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Don't Answer the Phone
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, and 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.
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, and 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.
Audible Audio
First published March 8, 2026
About the author
Miranda Rijks
45 books1,112 followersMiranda Rijks is the bestselling author of 30 psychological thrillers, with over one MILLION copies sold. 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 673 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Don't Answer the Phone by Miranda Rijks
On the surface, Daniella and her husband, Grant, have a very good marriage. They live in a gorgeous house, in a very nice neighborhood, and both enjoy their jobs. But Daniella misses the intimacy of their early days while Grant seems very happy living like distant but best friends. So when Daniella meets Lucas, the handsome son of a neighbor, and he's all over her like a chicken on a June bug, can you blame her for sort of liking it? (Yes, you can but, still, she sort of likes it).
So Daniella doesn't stop Lucus one night when she's at home alone and Lucus stops by. Time for couples therapy for Daniella and Grant although she's not telling her secrets and Grant doesn't want to keep going to therapy. Daniella is all prepared to keep her distance from Lucus but she walks his mom's dog twice a day and it turns out that Grant is her husband's personal trainer at the gym. Red flags were waving from the beginning and they are flapping Daniella in the face now.
For me, this was haul out the supersized tub of popcorn time. I wouldn't make even half the decisions that Daniella makes so, yes, I'm going to be all judgy. This is one tangled woven web of lies, deceit, and thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. Things get dangerous quickly and then deadly and there may be no way for Daniella to stop the cascade of bad that happens. Could she have ever stopped it? I'm not sure but she and others in this story don't seem be know how to stop making bad choices.
I was engrossed in the story even though some of the revelations had me thinking just about everyone is nuts in this story. Can this marriage be saved? Would you want to save it? I'm side eyeing so many people here and throwing popcorn at my imaginary screen. Good times for me but not for anyone in the story.
Publication March 8, 2026
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this ARC
On the surface, Daniella and her husband, Grant, have a very good marriage. They live in a gorgeous house, in a very nice neighborhood, and both enjoy their jobs. But Daniella misses the intimacy of their early days while Grant seems very happy living like distant but best friends. So when Daniella meets Lucas, the handsome son of a neighbor, and he's all over her like a chicken on a June bug, can you blame her for sort of liking it? (Yes, you can but, still, she sort of likes it).
So Daniella doesn't stop Lucus one night when she's at home alone and Lucus stops by. Time for couples therapy for Daniella and Grant although she's not telling her secrets and Grant doesn't want to keep going to therapy. Daniella is all prepared to keep her distance from Lucus but she walks his mom's dog twice a day and it turns out that Grant is her husband's personal trainer at the gym. Red flags were waving from the beginning and they are flapping Daniella in the face now.
For me, this was haul out the supersized tub of popcorn time. I wouldn't make even half the decisions that Daniella makes so, yes, I'm going to be all judgy. This is one tangled woven web of lies, deceit, and thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. Things get dangerous quickly and then deadly and there may be no way for Daniella to stop the cascade of bad that happens. Could she have ever stopped it? I'm not sure but she and others in this story don't seem be know how to stop making bad choices.
I was engrossed in the story even though some of the revelations had me thinking just about everyone is nuts in this story. Can this marriage be saved? Would you want to save it? I'm side eyeing so many people here and throwing popcorn at my imaginary screen. Good times for me but not for anyone in the story.
Publication March 8, 2026
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this ARC
July 2, 2026
Public Service 🚨 Announcement: If a disturbingly handsome stranger starts inserting himself into every aspect of your life… maybe don’t mistake that for romance. 😅📞
So, yes this book hooked me from the very beginning. I loved the dual POVs, the short chapters, and the way Miranda Rijks slowly cranked up the tension. Every time I thought, “Surely Lucas can’t get any creepier…” he happily accepted that as a personal challenge. 😳
Lucas was easily the standout character. Charming, manipulative, obsessive… the kind of villain who smiles while casually dismantling your entire life. He made my skin crawl... and I mean that as a compliment. 😂
The pacing kept me listening, and I flew through this audiobook. But while the suspense stayed high, I kept waiting for that one jaw-dropping moment that would leave me staring at the wall, questioning everything. It never quite came. A few characters also had me yelling, “Please… make ONE good decision!” 🤦🏻♀️
Overall, this was an entertaining psychological thriller with obsession, manipulation, family drama, and a villain you’ll love to hate. It didn’t completely blow me away, but it definitely kept me hooked.
