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Jack Nightingale #5
Lastnight
Legendary P.I. Jack Nightingale returns in his fifth nail-biting adventure.
A killer is murdering Goths with brutal relish - skinning and butchering them. The cops aren't getting anywhere, so Jack Nightingale's nemesis, Superintendent Chalmers, asks him for help.
Nightingale discovers that the murdered Goths had one thing in common: a tattoo connected to a Satanic child-sacrificing cult called the Order of Nine Angels.
As Nightingale closes in on the killers, the tables are turned and he finds himself in the firing line, along with his friends and family. The Order will stop at nothing to protect their secrets; and Nightingale realises that there is nothing he can do to protect himself. Nor can he run, for the Order has connections across the world.
It leaves him with only one way to stop the carnage... and that's to take his own life...
A killer is murdering Goths with brutal relish - skinning and butchering them. The cops aren't getting anywhere, so Jack Nightingale's nemesis, Superintendent Chalmers, asks him for help.
Nightingale discovers that the murdered Goths had one thing in common: a tattoo connected to a Satanic child-sacrificing cult called the Order of Nine Angels.
As Nightingale closes in on the killers, the tables are turned and he finds himself in the firing line, along with his friends and family. The Order will stop at nothing to protect their secrets; and Nightingale realises that there is nothing he can do to protect himself. Nor can he run, for the Order has connections across the world.
It leaves him with only one way to stop the carnage... and that's to take his own life...
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2014
60 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,528 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 19, 2024
This was another excellent entry in this series. You have to suspend your disbelief a bit at some of the plot line- and actually I don’t mean the supernatural elements- things like the police superintendent Chalmers asking Nightingale to get involved in a case and then being suspicious of his involvement in the case…🧐 also this book has dated really quickly- technological and cultural advances have moved us on. An entertaining read.
July 24, 2022
Last night By Stephen Leather
Book 5 in the Jack Nightingale series which contains some familiar themes from the previous 4 books but Leather still manages to keep this book feeling fresh and new.
Nightingale is asked to help the police investigate some gruesome murders that are happing across London and it soon becomes apparent that some old foes of Nightingales are behind them.
Jack continues to be a chimney smoking not giving a fig character and I for one enjoy his company he is a complete throwback to when things didn't have to be so politically correct and Leather should be praised for having the balls to write him this way in our new woke lets cancel everybody culture and this is a breath of fresh air.
The plot moves along at a blistering pace and 500 pages just flew by, we get some returning faces from the previous books and events that took place in those conspire against Nightingale this time round so if you are late to the party and haven't read said books I wouldn't start here as you will not have a clue as to what is going on.
This was a fabulous read and look fwd. to book 6.
Well worth your time and hard earned cash.
Book 5 in the Jack Nightingale series which contains some familiar themes from the previous 4 books but Leather still manages to keep this book feeling fresh and new.
Nightingale is asked to help the police investigate some gruesome murders that are happing across London and it soon becomes apparent that some old foes of Nightingales are behind them.
Jack continues to be a chimney smoking not giving a fig character and I for one enjoy his company he is a complete throwback to when things didn't have to be so politically correct and Leather should be praised for having the balls to write him this way in our new woke lets cancel everybody culture and this is a breath of fresh air.
The plot moves along at a blistering pace and 500 pages just flew by, we get some returning faces from the previous books and events that took place in those conspire against Nightingale this time round so if you are late to the party and haven't read said books I wouldn't start here as you will not have a clue as to what is going on.
This was a fabulous read and look fwd. to book 6.
Well worth your time and hard earned cash.
September 8, 2016
I was excited to read the latest Jack Nightingale novel, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Leather has woven the world of Nightingale into a very entertaining and dangerous place, filled with gangsters, Satanists and cops. The trouble he gets himself in is usually paranormal in nature, but also criminal.
The series has been built nicely and all the characters are well rounded and real. Jack is a hero like no other, part hardboiled chain smoking P.I., part spell casting wizard – he makes me want to smack him and then hug him all at the same time. My favourite character would have to be Proserpine and her faithful collie, and I was so happy when she popped up! I would adopt that dog in a heartbeat if I wasn’t so sure it would eat me for breakfast.
