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Jack Parlabane #5.5
The Last Day of Christmas: The Fall of Jack Parlabane
Snowy London, a few days before Christmas, and a civil servant realises she has a chance for revenge.
Kendra has spent her whole life struggling against the Etonian powers-that-be, so when she realises her boss is up to no good, she turns whistleblower, calling a journalist who is looking for a way to fight back himself.
Jack Parlabane is a hack who will go to desperate lengths for a good story, and these days desperate is the word.
Reduced to peddling PR puff pieces, Parlabane is delighted when Kendra's information threatens to blow up a national corruption case at the highest levels. But as he follows the threads and others get wind of his investigation, Parlabane realises this story might prove dangerous to both of them.
This is one Christmas present Parlabane might regret opening.
Suspense, conspiracy and Jack Parlabane - a journalist who doesn't know what's good for him - lie within this superb short story prequel to the forthcoming novel Dead Girl Walking.
Kendra has spent her whole life struggling against the Etonian powers-that-be, so when she realises her boss is up to no good, she turns whistleblower, calling a journalist who is looking for a way to fight back himself.
Jack Parlabane is a hack who will go to desperate lengths for a good story, and these days desperate is the word.
Reduced to peddling PR puff pieces, Parlabane is delighted when Kendra's information threatens to blow up a national corruption case at the highest levels. But as he follows the threads and others get wind of his investigation, Parlabane realises this story might prove dangerous to both of them.
This is one Christmas present Parlabane might regret opening.
Suspense, conspiracy and Jack Parlabane - a journalist who doesn't know what's good for him - lie within this superb short story prequel to the forthcoming novel Dead Girl Walking.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2014
31 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Brookmyre
42 books1,558 followersChristopher Brookmyre is a Scottish novelist whose novels mix politics, social comment and action with a strong narrative. He has been referred to as a Tartan Noir author. His debut novel was Quite Ugly One Morning, and subsequent works have included One Fine Day in the Middle of the Night, which he said "was just the sort of book he needed to write before he turned 30", and All Fun and Games until Somebody Loses an Eye (2005). Brookmyre also writes historical fiction with Marisa Haetzman, under the pseudonym "Ambrose Parry."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 5, 2016
Enjoyable read for Brookmyre fans. It fills in a gap in Jack's life just prior to Dead Girl Walking. Nicely done but probably a 3.5/5 really.
December 8, 2016
3.5 stars
Read
November 27, 2014If you like Jack Parlabane, you may consider waiting with reading this freaking short story. I couldn't and I'm not sure if it wasn't a grave mistake. It was easier when I didn't remember how much I love Parlabane exactly.
“On the Last Day of Christmas” wasn't probably the best short story in the crime fiction history or even in Brookmyre's bibliography (“Bampot Central” was way more funny), but it was just too Parlabane-ish too do anything else but make me very happy for about an hour. And then it ended. And now I've read I'm supposed to wait till May for “Dead Girl Walking” publication (May? Seriously? How?).
That it was a very promising set up - sounds like Jack Parlabane's meets some of Jasmine Sharp's series's seriousness and I'm curious about the result – doesn't help my impatience at all (full disclosure, if it was in previous books' tone, it wouldn't help either). And Parlabane is the best character at his worst moments. And, generally: sigh.
Okay, more to the point, it was quite interesting, if not that surprising But I doubt that little plot twist was planned as surprise, it read more like establishing Parlabane's life situation (as utterly disastrous) and his characteristic (downright reckless, as Kendra herself noticed and too desperate and/or obstinate to think clearly – ) for the second story, in-depth story, real story (like the Telegraph's one) that's awaiting him.
It's going to be unpleasant one, I'm sure, so maybe I shouldn't wish it upon a character I adore – but could it hurry the hell up?
“On the Last Day of Christmas” wasn't probably the best short story in the crime fiction history or even in Brookmyre's bibliography (“Bampot Central” was way more funny), but it was just too Parlabane-ish too do anything else but make me very happy for about an hour. And then it ended. And now I've read I'm supposed to wait till May for “Dead Girl Walking” publication (May? Seriously? How?).
That it was a very promising set up - sounds like Jack Parlabane's meets some of Jasmine Sharp's series's seriousness and I'm curious about the result – doesn't help my impatience at all (full disclosure, if it was in previous books' tone, it wouldn't help either). And Parlabane is the best character at his worst moments. And, generally: sigh.
