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The Last Man
When Santa Claus enters a Texas bank just before Christmas in 1927, no one expects him to pull a gun.
The fake white beard hides his identity from his neighbors while he and three others take everything. But their easy heist goes sideways fast when armed lawmen and citizens assemble to claim a new reward for dead bank robbers.
Taking hostages, the gang forces a path through a frenzied and bloody shootout, setting the whole Lone Star state on their trail.
One bandit dies in the getaway. One is executed in the electric chair. One swings from a rope in a mob lynching. The last man finds a life he always hoped for … if only he can keep it.
Closely based on a true story, The Last Man is a gritty Prohibition-era crime novel filled with flawed characters and second chances.
The fake white beard hides his identity from his neighbors while he and three others take everything. But their easy heist goes sideways fast when armed lawmen and citizens assemble to claim a new reward for dead bank robbers.
Taking hostages, the gang forces a path through a frenzied and bloody shootout, setting the whole Lone Star state on their trail.
One bandit dies in the getaway. One is executed in the electric chair. One swings from a rope in a mob lynching. The last man finds a life he always hoped for … if only he can keep it.
Closely based on a true story, The Last Man is a gritty Prohibition-era crime novel filled with flawed characters and second chances.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
23 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Goodman
1 book10 followers"Fans of historical fiction should list Goodman among their 'must-buy' authors." (James Wade, two-time Spur Award-winning author of Beasts of the Earth)
Thomas Goodman first ran across the story of the Santa Claus Bank Robbery when he lived in the small Texas county where it all took place. He currently lives in Austin, where he has been able to conduct extensive research on the true crime at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The Last Man is his first novel.
Thomas Goodman first ran across the story of the Santa Claus Bank Robbery when he lived in the small Texas county where it all took place. He currently lives in Austin, where he has been able to conduct extensive research on the true crime at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The Last Man is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 29, 2023
Bank robbing made some criminals famous. Jesse James. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch. Bonnie and Clyde. But have you heard of the gang led by Santa?
It was December 1927 in Cisco, Texas. Four men, one dressed as Santa, robbed the First National Bank. It might have been just another robbery, except the Texas Bankers Association recently promised a $5,000 reward for a dead bank robber and nothing for a live one.
In The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery, Author Thomas Goodman fleshes out the bloody chaos that ensued through a combination of fiction and fact. Told from multiple points of view, the reader learns the history and personality of the various players in this macabre drama, from the robbery's planning to the fate of the last surviving robber.
The characters emerge off the page through distinct dialog and authentic descriptions of people and places in the story. The interactions between the characters suited Texas in the late 1920s. Church-going men were as tempted to kill for a reward as the robbers were tempted to rob the bank. The trials and the public’s demand for justice led to vigilante justice in one case.
Follow along as the robbers discover they become targets in downtown Cicso. The fate of each robber unfolds over the hours, days, months, and years that follow. Discover why each robber chose to commit the crime and how that terrible day affected them and their families.
Goodman details his thorough research at the end of the book. There, he sorts out the facts from fiction and his speculation. Despite the criminal conduct and carnage depicted in the robbery and its aftermath, the story of The Last Man, the last surviving robber, is inspirational and uplifting.
I highly recommend this book for readers who like inspirational, crime, and historical stories. Thanks to Author Thomas Goodman and Mainsail Books for the advance reader copy.
It was December 1927 in Cisco, Texas. Four men, one dressed as Santa, robbed the First National Bank. It might have been just another robbery, except the Texas Bankers Association recently promised a $5,000 reward for a dead bank robber and nothing for a live one.
In The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery, Author Thomas Goodman fleshes out the bloody chaos that ensued through a combination of fiction and fact. Told from multiple points of view, the reader learns the history and personality of the various players in this macabre drama, from the robbery's planning to the fate of the last surviving robber.
The characters emerge off the page through distinct dialog and authentic descriptions of people and places in the story. The interactions between the characters suited Texas in the late 1920s. Church-going men were as tempted to kill for a reward as the robbers were tempted to rob the bank. The trials and the public’s demand for justice led to vigilante justice in one case.
