Don't Answer the Phone

by Miranda Rijks

She’s the woman of his dreams. He’s the monster from her nightmares.

When Daniella rescues elderly Peggy from a mugger on a Boston street, she expects nothing in return. But then she meets Peggy's son, Lucas—devastatingly handsome and utterly captivating. Unlike her distant husband Grant, Lucas sees her. Wants her.

Daniella can’t resist and they spend one reckless night together which she immediately regrets.

Too late, because Lucas doesn't just want Daniella. He needs her. And he's willing to destroy everything—and everyone—standing in his way.

Lucas plays the long game, worming his way into Daniella's life—befriending Grant, charming her twin daughters, inveigling his way into her family. Every time she turns around, he seems to be there.

As the depths of his obsession become clear, Daniella realizes she’s in a fight for her life. Because the family she tried to help is hiding something dark. Something deadly.

And she's already in too deep to escape.

Genres: Thriller

276 pages, ebook

First published March 8, 2026

About the author

Miranda Rijks is the author of 26 psychological thrillers, many of which have been Amazon bestsellers. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.

Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.

Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!

Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gripped me from the prologue and never let go! Right from the start the tension with thick and I knew I was in for a wild ride. It also immediately jumped through what appears to be a different timeline so there’s that lingering feeling of what and who that prologue was about!

The story follows Daniella as her life begins to unravel after saving her elderly neighbor Peggy from a mugger, which led her son Lucas to show up and stop at nothing to convince Daniella how grateful he is. Some of the characters that I did not like in the beginning grew on me and some that I thought were very charming ended up being my most unliked characters.

I really enjoyed the dual POVs between Daniella, Lucas, and Peggy. Seeing the story unfold from multiple perspectives added depth and kept the suspense going up as the different threads slowly started to connect.

Overall, this was a great read and Miranda Rijks does a fantastic job of creating characters that keep you guessing. This was my 5th read by her and I have enjoyed them all!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miranda Rijks books are always fast moving and intense. I would have read this in one sitting if I hadn’t been so tired, it had me hooked. Full of twists and a psychopath who is terrifying, this book really is tough to put down.

Looks can be deceiving, and Daniella finds this out quickly. After rescuing an elderly neighbour from being mugged on the streets of Boston, she meets the son who is devastatingly handsome. This begins the nightmare that is Lucas and his obsession with her and breaking up her family. He will stop at nothing to get her, with deadly consequences.

I was on edge for so much of this book, wondering just what Lucas would do next. I felt sorry for Daniella, she tried so hard to rebuff him without much luck. An awful situation to be in, with a man who won’t take no for an answer.

Thanks so much to Miranda for my early copy of this book to read. It comes out on March 8th.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you say psychopath with a capital P? This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. Miranda Rijks is a fave author of mine and I don’t even have to read what it’s about, I know it will be a great thriller. This was fast paced and addicting! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

PS Can we talk about how cute this pink telephone is on the cover???? I have a pink phone very similar to this that belonged to my 95 year old mother-in-law and I want to send a picture to Miranda!! 📞

[Jannelies · Rating 2 out of 5]

I needed something light to read so I turned to the latest title from Miranda Rijks. Usually I quite like her books but sadly this one left me a bit disappointed. My main problem is that the characters, especially Daniella and Lucas, read more like caricatures than real characters. And I found all other characters lacking in depth. I also still don't understand what the phone calls had to do with the story.

Well, not a big problem because the story had its moments, and next time better!

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

​Chilling, Claustrophobic and Captivating!
Miranda Rijks has crafted a brilliant illustration of obsession and betrayal. When Danielle performs a simple act of kindness for an elderly neighbour, she has no idea she’s inviting a predator into her life.
The neighbour’s handsome son doesn't just offer friendship; he orchestrates a devastating mistake that threatens to ruin Danielle’s entire world. ​
The tension is claustrophobic, building with every chapter as his fixation turns into a relentless campaign of terror.
As Danielle’s business and family life fracture under the pressure, I was gripped by her desperate struggle to escape.
With an ending tied up as neatly as a bunch of silk sunflowers, this is a dark, expertly woven must-read for thriller fans.
My thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of this author, then get ready for the ride of your life!

