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The Caller
Book by Dan Krzyzkowski
Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
About the author
Dan Krzyzkowski
4 books112 followersI am a writer and a fisherman living in Hunterdon County, NJ. In addition to writing novels, I love discussing books (and storytelling in general) with others who love to read.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 36 reviews
August 3, 2016
First and foremost, let me just report to you a phenomenon. I WON THIS BOOK! I WON THIS BOOK!
I joined a giveaway for this book and the kind and awesome author picked me as one of the lucky winners of a physical copy of the book delivered right at my doorstep. I’ve never had much luck in these things until now, so really, thank you so much, Mr. Dan Krzyzkowski.I won’t even attempt pronouncing your last name, but thank you! :)
Now onto the review.
I joined the giveaway contest for the book for a reason and that’s mainly because the premise of the novel really caught my interest. It promises of a thrilling, suspenseful read and I did get what I was promised. Once I started reading the book, I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I read it in one sitting not only because it was a short read but also because it was fast-paced and rather unique.
It’s been so long since I’ve read a book where all the events take place in a single time setting. Yes, there is a prologue and epilogue but the very meat of the story takes place in a single time, when on a stormy night on the year 1994 when technological access wasn’t as awesome as it is now, seven year old Justin at his house calls Call-A-Friend hotline where Leslie, a volunteer takes his call believing all she’ll have to do is cheer up a child on a lonely night. It turns out Justin needs so much more than cheering up because his house is being invaded. *GASPS!*
Thus, like I told yah, once you start reading the book, there is never going back. It doesn’t matter if your heart may fail to beat or that you may forget to breathe; you just have to read it through the end. The author surely knows how to build suspense and how to fully grip the reader with his impeccable and imaginative writing style. The only thing that kept me from giving it five stars is the excessive use of the term . But overall, it was a generally surprising and captivating read. It actually felt like watching a really good thriller. ;)
August 18, 2016
After reading the Mara Dyer series and after watching the movie of one of my favorite actors,John Cusack's CELL, I'd never thought I'd plunged into yet,another heart-pounding,gripping story! But as I've started reading this,I am once again hooked from the first page 'til the last,bracing myself for the suspense that's sure to happen in this book which you can read less than 3 hours!
This is a story of a 28 year old female volunteer at a 1-800 line,designed as a call center for children whose parents are out of the house.This female operator is Leslie Calloway, a mother to a 5 year old boy named Patrick. One night,Leslie received a panicked phone call from a 7 yearl old boy named Justin, telling her that "there's a man in my house". And this is where the tension begins.
This is the kind of book I also love reading because it's like you're watching a thriller movie.And it kind of reminded me of Halle Berry,one of my favorite actresses in her movie THE CALL. Only,it has a different story. What I liked in this book is that, it isn't just about who Leslie is trying to help,but who she was in the past,and what she wasn't able to do. And now that she's the only one who could save Justin,she's now a part of Justin's life..they both feel the same thing..extreme fear!
I want to congratulate the author Dan Krzyzkowski,for a job well-done,as well as my sister Aj the Ravenous Reader for winning this book when she joined the giveaway contest for the book! I'm so happy that she's the lucky winner, because I got lucky too,I've just read it! So,many thanks to the author and to my sister for letting me read this awesome book! So lucky to have a fantastic sister!^^
This is a story of a 28 year old female volunteer at a 1-800 line,designed as a call center for children whose parents are out of the house.This female operator is Leslie Calloway, a mother to a 5 year old boy named Patrick. One night,Leslie received a panicked phone call from a 7 yearl old boy named Justin, telling her that "there's a man in my house". And this is where the tension begins.
This is the kind of book I also love reading because it's like you're watching a thriller movie.And it kind of reminded me of Halle Berry,one of my favorite actresses in her movie THE CALL. Only,it has a different story. What I liked in this book is that, it isn't just about who Leslie is trying to help,but who she was in the past,and what she wasn't able to do. And now that she's the only one who could save Justin,she's now a part of Justin's life..they both feel the same thing..extreme fear!
I want to congratulate the author Dan Krzyzkowski,for a job well-done,as well as my sister Aj the Ravenous Reader for winning this book when she joined the giveaway contest for the book! I'm so happy that she's the lucky winner, because I got lucky too,I've just read it! So,many thanks to the author and to my sister for letting me read this awesome book! So lucky to have a fantastic sister!^^
November 14, 2020
Dan Krzyzkowski's The Caller is a perfect little novella for reading all in one sitting on a cold, winter night.
