Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

Hello everyone. I hope you're having a great day.

My small hometown in upstate New York has several claims to fame.  One was a world class cartoonist.  I'm talking about someone in national newspapers for decades.  I remember discussing this with my husband when we first went to NY.  He was impressed.  His family is very art intense.  Rich with talent they can draw and paint.  My father-in-law had private showings and taught art at the college level. My sister-in-law paints like a master.  We are fortunate to have several of her paintings in our house.  My husband can draw with ease.  As you can imagine he is my secret weapon when we play Pictionary with my sisters. I can draw, a circle, maybe...if I trace something round.  A straight line would be considered super artistic for my level of talent.  Or should I say I possess anti-talent? Shortly after we started dating my husband would send me letters or leave me little notes with Message Man on them. Despite hubby's advanced artistic nature, the stick figure with a pointing hand, pointing to the message...has stuck.  Being sometimes overly sentimental, I have many of the notes saved...Message Man and all.

I recently read Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister. To be completely transparent, this author and book were not even on my radar.  It was actually my Book of the Month choice, which is where I've learned of numerous authors I now adore. This suspenseful thriller is about a young family, Luke, Camilla (Cam) and their infant daughter, Polly.  Cam is getting ready for her first day back at work after maternity leave.  She loves her job as a literary agent, as reading is her escape from the troubles of the real world. As she gets ready, Cam discovers Luke (an author) has already left the house and left a kind of disturbing cryptic note. After Cam arrives at work there is a crowd around a TV.  There is a local hostage situation.  A man is holding three people at gun point in a warehouse. Fear washes over Cam as she sees police entering the agency's door.  Instantly filled with fear, Cam is certain they are coming to tell her something bad but cannot comprehend what is happening when they inform her that her husband, Luke, is the gunman holding the hostages.

Do yourself a favor, don't read this unless you can devote time to finish it.  This book starts off with an intensity not often seen, with very little set up.  The chapters are short, often urging you to read to answer a question just raised. Pages fly by.  You'll finish this book before you know it.  The pacing is quick but still allows time for the story to fully develop.  There are endearing side characters. Lilly, Cam's sister is struggling with infertility, and Niall, the hostage negotiator who as a workaholic forgets his wife's birthday spurring their separation. Lots of suspense and enjoyable reading here. If you are tired to thrillers with the mysterious next-door neighbor, this is the book for you. Very fun.