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Empty Promises
If you love the suspense and plot twists of domestic thrillers, this page-turner will be for you. Seamus McCree’s first assignment hiding a witness goes from bad to worse. His client disappears. His granddog finds a buried human bone. Police find a fresh human body.
His client is to testify in a Chicago money laundering trial. He’s paranoid that with a price on his head, if the police know where he’s staying, the information will leak. Seamus promised his business partner and lover, Abigail Hancock, that he’d keep the witness safe at the McCree family camp located deep in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s woods.
Abigail is furious at his incompetence and their relationship flounders. Even his often-helpful son, Paddy, must put family safety ahead of helping his father. Seamus risks his own safety and freedom to turn amateur sleuth in hopes he can solve the crimes, fulfill his promise of protection, and win back Abigail. Wit and grit are on his side, but the clock is ticking . . . and the hit man is on his way.
His client is to testify in a Chicago money laundering trial. He’s paranoid that with a price on his head, if the police know where he’s staying, the information will leak. Seamus promised his business partner and lover, Abigail Hancock, that he’d keep the witness safe at the McCree family camp located deep in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s woods.
Abigail is furious at his incompetence and their relationship flounders. Even his often-helpful son, Paddy, must put family safety ahead of helping his father. Seamus risks his own safety and freedom to turn amateur sleuth in hopes he can solve the crimes, fulfill his promise of protection, and win back Abigail. Wit and grit are on his side, but the clock is ticking . . . and the hit man is on his way.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2018
13 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
James M. Jackson
27 books119 followersJames M. Jackson writes justice-driven thrillers with “brains and bite,” including the award-winning Seamus McCree series. That series explores financial crimes, family relationships, and their deadly intersection across eight novels, two novellas, and several short stories. His new series launches with Niki Undercover starring Ashley Prescott, an undercover federal agent fighting domestic terrorism.
A life member of Sisters in Crime and past president of its Guppy Chapter, Jackson calls home the deep woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These days he is a snowbird with clipped wings, retreating only to Madison, Wisconsin when weather and road conditions make access to his U.P. home problematic.
When he’s not tormenting his characters, he’s likely birdwatching, hunting for moose sheds, or tracking wolves. Find news, extras, and upcoming events at his website https://jamesmjackson.com.
A life member of Sisters in Crime and past president of its Guppy Chapter, Jackson calls home the deep woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These days he is a snowbird with clipped wings, retreating only to Madison, Wisconsin when weather and road conditions make access to his U.P. home problematic.
When he’s not tormenting his characters, he’s likely birdwatching, hunting for moose sheds, or tracking wolves. Find news, extras, and upcoming events at his website https://jamesmjackson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 29, 2018
To start with, this is the 5th book in this particular series. Not having read any of the previous books, I felt a little lost and did not really connect with the characters. That being said, the book seems to be well written with many twists and turns along the way.
Seamus is on assignment for his bodyguard business. The young man he is protecting is scheduled to testify in a money laundering trial. Needless to say, those he will be testifying against want him to disappear before trial.
The story premise is okay ... but there are negatives. Leaving his charge in a cabin alone, Seamus, his son and young grand-daughter take off on a 4 hour jaunt. A storm catches them by surprise and it's many hours later before they arrive back at home.
The young man he is protecting is nowhere to be found. Did he leave on his own ... or was he forced to leave?
When people start showing up dead, Seamus has to piece together whether it's his charge or if his neighbors are involved. In the process, he uncovers more than he bargains for.
Coming from a law enforcement family, I expect some level of credibility to the storytelling. Sadly, I did not find it here. Bodyguards generally carry a gun ... which Seamus doesn't appear to have. Bodyguards do not leave their charges alone for any reason, especially if it's a teenager. If you have not read any of this series, I would recommend starting at the beginning, not with the 5th book.
Many thanks to the author / Wolf's Echo Press / Netgalley for this digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 22, 2018
Another riveting installment in the Seamus McCree series, Seamus is on protective duty, only to lose his charge. A series of coincidences send the "protectee" on the lam, running from perceived threats, including from his protector. When people start showing up dead, Seamus has to piece together whether it's his charge or if his neighbors are involved. In the process, he uncovers more than he bargains for.