Follow along as the robbers discover they become targets in downtown Cicso. The fate of each robber unfolds over the hours, days, months, and years that follow. Discover why each robber chose to commit the crime and how that terrible day affected them and their families.
Goodman details his thorough research at the end of the book. There, he sorts out the facts from fiction and his speculation. Despite the criminal conduct and carnage depicted in the robbery and its aftermath, the story of The Last Man, the last surviving robber, is inspirational and uplifting.
I highly recommend this book for readers who like inspirational, crime, and historical stories. Thanks to Author Thomas Goodman and Mainsail Books for the advance reader copy.
May 6, 2024
A thrilling historical-fiction with spiritual truths and a shot at redemption.
September 20, 2023
1. Where and when is the setting?
The setting is Cisco, Texas, 1927.
2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?
Henry Helms confidently emerged as the frontrunner in orchestrating the daring escape of the bandits.
3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?
Louis Davis was far from being a hardened, seasoned criminal. Rather, he was a dedicated family man with a steady factory job and three precious young children to care for. But, he didn’t have money or excitement.
4. What journey do(es) the main character(s) take?
The Texas Bankers Association had promised a five-thousand-dollar payout for anyone who killed a bandit. Henry Helms was the brother-in-law of Louis, and he had recently been released from Huntsville after facing charges of armed robbery. Bobby Hill was nineteen, single, served time in Huntsville, and loved cars. Marshall Ratliff had planned the heist, but none had expected bloodshed.
5. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?
The author’s writing style had me captivated, keeping me eagerly turning pages, trying to absorb the words with lightning speed.
7. (for Christian fiction) Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?
“He was abandoned on that cross.” “His Father walked away. Jesus cried out ‘My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?’ “His Father told the angels to roll back the stone, to open that tomb.” “His Father said, “Get up, Son, Get up.” “Oh death where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?”
8. For whom would you recommend this book?
I highly recommend “The Last Man” to avid fans of crime fiction and non-fiction alike.
9. Why did you give it the star rating you did?
I give The Last Man a rating of 5*/5* for the care the author took in writing about the topics in question.
10. Is the title memorable and/or emotion-grabbing?
The subtitle “The 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery” evokes a lot of thoughts.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author. This in no way affects my review. All thoughts are my own.
The setting is Cisco, Texas, 1927.
2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?
Henry Helms confidently emerged as the frontrunner in orchestrating the daring escape of the bandits.
3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?
Louis Davis was far from being a hardened, seasoned criminal. Rather, he was a dedicated family man with a steady factory job and three precious young children to care for. But, he didn’t have money or excitement.
4. What journey do(es) the main character(s) take?
The Texas Bankers Association had promised a five-thousand-dollar payout for anyone who killed a bandit. Henry Helms was the brother-in-law of Louis, and he had recently been released from Huntsville after facing charges of armed robbery. Bobby Hill was nineteen, single, served time in Huntsville, and loved cars. Marshall Ratliff had planned the heist, but none had expected bloodshed.
5. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?
The author’s writing style had me captivated, keeping me eagerly turning pages, trying to absorb the words with lightning speed.
7. (for Christian fiction) Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?
“He was abandoned on that cross.” “His Father walked away. Jesus cried out ‘My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?’ “His Father told the angels to roll back the stone, to open that tomb.” “His Father said, “Get up, Son, Get up.” “Oh death where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?”
8. For whom would you recommend this book?
I highly recommend “The Last Man” to avid fans of crime fiction and non-fiction alike.
9. Why did you give it the star rating you did?
I give The Last Man a rating of 5*/5* for the care the author took in writing about the topics in question.
10. Is the title memorable and/or emotion-grabbing?
The subtitle “The 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery” evokes a lot of thoughts.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author. This in no way affects my review. All thoughts are my own.
