired thriller.
- Middle of the Night (2024) – Explores childhood trauma and suburban mysteries.
Inspirations: Sager cites Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and classic slasher films as major influences. His books often pay homage to horror tropes while subverting expectations.
Career: Before writing fiction, Sager worked as a journalist and editor. He initially published under his real name (Todd Ritter) before adopting the pseudonym for thrillers.
Personal: A self-proclaimed introvert, Sager lives in Princeton, New Jersey, and often shares his love of horror movies and vintage pop culture on social media.

The Only One Left Book Summary — Author’s image source: bookpage.com

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Final Verdict: Is It Worth Reading?

Absolutely. The Only One Left is one of Riley Sager’s most haunting and emotionally resonant works. It’s not just about a murder mystery—it’s about trauma, trust, and truth. Every chapter peels back another layer, leading to a stunning conclusion that lingers long after the final page.

Whether you’re a seasoned thriller fan or a newcomer to the genre, this book delivers on all fronts: atmosphere, suspense, character depth, and plot payoff.

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