Of the Jack Nightingale series, the previous book rated a 10 star review from me, and I lauded it to the heavens, and was hoping this book would gain the same reaction. The main reason it didn’t was the start seemed to be very slow – Jack going around and talking to the families and getting the first clue seemed to drag on, but once I got to 50% through, there was no stopping me. However, that first part of the book did deter me momentarily. Also, the paranormal aspect was introduced so much later in this novel than others, and I really do like seeing Jack navigate his way around a world he doesn’t understand.
I really hope there is a follow up novel, and that Jack isn’t really well… Dead. Please, don’t be dead. Hell wouldn’t be a good place for Jack, because I think they would punish him by forcing Jack to quit smoking and I can’t imagine Jack without his Marlboros.
The series has been built nicely and all the characters are well rounded and real. Jack is a hero like no other, part hardboiled chain smoking P.I., part spell casting wizard – he makes me want to smack him and then hug him all at the same time. My favourite character would have to be Proserpine and her faithful collie, and I was so happy when she popped up! I would adopt that dog in a heartbeat if I wasn’t so sure it would eat me for breakfast.
Of the Jack Nightingale series, the previous book rated a 10 star review from me, and I lauded it to the heavens, and was hoping this book would gain the same reaction. The main reason it didn’t was the start seemed to be very slow – Jack going around and talking to the families and getting the first clue seemed to drag on, but once I got to 50% through, there was no stopping me. However, that first part of the book did deter me momentarily. Also, the paranormal aspect was introduced so much later in this novel than others, and I really do like seeing Jack navigate his way around a world he doesn’t understand.
I really hope there is a follow up novel, and that Jack isn’t really well… Dead. Please, don’t be dead. Hell wouldn’t be a good place for Jack, because I think they would punish him by forcing Jack to quit smoking and I can’t imagine Jack without his Marlboros.
April 3, 2014
A killer is murdering Goths with brutal relish – skinning and butchering them. The cops aren’t getting anywhere, so Jack Nightingale’s nemesis, Superintendent Chalmers, asks him for help.
So another adventure for Jack Nightingale and as usual it was fast paced, brilliant, often dark but offset with ironic humour and the most fun you are likely to have with a book for a while.
In this instalment, after all the work Jack has put in to make his world right again, he is in for a bit of a rollercoaster ride of doom. After he is cajoled and pretty much threatened into helping the indomitable Superintendent Chalmers work out who might have it in for the local goth community he finds himself caught up in old grudges and in a heck of a lot of trouble.
What I adore most about these books is that Stephen Leather NEVER lets his characters or his world stagnate – you are never exactly sure where he will take you or Jack and it gives the whole series a fresh feel with every single novel. Every single time I finish one of these I immediately want more and that was especially true at the end of this one – How can I wait? Its cruel and unusual punishment…
I love this series with a fiery vengeance. Like “Supernatural” on acid, it always take me on a fascinating, endlessly compelling, terrifically terrifying and never ever dull journey to the dark side. More please. As soon as possible.
Happy Reading Folks!
So another adventure for Jack Nightingale and as usual it was fast paced, brilliant, often dark but offset with ironic humour and the most fun you are likely to have with a book for a while.
In this instalment, after all the work Jack has put in to make his world right again, he is in for a bit of a rollercoaster ride of doom. After he is cajoled and pretty much threatened into helping the indomitable Superintendent Chalmers work out who might have it in for the local goth community he finds himself caught up in old grudges and in a heck of a lot of trouble.
What I adore most about these books is that Stephen Leather NEVER lets his characters or his world stagnate – you are never exactly sure where he will take you or Jack and it gives the whole series a fresh feel with every single novel. Every single time I finish one of these I immediately want more and that was especially true at the end of this one – How can I wait? Its cruel and unusual punishment…
I love this series with a fiery vengeance. Like “Supernatural” on acid, it always take me on a fascinating, endlessly compelling, terrifically terrifying and never ever dull journey to the dark side. More please. As soon as possible.
Happy Reading Folks!
October 1, 2015
Hugely disappointing but hopefully fifth and final installment in series. Nightingale seems to have a new (comic) personality and shed a few years, as well as other bits that to me didn't really tie in - like how he gets away with impersonating the police and why they would involve him in the first place!? The supernatural element which previously you could just about go with was completely farcical compared to previous books in series.
June 21, 2014
C J Dee reviewed the Girl with All the Gifts; for more reviews by C J, see C J Dee on Dark Matter Zine.