James Jackson writes heart-pounding suspense, keeping you guessing at each character's role in the story and tying it up nicely at the end, including some unexpected surprises. The emotions wrung out of this book are genuine and believable with Seamus facing down personal crisis and genuine fear for his life. As a "Seamus fan," I was a little put off that he chose to operate outside the law even while being deputized - a man of high moral fiber and conscience. Seamus deliberately gets in the way of the investigation, and is threatened with obstruction of justice. He does it again, despite his son reminding him he shouldn't and why. The story takes a detour toward the end in order to wrap up some of the loose ends. In the end, Seamus's family is his salvation, and that's the final message the author leaves you with.
James Jackson writes heart-pounding suspense, keeping you guessing at each character's role in the story and tying it up nicely at the end, including some unexpected surprises. The emotions wrung out of this book are genuine and believable with Seamus facing down personal crisis and genuine fear for his life. As a "Seamus fan," I was a little put off that he chose to operate outside the law even while being deputized - a man of high moral fiber and conscience. Seamus deliberately gets in the way of the investigation, and is threatened with obstruction of justice. He does it again, despite his son reminding him he shouldn't and why. The story takes a detour toward the end in order to wrap up some of the loose ends. In the end, Seamus's family is his salvation, and that's the final message the author leaves you with.
March 12, 2018
Empty Promises is the fifth installment from James M Jackson’s Seamus McCree series. I have not read any other books in the series, so I was not sure what to expect when I pick this one up. I thought it was a pretty good suspense filled mystery. I did not want to put it down. And I did not until I finished the whole book. It is not good. I hope to soon find the previous books from the series and see what had happened prior to this one.
I give Empty Promises four stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion
I give Empty Promises four stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion
April 16, 2018
Summary: James Jackson has written a book that is both entertaining and thought provoking, both heartfelt and action-filled. I enjoyed this story on so many levels, and will seek out the earlier Seamus McCree novels soon.
My full review: Having not read any of the earlier Seamus McCree books, I began this one feeling somewhat disconnected from the main character. The plot was interesting, but the emotion was lacking. However, as the story progressed, the protagonist and his family came into better focus, while the action kept moving. By half way through the book I was fully engaged.
What I liked best:
This is first and foremost a well done story. One could quibble that it is a little predictable here and a little cliche there but I don’t see how an author can develop a plot as intricate as this without leaving themselves open to such complaints. Bottom line: is it is humanly believable and logically consistent. That is no small feat.
I would have liked to know more about all of the characters, but I suspect this is a pitfall of starting with the fifth book in a collection. What is presented of them here is well done, with particular kudos to the father son relationship and the wonderfully portrayed three year old granddaughter. Even the dog is well written.
I’m not such a fan of first person narratives, and the switching between first and third person threw me at first. I do happen to like head hopping, however, and I enjoyed the way the frequent changes in perspective moved the story along. Part way through the book, I realized I had totally acclimated to the mix of first and third person, and by the exciting and rather lengthy climax scene, I found it particularly effective.
I always appreciate when an author has the background, or has done the research, to add local color to the setting. I felt like I was on the Upper Peninsula by the end of this book, listening to the birds and riding around in an ATV.
There are a few bad guys in this story, but the ultimate creep gets to have his own point of view, and he is appropriately chilling.
What I liked least: As you can probably tell, by the end of the book there wasn’t much I didn’t like. If forced to find items to have a minor quarrel about, I’d mention these:
The local environmentalist was a caricature, and an unpleasant one at that. (I’m something of an environmentalist.) Every other character of significance was more multi-dimensional.
The sheriff’s degree of anger with Seamus sometimes seemed out of proportion to the events, particularly given the two men had collaborated together in the past. Maybe the sheriff is supposed to be an unusually angry individual?
Like I said, minor points. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller.
Two personal notes: I am a writer myself and therefore come to all reviews with biases born not only of my personal preferences but also of my own writing style. In this case the author’s well done frequent changes of point of view, and his flair for local details, resonated with my own efforts and no doubt bought him extra enthusiasm from me. I also received a free pdf copy of this book from Goddess Fish, the value of which would never be enough to entice me to write a better review for anyone.