This story is about Leslie, a volunteer for a local support center hotline designed for people who are home alone. One impending-snow-storm night, Leslie gets a call from a little boy named Justin, who is hiding under the bed because his parents left him home alone while they went out to have a good time... but, it turns out, Justin isn't really alone. Unable to reach emergency services or the police, Leslie is the only one who can help.
The Caller is a wonderful, tense thriller that does an excellent job making the reader feel as if they are right there with the characters. Krzyzkowski made me feel like I was there, in the house, with Justin AND at the call center with Leslie. It was perfectly done and perfectly unsettling.
My favorite thing about this book is how real it all feels. I don't usually like contrived scenarios where the kid is home alone and the police can't be reached, but this was really well done. Leslie and Justin's actions were believable, which made them feel like real people, which made me care about them.
I enjoyed all 164 pages of this wonderful little book. My only regret is that I didn't read it while it was snowing.
I rated Dan Krzyzkowski's The Caller 5 out of 5 stars.
You might like this if you like: contained thrillers, tension, and books that read like movies.
This story is about Leslie, a volunteer for a local support center hotline designed for people who are home alone. One impending-snow-storm night, Leslie gets a call from a little boy named Justin, who is hiding under the bed because his parents left him home alone while they went out to have a good time... but, it turns out, Justin isn't really alone. Unable to reach emergency services or the police, Leslie is the only one who can help.
The Caller is a wonderful, tense thriller that does an excellent job making the reader feel as if they are right there with the characters. Krzyzkowski made me feel like I was there, in the house, with Justin AND at the call center with Leslie. It was perfectly done and perfectly unsettling.
My favorite thing about this book is how real it all feels. I don't usually like contrived scenarios where the kid is home alone and the police can't be reached, but this was really well done. Leslie and Justin's actions were believable, which made them feel like real people, which made me care about them.
I enjoyed all 164 pages of this wonderful little book. My only regret is that I didn't read it while it was snowing.
I rated Dan Krzyzkowski's The Caller 5 out of 5 stars.
You might like this if you like: contained thrillers, tension, and books that read like movies.
September 23, 2019
I was engrossed in this book for the most part, but the ending had a lot to be desired. Super quick read (you could probably read it in 2 hours), but half of that is side story that may be interesting, and yet has nothing to do with the main plot.
May 13, 2016
This is a quick and fun read. It's fast; you can probably finish it in one sitting if you've got some time. I had to work a full day and I still pretty much finished this almost in one day.
I think probably my favorite part (which is weird considering it's fast-paced) is that it takes place in 1994. No cellphones, no internet, no satellites with constant connection to the outside world. A lonely boy is a lonely boy because he is stuck inside all day with nothing else to do. He's bored of playing his Nintendo (who gets bored of playing Nintendo!?) It was a change of scenery from contemporary works and isn't a decade that's generally chosen to write about. At least not yet anyway.
I enjoyed the ending. I liked the twist at the end, though it seemed to come out of nowhere. And more importantly, I liked that all of Leslie's decisions were actually explained. She didn't make stupid decisions that had no basis anywhere, which can be pretty usual with action or thriller books. Serious kudos for that.
I have a friend who would most likely enjoy this, so I'll spread the love and pass it on!
I think probably my favorite part (which is weird considering it's fast-paced) is that it takes place in 1994. No cellphones, no internet, no satellites with constant connection to the outside world. A lonely boy is a lonely boy because he is stuck inside all day with nothing else to do. He's bored of playing his Nintendo (who gets bored of playing Nintendo!?) It was a change of scenery from contemporary works and isn't a decade that's generally chosen to write about. At least not yet anyway.
I enjoyed the ending. I liked the twist at the end, though it seemed to come out of nowhere. And more importantly, I liked that all of Leslie's decisions were actually explained. She didn't make stupid decisions that had no basis anywhere, which can be pretty usual with action or thriller books. Serious kudos for that.
I have a friend who would most likely enjoy this, so I'll spread the love and pass it on!