Lastnight, the fifth book in the Jack Nightingale series, sees former cop and current PI Nightingale recruited by perpetual thorn in his side, Superintendent Chalmers, to help investigate a serial killer targeting Goths. When Nightingale discovers the five victims are connected by tattoos linked to the Order of the Nine Angles, the case threatens him and everyone he cares about. Nightingale will do whatever it takes to save the lives of his family and friends, even if it means sacrificing his own.
I was hooked on the Jack Nightingale series from the time I picked up Nightfall and Lastnight has not disappointed. It’s often the case that authors who write a series let the quality of their work decrease as the series goes along, but Stephen Leather hasn’t let this happen. Each Jack Nightingale book is as strong as its predecessor.
Jack Nightingale smokes heavily, drinks often and is flawed in many other ways, but rather than detract from the charm of the character, these flaws only seem to add to his ability to engage the reader. Stephen Leather has managed to weave a complex character who is no saint, but still impresses the sense of good on the reader.
Nightingale’s assistant Jenny returns as his conscience and crime solving sidekick. Often when a female is written as the voice of reason they can come off as bossy, shrill or worst of all, whiney. Jenny is none of these things and matches wits with her boss without missing a beat.
Lastnight feels like it is going to be the last in the series and the title also alludes to this conclusion. If it is in fact the last book in the series, it is a perfect ending to a remarkable series.
Though this isn’t a series that can easily be picked up halfway through, I would be more than happy to recommend supernatural thriller lovers pick up Lastnight with the rest of series and spend a weekend following the demon-summoning, bacon sandwich munching, MGB driving adventures of Jack Nightingale.
Lastnight, the fifth book in the Jack Nightingale series, sees former cop and current PI Nightingale recruited by perpetual thorn in his side, Superintendent Chalmers, to help investigate a serial killer targeting Goths. When Nightingale discovers the five victims are connected by tattoos linked to the Order of the Nine Angles, the case threatens him and everyone he cares about. Nightingale will do whatever it takes to save the lives of his family and friends, even if it means sacrificing his own.
I was hooked on the Jack Nightingale series from the time I picked up Nightfall and Lastnight has not disappointed. It’s often the case that authors who write a series let the quality of their work decrease as the series goes along, but Stephen Leather hasn’t let this happen. Each Jack Nightingale book is as strong as its predecessor.
Jack Nightingale smokes heavily, drinks often and is flawed in many other ways, but rather than detract from the charm of the character, these flaws only seem to add to his ability to engage the reader. Stephen Leather has managed to weave a complex character who is no saint, but still impresses the sense of good on the reader.
Nightingale’s assistant Jenny returns as his conscience and crime solving sidekick. Often when a female is written as the voice of reason they can come off as bossy, shrill or worst of all, whiney. Jenny is none of these things and matches wits with her boss without missing a beat.
Lastnight feels like it is going to be the last in the series and the title also alludes to this conclusion. If it is in fact the last book in the series, it is a perfect ending to a remarkable series.
Though this isn’t a series that can easily be picked up halfway through, I would be more than happy to recommend supernatural thriller lovers pick up Lastnight with the rest of series and spend a weekend following the demon-summoning, bacon sandwich munching, MGB driving adventures of Jack Nightingale.
January 23, 2014
This is the 5th book in the Jack Nightingale supernatural thriller only got this book yesterday and could not put it down.
Jack is at a funeral when Superintendent Ronald Chalmers as to of his men pick him up. Jack is taken to the police station and is asked to help with the murder of 5 Goths, he starts tracking the people down and find it do with the order of the nine angles and a tattoo that some of them had done on there back.
Jack closes in on them and finds that his in the line of fire again and people out to kill him and his friends and family. jack know the only way to get out of it is to kill himself.
You still got Jenny McLean, Robbie Hoyle, T Bone, Joshua Wainwright, Eddie who helps him with break in and Proserpine the Demon from hell who should have had his soul when he turned 33
I do hope there is another book coming out as it was left as a bit of a cliff hanger
Jack is at a funeral when Superintendent Ronald Chalmers as to of his men pick him up. Jack is taken to the police station and is asked to help with the murder of 5 Goths, he starts tracking the people down and find it do with the order of the nine angles and a tattoo that some of them had done on there back.
Jack closes in on them and finds that his in the line of fire again and people out to kill him and his friends and family. jack know the only way to get out of it is to kill himself.
