Payment Upon Delivery

The Jake Williams Series #1

by Hackley Hammett

Recent college graduate Jake Williams takes a job with a mysterious trading company in Mexico City. He overlooks the obvious red flags because he needs the money to save his parents’ home. By the time he realizes he’s in over his head, it’s too late to make a clean break. Along the way, Jake falls for the gorgeous Sandra - a Mexican actress who, just like the trading company, has a dark secret.

If you like Mark Dawson’s John Milton, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, and Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne, Payment Upon Delivery is for you. The first novel in the Jake Williams saga, author Hackley Hammett launches a thrilling new series that explores commercial corruption across the globe.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Contemporary, Crime, Ebooks, Amazon

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2022

Reviews

[Joe Maggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I starting reading this book on the train home from London, having finished my previous read and thus having call to delve into my “free Kindle books” shelf. I have to admit I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. The book is relatively short, just over 200 pages, and so while I suppose technically on the cusp of a full-length novel, it has no choice but to proceed at lightning pace. You wouldn’t think the story of a grad getting into selling plastic pellets would be as gripping as it was, but that’s how I found it. At first you’re hooked by the story of an Appalachian doing what he can to support his poor and ill family, urging him on to make the money he needs in the unforgiving world of sales. Then, you’re equally held as the world becomes less clear and danger begins to emerge. Hammett does both so well. I was also pleasantly surprised by how vivid the settings came through in my mind’s eye. Yes, at points, the characterisation of the supporting cast can be sloppy, but for the most part is fair. The ending, too, is believable enough and sets up the series for continuation, though I do wonder if the sequel could muster quite the same feeling. If this were to have been a one-off, perhaps the ending could have been structured slightly more dramatically, but I understand and appreciate why it was what it was. In summary, this was free, and was well-worth more than that. And maybe this is my sign to delve into my free Kindle books shelf more, and not turn my nose up at self-published works.

[Jenny Belliotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 is a winner.

Jake has just returned home with a college degree. The next stop is finding a job. A not so well paying one falls into his lap, requiring a move to Mexico.
In Mexico, he quickly falls in love with an actress named Sandra, hoping she feels the same.
It isn't long before Jake begins to question if he wants the job and to deal with the men running it. This is largely due to his moral compass cueing him in that his company may not be all that it seems.
I found myself holding my breath during parts of the novel, quickly turning the page to learn what was happening next.
I enjoyed the book and now need to purchase the next one.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Graduate” Survives Plastics

I enjoyed reading Payment Upon Delivery. It was a quick and engaging read—just perfect for filling up dead time on a plane ride or in a hotel room. The action was briskly-paced with a clever plot line. Unlike Dustin Hoffman in “The Graduate,” the book’s hero does decide to pursue a career in plastics and all hell breaks loose. This first novel represents a strong career start for its author. It would not surprise me to see this book promptly converted into a screenplay and made into a movie.

[Jack R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely spellbinding

Gripping story, written so well you can feel the protagonist's roller-coaster of emotions as he naively navigates the dangerous and frightening world he has been cast into. As I lay the book down for the night, I experienced many of the same questions that he must have been had. One of those rare reads you can't wait to finish, and at the same time want the story to go on.

[Alan Medhurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

*This was a complimentary copy from the author*

Jake Williams is a recent college graduate who has found it difficult to get a job because of something that he did while at college. He ends up being recruited, because of his ability to speak Spanish, by a mysterious company to sell recycled PET pellets and ignores the suspicious conditions as he is desperate for money to help out his parents.

Jake’s tenacity is fueled by in turns by desperation and desire after he meets the stunning actress Sandra, who has secrets of her own. (No surprise here what she does.)

This was a slog, and I found the massively long description of Jake’s efforts to sell so wearying that I very nearly gave up on it, and in the end I skim read until something more exciting started happening. The writing is capable enough but it needed a lot more action.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book; I haven't read anything by him at all. I read in one day; it was a page turner and interesting too! Jake just graduated from college with a major in Spanish; and is approached for a "sales" job in Mexico. He figures he might as well try it out; as his has a chance to make astronomical commissions; if he trys very hard. He becomes very motivated; as his parents are being forclosed on and will lose their home West Virginia. That's the reason he's motivated; but his 'job' turns out to be very dangerous and he escapes with his life. Plenty of excitement!
Can't wait to read another!