Okay, more to the point, it was quite interesting, if not that surprising But I doubt that little plot twist was planned as surprise, it read more like establishing Parlabane's life situation (as utterly disastrous) and his characteristic (downright reckless, as Kendra herself noticed and too desperate and/or obstinate to think clearly – ) for the second story, in-depth story, real story (like the Telegraph's one) that's awaiting him.
It's going to be unpleasant one, I'm sure, so maybe I shouldn't wish it upon a character I adore – but could it hurry the hell up?
February 17, 2018
This short story is set in between books 5 and 6 of the Jack Parlabane series, and has Jack at a low point in his career, working for a London tabloid, estranged from his wife, and feeling his age - but things can always get worse.
When he rescues a young woman being harassed in a train station by some drunken boors, she confides in him about a work dilemma: a senior civil servant at the MoD is having an affair with national security implications. Needing a story to restart his career, he gets involved, but soon discovers there are smarter people than him pulling his strings.
This has the trademark Brookmyre wit, sarcasm, and class rage, although toned down compared to the earlier books, as is the swearing. The best thing about his books is how Jack gets knocked down, but gets back up again (see what I did there?) but here, he is truly left in the gutter, so I didn't particularly enjoy it. Luckily I have Dead Girl Walking ready to read soon. I don't know how necessary it is for the series to read this, I guess I'll see with the next book, and report back. I hope we see more of Kendra too.
When he rescues a young woman being harassed in a train station by some drunken boors, she confides in him about a work dilemma: a senior civil servant at the MoD is having an affair with national security implications. Needing a story to restart his career, he gets involved, but soon discovers there are smarter people than him pulling his strings.
This has the trademark Brookmyre wit, sarcasm, and class rage, although toned down compared to the earlier books, as is the swearing. The best thing about his books is how Jack gets knocked down, but gets back up again (see what I did there?) but here, he is truly left in the gutter, so I didn't particularly enjoy it. Luckily I have Dead Girl Walking ready to read soon. I don't know how necessary it is for the series to read this, I guess I'll see with the next book, and report back. I hope we see more of Kendra too.
May 14, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"Same time, same place."
Jack Parlabane needs a good story to regain his prestige and self respect: now in London after breaking up with his wife, working as an hack on a paper where news was not top priority to his deputy editor, he was having a bad day. Then, on the station platform, he comes too the aid of a young woman who just might be able to supply what he was looking for...
A Jack Par!shame short story that paced the way for the next book as Jack prepares to return to Scotland. A good, intrigue filled all-too-short story, well written with solidly developed characters and a touch of cynical humour. Two narrators: Angus King and Kate Brracken, both excellent, as each reads the chapter pertaining to the point of view of.the two main characters. Get a copy of the next book (Dead Girl Walking) to follow on: the ending definitely leaves the reader wanting more.
Second reading, May 2022.
Rereading in preparation for starting the next Jack Parlabane book, Dead Girl Walking, and enjoyed it, if anything, even more than the first time around.
"Same time, same place."
Jack Parlabane needs a good story to regain his prestige and self respect: now in London after breaking up with his wife, working as an hack on a paper where news was not top priority to his deputy editor, he was having a bad day. Then, on the station platform, he comes too the aid of a young woman who just might be able to supply what he was looking for...
A Jack Par!shame short story that paced the way for the next book as Jack prepares to return to Scotland. A good, intrigue filled all-too-short story, well written with solidly developed characters and a touch of cynical humour. Two narrators: Angus King and Kate Brracken, both excellent, as each reads the chapter pertaining to the point of view of.the two main characters. Get a copy of the next book (Dead Girl Walking) to follow on: the ending definitely leaves the reader wanting more.
Second reading, May 2022.
Rereading in preparation for starting the next Jack Parlabane book, Dead Girl Walking, and enjoyed it, if anything, even more than the first time around.
April 2, 2021
3.5
A quick & fun read for background on Dead Girl Walking.
A quick & fun read for background on Dead Girl Walking.
October 31, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"Same time, same place."
Jack Parlabane needs a good story to regain his prestige and self respect: now in London after breaking up with his wife, working as an hack on a paper where news was not top priority to his deputy editor, he was having a bad day. Then, on the station platform, he comes too the aid of a young woman who just might be able to supply what he was looking for...
A Jack Par!shame short story that paced the way for the next book as Jack prepares to return to Scotland. A good, intrigue filled all-too-short story, well written with solidly developed characters and a touch of cynical humour. Two narrators: Angus King and Kate Brracken, both excellent, as each reads the chapter pertaining to the point of view of.the two main characters. Get a copy of the next book (Dead Girl Walking) to follow on: the ending definitely leaves the reader wanting more.
