If I feel sadness, it's the same simmering grief I always experience. The kind of pain I long ago learned to love with.”

Jules is told she will not be allowed any visitors, she cannot spend even one night away and she absolutely cannot bother the other tenants. In fact, any interaction is a no-no. RT @ TheMysterious: We’re making plans to head out to @ HamptonsWhodun next month, Long Island’s exciting new crime fiction festival. Se… https://t.co/ra7RPgf7Fv Mar 30, 2023, 6:13 PM Although I didn’t guess the ending, I did not find it believable. How many times can you almost escape? Also, how do you not set off any alarms? what i really appreciate about RSs writing is he knows how to create a thrilling story without inducing nightmares as a side-effect. i will totally own up to be a massive wimp, so i like the opportunity of being able to read a spooky story without my over-active imagination getting the best of me. Content and Trigger Warnings: talk of being cheated on in the past, talk of loss of a loved one in the past, self-harm (fire + hand), talk of past suicide, talk of cancer, and murder.Jules’ personal journey of self-discovery and overcoming her own hardships adds emotional depth to the story, as she confronts her fears and finds inner strength throughout her investigation.

So beginning is great, middle of the still good but ending ERRRRRR: You gave the wrong answer and you disqualified! Major Conflict: The major conflict revolves around Jules’ investigation into the mysterious happenings at Bartholomew, her pursuit of the truth about Ingrid’s disappearance, and her own safety within the ominous building. It's always there. A loud hum buzzing through every waking thought. Things have gotten so bleak that I've recently started wondering how far I have left to fall before hitting bottom and what I'll do if I ever reach that point.”The theme of identity and self-discovery adds depth to the story, as Jules confronts her own past and struggles to uncover the truth about herself. It prompts readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the complexities of uncovering hidden aspects of one’s identity. Riley Sager’s writing style is fast-paced and gripping, building suspense with every chapter. The author expertly weaves together past and present, keeping readers guessing and second-guessing as they navigate the twists and turns of the story. Sager’s prose is atmospheric and vivid, creating a sense of foreboding and mystery. I freaking loved this book so much. I cannot even describe how much fun this was for me. It basically has everything I desire in a story and then some. As she gets to know the residents and staff of the Bartholomew, Jules finds herself drawn to fellow apartment sitter Ingrid, who comfortingly, disturbingly reminds her of the sister she lost eight years ago. When Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and the dark history hidden beneath its gleaming facade is starting to frighten her, Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story—until the next day, when Ingrid disappears.

I'm starting to think I don't belong anywhere. That it's my lot in life to occupy limbo al my own.” It also reminded me of TV series named “666 Park Avenue”( as you see the door number you may imagine what is about and as you see the cancellation after 13 episodes, this concept also didn’t work for TV, too. ) I still enjoyed the writing and characterization of heroine, Jules ( not my favorite name choice but I shouldn’t judge a person from her or his unpopular name) a real survivor, suffering from two big tragedies in her life ( losing her parents in a fire and her missing sister who might be kidnapped or killed), jobless, penniless, homeless after being cheated by her scumbag boyfriend and left his place. Also, can we talk about how Riley Sager was a faceless pseudonym writing female protagonists for a while and then was unveiled to be a dude? Not my favorite.) Tagged Dutton, fall thriller, gothic thriller, Maine, medical professional Riley Sager | The Only One LeftShe's fascinating in the same way tornadoes are fascinating. You want to see how much they're going to spin.” She should’ve paid attention to those rules! Just like a roach motel, those who enter The Bartholomew never leave The Bartholomew. When left unattended, Jules lights her bed on fire using a lighter dropped by one of the nurses. In the ensuing chaos, she manages to escape from the building. After the fire has been extinguished, the police investigate the building and uncover the scheme. As a result many celebrities and former residents of the building are either arrested or commit suicide and the building itself is demolished. Once inside the building, she is blown away. Pristine living quarters, breathtaking views and a handsome man living across the hall, what's not to love?

The examination of class and power dynamics highlights social inequalities and the potential for abuses of power within privileged environments. It prompts discussions about the impacts of social hierarchies and the treatment of individuals based on their socioeconomic status. I enjoyed my first read by this author, “ The Last Time I Lied,” so maybe my expectations were too high. Personally I felt like the way the main character was piecing things together was pretty unbelievable and left me unsatisfied. It had potential but the ending will be a hit or miss depending on your taste. This thriller was Riley Sager’s first book. It also happens to be one of my favorite books of his. It was the winner of the International Thrillers Writer Award for Best Hardcover Novel in 2018 and for good reason.Never take anything you haven't earned, my father used to say. You always end up paying for it one way or another. The danger escalates as she gets closer to the truth, and she realizes that her own life is at stake.