Hi all:
I bring you a book highly recommended for those who want a fix of action and something that will get their minds off current events. The complete opposite of a relaxing read.

A Caller’s Game by J.D. Barker
DIE HARD meets TALK RADIO in this heart-pounding, relentlessly fast-paced thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Fourth Monkey—master of suspense, J.D. Barker.
“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.
https://www.amazon.com/Callers-Game-J-D-Barker-ebook/dp/B08Q1TWS2M/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Callers-Game-J-D-Barker-ebook/dp/B08Q1TWS2M/
https://www.amazon.es/Callers-Game-J-D-Barker-ebook/dp/B08Q1TWS2M/

About the author:
J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and THE FOURTH MONKEY. His latest, A CALLER’S GAME, released February 22. He is currently collaborating with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.
https://www.amazon.com/J-D-Barker/e/B005FCUYU4/
My review:
Thanks to NetGalley and to Hampton Creek Press for providing me an ARC copy of this novel, which I freely chose to review.
I read and enjoyed J.D. Barker’s The Fourth Monkey a few years back (you can check my review here), and I was aware he had published quite a few books since but hadn’t managed to catch up and read any others. When I saw he had a new novel out, and especially when I read that one of the protagonists was a radio talk show host (satellite radio, but radio nonetheless), I had to get it. You see, I love radio, and I have been a collaborator of a couple of local radio stations for the last few years, so I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by.
Die Hard meets Talk Radio pretty much captures the mood of this novel, with the beginning being more akin to Talk Radio, and the ending diving head-first into Die Hard mood, particularly when it comes to action and thrills. While I was reading it, though, I couldn’t help but think of Phone Booth, a 2003 Joel Schumacher thriller that I remember going to watch and leaving the cinema shaking my head. Great sense of tension and rhythm but… Much ado about nothing. I felt the premise behind the whole thing was over the top and rather ludicrous, although, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t intended as a social commentary or a moral treatise, and as entertainment, especially if you didn’t stop to think too hard, it worked. In this novel, the reason behind the macabre game being played (I won’t go into details, evidently, but let me say it’s pretty extreme at all levels) is not as minor, superficial, and random as it was in that movie, but it felt like a revenge fantasy taken to the extreme. Although, as the author says in his (rather) masterful note at the end:
I’ve been told I write literary popcorn, and I’m fine with that. I always have been. When you read one of my books, you’re never going to find some deep-seated social message or moral code…. I literally get paid to make shit up. Do you really want to take advice from me?
Threats, non-stop action, characters being forced to make impossible decisions, chickens coming home to roost, people of doubtful morality and others as heroic as Captain America (minus shield and costume, because Cole, the police detective, isn’t even wearing a uniform for most of the novel), right-wing militias, extreme political views, the power of media, grief and loss, corruption and professionalism, crime and punishment, the justice system, sense of guilt and responsibility, family ties… All of these feature, in one way or another, in this story; and I suspect most readers will wonder what they would do if they found themselves in a similar situation to that of Jordan, the radio host, unlikely as that might be. I suspect none of us know for certain what we would do and how far we’d get, but that is what makes it a compelling read.
A number of reviews complain that the main characters are not very likeable. Well, Cole, the detective, is, although we know very little about him, other than he’s been demoted to traffic (but not for doing something bad. And no, I’m not telling either). But Jordan is fast-talking, witty, sharp-tongued, at times quite bitchy, self-obsessed, and other than her daughter Charlotte, her ex-husband, Nick, and some of her radio collaborators (especially Billy), her circle of close people seems to be pretty small, and she hasn’t seen her mother in years. I quite like these kinds of characters, at least in books, and I thought I would probably listen to her radio programme but wouldn’t want her as a friend. Too many hard-edges, although fun to listen to. We get to know her a bit over the period of hours the story lasts (there is a clock counting down from the very first page, and you’d be right if you assume things get more frantic as we come close to zero), but this is not a story that dwells inside of characters’ minds, and if I had commented in my review of his first novel that I missed a deeper psychological insight, there isn’t much of that here either, although that is not the point. Some of the readers found Charlotte, the 11 y. o. girl, annoying, as she is very much a mini-me version of her mother, but I found her amusing, and she was one of my favourite characters. We don’t know much about the rest of the characters, although some keep secrets and surprises well-hidden, and Bernie, the baddie… looms big behind everything but he remains rather unknowable. Personally, I think that is as it should be, and we can all make our own minds up about him.
The story is told in the third-person, alternating chapters from Jordan’s point of view with those from Cole’s viewpoint. This helps keep the momentum and the tension up, and also allows us to see both sides of the situation: one, that of an interested party who is deep in the thick of it and for whom the whole matter is deeply personal; the other, an observer who gets involved out of professionalism and a sense of duty. The language flows well, the dialogue and Jordan’s repartee on the radio (especially at the beginning) sizzle and spark, and the prose increases its tempo as the action comes to a head. It’s not a story for those who like a leisurely and contemplative reading experience but it will suit people looking for excitement and a gripping read.
What about the ending? Well, I’m still thinking about it. It is satisfying on many levels (not a happy ending per se, but with happy elements): some characters grow up, come to realise that actions have consequences and that they need to rethink their priorities; others get their own version of a happy ending; and there are also new beginnings and hope for other characters. Holding onto the suspension of disbelief becomes more difficult as the novel progresses and as things get harder and harder for all the characters, good and bad (however we define that). Like in those horror movies where the monster/serial-killer refuses to die, there’s always one more twist awaiting us. I’m sure if I stop to think about it for too long it won’t make a lot of sense, but it more than fulfils its role as literary popcorn, and it does it pretty well.