Just remember… if Lucas calls, let it go to voicemail. 📵😂📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)
So, yes this book hooked me from the very beginning. I loved the dual POVs, the short chapters, and the way Miranda Rijks slowly cranked up the tension. Every time I thought, “Surely Lucas can’t get any creepier…” he happily accepted that as a personal challenge. 😳
Lucas was easily the standout character. Charming, manipulative, obsessive… the kind of villain who smiles while casually dismantling your entire life. He made my skin crawl... and I mean that as a compliment. 😂
The pacing kept me listening, and I flew through this audiobook. But while the suspense stayed high, I kept waiting for that one jaw-dropping moment that would leave me staring at the wall, questioning everything. It never quite came. A few characters also had me yelling, “Please… make ONE good decision!” 🤦🏻♀️
Overall, this was an entertaining psychological thriller with obsession, manipulation, family drama, and a villain you’ll love to hate. It didn’t completely blow me away, but it definitely kept me hooked.
Just remember… if Lucas calls, let it go to voicemail. 📵😂📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)
June 23, 2026
Don't Answer the Phone was a quick and easy thriller to get through, but it wasn't one of my favorite books by Rijks. The story begins when Daniella steps in to help an elderly woman named Peggy who is being attacked during a robbery. Feeling sorry for her, Daniella starts helping Peggy out and soon meets her son, Lucas. Although Daniella is married and has a family, her relationship with her husband Grant has become distant, and she finds herself drawn to Lucas almost immediately.
From there, the story turns into one about obsession, poor decisions, and the dangerous consequences that follow. Lucas quickly becomes fixated on Daniella, and what starts as a moment of temptation spirals into a nightmare that threatens her family and everyone around her.
While the premise was interesting and kept me turning the pages, I struggled with some of the choices Daniella made. There were several moments where I found myself wondering why she was acting the way she was because some decisions felt unrealistic and frustrating. It made it harder for me to fully connect with the story.
That said, the characters were one of the book's stronger points. I enjoyed seeing the relationships between the different family members and how their emotions changed as the situation became more serious. Lucas was especially unsettling because it was obvious from early on that something wasn't right with him, so the suspense came more from watching how far he would go rather than trying to figure out who the villain was.
The book moves at a fast pace with short chapters and multiple points of view, which made it easy to read in just a couple of sittings. However, I felt the middle section dragged at times, and some storylines didn't seem to add much to the overall plot. There were also a few details that left me confused, and not everything felt fully explained by the end.
The twists near the ending were entertaining, but they arrived a little too late to have the impact I was hoping for. I think some of the secrets could have been revealed earlier to create more tension throughout the story. The final twist also felt slightly forced rather than shocking.
Another thing that didn't quite work for me was the title. I expected the phone calls to play a much bigger role in the plot, but they were only a small part of the story. The novel felt much more focused on obsession, temptation, and how one seemingly kind act can completely change a person's life.
This was a solid psychological thriller with an interesting storyline and plenty of drama. Even though I had some issues it was still an enjoyable read that kept me interested enough to finish quickly. Not my favorite Rijks novel, but one I would still recommend to thriller fans looking for a fast paced story about obsession and the consequences of one bad decision.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this ARC.
From there, the story turns into one about obsession, poor decisions, and the dangerous consequences that follow. Lucas quickly becomes fixated on Daniella, and what starts as a moment of temptation spirals into a nightmare that threatens her family and everyone around her.
While the premise was interesting and kept me turning the pages, I struggled with some of the choices Daniella made. There were several moments where I found myself wondering why she was acting the way she was because some decisions felt unrealistic and frustrating. It made it harder for me to fully connect with the story.
That said, the characters were one of the book's stronger points. I enjoyed seeing the relationships between the different family members and how their emotions changed as the situation became more serious. Lucas was especially unsettling because it was obvious from early on that something wasn't right with him, so the suspense came more from watching how far he would go rather than trying to figure out who the villain was.
The book moves at a fast pace with short chapters and multiple points of view, which made it easy to read in just a couple of sittings. However, I felt the middle section dragged at times, and some storylines didn't seem to add much to the overall plot. There were also a few details that left me confused, and not everything felt fully explained by the end.
The twists near the ending were entertaining, but they arrived a little too late to have the impact I was hoping for. I think some of the secrets could have been revealed earlier to create more tension throughout the story. The final twist also felt slightly forced rather than shocking.
