Apparently I never hit “publish” on this post before the end of the month and just saved it as a draft. Oops! Better late than never to get this shared.
A CALLER’S GAME – J.D. Barker (Released February 21st, 2021)
Here’s the synopsis:
“I’m going to offer you a choice.”
Controversial satellite radio talk show host, Jordan Briggs, has clawed her way to the top of the broadcast world. She doesn’t hold back, doesn’t spare feelings, and has no trouble sharing what’s on her mind. Her rigorous pursuit of success has come at a price, though. Her marriage is in ruins, she hasn’t spoken to her mother in years, and she’s distanced herself from all those close to her. If not for her young daughter, Charlotte, her personal life would be in complete shambles.
When a subdued man calls into the show and asks to play a game, she sees it as nothing more than a way to kick-start the morning, breathe life into the beginnings of drive-time for her listeners. Against her producer’s advice, she agrees, and unwittingly opens a door to the past.
Live on the air with an audience of millions, what starts out as a game quickly turns deadly—events long thought buried resurface and Jordan Briggs is forced to reconcile with one simple fact—All decisions have consequences.
Chandra’s Thoughts: 5/5 stars
Yesssssssssssssssssssss. J.D. Barker has done it again. I LOVE the 4MK trilogy (well, final book in that trilogy, I promise I’m coming for you!) and thoroughly enjoyed She Has A Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be. If you’ve read Barker before then you know his books are girthy.. but they are worth every single word.
A CALLER’S GAME jumps from the very beginning. It is legitimately hard to put this book down. The short chapters and continuous action keeps you nose deep within the pages. I don’t know how many times my eyes widened and I would say, out loud, “WHAT?!” Jordan is a very interesting character – a radio talk show host who holds nothing back, doesn’t treat people the way that she probably should but will do anything for the one person she does truly care about… her daughter, Charlotte. And Charlotte most definitely is my favorite character. A precocious pre-teen with a lot of attitude that you can’t help but smile at. Cole is the character you root for and Bernie… well, he’s maniacal… and yet I really enjoyed his character and my heart still went out to him regardless of the actions he took here. I will say that I wish the ending had gone in a very slightly different direction but.. no spoilers here! 😉
Honestly y’all, go get this book, grab your favorite adult beverage and a snack because once you start, you’re going to be sitting with this for hours. And I love the variety he’s giving us – from a slightly slower paced but addicting trilogy to a horror/suspense/fantasy novel and now this action packed from start to end brilliance. He’s the king of suspense in my opinion. Fight me. 😏
Also, don’t forget to read the Author’s Note at the end. Here’s to stopping the What If’s and really considering what is most important to you. It shouldn’t take a horrible event for you to realize where your energy should be spent.
My Thoughts: 5/5 stars
I have yet to be disappointed by a book by JD Barker. His 4MK series is really slow burning and intense, DRACUL is foreboding and atmospheric and here we have an insane action packed thriller in A CALLER’S GAME. Let me tell you, this is the definition of a binge read. The short chapters are addicting and the action just never stops.
While the ending wasn’t my favorite, I was entertained from start to finish and that really says something. Zero lulls, never did I find myself losing interest. Just a solid thriller with some great characters – my personal favorite being Charlotte. I also couldn’t guess how it was going to end, which another win with this genre. Nothing predictable!
The variety we get from Barker is amazing and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next. I also recommend that you read the Author’s Note as well – just always good to read those when they’re available. You won’t regret adding this to your TBR.
Jessicamap Reviews 
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