You still got Jenny McLean, Robbie Hoyle, T Bone, Joshua Wainwright, Eddie who helps him with break in and Proserpine the Demon from hell who should have had his soul when he turned 33
I do hope there is another book coming out as it was left as a bit of a cliff hanger
December 30, 2016
This time Superintendent Chalmers, Jack Nightingale's ever present foe, asks for Jacks' assistance to help solve a series of murders.
Several Goths have been murdered, somewhat gruesomely over the past few weeks and Chalmers knows Jack seems to have an insight into the weird and unexplained.
Reluctantly Jack sets out to find out what is happening and is once again drawn into the world of demons and the occult.
Now, since this book takes place AFTER a magical turn-of-events and people that were dead are now alive, it is only fitting that they should die again, but in different circumstances. It seems that fooling around with history cannot change the future/present, only delay it.
I am sorry to see the way this ended as I wanted the relationship he has with Jen to continue.
Several Goths have been murdered, somewhat gruesomely over the past few weeks and Chalmers knows Jack seems to have an insight into the weird and unexplained.
Reluctantly Jack sets out to find out what is happening and is once again drawn into the world of demons and the occult.
Now, since this book takes place AFTER a magical turn-of-events and people that were dead are now alive, it is only fitting that they should die again, but in different circumstances. It seems that fooling around with history cannot change the future/present, only delay it.
I am sorry to see the way this ended as I wanted the relationship he has with Jen to continue.
March 31, 2016
Another entertaining read in the Jack Nightingale series. It's not without it's faults - in particular the fact that Chalmers coerced Jack into helping the police then complained every time he got somewhere irritated me no end! - but what with Proserpine the demon popping up here & there, nevermind Jack cloning himself, you don't expect a realistic & lifelike story do you? best thing to do is just buckle up & enjoy the ride.
Anyhow, I enjoyed it - just I wish I hadn't left it so long between books as I can't really remember that much about Robbie's first death!
Anyhow, I enjoyed it - just I wish I hadn't left it so long between books as I can't really remember that much about Robbie's first death!
November 20, 2025
Maintaining my usual interest in Satanic and LHP themed books, I found this thriller kicking about in my local library. Thrillers are not my usual read but I enjoyed this one, fast paced and with a take on the Order of Nine Angles I hadn't seen before, making them into the cult with tentacles everywhere famous from Satanic Ritual Abuse tales. To be blunt, if they'd achieved that level of power we'd all be screwed.
With a likeable detective, a high level of gore and an intriguing take on the supernatural it's worth a read. There are a lot of references to previous characters and events but they're explained in the story so aren't a problem, just making the reader more curious about Nightingale's origin story.
I took off a star because the author has a tendency to make all his female characters sound the same (wisecracky) and because of a bit of a mangling of the ONA's actual stated beliefs. I mean, if you're going far enough to make them the main antagonists of the story you could at least get that right (and the tale may have been all the more scary for it...!)
With a likeable detective, a high level of gore and an intriguing take on the supernatural it's worth a read. There are a lot of references to previous characters and events but they're explained in the story so aren't a problem, just making the reader more curious about Nightingale's origin story.
I took off a star because the author has a tendency to make all his female characters sound the same (wisecracky) and because of a bit of a mangling of the ONA's actual stated beliefs. I mean, if you're going far enough to make them the main antagonists of the story you could at least get that right (and the tale may have been all the more scary for it...!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
Private investigator Jack Nightingale (ex cop) assisting to solve cases involving the murder of 5 Goths. Intertwined with dealing with some very shady associates, the tale is almost 2 parts.
Reasonably straightforward for 3/4 of the novel, with part bad boy Nightingale wanting to unravel the mystery, following the leads, while declining to keep the police fully abreast of his discoveries as the body count rises.
The last quarter embrases the occult and descends into pure fantasy (what Entertaining novel doesn't), solving the why and a way out (to stop the killings) and leaves the reader questioning the universe, life on earth and time just a bit.
It's entertainment and it succeeds.
Reasonably straightforward for 3/4 of the novel, with part bad boy Nightingale wanting to unravel the mystery, following the leads, while declining to keep the police fully abreast of his discoveries as the body count rises.
The last quarter embrases the occult and descends into pure fantasy (what Entertaining novel doesn't), solving the why and a way out (to stop the killings) and leaves the reader questioning the universe, life on earth and time just a bit.
