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Caller UnknownCaller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blog Post: When Values are Stretched to the Impossible
Title: A Texan Heatwave and a Moral Minefield: Reviewing 'Caller Unknown' by Gillian McAllister

I finally finished Caller Unknown, and what a ride it was! Gillian McAllister is a true master of suspense. Much like Daniel Hurst, she keeps her cards held tightly to her chest, only to play an ace or a joker exactly when you least expect it.

The Atmosphere
While I was dodging the cold winds here for a bit of hot May sun, I was breathing in the Texan air with these characters. You can feel the sun beating down on them; as they cook, you find yourself hungry for what they’re eating, all while waiting with bated breath for what lies ahead. It’s tense, gripping, and deeply dramatic.

The Heart of the Story
If you’re looking for gore or visceral violence, you won't find it here. Instead, you’ll find something much more haunting: Love.

The book asks the ultimate question: How far would you go if your child was ransomed? What would you do—and more importantly, what wouldn't you do—when your values and your senses are stretched to the breaking point?

A Personal Reflection
The story then turns the mirror on you and asks: If your mother needed your help, what would you do?

As a daughter and a carer, I already know that answer. It’s a road I’ve walked, and sadly, I have the tee shirt to prove it. That’s what makes McAllister’s writing so powerful—it taps into those real-world emotions that we carry with us every day.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A masterclass in suspense and the impossible choices we make for the people we love.

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