Famous Last Words

This had such good twists and turns that I was invested the minute I started this book. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed the use of relationships and how characters use that. It had that crime element and it worked with the characters in this story.

This is the story I've been hoping for. I love when a domestic thriller can pull me in right from the first page. Famous Last Words did just that. The writing is excellent, and the plot makes you think about how well you really know someone. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is fast-paced, gripping, and un-put-down-able! A family drama tied up with a police procedural, the story will have you sucked in from the first couple of chapters. What would you do if the person you love--the person you know better than anyone--was accused of a horrible crime, so completely at odds with who you know them to be? How do you move past that? This follow-up to "Just Another Missing Person" was WELL worth the wait. I loved every last page.

I’m always biased when it comes to rating any book by Gillian McAllister—I’m ready to give five stars before I even start reading! And once I finish, I feel validated because her work always turns out to be five-star worthy, mind-blowing as usual!

The same thing happened with this book, but two elements made me love it even more than her previous works. First, Camilla’s way of escaping into fiction resonates deeply with me. The portrayal of a bookish introvert's inner world and her reactions every time she opens a new book are so meticulously written that I wanted to scream, “Yes! I feel exactly the same way! I hear you!”

The second standout is the first third of the book—the bloody siege part—which may be one of the best examples of thriller writing I’ve read recently. The way unknown facts pile up, the escalating tempo, the building tension, the "what’s going to happen next" mystery—it’s all so nail-biting, heart-racing, and adrenaline-pumping that it left me sweating, screaming, and cursing. The first shocking twist is a punch to the face—entertaining and disturbing in equal measure.

As the story moves past the siege into the second act, I was left feeling impatient and restless. I kept thinking, "Come on, Luke can’t be bad! Even though he has a French name, he’s still a good guy! The sweet, extroverted, down-to-earth, Jaffa-cake-loving man who sent those clever texts can’t be a mastermind criminal! There has to be an explanation!"

The mystery continues to build, and McAllister keeps us in the dark for so long about what happened on the longest day, June 21st in Bormendsey. Why does literary agent Camilla find out that her husband left the house earlier than usual, on the worst day of all—her first day back at work after maternity leave—without even warning her? Why did he leave a cryptic note instead of his usual witty comments? Why isn’t he answering his phone? And why do the police insist that her husband has a gun and has taken three people hostage: two unknown men and a woman, who happens to be the wife of a cop? Has he been living a double life? What could have led to this? He couldn’t possibly kill anyone… could he?

And then—bang!—something irreversible happens.

After the siege, Camilla tries to move on with her life, still sending texts and messages to her husband's phone, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he’ll somehow read or listen to them.

The other perspective in the story comes from hostage negotiator Niall, whose life also changed on June 21st due to a misjudgment that cost him his career, his marriage, and his peace of mind. There are still dead bodies after the siege with identities that remain unknown—a baffling mystery. Niall can’t let it go until he uncovers the truth and seeks justice.

I’ll admit that the final third of the book was a little weaker than the earlier parts. Don’t get me wrong—pieces of the puzzle come together, and after many jaw-dropping twists, we do get answers, even if some of them are a little far-fetched. There are no plot holes, though. McAllister is a master at formulating complex timelines, weaving intricate details, and delivering twists you’d never anticipate. She did it perfectly in Wrong Place, Wrong Time (which is still my favorite of hers), and she does it here too, connecting dots you’d never think to consider, giving us surprising insights.

Overall, I loved this book with every fiber of my being. I have to say, though, the first third remains my favorite part. As a hopeless romantic, I rooted for Camilla and Luke, even though Luke turned out to be dangerous! The romantic thread running through the story made me connect with the characters even more. I also really enjoyed Niall’s chapters—his self-reflection, his determination to make up for his mistakes, and his obsession with cracking the bizarre case full of unknowns. He might be my favorite character—a sort of Cupid and justice seeker rolled into one, a workaholic who is likable despite his flaws.

This is now my second-favorite McAllister twisty, smart, and addictive thriller, easily a 5+ star read. My advice: go into this one blind, cancel your plans, and set aside time to immerse yourself in this rollercoaster of a book. You won’t regret it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this digital review copy of an unputdownable thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts, which I truly appreciate. And a huge thank you to Ms. McAllister for taking me on yet another smart, thrilling, and twisty ride!

How exciting to see a new book by Gillian McAllister! I loved her book Wrong Place Wrong Time and recommended it to my friends. Famous Last Words was everything I look for in an engrossing read. She kept me guessing the whole way through and gave this reader a satisfying ending to the story. In the acknowledgements, she explains that writing this book took longer as she had a baby. Here’s hoping her next un-put-downable novel will come along soon.

I don't even know where to begin with this book. Once again, Gillian McAllister has outdone herself. I sat in stunned silence, thinking about the elaborate theme of this book. I know from reading all her books how good they are but this one blindsided me. There were so many layers to the story to unwrap and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The story is told by two viewpoints.

Cam, a literary agent, is returning to work after her maternity leave. Her husband Luke was supposed to help her get out the door on that first day, but he is nowhere to be found. Thinking something came up at his work, Cam moves on with her day. But all her texts and calls go unanswered. This is so out of character for Luke and is starting to rattle her a bit. Then she sees on the news there's a hostage situation near Luke's workplace. Suddenly police are in her office and tell her Luke is not a hostage but is the hostage taker.

The second POV is Niall the hostage negotiator. Niall makes some decisions that day that will haunt him for the rest of his life. His actions cost him everything he holds dear and he has to learn how to live with that.

After the siege, Cam and Niall both try to move on. It takes time but we eventually learn what lead up to the events of that infamous day and what caused the funny, kind, extroverted Luke to snap.

This book is very fast paced and mind blowing. It definitely puts the thrill in thriller. I also love that Gillian was so descriptive about how Cam felt being among new books. It is so relatable. This is a must read for all thrill lovers.

Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the advanced copy

I have loved all of Gillian McAllister’s books and this one was no different! Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow.

I love thrillers and this is one of my favorites yet! Such a new and cunning story that will have you in a grip until the end.

I am the ultimate domestic suspense fan, so it is especially satisfying and exciting when I read a terrific representation of it. Gillian’s writing is superb, and the storyline prompts you to reflect on how well you truly know your loved ones.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

I can always rely on Gillian McAllister's novels to deliver top-notch suspense. "Famous Last Words" is an exhilarating thriller that captivates from the very beginning. The plot is outstanding, filled with action that immediately grabs your attention. Camilla is returning to work on her first day after maternity leave when she receives the shocking news that her husband, Luke, is involved in a hostage situation—not as a victim, but as the perpetrator holding hostages at gunpoint. The character development of both Camilla and Niall, the hostage negotiator, is exceptionally well-crafted. Be sure to add this book to your reading list!

This book pulls you in from the very first page, which at this point is how I've felt about all books by this author. It has the usual twists and turns.

Gripping, twisty and thought provoking, 'Famous Last Words' is a.brilliant read. Well drawn and believable characters.

Gillian McAllister has done the unthinkable and written a thriller that will not only stump you, it will completely surprise you!

When Camilla looks at the tv coverage of a hostage situations, she never dreams that her husband would be involved. Minutes later, the police are in her place of work and asking her questions about her husband Luke. Camilla is scared and confused - what is happening?

