Sunday, February 2, 2025

Famous Last Words

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
2/25/25; 336 pages
William Morrow
 
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister is a very highly recommended thriller/novel of suspense full of twists and surprises. It is a story about a marriage, a crime, and so many secrets.

Camilla (Cam) is returning to work as a literary agent after nine months of maternity leave. Her husband Luke has already left for the day. He left a note, so she tries to contact him via texts and continues on to drop their daughter Polly off at daycare. While at work the news breaks about a hostage situation in London. The police arrive, and Cam learns Luke is involved. But he isn't a hostage, he is the gunman - and he escapes. This turns her world upside down. How well does she know her husband and was her life built on a lie?

This is a well-written, excellent, and satisfying thriller packed full of twists, clues, and secrets. The narrative is told through three parts, and unfolds through the point-of-view of Cam and Niall, a police detective/hostage negotiator. After a fast-paced start, the middle part slows down the pace a bit, but it also provides all manner of clues and hints to pick up. Then the pace quickly picks up again to a surprising ending. You have to set some disbelief aside while reading, but the twists, secrets, clues, and reveals are worth it.

Cam and Niall are fully realized, believable characters with strengths and flaws. Both are introspective, intelligent, thoughtful characters. The hostage situation affected both Cam and Niall over the years and as the search for Luke continued. Cam's love of reading books will resonate with many as will her devotion to Luke in spite of everything.
 
Famous Last Words is an excellent, twisty thriller. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

 

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