I recommend it to people who love action movies, action novels, and a thrills-filled read, and who are not after a deeply intellectual exercise or a book full of hard-hitting psychological truths. I particularly enjoyed the setting at a radio station and the real-time feel of it. If you’re looking for something to take your mind off current news, which will keep you turning the pages, and enjoy non-stop action, I definitely recommend it. And don’t forget to read the author’s note.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the novel, thanks to all of you for reading, and remember to stay safe, and to keep reading, writing, sharing, commenting, and especially, to keep smiling.
Wow, it sounds like a nail-biter! It’d make an AWESOME movie! Great review, Olga.:-)
Thanks, Priscilla. I kept thinking about the movie in my head as I read the novel, so I’m sure you’re right. Very juicy roles for several actors as well. Stay well!
Have you seen the film ‘Talk Radio’? I though Eric Bogosian was outstanding in that film, and believe it to be sadly underated. Bogosian co-wrote the play on which the film is based, and the script is electric. If this book is anything like that, then it would definitely interest me, Olga.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete. Yes, I watched it, although a long while ago, although it made quite an impression. The beginning of the book brought the film to mind (I haven’t read the play, but I assume the adaptation must be very close to it). It later becomes more Die Hard, but I think it would grab you, especially if you know what to expect. Stay safe, my friend, and sorry about the ongoing issues with the blog. Let’s hope I manage to fix them before I decide to quit it altogether. 😉
Sounds like an exciting read, Olga! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Mark. It is! Stay safe!
Looks like a great read Olga.. thanks for the review..hugsx
Thanks, Sally. It is gripping, entertaining, and it doesn’t leave you a second to think of anything else, so it’s good if you don’t want to think too much about other things. Thanks for sharing it as well.
Always on the look out for a good thriller Olga..hugsx
I’m always a thriller reader. Having read another one of the author’s novels, I’d say he’s a pretty safe bet. Stay safe! ♥
Thanks Olga and you too..hugs ♥
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[…] Head over to read Olga’s review for this exciting thriller: A Caller’s Game by J.D. Barker (@jdbarker) Highly satisfying literary popcorn for fans of non-sto… […]
Great review, Olga. Thriller readers will love the book. Detective doesn’t have to be likable – it is a distraction 😉
Stay safe you too X
Thanks, Inese. Yes, it’s difficult not to get pulled into the action, and the almost real-time feel of the story helps increase the tension. I know what you mean about the likeability of the detective. Sometimes that’s one of the problems I have with cozy mysteries, that the investigation takes a backseat and most of the story is about the detective and her or his adventures.
Have a great Easter and stay safe.
It is what I think too:)
Great author, I have read one of his books in the past – The Fourth Monkey. I think it was your advice I followed, which I always do:)
Have a lovely Easter you too, Olga.
Thanks, Inese. Yes, The Fourth Monkey was quite a read. He’s not one for boring or slow stories, that’s for sure. Have a nice break. ♥
Thank you <3
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Thanks for the introduction to what seems a very intriguing book Olga. Glad I caught this one. I know I’m missing lots <3
Dear Debby, I know how busy you are. It’s good to know you can manage to take a short break from time to time. Stay safe, stay strong, all the best to your husband and hugs to you. ♥
Thank you Olga. I enjoy my tiny stolen moments. <3
I’m sure you do. Big hugs and best wishes. ♥
Sounds wonderful, anything crime and thriller pricks my ears up – good luck.
Fab review, sounds wonderful. I love anything thriller/crime/mystery. Good Luck x
Thanks, Jane. Sorry, the blog is a bit slow to show comments these days. I am also a fan of thrillers/crime and mystery novels. I love other genres as well but seem to read many more on those. This one has plenty of action. Stay safe and happy Easter.
A full and frank review, Olga! You always write fair and honest reviews that I can trust.
Thanks, Alex. Reviews are subjective things, but I try to give enough details for people to make their own minds up. Have a great Easter and keep safe.
Olga, well done! You write the best reviews! Two years ago, I went to the Chanticleer Reviews Conference in beautiful Bellingham, Washington, and J.D. Barker was the Keynote speaker. He gave three talks during that weekend and one workshop. He is THE NICEST GUY! He availed himself to everyone there throughout the conference and was considerate, accessible, and utterly encouraging to every author there. I’ve read two of his books, and especially loved Dracul, which Bram Stoker’s family hired him to write. Seems the Stocker family gave J.D. Barker a never before seen manuscript to work from. It’s fantastic! So great to see your review!
Thanks, Claire, and lovely to get your first-hand experience of the author. Judging by his author’s note on this novel, he is very humble, and I felt moved by his words about his family and how he felt about COVID-19. Thanks for recommending Dracul. It was on my list for possible future purchase and read, but you’ve bumped it up. I hope you are well and enjoying Easter as much as we all can at the moment. Good luck with your projects and stay safe. ♥
Hi, Olga. I’m sorry I missed this, but glad to stumble upon it at LinkedIn. Thanks for this intriguing review. I usually require a happy ending for my reading, but there is food for thought here. Hugs on the wing!
Thanks, Teagan. It depends on your definition of happy, I guess. With it being an action novel, there are a lot of casualties along the way, for sure. It is not relaxing, but if you’re looking for something to keep your mind occupied, it does its work very well, and it has some pretty interesting characters. Stay safe, dear Teagan.