Mcallister guides us through the maze of how Luke ends up with hostages and events that lead to this pivitol moment. Via the hostage negotiator, cops, family members and friends we begin to learn more about the family and realize that nothing is what it seems.

This is a wholly original story! I loved every minute of it and see if you can guess what is happening before it's too late!
#FamousLastWords #williammorrow #gillianmcallister #uniquethrillers #realtwists

The beginning premise of Gillian McAllister’s bestseller “Wrong Place, Wrong Time” was that the main character is wishing very hard to change something terrible that has happened — in “Famous Last Words” we have new mum Cam (Camilla) wishing very hard that her mild-mannered husband, Luke, is NOT the gunman on the news who has taken three hostages. Luke? Compliant, doting dad, easy-going Luke? He’s a ghostwriter for smaller celebrities and he met Cam when she was a literary agent. He cooks dinner every night. He loves their 9 month old baby daughter Polly very much. Why would he be pointing a gun (in fact, where would he get one?) at the heads of unknown people? Cam is further baffled by a note that Luke left her that morning.

There are two alternating POVs: Cam’s and Niall’s, the hostage negotiator, who thought he knew and liked his job. Niall’s world gets shattered as much as Cam’s does. These two are not initially close, but they both get entangled in the mystery of Luke’s strange circumstances.

This novel reminded me a lot of Laura Dave’s “The Last Thing He Told Me” (which I loved), but there are some very different twists. It’s suspenseful, emotional and action packed — and quite a page turner near the end. I was enthralled through the last chapters. 5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Lambert has camouflage green eyes. Viv and Jess also have green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Nothing unusual for London in summer.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

Never thought I’d enjoy a book centered around a hostage situation so much. I could not put it down. The layers of the story were expertly woven and the tension and curiosity continued to build. Was not completely satisfied with how everything came together- both the content and the feeling it was rushed at the end. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this enjoyable experience!

read if you like:
📚 books by Ruth Ware
😱 missing people
🕵🏻 organized crime

summary:
This book is SO GOOD and everything a thriller should be! It’s about Camilla, a new mom returning from maternity leave. On her first day back, she wakes up to find her husband, Luke, gone and a mysterious note left by their door. As her day progresses, a hostage situation is developing in London, with a man taking three individuals hostage in a warehouse. When the police come to talk to Cam, she realizes Luke is involved — and he is the gunman. I don’t want to give anything away, but the book follows Camilla and Niall, the lead hostage negotiator, during the crisis, and then in several periods after. Camilla learns that Luke had more secrets than she ever could have imagined — secrets that put herself, Niall and others involved at risk.

Again it’s so hard to summarize this without giving anything away, but WOW. Cam is a deep and complex character, traumatized by her past with an eye towards her future. Despite moving on, she can’t escape the fallout of Luke’s actions, and in the back of her mind, keeps asking herself — was he really who she thought he was? Niall is also a fascinating character, relentlessly haunted by that day and like Camilla, struggling to move on without some closure. The story moves very quickly, with a complicated but easy to follow plot (if that makes sense). There are so many twists and unexpected events that keep you going, and a twist at the end that really makes you think.

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy and make sure you check this out when it releases on February 25!

4 stars out of 5

Wow, what a fast paced thriller! I could not put this book down and was immediately drawn into the story. I thought the characters were well developed and I really enjoyed reading Cams point of view. We also get to see Neill's point of view (the hostage negotiator) which really makes the story come together. Everything is tied up by the ending and I really thought the ending was perfect. Overall, definitely read this book!

In Famous Last Words, We met Cam whose world was just turned upside down. Her husband Luke was holding 2 men by gunpoint in a warehouse and she has no idea why. After failed attempts to talk him down he kills the 2 hostages then escapes. Luke disappeared and had not been seen for 7 years. Cam had no idea where he went and had no contact with him. But then Cam starts getting weird messages that she think could be from Luke. But is it him after all this time or something more sinister?

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! Definitely worth the wait. I was very tempted to stay up until the wee hours of the night to finish it. I ended up going over the plot again and again in my mind instead turning over the characters in my mind and trying to see where the book would go. I probably would have been better off just staying up late lol. I ended up finishing it the next day and wow, I loved how it all came together.

This book follows a couple, Cam & Luke in the heart of London where Cams husband commits a crime and then disappears. It reminded me a little of The Last Thing he told me which I also loved. The book follows the aftermath of that crime and the ripples of why until the end when the author spills some answers! This one is a 5 star winner for me, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I went into this book completely blind, and I’m so glad that I did. A happy couple with a meet cute of a story and an adorable baby are disrupted out of nowhere when the husband finds himself the perpetrator in a hostage situation. What could’ve led a sweet and funny ghostwriter to take three people hostage and let only one of them walk away alive?

Follow the story told from the perspective of the wife, left alone at home and trying to sort out who her husband really is and the hostage negotiator chasing the one that got away.

Love a book that grabs you from the first page, and doesn't let go until the end! Just what I needed to get out of my reading slump. I preferred this to the authors last novel. Thanks to NetGalley and the author and publisher for this ARC! Pick this one up if you enjoy a domestic thriller with great twists and turns.

It is a normal morning. Cam wakes up to take her daughter to her first day of daycare. She can not get in touch with her husband but figures he must be busy with work. When Cam arrives at work later that morning she sees on the news there is a hostage situation happening and she soon learns her husband is the kidnapper of the hostages. Cam can not wrap her head around the fact that her husband would do this on his own free will.

This was a great fast paced mystery book. I was hooked from the beginning! Great plot twist and love how everything pulled together. Would definitely recommend!

4.5
I'm fondly reminded of Let The Great World Spin in that kind of self-referential, encountering old friends and suble tie-ins, warmish kind of way. But. There was a situation that was clearly set up to be a twist which read much more like a bump, or perhaps a crack that is in no way offset or threatening.

Luke and Camila live a moderately happy, married life, together. They’ve recently had a child, Polly, and are struggling through the difficulties of having a newborn.

Maternity leave has come to an end for Camila. She wakes up on the morning she is to return to work, with a faint memory of Luke kissing her goodbye in the early AM (this isn’t totally abnormal). Camila takes Polly to daycare and heads off to work, something nagging in her brain about the cryptic note Luke left her.

A while into being back at the office, Camila is visited by policemen. There’s an ongoing incident with Luke and they’d like her to accompany them to the location. She’s confused, doesn’t understand how the husband she knows is wrapped up in this crime. We find out shortly later that the negotiation has failed, Luke has shot and killed two hostages, and he has disappeared.

The story fast forwards 7 years into the future where Camila is trying her best to re-start her life. She still has no answers around what happened that day (hostages were never identified) but is trying her best to connect with a new beau and make a life for her daughter.

The hostage negotiator from that day, though, has not been able to let the nagging feelings of the odd facts (or lack thereof) of the day of Luke’s siege and is desperately trying to find and piece facts together that explain what happened that day.

Gave me with whiplash with its unexpected twists and turns. If you read one thriller this year, make it Gillian McAllister's Famous Last Words!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC. I’ve enjoyed all of Gillian McAllister’s books and this one did not disappoint. This reminded me a little of The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave, Same sort of plot. And even though I could see some of the plot twists, I couldn’t put this down and finished it in 24 hours.

