I was so excited to receive this as a huge fan of Barker’s 4M series. Unfortunately this one just was not for me, I started getting pretty bored with the story about 30% in and realized I didn’t really care where it was going.

*4.5 stars. J. D. Barker says in his Author's Notes that his books have been described as 'literary popcorn' so be prepared to gobble this one up!

The protagonist of the story, Jordan Briggs, is a brash, fast-talking, opinionated and very successful host of a satellite radio talk show with an audience in the millions. But she'd readily admit her personal life is in a mess and she's not very likable. Yes okay, she's rather a b-word.

On this particular morning, she leaves her car in the middle of a traffic jam and hot-foots it to the siriusxm studio moments before she is due to be on-air. Cole Hundley, an NYPD homicide detective currently being punished with a stint on traffic duty, sees her abandon her car and takes off after her. Who leaves an expensive car in the middle of the street?? His sense of public outrage will land him in the middle of the mess to come...because Jordan takes a call from a listener who asks if she wants to play a little game and when she agrees, it's like opening pandora's box, releasing all kinds of horror.

This thriller has it all: drama, violence, bravery, betrayal, just a touch of romance and maybe some opportunities to figure out what is really important in life.

J. D. Barker also says in his notes that it is his job as a thriller writer to 'find the crazy in the world, and throw a spotlight on it. Find the scary and turn down the lights, give it a chance to breathe on you from some dark, wet place.' Shiver! I have noticed that I've read many more thrillers since the pandemic began and thank goodness for the distraction they provide. Are we seeing a light at the end of the tunnel yet? Fingers crossed!

I received an arc of this new book from the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity! I always jump at the chance to read a book by J. D. Barker!

I could not put this one down!! This is a fast paced, action filled book that kept you on the edge of your seat thru the entire book! The way the characters are intertwined keeps you guessing at “who” the mastermind behind the voice is. I would love to see this made into a movie!! This is the best book I have read in a long time, I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!!

I'm a huge fan of J.D. Barker's writing and I confess that I added A Caller's Game to my list of most anticipated 2021 releases even before I read the blurb... Which consequently only made me even more excited to read this story. I've found his books to be both action-packed and highly entertaining so far, and his newest title A Caller's Game is no exception. The comparison to the Die Hard movies is most definitely on point! This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning until that explosive ending... And I loved every single minute along the way. It's another fantastic story that has once again proven why J.D. Barker is one of my favorite thriller writers.

The story is told from two different POVs, alternating between radio host Jordan Briggs and NYPD Officer Cole Hundley. Both characters are well developed and intriguing characters that complement each other well, and they are perfect to show different angles of what is happening as the plot evolves. True, Jordan might not be 100% likeable, but you can't deny that her snarky, stubborn and fiery personality livens up the plot considerably. It was also interesting to see her react to the escalating situation and her interaction with Bernie is key to the plot. Cole is a tad less developed, although we do have the mystery around his 'demotion' to traffic and what he did to Gracie to deserve it. His main role is in the present though while he acts like John McClane trying to save the day. I even started to picture him as Bruce Willis in my head once things started heating up... Did I say yet that A Caller's Game would make for the perfect Hollywood action movie?!

As for the plot... I'm keeping this review short as A Caller's Game is one of those stories where it's best to go in blind, but what I can say is that I loved the radio host angle as well as the game and its development. The plot is filled to the brim with action, suspense and plenty of danger, and you most definitely get that Hollywood action movie vibe I mentioned before. Sure, things can be said about the credibility of certain escalations/plot developments, but trust me, you will be too busy devouring the pages to actively wonder about that. This is action thriller at its best; explosive, highly entertaining, addictive and simply exhilarating. A Caller's Game is a story where the entertainment value matters most, and trust me, this book won't let you down on that point. So many twists, turns and danger along the way!

A Caller's Game was one of my most anticipated releases this year and now I've had the chance to read it I can most definitely confirm it lived up to expectations and more. If you enjoy a lightning fast and exhilarating action thriller packed with explosive twists, danger and suspense, A Caller's Game is a must-read!

Another edge of your seat thriller by JD Barker! Quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is a book you'll want to sit and read until it's finished because you have to know what happens next.

A Caller’s Game is a fast-paced, fun thriller that takes place over the course of one day. We follow Jordan, a satellite radio host after she gets a call wanting to play a game. The game soon turns deadly as we learn more about Jordan’s past. We also follow a NYPD detective, Cole, who gets caught up in what’s going on. This book is filled with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages.