May 12, 2016
Leslie Calloway’s life did not necessarily follow the path she had anticipated, but all in all it was good. She felt fortunate so she wanted to give back in some way. Events in her past made volunteering at 1-800-FRIENDS, a call center for children whose parents are out of the house, a good fit. It’s a call center set up in the basement of church with outdated phone systems, a standing protocol not to call 911 (there had been some crank call issues in the past) and manned on a totally volunteer basis. On one particular night, with a major winter storm brewing outside, Leslie wonders how she herself is going to get home to her son and to relieve the babysitter when the phone rings. Seven-year-old Justin is on the line and he has just told Leslie that there is a man in his basement.
So begins the hours long ordeal for Leslie on one end of the phone and Justin on the other. Leslie does everything she knows how to do but eventually she decides protocol be damned and calls 911 … the storm must have brought down the lines and no one answers … with her heart pounding she realizes it’s just her and Justin and, despite the storm, she needs to get him out of that house. As she is trying to save Justin the crisis takes an unexpectedly personal turn and her panic escalates.
At 164 pages this is not an exceptionally long book, but it sure does pack a punch. Told in Leslie’s first person narrative the reader finds themselves sitting right there in the room as she continuously tries to move Justin to a safer place. The suspense is nerve-tingling. If you pick this book up make sure you set aside a block of time because you are going to want to read it from the first page to the last in one sitting. I know I did.
This story takes place in 1994. I did not think anything of that until it came to my attention that this was not just a choice by the author to (maybe) explain some of the “dated” phone equipment but due to the fact that this book was first published about ten years ago. According to some other reviews he has revised the book, tightened up the editing and added some sections possibly fleshing out Leslie’s personal side. Whatever compelled this revision, it worked.
I’d like to thank Mr. Krzyzkowski for sending me a copy of this book at no charge in the hope that I would post an honest review.
I read library books, previously gently loved books, brand new books where no one has cracked the spine yet and I read on my ereader as well as my tablet so I don’t often speak to the physical attributes of the books I read. However, I want to add here that for a paperback edition this was a lovely book to hold and read. The book has nice crisp, white, better than average quality paper with a clean font that made reading this page-turner even more enjoyable.
I am definitely going to check into Mr. Krzyzkowski other book “One Lane Bridge”.
So begins the hours long ordeal for Leslie on one end of the phone and Justin on the other. Leslie does everything she knows how to do but eventually she decides protocol be damned and calls 911 … the storm must have brought down the lines and no one answers … with her heart pounding she realizes it’s just her and Justin and, despite the storm, she needs to get him out of that house. As she is trying to save Justin the crisis takes an unexpectedly personal turn and her panic escalates.
At 164 pages this is not an exceptionally long book, but it sure does pack a punch. Told in Leslie’s first person narrative the reader finds themselves sitting right there in the room as she continuously tries to move Justin to a safer place. The suspense is nerve-tingling. If you pick this book up make sure you set aside a block of time because you are going to want to read it from the first page to the last in one sitting. I know I did.
This story takes place in 1994. I did not think anything of that until it came to my attention that this was not just a choice by the author to (maybe) explain some of the “dated” phone equipment but due to the fact that this book was first published about ten years ago. According to some other reviews he has revised the book, tightened up the editing and added some sections possibly fleshing out Leslie’s personal side. Whatever compelled this revision, it worked.
I’d like to thank Mr. Krzyzkowski for sending me a copy of this book at no charge in the hope that I would post an honest review.
I read library books, previously gently loved books, brand new books where no one has cracked the spine yet and I read on my ereader as well as my tablet so I don’t often speak to the physical attributes of the books I read. However, I want to add here that for a paperback edition this was a lovely book to hold and read. The book has nice crisp, white, better than average quality paper with a clean font that made reading this page-turner even more enjoyable.
I am definitely going to check into Mr. Krzyzkowski other book “One Lane Bridge”.
August 13, 2019
I found the plot of this book pretty boring - I didn't feel any tension or anxiety over Justin's predicament because the writing was so flat. If it were an audio book, I imagine it being read by a robot in monotone from a teleprompter. It lacked the requisite intensity. I didn't care about Pat because I didn't get to know him, or get a sense of his relationship with his mom. He was an abstract, a plot device only. I was also hoping for a dark twist, but I guess it was not that genre. The one plus is that it was a short read, breezed through it quickly.
November 11, 2015
This was a fast read! It kept me at the edge of my seat and when I was interrupted and had to go about my day, I felt bad leaving the characters hanging.
September 10, 2019
Lonely latching kid or scared 7- year old alone and with intruders in his house.