I squealed in public when I got the ARC for this new one by Gillian. One of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint with, Famous Last Words. What would you do if your spouse was in a hostage situation, and he was the hostage taker? I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and could not put it down until I unraveled the mystery. Very thought provoking as well! 5/5 stars. Thank you Gillian McAllister, netgalley, and William Morrow for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This author is brilliant, first of all. I will read anything she writes. I especially enjoyed this thriller because 1) I always appreciate a book where I don’t guess the twist (or at least all of the twists 😉) and 2) her ability to build a simmering sense of anxiety/dread was spot on & made me keep turning the page.

This novel is a WOW thriller that had me from the first pages where new Mom, Camilla returns to work following maternity leave.
It's a busy morning getting ready when she realizes that her husband has left the house with only a note that leaves her wondering "Why didn't he say Good-bye"?
Then.. while at work this morning, she finds out her husband is in the middle of a hostage situation. Horrifically he is the kidnapper
The story continues and while Camilla tries to resume her life through the years, there is an ongoing investigator, Niall who tells of this journey forward.
It is definitely an interesting, ongoing story that had me deep into the pages of this book!
Everyone who enjoys mystery and thrillers will love it!

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @William Morrow for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.

That only happens to other people. That is of course, until it comes knocking at your door!
It’s Cam’s first day back at work following a lengthy maternity leave. All she just needs now is a loving pep talk from her husband Luke and she’ll be ready to hit the ground running.

Only he’s nowhere to be found and not answering his phone or texts. As she readies their daughter to drop off at daycare she finds a very short and disturbing note from Luke. She has no time to dwell on it, she must get ready to face the day…alone.

Once at work, and still not able to reach Luke, Cam catches a glimpse of a T.V. in the background covering a current hostage situation. Suddenly the police are in front of her! “Oh no! This can’t be happening! Is Luke a hostage?”😱

Bad news for Cam. It’s so much worse than that!

Wow! This book grabbed me right from the start! I flew through it! Simply unputdownable!
I had no idea how Luke got caught up in this situation. And all (well most of) my guesses were wrong.

Gillian McAllister did an amazing job with the lead characters. Told from the perspectives of Cam and the hostage negotiator, Niall. I enjoyed each POV equally and how this fateful day affected their lives.

I’ve only read a few of her previous works, but this was by far my favorite (so far). And you know I’ll be reaching for some of her previous reads sitting on my shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow

This one is outstanding! I could not put it down. The central characters, Cam, Luke, and Niall, were so well written. The plot had me guessing up until the very end. As a book lover, I loved that Cam was a book editor and that she could lose herself in a story. That is exactly what I did with this book…no laundry got done, no dinner got cooked- I had to finish this book! Thank you for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Famous Last Words won’t let go of you from the moment you start reading until the last ‘what the what’ scene that you’ll feel compelled to get all the details around. Gillian McAllister’s past books have her firmly at the top of best of Mystery and Thriller lists so I should not be surprised, but this one had me questioning what was actually going on and how it could possibly be resolved.

Opening up fairly quickly to the action at heart, Camilla starts her first day back at work after having a baby when she finds out her husband Luke, who left the house before her despite promising to help see their daughter off at daycare, is at the heart of a hostage situation. As the kidnapper with the gun. Wheeling between denial and disbelief, Camilla is trying to make it all make sense while hostage negotiator, Niall, is trying to diffuse the situation. After the main events, we follow both of these characters as they try to get past what Luke has done and figure out the whys behind it all. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but you won’t believe how it all comes together. I especially loved how this book was structured with a seven year jump after the main events and really masterful switching of perspectives between Camilla, Niall, and occasional report from a mystery third person.

This is a mystery worth reading, and I highly doubt you’ll figure it out before the end.

Gillian McAllister is always on my list of TBR for her new books, and WOW did she out do herself with this one. It was just phenomenal. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. My husband was evening asking what was happening. Wonderful story!

I loved this book so much. I was intrigued as soon as I started reading and could barely put it down. I needed to know why all of this happened.

The POV goes between Cam, the wife of the man who took people hostage, and the hostage negotiator. There was also one other POV occasionally, but I don’t want to give anything away.

There were a few times I thought I had it figured out about halfway through, and I was half right.

I don’t know why, but something that stood out to me, and this isn’t important at all, just something I found interesting, was that she described adrenaline as ‘fizzy and sharp.’ I really liked that description. It’s simple, but that’s exactly what it feels like.

One thing caught me off guard a little. Cam’s sister has fertility issues, and surprisingly, early menopause was mentioned. I have been going through fertility issues for the last two years, one being early menopause, and this was a little hard for me to read. It was a very large part of the plot (although it doesn’t necessarily further it. It does give you insight into Cam and Libby’s relationship) so if you also struggle, just be aware. I think that Gillian wrote Libby’s feelings about it well. Infertility really is envy and grief that hurts you physically and makes you feel things about others that you really wouldn’t otherwise. It changes you. It didn’t really “trigger” me (I hate that word, but I don’t know what else to use) because I think it was all written well, but I just wanted to mention it because we are all different, and infertility is such a hard thing in different ways for everyone.

Anyway, all that being said, I did really enjoy the book. It was a very fast and easy read. It kept me hooked the whole time. I never had a moment when I felt like I would rather do something else than pick it up and keep reading. There were a few things that I predicted and a few things that I didn’t. But aren’t all thrillers that way? It was captivating, thought-provoking, and had great twists. It was just great. I loved it.

thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for letting me read an advanced copy of Famous Last Words.

Every. Single. Gillian. McAllister. Book. I’ve. Read. I’ve. Given. Five. Stars. And. Im. Not. Stopping. Now.

Camilla Dechamps and her husband Luke seem to live a normal life with their new baby Polly.
Then one day Camilla wakes up to find Luke gone, his phone off and nothing but a note by the door saying it’s been lovely.
Shortly after, when Camilla is as work, her worst fear hits her when the police show up asking for her. She knows it’s about Luke, only what they have to tell her leaves her feeling like she’s stepped into an alternate universe.
They explain that Luke is at a warehouse and has taken on hostages. This is not like the Luke she knows, he would never do this. And before she knows it, two hostages have been shot and her husband is on the run.
Seven years later, Camilla is trying to still put her life back together when suddenly a text message with coordinates is sent to her phone. And just like that, Camilla back in it all over again on a hunt to find her husband and the truth of what happened that day.
This very jaw dropping thriller keeps you in your toes, but still with a lot of heart to it. Gillian McAllister has a wonderful knack for story telling and readers will surely not be disappointed.

This was a great British thriller. I didn't see some of the bigger twists coming, and I loved the character development of Camilla and Niall. Camilla and Luke are your average new parents, except one day everything changes. I don't want to give away too much, beacuse I loved going into this blind--but it is safe to say there are twists and turns and no gore or deeply disturbing topics (which I appreciate). I would have preferred to have a bit more depth into Camilla's life in the 7 year gap, but the story progressed well. I don't always love thrillers, but I found this one engaging and stayed up way too late reading it! Thanks much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

Wow, wow, wow! Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister is an absolute page-turner that I found myself wishing I could finish in a single day. Unfortunately, mom duties got in the way, but the story was so gripping that I found myself gripping the book tighter and internally pleading to read faster. This captivating read seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, crime, and love, making it hard to put down. While I haven’t always been a fan of McAllister’s previous works, this one reads like a Paula Hawkins novel—it's that good.

