The Last Act

A Novel

By: Brad Parks

Narrated by: Graham Halstead

Award-winning author Brad Parks delivers a tense novel of thrills, twists, and deceit that grabs you and won’t let go until the final, satisfying moment.

Tommy Jump is an out-of-work stage actor approached by the FBI with the role of a lifetime: Go undercover at a federal prison, impersonate a convicted felon, and befriend a fellow inmate, a disgraced banker named Mitchell Dupree, who knows the location of documents that can be used to bring down a ruthless drug cartel...if only he’d tell the FBI where they are.

The women in Tommy’s life, his fiancée and mother, tell him he’s crazy to even consider taking the part. The cartel has quickly risen to become the largest supplier of crystal meth in America. And it hasn’t done it by playing nice. Still, Tommy’s acting career has stalled, and the FBI is offering a minimum of $150,000 for a six-month gig - whether he gets the documents or not.

Using a false name and backstory, Tommy enters the low-security prison and begins the process of befriending Dupree. But Tommy soon realizes he’s underestimated the enormity of his task and the terrifying reach of the cartel. The FBI aren't the only ones looking for the documents, and if Tommy doesn’t play his role to perfection, it just may be his last act.

©2019 Brad Parks (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[Parks’] thriller Say Nothing, published in 2017, was delightfully suspenseful, but his latest, The Last Act, may be his best yet.... The Last Act possesses two notable virtues. One is excellent characterizations. Parks not only makes [his protagonist] Tommy believable but does the same for numerous others, including his admirable girlfriend, his difficult mother, his huge, possibly dangerous cell mate, the poker-playing convict who has the secrets, and the slippery FBI agent he trusts, perhaps unwisely. The other is a roller-coaster plot that serves up endless surprises. Whatever you think is coming next probably isn’t.” (The Washington Post)

“This novel packs on the suspenseful surprises and plot reversals that made Parks a mainstay on the best-seller lists, but it's not just gritty and dark. With a lighter approach, Parks focuses on enduring characters and sharp wordplay, perfect for those who like their thrillers witty rather than bloody. Even if they aren't fans of Broadway musicals, readers will want to seek out this one." (Library Journal)

“The setup is so patient and the logistics so matter-of-fact that even the savviest readers will be caught in the story's expertly laid traps before they know what's happening.” (Kirkus)

“A Brad Parks novel offers two pleasures. One is watching a stunning talent at work. The other - operating almost apart from the first - is getting wrapped in the coils of a fiendishly clever thriller.” (Booklist)

Nothing New

I found the main character very similar to Carter Ross. Too similar. I like the series but want someone new.

I am officially a Brad Parks fan

I had never heard of Brad Parks, but after reading Say Nothing and being pleasantly surprised, I decided to give this one a shot. It’s official: I am a BP fan.
This story moves at a good pace, and even though I saw some things coming, it was still a fun ride. Good character development, nice pacing and an enjoyable storyline makes this worth your time.

Didn’t put down

Fast paced, grest narration. A little predictable but couldn’t put it down from start to finish

A great read

I really enjoyed this. But like other reviewers said read the Whistleblower first.
This was exciting and funny, an original idea. Yes you do have to suspend belief a little but that just made it fun.

Great

This book kept me on the edge if my seat. what a great writer. You won't regret reading this.

Silly

I did not enjoy this one very much. It had possibility, but then it ended up not being very plausible.

Excellent suspenseful gripping story

Great character development very suspenseful - don’t forget to listen to whistleblower first… However, it’s only two hours so don’t spend a lot of money or credits on it. Maybe find it on a different platform that’s cheaper. I found it on Chirp and it was 299.

Absolutely incredible!

Wow! I am obsessed with the author Brad Parks. I have listened to or read 6 of his other books which were all amazing, but I think this one is my favorite thus far. I listened to the entire thing in 2 days.

Loved the twists toward the end

This was an interesting book the whole way through, even if a little too convenient at times. I would say the last few chapters felt a little rushed and unrealistic, but I loved the twist leading up to them and in the final resolution.

Interesting Story

Great job by narrator; interesting story; a bit predictable on the ending. Overall, I recommend for an entertaining listen.