Wow J.D. Barker has done it again. This book gripped me from the very start and held my attention throughout. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.

I've only read one other JD Barker book which was Dracul and I loved it. Solid 5 stars. Unfortunately A Callers Game was not for me. There were so many I consistenties in the story and the characters were awful. I don't have to like characters in a book to enjoy it but I really didn't care what happened to anyone in this.
I do have another of this authors books to read and it certainly hasn't put me off.

He's only gone and done it again! J D Barker I can not get enough of you. What an explosive plot. Decisions to be made, but at what cost? Revenge is on the agenda who will survive?

Every now and then a book comes along that completely holds the reader’s attention with so much breakneck action that it feels like watching a movie, a movie in your head. A Caller’s Game by J.D. Barker is that book. What a ride! Jordan Briggs has a popular satellite radio show and her career has soared at the expense of most of her personal relationships. Her talk show garners millions of listeners until a caller offers to play a game over the air and she agrees, anything to increase her numbers. She does not know that this man’s past has a direct link to her past. The game soon turns deadly when she realizes that she inadvertently ruined this man’s life many years ago. The ball is in her court when the caller makes her responsible for many lives by presenting her with choices, terrible choices. The suspense escalates with the turning of each page and you may find yourself holding your breath. This thriller will satisfy most readers who are looking for an action-packed, high-octane mystery. I can’t wait to read another J. D. Barker novel. Highly recommended. Thank you to Hampton Creek Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I always know when I pick up a J.D. Barker book that I'm in for a good time, and A Caller's Game was no exception. This was a pure, non-stop action, thrill ride from start to finish, and it would absolutely make an excellent movie or limited series on Netflix.

Like the title says, it's all about a game: a live, on the air phone call, made to mega talk show radio star Jordan Briggs' show isn't just a little game the caller is playing of pick this one or that one like she thinks. It's a deadly, explosive game where all of Jordan's answers and choices have consequences--no matter what she says, no matter who she chooses, or even if she refuses to play, people are going to die in horrific ways,

But Jordan's not the only one playing with Bernie, the caller, trying to get him to stop or at least figure out who he really is and why he's picked her to play out this game. The story alternates with other characters, especially Cole, an NYPD detective, who is determined to find Bernie and save the day-he's kind of like Bruce Willis' character in Die Hard, which is the best comparison I can think of to this book.

I hated Jordan, I admit it. Cole and Jordan's 11-year-old daughter Charlotte are probably the only characters in the book that I like although Barker definitely has a way of writing that makes you feel for the villain and empathize with his actions. But the plot was just superb although if any other author but Barker (or probably John Marrs) had written a book this action-packed and full of back-to-back explosive scenes, I might have skipped it because that's not my typical read-thrillers and suspense, yes, less high-octane though. However, Barker is just one author that never, ever disappoints, and I'll always grab one of his books as soon as I can get my hands on one. And I know that when I do, that it will be entertaining, well-written, and an unputdownable book.

Thank you, NetGalley, Hampton Creek Press, and J.D. Barker for a DRC. All opinions are my own.

Not since Scream has a phone call "game" been so frightening! From early in the book the action and explosions start, and they don't stop until the end. Although none of the characters are particularly likeable, they were well written and interesting. Jordan was a pretty big jerk from the beginning. It was interesting to see her change throughout the book. Charlotte was fantastic! Her smart, sassy attitude was hilarious. I wish I had been that cool when I was her age! I really enjoyed this book and definitely plan to read more by JD Barker in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker and Hampton Creek Press for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a big fan of Barker's previous novels and I was a bit concerned I wouldn't like this stand alone as much as the series before. But this one is super interesting and starts off with a bang! I couldn't believe how much action happens in this novel and just when I thought the novel had to be coming to the end, there was more and it was just as well planned as the beginning of the novel. There are a fair amount of twists and turns that make you wonder exactly who is in on this crime. I definitely enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend!

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.

When I read the premise, I was excited and I thought that this is going to be an amazing read. However, it wasn’t as great as I wished it would be.

Few pages into the book, I just felt that most of the events and incidents were a bit over the top and kind of hard to believe. In terms of the characters, apart from Cole, I did not like any of them. In fact, the main character, Jordan is just too obnoxious right till the end. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get myself to connect or like her.

The only thing that kept me reading further was thanks to the action involved. And I also curious to know the motive behind Bernie’s actions and how everything ties up at the end.

Thank You NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for this ARC!

I'm a little frustrated by this book. The Caller's Game is basically a non-stop action movie. (To be absolutely honest, it would make a great movie.) It starts on page one, grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the very last page. You can't put it down because you need to know what happens next. On the other hand, I found pretty much every character completely unlikeable. There were very few redeeming qualities to be found in anyone, but in the end, it actually didn't matter. This is quality escapism at its best. (Don't skip the author's note at the end -- it might have been my favorite part. Seriously.)

I'm grateful to NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for the opportunity to read A Caller's Game in return for my honest opinions.