My full review: Having not read any of the earlier Seamus McCree books, I began this one feeling somewhat disconnected from the main character. The plot was interesting, but the emotion was lacking. However, as the story progressed, the protagonist and his family came into better focus, while the action kept moving. By half way through the book I was fully engaged.
What I liked best:
This is first and foremost a well done story. One could quibble that it is a little predictable here and a little cliche there but I don’t see how an author can develop a plot as intricate as this without leaving themselves open to such complaints. Bottom line: is it is humanly believable and logically consistent. That is no small feat.
I would have liked to know more about all of the characters, but I suspect this is a pitfall of starting with the fifth book in a collection. What is presented of them here is well done, with particular kudos to the father son relationship and the wonderfully portrayed three year old granddaughter. Even the dog is well written.
I’m not such a fan of first person narratives, and the switching between first and third person threw me at first. I do happen to like head hopping, however, and I enjoyed the way the frequent changes in perspective moved the story along. Part way through the book, I realized I had totally acclimated to the mix of first and third person, and by the exciting and rather lengthy climax scene, I found it particularly effective.
I always appreciate when an author has the background, or has done the research, to add local color to the setting. I felt like I was on the Upper Peninsula by the end of this book, listening to the birds and riding around in an ATV.
There are a few bad guys in this story, but the ultimate creep gets to have his own point of view, and he is appropriately chilling.
What I liked least: As you can probably tell, by the end of the book there wasn’t much I didn’t like. If forced to find items to have a minor quarrel about, I’d mention these:
The local environmentalist was a caricature, and an unpleasant one at that. (I’m something of an environmentalist.) Every other character of significance was more multi-dimensional.
The sheriff’s degree of anger with Seamus sometimes seemed out of proportion to the events, particularly given the two men had collaborated together in the past. Maybe the sheriff is supposed to be an unusually angry individual?
Like I said, minor points. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller.
Two personal notes: I am a writer myself and therefore come to all reviews with biases born not only of my personal preferences but also of my own writing style. In this case the author’s well done frequent changes of point of view, and his flair for local details, resonated with my own efforts and no doubt bought him extra enthusiasm from me. I also received a free pdf copy of this book from Goddess Fish, the value of which would never be enough to entice me to write a better review for anyone.
March 23, 2018
Incompetence!
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Written by James M. Jackson, and published by Wolf's Echo Books in 2018, the story is set in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan, where Seamus McCree has purchased a summer cabin, and where his three year-old granddaughter owns an additional three sections (1,920 acres) of timberland. Seamus is assisting the U.S. Marshall’s Service in protecting a witness until after he has testified in court against his former employers. Naturally, those people would rather not see him make it to court alive, so there is ample reason to worry for his safety. Seamus, his son Patrick, who is called “Paddy,” and Seamus’s three year-old granddaughter Megan, go into town from the cabin to buy groceries and a fierce storm hits the area, blowing down numerous trees. When they are finally able to make their way back to the cabin, their guest is gone—disappeared. Tracks in the yard indicate that a truck and trailer had been in the driveway, but Seamus has no idea who it could have been.
Seamus has a partner, Abagail, in their witness protection business, and she is currently protecting another witness in Louisiana while she has tasked Seamus with the responsibility of looking after his charge in Michigan. She is furious at Seamus’s failure to guard his witness, and tells him that he created the problem, so he must solve it. Seamus needs to find his witness, a man named Elliot, although he learns later that Elliot is not his real name. Why has the man gone missing? Has he seen somebody who frightened him?
Seamus McCree strikes me as a man who is totally incompetent in his role as a protector of federal witnesses. He screws up constantly, and his incompetence could cost him his business partner and soul-mate, Abigail. He is facing a hired killer, and he doesn’t even arm himself for the protection of his loved ones and his own life. How stupid is that? He knows that the killer might be gunning for him, for his son Paddy, and for witness Elliot, yet he believes that he can protect all of them with his quick wit? That’s just criminally stupid, making him an unappealing protagonist, in my view.
