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False Bottom
Seamus McCree returns to his native Boston to bury his Uncle Mike, a retired Boston police captain, who has been murdered. Seamus has been named executor of the estate, which is easy enough for him to settle. But he soon learns Uncle Mike has left a second, secret legacy - and that triggers an earthquake's worth of problems. Added to his troubles is the discovery that Uncle Mike's killer is now gunning for Seamus and his family.
Seamus must find a path through a labyrinth of lies and secrets stemming from his father's death more than forty years earlier and resolve all of Uncle Mike's legacies before the killer can strike again.
Seamus must find a path through a labyrinth of lies and secrets stemming from his father's death more than forty years earlier and resolve all of Uncle Mike's legacies before the killer can strike again.
250 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2019
28 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
James M. Jackson
27 books121 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 Niki Undercover Thriller series, currently with two novels and one in progress, stars Ashley Prescott, an undercover federal agent fighting domestic terrorism of all kinds.
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 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 21, 2019
False Bottom is Book 6 of the Seamus McCree series. First off, let me say I have loved this character from Book 1. He’s a great investigator, a little tough when he needs to be, yet caring when it’s called for. Combined with all of this, he is really and truly a good man. Seamus has had some real difficulties in his life in this book. Deaths of people close to him and a lot of surprises; some good and some bad. This is a different Seamus emotionally. Did I still like him? You betcha.
Each of Jackson’s characters seems to become a little deeper and even a little more well-known to the reader this time. It’s as if the whole extended family is a little more involved. I have them each pictured in my mind…the funny, bossy mother, his handsome son, even the nosy next-door neighbor who saves the day more than once. I think all of this is a little more vivid this time because of the emotional settings in this story. Don’t get me wrong. This is still the rough and tough Seamus McCree that Jackson writes about but there’s a touch of sadness this time. Maybe it’s because the story itself brings out the realization of times to come in all our lives.
And then we have Jackson’s writing. A well put together book with a story that flows so well. There were some twists and turns that almost had me throwing my hands up in the air thinking “what now”. Then I realized Jackson’s writing had got me going again. That is after all an author’s job isn’t it? Moving the reader.
I was fortunate (no fortunate is not the proper word) I was as LUCKY as can be to be given an ARC and you can be guaranteed that all opinions are definitely my own.
Jackson has put together a continuing storyline and a book that can be read as a stand alone although you’d be foolish to miss any of the series. Hope I don’t have to wait long for Book 7.
Each of Jackson’s characters seems to become a little deeper and even a little more well-known to the reader this time. It’s as if the whole extended family is a little more involved. I have them each pictured in my mind…the funny, bossy mother, his handsome son, even the nosy next-door neighbor who saves the day more than once. I think all of this is a little more vivid this time because of the emotional settings in this story. Don’t get me wrong. This is still the rough and tough Seamus McCree that Jackson writes about but there’s a touch of sadness this time. Maybe it’s because the story itself brings out the realization of times to come in all our lives.
And then we have Jackson’s writing. A well put together book with a story that flows so well. There were some twists and turns that almost had me throwing my hands up in the air thinking “what now”. Then I realized Jackson’s writing had got me going again. That is after all an author’s job isn’t it? Moving the reader.
I was fortunate (no fortunate is not the proper word) I was as LUCKY as can be to be given an ARC and you can be guaranteed that all opinions are definitely my own.
Jackson has put together a continuing storyline and a book that can be read as a stand alone although you’d be foolish to miss any of the series. Hope I don’t have to wait long for Book 7.
April 22, 2019
False Bottom by James Jackson
Having read his previous work, I’ve come to expect well-written and entertaining books from Mr. Jackson and “False Bottom” doesn’t disappoint. He tells a good story and the characterization is first-rate. Human beings of all varieties people his books, folks you might expect to meet in your own life, with all the traits, good and bad, we find in our own friends, family and acquaintances. No super heroes here; just people trying to live their lives as best they can.
If you want a good read, this author provides one. You don’t have to start with the first book. I personally feel, however, that reading some, or even one, of the earlier books gives the reader some helpful background. I very much enjoy reading about Seamus McCree and his interesting, complicated life. His family, his moral compass, and his steadfast determination to stand firm in the face of adversity draw the reader into the story and keep them there. I'll leave outlining the book to other readers and simply say I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
(I was provided with An Advanced Reader Copy in return for an honest review.)
Having read his previous work, I’ve come to expect well-written and entertaining books from Mr. Jackson and “False Bottom” doesn’t disappoint. He tells a good story and the characterization is first-rate. Human beings of all varieties people his books, folks you might expect to meet in your own life, with all the traits, good and bad, we find in our own friends, family and acquaintances. No super heroes here; just people trying to live their lives as best they can.
