Review: Famous Last Words
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Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Gillian McAllister’s Famous Last Words is a thrilling new entry into psychological thrillers. It combines intense suspense with strong emotions to hook readers drawn to plots full of twists and fascinating characters, inviting them along on a suspenseful ride that showcases McAllister's mastery of putting ordinary people into extraordinary situations. Those who appreciate richly plotted mystery novels like None of This Is True or The Drowning Woman will certainly find a lot to appreciate here.
The story focuses on book agent Camilla, who returns to work after maternity leave. Her first day back, however, is interrupted by a disturbing discovery. Her husband, Luke, is gone and has left behind a mysterious note. While dropping off her daughter at nursery, shocking news breaks: there’s a hostage crisis happening in London. To her disbelief, Luke, known as a loving father and a hopeful soul, is not a victim but the man holding the gun. The plot then unfolds through two timelines. One shows Camilla’s immediate reaction to the event, while the other jumps seven years ahead where she faces heartbreak hidden truths, and complicated feelings for Niall, a hostage negotiator still haunted by what happened that day.
McAllister’s storytelling stands out, as it moves with a slow and steady build that matches the heavy emotions in The Drowning Woman. Switching between Camilla and Niall makes the story flow in an interesting way, as every chapter adds another layer of mystery or surprise. The mood feels tense at the start, with Camilla’s scepticism running up against the harsh truth of Luke’s choices, bringing to mind the unsettling feel of None of This Is True. Camilla's role as a literary agent ties her love of books to who she is, which gives the thriller a fresh angle. The fact that she views her chaotic life through her passion for stories makes her easy to connect with. The focus on her bookish nature makes the novel shine, rooting the tension in a love of storytelling that seems to acknowledge the audience.
Famous Last Words fits well into the growth of psychological thrillers, blending deep personal betrayals with larger conspiracies. It mirrors how The Family Experiment examines families facing intense pressure. McAllister does a great job creating realistic characters. Niall shows subtle guilt, and Camilla shows strong loyalty, making the twists more gripping. The writing felt clear and vivid, and it drew me into Camilla’s unravelling story without feeling dramatic.
The only downside is the way the plot handles its twists. While the layers of mystery are absorbing, the story leans too much on keeping secrets in its dual timelines. Sometimes, this makes the suspense feel less gripping and somewhat frustrating. Also, some side stories, like the ones about Camilla's coworkers, feel a bit rushed when compared to how the main story develops so well. But these are just minor bumps in an otherwise strong narrative.
For readers who love emotional complexity or the relentless tension, Famous Last Words is a straightforward pick. It’s a great choice to experience suspense that dives deep into human relationships and makes us rethink how well we know our loved ones.
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