[David Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book draws you in quickly. The dialogue is crisp and the plot moves along very quickly with more than a few twists and turns. I read it in two sittings. The setting in Mexico City is unusual and the author’s seeming familiarity with living and working in Mexico provides a very different and much more interesting setting from the normal offerings in this genre. I believe this is a first book for this author but it also looks like there may well be a sequel coming. I look forward to it.

[Kay M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely Different

I loved Jake Williams and how quickly and relentlessly he pursued what he needed. His folks need $10000.00 to save their house from the bank. So he moves to Mexico to become a salesman of recycling plastics, makes thousands of calls and before the one month deadline sends then the money.

He meets a beautiful woman and starts to figure out the business is not strictly legal.
Following his escapades is sometimes fun,
sometimes very dangerous and things are never quite what they seem.

I can't wait to read about more adventures with Jake.

[Carter Micklem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Fast paced story that keeps you entertained. Fun writing style puts you in the story alongside protagonist Jake Williams in his wild adventure in the Mexican underworld. Can’t wait for the next one from this author

[Michael Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as ARC. Jake Williams has just graduated, and receives a phone call about a job in Mexico City for Horizonte Trade Solutions. He is offered an interview by the owner, Brooks Wade. He accepts and moves to Mexico City. As time passes, Jake becomes suspicious about the company. The novel is full of fantastic characters, and the story line is great. A surprising ending, and a great lead in to a continuing tail,

[Rhonda Janitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payment Upon Delivery

First time reading this author and really enjoyed his writing style. It started out slow but about half way through it grabbed your attention and took you on a wild ride. Great book.

[John Karlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, but let's see what happens in next one.

Kind of interesting story. Ok character s, ok writing, but just did not jump up and down as a good read. Goona give it one more time by reading the sequel.

[Muriel Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read but not the best I’ve read. Kindle book about young college grad who gets involved in an illegal money laundering operation. Has a surprising twist at the end. Doubt I read the rest of the series

[Colin Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ups and downs of life

A roller coaster ride for the reader. Good to read about the results of a good work ethic and the potential rewards but also the risks of walking a fine line between legal and illegal business.

[Chester Studzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Enjoyable story that starts fairly leisurely and then suddenly slams its way into a different level moving at high speed. Hat happens is quite surprising and sets us up nicer a fllw ui.

[TJ McKaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! amazing

Great story with many twists and turns. You never really know how it will turn. A very satisfying read. I am looking forward to Mr Hammett’s future works.

[Rick Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty shallow with a convenient and rather ridiculous ending. Not worth the plod to get there

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payment..a good read

Hard to believe this is authors first book. He has talent. Very well written. Had me guessing till the end. Can't wait for next book.

[DLV · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was intriguing!!
There were twits that kept me interested throughout the entire story!!
Jake is a Great character!!
I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Dwight Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent first book. Good storyline
and challenging plot

[Bonnie Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a future classic; but I really loved the writer’s style. There is a preview of the next book and it is good; I will have to get it.

Don’t get me started in how it ends up in Miami, FL

[Don Baskerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

more twists and turns than a labyrinth

A fast moving read with interesting twists and turns. Kept me turning pages and I could not guess the next move.

[openshroud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the starting was boring and I was about to quit the book
But when the secrets started to uncover it got me hooked.
Francisco’s business, the birthday and let’s not forget Brooks Wade.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you choose a book buy the cover, and it's a free book, you get what you paid for. This book took 70% of the book before it had any action.

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quick and enjoyable read.

[Karen Crosiar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I barely got through this book. It has not sustenance. I only finished it because I wanted to see how it ended and that was a waste of my time!

[Dora K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow moving. I found it boring and never connected to the story or any of the characters. The only reason I finished it was that it was relatively short, and the only books I have ever given up on had horrible grammatical errors in addition to being poor stories.