Very fast paced and very intriguing. I enjoyed how it kept me hooked and it was an original story. Nowadays so many books read the same. Highly recommend

Archer does it again. Only the first chapter but as usual his style is easy to read and I look forward to the full book.

This is a short story about a homeless man, who try's to get arrested every winter so that he gets somewhere warm to sleep and something to eat. It makes you think about what it must be like for homeless people at this time of year. A thought provoking read

Jeffrey Archer shows his mastery of the short story genre in this book. It is a quick read, which is both good and bad because you reach the conclusion quickly but then the characters are gone.

The characters aren't as developed in this book as in some of his others, but I chalk this up to the brevity of the form.
Pat O'Flynn, the lead character, comes around every October and does something that lands him in jail. Jail is not an unpleasant thing for him, and as he goes to jail in this story he greets everyone with enthusiasm. It seems that O'Flynn has a larger plan that required getting into jail where he could then work on it.
This is a mystery with laughs. I liked the read, although I am not a fan of short stories in general. But I am a fan of Archer - and he didn't let me down.

Published digitally by St. Martin's Press on June 6, 2017.

"It Can't Be October Already" is included in Cat O'Nine Tales and Other Stories.

A fellow named Pat goes to jail every October. Pat is unfailingly polite to the various officers who arrest him, lock him up, and take him to court, all of whom are familiar with his annual ritual and see him as something of an old friend, or at least a harmless nuisance. Eventually the reader discovers what’s up with Pat, and Pat finally gets to finish telling the joke that everyone has already heard.

“It Can’t Be October Already” is a light, amusing short story. It isn’t particularly substantial, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Pat's joke is more interesting than the plot of the story itself, which leads to an obvious conclusion. I didn't get the impression that Archer put much effort into this one.

RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS

This little read was enchanting- drawn from the author's stay at Her Majesty's Pleasure. Patrick is an engaging old rogue - he doesn't like the prospect of another winter on the streets so fixes it for himself to be looked after in prison. It's a calculated risk- too serious his crime, or too strict the judge could mean a longer stay than he would like! Too lightweight and he might have to leave before he's ready. He has a couple of tricks up his sleeve as you may imagine! Thanks to Netgalley for sending this advance copy to my Kindle.

The best-selling author of such works as “Kane & Abel“, “A matter of honor” and the popular Clifton Chronicles series has written a humorous yet poignant short story.

The story includes delightful illustrations and portrays Pat O’Flynn, a homeless man who gets arrested on purpose every October in order to procure a warm, safe environment during the winter months. The officials who encounter him as he goes through the legal system all proclaim “It can’t be October already” upon seeing him due to his predictability. The poor fellow valiantly tries to tell them a joke, but never reaches the punchline as they have heard it all before… With Archer’s trademark twist at the end, this story is sure to be enjoyed by many.

Succinct prose and pathos blended with humour make this story an enjoyable read.

This story is included in the book “Cat O’ Nine Tales” and other stories”.

Ever since I read Only Time Will Tell, I have been a fan of Jeffrey Archer. This was a fun, short read. Another piece to showcase Archer's talent for writing.

This is a fun story that basically cues up to a rather silly literary joke. The prose is accessible and the character of Pat is interesting. I knew what was happening from the first sentence, but it didn't make the read any less enjoyable.

Pat O'Flyn throws a brick into a jewellers window - holds up the brick and waits for the police to arrive - all of the police apart from one new recruit recognise him and all say is it October already!

A lovely short story quick and easy to read and in typical Jeffrey Archer style

I have long been a fan of Sir Jeffrey Archer and have read most of what has been in the public purview. I have found his writing to be charming, witty, reflective, honest with well constructed story lines. This short story is all of the aforementioned but also a very poignant social commentary.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for an arc.

Pat O’Flynn is what you might refer to as a frequent flyer in the prison system. Now that it is October again Pat picks up a brick and throws it at the jewelry store window and awaits his fate with the police. Being brought into the station Pat rekindles his friendships with the officers and hopes to find someone to tell his favorite joke.

It Can’t Be October Already is a short story by Jeffrey Archer. The story was rather cute and quirky as you get to know Pat and try to figure out why he wishes to be arrested every October. He’s very familiar with the system and seems to have his own agenda which had me quite interested until the end. Pat was also such a likable character with his sense of humor and interactions that this was a nice little read. Would definitely recommend this to the short story fans.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Love the ironic twist at the end! A very short story about Patrick who, every October, commits some crime to serve time in jail. It makes you think about what fate it worse - jail or homelessness. Well worth the read. I will be pondering this one for a while.

Thanks to Jeffrey Archer and St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jeffrey Archer, and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Lord Jeffrey Archer continues to prove that he is a wordsmith, showing off those skills in this wonderfully succinct piece. Patrick O'Flynn is caught red-handed as he is in the midst of committing a crime one October night. O'Flynn seems to be well-known to the authorities, all of whom wonder if it can, again, be October. As he is taken in and processed, O'Flynn continues to greet those who know him well. A brief encounter with the courts earn him six months in jail, which seems to play into the larger plan that he has concocted already. After he is sent off the Belmarsh, O'Flynn reveals his larger plan to his cellmate, at which time it all makes sense. Quick witted throughout this short piece, Archer keeps the reader guessing through to the 'aha' moment. Perfect for a coffee break and sure to impress a cross-section of readers.

I remain impressed with the work Lord Archer produces (or resurrects) at the drop of a hat. He has a way of pulling the reader in from the early pages and not letting up until the final phrase lingers in the air. While there is little time for character development, Archer does present enough backstory for the reader to feel some connection to O'Flynn. From there, it is the short back and forth as the narrative builds through to the end, where Archer injects his notable twist. Any reader who loves a full novel by this English master will adore the short stories that keep things light and highly entertaining. Well worth the invested time and effort.

Kudos, Lord Archer for this wonderful piece. I look forward to all you have going on and sketched out for future publications.

I enjoy reading Jeffrey Archer books and admire his gift of being an excellent story teller. He is one of the few authors that I enjoy reading short stories such is his talent. This story is well written and draws the reader in from the very first page, building the suspense and keeping you held until the very end. With this story it is maybe not so difficult due to the length and I can't help feeling I would like to have read a much longer version.
The main character Pat O’Flynn returns once again for his annual internment in the London jail system. Along the way, he’ll reconnect with the staff and inmates of his sometime-home and perhaps even reach the punchline of his favourite joke. Pat is a great character and with a touch of humour brings this book to life.
Having read this short story I am keen to read another Jeffery Archer book real soon.
I would like to thank Net Galley and St Martin's Press for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Pat O’Flynn is caught red handed throwing a brick at H Samuels window. He returns once for his annual internment in the London jail system. Along the way, he reconnects with the staff. An endearing & engaging very short story. If you like to read Jeffrey Archer’s stories then you’ll enjoy this & even get to the punch line of Pat’s joke. Be warned though it’s extremely short & read in about half an hour. Even in such a short story Pat is brought to life.

Pat O'Flynn reminds me of Otis Campbell, the loveable frequent flyer from The Andy Griffith Show. You can't help smiling and laughing along with him.

As always, Jeffrey Archer's writing is a delight.