Title: FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Author: GILLIAN MCALLISTER
ISBN: 9780241648049
Publisher: Penguin Fiction
Pages: 392
Source: Private Copy
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…
Official Summary
24 September 2026
This one turned out to be one of my favourite books by Gillian McAllister. This mystery thriller had me completely invested, and I was eager to uncover the truth and understand what had really happened.
Camilla’s life is turned upside down when her husband, Luke, takes three people hostage, kills two of them, and then disappears. What makes the situation even harder for Cam is that nothing about Luke had ever suggested he was capable of something like this. Suddenly, the man she thought she knew is at the centre of a horrific crime, and Cam is left trying to make sense of it all.
I particularly enjoyed how the author takes us through Cam’s emotions. Despite everything the police show her and everything that seems to point towards Luke’s guilt, she simply cannot convince herself that he is responsible. I really liked this part of the story because it made her feel very real. When the person you love is accused of something unimaginable, how do you reconcile the evidence with the person you thought you knew?
Cam was a brilliant character, and her emotions felt incredibly realistic. I also enjoyed how she kept her true feelings to herself and didn’t completely trust anyone with her doubts. Even seven years later, she is still struggling to let go of what happened, and the weight of those unanswered questions continues to follow her.
There were a few elements that I found a little predictable, which is what kept this one at a four-star rating for me. However, that did not stop me from being completely engrossed in the story. I was constantly questioning what was true, who could be trusted, and whether Cam was right to hold on to her doubts.
The emotional side of this story really stood out for me. It is not simply about a shocking crime and the search for answers; it is also about love, grief, trust, and what happens when the person you thought you knew becomes a complete mystery.
The unique premise, strong characters, and added emotional depth made this a memorable read for me. It is certainly one of my favourite McAllister books so far, and after enjoying this one so much, I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Also By Gillian McAllister
JUST ANOTHER MISSING PERSON
OLIVIA. 22 years old. Last seen on CCTV, entering a dead-end alley. And not coming back out again. Missing for one day and counting . . .
Julia is the detective heading up the case.
She knows what to expect. A desperate family, a ticking clock, and long hours away from her children.
But Julia has no idea how close to home it’s going to get.
Because her family’s safety depends on one thing: Julia must NOT find out what happened to Olivia – and must frame somebody else for her murder . . .
What would you do?
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Gillian McAllister has been writing for as long as she can remember. She graduated with an English degree before working as a lawyer. She lives in Birmingham, where she now writes full-time. She is the Sunday Times bestselling author of Everything But the Truth, Anything You Do Say, No Further Questions, The Evidence Against You, How To Disappear and the Richard & Judy Book Club pick That Night. She is also the creator and co-host of the popular Honest Authors podcast.
Thank you for visiting the blog to read my review, I really enjoyed this one. Which is your favourite McAllister book? Please leave a comment below. Until next time… Happy Reading!