The story has a very unsatisfying ending. It seems that almost everybody in the book is an incompetent, including law enforcement officers at all levels and in all places. I really do not like these kinds of stories. Like most people, I like winners, and I like to read stories about winners. In this story, the good guys lose and the bad guys wins. If, like me, you like stories about winners, you probably will not like this book. I didn’t. It started out fine, but then just gradually slid to the bottom in my assessment. I can’t really recommend this book. I probably will not read about this character again, although the author seems to be a capable writer. If you are comfortable with an unhappy ending, go ahead and read this book. But you’ll do it without my recommendation. Only two stars for this one.
Seamus has a partner, Abagail, in their witness protection business, and she is currently protecting another witness in Louisiana while she has tasked Seamus with the responsibility of looking after his charge in Michigan. She is furious at Seamus’s failure to guard his witness, and tells him that he created the problem, so he must solve it. Seamus needs to find his witness, a man named Elliot, although he learns later that Elliot is not his real name. Why has the man gone missing? Has he seen somebody who frightened him?
Seamus McCree strikes me as a man who is totally incompetent in his role as a protector of federal witnesses. He screws up constantly, and his incompetence could cost him his business partner and soul-mate, Abigail. He is facing a hired killer, and he doesn’t even arm himself for the protection of his loved ones and his own life. How stupid is that? He knows that the killer might be gunning for him, for his son Paddy, and for witness Elliot, yet he believes that he can protect all of them with his quick wit? That’s just criminally stupid, making him an unappealing protagonist, in my view.
The story has a very unsatisfying ending. It seems that almost everybody in the book is an incompetent, including law enforcement officers at all levels and in all places. I really do not like these kinds of stories. Like most people, I like winners, and I like to read stories about winners. In this story, the good guys lose and the bad guys wins. If, like me, you like stories about winners, you probably will not like this book. I didn’t. It started out fine, but then just gradually slid to the bottom in my assessment. I can’t really recommend this book. I probably will not read about this character again, although the author seems to be a capable writer. If you are comfortable with an unhappy ending, go ahead and read this book. But you’ll do it without my recommendation. Only two stars for this one.
April 23, 2018
Seamus McCree is the kind of guy you love in books…breaks the rules a little but always to get to the truth and do the right thing. Just what I always want my heroes to be like. Someone saving me from the Happy Reaper. He reminds me a little of Travis McGee and I loved reading about him, the people who care about him and the people he cares about. In the midst of this tough, grimy chase for murderers, Seamus has a grandchild which allows us to see many sides to him. That’s part of what makes this such an easy and yet exciting read.
If this is the paragraph that a reviewer is supposed to talk about the skills of the writer then I need lots of room. This book is well-written in pretty well all of the ways we learned a book was supposed to be built. I think you already have an idea of what I think about this storyline. This plot and its development have you sitting on the edge of your seat much of the time. The reason the story is so gripping is because Jackson is excellent at calming you down, describing beautiful scenery where you really begin to enjoy yourself and then boom (did I say boom) well…it feels like that when he surprises you with something you just did not expect. As far as his characters are concerned, they fit right into this story and he teaches you to know them and most importantly to be a part of them. You know what happens then don’t you? You never ever put the book down. That’s how a good writer crafts a story that you live in until the end. Now I’ll have to sit on the edge of my seat waiting for another book.
**This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
If this is the paragraph that a reviewer is supposed to talk about the skills of the writer then I need lots of room. This book is well-written in pretty well all of the ways we learned a book was supposed to be built. I think you already have an idea of what I think about this storyline. This plot and its development have you sitting on the edge of your seat much of the time. The reason the story is so gripping is because Jackson is excellent at calming you down, describing beautiful scenery where you really begin to enjoy yourself and then boom (did I say boom) well…it feels like that when he surprises you with something you just did not expect. As far as his characters are concerned, they fit right into this story and he teaches you to know them and most importantly to be a part of them. You know what happens then don’t you? You never ever put the book down. That’s how a good writer crafts a story that you live in until the end. Now I’ll have to sit on the edge of my seat waiting for another book.
