Thriller

“Famous Last Words” by Gillian McAllister is a real-world thriller that I never realized I needed to hear. It addresses important issues and made me feel less alone in my frustrations about how, for lack of a better word, challenging the world has become today.

About The Author

Gillian McAllister graduated with a degree in English before becoming a lawyer, which contributes to her ability to craft accurate and thrilling mysteries. She lives in England, where many of her stories are set, and now writes full-time. McAllister is a New York Times bestseller with a number of books to her name, including *Wrong Place Wrong Time*, *Just Another Missing Person*, *Everything but the Truth*, *The Choice*, *The Good Sister*, *The Evidence Against You*, *How to Disappear*, and *That Night*, which was a Richard & Judy Book Club pick. To learn more about Gillian McAllister and her works, visit her website here Gillian McAllister.

The World

Famous Last Words unfolds in the vibrant and bustling heart of modern-day London, a city steeped in history and rich with diverse cultures. This captivating narrative is grounded in reality, eschewing the fantastical elements typically seen in the novels I review. The absence of elaborate world-building is not a shortcoming; rather, it accentuates the story’s authenticity as a true tale.

Set against the backdrop of London’s iconic landmarks—from the majestic silhouette of Big Ben to the winding streets of Soho—this book invites readers to immerse themselves in the palpable atmosphere of the city. Despite the limited descriptions of the environment, the essence of London resonates throughout, echoing the lives of its inhabitants.

In this thrilling mystery, the setting, while understated, serves as a silent witness to the intricate web of events that unfold. The urban landscape plays a minimal role, yet it enhances the tension and intrigue, reminding us that in a city as complex as London, even the most mundane places can hold extraordinary secrets.

The Beginning

What captivated me about this book wasn’t just the beginning; it was the enticing blurb and title. It tells the story of a young couple grappling with the challenges of a new baby. Then, the husband loses control, takes hostages, and ultimately kills them. While I don’t have kids, I believe everyone experiences intense pressure at some point in life. We’ve all heard stories in the news about someone who has genuinely “snapped” from stress.

As I read, I felt an unexpected connection with the narrative. There’s a young woman who is exhausted from sleep training, anxious about her first day back at work, and worried about dropping her little one off at daycare, all while her husband is missing and not responding to her texts or calls. The young mother’s anxiety is described so vividly that it feels incredibly real.

Though there may not be much world-building, the story setup at the beginning is both necessary and utterly gripping. There are no hints or giveaways as to what might be happening, making it all the more captivating and entertaining.

The Characters

Camilla Luke Deschamps and Niall are the main characters in this book. Camilla Deschamps is a new mom struggling to return to everyday life amidst the usual stresses that a newborn puts on a marriage. As an editor, she is surrounded by books, which she loves for their ability to transport her to another world. However, after the mysterious incident involving her husband, Camilla can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. Her husband was a good and kind man who would never even think about owning a gun. With so many unanswered questions, she must find a way to move on with her life for the sake of herself and her daughter.

On the other hand, Luke Deschamps is initially a mystery. My first impression of him was of a new father overwhelmed by life’s stressors. Instead of staying strong and pushing through, he snapped and ultimately disappeared, leaving no clues about where he might have gone or the reasons behind his actions.

Then there’s Niall, the lead host negotiator assigned to the Deschamps case. On that fateful day, more than just his job failed him; he struggled to let go of the guilt. If I had to choose a character who experiences the most growth in this story, it would be Niall. He confronts his faults and the mistakes that led to the incident, determined not to give up until he makes things right.

The Plot

The first part of the plot was fast-paced and filled with action, true to its thriller roots. The middle of the book slowed down, but there were enough mysteries and unanswered questions to keep the reader engaged and invested. This book had me guessing throughout. I was convinced I knew how it would end, but I was completely and utterly wrong. Isn’t that the hallmark of a well-written mystery? It keeps you guessing, allowing you to piece together bits of information while still delivering an ending that surprises you.

The Resolution

The resolution of the story was incredibly satisfying and provided me with the happiest ending I could have hoped for. I was convinced that this book would end in heartbreak and tragedy. Would I change anything about this story? No, it was perfect for the era we are living in. Will I pick up this book again? Absolutely. During those times when I feel like the world has fallen to chaos and I’m feeling hopeless, this book serves as a great reminder that I am not alone. It reassures me that hard times will eventually pass.