Another thing that didn't quite work for me was the title. I expected the phone calls to play a much bigger role in the plot, but they were only a small part of the story. The novel felt much more focused on obsession, temptation, and how one seemingly kind act can completely change a person's life.
This was a solid psychological thriller with an interesting storyline and plenty of drama. Even though I had some issues it was still an enjoyable read that kept me interested enough to finish quickly. Not my favorite Rijks novel, but one I would still recommend to thriller fans looking for a fast paced story about obsession and the consequences of one bad decision.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this ARC.
March 31, 2026
When Daniella rescues elderly Peggy after she's attacked by 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.
.
A story of obsession which once again proves that you can't judge a book by its cover ... as it applies to people that is. This book is a quick read although I found the chapters longer than I was expecting. Lucas is very creepy as we watch him insert himself into Daniella's life and things become very tense. Peggy, his mother, understands him and tries to make him see reason, not always successfully. In the end maybe I shouldn't have felt such compassion for Peggy. Although this is a story that's been told before there are some unique twists and it's a smooth read with some intriguing characters.
Thank you to Inkubator Books, via Netgalley, for providing an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: March 8, 2026
.
A story of obsession which once again proves that you can't judge a book by its cover ... as it applies to people that is. This book is a quick read although I found the chapters longer than I was expecting. Lucas is very creepy as we watch him insert himself into Daniella's life and things become very tense. Peggy, his mother, understands him and tries to make him see reason, not always successfully. In the end maybe I shouldn't have felt such compassion for Peggy. Although this is a story that's been told before there are some unique twists and it's a smooth read with some intriguing characters.
Thank you to Inkubator Books, via Netgalley, for providing an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: March 8, 2026
June 16, 2026
➡️ Cold compresses, please.
➡️ WHY? My eyes were rolling so frequently that it was painful.
➡️ The book's "Fatal Attraction" premise was intriguing:
A married woman spends one reckless night with a handsome younger man. After that, her life implodes.
➡️ Each chapter required a huge suspension of disbelief and had my eyes rolling at rapid speed:
* Younger, strikingly attractive man with a pregnant fiancée, infatuated with a married older woman (Huh?)
* The younger man’s bizarre, completely over-the-top family backstory
* The younger man’s forced, wildly convoluted integration into the woman’s family life.
* And the list goes on.
That setup had so much potential, and I am usually a fan of books with unhinged protagonists. I am also a devoted Miranda fan, so perhaps my expectations were set too high.
The book's final twist delivered, giving the story a much-needed saving grace.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Hannah Curtis and Luke Persiani.
I always enjoy full cast narrations, and both narrators gave outstanding performances.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2026
Shocked by all the good reviews. Did we read the same book? This wasn’t a mystery or a thriller or anything…it is obvious who the villain is early on. It was also very repetitive.
March 2, 2026
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.
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.
March 11, 2026
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.
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.
June 13, 2026
⭐Dull, Lifeless, and Utterly Predictable (Thank Goodness for Bippie the Dog)
I received an ARC of Don't Answer the Phone by Miranda Rijks from NetGalley. Released in March of this year, the book featured an appealing cover that promised a tense, gripping psychological thriller. Unfortunately, the actual reading experience was completely dreadful, dull, and lifeless. The narrative is entirely flat, and every single plot element and twist can be seen coming from a mile away. There is zero fear, no tension, and nothing remotely scary about the story. It is completely forgettable, wrapping up with a neat, happy ending that the book absolutely did not earn. Furthermore, the book suffers from a completely wasted premise, starting with a title that makes zero sense. Outside of a few standard, ordinary phone calls, the title has absolutely nothing to do with the actual plot, making it a ridiculous choice for a story already struggling for an identity. The only positive thing I can say about this entire experience is that I managed to cross the finish line and finish the book today.
The human characters do nothing to save the flat plot, as the entire cast is an absolute trainwreck. Lucas is a textbook psychopath who clearly just needs professional psychiatric help, while "Ole Peggy" and the rest of the characters are genuinely awful, unredeemable people. Not a single human in this book stands out or possesses any redeeming qualities to make the story engaging. The undisputed star and savior of the entire book is Bippie the dog. He is the only good character in the script, and he single-handedly carried whatever shred of enjoyment this book had left.
