The Final Cut: A Barney Thomson Novel

Barney Thomson #7

by Douglas Lindsay

***This book is also available in THE BARBERSHOP SEVEN - the collected Barney Thomson novels***



Searching for answers to his tortured, murder-filled existence, Barney Thomson is drawn to take a job in London, as personal barber to Thomas Bethlehem, the head of an upcoming and trendy marketing agency. Such is Barney's fate that, just as he arrives in the capital, a serial killer begins to run amok among the young, go-getting executives of Bethlehem's company. Suddenly, but entirely predictably, Barney once again finds himself in the middle of a multiple murder investigation. As Satan returns to haunt Barney and to steer him down his final, inevitable path, could it be that Bethlehem's latest client -- a wise-cracking New Englander with an easy smile and a handy ability with a thunderbolt -- is the man to provide the deliverance that has eluded Barney Thomson for so long?



THE FINAL CUT is book 7 in the Barney Thomson series.



Praise for THE LONG MIDNIGHT OF BARNEY THOMSON (book 1)



"This chilling black comedy unfolds at dizzying speed... an impressive debut novel." –

Sunday Mirror



"The plot, Russian literature fans, is a modern spin on Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. The bloody ending, movie buffs, is pure Reservoir Dogs." – The Mirror



"This is pitch-black comedy spun from the finest writing. Fantastic plot, unforgettable scenes and plenty of twisted belly laughs." – New Woman



Praise for THE BARBER SURGEON'S HAIRSHIRT (book 2):



“A mad, macabre romp with surreal characters and cutting black humour.” – The Sunday Mirror



“Gloriously over the top, very bloody and very, very funny.” – Daily Telegraph



“A novel which is both genuinely silly and a fun read.” – The Scotsman



“A flawless follow-up to an impressive debut, this is extremely well-written, highly amusing and completely unpredictable in its outrageous plot twists and turns.” – The List



“Lindsay’s burlesque thrills offer no sex, no drugs, no desperation to be cool. Just straightforward adult story; fantastic plot, classic timing and gleeful delight in the grotesque. With more talent than Irvine Welsh could dream of, Lindsay has crafted a macabre masterpiece where content lives up to style.” – What’s On



THE BARNEY THOMSON novels in order:



#1 THE LONG MIDNIGHT OF BARNEY THOMSON

#2 THE BARBER SURGEON'S HAIRSHIRT (aka THE CUTTING EDGE OF BARNEY THOMSON)

#3 MURDERERS ANONYMOUS (aka A PRAYER FOR BARNEY THOMSON)

#4 THE RESURRECTION OF BARNEY THOMSON (aka THE KING WAS IN HIS COUNTING HOUSE)

#5 THE LAST FISH SUPPER

#6 THE HAUNTING OF BARNEY THOMSON

#7 THE FINAL CUT

Genres: Crime

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Alan McCord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps the most complex of the Barney Thomson series in terms of the number of active elements. We have workplace revenge, corporate intrigue, a reappearance of a former investigating officer, and extended appearances by both God and Satan, sometimes together! I can't give away any spoilers but Igor can: "Arf!"

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to list the omnibus of seven separately due to the 2015 challenge. Review for the Omnibus:

Admittedly, it's perseverance that got me through all seven books. The first three, though interesting, were not very captivating. The last four were more flowing and well paced. Overall a good alternative read.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, kind of muddled in tone, but entertaining enough

[Peter Jakobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice crazy plot with lots of side ideas. Will read about hairdresser Barney!

[Cameron Geddes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of brought everything to a decent close - not excellent but a decent enough read