"Same time, same place."
Jack Parlabane needs a good story to regain his prestige and self respect: now in London after breaking up with his wife, working as an hack on a paper where news was not top priority to his deputy editor, he was having a bad day. Then, on the station platform, he comes too the aid of a young woman who just might be able to supply what he was looking for...
A Jack Par!shame short story that paced the way for the next book as Jack prepares to return to Scotland. A good, intrigue filled all-too-short story, well written with solidly developed characters and a touch of cynical humour. Two narrators: Angus King and Kate Brracken, both excellent, as each reads the chapter pertaining to the point of view of.the two main characters. Get a copy of the next book (Dead Girl Walking) to follow on: the ending definitely leaves the reader wanting more.
November 23, 2020
I should open my review by saying that I listened to the audio book version of this novel and hadn't appreciated, until the narrator thanked me for listening to it, that it was a short story. I feel this may have affected my enjoyment of the story and accept that this rests entirely on me. What I would say, however, is that having read all the Parlabane novels up to this one I don't think they lend themselves to being short stories. I feel Jack's character is too big to be limited to a short story. I also dislike it when things don't go Jack's way because I think he is always well intentioned and has strong morals so it annoys me when the "baddies" reign triumphant over him.
January 28, 2022
I picked up bk 6 from and then saw that this short story would give some background to the next story. I'm not sure how I feel about series having half books but in the end felt I should give it a go.
Jack , several years on from the dramatic events of book 5 is in London on a paper with little respect from his younger boss for his reputation. When a whistle blower in the Minstry of Defence tells him about a senior MP having an affair and compromising security Jack senses a scoop which is not necessarily what it seems.
Left me looking forward to the next book.
Jack , several years on from the dramatic events of book 5 is in London on a paper with little respect from his younger boss for his reputation. When a whistle blower in the Minstry of Defence tells him about a senior MP having an affair and compromising security Jack senses a scoop which is not necessarily what it seems.
Left me looking forward to the next book.
August 18, 2025
Last Day of Christmas is an engaging short story that serves as a compelling prelude to Dead Girl Walking. Like other books featuring Jack Parlabane, it delivers a fun and entertaining read with Brookmyre’s signature blend of wit and suspense. The story is tightly written and keeps the pace brisk, making it a satisfying addition to the Parlabane series. Fans of the character will appreciate the familiar tone and clever plotting that make these stories so enjoyable.
January 31, 2018
Love a wee short story and love a book that ends on a cliff-hanger! I'm sucked right in and interested to read what JP gets up to next- and what came before this! Chris Brookmyre's writing is so compelling. Getting more excited about Crime at the Castle by the day :D
Challenge list #17 (finish in a day)
Challenge list #17 (finish in a day)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2018
* I am not sure that I can write a fair review of this book without reading the full novel that follows it.
* The story and characters are good, but the cliff-hanger at the end is so frustrating that I am glad that I already have the next book lined up to read soon. I had not planned to read it straight away, but think that I might need to change my plans!
* The story and characters are good, but the cliff-hanger at the end is so frustrating that I am glad that I already have the next book lined up to read soon. I had not planned to read it straight away, but think that I might need to change my plans!
April 16, 2023
A jump back in time for me and the only Parlabane book I hadn't read in sequence. Fine writing but perhaps "fills-in" something necessary in the series? Either, way since my views are aligned with Christopher Brrokmyre's, an enjoyable short story which shows how the vested interests of the establishment generally win out.
October 20, 2020
A short sharp shock, both for the reader and for Jack Parlabane. It's a nice little tale, but it exists mostly to set up the next novel in the series (Dead Girl Walking) and ends on a cliffhanger that's resolved there. That minor caveat aside, it's classic Parlabane.
December 13, 2021
A short Parlabane story set at Christmas... So what better time to read it? The main plot and the subplot converged nicely and though it's a simple, quick tale, and not too Christmassy, it certainly plugged the gap until I'll hop back on the next Parlabane adventure at some point next year.
June 9, 2022
Nothing happens
What did I miss? Did I somehow fall asleep in the middle of reading this? Lots is promised but it doesn’t go anywhere. I’m a fan, but even I would say, “don’t bother with this one”.
What did I miss? Did I somehow fall asleep in the middle of reading this? Lots is promised but it doesn’t go anywhere. I’m a fan, but even I would say, “don’t bother with this one”.
August 27, 2017
Fast, funny, thrilling. Certainly makes me want to read the next novel soon!