The author completely failed to do the localized research required for a book set in Boston, resulting in highly unbelievable cultural and geographic blunders. Rijks forces British terminology and concepts onto her American characters that make absolutely no sense. High-achieving, competitive daughters focused on elite American universities would not casually take a British-style "gap year." The laughable geographic errors are even worse, such as characters planning a summer trip to learn how to snowboard on the snowy mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire. New England ski slopes are famously green in July, and these glaring errors completely shatter any sense of realism. This book is a horrific, poorly researched, and completely predictable disappointment that I could never recommend to anyone.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Miranda Rijks, and rb Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#DontAnswerThePhone #NetGalley
I received an ARC of Don't Answer the Phone by Miranda Rijks from NetGalley. Released in March of this year, the book featured an appealing cover that promised a tense, gripping psychological thriller. Unfortunately, the actual reading experience was completely dreadful, dull, and lifeless. The narrative is entirely flat, and every single plot element and twist can be seen coming from a mile away. There is zero fear, no tension, and nothing remotely scary about the story. It is completely forgettable, wrapping up with a neat, happy ending that the book absolutely did not earn. Furthermore, the book suffers from a completely wasted premise, starting with a title that makes zero sense. Outside of a few standard, ordinary phone calls, the title has absolutely nothing to do with the actual plot, making it a ridiculous choice for a story already struggling for an identity. The only positive thing I can say about this entire experience is that I managed to cross the finish line and finish the book today.
The human characters do nothing to save the flat plot, as the entire cast is an absolute trainwreck. Lucas is a textbook psychopath who clearly just needs professional psychiatric help, while "Ole Peggy" and the rest of the characters are genuinely awful, unredeemable people. Not a single human in this book stands out or possesses any redeeming qualities to make the story engaging. The undisputed star and savior of the entire book is Bippie the dog. He is the only good character in the script, and he single-handedly carried whatever shred of enjoyment this book had left.
The author completely failed to do the localized research required for a book set in Boston, resulting in highly unbelievable cultural and geographic blunders. Rijks forces British terminology and concepts onto her American characters that make absolutely no sense. High-achieving, competitive daughters focused on elite American universities would not casually take a British-style "gap year." The laughable geographic errors are even worse, such as characters planning a summer trip to learn how to snowboard on the snowy mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire. New England ski slopes are famously green in July, and these glaring errors completely shatter any sense of realism. This book is a horrific, poorly researched, and completely predictable disappointment that I could never recommend to anyone.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Miranda Rijks, and rb Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#DontAnswerThePhone #NetGalley
May 19, 2026
This story was so good 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
September 10, 2026
Categories: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Narrated by: Hannah Curtis and Luke Persiani
Release date: 06-16-26. Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
The premise of the book was intriguing, and based on the description, I was expecting a psychological thriller that will keep me hooked from the beginning till the end. If it had been written only from Daniella's POV, I would probably had found this story more gripping, suspenseful and unpredictible.
Narrated by: Hannah Curtis and Luke Persiani
Release date: 06-16-26. Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
The premise of the book was intriguing, and based on the description, I was expecting a psychological thriller that will keep me hooked from the beginning till the end. If it had been written only from Daniella's POV, I would probably had found this story more gripping, suspenseful and unpredictible.
March 10, 2026
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!
Well, not a big problem because the story had its moments, and next time better!
February 14, 2026
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!! 📞
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!! 📞
March 30, 2026
This story opens with a very quick but shocking prologue, and I was instantly glued and wanted to solve the crime right away.
When Daniella rescues elderly Peggy from a mugger, she expects nothing in return from the incident. Until she meets Peggy's drop-dead gorgeous son Lucas, and immediately, there is an instant 'love-at-first-sight attraction' between the two. Only problem is, not only is Daniella married, but she realises after it's too late, that Lucas is obsessed, relentless, and needs her at any cost.
Overall, I thought it was a fast-paced and addicting read that I wasn't able to put down once I started. Following the main characters felt like foreseeing a train wreck, and I genuinely found some moments with Lucas, to be creepy and unsettling. I thought the author did well to show the consequences of making reckless decisions and how quickly things can escalate.
It became clear for me quite early on where the plot was heading, so I wasn't entirely shocked by some of the twists, and unfortunately, the plot left me with some unanswered questions.
This was nowhere near being a banger, but if you like fatal attraction, dark family secret type thrillers, this might be a hit for you.
When Daniella rescues elderly Peggy from a mugger, she expects nothing in return from the incident. Until she meets Peggy's drop-dead gorgeous son Lucas, and immediately, there is an instant 'love-at-first-sight attraction' between the two. Only problem is, not only is Daniella married, but she realises after it's too late, that Lucas is obsessed, relentless, and needs her at any cost.