Daniella rescues elderly Peggy from a mugger and meets her son, Lucas, who is strikingly handsome and charming. After a reckless night together, Daniella regrets her decision, but Lucas becomes obsessively determined to win her over, infiltrating her life and family. As his obsession intensifies, Daniella discovers that Peggy's family harbors dark secrets. Realizing she’s in a dangerous situation, she fights to escape Lucas's increasing control over her life.

The story unfolds through several points of view, including Daniella, Lucas, and Peggy, allowing you to connect with each character in real time. You’ll likely find yourself drawn to your favorites. Daniella is a relatable character who faces everyday struggles; Peggy is the beloved grandma we all know, with her quirks; and Lucas is probably that person in your life who seems to be lurking, watching you live your day-to-day. I found myself completely engrossed in this story—it was darker than I had anticipated. Let’s not overlook Bippie! I have a soft spot for dog characters who show up in the stories I read, and I really hope no one harms them. At least it’s great to see a happy ending for one character!

The events and behaviors were so vividly depicted that I could easily picture the challenges poor Daniella faced and the twisted mind of a stalker. And Peggy? She raised a real piece of work, but trust me, no spoilers here! It was hard to put this book down, especially as everything unraveled towards the end—let me tell you, it got extremely unhinged! The twists and final reveals were all surprises I never saw coming. Miranda is improving with each book she writes. The layers of lies and deception kept me hooked, like a book junkie craving their next fix. Kudos to her for that!

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a gripping, dark read filled with complex characters—some you'll find yourself liking, while others you might want to steer clear of. If obsession, violence, and deep-rooted family trauma don’t scare you away, this story will grab your attention. There’s a saying in my country: “Pro dobrotu na zebrotu,” which loosely translates to “No good deed goes unpunished.” So, the next time you help someone, keep your guard up and weigh your options carefully, as that seemingly simple moment could change your life forever. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll block a random old lady’s number that I helped—just to be safe! Ha!

Thank you, Inkubator Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tina A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Attraction vibes are bleeding out of Miranda Rijks latest release, Don’t Answer the Phone! With unhinged behavior during a relentless pursuit of a married woman, Lucas systematically infiltrates the lives of Daniella and her husband, Grant, and their twin daughters. Lives will be destroyed as the body count rises- guaranteed!

The fractured mind of Lucas’s obsession was so unbelievably off the rails—and wildly entertaining—I could NOT put this down! Definitely my favorite book by Miranda Rijks, thus far.

Easy 5 stars!

***I received an advance reader copy from Inkubator Books via NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.***

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Daniella meets Peggy and Lucas, she doesn’t know this will be the start of a nightmare, a battle for her life and the ones she loves.

The suspense is build up brilliantly, I was literally on the edge of my seat while reading this book.

I would recommend it to people who like a psychological thriller with emotional depth!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks)]

Dont Answer The Phone is like your favorite dessert, easy to devour. This one hookedme at the start. 

Daniella's marriage needs some work so she finds herself drawn to Lucas, an incredibly handsome man. 

Let's just say this grass is not always greener. What does one do when a psychopath becomes obsessed with you? You'll just have to read it to find out!

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed. I think all my reviews for Miranda’s books start like that but this book was brilliant.

I flew through this in 24hrs, I couldn't put it down. There were so many twists, loved Daniella's character, she was very empowering.

Miranda is an instant read author for me and i am so excited to read what is next. I'd love to know where she gets her ideas from 🤣.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Monika Armet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniella Morris is a middle-aged woman running a small but successful faux floristry business in Boston. She has been married to Grant for more than two decades, and together, they have twin daughters, Arlysa and Tasia.

As the twins are preparing to leave the nest, Daniella is dreading letting her beloved children go. She also feels lonely in her marriage.

One day, Daniella prevents an elderly lady, Peggy, from being robbed. At Peggy’s request, she accompanies her to the hospital, where she meets Lucas, Peggy’s very handsome son.

Sparks fly between Daniella and Lucas, and they spend a night together. Something that Daniella immediately regrets.