A huge thank you to @williammorrow for the physical ARC and eARC! Gillian McCallister’s previous two thrillers: Wrong Place, Wrong Time and Just Another Missing Person were both so unique yet had that signature McCallister touch of characters you can’t help but become invested in and a mystery that’s equally as captivating that will keep you guessing until the end.

Famous Last Words is no different. This time a love story is more central to the story and it makes this so gripping. The three parts of the novel are divided so well: the intrigue and action of part I is intense and devastating. Parts II and III divide the story nicely and keep the reader engaged. Gillian McCallister has cemented herself as one of my favorite thriller authors and is an auto-read author for me. This book was outstanding and highly recommend it to any thriller lovers!

This book starts off very quickly, and sucked me right in. It reminded me of another book The last thing he told me, so if you liked that book you will like this one. Only two POVS which I really like as there are not a lot of characters to keep track of. My one complaint is that it did lose steam about 2/3 of the way through and did drag a little. However, it did pick back up and had a great ending. Overall, I really enjoyed Famous Last Words and would recommend it to readers.

Gillian McAllister's Famous Last Words is a gripping psychological thriller that expertly weaves suspense, mystery, and emotion. The story revolves around a woman who uncovers shocking truths about her husbands past after his sudden disappearance. McAllister's talent for building tension and crafting complex characters keeps you hooked from the start, as secrets slowly unravel with every twist.

However, while the plot is compelling, the pacing can feel a bit drawn out at times, with some sections dragging before key revelations are made. . This novel reminds me of The Last Thing He Said to Me by Laura Dave, where the intense emotional core and unexpected turns are similar, but Famous Last Words could have been more concise in its execution.

Overall, if you're a fan of psychological thrillers with emotional depth, Famous Last Words is a solid read. Just be prepared for a slow burn.

I loved this book! It was really interesting how the plot was divided into multiple timelines and I think it added a lot to the story. Will definitely be recommending this to family and friends when it comes out!

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! This book was hard to put down. Unpredictable and thrilling.

In Cams first day back at work after maternity leave, she learns her husband is involved in a hostage situation. But he’s not a hostage, he’s the captor! Again, wow! I can’t say more without giving too much away but Gillian McAllister has done it again.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC approval

Thanks to William Morrow for the copy of this book!

Camilla is a new mom and has finally made it to that day where she’s heading back into the office. It’s a little weird, though… that morning, her husband woke up and left early, leaving her to take Poppy to day care herself and leaving behind a cryptic post-it note on the table. Cam heads to work expecting a regular day as a literary agent, but what she gets instead is the police showing up at the office with some news….

Gillian did it again! If you’re into fast-paced thrillers like me, you have to read this. I loved our cast of characters and really felt for Cam, and was on the edge of my seat as the situation developed in part 1. I also really appreciated the timeline in this book and how all the twists were revealed — just so excellently done and with a perfect ending.

4.5 to 5 stars

Wow, I am SHOCKED. I seriously tried so hard to guess who was the bad guy and figure out her husband's involvement in all of this. The twist just kept twisting, and I was 100% here for it! I DID NOT guess the biggest twist near the ending, but I'm so glad it happened. The ending truly made me happy!!! I loved this, as it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! There is so much suspense and filled with twists to force you to read it in one sitting.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and William Morrow to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

This may be the best thriller I’ve read this year!!

Cam, a new mother and literary agent, just had her world turned upside down when her husband is found at the center of a hostage situation.

Gillian McAllister always delivers a jaw dropping thriller but at the same time makes me FEEL. I felt connected to Cam as she navigated an impossible situation and questioned how much she truly knew the person closest to her. at he hostage negotiated Nail, was an amazing secondary character who brought a new perspective to the story. The best part was the execution. I don’t want to give any spoilers but the pacing, revelations and twists were perfect and made it impossible to put down. Beyond brilliantly done !!

Thank you William Morrow for the gifted copy!

This is a surprisingly different book. It is the story of two different people, a wife in a loving marriage who discovers something terrible about her husband and the hostage negotiator whose life is changed when a hostage situation goes very wrong. It is a story of love and a story of being able to heal and to trust yourself. It is a story of what happens in the 14 years after and if the mystery will ever be solved. I guessed a couple of the twists but overall it was not predictable and I enjoyed it a lot. got involved right away 4.5

Gillian does it AGAIN, folks. A gripping story with twists that you never see coming.

Camilla and Luke had it all. Great jobs in writing/publishing, a beautiful baby girl, a quirky home that they enjoyed, and of course, each other.
But when Luke starts acting off, Cam notices, but all hell breaks loose before she can get to the bottom of it.

Luke. Her Luke. Luke is involved in a hostage situation, but not as a hostage … as the hostage-taker. Cam’s world is turned upside down that day. Shots are fired, Luke is MIA, Cam is left to parent by herself. Nothing will ever be the same.

Though Cam can never get over what her husband did, she still misses him. And 7 years after the hostage situation, she receives clues leading her to believe that she may finally get some answers.

Between Cam, and Niall (the hostage negotiator from Luke’s case), they are absolutely determined to figure out what exact happened that night … and more importantly … why?!

This book was un-put-down-able, just like McAllister’s others. Once this book is released to the public, SPRINT to the closest bookstore and buy this bad boy. You won’t regret it.

The suspense started immediately and I loved it. The first part of the book had me on the edge of my seat. I loved Cam and the integration of books in the story. I also loved the twists and did not see them coming. This was a good thriller and love story!

Gillian McAllister delivers a master class in storytelling in this deftly paced thriller. My mantra throughout was, “just one more chapter….just one more chapter”, I just could not put it down.

On Cam’s first day back to work from her maternity leave, her husband, Luke, wasn’t there to wish her a good day. All he did was leave behind a cryptic note. After dropping off her daughter at daycare and then greeting her coworkers, there’s a ruckus in the office and she notices on the tv that there’s a hostage situation near where her husband works. Within minutes, the cops are in her office and need a word with her. Is Luke a hostage? Oh no, it’s much worse than that.

This book is suspenseful to the end and I really enjoyed the characters, including the hostage negotiator, Niall. I found the writing phenomenal and was glued to this book until the very last page. This easily rates 5 stars and I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know.

🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Famous Last Words
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Gillian McAllister
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: February 25, 2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝:
⇥ I’ve never read a book about hostages—at least, none that I can recall—and this one was incredibly engaging and, dare I say, "fun." It felt like I was reading a movie script, which is a high compliment in my eyes.
⇥ Loved the multiple POVs from the the hostage negotiator, which added layers to the narrative. His subplot involving a side love story was honestly a great touch, too.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐝:
⇥ There was definitely a few plot holes that I just couldn't get past. They seemed a bit too major to be dismissed how it was. He was "off grid" for that whole time? Never once was recognized by ANYONE? Ehhhh....
⇥ This isn't even a negative to the book, but the "cryptic note" as mentioned in the synopsis kind of plays zero significance to the plot, in my opinion, especially since that's what the book is titled. Unless I missed something...

