A Chilling Dive into Family Drama: Review of The Only One Left
When I first heard about The Only One Left by Riley Sager, I was intrigued by the dark family secrets and eerie setting reminiscent of classic horror tales. I also found myself drawn to the book due to the author’s knack for combining suspense with psychological depth. I mean, who wouldn’t be curious about a protagonist tasked with caring for a mute woman at a decaying cliffside mansion rich in history and mystery? Sounds like the perfect recipe for a page-turner, right?
The story is set in 1983 at Hope’s End, a crumbling mansion that serves as both a character and backdrop for the twisted tale of the Hope family murders that occurred in 1929. At its center is Lenora Hope, the only surviving member of a horrific crime that left her entire family dead. Confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak, Lenora communicates through an old typewriter, setting the stage for an enticing mystery as Kit McDeere, her new caregiver, steps into a world filled with secrets and an unsettling past.
Sager dives into themes of toxic family bonds, loyalty, and the burden of a haunting legacy. Kit, with her own complicated family history, becomes entangled in Lenora’s story, pushing through layers of deception and betrayal. The moment Lenora hints at the truth with "I want to tell you everything," I could feel the tug of curiosity and dread that propelled me through the pages. It’s a narrative that kept me guessing, especially in the first 50 pages, a breath of fresh suspense.
However, Sager’s signature style comes with its pitfalls. The book suffers from repetitive phrases—seriously, if I had a dollar for every time "murder" was mentioned (at least 101 times!), I would be rich by now. It feels like overkill, especially when the twists begin to blur together like pale watercolor on a canvas. Despite its captivating setup, I found myself rolling my eyes at certain predictability and the seemingly endless questions left unanswered.
Character-wise, Kit came across as naive, often acting in ways that felt contrived for the sake of the plot. The hot handyman trope and new friends popping up like carving pumpkins—oh, the familiarity! Although I didn’t expect Kit to be a genius, her lack of common sense became exasperating. Yet, it’s fascinating how Sager’s world feels so expansive and particular despite the multitude of flaws.
The final act, while filled with shattering revelations, went from gripping to almost soap opera-level overwhelming. The conclusion felt like a cacophony of twists that would send any reader reeling. I wanted to savor the final moments but found myself lost in a tangle of half-hearted connections between characters.
In conclusion, The Only One Left might serve as a guilty pleasure for those who adore convoluted plots packed with family drama and countless reveals. If you enjoy suspense laced with psychological thrills—albeit coupled with a hefty dose of eye-rolling—this book could easily captivate your attention.
Reading this felt like a rollercoaster ride, leaving me a bit dizzy but curious enough to keep an open mind about what Sager will conjure next. For fans of gothic tales and mystery soap operas, there’s a nugget of thrill here—just be ready for a wild ride!