**This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2018
Empty Promises is a well-crafted domestic thriller that is an excellent addition to James M. Jackson’s Seamus McCree series. McCree, a talented investigator of financial crimes, takes on his first solo bodyguard assignment as a means of working with his business partner and lover, Abigail Hancock. All McCree has to do is keep a witness safe at his family’s Michigan camp. Unfortunately, things don’t work out as planned when his client goes on the lam, his granddog discovers a buried bone that proves to be human, and the local police find a dead body. Jackson is deft at balancing Seamus’ personal life, including his relationship with his son and granddaughter, with whether Seamus will find his missing charge, regain Abigail’s trust and confidence, and figure out the current and past crimes before time runs out.
I purchased and enjoyed the first four Seamus McCree books, but I received an ARC copy of Empty Promises. I’m delighted I did. Empty Promises proved to be an engaging page-turner.
I purchased and enjoyed the first four Seamus McCree books, but I received an ARC copy of Empty Promises. I’m delighted I did. Empty Promises proved to be an engaging page-turner.
February 28, 2018
Fans of James M. Jackson will be more than satisfied with Empty Promises, the fifth in the series starring financial crimes sleuth Seamus McCree. Grittier and sharper at the edges than previous works, shading into noir at times, this book pulls together threads from the previous storylines, allowing Seamus to grown and change as he negotiates some rough terrain. I especially appreciated the glimpses of Seamus’ tender side—he’s not ashamed to cry, or to feel a gush of love for his granddaughter—and his other human frailties (fear, confusion, gut-shot sadness) deepen his character. He’s a top-notch investigator, but always human in his approach, tangling once again with his nemesis, the Happy Reaper, and emerging not unscathed. To say more would be to spoil the intricacies of the plot, skillfully developed through multiple points of view, and I wouldn’t want to deprive any reader of that pleasure. Spend some time with Seamus and company—you won’t be disappointed.
April 11, 2018
This action-packed, intelligent book was a pleasure to read. It’s apparently 5th in a series but read just fine as an exciting and suspenseful stand-alone. When I started reading I was a bit surprised and uncertain because it felt like the story was well in progress already. It took me a few pages to “catch up” and figure out the setting and circumstances surrounding the beginning of the story.
As I read, I grew to really appreciate the relationship between Seamus, his son and his lovable, adorable granddaughter. The personalities of the major characters were well-developed, adding considerable depth to the intense mystery.
There were plenty of twists, and as the story progressed the complications compounded the headaches for Seamus and Patrick as they tried to unravel the clues of a very convoluted case.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
As I read, I grew to really appreciate the relationship between Seamus, his son and his lovable, adorable granddaughter. The personalities of the major characters were well-developed, adding considerable depth to the intense mystery.
There were plenty of twists, and as the story progressed the complications compounded the headaches for Seamus and Patrick as they tried to unravel the clues of a very convoluted case.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
May 3, 2023
Seamus McCree is living quite peacefully in his cabin on a lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) until he's asked by his lover to guard a man until he can appear in court. Unfotunately, the man hates being confined to the cabin unless he's escorted by Seamus. Then, one day several things happen almost simultaneously: Seamus takes his son & granddaughter to town, leaving the man home alone;a tremendous wind blows through the area-not quite a tornado, but close, and when they get back home, their unguarded man has vanished. Where is he? Why did he leave? How did he leave? Seamus' love interest is throughly P.O.'d at him and tells him to find him because she can't leave the person she's protecting. Seamus has gotten pretty good at reading signs in the woods and begins his search, but dead bodies keep showing up. How does everything end? Read it and find out for yourself!!
January 24, 2018
I am thankful that I was provided the opportunity to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the EMPTY PROMISES, A Seamus McCree novel, by James Jackson. Seamus is back in the thick of it with murder in Iron County. The book has many twists and turns as the country roads of the UP where it is set. You are compelled to keep reading to find out who-done-it and to see what trouble Seamus will get himself into. I will definitely be ready for his next adventure!
April 6, 2024
This series gets stronger with every book. The crimes are complicated and original, the characters real and compelling, and the settings vivid. The relationships have depth and authenticity. A few twists took my breath away. The end is stunning. Jackson doesn’t coddle his characters. It’s an author’s job to put them through hell, and he does. And because I care about them, I keep reading. On to the next book. Immediately.
September 28, 2025
This book is definitely a real page turner. So many unexpected things happening throughout. I love this series!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews