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Jack Palms Crime #3
Czechmate
Once hired by the SFPD to investigate the mysterious murder of a crooked cop, Jack Palms now finds himself in the path of Alexi Akakievich, a cruel drug lord with a ring of sex slaves tapped directly into the city’s political elite. What’s unclear is whether Akakievich wants the power they can give him, or if he just wants to tear the city down. Whether Jack likes it or not, he finds himself in the way. Luckily, in Czechmate we see the return of Vlade, Niki and Al to stand by his side.
Graphic violence, sexual themes and packed with action. Not for the faint of heart.
Graphic violence, sexual themes and packed with action. Not for the faint of heart.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2011
11 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Seth Harwood
29 books217 followersSeth Harwood received an MFA in fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and went on to build a large readership for his first novel, JACK WAKES UP, by serializing it as a free audiobook online. Currently audio versions of Harwood’s novels and stories have been downloaded over one million times.
He is the author of six additional novels: THE MALTESE JORDANS, EVERYONE PAYS, IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, CZECHMATE, THIS IS LIFE and YOUNG JUNIUS, as well as two collections of short stories, A LONG WAY FROM DISNEY and FISHER CAT. He has also written a novella in the world of Kurt Vonnegut dealing with the themes of time travel, writing, and fatherhood.
Harwood currently lives in western Massachusetts and is at work on a second Clara Donner novel.
He teaches creative writing and English classes at City College of San Francisco, Stanford Continuing Studies, and Harvard Extension. Other jobs throughout the years have included commodities floor trading clerk, bartender, copy-editor, rare book cataloguer, high school English teacher, basketball coach, and freelance journalist.
He is the author of six additional novels: THE MALTESE JORDANS, EVERYONE PAYS, IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, CZECHMATE, THIS IS LIFE and YOUNG JUNIUS, as well as two collections of short stories, A LONG WAY FROM DISNEY and FISHER CAT. He has also written a novella in the world of Kurt Vonnegut dealing with the themes of time travel, writing, and fatherhood.
Harwood currently lives in western Massachusetts and is at work on a second Clara Donner novel.
He teaches creative writing and English classes at City College of San Francisco, Stanford Continuing Studies, and Harvard Extension. Other jobs throughout the years have included commodities floor trading clerk, bartender, copy-editor, rare book cataloguer, high school English teacher, basketball coach, and freelance journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 8, 2019
San Francisco Police and top government is being controlled by a Russian gang of intelligence operatives. They are opposed by a local cop, an FBI agent and a Actor and film maker as well as a group of Czech smugglers who have a cause against the Russians who are running a sex slave ring sing girls from the Czech homeland. Lots of action before things come to a conclusion.
July 30, 2013
The third instalment in the Jack Palms series picks up right where THIS IS LIFE left off. Jack is in hospital recovering from injuries sustained at the end of THIS IS LIFE - in short order, he’s out and in the crosshairs of Russian mob boss Alexi Akakievich. Before long all hell breaks loose and Jack is reacquainted with some former friends in Freeman and Miles who are a little more than a streaky blood stain of their former selves. With Czechs Vlade, Niki, Al, and SFPD Officer Shaw and FBI Agent Jane Gannon on his side, Palms takes on a foe in a death match that’s not for the faint hearted.
CZECHMATE is a short, sharp noir that reads like one constant action sequence. Hemmed in by pure brutality and basic instinct lies a deeper evolvement of character as Jack pulls the trigger and grows some cast iron balls, making the step from former actor to class act. Faced with a kill or be killed situation, Harwood pulls no punches in thrusting his protagonist into a world of pure unadulterated pain. This is as violent a book I’ve read in a while – yet it’s not without cause. Harwood uses each independent fight for the betterment of the overall Jack Palms story to tie the chaos into the broader continuity.
My only gripe with CZECHMATE is that it follows directly from THIS IS LIFE. While good if you've read THIS IS LIFE recently, I for one, had let too much water pass under the bridge between the second and third instalment and had to go back to the later stages of THIS IS LIFE to pick up the story. That saidm CZECHMATE is a very solid read - an action packed crime fest that doesn't let up. Bullets fly, bodies are decimated, heroes are born and villains get their just deserves. It's a nicely rounded story that's not too deep but sure packs a punch. I'm looking forward to see where Seth Harwood takes Jack Palms next. The Hollywood actor has rid his former profession - time to see how he makes it as a fully fledged hero.