Wow, this was an exciting book. It was really like watching an action movie; one bang and explosion after another. I think this will cater to a very specific audience. While it was exciting and kept me turning the pages, I didn't particularly like the book. I feel like I needed a little bit more than all the action. The story that was there, besides the action, didn't do it for me. Mostly this was because I hated the main character. Ugh, she was awful.. as well as her daughter. I hate to hate a child, but this was the most annoying, bratty, sarcastic child. I think I probably could have stood the book if it wasn't for her.

Phew! What a story! The description compares it to Die Hard and, yes, this movie comes fast to mind. But this novel is better and more realistic. <spoiler>The terrorist talks on phone to his main victim and asks her to act against her conscience to save lives. </spoiler> And no one crawls through the air ducts because there are no ducts nowhere wide and strong enough to accommodate and support an adult.

In his postliminary pages, the author says that people who wanted to insult him have compared his novels to popcorn (he didn't tell their names). I like popcorn and this one is really good. Like me, when you've tasted it, you'll ask for more.

He also talks a little bit about COVID-19, assuming that we finally got through it. But no, it's not over. Even though I am 69 years old and have asthma, I still haven't been vaccinated. But at least I've been able to forget for a few hours about this damned pandemic thanks to Mr. Barker, his publisher and Netgalley for getting me a copy of this excellent novel.

So I recommend Caller's Game to anyone who likes thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat and make you read it in one sitting.

This is the first book by this author that I read and I must say that I quite like it, the plot is about Jordan Briggs a woman who works as a radio host and one morning when taking a call from a man named Bernie, a violent game begins that ends up ending with the lives of innocents and putting Jordan's life decisions into perspective. With the help of the policeman Cole Hundley she tries to stop Bernie and save her daughter.

Line 4 – Bernie (wants to play a game)
“Hey, Bernie, what kind of game do you have for me?”

Jordan is a complicated character, I honestly didn’t like her at all, every time she wanted to project her "intellect" and superiority it was stressful because the woman does not care about anyone other than her and her show, her character changed a lot throughout the book I'll give her that, and in the end, my opinion of her was neutral.

"I go through life trying to do what’s right, what’s right in my mind, and that’s an important distinction because what’s right to me may not be to someone else."

Officer Cole is my favorite character, he faced everything to save everyone, he deserves the best in the world. His situation with the rest of the police officers bothered me too much (view spoiler). The action scenes described were easy to read and imagine, I liked the way the policeman thought and although some scenes seemed like they were from a movie I didn’t mind it because the synopsis already referred to that, I must say that I have not seen the DIE HARD movies, so I can't compare it.

The villain Bernie was written dramatically and extravagantly, his past makes you understand why he terrifies and hates Jordan but even so his actions are not justified, he killed too many people because he was obsessed with the past and things that he cannot change. It really makes you question all the decisions you have made in your life and if any affected another person.

“Five million dollars,” she said softly. “I’d like to put up five million dollars to whoever puts a bullet in Bernie’s head.”

The plot was entertaining and had its good moments, there was a point where I thought it would change the course of the story but it wasn’t what I expected at all. Many scenes were predictable, so I was able to predict what the book would be like, although I must admit that doesn't take away the fun at all. I didn’t like the ending, I expected something stronger or even tragic, it felt as if had not concluded.

"Social media is the new judge, jury, and executioner. The 21st-century hangman.”

Side Characters

Charlotte the daughter of Jordan ended up being a very important and strong character, I must say, at first she seemed like a rich capricious girl, and yes she is, but I really liked her character and what she brings to the story, you could say that she made Jordan more human. Her ex-husband Nick also played an important role but his character is very forgettable and not pleasant, I guess I liked the love he feels for his daughter.

Billy, the young man who was with Jordan throughout the whole book and supported her, did not expect less from his character but I really didn’t think that he would be that important and that he would live so long. He is another character that I really liked although his importance, in the end, was expected, it didn’t feel so fluid, even so, I like the change he gave to the story. The rest of Jordan's workers are important to the story for their role in everything but they are very forgettable and I couldn't feel anything for them.

Finally, the story is predictable but it is very entertaining, I kept turning the page to know what would happen next, it really has the material to be an action movie. I recommend this to those who like thrillers and action, but remember that it’s explicit in the descriptions of the deaths and talks about terrorism with a bit of politics.

