A Promise to Die For

by Stephen Holgate

Retired diplomat Sam Hough finds himself on a transatlantic flight to Europe when he makes a seemingly innocent promise to find the five-year-old son of a dying friend. A son that Curt had only recently learned about.

In the seamy neighborhoods of Paris, Sam quickly learns that those who agree to help him soon disappear. Those who stay refuse to help him, and still others want to kill him rather than help him find the boy. Was Curt being completely honest with him or did he purposely leave vital details out? But if so, why? His search through the narrow streets of Paris leads him to rekindle a long-lost romance and into a maze of suspicion, betrayal, and growing danger. 

In its shadows, the City of Light holds deadly secrets. Sam must get to the bottom of what’s really at the heart of Curt’s mysterious request before his promise turns into an epitaph.

For readers who enjoy thrillers by Graham Greene, John Le Carré, and Jack Slater.

Genres: Thriller

288 pages, Hardcover

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Stephen Holgate is a fifth-generation Oregonian who served for four years as a diplomat with the American Embassy in Morocco. In addition to his other foreign service posts, Mr. Holgate has served as a congressional staffer; headed a committee staff of the Oregon State Senate; managed two electoral campaigns; acted with the national tour of an improvisational theater group; worked as a crew member of a barge on the canals of France; and lived in a tent while working as a gardener in Malibu. Holgate has published several short stories and a successfully produced one-man play, as well as publishing innumerable freelance articles. Tangier is his first novel.

Reviews

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one takes off the minute Sam lands in Paris. There's danger around every corner. Not all the characters are on the up-n-up and it's a challenge to figure out the mess Sam's gotten himself into. The writing is very cinematic and puts you on the streets of Paris following the clues. This one reminds me of the mysteries of old with a modern twist. It was a fairly quick and easy read, one that I enjoyed thoroughly and can recommend to my fellow gumshoes.

Thank you to the author, CamCat Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Jacqueline]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. This is a cracking story that starts almost from the first page, when retired diplomat, Sam Hough gets a call from an old friend who, because of an event that occurred during their time working together, he feels an obligation to. Sam is an ordinary man, albeit spending his career working in embassies the world over makes him a little less ordinary than most. The pace of this story never let's up once Sam gets to Paris. The author's knowledge of Paris, descriptions of place and characters put the reader right into the story and the predicaments that this unlikely hero finds himself in. I was taken from the start and couldn't put the book down. It would make a great film. The only - but very slight improvement as far I'm concerned, as someone who likes endings tied up nearly for me - I would have liked an epilogue. Having said that, the reader does know what will happen to the characters after the book ends. I thoroughly recommend this book.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise to Die For is what we are all looking for when we pick up a new book: a great story, wonderful characters, enough suspense to keep us turning pages, a bit of action, and a touch of romance. Mr. Holgate manages to cover all of these bases. He also touches on the themes of friendship, loyalty, doing the hard thing just because it's the right thing to do, and recapturing old loves. Don't get the impression that this is one esoteric, emotional book. It is and it isn't. Mr. Holgate manages to weave all these emotions into an active, suspenseful story that keeps a steady, moving pace and keeps the reader engaged. And take no one at face value here because very few people are who or what they seem. Stay on your toes or you'll miss the clues. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book and I can't wait to find something else by Mr. Holgate to read. I have become an ardent fan.

I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced thriller, this holds you to the page with intrigue, secrets, and betrayals.

Sam Hough, a retired diplomat, has promised Curt, his former friend and co-worker, that he will track down his five-year-old son, a son Curt has recently learned of. Time is of the essence since Curt is in the hospital and says he is dying.

The search takes Sam to Paris and into the arms of his long-lost lover. But soon, Sam realizes that danger surrounds him and those involved in the search for this boy. Something is not adding up; did Curt leave out information? With each twist, Sam becomes uncertain of his own past and each step he has taken. But if Sam doesn’t figure something out soon, his future may be in question.