Leslie volunteers at a center where kids can call if they are home alone and scared or just lonely. As snow begins to fall, her next call is a young boy left home alone while his parents had gone out. His claim that intruders are in His house has Leslie on edge. She talks him through to several hiding spots looking toward an eventual escape. Will he find his way out before the bad men find him?
Leslie volunteers at a center where kids can call if they are home alone and scared or just lonely. As snow begins to fall, her next call is a young boy left home alone while his parents had gone out. His claim that intruders are in His house has Leslie on edge. She talks him through to several hiding spots looking toward an eventual escape. Will he find his way out before the bad men find him?
January 5, 2024
•••The Caller by Dan Krzyzkowski // 5 out of 5 stars•••
Wow! It takes a lot for me to give a book five stars, but this one definitely deserves it. When I say I was hooked, I mean I was HOOKED. I read this in one night in about two to three hours. I could not put it down whatsoever. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out if Justin’s narrative through the phone call was reliable or if he was a scared kid with a wild imagination. The ending felt maybe a little rushed, but I was not disappointed one bit. I definitely recommend this for a quick, easy, and gripping read!
Wow! It takes a lot for me to give a book five stars, but this one definitely deserves it. When I say I was hooked, I mean I was HOOKED. I read this in one night in about two to three hours. I could not put it down whatsoever. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out if Justin’s narrative through the phone call was reliable or if he was a scared kid with a wild imagination. The ending felt maybe a little rushed, but I was not disappointed one bit. I definitely recommend this for a quick, easy, and gripping read!
March 20, 2020
Gripping storyline
Overall good book but ended rather abruptly. A 7 yr old boy left home alone by his parents. When he hears an intruder, he calls a crisis hotline for children & the operator attempts to keep him safe until help arrives amidst a snow storm. The crisis hotline operator doesn't give up easily as she tries to keep the boy calm and safe until she can reach a 911 operator to summon help. Heart-pounding read.
Overall good book but ended rather abruptly. A 7 yr old boy left home alone by his parents. When he hears an intruder, he calls a crisis hotline for children & the operator attempts to keep him safe until help arrives amidst a snow storm. The crisis hotline operator doesn't give up easily as she tries to keep the boy calm and safe until she can reach a 911 operator to summon help. Heart-pounding read.
May 24, 2021
Read It In One Day. spoilers
Parts of the story (the introspective parts) dragged. But the parts where Leslie was on the phone with Justin kept me reading.
******************
Spoiler: why did the burglars go in Leslie’s house? They must have known it was occupied. Also, how did they know about the safe? This wasn’t a simple breaking and entering. I don’t like that being unresolved and that Tammy died.
Parts of the story (the introspective parts) dragged. But the parts where Leslie was on the phone with Justin kept me reading.
******************
Spoiler: why did the burglars go in Leslie’s house? They must have known it was occupied. Also, how did they know about the safe? This wasn’t a simple breaking and entering. I don’t like that being unresolved and that Tammy died.
August 21, 2019
Terrifyingly Real
I was frightened, worried,and hopeful.
I don’t know that I could handle a situation like this. Leslie is a strong character.
I had to put it down a couple of times because I could feel my blood pressure spiking.
A fairly short read, but I kept hoping it would end soon.
All in all, a very good book.
I was frightened, worried,and hopeful.
I don’t know that I could handle a situation like this. Leslie is a strong character.
I had to put it down a couple of times because I could feel my blood pressure spiking.
A fairly short read, but I kept hoping it would end soon.
All in all, a very good book.
November 20, 2020
A Nail-biter
Justin has been left alone and calls the kids help line because someone is in his house. The suspense of what happens and whether he stays safe will have you reading as fast as possible to find out what happens. This is one book you don't want to miss. Just don't plan to get anything done until you have finished it.
Justin has been left alone and calls the kids help line because someone is in his house. The suspense of what happens and whether he stays safe will have you reading as fast as possible to find out what happens. This is one book you don't want to miss. Just don't plan to get anything done until you have finished it.
December 21, 2018
I was holding my breath so often while reading this! A few times I found myself with tears on my face. I was so drawn into the story. I read it in one sitting over night. It kept me on edge with a twist I didn’t see coming. I would recommend it.
August 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this read. The story grabbed you from the very beginning and kept up the suspense. I never expected where Justin went when he left his house. What a total surprise!!! I recommend this if you want a thriller read!!