It's entertainment and it succeeds.
November 18, 2018
Victory for the Order of Angles?
Jack gets pulled in again to the supernatural for The Met. Goths are being skinned. No real clues or evidence. Private Detective finds the reason but learns too late it is all intertwined. Jack loses Robbie and his Aunt and Uncle. He pulls in others from his previous life to try and survive. In the end he loses his identity. The character development and scenarios are great. The book is a page Turner. I would highly recommend. Unsure were Jack goes from here.
Jack gets pulled in again to the supernatural for The Met. Goths are being skinned. No real clues or evidence. Private Detective finds the reason but learns too late it is all intertwined. Jack loses Robbie and his Aunt and Uncle. He pulls in others from his previous life to try and survive. In the end he loses his identity. The character development and scenarios are great. The book is a page Turner. I would highly recommend. Unsure were Jack goes from here.
December 1, 2020
Loved the book! Jack is back !
Stephen Leather great author. Great story - Jack has to overcome many challenges to find the truth behind a series of goth killings. Love all the characters and stephen leather does his research. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Is there other authors who have written a series like the jack nightingale books?
Thanks Stephen Leather
Stephen Leather great author. Great story - Jack has to overcome many challenges to find the truth behind a series of goth killings. Love all the characters and stephen leather does his research. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Is there other authors who have written a series like the jack nightingale books?
Thanks Stephen Leather
May 7, 2017
Can't get enough of these
Another good read, clever story and characters. The first few pages make you guessing to the end, on to the next one now and looking forward to it to.
Another good read, clever story and characters. The first few pages make you guessing to the end, on to the next one now and looking forward to it to.
August 1, 2017
Enjoyed the book but the end was very supernatural. Bit hard to accept, but still enjoyable read..certainly different!
October 19, 2017
A great beginning!
September 28, 2018
Great read
Lovin Jack, the story keeps twisting back and forth. Never sure what's going to happen next. Can't wait for the developments in the next few books.😈😈😈😈
Lovin Jack, the story keeps twisting back and forth. Never sure what's going to happen next. Can't wait for the developments in the next few books.😈😈😈😈
February 15, 2019
Did'nt want to put this one down
November 2, 2019
Another brilliant Jack Nightingale thriller. I was a bit concerned at times that the book was covering old ground but it turned the tables on me perfectly and gave an astonishing ending.
August 29, 2024
Great series
January 9, 2014
Lastnight is the second Jack “Bird-Man” Nightingale title I’ve had the opportunity to read, not quite sure how I’ve missed the other books in the series – the first being Midnight back in 2011 – but I have to say it was good to get reacquainted with Jack, a character who’s slowly becoming a firm favourite of mine!
Although a dark subject matter – after all we are talking about child sacrifices, murder and satanic rituals – I found the book lighter than Midnight; I know right?! Humorous at times the book balances the dark occult and investigative prowess of our intrepid and soulful Nightingale admirably, allowing the book to move along at a very quick pace indeed. The book was over in a tick, a combination of a well crafted storyline and an intelligent and entertaining narrative.
Another factor of course is that once you’ve reached the inner sanctum, the meaty part of the book, you really begrudge putting it down. I know I did!
Jack is an intriguing character and one I’d love to have a drink with and share stories and experiences. Jack has been around the block and uses his vast knowledge of the occult well in his investigations. It’s funny how these bizarre situations always seem to follow him but he’s certainly the man for the job, Chalmers would be stuck without him. He’s humorous and infectious and despite his dark side he’s truly likeable, you can’t ask for more than that.
Other characters of note include Superintendent Chalmers and Jenny, Jack’s assistant. Chalmers isn’t a likeable character, it may have something to do with the fact that he’s always at odds with our protagonist. One dimensional he certainly isn’t however and there were parts in the book I found myself softening to Chalmers, not for long though. He’s a curious character, he begins to let you in, tempts you with a morsel of kindness and then he pulls away and reverts to his usual self a page later. His moods change more times than the four seasons found in one Melbourne afternoon. He keeps you on your toes that’s for sure. Jenny is the polar opposite, dependable, likeable and good at her job – she’s also a good friend to Jack.
I have to say although I was disappointed to reach the end, I wanted it to continue, the ending is shocking. Although he ties everything up nicely Leather certainly leaves you wanting more. I want to know what happens next and I don’t want to wait! Talk about leaving you hanging – and no that’s not a clue!
