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The Uninvited Caller

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He was dead, or so I thought… I rebuilt my life when my husband vanished without a trace twelve years ago. No hope of him ever returning, they declared him legally dead. Except here he is, standing on my front porch. The same piercing green eyes. The same little quirks. The same mischievous grin. He looks like an older version of the man I married. But something’s off. He wants to be a family again. Yet I can’t shake this creepy feeling he’s really a stranger. But when I uncover the truth, I’m hit with a heart-sinking betrayal I don’t see coming.

362 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2023

273 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Ramona Light

9 books26 followers

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5 stars
136 (44%)
4 stars
90 (29%)
3 stars
52 (17%)
2 stars
19 (6%)
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7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Behring.
514 reviews179 followers
April 10, 2023
This book was just an average thriller for me. The way the older mother and daughter talked to each other was appalling at times and the plot was over the top.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for scl.ashx.
464 reviews328 followers
April 1, 2023
3.5/5 stars

"I𝒕’𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒔𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅, 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒐𝒕."

The Uninvited Caller is a thriller that revolves around the lives of three generations of women - Virginia "the grandma", Lillith "the mom", and Astrid "the teenage child" who are living together, fighting the world to make a name for themselves. All they have is each other together against the world. Only this thought gets shattered when Lillith's abusive husband, Flether DuBose, gets back in their lives, after being 'dead' for twelve long years.

Virginia lives together with her daughter Lillith, and her granddaughter Astrid, who were left alone after Fletcher was found dead. The three had to rebuild their lives when Fletcher vanished without a trace twelve years ago. After no hope of him ever returning, they declared him legally dead. Except he is back, and he looks like an older version of the man that vanished.

The book promised the premise of an intriguing mystery, a heart-breaking betrayal, a strong protag, but I need to say I was left a bit disappointed.

The story is divided into three parts, Lillith's POV, Virginia's POV, and the 3rd part with both of their POV alternating and narrating the thriller to us readers. But Lillith's POV was really slow paced.

In the first part of the book, we are forced to drown in the overwhelming thought process of Lillith as she questions her situation, and contemplates whether the man she is seeing is actually her husband or not. I felt her character was the weakest of all three women. She was ready to take back the abusive person, ignoring how her daughter might have felt about such a 'father-figure' in her life. She constantly fought with her mother, not taking in a single word she said about the happenings, and acting as a whiny little kid. But I believe I felt a bit of character growth by the ending.

I was really immersed in the 2nd part. Virginia, the head of the house, the strong-willed mother, a loving and caring grandmother, is a headstrong woman, and has been the sole protector of the family, after her own husband died under mysterious circumstances. Unlike her daughter, she takes action when needed, instead of drawing herself and us in her thoughts. She does whatever is necessary to keep the three safe and sound.

Astrid was also like her grandma (*which I'm glad about). She was open, honest, and saw the situation as it was - the truth and the facade, as they were.

I was easily able to see the twists coming ahead, and the plot was generic. The finale also felt a bit underwhelming, despite the hype built all around it. And not all the characters got justice for what they had to go through. Though I appreciate the author's attempt, and would like to thank her for the ARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.

Overall, the plot had varied pace and a nice tone that the readers can enjoy.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,783 reviews318 followers
May 28, 2023
Very Twisty

I loved the ending actually. Lilith and Virginia were very strong characters and I really felt all their emotions. Fletcher kept me guessing for sure. I kind of figured it out, but not really. And the ending was powerful. I just read a similar book like that and while that ending I didn’t like, I could understand this one more. Mothers take care of their children no matter what. Glad I read this. It’s a mystery thriller with a tiny bit of romance but it’s is definitely not a romance novel. A husband missing for 12 years showing up on the porch was definitely intriguing, but the husband hadn’t been a good man. I loved how this played out!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,380 reviews15 followers
March 24, 2023
Ramona Light is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Each book I read grabs me from the beginning and keeps me turning the pages. The characters are believable, the plot is intriguing and makes you wonder if it could really happen. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy page-turning thrillers. I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
18 reviews
February 6, 2024
It wasn’t a bad read, but without giving too much away- why did one of the character’s name change? For the first half she is Lucy, then she is Kelley, only to go back to being Lucy at the end of the book…
548 reviews10 followers
March 24, 2023
A man claims to be the husband who disappeared 12 years before - 4 stars

When a man shows up at the door claiming to Lilth's husband, Fletcher, whose body was never found wants to return to his former life. There are skeptics: the mother-in-law, the wife, and the daughter. The claim of recently realizing his history is incredible. The man claiming to be Fletcher looks like an older version of Fletcher. Lilth, is intrigued and wants to reconnect.