When I write a story, when I share it with you, my sole purpose is to entertain you. Distract you for a little bit from all the goings-on in the world. - J D. Barker

Is this book for you?

Perfect for: Lovers of explosions, strong protagonists, and thriller.
Do I recommend it? Yes, I like it.

TW: explicit violence, terrorism, murder, abuse of power, corruption, cyber-terrorism, trauma, death, child abuse, bombs.
Troupe: crime, action, thriller, suspense.
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 7/10
Violence/dark scenes: 6.5/10
Plot: 7.5/10

This has to be one of the best books that I have picked up lately. I was sitting on the edge of my seat during this entire book. J.D. Barker does a wonderful job of keeping you guessing during the book. I did not expect the ending of this book at all. This book has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. I definitely recommend this book!

Jordan is a radio talk show host in NY. She takes a callers phone call and all hell breaks loose. He invites her to play a game and after that this book is an adrenaline fueled nightmare. Explosions, murder and betrayal! My heart raced the entire time I was reading. First time reading this author and I can’t wait to check out his author books. Highly recommend!

Another potential classic from the 4MK writer - and if you thought those were tense, it's ramped right up here.
A story of a radio talk / phone-in host and a stunt from the past comes back to haunt her, a disgruntled called leads her and her staff, and a police officer, on a merry dance that costs lives, a building, and a whole lot more. The tension is wracked up to 100mph with no let up for breath throughout. A gripping read.

Wow what a book this Author never fails to entertain you with his book none stop action from beginning to end.....
Jordon briggs is a talk star radio host when she gets a phone call from a listener asking if she wants to play a game and what a game it turns out to be.....
The characters are well written i liked all of them even the bad guys there was bombs. shootings. and lots more....
This Book is an explosive psychological thriller....

This book is not for the faint of heart!!!! It is gritty, intense and confronting. I loved it though.

JD Barker is one of those authors who just build and build a story, until you fear that you heart will never beat at its normal rate ever again.

Jordan Briggs is a woman at the top of her game, when it comes to work. When it comes to relationships and parenting - not so much. She is inherently quite selfish and there is someone who wants to take her down a peg or two. A bit of revenge that he is planning for her.... Unfortunately, there are many innocent people who are going to pay the price as well, but hey, collateral damage, right? So many games that the caller will be playing with Jordan and others too. Really complex storyline.

Fabulous book by a super talented author.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press.

Arc received from Netgalley for an honest review

True Rating; 3.5 Stars

A Caller's Game is a book that kept me on my toes for a good chunk of the time I was reading it.
The thriller aspect of it really stands out in the first half, while the second is mostly full of action and suspense that made me fly through the book wondering what was going to happen next.
That being said, it did take me some time to get into it because of the slow start, but thankfully it picked up to the point where I couldn't put it down and I ended up reading the last 40% within a 24 hours.


The Characters;

-Jordan-
As intended, Jordan is a character you can't really hate or love. At first, I held more animosity towards her, but throughout the book you see other sides of her that I began to respect.
She's not the most likeable, but that being said she is incredibly real. People are selfish at times and don't think before they act. Jordan shows this on a few occasions but still manages to make good decisions throughout the book that I really respected.

-Cole-
Cole is a cop who finds himself within the turmoil everyone else in the story is facing. I liked how intelligent he was, and how he handled a lot of things within the book. The role he played was incredibly important, though I wasn't sure how he was linked into it at the start. Luckily he became one of the few characters I genuinely liked and wished the best for by the end.

-Billy-
Simply because he was one of my favourite characters, I wanted to mention Billy (Jordan's producer). I liked his character and how 'real' he seemed. Despite being a side character, I felt the way he reacted to a lot of the situations in the book felt genuine to me, so it was easy to relate to him at times emotionally, which I can't say much for all the other characters (especially the next one).

-Bernie-
Most people who stem from evil, derive from it. This is no different for Bernie. If you'd like to know more about him, read the book, otherwise I find him to be a character who you want to feel bad for, but can't due to his actions, as it goes for many people such as himself. What happens with him can happen to almost anyone who is pushed to the brink, and I think most humans wouldn't believe they were capable of such evil until they reached it themselves.


