REVIEW: I’ve read all of the Repairman Jack novels in the main timeline of the Adversary Cycle (and have a lot of them in the original hardbound editions), though I admit I haven’t read the young Jack YA novels. My favorite novel in the Adversary Cycle series is probably The Haunted Air. I was curious to see how Wilson would treat a new novel within the existing timeline and, it occurred to me, that Wilson’s approach is a bit how I (as a more-than-occasional original media tie-in novelist) work on tie-in novels.
The Last Christmas doesn’t change what has already happened (naturally) but also can’t alter what is to come in the future novels. Also, Jack’s personal relationships and the status of the world at large remains where it was at that moment in time. In this respect, it’s kind of a “lost story” or “lost episode” out of Jack’s life as the Heir. If you are reading the Repairman Jack novels for the first time, you can slot this one in right in the middle of the timeline after Ground Zero and before Fatal Error.
It’s been a while since I read the conclusion of the Adversary Cycle, so I can’t say that this story breaks new ground or reveals anything we don’t eventually discover by the end, but what I can say is that it’s a familiar and enjoyable tale of Jack working a fix (finding a missing not-so-human person) in the middle of apocryphal happenings. If you have fond memories of reading the Repairman Jack novels, then The Last Christmas feels a bit like time-traveling to visit an old (and highly-competent) friend.
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As a big Repairman Jack fan, I was pleased to get my (virtual) hands on an eGalley of F. Paul Wilson’s upcoming Repairman Jack novel, THE LAST CHRISTMAS. Have not read this one yet, but here are some details if you’re interested.
THE LAST CHRISTMAS
A Repairman Jack Novel
by F. Paul Wilson
Crossroad Press
Gordion Knot
Mystery & Thrillers , Sci Fi & Fantasy
Pub Date 15 Nov 2019
SYNOPSIS:
Jack is back.
Wilson never said he was through with Repairman Jack. He said he was through turning in a new novel every year. He also said when a story came along that was right for Jack, he’d write it.
The Last Christmas is that story.
It’s late December between Ground Zero and Fatal Error, a winter of discontent for Jack who’s perhaps spending too much time hanging at Julio’s. An old contact, Edward Burkes, convinces him to take on a missing-person fix.
As usual, nothing is as it seems and the missing person isn’t exactly a person. In fact, it’s like nothing anyone has ever seen.
And in the middle of all this, the mysterious Madame de Medici hires him to safeguard a valuable object. Simple, right?
Not even close.
Yep, Jack is back and, as usual, weird trouble is on his heels.
Trade Paperback: $19.99 ISBN: 978-1-950565-82-5 November 15th ebook: $5.99 ISBN: 978-1-950565-66-5 – Pre-order starts November 15th – release date is December 19
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: F. PAUL WILSON is the award-winning, NY Times bestselling author of sixty books and numerous short stories spanning medical thrillers, sf, horror, adventure, and virtually everything between. More than 9 million copies of his books are in print in the US and his work has been translated into 24 languages. He also has written for the stage, screen, comics, and interactive media. He is best known for is notorious urban mercenary, Repairman Jack. He currently resides at the Jersey Shore.
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