However, Lucas will not let her go that easily…

I really enjoyed this tense thriller! I read the book in a couple of sittings.

Lucas’s erratic behaviour has chilled me to the bone. As the book progressed, his actions worsened.

At the start, I didn’t have much sympathy for Daniella, as she had everything a lot of people want in their lives: a loving husband, two great daughters, a business, and a house. However, as Lucas became more deranged, I ended up feeling sorry for her. We all make mistakes, and it was clear that Daniella has regretted hers.

Be prepared for some delicious twists along the way, especially towards the end!

[NK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swept up in the green eyes of a handsome and intoxicating stranger, an unsatisfied wife must escape the crosshairs of his fixation and fight for her life.

*SPOILERS*

Daniella Morris is a loving and devoted spouse, and she encourages her emotionally distant husband to attend couples counselling in the hopes that they can reignite the intimacy in their marriage. When she rescues an older lady, Peggy Denman, from a mugging in their otherwise peaceful neighbourhood and misses their first counselling session, Daniella catches the attention of Peggy’s son, Lucas, and the attraction is mutual and intense. Daniella finds herself daydreaming of Lucas with a passion that is sorely lacking at home. It doesn’t take long before his dazzling smile and easy demeanour seduce her into an encounter that she quickly regrets. Told from three points of view, Daniella’s guilt about this fleeting affair starts to consume her, while Lucas descends into the throes of obsession. He eventually makes a choice: if Daniella continues to deny their unmistakable connection, he will have to show her that only he can love her the way she deserves.

The prologue and the gradual relationship development set the tone for dark suspense, but the book contains some inconsistencies in character and narration. It culminates in an ending that feels hollow compared to what was assured by the strong build-up.

Minor narrative conflicts weaken the intensity of this promising story of obsession.

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a tense, addictive read.

The premise hooked me immediately — one small act of kindness leads Daniella into the orbit of Lucas, a man who quickly proves far more dangerous than she first realises. What starts as an uncomfortable situation slowly escalates into something far darker, and watching Lucas quietly weave himself into Daniella’s life was genuinely unsettling.

Miranda Rijks does a great job building that creeping sense of dread. Lucas is one of those villains who hides behind charm and politeness, which somehow makes him even more disturbing. The way he gradually embeds himself into Daniella’s family and social world had me constantly waiting for the next move.

The pacing is quick with short chapters that make it easy to fly through, and I found myself increasingly invested as the tension ramped up.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers about obsession, manipulation and the consequences of one impulsive decision, this is a very bingeable read.

[Jill McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Answer the Phone by Miranda Rijks is a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages. The premise is unsettling and immediately pulls you in, and has an underlying sense of dread that builds steadily throughout the story. Rijks does a great job creating an atmosphere where you constantly feel on edge, questioning motives and wondering who can be trusted.
The story moves quickly and is full of twists that kept things interesting, even when I thought I had it figured out. Some moments felt a bit predictable, and there were a few parts where I wanted a little more depth from the characters, but overall the suspense more than made up for it.
If you’re looking for a gripping, easy-to-read thriller with plenty of tension and surprises, this one delivers. It’s not perfect, but it’s an entertaining and solid read that earns a strong 4 stars.

[Kimmy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

After 20 years of marriage, Daniella and her husband Grant find things getting a bit stale. Enter: Lucas, the son of the elderly woman Daniella rescues after a mugging: sparks fly, one thing leads to another, and soon Lucas is obsessed, and will stop at nothing to realise his dream of marrying Daniella, once all the pesky barriers are out of the way.
Personally I found One Little Mistake by this author a better read - pretty much with the exception of Bippie the dog, I didn’t much care for any of them (heads up: nothing happens to the dog). However it trots along at a good pace, and even though you guess how it may work out, a few things may surprise you. With thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the preview copy.

[hannah eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thoughts about this book are complicated, to say the least. It was a solid thriller, but I had a few issues with it:

1) The premise:
I feel like the title and blurb are slightly misleading, because the phone-storyline just wasn’t important to the main plot. It's referenced in the first chapter (which I LOVED), but then it kind of gets pushed to the side. I would have loved for the phone theme/the Denmans’ backstory to be more relevant to the story.

2) Pacing:
Now, this is entirely subjective, but I felt like the middle part of the book dragged on for way too long, whereas the ending almost seemed a bit rushed.

3) Lesley:
I’m just not sure what Lesley and Daniella’s friendship struggles (and Matt’s character in general) really added to the plot. Matt causing problems can’t have been a red herring, since it was already obvious who the “bad guy” was, so… why was it such a big thing?

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Miranda Rijks for this opportunity.

[Eli Sab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever met someone and you’re immediately drawn towards them in ways you can’t explain? Then, amid the admiration, you see cracks and the peeling of layers. Shortly after, you realize it’s a mask and something sinister is lurking behind it. TERRIFYING. The thing that separates us from animals is the very thing that will aid in our self-destruction, moreso in humanity as a whole by preying on the weak and vulnerable.

It took me a good while to read this because Lucas makes me so uncomfortable and Daniela annoys the living daylights off of me by being lured into every trap! Yet, it’s also what I appreciated of her character. She’s so REAL, I’d wager it’d what anyone would probably do in her situation. While the story did get a little cliche, I did like the mystery. I mean, human behavior isn’t a yes or no situation. One answer can present a multitude of questions.

One thing that struck me with the author’s writing is that it’s very descriptive. I only realized it’s impact when I had vivid visions of what I was reading and so every scenario just became utterly terrifying. Lastly, I recommend this to couples who have been living together for more than a decade. It’d be interesting to know their take on this story.

[Tiffany Schulz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC of this novel “Don’t Answer the Phone”, we have a married woman who is a bit bored with the time in her life, having some life changes and pending empty nest. She feels disconnected from her husband, which allows for her to get wrapped up in a whirlwind romance with the worse kind of man.
Seemingly “perfect” we meet Lucas, who slowly shows his true colors throughout the book. We watch in disgust as he is an abuser, liar, killer and plain awful.
This story gives you thoughts on how the grass is usually never greener on the other side and how we all need to be a bit more thankful for the life we have, rather than seek excitement or something new elsewhere.
Many different aspects of how life can seem to be handing you the perfect thing, only to be really a disaster in disguise are shown in this story.
A real “ick” factor as you see the characters get wrapped up, fall for lies, and then cannot pull themselves back to good. Makes you a bit more appreciative to simply stay in your lane!

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Queen of Psychological Thrillers returns!! With her most creepiest and shock worthy book yet! The story is excellent and the concept was very strong. It's was a pleasure to read this book. The cover is excellent. A pink receiver for an old school landline phone and a few wee drops of blood. It was a brilliant design. The writing is fantastic and flows really well. The book is written from three points of view - Daniella, Lucas and Peggy. This worked incredibly well. The book is set in Boston, Massachusetts. I liked this. It's definitely a place I would like to visit!! The real life setting was perfect for the genre. The characters were brilliant and so well developed. I loved the dynamics that Daniella, Lucas and Peggy all had with each other. It was superbly done!!! I definitely recommend this and all of Miranda's other books! I look forward to more from Miranda in the future!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas is handsome and charming. He’s a man that knows what he wants and he wants Daniella. He doesn’t care that she’s married and has children. That’s just a small inconvenience. He knows that he and Daniella are meant to be. He knows exactly the kind of life they will have together if he can just get her fully on board. He will do whatever it takes to make her his. Miranda Rijks has written a story that had me turning the pages as fast as I could. With short chapters and a twisty plot, Don’t Answer the Phone is a great thriller that publishes 03/08/26. Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the digital arc.

[Nanoi Bocquaert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really gave me Freida McFadden vibes. It starts with a prologue that really draws you into the story, then you follow the main characters. I really enjoyed the fact that there were quite a few POVs, so you always saw a different side of the story. There are also quite a few unexpected twists. I really enjoyed this book and found it very easy to read, especially because of all the twists and turns, which made you want to keep reading.

[Kelliann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A creepy, page-turning thriller that pulls you in from the first page. The story follows a woman whose reckless choice puts her – and her family – in serious danger.