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
★★★★.5 (rounded up)
What a fantastic read! This was my first book by Gillian McAllister, and I was so impressed that I immediately borrowed Wrong Place Wrong Time. She has a remarkable talent for crafting engaging stories filled with unexpected twists. Her ability to draw readers into unique and thrilling plots is truly shocking. How have I never read anything by her before? Definitely add this to your TBR and pick it up next year.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 @𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 @𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

Another terrific book from Gillian McAllister! I’ve loved her other work and was delighted to receive an ARC of Famous Last Words. I was not let down! From the first capture I was captivated by the story. Very well written and truly left me guessing. Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow books!

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Cam is set to go back to her first day of work after maternity leave when she is called away by the police. Her husband Luke takes hostages at gunpoint. Who was Luke, why did he do this? Was he not the loving, caring husband Cam thought he was.

Great book told through the point of view of Cam and the hostage negotiator, Niall. Highly recommend.

Very very very good! You'll be addicted

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Yes Gillian McAllister, yes!!! What a way to start my dive into 2025 releases. I was so excited to get approved for this early copy, having been a long time fan of this author and her amazing storylines. Famous Last Words absolutely blew me away… so freaking good!! It was incredibly addictive, fast paced and so very clever.

Camellia is dreading her day. It is her young daughters first day at daycare care and she is returning to work from maternity leave. And her husband Luke is nowhere to be seen. He is not answering his phone and she has to negotiate it all alone. She has a horrible feeling that something is wrong, and then the police come knocking.

This book is just so well done. Told in various timelines, we see what happens at the time, and then we jump ahead 7 years. How this day changes all of their lives and makes you think about how you would deal with what happens. How life can change in a split second, nothing is ever the same again.

Thank you so much William Morrow for my advanced copy of this amazing book. Published on February 25th, 2025.

Gillian McAllister has done it again. This will keep you on the edge of your seat and second guessing what you think will happen in the next chapter. I appreciate this fresh and new, orginal story line that hasn't been done before for a thriller. It will keep you guessing until the very end!

Another win from one of my favs!
Thank you, William Morrow Books, for the gifted copy of Famous Last Words {partner}

Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date:  2.27.2024
Pages: 336
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5

“Sometimes solving a case stops the demons.”

I don’t think I’ve ever hit ‘read now’ as fast as I did when this gem popped into my inbox. It was THE book I had been waiting for, and it came at the perfect time - a vacation in the mountains with nothing to do but read. I devoured this book - it was addicting in all the best ways and had me eagerly flipping through the pages, trying to figure out the truth behind what happened to Luke. 

Like McAllister’s last titles, Famous Last Words was perfectly paced — the tension kept building and building with every chapter. I felt like I could see all the puzzle pieces start to come together the closer I got to the end. I had theories on what might happen but could not figure it out. But Gillian McAllister knew what she was doing, and I finished the last page, blown away by the path she had paved. 

This book has a little something for everyone, and I just know Famous Last Words will be a hit in 2025. 

Read if you enjoy:
🕰️ Multiple timeline
✌🏼 Dual narration
💨 Fast-paced
😵‍💫 Complex Family Dynamics
👏🏼 Perfect Pacing

I recommend reading Famous Last Words if you enjoyed reading The Last Thing He Told Me.

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister had me guessing from the outset and I never knew where or how the book was going to end. A wonderful mystery novel filled with plenty of twists and turns.

It is June 21st, the longest day of the year, and new mother Camilla’s life is about to change forever. After months of maternity leave, she will drop her infant daughter off at daycare for the first time and return to her job as a literary agent. Finally. But, when she wakes, her husband Luke isn’t there, and in his place is a cryptic note.

Then it starts. Breaking news: there's a hostage situation developing in London. The police arrive, and tell her Luke is involved. But he isn't a hostage. Her husband - doting father, eternal optimist - is the gunman. What she does next is crucial. Because only she knows what the note he left behind that morning says...

Gillian McAllister odes a wonderful job structuring Famous Last Words using distinct acts which effectively breakup the story while allowing different moments of discovery and action within the story. Each act peels back layers of mystery surrounding motivations and past secrets. These acts compel us as the reader to constantly reassess what we believe we know about Luke alongside Camilla's journey toward truth-seeking clarity. The division into acts also provides natural pauses for reflection without disrupting momentum—a testament to the author's skillful pacing throughout most parts of the book.

Famous Last Words is a story filled with twists at every turn—each twist more shocking than its predecessor. McAllister's vivid characterizations intertwined well within the plot developments crafting a tale that you never really knew where it was headed. When I thought I may have guessed something, the author tosses a wrench into that thought to turns me the other direction with ease.

While some can argue that certain middle sections slightly drag—especially after the initial adrenaline rushes subside post-introduction events—the overall pacing remains consistent across remaining chapters leading up towards a satisfying resolution ultimately tying together the threads of the book. Famous Last Words is a page turner mystery that was hard to put down.

Famous Last Words is a twisty, turny, mystery we can come to expect from Gillian McAllister. With the wonderful writing, overall great pacing and a number of mysteries hard to guess, this latest novel by McAllisters hits on all fronts. By the end of Famous Last Words, I was thinking about how well you really know people and what would really go through my mind if this book was about me.

This is a total gem! It sucked me in right from the start, and I couldn’t put it down! The way it blends suspense and emotional depth is just chef's kiss. Camilla's world gets flipped upside down when she finds out her husband is involved in a hostage situation, and it keeps you guessing about what’s real and what’s not. The twists? Wow, just wow! I mean, I thought I had it all figured out, but then it just kept throwing surprises at me!

The characters are so relatable, especially Cam. You really feel her panic and confusion as everything around her spirals out of control. I loved the dual perspectives, too—it added such a cool layer to the story! Honestly, it made me think about how quickly everything can change and how well we really know the people we love. 💔

If you’re looking for a thrilling ride with unexpected twists and some emotional moments, you need to grab this one!

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Fast paced, edge of your seat action from beginning to end. Most of the story is told by Camila, a young mother who wakes up on the last day of her maternity leave to find her loving, gentle, work-at-home husband has already left the house without waking her. She's a little irritated, but not worried as she struggles to get ready for work and get the baby to daycare. Later, at work, a phone call from the police turns her world upside down. They say her husband has taken three hostages and is holding them at gunpoint. Camila thinks it must be a mistake until a camera shows her husband with the gun in his hand. Her home is searched, her friends and family interrogated. Part of the story is narrated by Niall, the police hostage negotiator, who struggles to end the siege and get the hostages out alive. Famous Last Words kept me guessing and surprised me with unexpected twists all the way to the end

4.5⭐️
I am soooo excited for this one and squealed when I got it in the mail.
Gillian McAllister does it again!!!
When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down….very addictive and fast paced. It will have you on the edge of your seat. And the twist?! Soooo good. I did NOT see it coming. A bingeable thriller that I will be highly recommending!

Coping With Uncertainty and FAMOUS LAST WORDS by Gillian McCallister

Cover of the book Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister, used as a teaching example for coping with uncertainty
When Camilla wakes up, her husband Luke isn’t there. It’s weird and slightly worrisome that Luke left early on their daughter’s first day of daycare following maternity leave. But, Camilla reasons, Luke is reliable and steady—a good husband and father. Everything’s probably fine. Daycare drop-off is hard and unremarkable, and the first day back at work is busy. Camilla’s worries abate.