A Caller’s Game by J.D. Barker is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Hampton Creek Press, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Jordan Briggs is the biggest thing in talk radio.  She's opinionated, she's controversial, she's a pain in the butt to her producers.  She doesn't care.  She says what she wants and doesn't spare anyone.   Her job has cost her a lot.  She hasn't spoken to her mother in 15 years, and she's now going through a divorce.  Charlotte, her 11 year old daughter is her pride and joy.  Charlotte is just like her mother.

When a caller asks if she will play a game Jordan agrees.  When he gives her a choice between uber drivers and taxi drivers, she doesn't know that her choice will mean the deaths of many.  And so the game begins.  The choices that Jordan is continually asked to make are never easy, and all may result in someone's death, but she can't stop.

The caller also pulls another player into his game.  Cole is an NYPD detective, currently on traffic control because he messed around with the bosses daughter.

Between Jordan and Cole, they will have to figure out what this mad man wants, and why he picked Jordan to play his evil game.  But Jordan's past decisions are about to come front and center, and all live on air.


My Opinions:   
I love this author, and it is the ONLY reason I picked up this book.  The premise did not appeal to me.  I am not a fan of celebrities (any of them), and particularly dislike radio show hosts that are just out there to wind people up.  Needless to say, I did not like Jordan Briggs.  I did not like her daughter (she was too much like her mother), and there is nothing worse than an obnoxious know-it-all child.  So, the first quarter of the book....barely rated a star in my rather prejudiced opinion.  That's a long time in a long book to hate a character.  Too long.

However, then the chase was on, and I could barely turn the pages fast enough.

Character-wise, I'm not sure I would ever like Jordan, but I started to care for her daughter (and she had the best lines, although they didn't really endear me to her).  I felt more sorry for Bernie than I did for Jordan (and that's saying a lot).   I definitely loved both Billy and Cole from word go.  JD Baker is known for creating characters that are deep.  You either love them or hate them, but they have the depth to allow you to understand their motives for their actions.  Sometimes I misjudged the characters (as I am sure I was meant to), so that was fun when it turned out I was wrong.

The action in this book was non-stop, and the pace was fast.  Alternating between Jordan and Cole moved the story along faster.  The tension was palpable, and it continued right to the end.

Now, this was a long book (something else that this author is known for), and we could have probably done without Cole's side-story about his girlfriend, as well as some of the long dialog rants from Bernie, but in the end, it all worked!

Even with my total dislike of the main character (and her daughter), I would definitely recommend this book.  It was definitely an entertaining and exciting read......and I could easily see a movie adaptation.

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, 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.

Let's say you want a book that starts off with a punch. A Caller's Game is what you're looking far. It is pretty damn good. Super fast paced, lots of moving parts, lots of action, and a decent story. If you're a fan of action movies and you read a lot of "action books" (is that a thing), then, yeah, this might be for you.


I really enjoyed looking forward to bedtime (which is when I read most of my books) and getting my hands on my kindle to further this story. I wanted to know what the F was about to happen, who was in peril next, and so on. It's not a particularly gruesome book, though you could consider trigger warnings for violence and threats against children. But not a lot of gore to speak of (at least to me).


Really good story and before I knew it, it was over.


4/5 Stars

You (or I do) immediately get sucked into his novels and this one is no different. He is so good, his character literally gives me nightmares. Thankful to NetGalley for allowing me a copy of this title.

JD Barker’s new novel is a thrilling joyride that grips the reader from the very beginning and doesn’t let go until its exciting climax at the end. This was a very quick read as this book was truly unable to put down.

The plot is well constructed with enough twists and turns to keep the reader invested. Barker has pulled out all the stops to keep the story moving whilst giving a social commentary on the use of media and what chances they will take to ensure ratings are to the fore even if endangers the life of people around them. It also explores the judicial system of how sometimes people take the fall and how money and fame tends to make some people exempt.

This leads an interesting twist to this thriller and gives the reader a pause to think about the implications of this which I personally think adds an exciting angle and inner depth. The book adds more to the standard proceedings and adds something special which Barker has done with an excellent flair.

The characters are well done and interesting. They keep you holding on to rooting for them and even though the villain of the piece is truly deplorable, Barker gives the reasoning behind this, a total understanding. This is a very hard feat to accomplish considering the actions and innocent lives at stake. He has made a villain although with a displaced compass for revenge makes him human and sad. This is where Barker exceeds, he made him human with flaws and although his brilliance in villainy is truly there, you don’t root for him to succeed but you have an understanding on why he is doing what he does.

Overall, this is an excellent read that I very much enjoyed. Thought provoking, thrilling, page turning story that grips you from the very beginning and doesn’t let go until you put it down. The examination of the media world and the political stance it takes does not overshadow the book but gives you food for thought long after you put the book down. This is an excellent read and highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book to review!

Wow. What can I say? Barker knows how to write a good thriller, one that keeps you engaged, on your toes and wondering what happens next. By the end, I was stealing what time I could to finish it so I could find out what happened.

