Published: 2023
Rating: 4
Genre: Gothic thriller
Goodreads rating: 4.14
Preface:
I read this book on a whim, it was the first available book to pop up on Libby’s mystery category. I started it in Mexico on March 21st and finished it on March 22nd.
Riley Sager is also known as Alan Finn and Todd Ritter. He is an American novelist who has published 12 books to date, primarily writing thrillers.
Plot introduction:
This book follows two main characters. Kit McDeere is a caregiver who was recently investigated for the mysterious suicide of her last patient. Given her track record, she is forced to take a job no one else wants: taking care of an elderly woman, Lenora Hope, who was accused of killing all three of her family members as a teen.
Lenora is confined to a wheelchair and cannot speak, only having minimal use of her left arm after decades of health issues. Despite this, Kit is still afraid of her, especially after the caregiver before her disappeared mysteriously. Kit encourages Lenora to make use of a typewriter, and finds that Lenora is willing and wanting to tell the real story of the murders.
“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.”
― Riley Sager, The Only One Left
My review:
I rate this book 4 out of 5. I really enjoyed reading it, there were many turns and deep emotions, although I recognize that it was not that well written.
I have a few problems with this book. It is set in the 80s, although there is really no feeling that you’re in the 80s. Yes, most good novels are timeless, but it felt too modern. Another thing is that there were too many turns and twists. The best ending to mysteries are things you can piece together, but are not too obvious. The ending of this mystery was out of left field.
That being said, it kept me on my toes. I read most of this book in a single night; I almost never stay up that late as I value my beauty sleep too much. I loved the majority of this story, and I think it is worth the read. I will probably read more books by this author in the future.
