Table of Contents
Parting Shot may be billed as the fourth book connected to the Promise Falls trilogy, but it also serves as a thrilling standalone that fans of Linwood Barclay—and newcomers—will enjoy.
The Story
This book weaves two storylines through the streets of Promise Falls, both tied together by the steady hands of two familiar characters: Detective Barry Duckworth and Private Investigator Cal Weaver.
Detective Duckworth is on the case of a young man who wakes up in an alley—bruised, battered, and with a disturbing tattoo etched into his back. The mystery: who did this to him, and what message were they trying to send?
Meanwhile, Cal Weaver is hired to protect a teenage boy whose past mistakes have made him a national pariah. After a drunken joyride ended in a young woman’s death, the teen escaped conviction by arguing that a lifetime of coddling left him unable to understand right from wrong. The press nicknamed him “The Big Baby,” and now, he’s a target—especially for those lurking on the vigilante justice site Just Desserts.
You know these two plotlines will collide—but as always, Barclay keeps you guessing until the very end.
Bottom Line: Parting Shot is Worth the Ride
Parting Shot is a strong addition to the Promise Falls universe, and it shines thanks to Barclay’s signature blend of suspense, character depth, and plot twists. While it can be read on its own, you’ll get a richer experience if you start at the beginning of the trilogy—and even better, go back to where it all began:
- A Tap on the Window – Cal Weaver’s first appearance
- Never Look Away – where Barry Duckworth first enters the scene
- Too Close to Home – a prequel to the Promise Falls trilogy
Duckworth features throughout the entire Promise Falls trilogy, and by the time you reach Parting Shot, these characters feel like old friends.
So grab a copy of Parting Shot, settle in, and let Linwood Barclay pull you into the darkness—and the heart—of Promise Falls
About Linwood Barclay
Linwood Barclay is a New York Times bestselling author and a master of the “suburban thriller.” Born in the United States but raised in Canada, he spent three decades as a journalist and popular columnist for the Toronto Star before turning to fiction full-time.
He is best known for his ability to take ordinary, relatable people and throw them into terrifying, high-stakes situations. Since his breakout hit No Time for Goodbye in 2007, he has published over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Promise Falls trilogy. He currently lives in Toronto with his wife, Neetha.
Originally Published Feb 2018 Revised and Updated Feb 2026
