After a devastating motorcycle accident leaves forensic accountant Bill Reed with an amputated leg, he slides into an angry depression, avoiding friends, avoiding work, and doing the best he can to avoid facing up to life as an amputee.

But when a bizarre and disturbing letter arrives from his estranged, mentally handicapped cousin, John Boyd—who long ago was moved upstate to the Ullmann Institute by his loving, but aging, father—it turns out to be just the push that Reed needs to get out of his own personal funk. Thinking just to visit his cousin and set his mind at ease, Reed travels to the home in upstate New York, only to find himself frustrated in his every attempt to see or speak to Boyd, or Johnny Boy, as he is known at the Institute, which simply increases his determination. Something's going on behind the administrative run-around: someone doesn't want Reed to meet his cousin, someone wants Reed to just go home to NYC and forget Johnny Boy. But Reed can't forget Johnny Boy. Reed, struggling himself since his accident to get the simplest tasks accomplished, has found a kindred soul—and his only surviving family—in Johnny Boy, and he's not leaving until he learns why Johnny Boy sent his message.

From the acclaimed author of AND JUSTICE FOR ONE and NEW LOTS, comes a fascinating and compelling new novel of the evil men do unto men.

 "It would probably come as no surprise to anyone familiar with Clarkson's books that the author is also a screenwriter—his novels feature sharply drawn characters in realistic, dramatic situations...very satisfying...Reed...a strong man forced to cope with unexpected weakness, is like few other mystery protagonists. Reed definitely merits his own series."—BOOKLIST (October 15, 2001)

“Writing a thriller on a small scale is harder than crafting a country-spanning tale of international intrigue, primarily because there’s an inverse ratio between location and verisimilitude: the more international the setting, the lower the bar for realism. If the story unfolds in the reader’s backyard, then it has to be anchored in reality—and there’s reality in spades in this engrossing novel by Clarkson (New Lots).

"As Bill engages in showdown after showdown with the institute staff, it becomes clear that the premise of this novel is in part an excuse for Clarkson to examine characters under stress and craft grueling scenes of physical effort. This engaging thriller is equipped with psychological depth and a solidly believable center. "—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (November 19, 2001)

"As I read REED'S PROMISE, I keep thinking about what a great movie it would make. (Yes, I could just see Bruce or Arnold as Bill Reed.) This is one novel that is hard to put down. As I became angry with the "bad guys," I couldn't wait to see how all the pieces fit together and how Reed would find justice. Clarkson snares readers with his dynamic characters from the beginning and propels them through a well-crafted suspense"—THE MYSTERY REVIEW Volume 10, No. 2 (Winter 2002)

"Clarkson's mesmerizing tale is a real winner—a riveting, well-paced, top-notch performance full of fast moving action and adventure."—THE STATE JOURNAL (January 20, 2002

"A complex thriller...the plot-action moves very fast and this is a very good escapist thriller."—THE ELLENVILLE PRESS (January 25, 2002)

"John Clarkson is another of those under-rated, under-appreciated, under-exposed authors of highly-polished thrillers I love so well.... This author should be included as one of the earliest creators of my favorite motif—the Competent Man—a body of work that includes work by Lee Child, Randy Wayne White, Thomas Perry, arguably Martin Cruz Smith (for the Roman Grey novels), and John Maxim.... Clarkson has improved in every aspect over the course of five novels: his writing skill is polished and solid.... The reader is immersed in a genuine fear for the safety of [the characters], and the resulting suspense builds to an intense conclusion...another firm check mark on the credit side of John Clarkson’s literary ledger. This author needs more exposure and attention."—MYSTERY NEWS (June/July 2002)