Three women are the backbone of this story: Virginia is a strong-willed grandmother who has stood by her daughter. Lilth, Virginia's daughter and Fletcher's (ex-)wife is moody and is constantly trying to get in touch with herself. Astrid is the 18-year-old daughter who is ruthlessly honest each view Fletcher with uncertainty.

In the slow-paced initial (40%) part of the story, we observe Lilth wanting to have her husband back. None of the bad things in their previous relationship have reoccurred with the man now claiming to be Fletcher. Both Virginia and Astrid remember the shouting, beatings, and pain from the years that Fletcher imposed before he disappeared.

The pace picks up considerably after links to people who have died including Virginia's husband and a lawyer are considered. While the police believe the deaths were either suicide or accidents, doubt rises. When Virginia takes it upon herself to follow Fletcher and Fletcher's father, Robert, she comes up with nothing concrete except for an occasional white automobile which seems to follow her aggressively. Virginia is clearly under stress as she restarts smoking, a habit that she gave up many years before.

Excitement increases leading up to several unexpected surprises close to the end. The last half of the story is far more interesting than the beginning of this domestic thriller.
1,785 reviews13 followers
March 16, 2023
I received an ARC through Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Lilith receiving a visitor late at night. When she opens the door, she is told that he was Fletcher, her husband, hat was supposedly dead. His story was that he had amnesia and when he was in the hospital, he was given a new name as well as a new social security number. Lilith was not certain and asked him to leave. Later, Lilith was contacted once again by Fletcher, but it was done through leaving a note for his daughter. Eventually, Lilith had to tell her mother and then things got worse. It seems that Virgina, Lilith's mother, had issues with Fletcher's father who she believed had her husband, Wally, killed in a construction accident. Eventually Lilith began to accept Fletcher, but later she and her mother became estranged because of it.

Astris, Lilith's daughter, continued seeing her grandmother even though she was told by Lilith to stay away. Later, Virgina's lawyer contacted her and said he had found something and to meet with him the next day. The next day came around and John, her lawyer was a no show. As the story continued, Fletcher's father, Robert, planned a large party for Astrid to celebrate her 18th birthday. He also said that he would have a major announcement at that event as well. The day of the party arrived and Robert gave his announcement. After the announcement was delivered, an unplanned event happened that changed everything.