November 3, 2017
Typical Brookmyre great read
Parlabane at his lowest ...always great characterization...the story unfolds with startling clarity ..you feel your there with him feel his pain
Parlabane at his lowest ...always great characterization...the story unfolds with startling clarity ..you feel your there with him feel his pain
December 23, 2023
Well constructed short story in typical Brookmyre style.
July 7, 2022
It wasn't bad but felt a bit unnecessary. It really could have been the prologue or first few chapters of the next book.
January 24, 2016
The Last Days of Christmas: The Fall of Jack Parlabane by Christopher Brookmyre - Good
Another Christmas themed short story, although thinking about it, I don't remember it being particularly Christmassy.
This is basically a lead in to the new Parlabane novel that is due out in January. I suspect that, as it is a while since the last one, Mr Brookmyre wanted to remind us of Jack and whet our appetite. It worked well, but I didn't need any help in being excited about the new book.
Post Leveson Enquiry, Jack has found his exploits and his career severely curtailed. He's working for some London Tabloid taking wire stories and editing them into the 'house style'. Deeply dissatisfying! Then, by chance, a story drops into his lap: an MOD bigwig having an affair and thereby leaving himself vulnerable. Can he resist investigating, can he avoid getting himself in trouble? Of course not.
Nice little taster, can't wait to read the new novel.
Another Christmas themed short story, although thinking about it, I don't remember it being particularly Christmassy.
This is basically a lead in to the new Parlabane novel that is due out in January. I suspect that, as it is a while since the last one, Mr Brookmyre wanted to remind us of Jack and whet our appetite. It worked well, but I didn't need any help in being excited about the new book.
Post Leveson Enquiry, Jack has found his exploits and his career severely curtailed. He's working for some London Tabloid taking wire stories and editing them into the 'house style'. Deeply dissatisfying! Then, by chance, a story drops into his lap: an MOD bigwig having an affair and thereby leaving himself vulnerable. Can he resist investigating, can he avoid getting himself in trouble? Of course not.
Nice little taster, can't wait to read the new novel.
June 14, 2015
I love Parlabane, but to be fair, this isn't really a short story about him, it feels more like a set up for the following novel. As such, it works well, but I wouldn't recommend reading it without having Dead Girl Walking to hand.
Given the Leveson enquiry, Parlabane was always going to be a target, now he's at the stage where he's basically rewording PR puff pieces under a new byline. So when a big story falls into his lap, he was always going to follow it up. This being Jack, it's probably not his best idea.
Given the Leveson enquiry, Parlabane was always going to be a target, now he's at the stage where he's basically rewording PR puff pieces under a new byline. So when a big story falls into his lap, he was always going to follow it up. This being Jack, it's probably not his best idea.
February 29, 2016
So when I started reading dead girl walking I was a tad confused. How had jack parlabane ended up so far down on his luck, unemployable, and who was this sir Anthony mead they kept mentioning. Then I discovered this novella only available as a download. It's a spiritedly little number and explains everything that needs explaining, introducing the character of buzzkill and showing jack get his comeuppance for being a touch over confident. Obviously at 53 pages it's lightweight but well written fun and at least it means I don't think my memory is failing quite as much as I did at the end of reading my previous book.
January 12, 2015
A tense little glimpse into the world of Parlabane who returns after years of absence, filling a void I didn't even realise was there. This short story comes packed with all of the tense, political and journalistic play we're used to from Brookmyre but minus the sarcasm and wit that usually accompanies Parlabane's outings.
April 8, 2015
A very enjoyable short story charting the downfall of Jack Parlabane which works well as a standalone story, as well as prologue to Dead Girl Walking. Parlabane is down, but not out; like a Timex watch he's taken a licking but keeps on ticking. Full of sharp humour and sharper dialogue, a great story for both readers new to Chris Brookmyre as well as long-term readers of his previous works!
December 1, 2014
Really just a taster or tease for the new Jack Parlabane novel due next year, but I enjoyed this. It's nice to return to the world of a favourite character and I look forward to another full-length story featuring the gallus investigative reporter.
February 3, 2015
I have the 'next' book waiting on my kindle shelf and I thought I would give this short story a whirl first to get to know the characters and background. Good little short crime novel. Looking forward to reading the 'full' book and finding out what happens
February 5, 2016
Nice and quick short story with one of Christopher Brookmyre's best characters
December 4, 2014
Nice to see Jack Parlabane back if only as a vehicle for the authors political leanings and beliefs. personally, I agree with everything in this short story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews