Famous Last Words – Gillian McAllister

Synopsis:

It’s Camilla’s first day back at work, her daughter’s first day at nursery.


But husband Luke is nowhere to be seen. The only trace of him is an unfinished note. Camilla tries to put it out of her mind; there must be a rational explanation.


At work, there are welcomes back, and too many distractions. 


Then it starts. 


Breaking news: there’s a hostage situation developing in London. 


The police arrive: Luke is caught up in it. 
But he isn’t a hostage. Luke – doting father, successful writer, enthusiastic runner and eternal optimist – is the gunman. 


What Camilla does next is crucial. Because only she knows what the note he left behind says, and the clues it might hold . . .

Review:

Wow wow wow wow wow – she’s done it again.

An amazing, intricate plot with twists and turns and a great edge (as always)!

I loved every page of this book and am ever grateful that I’ve been sent an early copy in exchange for my honest review. It’s the easiest review to write as her books are always exceptional.

My favourite author by far!

This latest thriller kept me glued from start to finish, with the kind of tension and suspense that only this author can masterfully deliver. The premise is absolutely gripping: Camilla’s world is turned upside down in a single day, from the quiet chaos of her first day back at work and her daughter’s start at nursery to the heart-stopping moment she realizes her husband Luke is at the center of a violent hostage situation. But the real gut punch? He isn’t the victim – he’s the gunman.

The plot is layered with emotional complexity, and Camilla’s character is so relatable. As she navigates this impossible situation, the decisions she makes are chillingly real, driven by fear, love, and the weight of the cryptic note Luke left behind. The tension is relentless, and every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist took me completely by surprise.

Gillian does a fantastic job of diving deep into Camilla’s emotional state, making us question what we truly know about the people closest to us. Luke’s transformation from loving father and husband to an apparent threat is both heartbreaking and terrifying. There’s a perfect balance between the fast-paced action and the quiet moments of introspection, keeping the reader emotionally invested.

This novel is more than just a thriller – it’s a deep exploration of relationships, trust, and the secrets that can lie hidden beneath the surface. It left me questioning what I would do in Camilla’s shoes and how well I know the people I love. The pacing, the characters, the reveals – everything about this book is perfectly executed.

Once again, she has proven why she’s at the top of my must-read list. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing until the very last page, this is it.

Five stars – easily!

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