I didn’t fully connect with every plot twist and wanted a bit more from the ending, but it was still a fun, tense read.

Perfect for fans of fast-paced, addictive thrillers like Freida McFadden.

[Simone Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of books by this author before but I was intrigued by the premise of her latest novel, Don’t Answer the Phone, publishing on 8th March. The cover is quite eye catching and fits with the title.

Daniella and her husband Grant seem to have the perfect life. A beautiful house in Boston and twin daughters. When Daniella helps an elderly lady who has been mugged nearby, she’s immediately attracted to her son, Lucas. Little does she know the chaos that will ensue when she lets Lucas into her life as he’s not as charming and kind as he seems.

This is a readable book and I found myself wanting to find out what was going to happen. I didn’t particularly like Daniella’s character and sometimes I wondered why she made the decisions she did. Some parts were a bit predictable and towards the end it got a bit far fetched, but overall it’s a good enough read.

3.5 stars rounded to 3.

Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for my advance copy.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book you will want to read in one sitting because you won’t want to put it down. Daniella is unhappy in her marriage and finds a friend in a woman she helps. The woman’s son is very handsome and is everything she’s missing from her marriage. As Daniella and the woman become friends she has to decide what to do with her marriage

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After meeting Lucas, Daniella does one thing in the heat of the moment outside her moral code, and now she doesn't know how to escape the fallout. His mom, the sweetest older woman, was the connecting link when Daniella helped her escape a mugger. Because Lucas is quite the charmer, she didn't see it coming. She accepted his gratitude. She didn't plan on his obsession!

While the title is misleading, this is one of Miranda's darker books, and she goes there! Lucas is every character you love to hate. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes psychological thrillers!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance reader's copy!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wild right from the start. Lucas definitely but the psycho in this psychological thriller. I read 40% in one sitting because I was like there’s no way anything else could possibly happen. Wrong. I was wrong.

[Maddie Weeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Read for a book tour, below is my honest review**

This is the third book I’ve read from this author and whilst this one hasn’t been my favourite, I still enjoyed it!

Don’t Answer The Phone is a tense story woven with drama. It follows the POVs of several characters. Daniella saves an elderly lady from a mugging and it just spirals from there.

I had a deep dislike for the male characters but I think that’s the point as they’re written so well.

I predicted the way things were going and I don’t enjoy how easily the characters fell for the lies and deceit but that could just be me! Overall, it’s a really good read.

If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a tense, dramatic thriller.

Thank you zooloosbooktours and Miranda for letting me be a part of this tour!

I give this 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads and Amazon)

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniella rescues an old lady, Peggy, from a mugger. She visits Peggy at the hospital where she meets her son Lucas. Lucas is a charming man and Daniella who is in a troubled marriage like the attention this handsome man gives her. She starts to help Peggy with her dog. Every time she visits Peggy, Lucas is there and what once was charming turns out to become a unhealthy obsession. Daniella realizes Lucas is not a romantic fantasy, he’s a predator.

This is a domestic thriller that tells a tale of obsession and control.

It wasn’t as fast paced as I like thrillers to be and it didn’t have any shocking plot twist that I didn’t see coming. A decent thriller.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a fast-paced, easy read that I genuinely enjoyed. It was definitely entertaining, though not one I think will stick with me long-term. My main issue was how frustrating Daniella could be; even when Lucas showed glaring red flags, she seemed to ignore her own safety just because she was so "blown away" by his looks 😒. The twists and ending seemed to add in more than could be fully explained, so it felt a little rushed. I also think the title didn't feel very relevant to the actual plot.
If you can overlook some questionable character logic, it’s a decent page-turner. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC.

[Jess (thrillingcuddles) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this advance copy!
This would have easily been 4 or 5 stars if it weren’t for the ending - I felt there were a lot of missing pieces to the puzzle that weren’t really resolved and also some plot that I didn’t think really had a purpose — for example, the best friend plot regarding their business just overall didn’t make much sense to me.

I was also hoping there would have been a bit more detail in regard to Peggy and Lucas’ relationship. I think overall, this book had a reeeeally intriguing plot but the ending just didn’t really do it for me and I didn’t get answers I wanted to!