To discover why Fletcher was believed to be dead, what story was related to Lilith, what announcement and what unplanned event happened at Astrid's party, then you need to read this book. The ending was well done and answers a lot of questions that remained open.
Profile Image for Randi Robinson.
657 reviews16 followers
March 12, 2023
Lilith's father died when she was young, and her husband Fletcher died 12 years ago. The two deaths are the basis of the mystery in the book. Fletcher had this nasty habit of beating Lilith so she was really glad he died. She, her daughter, and her mother live together in a new home, the three of them against the world. When a man looking like Fletcher appears on Lilith's doorstep this relationship is threatened. Her mother refuses to believe Fletcher can be alive. Amazingly Lilith accepts him. Yes she had hospital records and he said there was a DNA test. I kept telling her to see the results for herself or make him get another one. I didn't trust anything his wealthy father had a hand in and neither did her mother. In fact, mom thinks his father killed her husband. I felt like Lilith became a rather weak character, giving in so easily to Fletcher and his father. Her mother Virginia was a strong woman who would do anything for her daughter and granddaughter Astrid. For her age, Astrid is very intuitive with the makings of a very strong woman. There is suspense as Virginia investigates things and bad stuff happen but the whole book isn't as suspenseful as I expected it to be. Maybe I have just read too many warped psychological thrillers lately. The ending however was satisfying. I enjoyed the author's easy to read writing style that pulled me in right away and I plan to read more of her work. Thanks to her for giving me a copy.
Profile Image for Mamadukes .
384 reviews7 followers
March 24, 2023
In THE UNINVITED CALLER Ramona Light returns with another domestic thriller about a woman in peril and her family’s fight to find the truth.
Lilith and her daughter Astrid have lived a quiet, unassuming life after picking up the pieces following the presumed death of husband and father, Fletcher 12 years ago. Lilith’s mother, Virginia lives next door and has a great relationship with each of them. When Fletcher returns with an amnesia story after a rafting trip gone wrong, none of the women believe him. Fletcher’s father welcomes him with open arms, providing proof that it is indeed his son, but both Lilith and Virginia remember the abuse he inflicted on Lilith all of those years ago. The new version of Fletcher, however shows none of the violence or anger from the past
As Lilith begins to again fall under Fletcher’s spell and hopes to re-unite her family for the sake of her daughter, Virginia searches for the truth.
I always love the way Ms Light drops in small clues throughout that lead to the final AHA moment. I found myself shaking my head with wonder that I didn’t catch the clues as I went along the ride. Well worth the trip!
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,634 reviews25 followers
March 26, 2023
Twelve years ago, Fletcher DuBoise, Lilith's husband disappeared and was pronounced dead. His body was never found. Lilith's mother, Virginia and her daughter, Astris started a new life in Boston. So who knocked on Lilith's door late at night? He looked like Fletcher, quirks and all, but is he? And Lilith sent him away being very skeptical. Both Virginia and Astris remembered Fletcher's bad times and abuse. And Virginia always felt that Fletcher's father caused her husband's death so she never was a Fletcher fan anyway. When Lilith decides to let him back into her life, as her defenses break down. It causes distress and estrangement with her mother even though against her mother's wishes Astris still visits her grandmother. When Fletcher's father decids to throw Astris an 18th birthday party, things get strange as did Virginia's investigations into the DuBose family. With so many twists and turns and secrets and unexpected events, you are drawn in and taken for a ride right to the very end. Once you begin this book you get grabbed and you are not let go until the end. WOW! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Michael Heidle.
359 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2023
What in the world?! When Lilith is shocked by the presence of her long dead husband standing very much alive in front of her ... my attention to this story was captivated!! The first third of the book is told from Lilith's perspective as she gradually comes to believe (based on certain "evidence") that this man is indeed her husband; the second part of the book is told from her Mom's perspective and Virginia certainly has an axe to grind (legitimately) against the "alleged" husband (she will never believe it, despite the "evidence") and his father who may have killed her own husband so many years ago; and the final section races to the conclusion alternating their perspectives chapter by chapter. What a novel approach, which I really appreciated because it worked so well!! I was totally shocked I was at the end already; I was totally captivated and enthralled by the story telling!! I hope you will enjoy it just as much as I did; and I absolutely look forward to reading more from this author!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sentinelle23.
2,080 reviews33 followers
March 25, 2023
☠💙😰A TOTALLY GRIPPING THRILLER


The twelve years since her husband's death have been easy because Fletcher DuBose was a mean and abusive man.

Since then, Lillith lived with her daughter and her mother in the huge house bought thanks to the life insurance...

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A surprising and utterly captivating thriller that keeps you glued to every page for fear of missing essential information.

I loved the whole plot, as well as the characters, all very successful.
A few questions still remains...

Despite some suspicions, I would never have guessed that ending!

I highly recommend this read!

####################################################


☠💙😰Un thriller totalement captivant

Les douze années qui ont suivi la mort de son mari ont été faciles car Fletcher DuBose était un homeme méchant et abusif.

Depuis lors, Lillith vivait avec sa fille et sa mère dans l’ immense maison achetée grâce à l’assurance-vie...

----------------

Un thriller surprenant et totalement captivant, qui vous tient rivé à chaque page de peur de manquer une information essentielle.

J’ai adoré l’ensemble de l’intrigue, ainsi que les personnages, tous très réussis. Quelques questions demeurent malgré tout...

Malgré quelques soupcons, jamais je n’aurai deviné cette fin-là !