Although a dark subject matter – after all we are talking about child sacrifices, murder and satanic rituals – I found the book lighter than Midnight; I know right?! Humorous at times the book balances the dark occult and investigative prowess of our intrepid and soulful Nightingale admirably, allowing the book to move along at a very quick pace indeed. The book was over in a tick, a combination of a well crafted storyline and an intelligent and entertaining narrative.
Another factor of course is that once you’ve reached the inner sanctum, the meaty part of the book, you really begrudge putting it down. I know I did!
Jack is an intriguing character and one I’d love to have a drink with and share stories and experiences. Jack has been around the block and uses his vast knowledge of the occult well in his investigations. It’s funny how these bizarre situations always seem to follow him but he’s certainly the man for the job, Chalmers would be stuck without him. He’s humorous and infectious and despite his dark side he’s truly likeable, you can’t ask for more than that.
Other characters of note include Superintendent Chalmers and Jenny, Jack’s assistant. Chalmers isn’t a likeable character, it may have something to do with the fact that he’s always at odds with our protagonist. One dimensional he certainly isn’t however and there were parts in the book I found myself softening to Chalmers, not for long though. He’s a curious character, he begins to let you in, tempts you with a morsel of kindness and then he pulls away and reverts to his usual self a page later. His moods change more times than the four seasons found in one Melbourne afternoon. He keeps you on your toes that’s for sure. Jenny is the polar opposite, dependable, likeable and good at her job – she’s also a good friend to Jack.
I have to say although I was disappointed to reach the end, I wanted it to continue, the ending is shocking. Although he ties everything up nicely Leather certainly leaves you wanting more. I want to know what happens next and I don’t want to wait! Talk about leaving you hanging – and no that’s not a clue!
January 16, 2014
Ah, the Jack Nightingale series. It's not a horror series but more of an occult detective series.
Have to confess when the first one came out, I thought it was okay, a perfectly acceptable read but it is a series that gets better and better. Stephen Leather does not follow the expected norm for this kind of thing, he twists the stories around, and teases the reader with the direction and outcome of the books. After the third I thought the series might have ended but when it didn't I felt compelled to find out what direction the series is going in. That may sound cryptic but I don't want to give away significant spoilers.
So this book does deal with the outcome of the earlier books and it is advisable to read them in order.
Nightingale is asked to help with the investigation of the brutal murders of some Goths and discovers that his past is catching up with him and this time, there may be no way out.
Stephen Leather does not write cop outs and easy endings so you never feel you can guess where this book is going. Nightingale himself as a character is someone who lives in a comfort zone, he knows what he is good at, has certain habits and doesn't like change. He is slightly blinkered to his options (certainly with regard to his assistant) and feels that the occult is something he now understands. In reality he doesn't and this book demonstrates what can happen if you don't see the bigger picture.
One of our top writers delivers once again and as always leaves us wondering where he is going to take this next...
I was lucky enough to receive an advance review copy of this book.
Have to confess when the first one came out, I thought it was okay, a perfectly acceptable read but it is a series that gets better and better. Stephen Leather does not follow the expected norm for this kind of thing, he twists the stories around, and teases the reader with the direction and outcome of the books. After the third I thought the series might have ended but when it didn't I felt compelled to find out what direction the series is going in. That may sound cryptic but I don't want to give away significant spoilers.
So this book does deal with the outcome of the earlier books and it is advisable to read them in order.
Nightingale is asked to help with the investigation of the brutal murders of some Goths and discovers that his past is catching up with him and this time, there may be no way out.
Stephen Leather does not write cop outs and easy endings so you never feel you can guess where this book is going. Nightingale himself as a character is someone who lives in a comfort zone, he knows what he is good at, has certain habits and doesn't like change. He is slightly blinkered to his options (certainly with regard to his assistant) and feels that the occult is something he now understands. In reality he doesn't and this book demonstrates what can happen if you don't see the bigger picture.
One of our top writers delivers once again and as always leaves us wondering where he is going to take this next...
I was lucky enough to receive an advance review copy of this book.
March 9, 2014
Jack Nightingale, a private detective, is back for another chilling supernatural thriller in the fifth book of the Jack Nightingale series.