May 29, 2024
(3.5 / 5)
Based on a real crime and its aftermath in 1927, this is the story of a bank robbery gone horribly wrong and the consequences faced by those responsible. I was careful not to look up the robbery that the book is based on in advance so I could let the story unfold the way the author intended. In the end, though, I did find myself wondering what the real intention and plot of this story were meant to be. The robbery happens, there's a shootout, and an attempted escape by the robbers, and then the rest of the story follows these men through the rest of their lives, however short they may be. The bulk of the story seems to be about the trials and imprisonments of the criminals, with a long stretch of one man living on death row and watching prisoner after prisoner go through the door to the death chamber and not come back out. There are more trials, prison escapes, and then in the last third of the book, the story of a second chance that is touted in the official synopsis finally begins.
I don't think I can really say that the book isn't what it claims to be, minus the truncated "second chance" aspect, but I think I was just expecting a bit more variety in the story. The redemption story near the end, had it been expanded on more, might have made for an overall better book. However, I don't meant to say that the book is bad. The story is well written and seems to be very well researched. I did find myself somewhat invested in the fates of these men, though it was difficult to get past the brutality that they were involved with to be sympathetic to them. So in the end, I'm probably not the right audience for this kind of true crime fiction, but I can confidently say that if you're interested in the story, you should consider giving it a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Based on a real crime and its aftermath in 1927, this is the story of a bank robbery gone horribly wrong and the consequences faced by those responsible. I was careful not to look up the robbery that the book is based on in advance so I could let the story unfold the way the author intended. In the end, though, I did find myself wondering what the real intention and plot of this story were meant to be. The robbery happens, there's a shootout, and an attempted escape by the robbers, and then the rest of the story follows these men through the rest of their lives, however short they may be. The bulk of the story seems to be about the trials and imprisonments of the criminals, with a long stretch of one man living on death row and watching prisoner after prisoner go through the door to the death chamber and not come back out. There are more trials, prison escapes, and then in the last third of the book, the story of a second chance that is touted in the official synopsis finally begins.
I don't think I can really say that the book isn't what it claims to be, minus the truncated "second chance" aspect, but I think I was just expecting a bit more variety in the story. The redemption story near the end, had it been expanded on more, might have made for an overall better book. However, I don't meant to say that the book is bad. The story is well written and seems to be very well researched. I did find myself somewhat invested in the fates of these men, though it was difficult to get past the brutality that they were involved with to be sympathetic to them. So in the end, I'm probably not the right audience for this kind of true crime fiction, but I can confidently say that if you're interested in the story, you should consider giving it a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2024
Reading this book was a deeply personal and enriching experience for me. My great-grandfather and grandfather were born and raised in Eastland County, and this book brought their stories and the history of the area to life in a way that resonated deeply with me.
My grandfather passed away this year, and I've found myself more invested in learning about my own history, including Eastland County and my grandfather's farm in Carbon, TX. This book provided a wonderful glimpse into the past and helped me feel more connected to my roots. My summers were spent on that farm as a child and has helped bring back some amazing memories of my grandfather.
One of the most intriguing parts of the book was the account of the bank robbery. I like to think that shortly after the robbery, the bandits crossed my great-grandfather's farm, though this is probably purely wishful thinking. Nevertheless, it added a personal touch to the story for me.
My grandfather is the one who told me about this story, and while I have no evidence that he read this account, I know he would have loved it too. This book is a treasure for anyone interested in the history of Eastland County and the stories that shaped it.
My grandfather passed away this year, and I've found myself more invested in learning about my own history, including Eastland County and my grandfather's farm in Carbon, TX. This book provided a wonderful glimpse into the past and helped me feel more connected to my roots. My summers were spent on that farm as a child and has helped bring back some amazing memories of my grandfather.
One of the most intriguing parts of the book was the account of the bank robbery. I like to think that shortly after the robbery, the bandits crossed my great-grandfather's farm, though this is probably purely wishful thinking. Nevertheless, it added a personal touch to the story for me.
My grandfather is the one who told me about this story, and while I have no evidence that he read this account, I know he would have loved it too. This book is a treasure for anyone interested in the history of Eastland County and the stories that shaped it.