Then the police arrive, and Camille sees the news. Luke is holding three people hostage. He ultimately releases one hostage, kills the other two, and escapes – disappearing without a trace and leaving his family behind to deal with the consequences.

Years pass with Camilla wondering. Is Luke alive? Will she and her daughter ever see him again? Why did her seemingly wonderful husband take hostages and murder people? What else doesn’t she know? The uncertainty is destabilizing.

Uncertainty is when a person has limited knowledge and a weakened ability to make plans, predict, or control the future. The inability to accurately impact or predict expectations is distressing and leads to increased stress and anxiety. Uncertainty is always a part of life, and some people even find a certain amount of uncertainty exciting. But, when uncertainty becomes overwhelming, there are positive steps you can take.

Here are tips for coping with uncertainty:

Avoid Generalizing: Uncertainty can seem to expand into all life domains. Write a list of what is uncertain and another of what is concrete, understood, or known.

Identify the Feelings Uncertainty Provokes: Next to each item on your uncertainty list, write the specific feeling provoked, which might include frustrated, weak, scared, startled, lonely, etc.

Engage Targeted Coping Skills: Respond to feelings with impactful healthy behaviors. For example, if feeling lonely, spend time with friends; if feeling weak, try empowering experiences.

Focus on the Present: Uncertainty encourages worry about the future. Deal with a wandering mind by redirecting it to the here and now and focusing on your current surroundings.

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

Love Gillian McAllister? Me too. Check out my post on Turn Towards To Strengthen Relationships and JUST ANOTHER MISSING PERSON by Gillian McAllister

Couldn’t stop reading. Kept the story interesting with a twist for the ending. Everything I expected from this author.

Really wonderful thriller because at the heart of it is a love story that rings true over the course of the book. The characters are deep and interesting and the mystery is compelling enough to keep my interest.

OMG, I loved this book. I stopped everything I was doing to to read this and could not put it down. There were twists and turns that I expected and those I didnt but it was fabulous. Loved every minute and love the author. She knows how to tell a story and keep you wanting more, guessing and makes you dissappointed its over.

I was so excited that I got to read an early copy from Netgallery of Gillian McAllister's new book, 'Famous Last Words'. Gillian McAllister is a phenomenal author and I have enjoyed many of her previous books! And WOW. This new book from her was an insanely good read! I was hooked from the start and all I could think about was how I wanted to finish this book. The writing is fast-paced and full of crazy twists and turns that will shock you. This book is set to come out February 2025.

Here's a blurb of what the story is about:

When Camilia wakes up, her husband Luke isn't there, and he leaves behind a cryptic note. She is shocked when police inform her that Luke was the gunman in a hostage situation. What she does next is crucial. Because only she knows what the note he left behind that morning says...

Thank you so much to Gillian McAllister, William Morrow, and NetGalley for the ARC of Famous Last Words.

This is only my second McAllister novel and I was even more hooked than reading my last. This book follows Cam, wife, and Niall, hostage negotiator as they try to unravel what happen in the siege where Luke shot and killed two hostages in 2017.

I could NOT put this book down! There were so many different ideas and plot lines that swirled in my head and again I was so surprised at how this book unfolded. McAllister is amazing at keeping me guessing throughout her books. I loved both of the narrators, the literary twist… this book is sure to be a hit. 5/5 stars!!

I really enjoyed Famous Last Words. The execution was perfection! I was riveted the whole time and racing to the end! If you like mystery/thrillers, this is a must read!

An ordinary man has a gun aimed at hostages in an old warehouse in London. He’s happily married with a baby girl, nothing about his life can explain why this is happening. Who are the hostages? Why is he threatening to kill them? His wife, Cam, a literary agent, has arrived at the staging area. The police have dispatched Niall, the hostage negotiator, to the scene. He has a background as a detective and trained for these types of scenarios. The drama plays out alternating between Cam and Niall over the next seven years of their lives. The aftermath of that one horrific day plays out for each of them differently. Cam has her sister encouraging her to move on with her life. Niall can’t move past his love for his X-wife. His obsession with his job cost him his marriage yet he still can’t stop secretly investigating the hostage case. Cam never wavers in her belief in her husband, his innocence and her love never wanes. There were times she got on my nerves and I wanted her to listen to her sister and accept how things are. I don’t believe I would’ve made the same decisions she did. I was totally invested in this plot. I really appreciated the viewpoints from the negotiator, I wanted to know everything about the process. While the plot is a tense and dripping with suspenseful situations, the story delves deeply into everlasting love, trust and devotion. I couldn’t wait to see how it ended but didn’t want it to end either. The plot was filled with results I didn’t expect and twists I never saw coming. Another fantastic read that I’m happy to recommend.
HarperCollins books (via NetGalley) provided an Advance Reader Copy of “Famous Last Words” by Gilly McAllister, publication expected 02/25/2025. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

SYNOPSIS
- Camilla & Luke are new parents to their baby girl, Polly. It is Cam’s first day back at work after her maternity leave. At work, there’s breaking news of a hostage situation developing in London. The police arrive, and inform Cam that Luke is the gunman. Niall is the hostage negotiator.
- Cam can’t believe it. Is there more to the story?

MY THOUGHTS
- This is the third book of McAllister’s that I’ve read. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
- Compelling, gripping, & impossible to put down.
- Masterful pacing, progression, & plotting. Exquisite execution.
- Loved the characters. They’re developed so well. Cam’s escapism into literature really resonated with me.
- I love how the book touched on our instincts & trusting our gut.
- Satisfying ending.
- The POVs shift between Cam & Niall. I enjoyed seeing how their lives were impacted, and I liked getting to know them both.
- Time jumps from the time of the hostage situation to times in the future.
- The book is a thriller/suspense, but also looks at relationships, family, and love.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ahh, the Queen has done it again. LOVED this one. Add to your TBR immediately.

Thanks to William Morrow & Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchanges for an honest review. This book will be published on February 24, 2025.

Okay, this is a great read! It's nearly impossible to put down, and it keeps you guessing the entire time!

Cam has a good life with her husband Luke and baby Polly until the day she returns to work from maternity leave and soon sees her husband on TV, holding three people hostage. Two wind up dead and Luke disappears. Cam cannot believe Luke would do such a horrible thing, but he's vanished, and she has no proof. Seven years later, she's trying to raise Polly alone and still grappling with the ramifications of how her husband's actions affected her family.

FAMOUS LAST WORDS alternates Cam's story with that of Niall's, the hostage negotiator who "botches" Liam's hostage taking event, because he truly did not feel that Luke was a bad guy who would take a shot. He remains invested in Luke's case, which changed his life.

This story is so twisty and full of surprises and fun plot twists. Luke leaves Cam a mysterious note but not much else to go on. Her investigation--combined with Niall's--is fascinating. Even better, there's a wonderful character-driven piece woven into this story. Cam is a bookish woman (she works in publishing) and I found it so easy to identify with her introverted side. Through Cam, we receive insights on motherhood and there's a very moving side plot involving her sister, who is struggling with infertility. As for Niall, whose wife leaves him the day of the siege, he offers a surprisingly tender side along with his hostage and detective perspectives.

Gillian McAllister is one of the titans of the mystery/thriller genre, and Famous Last Words did not disappoint!

