I enjoyed this book. I did not read the earlier books in the series, but it still made sense.
Jack Parlabane is a disgraced reporter trying to rebuild his career. Unfortunately, a hacker friend who has helped him in the past now wants to call in the favors—by demanding he help her rob a huge corporation. Unfortunately, the more Jack and his hacker friend Sam investigate, the more they find the company's executives have a lot to hide. They both end up racing to save themselves from a messy conspiracy that traces back to Sam's family.
I liked the characters, and hope to see Sam again in future books. Jack was also a relatable character, and I will probably read some of the other books in the series now.
This is also one of those books that goes back and forth between first person and third person for different points-of-view, which I personally don't have a problem with, but have been told repeatedly never to do when writing. Still, it seems to work in this book and I don't see a problem with it.

"Chris" Brookmyre writes straight, solid crime fiction. I do miss the joyful anarchy of "Christopher" Brookmyre (and I dearly hope he comes back one day) but these books are certainly a thrilling read. A major feature of this one for me was, in amongst enjoying a right rollocking read, I learned a whole lot of terrifying new stuff about hackers and data security. Top tip: TRUST NO-ONE! Ever.

I loved the few wee links to Brookmyre's other works that show Jack Parlabane inhabits the same world. DI Catherine McLeod is mentioned in passing but my favourite was a cameo from All Fun and Games until Somebody Loses an Eye, one of my top 3 Brookmyre books.

Jack is something of a long-suffering character and I'm starting to imagine him as one, gigantic bruise (inside and out). Come on Chris, give the guy a happy ending! Just once. The trials of Mr Parlabane aside, this is an extremely well written, pacy, thrill-ride from start to finish. Highly recommended.

Chris Brookmyre continues to be a master of the crime thriller. Rich plots that twist and turn at breakneck speed by the end but which don't tie themselves in knots. Characters worthy of emotional investment and dialogue that guides without patronising, excellent again.

Thanks to the people at Little, brown book group and NetGalley I got the next installment in the Jack Parlabane series as an ARC. It’s scheduled to be published in April so for me Easter has come early.

Let me start by admitting I am a huge fan of Brookmyres writing. It’s political, informative, and share his obvious fan status when it comes to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

This is the eighth instalment in the Parlabane series – in which we follow a journalist who will do almost anything to get is story, whilst uncovering the truth. His accomplice is someone we have met before, but know little about, Buzzkill. The story is about Parlabanes return to journalism, but the main theme is hacking, and I’ll admit some parts really did make me question my own online security along with some OMG moments of realisation.

For me this book was perfect, even though there was a techy acronym or two that I had to refer to google for. It flowed well, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The real identity of Buzzkill should have been obvious early on, a little like the ending but I think because you get so involved in the story from the first chapter there isn’t the opportunity to think ahead and try to work it out which is good. I think whether you’re a fan of crime fiction, Brookmyre or just wanting a book to read this should be on your 2017 must read list.

Clever, well written, but a bit too long

Long time followers know that I don't give out five stars easily. But this book kept me hooked and engrossed more so than anything else I have read as of late.

As always, finishing a book by Brookmyre leaves me with a deep sadness that yet another tumultuous adventure is over, and I don't really know how long it will be till my next taste. But the saddest part is the last page, About the Author, which says that he has only sold more than a million books in the U.K. Really? Why don't more people know about the wonderful Christopher Brookmyre?!?

On to the book itself - wow, what a roller coaster. What a bunch of twists and turns - although some might opine that there were too many twists, I don't think I saw a single one coming (or I guessed completely wrong - you'll know what I mean when you get through this). But what I liked was that every major character had a background, a motivation and a reason - and half of the fun of reading Brookmyre is watching all of them unfold. What I don't understand, though, is how he writes such complex webs - must be almost impossible to keep track of all of them!

As someone else said below, this isn't a Parlabane book - this is all Sam. U like that reviewer, who gave it three stars only, I very much enjoyed it. The first person perspective really helps you watch her grow, and the resolution of her plot is therefore even more powerful.

The Last Hack is detailed perfectly. And makes you all the more paranoid, knowing how easy it is for hackers to receive any information needed for their goals. Or the ability to twist and bend circumstances to their will. With members of major corporations handing over sensitive information, to systems being entirely warped, this read is exceptionally eye catching.

Sam enters the picture, with her sister in tow. She is left alone, to fend for herself and her sister. Her mother in prison doesn't care that her daughter has opportunities, it's as if she wishes her the same fate that she has obtained. And what can Sam do, but stress from it all. There is no money coming in for either of them due to complications and she is having to deal with bullying, which knows no age. Her world is basically turned upside down and it doesn't stop there.

It moves on to Jack who loves getting himself into the worse situations possible. Always following a story and always unrelenting in his endeavors. He is a force to be reckoned with. Much of his life is that way, fast paced, always upping his game, never letting others shake him down. But he also struggles with things that could have been, a failed marriage, and love that never truly blossomed. It's a non-stop whirlwind of a life.

And somehow when two are from completely opposite sides of the spectrum, Sam and Jack are melded into each other's lives and pushed to find a solution to their crazy predicament. The hacking ensues, the moments in these pages get more intense and elevated as they are placed in very complex surroundings. Plans that go awry and a bloodied corpse that makes it look as if Jack had a hand in this gruesome murder.

This is one of those reads that might take a few pages to get into, but once it moves along, there is no turning back. The intricacies within this novel will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, hoping that Jack and Sam both make it out of this with their heads intact. And maybe at the end of all this, there might be a few happy endings... or more mayhem on the horizon for Jack Parlabane.

***I received this copy from Atlantic Monthly Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

Having only just discovered this series with book 7, I couldn't wait to read more of the same. This was a totally different read to the last book but was, for me at least, a brilliant read.

This book is bang up to date as it delves into the world of cyber crime and hackers. The author takes Jack on a journey he doesn't expect as he joins forces with a very clever young woman. Sam is a struggling to look after her vulnerable sister while their mum is in jail for something she claims she didn't do. As the story progresses we discover that what is going on is far more complicated than first thought, and it goes a lot further back in time.

The story is brilliantly told, the characters are all written well, and the storyline takes you on a journey you won't be expecting.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.