January 27, 2025
An excellent first novel! Goodman has done extensive research to weave a believable and compelling story of four men, their choices, and the consequences. We start with a bit of a mystery not knowing which of of the four bank robbers is the last man standing, and then are taken for a wild ride of the bank robbery and its aftermath. I generally don’t like any book with prison stories, but I found myself quite involved and invested in what happened to each man following their crime spree. We also learn some of the background of the men and while Goodman had to fill in the blanks that were lost to history, his strong writing made their stories very credible. I think this is due to the extensive research of the time period. I was also delighted to find a connection with my own hometown and one of the characters. Be sure to read his notes at the end to discover what was factual and what was added and why. I happened to notice on the back of the book that by visiting he author’s website and signing up for his newsletter I could access to pictures of the settings and characters. This was a great bonus. Highly recommend for readers of true crime, historical fiction, court room drama, or fans of prohibition-era stories.
September 25, 2023
I enjoyed reading The Last Man. I was tempted to research to find out who was who of the four men, but decided to be surprised instead by reading the book first and researching this real event afterwards. At the end of the book, Goodman, explains all that can be found for historical record about the Santa Claus Bank Robbery. He did a very good job filling in the blanks. While it probably isn't 100% accurate retelling of who all they met and why they became who they became, there has to be reasons behind actions and since they aren't alive to find out what their real motives were. Someone had to come along and expand on it with a little fiction. As he said. If you come up with your own speculations, he'd love to discuss them with you.
Personally I hold that right before the end for each of the three that died, the one shot during the robbery, the one executed, and the one hanged by the lynch mob, they realized that they were going to die and called out to God to save them and forgive them. Just in case God really was real and Hell really was waiting if they didn't repent.
Personally I hold that right before the end for each of the three that died, the one shot during the robbery, the one executed, and the one hanged by the lynch mob, they realized that they were going to die and called out to God to save them and forgive them. Just in case God really was real and Hell really was waiting if they didn't repent.
August 17, 2023
Thomas Goodman has hit it out of the park with The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery. It is obvious he spent countless hours in research and interviews to add authenticity and detail to this unbelievable true story. You will find yourself immersed in the lives and times of days gone by when the west was still wild and good people did some terrible things. You will follow the gang through the crime, the chase, the captures, the trials, the imprisonment, and the deaths until you get to the last man. No spoilers here, but I highly recommend this trip back in time for your next escape! Loved it!!!
August 20, 2023
Have read many accounts of the true story about the 1927 Santa Claus Bank robbery in Cisco Texas.
This is an amazing and great read of that story. Even though it is an fictional writing the author has went to great lengths to mix the truths with fiction which brings this historic story to life an a dramatic way.
You feel as if you are there watching as each incident unfolds and an old story has become new.
I started reading this book not being able to lay the book down until I had finished.
I was very much amazed how the author took the true facts and wove possible facts into a book that made you think that there was a possibility that you were reading an 100 % true writings of the event.
Having lived in Cisco for 51 years I am very familiar with the people and places where this event took place. Mr. Goodman takes you back to 1927 as you live each moment of this true event.
It is indeed a must read, you will not regret it.
This is an amazing and great read of that story. Even though it is an fictional writing the author has went to great lengths to mix the truths with fiction which brings this historic story to life an a dramatic way.
You feel as if you are there watching as each incident unfolds and an old story has become new.
I started reading this book not being able to lay the book down until I had finished.
I was very much amazed how the author took the true facts and wove possible facts into a book that made you think that there was a possibility that you were reading an 100 % true writings of the event.
Having lived in Cisco for 51 years I am very familiar with the people and places where this event took place. Mr. Goodman takes you back to 1927 as you live each moment of this true event.
It is indeed a must read, you will not regret it.
September 21, 2023
So I watch a lot more than I read, but in this case I couldn't put the book down. I'd get home from work, eat and then read until 12:30 or 1am...3 nights in a row plus on the weekend! I didn't want this book to end.
What I loved about it was the way the characters sucked you in--I found myself actually getting angry when someone would make a bone-headed decision that I could just tell would end...well...I won't give it away. The scene-setting was pretty vivid too...you could almost see what they saw, hear the brutal sounds, and SMELL what was going on!
The one thing I did have to do was re-read chapter one to make sure I understood who everyone was in the beginning. Once I had the key characters straight in my mind, it all came together beautifully.
For full disclosure, I did receive a free advanced e-copy of the book, but the review represents my honest thoughts. I really hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
What I loved about it was the way the characters sucked you in--I found myself actually getting angry when someone would make a bone-headed decision that I could just tell would end...well...I won't give it away. The scene-setting was pretty vivid too...you could almost see what they saw, hear the brutal sounds, and SMELL what was going on!
The one thing I did have to do was re-read chapter one to make sure I understood who everyone was in the beginning. Once I had the key characters straight in my mind, it all came together beautifully.
For full disclosure, I did receive a free advanced e-copy of the book, but the review represents my honest thoughts. I really hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
September 2, 2023
After a hooking pre-chapter, the story begins with the bank robbery, and I’m wondering how this story arc is gonna work with the book starting at a climax. It’s a roller coaster and it drops into some dark spaces. Time after time I’m reading the detail of the stories of these men thinking, “ain’t no way”, yet it happened. The author details his research after the ending. Goodman did an incredible job weaving facts into a cohesive historic-fictional narrative that tied it all together with just enough detail and pace that kept me moving and wondering what was next. The flashbacks and character changes aren’t jerky or forced, and the resolution of the last man doesn’t come off as saccharine after diving so deep into the hopelessness he explores.
“Naw, son. I don’t think this family run out of money. I imagine they just run out of hope.”
“Naw, son. I don’t think this family run out of money. I imagine they just run out of hope.”
September 6, 2023
I was totally unaware of this history of a well know robbery before I read this. I was engaged from the very first page. The author very capably gives the reader the insight into each of these men and their lives. I especially liked the descriptions of the jail conditions. Even though the crimes these men committed were horrible, I felt like I wanted to help each of these men "get on the right path" and felt a special bond with the women in their lives, whether they were mothers or surrogate mothers.
I would recommend reading this historical fiction, including all the author's notes on what was real and what was fiction. I think I will remember these characters for a long while, and isn't that what a good book is supposed to do?
Note: I was given this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
I would recommend reading this historical fiction, including all the author's notes on what was real and what was fiction. I think I will remember these characters for a long while, and isn't that what a good book is supposed to do?
Note: I was given this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
October 12, 2023
I found The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery to be a fabulous piece of historical. I was fascinated that this was based on a true story. I could not help but to keep on reading on to find out what could possibly happen next. I did find myself looking up about this story and the author did a great job on his research.
I am giving The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical mysteries based on true crime. I would love to read more by Thomas Goodman.
I received a digital copy of The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical mysteries based on true crime. I would love to read more by Thomas Goodman.
I received a digital copy of The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
October 20, 2023
This is an excellent historical fiction account of the Santa Claus Bank Robbery in 1927. It accounts for the lives of all four men who robbed the bank in Cisco, Texas. Even though the story is packed with information, it takes on a story that humanizes the characters into more than just criminals. These men had families and made bad choices. If Bobby gave his life to Christ, it may be why the Texas government allowed him to get out of jail after 15 years. Living his life righteously after he got out was why he was pardoned. I don’t see that happening today with our liberal justice system today. It’s a great read and the story is action-packed and went smoothly from and to each man as their story is told in chronological order. I enjoyed the story and the author notes on how he mixed the truth with fiction to make a believable story and a hopeful ending.
August 24, 2023
This book is historical fiction, but it is also a little bit of a mystery. In the first pages, we are introduced to "the last man", the last of 4 bank robbers to be alive. In the remainder of the book, we learn the fates of each of the four, but we aren't told which was the last man. This is one of my favorite things about the book -- the suspense until the author finally reveals who was the last man. I'll admit, I guessed wrong several times.