Je recommande vivement cette lecture !
63 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book

This story had me feeling all kinds of emotions. At it’s core is physical and emotional abuse by a husband in a marriage. It appears that Lilith’s husband Fletcher, who was thought to be dead, might very well be alive and wants back in Lilith’s life. I just wanted to yell at Lilith to stay away from her abusive ex husband who she had declared as dead years ago. The story line is so very real and had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Lilith’s mother Virginia did not believe this man could be her son-in-law and she was already tangled up with his father Robert who she believed was a very dangerous man involved in illegal business dealings and who she also believed had her husband killed many years ago. I sympathized with Virginia and her situation as she stalked Robert, because she wanted to protect her family and find out the truth about her husband’s demise years earlier. I was sitting on the edge of my seat yelling at her hoping she wouldn’t get caught like it was a real situation. Loved it!
Profile Image for Spade Sixx.
202 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2023
Absolutely CHILLING

🌟: 4/5
💀: 4/5

This is my first read by Ramona Light and my goodness!! It begins immediately with a case that needs to be solved—I appreciate getting straight to the point on that. Imagine hearing about and having substantial proof that your abusive partner died in a nasty accident just for them to pop up at your doorstep over a decade later. Maaaann, I personally think I’d have been pissed and fighting the air!

I thought this book was very thorough and evoked a lot of frustration—in the best way. The details kept me hooked and the tension between family members with the secrets unraveling made me stay. All in all I’d say this is a great read.

My only major ick is that I wish the storyline could’ve have been written to stand out more. It seems to follow a similar pattern to many other psychological thrillers I’ve read. The plot is interesting, I think it was just a bit overshadowed by the storyline’s order of events.

Would 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced domestic thriller!
4 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2023
This story had me hooked right from the beginning!
Lilith had lost her abusive husband in a rafting accident, but his body was never found. She’d had him declared dead, collected his insurance and made a more comfortable life for her mother, her daughter and herself. Then one evening there was a knock on the door- it was a man who claimed to be her husband. Of course she doesn’t believe that. Lilith’s mother is certain he’s an imposter, but Lilith isn’t so sure, and she takes the time to get to know him better. Lilith does have a lawyer investigate this man professing to be her husband and the story her husband told is backed up by what the lawyer found. The husband’s father is a great businessman, but Lilith’s mother hates him for things she suspects he’s done, and she keeps trying to find proof.
This was a hard book to put down with all the twists in the plot.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,308 reviews18 followers
March 21, 2023
What would you do if your husband who died in a rafting accident suddenly shows up at your door 12 years later? This story focused on that and the death of Lilith's father years ago. Lilith's mom always suspected her husband was killed by his boss Robert, but could never prove it. This story is told from the viewpoint of Lilith and her mom. It hints as to what happened to Fletcher, Lilith's husband, all those years ago. Lilith, her mom and her daughter all handle the reappearance of "Fletcher" in their own ways. The ending had a twist that I predicted early in the book. It also had a couple of twists that were surprising. A good read focused on the three women and how their lives continued to change, as did their relationships with each other. Things are explained at the end and it didn't leave any cliff hangers.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Tracey.
302 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2023
Ramona's books are like nothing I've ever read before. They aren't as suspenseful as the blurbs lead you to believe, but the endings are always a surprise, almost as though someone else came in to finish them for her. That being said, they are absolutely page turners and I've enjoyed every one that I've gotten my hands on. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Lilith, our main character's father died when she was young. Her husband Fletcher died 12 years ago. These two deaths set up the mystery this book tries to solve. Ramona never comes right out and explains what happens which is almost like a choose your own ending book for our Villian(s).

Lilith, her daughter, and her mother live together until a man who looks like Fletcher appears on Lilith's doorstep.
Profile Image for Louise.
1,508 reviews20 followers
March 24, 2023
Twelve years after Lilith's husband's death, he miraculously reappears on her doorstep. Alive and ready to rejoin the family. Lilith and Virginia takes it upon themselves to uncover the truth and reveal or confirm the man's true identity. The story switches between perspectives, but at the beginning, this isn't clear whose perspectives readers are reading from unless there is context or a name said by another character. The book is written in the present tense, so readers read the narrative in real-time. A personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the character.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen.
97 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2023
Twelve years ago, Lilith's husband, Fletcher DuBose, disappeared. She, her mother, and her daughter have rebuilt their life in Boston successfully - 3 generations of women, striving and surviving. Fletcher supposedly died in a rafting accident in West Virginia. So why is he standing at Lilith's door?