It seems a serial killer is on the loose killing Goths, butchering and skinning them. The police and Jack’s nemesis, Superintendent Chalmers, are getting nowhere so asks Jack for help as they need a new lead.
Jack soon finds that all they murdered Goths have one thing in common and that a child-sacrificing Satanist group, the Order Of Nine Angels, is killing them for this reason and to protect their secrets. But the closer he gets to the killers the more danger he, his family and his friends are in and soon people around him start to die with messages left at crime scenes saying they are coming for him.
Jack soon realises that the only way to stop the killing of his friends and family is to take his own life.
Overall, Lastnight by Stephen Leather is a superb thriller and probably one of the best novels I have read this year so far. A story of good versus evil involving Satanists, devils and evil spirits, gangsters, the police and of course one private detective who has the ability to track and stop them using whatever means necessary. Jack using his resources in this world and the spirit world to try and stop the cult and the killings.
The book starts with the death of Jack Nightingale but is this the end?
A very well written story that keeps you gripped and totally absorbed from the opening pages. The supernatural, occult and everyday life are blended very well making it a very thrilling story.
I would highly recommend it.
Rating: 5/5
It seems a serial killer is on the loose killing Goths, butchering and skinning them. The police and Jack’s nemesis, Superintendent Chalmers, are getting nowhere so asks Jack for help as they need a new lead.
Jack soon finds that all they murdered Goths have one thing in common and that a child-sacrificing Satanist group, the Order Of Nine Angels, is killing them for this reason and to protect their secrets. But the closer he gets to the killers the more danger he, his family and his friends are in and soon people around him start to die with messages left at crime scenes saying they are coming for him.
Jack soon realises that the only way to stop the killing of his friends and family is to take his own life.
Overall, Lastnight by Stephen Leather is a superb thriller and probably one of the best novels I have read this year so far. A story of good versus evil involving Satanists, devils and evil spirits, gangsters, the police and of course one private detective who has the ability to track and stop them using whatever means necessary. Jack using his resources in this world and the spirit world to try and stop the cult and the killings.
The book starts with the death of Jack Nightingale but is this the end?
A very well written story that keeps you gripped and totally absorbed from the opening pages. The supernatural, occult and everyday life are blended very well making it a very thrilling story.
I would highly recommend it.
Rating: 5/5
February 27, 2015
All of the things that annoyed me in the previous books are here in full force. Let's objectify the hot young assistant some more, because we haven't had enough of that in the last four books. I just love it, it doesn't annoy the crap out of me at all. That, of course, is not the only repetition present, it's just the one that I thought of while writing this review.
I think Stephen Leather has got too comfortable with his characters and his world, because he's just relying on tropes and situations from his previous works and not really putting in a whole lot of effort. I would love for things to actually get mixed up, see: Jim Butcher. You can still have a good series without just doing the same thing over and over and retconning left and right to keep the status quo.
Oh, and the "hero's" rampant fallacies? Seriously, someone needs to slap him when he gets smug and says stupid things. I would like that person to be me, wearing a bunch of my rings.
I think Stephen Leather has got too comfortable with his characters and his world, because he's just relying on tropes and situations from his previous works and not really putting in a whole lot of effort. I would love for things to actually get mixed up, see: Jim Butcher. You can still have a good series without just doing the same thing over and over and retconning left and right to keep the status quo.
Oh, and the "hero's" rampant fallacies? Seriously, someone needs to slap him when he gets smug and says stupid things. I would like that person to be me, wearing a bunch of my rings.
April 29, 2014
This is the fifth book in Leather’s Jack Nightingale Series, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Leather always seems to be able to add interesting plot twists into his work, keeping the books fresh and interesting despite having several installments.
To put it simply, Jack Nightingale is your typical gum-shoe, private eye detective. In the first book, he is thrust into the world of the supernatural (demons and stuff) due to finding the true identity of his devil-worshipping father. Quickly, he is moving away from the typical line of work, cheating spouses mostly, into a world of satanist orders.
In Lastnight, it’s Nightingale’s job to decipher the case of a psychopathic killer, who has committed the murder of several Goths. He soon realises however that the case will have severe connotations, both for him and those he cares about.
Overall, Lastnight was an excellent book and I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who is either a fan of crime or anything science-fiction based!
