Life

Local author celebrates word milestone with a new thriller

CRYSTAL FALLS -- Iron County author James M. Jackson will launch his latest novel, "Niki Unbound," with a free event at 6 p.m. Friday at the Crystal Falls District Community Library.

With "Niki Unbound," Jackson's published novels now total more than one million words. His works include eight novels in his "Seamus McCree" series and three novels in the "Niki Undercover" trilogy, which this book concludes.

"Niki Unbound" is a political-action thriller following "Niki," a former undercover operative cut loose by the government she served, as she races to stop a plot to seize the presidency.

Jackson wrote the story before recent headlines began echoing parts of its plot -- a case, he notes, of fiction anticipating reality rather than borrowing from it.

"I love including scenes taking place in the U.P.," Jackson said, "and with 'Niki Unbound' I was able to incorporate a fictional abandoned iron mine."

At the launch, Jackson will discuss the novel, give a short reading and take questions from the audience in a segment he calls "grill the author."

Refreshments will be served, and all of his books will be available for purchase.

The event is free and open to the public, with no registration required.

"We are excited to host this opportunity for people to engage directly with Jim and learn more about his latest book," Library Director Shirley Frank said. "Readers will be thrilled to learn that Seamus lives. He's the fallible but beloved titular character in Jackson's 'Seamus McCree' series. Niki is first introduced in that series when she is discovered by Seamus at his cabin in Amasa. Join us to learn more about this exciting climax to the 'Niki Undercover' story."

The Crystal Falls District Community Library is at 237 Superior Ave., Crystal Falls. For more information, call 906-875-3344.