1. About the Author: Riley Sager
Riley Sager, the pseudonym of Todd Ritter, is a bestselling author best known for his gripping psychological thrillers such as Final Girls, The Last Time I Lied, and Lock Every Door. His signature style blends gothic atmosphere with modern suspense, often revolving around unreliable narrators and deeply buried secrets. What sets Sager apart is his knack for creating tension-filled plots laced with shocking twists and emotionally complex characters, attracting both mainstream readers and critical acclaim.
2. About the Narrators: Dawn Harvey & Christine Lakin
The audiobook version of The Only One Left is brought to life by two compelling voices: Dawn Harvey and Christine Lakin. Harvey’s delivery brings a measured, haunting calm that perfectly suits the mysterious and immobilized Lenora Hope. Lakin, on the other hand, infuses Kit McDeere with a dynamic emotional range, capturing both her vulnerability and resolve. Together, their performances elevate the story, creating an immersive listening experience that heightens the suspense and drama.
3. About the Book: The Only One Left
Set in 1983, The Only One Left is a gothic mystery thriller centered on Kit McDeere, a disgraced nurse who takes a job at Hope’s End—a decaying mansion perched precariously on the cliffs of Maine. There she is assigned to care for Lenora Hope, the infamous woman accused of murdering her entire family in 1929. Now paralyzed and voiceless, Lenora can only communicate by typing—and what she types sets off a disturbing unraveling of the past.
“I didn’t kill anyone.” – Lenora Hope
From this typed confession, Kit is pulled into a web of lies, secrets, and long-buried horrors.
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Genre: Gothic Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
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Goodreads Rating: 4.13 / 5 (approx. 500,000 reviews)
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Accolades: New York Times Bestseller
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Setting: Crumbling seaside mansion, atmospheric and eerie
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Themes: Guilt, redemption, secrets, societal judgment
4. Book Review: A Nail-Biting Descent into the Past
The Only One Left is a layered thriller that grips from the very first page. The first half builds tension through atmosphere and pacing, while the second half delivers twist after twist—some jaw-dropping, others polarizing.
Strengths:
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Intricate plot with escalating tension
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Richly atmospheric, with gothic undertones
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Thoughtful themes of guilt, isolation, and misjudgment
Weaknesses:
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The finale may feel overstuffed with twists
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Certain character decisions stretch believability
Critical Praise:
“A jaw-dropping twist! One of Sager’s most propulsive novels.” – BookPage
“Reminiscent of Rebecca and The Fall of the House of Usher.” – FreshFiction
Personal Take:
If you enjoy dark secrets hidden in creaky old mansions, layered female protagonists, and narratives that drip with dread, this book is worth the ride—even if the road gets a little bumpy near the end.
5. Audiobook Review: Two Voices, One Chilling Story
This audiobook is a standout among Riley Sager’s works, largely thanks to the synergy between narrators Dawn Harvey and Christine Lakin. Harvey delivers a subdued but eerie portrayal of Lenora, whose silence carries decades of guilt and suspicion. Lakin’s portrayal of Kit is full of emotional nuance, balancing skepticism with curiosity.
What Critics Say:
“Wonderfully propulsive in the audio format.” – The BiblioSanctum
“Narrators did a wonderful job. Great pacing and emotion.” – FreshFiction
Pros:
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Clear character distinction between narrators
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Consistent pacing that enhances tension
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Evocative tone and emotional authenticity
Cons:
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A few slower passages may test impatient listeners
Personal Verdict:
A perfect match of story and performance. Whether you’re new to audiobooks or a seasoned listener, this one delivers on all fronts.
6. Who Should Read This Book?
The Only One Left is ideal for:
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Fans of gothic thrillers: The setting and mystery harken back to classic tales with modern pacing
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Riley Sager followers: A must-read entry in his catalog
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Audiobook lovers: The dual narration is a true performance highlight
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Readers who enjoy plot twists: The story keeps you guessing until the final page
If you’re drawn to stories that drip with atmosphere and deliver surprise after surprise, you’ll find plenty to love here.
7. Final Thoughts: Should You Read The Only One Left?
Absolutely. While some may find the ending a bit theatrical, The Only One Left offers a riveting, eerie, and emotionally charged journey that makes it hard to put down—or pause. The audiobook format only deepens the experience, with its top-tier narration and suspenseful delivery.
For those who love mystery, layered women leads, and atmospheric horror, this audiobook belongs on your playlist.
8. Where to Listen
You can enjoy The Only One Left audiobook by Riley Sager on the following platforms:
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Audiobooks.com – Offers one free book with signup
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Audible.com – Free trial available for new members
Pro tip: Use a free trial to start listening instantly. Perfect for late-night chills or your next solo road trip.
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