If you want a good read, this author provides one. You don’t have to start with the first book. I personally feel, however, that reading some, or even one, of the earlier books gives the reader some helpful background. I very much enjoy reading about Seamus McCree and his interesting, complicated life. His family, his moral compass, and his steadfast determination to stand firm in the face of adversity draw the reader into the story and keep them there. I'll leave outlining the book to other readers and simply say I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
(I was provided with An Advanced Reader Copy in return for an honest review.)
April 22, 2019
Despite his best of intentions, Seamus McCree is once again caught up in a complicated web of deceits and misplaced emotions of his dysfunctional family, including his "Uncle Mike," a friend of his police officer father who stepped in when the father was killed in the line of duty.
The story focuses on the aftermath of Uncle Mike's death, not the death itself. Uncle Mike has left secrets; Seamus's mother lies to everyone; a hired killer is out there; an assassin is stalking the family; someone else is spying on them. And half the characters suffer physical disasters, which don't seem to impede them much.
The story comes to a satisfying solution, with hints of the next book to come.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
The story focuses on the aftermath of Uncle Mike's death, not the death itself. Uncle Mike has left secrets; Seamus's mother lies to everyone; a hired killer is out there; an assassin is stalking the family; someone else is spying on them. And half the characters suffer physical disasters, which don't seem to impede them much.
The story comes to a satisfying solution, with hints of the next book to come.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
April 29, 2019
Finally! A new Seamus McCree novel. I was fortunate to receive an advance reader’s copy in return for an honest review. I honestly love Seamus McCree novels. One reason is that most of the novels are set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. However, this one is set in Boston. Seamus goes to Boston to attend the funeral of his “Uncle” Mike, a retired police officer. As executor of Uncle Mike’s estate, Seamus uncovers family secrets held since his father’s murder, a Boston police officer, forty years earlier. The man who murdered Uncle Mike vows to kill the McCree family as well. Lots of twists and turns, as well as surprises. The biggest one for me comes at the end. Spoiler alert: I think it will be addressed in the next Seamus McCree novel. Can’t wait for that one to come out.
June 8, 2019
When Uncle Mike died, Seamus returns to Boston. Uncle Mike was murdered, so that doesn't really sit too well with Seamus. Seamus is the executor of his uncle's estate and that really isn't the problem. The problem is what Uncle Mike left that no one knew about...well very few knew of. Now the one who killed Uncle Mike is after Seamus and his family! Seamus has to go through years of lies and things that go clear back to his father's death. Can he solve the mystery and keep everyone alive? You will need to read the book to find out. Wonderful story!!! I enjoyed it very much! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 23, 2019
I am so happy to have gotten a chance to read this newest Seamus, and it definitely lived up to its predecessors. This is one that I had to binge-read, it was that good. Seamus and the family are familiar but also evolving--really well done--I felt like I knew them personally. There are also big surprises even from back-story on Seamus and several of his family, and plot twists that I didn't anticipate. I have read all of this series and I believe this is the best so far. Now comes the hard part of waiting on another chance to visit with these interesting characters!
May 26, 2019
This was my first Seamus McCree adventure, although I didn’t feel at a disadvantage not having read the others. The novel stands strong on its own, but now I’m intrigued by the protagonist, who is well developed and in the midst of personal crisis. I’ll definitely go back and read the previous McCree books.
False Bottom moves fast and there are no dull scenes in the book. Jackson is masterful at pacing. I especially enjoyed the by-play between mother and son - I could totally see it happening.
I requested an Advanced Reader Copy and I’m so glad I did. This is my honest review.
False Bottom moves fast and there are no dull scenes in the book. Jackson is masterful at pacing. I especially enjoyed the by-play between mother and son - I could totally see it happening.
I requested an Advanced Reader Copy and I’m so glad I did. This is my honest review.
July 28, 2019
When the going gets tough, Seamus McCree keeps going!
In False Bottom, a grieving Seamus McCree must settle the estate of a murdered man who’d been a second father to him. If it wasn’t enough to have rogue ex-cops and a hit man circling their every move, Seamus, his son, and his mother keep company with their own dangerous secrets. His long-lost sister surfaces, still at odds with his mother, and their conflict adds to the powder keg of family drama. Introspective at times, action-packed at others—what more could you ask of a mystery novel?
Muddy Rose Reviews
In False Bottom, a grieving Seamus McCree must settle the estate of a murdered man who’d been a second father to him. If it wasn’t enough to have rogue ex-cops and a hit man circling their every move, Seamus, his son, and his mother keep company with their own dangerous secrets. His long-lost sister surfaces, still at odds with his mother, and their conflict adds to the powder keg of family drama. Introspective at times, action-packed at others—what more could you ask of a mystery novel?