CZECHMATE is a short, sharp noir that reads like one constant action sequence. Hemmed in by pure brutality and basic instinct lies a deeper evolvement of character as Jack pulls the trigger and grows some cast iron balls, making the step from former actor to class act. Faced with a kill or be killed situation, Harwood pulls no punches in thrusting his protagonist into a world of pure unadulterated pain. This is as violent a book I’ve read in a while – yet it’s not without cause. Harwood uses each independent fight for the betterment of the overall Jack Palms story to tie the chaos into the broader continuity.
My only gripe with CZECHMATE is that it follows directly from THIS IS LIFE. While good if you've read THIS IS LIFE recently, I for one, had let too much water pass under the bridge between the second and third instalment and had to go back to the later stages of THIS IS LIFE to pick up the story. That saidm CZECHMATE is a very solid read - an action packed crime fest that doesn't let up. Bullets fly, bodies are decimated, heroes are born and villains get their just deserves. It's a nicely rounded story that's not too deep but sure packs a punch. I'm looking forward to see where Seth Harwood takes Jack Palms next. The Hollywood actor has rid his former profession - time to see how he makes it as a fully fledged hero.
March 17, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"The power of black."
Jack Palms, one time movie star, recovered drink and drugs addict, wakes up in hospital in severe pain. He'd been shot in the shoulder. Following directly on from Book 2, (This is Life), when Jack's hoped for quiet and peaceful return home after his biking time with his Czech buddies was anything but. He'd been dragged into the uncovering of a widespread prostitution ring of young Russian girls, brought in by Alexi Akakievich, compromising senior members of the community, including the Mayor and The Chief of Police. The psychotic Russian gangster had made it clear he wanted Jack dead, but now his old Czech friends had returned to lend a hand to help protect Jack and dispose of Alexi. Together with his reluctant new partner, Shaw, and F.B.I. agent, Jane Gannon, Jack and the Czechs together try to put an end to the vicious Russian's hold on the city and the girls.
Even more so than its predecessor, Czechmate is almost total non stop action, including a.quite phenomenal car chase - who'd have thought that it could be so exciting? It is, at times, bloody and brutal and filled with pain. This time the story is not just in the first person so that other of the protagonists, and their actions, feature alongside Jack. But the reader is still treated to what goes on inside his head as he continues to transition from celluloid to real life.
Narration is again by by the author, Seth Harwood, with a little help from friends who take a few of the character parts. This Audible is, according to the introduction, a slightly revised version of his original serialized podcast. Mr.Harwood reads his story well, good pace to fit the text and a slightly downbeat tone which really suited his main character.. The added voices too, were exce!!ent, bringing a refreshing full cast feel. Nice brief bursts of music were occasionally inserted and, rather strange, the chapter numbers were given almost sarcastically enthusiastic rendering. But overall, this was a most enjoyable performance of a good, gritty thriller.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of Czechmate, via Audiobook Boom. It was fun, with bursts of humour, exciting and a really good unexpected read. I will certainly be looking out for more productions by Seth Harwood, hopefully continuing the Jack Palms story. If you like your books fast and furious, this is definitely for you, too - but read book two first.
"The power of black."
Jack Palms, one time movie star, recovered drink and drugs addict, wakes up in hospital in severe pain. He'd been shot in the shoulder. Following directly on from Book 2, (This is Life), when Jack's hoped for quiet and peaceful return home after his biking time with his Czech buddies was anything but. He'd been dragged into the uncovering of a widespread prostitution ring of young Russian girls, brought in by Alexi Akakievich, compromising senior members of the community, including the Mayor and The Chief of Police. The psychotic Russian gangster had made it clear he wanted Jack dead, but now his old Czech friends had returned to lend a hand to help protect Jack and dispose of Alexi. Together with his reluctant new partner, Shaw, and F.B.I. agent, Jane Gannon, Jack and the Czechs together try to put an end to the vicious Russian's hold on the city and the girls.
Even more so than its predecessor, Czechmate is almost total non stop action, including a.quite phenomenal car chase - who'd have thought that it could be so exciting? It is, at times, bloody and brutal and filled with pain. This time the story is not just in the first person so that other of the protagonists, and their actions, feature alongside Jack. But the reader is still treated to what goes on inside his head as he continues to transition from celluloid to real life.