Other than being a fascinating story, there were also many other themes that I found myself pondering during my reading: the criminal justice system and the death penalty; the cruelty of men; and (eventually) redemption, faith and family. Books that invite me to think about more than just the words on the pages are my favorite books of all.
Other than being a fascinating story, there were also many other themes that I found myself pondering during my reading: the criminal justice system and the death penalty; the cruelty of men; and (eventually) redemption, faith and family. Books that invite me to think about more than just the words on the pages are my favorite books of all.
September 7, 2023
I like historical fiction, but it's not my favorite genre. So when I picked up this book, I wasn't too sure about reading it. Thank goodness I started the book! The moment that I opened The Last Man and began reading, I could not put it down. It is an amazing story that is so well written and in which the characters are so fully developed that it's hard to believe that this book is based on actual people who lived in the 1920's. Tom Goodman does a remarkable job of weaving the historical facts with possibilities that seem plausible because of the amount of research he did on this topic. Do yourself a favor and read this book! It is so good and well worth your time!!!! If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! Based on this book, I'm ready for Tom Goodman's next book.
November 8, 2023
I'm a big fan of true crime podcasts, so when I was given the opportunity to read The Last Man, by author Thomas Goodman, I was thrilled.
In the blurb of the book, it says, "Closely based on a true story", and Goodman is an artist, deftly weaving together strands of fact and fiction, taking us on a page-turning journey from the heist to its aftermath.
I'd never heard of the 1927 Cisco Bank Robbery before, but I'm sure glad I have now. The players are simple, yet complex at the same time, and absolutely fascinating to read about. This is Goodman's debut novel, and wow, is it a doozy. I look forward to more from him!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
In the blurb of the book, it says, "Closely based on a true story", and Goodman is an artist, deftly weaving together strands of fact and fiction, taking us on a page-turning journey from the heist to its aftermath.
I'd never heard of the 1927 Cisco Bank Robbery before, but I'm sure glad I have now. The players are simple, yet complex at the same time, and absolutely fascinating to read about. This is Goodman's debut novel, and wow, is it a doozy. I look forward to more from him!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
September 21, 2023
This is such a compelling read from beginning to end! I really enjoy historical and true crime stories and this is both. The author engages the reader immediately, introducing the main characters clearly as he also introduces us to the story itself. I found myself trying to figure out who will be the last man, although Goodman does such a good job of not revealing it until very late in the book. I intended to put the book down and get back to it later, but it was so riveting, that I just kept reading. Although a tragic story in many ways, it is also hopeful and encouraging. Highly recommended!!!
January 7, 2024
This based on a true story novel does a great job of explains the timeline of events for the four convicted people of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbert. It starts in a small town, Cisco, Texas. The story follows Louis, Henry, Marshall, and Bobby as they navigate the consequences of their crimes.
The Last Man was a fairly easy read and I enjoyed the different storylines mixed within one another. I rate four stars because at some points within the story, I felt there was information that wasn’t pertinent to the story line of the crime. Other than that, I would recommend this to anyone interested in true crime. This could also be a good book for you guys readers.
The Last Man was a fairly easy read and I enjoyed the different storylines mixed within one another. I rate four stars because at some points within the story, I felt there was information that wasn’t pertinent to the story line of the crime. Other than that, I would recommend this to anyone interested in true crime. This could also be a good book for you guys readers.
September 2, 2023
Christmas in Cisco, Texas. Four would-be bank robbers in various dress--one as Santa--as they enter the bank to pull off the heist. What possibly could go wrong? Du-u-u-u-h?
This is an interesting book from cover to cover. Tom manages to keep the reader's attention as its characters converse in a North-East Texas vernacular that is both entertaining and true to life. I was reluctant to put the book down because of its appeal to my curiosity as to what would happen next. I would recommend "The Last Man" for anyone wanting a "good read."
This is an interesting book from cover to cover. Tom manages to keep the reader's attention as its characters converse in a North-East Texas vernacular that is both entertaining and true to life. I was reluctant to put the book down because of its appeal to my curiosity as to what would happen next. I would recommend "The Last Man" for anyone wanting a "good read."
March 24, 2024
It was refreshing to read an author's first novel where they did not bury the story line with in depth backstories of the main characters, side vignettes or over the top main character angst. I felt the author hit the right balance to help the reader fall into the story.
I am a sucker for a good historical fiction and that's exactly what this novel is. A unique voice for each character and a smooth flow as the reader learns about the men responsible for the Santa Claus Bank Robbery and what happens to their lives afterward. Strong stuff and very well written.
I am a sucker for a good historical fiction and that's exactly what this novel is. A unique voice for each character and a smooth flow as the reader learns about the men responsible for the Santa Claus Bank Robbery and what happens to their lives afterward. Strong stuff and very well written.
September 10, 2023
In The Last Man, Thomas Goodman has deftly narrated an interesting saga following a 1927 bank robbery. The book moves quickly through the crime spree as well as subsequent court trials and prison sentences. The conclusion for the last man involved in the robbery was a surprise ending. A pleasure to read this fascinating historical fiction novel!
I appreciate the author providing me a copy of this book prior to my review.
I appreciate the author providing me a copy of this book prior to my review.
December 28, 2023
The Last Man is a story of hope. As the story moved toward conclusion and the final member involved in the Santa Claus Bank Robbery experienced grace from unexpected places, he acknowledges that gift and grows because of it. He learns to stop running (from punishment and from kindness), to accept his consequences and make the most of every situation. A beautiful message delivered in an interesting historical event.
December 15, 2024
This is a well-researched and well-written fictional account of the 1927 Santa Claus bank robbery in Cisco, TX. I'd never heard about this crime or read any previous books or articles about it, so it was interesting to follow the story and learn some true facts along the way. I appreciate how the author noted at the end of the novel which aspects were true and which he made up.
I'm giving four stars rather than five due to the fact I felt like a narrator was telling me the story instead of getting into the characters' heads and living the story through them. At times I wasn't sure whose POV the scene was in, and that made the characters seem more distant.
The spiritual content was a welcome facet of the story, and I felt it was natural and well done.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and recommend it for those who like to read historical fiction and true crime stories.
I'm giving four stars rather than five due to the fact I felt like a narrator was telling me the story instead of getting into the characters' heads and living the story through them. At times I wasn't sure whose POV the scene was in, and that made the characters seem more distant.
The spiritual content was a welcome facet of the story, and I felt it was natural and well done.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and recommend it for those who like to read historical fiction and true crime stories.
December 30, 2024
I don’t normally enjoy historical fiction, but this one was interesting! My interest stayed strong through the story of this bank robbery from 1927, the chase following, and how the robbers lives played out. At the end of the audiobook version, the author spoke to the poetic license he took to fill out the story, the newspaper articles he used to follow the actual timeline, and how his interest in one character’s life spurred him on to write this book. Glad I read this one.
August 3, 2023
Though I've lived here for more than 30 years, I'm not a native of Texas so I wasn't aware of the the Santa Clause Bank Robbery in 1927. Thomas Goodman's account is well-written and captivating as he follows the details of the robbery and the years that followed for the men involved. One of the best reads of my year, without a doubt.
August 17, 2023
A graphic story of crime and punishment. A vivid rendition of repentance and restoration to a life of caring and love. A beautiful story of BeanPole’s concern for Bobby Hill that brought about his return to the” good life”. Thomas Goodman keeps you bound to the pages of a crime that happened many years ago. Detail as if you lived in Cisco, Texas in 1929.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
The first part of “The Last Man” that describes the robbery and the attempted escape is a comedy of errors. It reminds me of a Little League baseball game. The second part that shows the consequences of their poor choices is very serious. Together it tells us that crime doesn’t pay. I found it an interesting read and was impressed with all the research.
September 2, 2023
I guess I am not familiar with the Santa Claus bank robbery in 1927. I really enjoyed the book. There is a lot of intrigue, mystery, hide and seek almost and excitement. The whole book was a page turner and it never lagged, I stayed up late reading to finish The Last Man and I loved it.
I can't wait to read more from this Author.
I can't wait to read more from this Author.
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