Overall Thoughts;

If you enjoy books with lots of suspense and action, alongside a sprinkle of thriller, I'd say give it a try. I don't usually read books like this, but I enjoyed the time I had while reading it.
Not a lot of the characters are likable, it might be hard to become invested in it early on, or later on depending on what you prefer. I did enjoy it but I also just felt like it was nothing outstanding overall.
That being said I am a rather critical reader, and a rating of 3.5 is rather normal for me to give for books I genuinely enjoy, so don't let that stop you from picking this up, and test it out for yourself.

Lastly, I'd like to note that I really enjoyed the acknowledgments as well. From someone with anxiety, I always ponder 'what if?' and with what's happening in the world, it's only been intensified tenfold. Reading the acknowledgments really hit home, and I hope that someday we don't have to think 'what if?' anymore.

DO NOT READ THIS BOOK……..if you have to go to work, do the laundry, clean the house or feed your family because NONE of that will get done. You will not be able to put down this action packed thriller. The times I did step away was because I became so involved in the storyline my anxiety was making my blood pressure skyrocket. A  sarcastic, ratings chaser talk show host —Jordan— becomes the center of the action when she gets a call-in on her syndicated radio show. An accident that happened 10 years ago while she was trying to make a name for herself in talk radio comes back to haunt her. You won’t like her any more at the end of the story than the beginning. She has to make several choices that resulted in deaths that were not her fault, but her ego still shone through even in the dark moments. Always an eye on the ratings level. The marvels of the internet, hidden cameras and discreet microphones always play a major role in these thrillers and this was no exception. Her Caller (Bernie) knew everything and saw everything. Then there is Cole (Bruce Willis) the cop, who shares a little DNA with MacGyver and finds himself in the middle of this fiasco.  Throw in the FBI, some helicopter thrills, a US senator and you’ve got all the bases covered. Remember DIE HARD and the telephone scenes where there was so much action going on in so many scenarios? If Bruce Willis wasn’t so old they would be calling him up now to be in the film.

A radio show host Jordan Briggs gets a call from Bernie, who wants to play a game. And what a horrendous game that turns out to be. We also meet Cole Hundley, a police officer who happens to be in the scene at the right - or wrong- time. The whole book takes place in a matter of few hours and is mostly set in a 50-story office building in the middle of New York. This book has been compared to the movie Die Hard, and they do have some similarities. But this book is unique.
The narrative is really fast paced and the kind you read at the edge of your seat. All the while things were progressing and in not a very good direction. I was clenching my teeth together in excitement and frustration. I had no idea how the author was going to end the story, because it seemed there was no way anyone could survive Bernie's game.
Most of the characters were pretty unlikable, except for Cole and Jordan's daughter Charlotte. But Jordan was tough and strong throughout the book. She never wavers in her beliefs of right and wrong no matter how hard Bernie tries.
Thank you J.D. Barker, Hampton Creek Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

We meet a popular radio talk show host Jordan who gets a call from a man called Bernie and asks her to play a game. There are bombs and people in danger, but I couldn't "feel" the action.
Unfortunately, I struggled with this book, with the plot and the characters.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Hampton Creek Press for an advance copy of A Caller’s Game, a stand-alone thriller set in New York.

Talk show radio host Jordan Briggs gets more than she bargained for when she accepts caller Bernie’s invitation to play a game, because Bernie isn’t kidding and his games are deadly.

Wow! What a read. It’s non stop action from start to finish and high octane doesn’t even touch the sides. I was glued to the pages from start to finish with the mixture of action and psychological games Bernie is playing.

I like the author’s writing as he has a keen eye for the dramatic and a fertile imagination for mental cruelty and twists in his plots and a writing style that is both inviting and compulsive. This is no different, he starts with the loudmouthed Jordan establishing her character and moves to NYPD Detective Cole Hundley for a glimpse of his personality. With the characters established the action starts and it’s non stop from there as Cole gets progressively more Die Hard (the comparison is apt) and Jordan tries to escape Bernie’s increasingly demanding orders. In between there are lots of great plot twists, betrayals and heart stopping moments.

Is this the point where I say that the plot is unrealistic? Well, duh. Of course it is, but it’s highly entertaining with thrills, tension, excitement, heartbreak and a few searing character assassinations. I would say it’s an easy way to pass a few hours but it had me gripped and on the edge of my seat for most of it.

A Caller’s Game is a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

For the most part, I like the book, and I really like the author's note, which I found moving. However, I also thought the book was too long and a few details were too unlikely to believe. Perhaps I'm biased because I hate listening to talking on the radio, but I just find it hard to accept that so many people listen to her show.