Cam's world is upended when her extroverted, fun-loving, silly husband suddenly goes viral for committing a significant crime before disappearing...Cam can't believe that her Luke could've ever committed such acts, but there's no disputing that he's disappeared and left her to raise baby Polly alone. Will she ever find out who her husband really was? Was she really that clueless about who she married? And how was hostage negotiator Niall so impossibly wrong when he read the scene?

This expansive, emotional read takes place mostly over 7 years and will leave you breathless before leaving you totally satisfied. I really felt the pain and confusion in Cam; her struggle caught between two lives; a before and an after; a with and a without. I so desperately wanted her to find answers, worried about her safety, and cheered her on in trying to find happiness in big and small ways. You'll be on the edge of your seat trying to puzzle together how it all fits together until the last 5% of the book - where so much falls into place in ways you definitely won't see coming.

An easy 4.5 star read for me, rounded up to a 5! Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t read it fast enough! The plot had me anticipating what was coming next. I really enjoyed receiving and being able to review this ARC. The story bounced between Cam (whose husband is accused of a serious crime) to Niall, the hostage negotiator of said crime. Both with varying views, still trying to understand how their worlds fell apart, and how to keep loving even when it has.

This is the best suspense/mystery novel I’ve read in quite some time.

Cam is going back to work after nine months of maternity leave (she clearly doesn’t live in America). She thinks her worst problem is that her baby still isn’t a great sleeper. Shortly after returning to work, however, she’s contacted by the police. Her kind, happy-go-lucky husband is in a hostage situation. He’s the hostage taker.

It simply doesn’t relent from then on. Told mostly from Cam’s point of view and the hostage negotiator/detective's POV, the pacing is so well done.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this book, which RELEASES FEBRUARY 25, 2025.

Such a great, engrossing thriller. I (unfortunately) read it in one sitting...and was up until 4am doing so. The set-up was just so fascinating, and the execution didn't disappoint. Also, police surveillance is scary, and probably wasn't terribly exaggerated in this book.

A good fast-paced thriller about a young mother who is asked by the police to come talk to her husband who seems to have taken people hostage in a warehouse in London. She can't imagine her kind loving husband being involved in a hostage sistuation, even less so as the hostage taker. Niall, the hostage negotiator, is also confused when his instincts fail him in this case. But all is not how it seems and as the story unfolds with many twists, both of them realise that they need to trust their instincts. An enjoyable read.

Amazing read! Gillian McAllister never disappoints, and this book is no exception. The storyline was refreshingly unique, keeping me hooked from start to finish. A perfect blend of fun and suspense that made it impossible to put down!

I carried this book around the house (and out of the house) with me because I had to read more every chance I got. Multiple times I turned the page and had a WHAT reaction - not just with plot points, but how the story is told.

I was invested in Camilla and Niall and had to know what would happen to them. Camilla's husband, Luke, is essentially a MacGuffin, so I was wasn't rooting for any particular reveal. I just wanted answers!

Such a great book! There were sooooo many different twists and turns and I was genuinely surprised by this one! I love how it makes you keep wondering what is happening and kept me guessing. Loved it

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

What a great read. I could not put this book down I had to see how it would end. Definitely recommend this great read

Wow, this was amazing!! I enjoyed Gillian McAllister's last two mystery/thrillers, but they didn't blow my mind - solid four stars. This one, however, grabbed me with it's premise and never let me go. It was so tightly plotted and fascinating, with incredibly beautiful human moments woven into the story that really made you attached to the characters.

A new favourite thriller!

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: February 25, 2025
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

To keep this short and sweet and save all the goods for you to read I will say I am shook and unsurprised. I KNEW I was going to love this book, I knew before I opened this book it was going to be a favorite of mine. I love Gillian McAllister and all she writes. This book was PACKED with wild twists and turns as well as a rollercoaster of feelings from start to finish. You think you know who it is, but do you really, I don’t think so. Nothing like a hostage situation to get your heart racing and it just goes wild from there. You will NOT be able to put this book down, I guarantee it. I cannot wait to hear how everybody feels about this book because I am OBSESSED. I will recommend this book to all of my bookish friends! They’ll love it!

Large thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well as William Morrow.

I was so thankful to receive an advanced copy, thank you! Gillian McAllister is one of a kind and a truly talented author. Famous Last Words was no exception to Gillian’s work and I loved every minute of it. The multiple time lines and thought provoking subject of how life can change in an instant keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat through the twists and turns eagerly waiting to see what happens. I couldn’t put it down!

**Famous Last Words**
by Gillian McAllister
Release Date: 02/25/2025

I’ll keep this review brief since we have just 90 days until the US release! Gillian McAllister is one of my top authors—I always auto-buy her books and absolutely jumped for joy when I got that widget!

Meet Cam, returning to work after an incredible 9 months of maternity leave (seriously, is this standard in the UK? In GA, you don’t even get a day!). As a literary agent, she’s in the perfect position to discover the next big bestseller. Talk about a **DREAM JOB**! 📚✨ She’s married to Luke, a talented journalist turned ghostwriter and a loving dad to their daughter Polly. Life seems perfect.

But on her first day back, everything changes. Cam learns about a hostage situation—and discovers that her husband is right in the middle of it.

Enter Niall, the dedicated hostage negotiator who lives for his job. Unfortunately, he makes a critical mistake during Luke’s crisis, leading to a tragic turn of events. Suddenly, the question looms: is Luke alive?

This thrilling tale is a complex puzzle full of twists and connections that will keep you turning the pages!

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New mother Camilla anticipates the most stressful part of her day will be returning from maternity leave. She certainly didn’t expect her husband to make the news for being the gunman in a hostage event. Now her entire world is crumbling around her as she tries to reconcile the husband she married with the man on the news.

The book is narrated from the perspectives of Camilla and the hostage negotiator Niall, both profoundly affected by the incident. We are introduced to both on the day of the hostage event and again after a seven-year time jump. Cam and Niall are compelling characters, and the suspense builds throughout the book, keeping the reader on their toes. The result is a well-constructed book fans of the author have grown to expect, and first-time readers will understand the hype.

Gillian McAllister proves once again that she's the queen of the twist: specifically she again flexes her muscles showing the reader one thing, and then slowly unravelling how, however improbably, it is something completely different. Cam and Luke have a good life: nine month old baby, successful careers as literary agent and ghostwriter, and a trust and love filled marriage. Things aren't perfect, but nothing ever is. When Cam wakes up on her first day back from maternity leave to Luke not home, she knows it isn't abnormal, but it feels strange, especially when she finds a cryptic note. Soon, she finds out that he is wrapped up in a hostage situation, as the perpetrator. Cam's life is thrown upside down, and it can never be the same. Told from the perspectives of Cam and the hostage negotiator, Niall, this story is supported by two voices who cannot except the truth as the world seems to know it, and as the story unfold McAllister employs her characteristic plot reveals to shock readers and keep pages turning. McAllister lovers will love this, and readers who found the time structure of Wrong Place, Wrong Time confusing will find this novel more straightforward, allowing them to appreciate McAllister's skill.

Buckle up buttercup because you’re about to go on a wild ride! One you can’t put down!

Alright Gillian McAllister, I’m a new fan! Hooked and already purchased two more books! Guys, this is one you DEFINITELY need to add to your TBR if you’re a thriller fan!

Camillia goes back to work after maternity leave. Her whole world turns upside down when the police show up to tell her that her husband is involved in a hostage situation. Cam is shocked…… even more so when they tell her he is the gunman!!! What???????

Her phenomenal, loving and all around good husband, Luke would never do this. Would he? Why? What is going on?

I can’t spill anymore details or it would ruin the story. And what a story this one was! Just know that you’re in for quite the suspenseful treat! Thrilling and romantic all at the same time. Yep, you get two for one here!

Huge massive thanks to William Morrow, Gillian McAllister and NetGalley for the opportunity!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gillian McAllister delivers a master class in storytelling with this expertly paced thriller. I found myself constantly saying, “just one more chapter… just one more,” because I simply couldn’t put it down.

On Cam’s first day back at work after maternity leave, her husband, Luke, is mysteriously absent. Instead of a warm send-off, he leaves behind only a cryptic note. After dropping her daughter off at daycare and greeting her coworkers, Cam is startled by news of a nearby hostage situation on the office TV—right near where Luke works. Moments later, the police show up at her office, wanting to talk to her. Is Luke a hostage? Oh no, it’s far more complicated than that.

This book is packed with suspense from start to finish, and I especially enjoyed the cast of characters, including the captivating hostage negotiator, Niall. The writing was phenomenal, and I was glued to the story until the very last page. This one easily deserves 5 stars, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know!

Another entertaining thriller by Gillian McAllister! I enjoyed the plot and the structure of the timelines. I also enjoyed all the characters. The book felt a bit slow-paced at times, but that helped me stay “with” the protagonists with the amount of information they knew over time.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️ for this thriller. It was my first time reading a book by this author. I was on the edge of my seat and wanting to know what would happen next. I also appreciated the love stories that went along with the plot. It was entertaining and thought provoking the entire way through. Thank you netgalley for the advance read.

On her first day back to work after her maternity leave, Cam (Camilla) wakes up to find a strange note from her husband, Luke, with no indication of where he is. As Cam starts her day, she learns that her husband is involved in a hostage situation with an armed gunman and then the police tell her that her husband isn't one of the hostages, but the gunman. Niall is the police negotiator who is tasked with getting Luke to give up the hostages. Through his years of study, he thinks that he can get through to Luke as his instincts tell him that Luke isn't going to shoot. Things are starting to look up with Luke lets one of the hostages go, but that's when two gunshots are heard and Luke is found to be missing. In one day, Cam and Niall's lives are both forever changed through Luke's actions....

Gillian McAllister books are very hit or miss for me- I either LOVE them or find them to be extremely irritating and I'm happy to report that this is the former. This novel is told in the points of view of Cam, Niall, and someone reporting on Cam's movements. While I did end up guessing some of the twists, I still was eager to take in the story and get to the end. The time jump from after the siege shocked me as I didn't see such a huge amount of time passing, but I appreciate that McAllister got us closer to the action. I would advise of trigger warnings for anyone dealing with miscarriages and infertility as those are mentioned in the book. The parallel between Cam and her sister Libby and the pain and grief they both suffer through while both trying to still be there for the other was a nice way to show that relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go until the very end!
The plot of this book was so unique and I was completely invested in the characters' lives. I was hanging on to every page to see what would happen. I definitely let out an audible gasp more than once!
Thank you to Gillian McAllister, Netgalley and William Morrow Books for this ARC. Famous Last Words comes out February 25!

BOOK REVIEW: Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

Famous Last Words is a gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Camilla (Cam) is a new mom, just coming off of maternity leave and returning to work as a literary agent. But the morning of her first day, when she wakes up, her sweet, loving, attentive husband, Luke, is oddly already gone. Aside from finding a cryptic note he left her, Cam cannot reach him by phone or text which unsettles her. After dropping her daughter off at daycare and upon arriving at the office, there is a breaking news bulletin. There is a hostage situation currently unfolding. Simultaneously, the police arrive at Cam’s office and tell her that Luke is involved…….as the gunman.

This story is filled with mystery, tension and so much suspense, it is anxiety inducing. I could not put it down! It is written in dual POV from the perspective of Cam and Niall, the hostage negotiator, whose lives both changed drastically that day. This one is a roller coaster. I really enjoyed it! This might be my favorite Gillian McAllister book yet. I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read an ARC of Famous Last Words in exchange for my honest review.

In Gillian McAllister’s newest thriller, Famous Last Words, Camilla wakes the morning she is to return to her book agent job after maternity leave to a cryptic note from her husband. Then news breaks the three hostages are being held in an old warehouse with shared workspace. Camilla is stunned when she learns her go with the flow, coffee loving calm husband with no criminal history is the man with the gun holding them there. What has caused him to make such a dramatic shift in who he was that he was willing to commit murder? Trying to help her understand it hostage negotiator, Niall, whose hesitation has a disastrous result that has dire consequences for him, as well as Camilla.

Seven years later, Camilla is still trying to understand what happened that day. Then a mysterious package containing a book shows up at her house that is dark and more twisted than other books she has read. What does it mean? And why does she feel like she is being watched? The tangled web that was woven that fateful day are trapping Camilla and she has to do everything to stay alive, but she can’t trust the police to help her.

Thankfully, Camilla is not one of those female characters that will have you wanting to shake her for stupid moves or thoughts. She is careful and analytical of clues she finds out about the hostage situation and the things she learns after the fact. Niall is a flawed detective who is trying to better himself after what happened that day, not only professionally but personally.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on February 25, 2025. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #FamousLastWords #WilliamMorrowBooks #GillianMcAllister

I don’t know what Gillian McAllister put in this book, but it was utterly addictive. I loved her previous books, but this one is my new favorite. The story started with a bang, and I was completely hooked from the first chapter. Every spare second I had was spent reading this book, because I just couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. McAllister is a master at creating complex, layered thrillers with twists you’ll never see coming. This page-turner will certainly keep you up late into the night.

Thanks so much to William Morrow and NetGalley and for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Absolutely could not put this down once I started it. I knew to expect a novel that would keep me guessing, but I think this is my favorite McAllister yet! I really enjoyed how insular it is - the world was just the right size. The clues scattered throughout were well-placed and not at all too close to one another that you’d miss them. I give this one a solid 4.5/5. I also really appreciated the “7 Years After the Second Shooting” section not rushing into them being a happy family all at once.

Picture this: you are happily married with a sweet baby girl and wake up to find a cryptic note from your husband. To your complete horror, you learn that he is involved in a hostage situation, but not as a victim. Your husband—the father of your child, the man you planned to grow old with–is the perpetrator.

FAMOUS LAST WORDS probes how well we really know the ones we love most. Told from the POV of the hostage negotiator and the wife of the perpetrator this layered story unfolds in a riveting fashion. I especially appreciated the nuanced portrayal of moving forward in life amidst profound uncertainty.

READ THIS IF YOU:
-love a gripping start and an ending that delivers
-appreciate thrillers with an emotional bent
-can’t fathom your partner committing a crime

RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars)
PUB DATE: February 25, 2025

You’ll find FAMOUS LAST WORDS in the Literary Lookbook I recently released with Cindy (available via link in IG bio) and will be featured in my winter reading guide coming in January.

Many thanks to Wiliam Morrow for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.