Jordan Briggs is a radio show host who receives a phone call on her show from a man who wants to play a game. That game proves deadly. The book goes back and forth between Jordan's perspective and Cole, a police officer. I think the switch is done well and blends together nicely.

I definitely recommend this book if you love thrillers!

A Caller's Game by J.D. Barker is one of those books that is pure entertainment from the first word. I've always wanted to read this author's works so I jumped at the chance when I saw his latest book on Netgalley. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.

This book follows our main character, Jordan Briggs. She's a radio personality with a not so glamorous life. It starts out as a normal morning on the radio until she gets a call in from a guy named Bernie. All Bernie wants to do is play a game, which quickly turns deadly.

Was this story realistic? No. What it entertaining? Absolutely. I read this book almost in one sitting. I could see it being a movie. I had to know what would happen next. There are also some twists and turns in the story. Overall, highly recommend if you are looking for an entertaining read. Overall, I gave this book 4 stars.

Where has this author been all my life? This book is so fast pace, so action packed. This needs to be a movie. It's like Die Hard on steroids.

The characters are absolutely brilliant. The main victim is not a very likeable person and she certainly was made to pay for a particularly disgusting stunt.

I can't recommend this book enough. I have to go now. I have to figure out the actors for the movie.

First of all, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Secondly, I literally jumped at the chance to read this book early. My introduction to Barker was The Fourth Monkey. I don’t remember why I chose it. It was probably a recommendation from a fellow Goodreads member but it wasn’t my preferred genre. I loved the book and have enjoyed the entire trilogy. Barker’s writing style is fluid. Dialogue is realistic and not forced. He doesn’t distract (bore) me with needless padding. He writes in different genres rather than miring himself in one and his writing style adjusts and differs accordingly. The 4MK books are action packed and succinct. They have an entirely different tone than Dracul or She Has A Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be which are both almost surreal and slower in style.

A Caller’s Game is nonstop action that doesn’t conclude until the end. I don’t think I really liked any of the characters except Charlotte (who I adored). I didn’t hate Jordan either. I just didn’t like her. This is usually an issue for me when I don’t like the villain or protagonist. It really didn’t affect me much in this story because there were people to root for even if I wasn't partial to Jordan’s personality. I enjoyed the first 60% of the story more than the last part. It was due to physical limitations within the story that cannot be explained without spoilers.

I stopped myself last night at 90% instead of finishing the book. I do this when I worry that the ending likely will keep me awake long after I have finished and I don’t want to go to work the next morning with bags under my eyes and an entirely too short fuse. She Has a Broken Thing left me contemplating once complete and The Fifth to Die angered me. Both then kept me awake until the wee hours. I got up a bit earlier this morning to finish the book. I liked the conclusion of this book so my fears were unwarranted. A Caller’s Game is probably my least favorite of Barker’s books. That is not a criticism of this story but more of praise for his other books. There are great scenes, an intriguing storyline, solid characters (even if you might not agree with their actions) and a solid ending. This is a easy 3.5-star novel in my opinion. I think it would be terrific made into a movie.

As a final comment – don’t skip the author’s note. Barker, like my favorite Stephen King, intimately speaks to the reader as if in a one-to-one conversation. The notes are also timely in relation to what’s going on in our world right now. These notes are what rounded my rating up to 4 stars.

“Being an author, it’s my job to […f]ind the crazy in the world, and throw a spotlight on it.” J.D. Barker (Author’s Note)

A Caller’s Game starts off right in the middle of events, in the midst of an almighty New York traffic jam that threatens to make Jordan Briggs late for work, and Overdrive with Jordan Briggs can hardly start without Jordan Briggs. It’s a very attention-grabbing start that couples with the alternating chapters narrated from police officer Cole’s POV to make for an unputdownable read.

The book provides a fascinating glimpse into call-in radio shows: the pace, the preparation, the pull of being on air and saying your piece for millions to hear. But when a caller that identifies himself as Bernie says he wants to play a game with Jordan, a series of violent events unfolds that arranges the seemingly ordinarily chaotic New York morning into a row of dominoes. One by one, the dominoes fall down, and the chain of events seems to start with Jordan. It seems like things said on the air are more than words: they lead to actions, and actions have consequences. Explosive consequences.

The story is full of twists and turns as we piece together the mistakes of the past that have led to the chaos of the present, and come to the question: can the bloody mayhem end with Jordan? The narrative unfolds in the course of a single day, as secrets are revealed, characters come together in unimaginable ways, and deeply rooted questions about morality and choices are explored.

This would make for an absolutely fantastic thriller/action movie if the project were delivered into the right hands.

A fast paced heart pounding story of revenge. I am not a fan of talk radio. Jordan is an excellent example of why. My husband is a big fan so if I ride in his vehicle I hear the lengths talk show hosts go to gain ratings. But is that really why Jordan has such strong views? The book is an amazing psychological thriller. As the story unfolds we find so many twists and turns. Who is her friend? Who can she trust? A fabulous story that had me read it in one sitting. I had to know why and it takes to the last few pages to know the answer.