andrew61's review against another edition
3.0
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.
spelingexpirt13's review
4.0
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.
sp00ky_n3rd's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It wasn't bad but it felt a but unnecessary. This could have been the first few chapters of the next book.
narbeleth's review
If 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
Spoiler
since it basically rewrote “Boiling the Frog” idea into shorter story, plus Kendra, minus happy ending (and crucially, minus brilliant structure. Never mind).Spoiler
in really short period of time, he managed to get trapped twice, not a great recordIt'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?
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