It was a day to celebrate as James McSwain watched over his son Jimmy McSwain.
Jimmy was born into an Irish clan to Maggie and Joseph McSwain, they also have two daughters. Mallory working her way up in law and Meaghan now a disinterested teenager. Jimmy followed in his father’s footsteps and went to the Police Academy and passed top ten in his class. He earned the gold cords and blue citations, not just with the necessary requirements but with achievement in physical strength and excelled. Though it’s a day of celebration with his Ma, Maggie, her brother and uncle Paddy in attendance, he requested they not celebrate. Somewhere in the sea of people was Ralphie. Ralphie Henderson was his father’s best friend and his NYPD partner. Jimmy chose Mario’s an Italian restaurant for the gathering of his Irish family and even Grandma Hester came.

Over four-hundred cadets had graduated this day. Some would be assigned to their neighborhood or the five Burroughs. Once home Jimmy removed the uniform and silver badge and placed it back in the case never to be worn again. He told his mother “today was for Dad” and “tomorrow is for me.”

At twenty-three, Jimmy was ready to party in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. It was the Ninth Ave Food Festival one of the biggest block parties. He and Jack Sauter were friends since high school and became a matter of convince. They never dated nor were they committed to each other. They hid their predilection but not behind closed doors. Jimmy and his Ma knew he was gay from a very early age, but it was never discussed with his father.

After a long night of partying, drinking and sex Jimmy is ready to face a new day and hopefully future. He has a plan and heads to his major mode of transportation the NYC subway. He avoided crossing Tenth & 46th where he saw, NYPD Officer James McSwain loose his life. Jimmy was ready to help people like himself. To help people’s souls, who were lost, helpless and maybe he could find redemption. He’s headed to Woodlawn and Little Ireland. He waited for his subject to make an appearance and followed him to the pub Neamh. With barkeep Mads looking on and impressed, Jimmy makes contact with Finley Sullivan a licensed PI from Boston. Jimmy needs the experience in order for him to become a licensed PI. Sullivan agrees to give him an appointment for the next morning. But Jimmy will have to do his homework and study up on restraining orders.

As Jimmy’s life is about to change, he still has an air of confidence but he also has his fears. Will he be able to prove himself as a PI? Can he find the justice needed to heal his heart?

Just when I thought Jimmy McSwain would never be heard of again, Adam Carpenter springs a surprise with the first novella “Silver Shield” for “Jimmy McSwain’s Early Files”. Once again, Carpenter tugs at the heart-strings as he sees Jimmy from the eyes of Joseph McSwain, Jimmy’s deceased father. Jimmy has grown up with strong -willed women in mother, Maggie McSwain and sisters Mallory and Meaghan. Although Jimmy is as strong-willed, he has respect for his mother and siblings, even with the banter and teasing. The author also shows the love that keeps this Irish family together. Maggie McSwain, works at the Harold Calloway Theatre as head usher.
She will always call on her children when help is needed. Her Monday’s are her days off and those days are committed to tradition of family dinners. For Maggie and Jimmy they have a deep heartfelt connection and there isn’t a moment when he and Maggie have much needed discussions. It’s a special love between mother and son.

One of my favorite characters is Ralphie Henderson. Now at sixty-five and retired from the NYPD, he and Jimmy have a special connection. He never hesitates to give Jimmy much needed advice, especially when Maggie calls for help.

I highly recommend “Silver Shield” and the new start with the “Jimmy McSwain Early Files”. It’s a very emotional story but has its moments of intense suspense, sadness and steamy moments. The “Jimmy McSwain Files” started with the first book “Hidden Identity” in 2014 and I was hooked. Then in 2023 “Jimmy McSwain Files” ended with book eight “False Justice”. I am overly excited and looking forward to see what Adam Carpenter has coming up for “Jimmy McSwain’s Early Files”. Outstanding come back!

Reviewer for Queeromanceink - Maryann