The Only One Left is a gothic horror novel by Riley Sager that follows home-health aide Kit McDeere as she becomes the caregiver for Lenora Hope, a woman accused of murdering her family decades ago. Kit's curiosity about the past leads her to investigate the murders, uncovering dark secrets and putting herself in danger in the process. This book includes depictions of violence, emotional abuse, opiate addiction, overdose, and suicide.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager offers a gripping psychological thriller with solid character development and impressive plot twists. While many readers appreciate the suspenseful and unpredictable narrative, some found the pacing uneven and the ending somewhat implausible. Overall, the book receives positive commendations for its engaging storytelling and intricate mysteries.

A reader who would enjoy The Only One Left by Riley Sager is likely a fan of modern suspense and psychological thrillers, similar to those by Gillian Flynn or Paula Hawkins. This book appeals to those who appreciate intricate plots, deep character development, and unexpected twists in titles like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Challenging

**Kittridge “Kit” McDeere**  
A home health care provider in coastal Maine, serving as the novel’s first-person narrator. She becomes involved in uncovering truths about her new patient, Lenora Hope, at Hope’s End estate.

**Virginia Hope (as “Lenora Hope”)**  
An elderly woman living at Hope’s End estate, long suspected of family murders in 1929. She is under the care of Kit McDeere as the town’s enduring true-crime curiosity.

**Mrs. Baker (Lenora Hope)**  
The housekeeper at Hope’s End estate, known for her strict and oppressive management of the household. She maintains a formidable presence marked by her reclusive behavior and alcohol use.

Riley Sager

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The Only One Left Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Only One Left Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Interlude 1-Chapter 6

The Only One Left Interlude 1-Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-14

The Only One Left Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Interludes 5-8

The Only One Left Interludes 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-30

The Only One Left Chapters 23-30 Summary & Analysis

Interlude 11-Chapter 37

The Only One Left Interlude 11-Chapter 37 Summary & Analysis

Interludes 14-19

The Only One Left Interludes 14-19 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Only One Left Character Analysis

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Themes

The Only One Left Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Only One Left Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Only One Left Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Only One Left Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

The Only One Left Book Club Questions

The Only One Left

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Only One Left?

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