To put it simply, Jack Nightingale is your typical gum-shoe, private eye detective. In the first book, he is thrust into the world of the supernatural (demons and stuff) due to finding the true identity of his devil-worshipping father. Quickly, he is moving away from the typical line of work, cheating spouses mostly, into a world of satanist orders.
In Lastnight, it’s Nightingale’s job to decipher the case of a psychopathic killer, who has committed the murder of several Goths. He soon realises however that the case will have severe connotations, both for him and those he cares about.
Overall, Lastnight was an excellent book and I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who is either a fan of crime or anything science-fiction based!
June 5, 2014
I'm giving this a 5-star rating as I really didn't expect to like this series and actually kept putting them off until I finished Stephen's other works, but I really enjoyed the whole lot!
One thing that sets this series aside from Stephen's Spider Shepherd books aside from the supernatural aspects are definitely the dialogues which, with the excellent narration by Paul Thornley, are always witty if somewhat predictable. I love the character of Jack and this book also brings back Joshua and T-Bone and obviously the usual appearances of Prosperine and Mrs Steadman.
You may ask yourself why give away the end of the book in the prologue, but you need to read it all to see a) how it gets to that and b) exactly 'what' happens. Although the first third does seem somewhat slow to begin with, the pace really picks up.
I will definitely be looking forward to the inevitable follow up. Fingers crossed!
Good work, Stephen and very well read, Paul.
One thing that sets this series aside from Stephen's Spider Shepherd books aside from the supernatural aspects are definitely the dialogues which, with the excellent narration by Paul Thornley, are always witty if somewhat predictable. I love the character of Jack and this book also brings back Joshua and T-Bone and obviously the usual appearances of Prosperine and Mrs Steadman.
You may ask yourself why give away the end of the book in the prologue, but you need to read it all to see a) how it gets to that and b) exactly 'what' happens. Although the first third does seem somewhat slow to begin with, the pace really picks up.
I will definitely be looking forward to the inevitable follow up. Fingers crossed!
Good work, Stephen and very well read, Paul.
March 28, 2016
Lastnight is the fifth Stephen Leather thriller with Jack Nightingale as his main character. Nightingale used to belong to the Force but nowadays he earns his living as a private investigator. When a number of Goths are murdered Nightingale's former colleague Superintendent Ronald Chambers leans on him for help, even though there's no pay-off involved. The Police haven't made any progress with the case but Jack Nightingale's persistence pays off and he finds that the one thing that the Goth victims had in common is a tattoo. Trouble is a Satanic cult are not happy that their signature tattoo is being used by the Goths. When the cult finds out that Jack is on their case he is targeted and his life is on the line, along with members of his family. Nightingale decides to take a very unusual step to hopefully save his life.
November 3, 2015
This book starts out slow with the investigation into the killing of the Goths however the second half of the book really takes off! If you read the first book in the series you know that several people died but they're back again in this book until things start going wrong and Jack finds that he is losing friends and family again. That may sound a little strange but you have to read the books to appreciate how all this is done. The author takes our main character through a series of adventures that lead him beyond the grave and back in the earlier books and ultimately to the grave again with himself in order to escape the forces of evil.
September 18, 2016
Liked it. Spoilers.....
It starts off in a new direction to the previous books. And this leaves you wondering just where the story can go. For those who have read the previous books there is a tendency for the stories to look like they are going to repeat each other. This did the same... But then changed tack. Which is good.
Couple of interesting moments and a re-occurrence of a character from the previous books!
Worth reading if you have read the earlier books, and also it could be a good introduction to the series for someone new to Jack Nightingale as there isn't too much really given away about his previous experiences........ Or is there!?
It starts off in a new direction to the previous books. And this leaves you wondering just where the story can go. For those who have read the previous books there is a tendency for the stories to look like they are going to repeat each other. This did the same... But then changed tack. Which is good.
Couple of interesting moments and a re-occurrence of a character from the previous books!
Worth reading if you have read the earlier books, and also it could be a good introduction to the series for someone new to Jack Nightingale as there isn't too much really given away about his previous experiences........ Or is there!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2014
I was dying to get my hands on this book, the fifth in the Jack Nightingale series. However, I was disappointed in that the story leaves the supernatural element until the book is 80% through- I was determined to award this book three stars max but the final 20% brought it back. These books were thrilling, unusual and scary and I couldn't get enough , but it seems they're running out of supernatural steam- the book is a good read, as always , but needed more Demonic shenanigans!
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