Muddy Rose Reviews
September 2, 2019
Seamas McCree has been made executor of Mike O'Malley, ex cop that worked with his father until his father died. Looking into the estate for Mike finding strange things. Seamas's son Paddy, now grown up with a wife and daughter is helping him a lot since Seamas broke his ankle while running. Jerome Rozellers trying to kill the whole McCree family and that causes them to hide out waiting for the police to pick him up. In the mean time Seamas's mother hires the Happy Reaper, his enemy to kill Jerome before he hurts any of the family. Ends up with an exciting finish!
October 24, 2019
This is the first Seamus McCree series book I’ve read. It took me a couple of chapters to get into it. I doubt you need to read the books in order, but I’d like to go back and read book one to be sure. I had the sense I needed to know the family better. I couldn’t “see” the Seamus character clearly. I had trouble understanding what made him tick. I love a good story, but I also require characters with depth that pull me in and make me feel like I know them. All and all, the story was involved and intriguing.
April 29, 2019
False Bottom proved to be a novel with True Pleasure; a perfect addition to the Seamus McCree series. The author provides enough background information for those of us who had forgotten the history of the McCree family, yet doesn't spend too much time deviating from the current problems. And there are several problems! At times, I felt as if I was tumbling through a PLINKO game - rebounding with every kink and twist while yearning for the conclusion. Nice teasers for the next novel. . . welcome Colleen Carpetti!
April 14, 2024
The Seamus McCree series lends itself to binge reading. These suspenseful stories build on each other as family secrets unfold, and the threads of one crime or threat tie into another. The psychological depth of this story is impressive, and yet never slows the pace of the action or family drama. I kept thinking every final twist had been revealed, and then another one came around the corner. I’m almost caught up on the series. I wish the author could write as fast as I can read.
April 22, 2019
I love a good suspense and this has it all. So much mystery, lots of twists and turns, so much going on, will he, won’t he? From start to finish each page grabbed my attention in this well written, absorbing and intricate story which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend to you. The ending was interesting too!
May 3, 2019
The murder of a retired and beloved police captain, "Captain Mike", set off a chain of unbelievable events. He left a cryptic note to settle his affairs. Suitcases full of money, hit men, dirty cops, and a long lost family member kept me guessing until the end. I was gifted this from the author.
May 7, 2019
I loved this book! Seamus McCree is a fascinating character and always manages to find his way into trouble. This time, his family is brought into a puzzling mystery, among other things, and it will keep you hooked until the end. I've enjoyed every book of James M. Jackson I've read. I received an advance copy from the author.
October 3, 2025
Another exciting and action packed addition to this series. I can't wait to see what happens next.
May 20, 2019
Having enjoyed prior Seamus McCree books, I was delighted to be given an ARC -- but my opinions are my own.When the book opens, protagonist Seamus McCree is reeling from a significant loss compounded by the murder of his dear Uncle Mike and the realization everyone Seamus loves is in danger of being killed because of him by a recently released criminal. This plot itself could keep the reader engaged, but subplots involving investments and disbursements Uncle Mike was involved with, the return of Seamus' sister, and interaction with the Happy Reaper, and deals and activities undertaken by Seamus' mother make it impossible to put the book down. The story also is enhanced by well-honed character development. I particularly liked the return of Seamus' son, Patrick ---and think he could carry a book on his own :).
Whether you've read the other books in the series or begin with this one, there is no problem keeping up with the suspense of this well thrilled novel.
Whether you've read the other books in the series or begin with this one, there is no problem keeping up with the suspense of this well thrilled novel.
August 12, 2024
Wow. And just when I thought there wasn’t much more trouble Seamus couldn’t get into!!
April 25, 2019
Loved this addition to the series. I enjoyed all the characters. You got to see the story from each one's perspective. Lots of action that kept me turning the pages. Looking forward to book #7! I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book for an honest review.
May 24, 2019
I always love a good mystery, and happily I have found one in this story. Mr. Jackson’s False Bottom novel is an excellent adventure with a very compelling mystery to be solved. This is my first Seamus McCree story and I am so intrigued with this character that I plan to go back and read the earlier ones. Definitely recommend this book and looking forward to more in this series. I love it when back-stories are included. Even though they can be tedious if you are an avid binge reader of a series, it is definitely helpful when you are picking up a novel in the middle of series to give you insight into the characters. Just a note, I did receive a copy from the author but this review is solely my own thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews