..author of the weird and wonderful, the mysterious and magical, the utterly unforgettable.

Last Shot

Today is the perfect day to die.

Bernard is the type of man that accomplishes all that he sets out to—and easily. He’s intelligent, hardworking, and completely unfamiliar with failure. His only complaint—the singular source of the inner anger bubbling within him—is that no one else in the world recognizes that.

It’s time to force them to.

Bernard’s had enough. Enough of the complete absence of respect in his life, of being looked down upon, of being the only person in the world—it seems—who truly sees the reality of his life and what he deserves acknowledgment for. In fact, that recognition is way overdue. And that makes Bernard’s blood boil.

Today is just like any other day; Bernard has planned and prepared for every aspect. His heated rage stews just under the surface, just more fuel for the fire. He will accomplish this one goal as he has all others. Another success, his ultimate success. And he’ll have made his blissful escape.

The final statement will be Bernard’s. At last. The perfection of the execution of this one, final achievement will be undeniable. Bernard will be free of this ridiculous world—passing calmly from his lifetime of frustration—and the world will realize its significant loss.

They won’t be able to take away—or look away from—what he’s about to do.

If he succeeds. But of course, he will. Why wouldn’t he? He always has.

He’s dead set on killing himself, as many times as it takes.

Last Shot

Audio Book Sample

Reviews

Last Shot: A Short Tale of the Absurdity of Life and Death is a contemporary fiction short story written by Justine Avery. Bernard was a precise and orderly man who was sick and tired of the world. He felt unappreciated and scorned by people who were not fit to be considered his peers. He finally… Read full review
Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

"I very much enjoyed all of [Avery's] books ... she's a master of grabbing the reader and pulling them into the story.  I enjoyed Last Shot the best.  Bernard reminded me of my ex-husband: I'm the best and nobody gets it.  Funny but also disturbing."

The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards

Inspiration

Twelve Incantations for Purpose, Power and Calm (written by Eric Maisel)

(written & directed by Colin Trevorrow, based on characters created by Michael Crichton)

(created by Neil Cross)

(written & directed by Luc Besson)