Ramona Light should be crowned the Queen of the psychological thriller. I know better than to try and guess the whodunit. She creates a tension throughout her books that is nearly unbearable, followed by unexpected endings. Just as unpredictable as the river Fletcher disappeared on, this book is a whitewater experience. Ramona Light delivers again. Hold on tight!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
763 reviews14 followers
May 15, 2023
Ramona is a new author for me to review and I must say I was not disappointed. I read this book in one day because I had trouble putting it down. I have to say I knew that some of my ideas were going to be true but so many more of them went by the wayside when I read the actual accounting.
One of the things offered at the end was another of her books for joining her newsletter and by all means I joined. She is a great psychological thriller writer. Keeps you guessing as you go.
I also like the conflict she developed between family members as they had to come to terms with their past, present and future.
This is a must read story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
841 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2023
No spoilers in this review, here's what you need to know: This is one of those books you just HAVE to read and draw your own conclusions. Well-written thriller with well-developed characters which are woven into a plot that makes the book hard to put down. Twists and thrills will keep the reader's interest as they draw their own conclusions until things are actually wrapped up. Makes you wonder if people are really who they say they are. Good descriptors allow the reader to visualize what's happening in the book...just stop reading here and pick up this book now. You won't be disappointed...totally recommend this fascinating read.
Profile Image for Sarah Westfield .
42 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2023
Thank you to bloodhound books for this ARC. I really enjoyed the face paced family drama but unfortunately felt that a few things were left unanswered.

Virginia was a very likeable character that would do anything to protect her family. Whereas Robert was the complete opposite.

Lilith felt like a very vulnerable character after being a victim of domestic violence in the past.

All in all I really enjoyed it as it just kept me guessing till the end as to who fletcher.

I will be looking into other books by this author
Profile Image for Amanda Pecotte.
80 reviews
March 15, 2023
Wow this book was absolutely fantastic. I don’t even know where to begin.
I loved how this book had me wondering what was going to happen from beginning to the end. The amount of twists and turns throughout the story was AWESOME!!!!
I loved all the characters and the descriptions throughout the entire book was just right. I could picture everything in my head as I was reading the story and had so many emotions.
I would definitely recommend readings this.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann Gargiulo.
12 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2023
From the first chapter I wanted to know more about Fletcher Dubose and his unexpected return. This novel kept me turning pages and I read this book faster than most. I loved how it built upon a bond amongst 3 generations of women all wanting the best for Lillith . It dives deep into her mother's character and how the past ties into the present and future . I enjoyed how it rotated chapters between Lillith and her mother pointing out the struggles they faced . This book is suspenseful, insightful , informative and gives just the right amount of twist.

Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,584 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2023
Given lots of information I believe this book was slow to start but once it did…it all started coming out. Your husband goes on a rafting trip and is presumed dead and after 12 years Lilith opens her door to her long lost husband. Now the question is…is it really him? What happened to him? Why has it been so long? Then Robert, Fletchers dad comes back into their lives all lovey dovey is it strange or is he just happy to have his son back? What about Virginia’s suspension about the past? Could that come into play?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne.
2,199 reviews47 followers
March 23, 2023
Her husband has been declared legally dead for 12 years but then he shows up on her doorstep. What?! This gripping physcological thriller totally had me thinking. The plot is superbly presented as well as the most strange plot you will ever read. The characters are presented well and some are cunning but the whole time I was biting my nails and wondering what would happen next. The ending is explosive and unexpected.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,695 reviews37 followers
March 27, 2023
The Uninvited Caller is written in a way that makes the reader feels like there is a roller coaster in action. Characters are all linked and have different aims in their relationship. There's a lot of deceit, lying, and human beings shown in their worst light, greed, and evil. A good plot and story that provides great entertainment!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ellie Algiere.
23 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2023
What would you do if you opened your door to find your dead spouse on your doorstep? Lilith felt relief when her abusive husband died in a rafting accident. She didn't expect him to show up 12 years later.

Told from the viewpoints of Lilith and her mother, this suspenseful tale kept me reading into the early morning hours.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,376 reviews11 followers
April 6, 2023
This book does not live up to its start. It gets bogged down in the middle by going over the same thing over and over but in part 3 it becomes the book I wanted to read. The timeline in the story skips about and it takes a few minutes to pick up where things stand again. If you can get through the first chapters of part 2 then you will like this book.

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