This reads very quickly and offers suspense and mystery with every turn of the page. Paris was the perfect backdrop for this story and the author brought it to life with vivid and rich descriptions.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @camcat_books for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Retired diplomat Sam Hough receives a phone call from a former coworker/ friend named Curt, he knows he owes it to him to answer. Curt was known to bend the rules but he was there for Sam during a dangerous time. Curt says he’s dying and needs a favor he asks Sam to find a son that Curt had only recently learned about.
Sam Hough finds himself on a transatlantic flight to Europe, but Sam soon comes to the realization there are pieces missing and he doesn’t understand the complete picture. Did Curt lie to him? His search through the narrow streets of Paris leads him to rekindle a long-lost romance and into a maze of suspicion, betrayal, and growing danger. This book took off right away, the author did an incredible job describing places I felt like I was right there.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very engaging. I finished it in about 4 days. Sam Hough is a retired diplomat known as strait laced. He is summoned to the home of a co-worker who tended to bend the rules but was there to support Sam during a dangerous time. Curt says he’s dying and needs a favour. In Sam’s heart, he knows he owes a favour but once he embarks on his mission, he thinks there are pieces missing and he doesn’t understand the complete picture. There are meetings, threats, twists and turns. Sam wonders if anything is what it seems and if his own past needs rewriting. I would recommend. It was suspenseful.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of mystery/thriller that I love. Intelligent, well-written, lots of action and adventure, unique environments, a hint of romance, lots of danger, and so much to learn from the story. I enjoyed the character of Sam and his inclination to follow the rules despite being constantly thrust outside of them. The story is fast-paced and the pages practically turned themselves heading toward the very satisfying conclusion. A fantastic read and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an action packed book about a retired diplomat, Sam Hough, who is doing a favor for an old friend who is dying.

This favor leads Sam to Paris where he is trying to find a woman and child for his dying friend. Sam also reconnects with an old flame.

This book has an intricate plot. The read has great timing. It moves at a slower then quicker pace as necessary for what is happening at the point of the plot. I think that’s a hard skill to execute successfully.

I love the tour of Paris we get in a looking for someone not sightseeing sort of way.

[Rajab Awali · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://rajabsbookreads.blogspot.com/...



What if a simple promise turned into a deadly chase? Stephen Holgate’s A Promise to Die For Set in the shadowy alleys of Paris, this book will make you question trust, betrayal, and the power of secrets.

Twists you won’t see coming, A retired diplomat caught in a web of danger and A missing child, a dark past, and a truth that can kill.

I just finished reading it, and WOW—this one hits differently! If you love edge-of-your-seat thrillers.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best intentions sometimes go awry. Sam’s friend is dying - his last wish is to find the son he’s never met. Sam agrees to fly to Paris where peril lurks behind every corner. He soon learns nothing and no one are what they seem. How did he landed in this mess?

The setting is the streets of Paris where the reader is led to decipher the clues and help solve the mystery. A well written story with plenty of twists and turns, and great timing. Good characters drive the story as we wait to see what’s next! For being a good friend, Sam reunites with an old girl friend.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a retired diplomat taking a journey to Europe trying to find the five-year-old son of a dying friend that ends up in a maze full of secrets, betrayal, death theaths and to rekindle a long-lost romance.

If you're a fan of fast-paced action and gripping adventure, this book is a must-read. Set against the backdrop of Paris, it offers a thrilling story full of unexpected twists and suspense.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam was such a good guy and I really liked him right out of the gate. I appreciated his integrity and persistence and I became increasingly scared for him as the story progressed. This was such a page turner and it had me on the edge of my seat for the last third of this book. So much suspense! Loved it!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a fabulous mystery by an author that leverages his knowledge of the diplomatic corps with an ability to present fantastically interesting characters. This is a novel that I found difficult to put down. I give it very high praise. Others will enjoy this as well.

[Dennis Hunsperger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt very connected to the main characters and wanted everything to turn out well for them. The author did a great job helping you feel somehow close to them. Very exciting and unpredictable.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the fast pace and the Paris setting with no shortage on action. I related to Sam with his need to follow the rules and help anyone. He had great critical thinking skills and was resourceful in the way he used the little information given to him. I liked the writing style and how the reader learned of Sam’s past and how it influenced his current situation. It was a fun read.

Thank you @camcat_books @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.