August 12, 2019
Loved, loved “The Call”
This was a great Story with a great plot. I’m surprised I haven’t read a story like this before. It kept me interested and I mostly read the book straight through. I’m definitely.cxdsgoing to check out the authors other books.
This was a great Story with a great plot. I’m surprised I haven’t read a story like this before. It kept me interested and I mostly read the book straight through. I’m definitely.cxdsgoing to check out the authors other books.
August 31, 2019
An uninteresting book
I was ready to quit reading this book but it improved after Chapter 6 and changed direction. I enjoyed all the information on birds. The rest of the book was okay but nothing spectacular.
I was ready to quit reading this book but it improved after Chapter 6 and changed direction. I enjoyed all the information on birds. The rest of the book was okay but nothing spectacular.
September 1, 2019
I loved it!
You always think that a book with such heart and feeling would not be loved as this one was. It touched a very tender place in my heart and reminded me that children's feelings are sometimes guarded but well worth finding out.
You always think that a book with such heart and feeling would not be loved as this one was. It touched a very tender place in my heart and reminded me that children's feelings are sometimes guarded but well worth finding out.
September 10, 2019
Couldn't put it down
The writing is good, included bits of information that are interesting. Storyline is suspenseful- I along for that ride as much as the characters. I had to know about that little boy.
The writing is good, included bits of information that are interesting. Storyline is suspenseful- I along for that ride as much as the characters. I had to know about that little boy.
December 26, 2019
Surprisingly good
I wasn't sure how this bookshops keep me engaged but the author done an amazing job and I was hooked within the first couple of pages. Loved the character Leslie and the little boy Justin- Definitely worth the .99 and really enjoyed the book.
I wasn't sure how this bookshops keep me engaged but the author done an amazing job and I was hooked within the first couple of pages. Loved the character Leslie and the little boy Justin- Definitely worth the .99 and really enjoyed the book.
August 4, 2019
Fast one sitter. Thought the ending would be different- not so thrilling, more happy ever after. Meh.
August 7, 2019
Compelling
I don't really write reviews however this book kept me up all night with suspense and terror for this little boy . It was one of the best books I read in a while .
I don't really write reviews however this book kept me up all night with suspense and terror for this little boy . It was one of the best books I read in a while .
August 20, 2019
Definitely a MUST read - suspense from the start to the end!
September 2, 2019
This was a quick read. Good book. Loved the ending.
January 7, 2020
Intense page turner!!I
April 30, 2020
Ok book
Would recommend this book or read another from the author, an inexpensive good read. The book was short and ok.
Would recommend this book or read another from the author, an inexpensive good read. The book was short and ok.
February 21, 2017
I appreciated the premise of this story but parts didn't quite hang together and the ending felt too neat, contrived. That said I'm glad I picked this one up!
Read
July 22, 2016 The Caller, by Dan Krzyzkowski is an amazing, psychological thriller concerning Leslie Calloway, an 800 operator for a latchkey children's service. When she receives a call from Justin, a seven year older left home alone, she's pressed into a predicament that could turn into a matter of life and death. Justin says, "I think there's a man in my house."
The Caller is an awesome story. There's tension, fear for a child and a lot of mental issues going on. But man if it wasn't just way too long! To me, this should have been a short story, but I can't truly complain. The story was good. I mean, real good! I also can understand how he wanted to get Leslie's story out there. The Caller isn't just about who she's trying to help, but who she actually is. And Krzyzkowski pulled it off.
The story reminded me of a movie I saw when I was a tween, where the babysitter was haunted by a guy in the house. It spooked the heck outta me, since I was a sitter for years because the guy kept calling the sitter and asking, "Have you checked on the children?" ...
*For the full review: http://bit.ly/29ZrNzF
**Book provided by author, Dan Krzyzkowski, for an honest review.
The Caller is an awesome story. There's tension, fear for a child and a lot of mental issues going on. But man if it wasn't just way too long! To me, this should have been a short story, but I can't truly complain. The story was good. I mean, real good! I also can understand how he wanted to get Leslie's story out there. The Caller isn't just about who she's trying to help, but who she actually is. And Krzyzkowski pulled it off.
The story reminded me of a movie I saw when I was a tween, where the babysitter was haunted by a guy in the house. It spooked the heck outta me, since I was a sitter for years because the guy kept calling the sitter and asking, "Have you checked on the children?" ...
*For the full review: http://bit.ly/29ZrNzF
**Book provided by author, Dan Krzyzkowski, for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 36 reviews