Overall, I thought it was a fast-paced and addicting read that I wasn't able to put down once I started. Following the main characters felt like foreseeing a train wreck, and I genuinely found some moments with Lucas, to be creepy and unsettling. I thought the author did well to show the consequences of making reckless decisions and how quickly things can escalate.
It became clear for me quite early on where the plot was heading, so I wasn't entirely shocked by some of the twists, and unfortunately, the plot left me with some unanswered questions.
This was nowhere near being a banger, but if you like fatal attraction, dark family secret type thrillers, this might be a hit for you.
June 22, 2026
The narrators were really good in this audiobook, they nailed the characters perfectly.
I found this quite slow throughout most of the book but the last few chapters were intense, a lot going on.
It was a bit predictable and I didn't really like the characters except Bippie he was cute 🐕
I hoped I was really going to love this but it just fell a little flat for me and I was bored at times.
I'm not quite sure about the name of the book and how it's really related to the overall story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨️
I found this quite slow throughout most of the book but the last few chapters were intense, a lot going on.
It was a bit predictable and I didn't really like the characters except Bippie he was cute 🐕
I hoped I was really going to love this but it just fell a little flat for me and I was bored at times.
I'm not quite sure about the name of the book and how it's really related to the overall story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨️
September 12, 2026
4.25/5
Don't answer the phone is a multi POV suspense/thriller story that mainly follows Daniella, who lives in the US with her husband and twin teenage daughters. As she was riding her bike to to go to therapy, she rescues an elderly woman (Peggy) from being robbed. After that incident, Daniella and Peggy became close as Daniella offered to assist Peggy during her recovery. Daniella meets Peggy's son, Lucas, who is in his late 40s and there is an instant attraction. As Daniella realizes that it wouldn't be a good idea to spend so much time with Lucas as she is married to Grant, Lucas' attraction towards Daniella grows and it becomes a dangerous obsession.
Although the story is quite predictable, I enjoyed the plot as it was entertaining; the pacing of the events was perfect for the story.
Thank you to Inkubator Books for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Don't answer the phone is a multi POV suspense/thriller story that mainly follows Daniella, who lives in the US with her husband and twin teenage daughters. As she was riding her bike to to go to therapy, she rescues an elderly woman (Peggy) from being robbed. After that incident, Daniella and Peggy became close as Daniella offered to assist Peggy during her recovery. Daniella meets Peggy's son, Lucas, who is in his late 40s and there is an instant attraction. As Daniella realizes that it wouldn't be a good idea to spend so much time with Lucas as she is married to Grant, Lucas' attraction towards Daniella grows and it becomes a dangerous obsession.
Although the story is quite predictable, I enjoyed the plot as it was entertaining; the pacing of the events was perfect for the story.
Thank you to Inkubator Books for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
March 28, 2026
DON'T ANSWER THE PHONE BY MIRANDA RIIJKS.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I literally read this book within the day.
I was absolutely hooked from the first page until the last.
Bravo 👏
The cover is 🔥 Absolutely gorgeous
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I literally read this book within the day.
I was absolutely hooked from the first page until the last.
Bravo 👏
The cover is 🔥 Absolutely gorgeous
September 12, 2026
Review to follow.
February 12, 2026
What did I just read 💀
First, the name of the book has very little to do with anything, as names of books usually should.
Second, why are we glorifying cheating in marriages? It never works out, especially now the way that they were hoping it would in this book.
Even if you regret the act afterwards, it still is NOT GOOD!!!!!
Honestly this book felt like a bad soap opera😭😭
First, the name of the book has very little to do with anything, as names of books usually should.
Second, why are we glorifying cheating in marriages? It never works out, especially now the way that they were hoping it would in this book.
Even if you regret the act afterwards, it still is NOT GOOD!!!!!
Honestly this book felt like a bad soap opera😭😭
June 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this. It was obsessive and unhinged but somehow still had a wholesome vibe. Moral of the story? Don't let sex ruin your marriage. Sex isn't the be all, end all.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
April 4, 2026
this book is so silly and meandering it feels weird even counting it as a book I read, lol
May 30, 2026
‘You can never know what goes on behind closed doors,’
she’s a married, middle aged woman who is going through marriage troubles when, out of the blue, she meets Lucas. Lucas is a very attractive younger man. An event brings them together, and all is fine and dandy until someone starts acting very strange and unexplained events start happening… murders. 😳🙃🤭
this book was pretty predictable, but it did hook me. i wanted to know what was going to happen even though i already guessed it. if you’re looking for a psychological thriller that is an easy read, this one’s for you. 😚🔪💉🕵️❤️🩹
bippie the dog was my favourite character. 🥹
‘We all make mistakes, Daniella. We’re only human.’
‘I want Daniella. No, I need Daniella.’
‘If I had to have a pet, I’d choose a cat. I respect their independence, the way they can see in the dark and prowl through the night, how they move stealthily, hopping up onto surfaces with a mind of their own. Dogs, on the other hand, are a pain. They need feeding and walking and crave affection.’ -he’s so real for that 😭😂
April 16, 2026
Super easy to get through even though it filled me with rage the entire time. After rescuing an elderly woman named Peggy from a random street mugging, Daniella expects nothing in return. However, the woman and her charming son, Lucas, insist on keeping in touch. What starts as a wholesome relationship, soon turns sinister. She suddenly finds herself bumping into Lucas wherever she goes. Is he following her or is this just a coincidence?
With her own marriage in shambles, lacking the intimacy she so desperately craves, she quickly finds herself captivated by Lucas who seems to have everything her husband doesn’t. After one night of reckless behaviour, wracked with guilt she decides she can never see him again.. but Lucas won’t accept that. He believes Daniella is his soulmate and won’t let anything or anyone stand in his way when it comes to pursuing her.
Honestly this book made me feel so nauseous at times. I didn’t find myself particularly caring much about any of the characters but I was just so stunned by the series of events. When you think it can’t get worse, it somehow does. I managed to read this in just a couple of house and found it to be an addictive read. 3.5 stars
With her own marriage in shambles, lacking the intimacy she so desperately craves, she quickly finds herself captivated by Lucas who seems to have everything her husband doesn’t. After one night of reckless behaviour, wracked with guilt she decides she can never see him again.. but Lucas won’t accept that. He believes Daniella is his soulmate and won’t let anything or anyone stand in his way when it comes to pursuing her.
Honestly this book made me feel so nauseous at times. I didn’t find myself particularly caring much about any of the characters but I was just so stunned by the series of events. When you think it can’t get worse, it somehow does. I managed to read this in just a couple of house and found it to be an addictive read. 3.5 stars
June 12, 2026
Don't Answer The Phone by Miranda Rijks
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
When a random act of kindness introduces Daniella to the very handsome Lucas, she finds herself pulled into a situation far more complicated than she imagined.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Hannah Curtis narrates in an English accent, which fits Daniella perfectly, and her American accents are convincing too. Luke Persiani handles the male chapters well, and together they keep the story moving at a fast pace.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This has a strong Fatal Attraction vibe. It’s bingeable, easy to get through, and full of drama. I love a multiple POV and they kept the pace fast and frantic.
It’s very plot-driven. This isn’t really about deep character work, it’s more about the suspense and everything escalating around them.
The ending was fairly predictable for me, but there was one twist I didn’t see coming. Overall this was a cozy, satisfying popcorn thriller that felt super satisfying.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This popcorn thriller is fast, highly readable not particularly deep or emotional but it’s entertaining and perfect for summer.
Thank you @Dreamscape_Media and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Hannah Curtis; Luke Persiani
📖 Release 06•16•26 | 290 pages | 8h
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
When a random act of kindness introduces Daniella to the very handsome Lucas, she finds herself pulled into a situation far more complicated than she imagined.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Hannah Curtis narrates in an English accent, which fits Daniella perfectly, and her American accents are convincing too. Luke Persiani handles the male chapters well, and together they keep the story moving at a fast pace.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This has a strong Fatal Attraction vibe. It’s bingeable, easy to get through, and full of drama. I love a multiple POV and they kept the pace fast and frantic.
It’s very plot-driven. This isn’t really about deep character work, it’s more about the suspense and everything escalating around them.
The ending was fairly predictable for me, but there was one twist I didn’t see coming. Overall this was a cozy, satisfying popcorn thriller that felt super satisfying.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This popcorn thriller is fast, highly readable not particularly deep or emotional but it’s entertaining and perfect for summer.
Thank you @Dreamscape_Media and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Hannah Curtis; Luke Persiani
📖 Release 06•16•26 | 290 pages | 8h
August 16, 2026
This book was so crazy! A million plot twists. Daniellas life turns upside down in like 3 days!!!! I don’t agree with her cheating on Grant tho!!! Crazy how he was kinda in on it??!!! Ending was crazy & scary!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2026
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.***
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.***
March 10, 2026
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.
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.
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