Narration is again by by the author, Seth Harwood, with a little help from friends who take a few of the character parts. This Audible is, according to the introduction, a slightly revised version of his original serialized podcast. Mr.Harwood reads his story well, good pace to fit the text and a slightly downbeat tone which really suited his main character.. The added voices too, were exce!!ent, bringing a refreshing full cast feel. Nice brief bursts of music were occasionally inserted and, rather strange, the chapter numbers were given almost sarcastically enthusiastic rendering. But overall, this was a most enjoyable performance of a good, gritty thriller.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of Czechmate, via Audiobook Boom. It was fun, with bursts of humour, exciting and a really good unexpected read. I will certainly be looking out for more productions by Seth Harwood, hopefully continuing the Jack Palms story. If you like your books fast and furious, this is definitely for you, too - but read book two first.
April 28, 2019
I picked up "Czechmate" because I was looking around for podcast audiobooks, and I stumbled upon the name Seth Harwood. Then I saw that this book had a Czech connection, and so obviously I had to check (pun intended) it out.
This is the third book in the series, so there was some backstory I was missing out on. I was able to follow along pretty well, so I'd say it's up to you whether you want to jump in here (which worked out fine for me) or start at the beginning (which would probably make more sense).
The Czech/Russian connection was entertaining, although as usual the Russians are subhuman thugs with a taste for rape and torture. But you gotta take what you can get. The real focus of the story is the action, which comes fast and furious. So if you enjoy high-action thrillers with no shortage of violence, this book may be for you. If you have a weak stomach, maybe not so much. However, "Czechmate" is likely to please its target audience.
This is the third book in the series, so there was some backstory I was missing out on. I was able to follow along pretty well, so I'd say it's up to you whether you want to jump in here (which worked out fine for me) or start at the beginning (which would probably make more sense).
The Czech/Russian connection was entertaining, although as usual the Russians are subhuman thugs with a taste for rape and torture. But you gotta take what you can get. The real focus of the story is the action, which comes fast and furious. So if you enjoy high-action thrillers with no shortage of violence, this book may be for you. If you have a weak stomach, maybe not so much. However, "Czechmate" is likely to please its target audience.
December 15, 2021
A lot on his conscience.
Jack Palms has to deal terrible things done by his own hand. Sad. Fight the good fight. Stay sober, Jack.
Jack Palms has to deal terrible things done by his own hand. Sad. Fight the good fight. Stay sober, Jack.
Read
April 19, 2012Czechmate picks up where This Is Life leaves off, literally. Still caught in the crosshairs of a very angry and powerful Russian mobster, Jack sees the arrival of some unexpected help when Czechs Vlade, Niki and Al make a return appearance from series opener Jack Wakes Up. Seems they have their own ax to grind against Alexi, and along with them and newly made allies SFPD Officer Shaw and FBI Agent Jane Gannon, Jack decides to play a little offense this time around and take the fight to Alexi. So where This Is Life moved at a somewhat moderate pace in order to lay the groundwork for that book and Czechmate, in this outing Jack hits the ground running and never looks back.
He can’t afford to, as it’s not only his life at stake this time. Jack’s racing against the clock to save the remaining young women in Alexi’s sex stable before Alexi decides to kill off all the “evidence” now that things have started to crumble around him. Jack’s also still being dogged by interference from people in positions of power in both San Francisco politics and law enforcement, people who have a personal interest in Alexi’s operation – and client list – not being exposed.
While unquestionably brimming with action, the series does also show a clear development and progression of Jack’s character as he evolves from a (somewhat) innocent bystander caught up in violent circumstances not of his making to a man who understands that in order to fight scum you have to be willing to get down in the gutter and get dirty. And Czechmate gets pretty damn dirty, with the climatic finale devolving into a truly graphic and brutal showdown, in which author Seth Harwood pulls no punches and guarantees no one safe haven.
I, on the other hand, guarantee you’ll enjoy the hell out of This Is Life and Czechmate… just don’t get too attached to any of the characters.
He can’t afford to, as it’s not only his life at stake this time. Jack’s racing against the clock to save the remaining young women in Alexi’s sex stable before Alexi decides to kill off all the “evidence” now that things have started to crumble around him. Jack’s also still being dogged by interference from people in positions of power in both San Francisco politics and law enforcement, people who have a personal interest in Alexi’s operation – and client list – not being exposed.
While unquestionably brimming with action, the series does also show a clear development and progression of Jack’s character as he evolves from a (somewhat) innocent bystander caught up in violent circumstances not of his making to a man who understands that in order to fight scum you have to be willing to get down in the gutter and get dirty. And Czechmate gets pretty damn dirty, with the climatic finale devolving into a truly graphic and brutal showdown, in which author Seth Harwood pulls no punches and guarantees no one safe haven.
I, on the other hand, guarantee you’ll enjoy the hell out of This Is Life and Czechmate… just don’t get too attached to any of the characters.
June 3, 2013
Czechmate, or Jack Palms 3, continues where This is Life left off. I've seen on Amazon that apparently this 3rd installment is now included in the printed version of This is Life, and that makes sense. It really does feel like a more complete conclusion to the second story moreso than a standalone third story.
For the first time, we get the hectic world of Jack Palms from other perspectives. In the first two books, all the action and narration centers around Jack. We don't really get to see what other people are doing until they connect again with Jack and update us. In Czechmate, we finally see some other perspecties: Walnut Creek Police Officer Shaw & The Czech Quiet Storm Nicky. Although the narrative shift struck me, it quickly felt natural.
In the hospital after being shot at the end of Book Two, Jack Palms quickly finds himself identified as Public Enemy #1, with warrants out for his arrest. He goes to ground with Officer Shaw, and they join forces with the newly returned Czechs, with a bit of an assist from FBI Agent Jane Gannon. The intrepid group takes it upon themselves to straighten out the ex-KGB Sociopath that is trying to take over San Francisco.
Some old characters return, and our beleaguered hero Jack fights the good fight with his arm in a sling, upping his bad-assitude to the level of his film persona Al Haggerty.
For the first time, we get the hectic world of Jack Palms from other perspectives. In the first two books, all the action and narration centers around Jack. We don't really get to see what other people are doing until they connect again with Jack and update us. In Czechmate, we finally see some other perspecties: Walnut Creek Police Officer Shaw & The Czech Quiet Storm Nicky. Although the narrative shift struck me, it quickly felt natural.
In the hospital after being shot at the end of Book Two, Jack Palms quickly finds himself identified as Public Enemy #1, with warrants out for his arrest. He goes to ground with Officer Shaw, and they join forces with the newly returned Czechs, with a bit of an assist from FBI Agent Jane Gannon. The intrepid group takes it upon themselves to straighten out the ex-KGB Sociopath that is trying to take over San Francisco.
Some old characters return, and our beleaguered hero Jack fights the good fight with his arm in a sling, upping his bad-assitude to the level of his film persona Al Haggerty.
July 17, 2015
Loved it! Great book, great reading, great music and effects! That poor bastard Jack Palms is in the shit again... After the events of book two, Jack wakes up in the hospital beaten and shot. But he doesn't get the chance to rest and recuperate because he's wanted dead by a Russian mobster. Also, he's recently been set up and is now being hunted by the law for the murder of his best friend Ralph. With the help of his crazy Czech friends, hard-nosed officer Shaw, sexy, yet dangerous federal agent Gannon, and ex Jet lineman Freeman Jones, Jack has to find mob boss Alexi, stop his illegal underage sex slave ring, and clear his (mostly) good name. All in a day's work, right? Another excellent installment in in the Jack Palms series, I'm a Palms Daddy!
August 20, 2009
The worst part about JP 3 is that it's over and we'll have to wait for a while to find out what happens to Jack next. Seth leaves him in a state that opens up a number of possibilities for JP 4. The Vigaro really hits the mixmaster in JP 3 and we don't know what the long range effects will be for poor Jack. Just like JP 1 and 2, the action is hot, fast and intense. I hope Jack and the Fastback aren't out of sight for long ...
January 2, 2009
Again another successful Jack Palms book. I totally enjoyed the series.
February 19, 2013
So short!!!! The print book was a little over a 100 pages, but still action packed. Not as good as Jack Wakes Up, but worthy of the series. I'm looking forward to This is Life coming out this month.
October 9, 2012
Another awesome installment in the Jack Palms series. Bravo.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews