Bless Me Father

The Emmett Casey Chronicles #1

by Michael Deeze

If you dance with the devil, then you must pay the devil. There are a lot of devils and Emmett Casey’s dance card is always full. When we first meet him, it’s time to pay up: it’s decision time.

Through the mean streets of inner-city Chicago and the steaming jungles of Vietnam, Emmett struggles with his world and himself. Rough beginnings in the slums of Chicago shaped him and made him tough; the last thing he wanted to be. Good and evil become relative to the situation, and he learns to dance with his devils—quickly. Balancing heroism and catastrophe, Emmett walks through his damaged childhood to become a decorated veteran, finding trouble and salvation at every juncture. He prays for redemption but knows he doesn't deserve it, forgiveness although he cannot accept it. Ultimately, the time has come for him to choose: face his ill-conceived choices and rise above his actions—or die.

476 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2018

About the author

Michael Deeze is a retired physician whose medical career gave him a front-row seat to the darkest and most complex corners of human nature and it shows in every page he writes.
His Thomas Quinn series has captivated thousands of readers drawn to crime fiction that feels psychologically real, morally layered, and impossible to put down. His latest, The Deathbed Confessions, was born from a dare challenged to invent a story on the spot, what emerged surprised even him: a psychological thriller that walks the razor's edge between good and evil, moral and unthinkable.
In 2019, Michael was named one of the 25 Most Promising Independent Authors by Independent Authors Magazine.
Book 2 of the Thomas Quinn series arrives summer 2026.
Follow Michael here on Goodreads so you don't miss it.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt as if I was sitting with a friend sharing antidotes of his life. With the transitioning between his youth and Vietnam I gradually learned the background and experiences which shaped his life. Some which may not have been funny at the time but in hindsight prove very hilarious and thought provoking on how things can be turned around for the better. A very enjoyable and entertaining read.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently reread this series by Mr. Deeze, I first read the first book a little over a year ago at the recommendation of a friend. Then I eagerly grabbed the next two in this series. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by these books and as the latest of his books sits on my desk waiting to be read I am torn, do I do that grievously agonizing thing that many avid readers do when they find an author that they like? Do I read it now or wait for the rest? (I'll let you know.) I'll try not to gush to much about these books but I can say that Michael is now one of my favorite authors. His books are well written and have that something that many of the main stream writers today lack. I have many books in my personal library (there's just something to be said about the feel and smell of a physical book that Transends) from many different authors that I have collected over many years of reading and out of those books I have few that I would truly recommend Michaels book are among them. Now I have said much about how I liked these books, but I'm sure that you've noticed that I've said nothing about the story themselves that Michael wrote and that's because I want you to pick up his books, read them and tell your own story. That and I HATE spoiler reviews. Grab a book any book and enjoy the stories that they hold (I recommend Michaels of coarse, but I'm biased) Blessings.

[Clara Whitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gritty, emotionally heavy story about a man shaped by hardship, violence, and the constant pull between right and wrong. Emmett Casey isn’t a polished hero he’s flawed, haunted, and deeply human. Watching his journey from a brutal childhood in inner city Chicago to the horrors of Vietnam makes his inner struggle feel raw and believable.
The novel explores guilt, redemption, and the cost of the choices we make. Good and evil aren’t presented as simple opposites, but as lines that blur depending on circumstance. Emmett’s battle is as much internal as it is external, which gives the story emotional weight beyond the action.
A strong pick for readers who appreciate character driven fiction, moral complexity, and stories about damaged people searching for redemption in a harsh world.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book of Emmett Casey Bless Me Father starts you on the journey of the Casey clan. This authors styling of writing is like a friend telling you stories of his life. The good, bad, ugly and sometimes just funny. Starting with his youth and the struggles of being poor and living in the ghetto with his parents. Transitioning into his years in the military and his time in Vietnam. Emmett has a knack of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, will he be able to make it to light on the other side by looking through the past for answers, can he redeem himself or will Emmett let himself be consumed by the past forever?

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tore me apart and put me back together again. Emmett Casey is one of the most complex and haunting characters I’ve ever read. From the dark alleys of Chicago to the jungles of Vietnam, his story captures the raw essence of survival, guilt, and redemption. The author doesn’t glorify violence or trauma—he reveals the cost of it, the way it claws at a person’s soul. I found myself rooting for Emmett even when I didn’t want to. That’s powerful writing. The pacing is intense, and the emotional weight stays with you long after the final page. A gritty masterpiece that refuses to sugarcoat reality.

[J.W. Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bless Me Father
By Michael Deeze
Mister Deeze’s book Bless Me Father is a well written story about a slice of biopic fiction that centers firmly on his protagonist nicknamed Hole. Deeze’s attention to detail throughout the entire book is well done and the mental picture he presents is rich. The reader becomes genuinely immersed in the entire story. Each sight, each smell, and touch invigorates both the characters and the world created in the book. The book is well worth the read, and I give it five stars.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most was the way morality bends and shifts through Emmett’s experiences. He isn’t the perfect hero; he’s flawed, haunted, and constantly trying to reconcile with the mistakes of his past. The war sections are vividly written, almost cinematic, but what really hit me were the quieter moments where Emmett wrestles with forgiveness. This book makes you question what redemption truly means.

[Baravise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is absolutely stunning—cinematic yet intimate. You can feel the heat of Chicago’s streets, the suffocating air of Vietnam’s jungles, and most of all, the turmoil inside Emmett’s heart. What struck me most was how relatable his struggles felt, even though his circumstances are so extreme. We’ve all danced with our devils, and this book reminds us that facing them is what makes us human.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not an easy book—but it’s an important one. Emmett Casey’s story feels real. The descriptions of inner-city life and Vietnam are so vivid that you can almost smell the sweat, the smoke, and the fear. What makes it unforgettable is the moral complexity. Emmett is not a hero, not a villain—he’s a man trying to survive his own demons. The way the author explores trauma, guilt, and forgiveness hit me hard. I finished the book with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmett’s journey is raw and unapologetic. This isn’t a romanticized war story or a simple redemption tale—it’s something much deeper. The author captures the ugly beauty of human contradiction. Emmett wants to be good, but life doesn’t make it easy. I was especially struck by how vividly the Vietnam chapters were written—chaotic, terrifying, and strangely poetic. It’s a novel that forces you to confront your own sense of morality and ask yourself: what would you do in his place?

[Daphne Creative · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, I could tell this wasn’t going to be a comfortable read—and that’s exactly why it’s so good. The writing is sharp and unflinching, but also incredibly humane. Emmett’s path through hardship, violence, and regret is a stark reminder that redemption isn’t about being perfect—it’s about refusing to give up on yourself, even when you think you should. The story’s emotional tension builds beautifully, and by the end, I was completely invested. A dark, brilliant read.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dance with the Devil hit me harder than I expected. Having grown up around similar inner-city struggles, I could feel Emmett’s pain and the choices he had to make. The transitions from Chicago to Vietnam were vivid and raw, making me reflect on how environment shapes who we become. Emmett’s struggle with morality, redemption, and self-worth felt deeply human, flawed, messy, and real. This is a story that stays with you long after the last page.

[Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

If You Dance with the Devil is a gritty, emotional, and deeply human story that stays with you long after the last page. From the first chapter, I was drawn into Emmett Casey’s world a man molded by pain, survival, and the choices that haunt him. The author paints a vivid picture of inner-city Chicago and the Vietnam War, capturing not just the brutality of both settings but also the fragile humanity that survives within them.

[Kate Garros · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the three books about the life of Emmett Casey and the tight knit Casey clan. The characters are vividly described and the action is fast paced and surprising. He intertwines the seemingly unrelated experiences of the father and the son in unexpected ways. After this book, I couldn’t wait to pick up book two, “For I Have Sinned.”

[Visionary Impact · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t prepared for how deeply this book would move me. It’s raw, it’s painful at times, but it’s also filled with hope. Emmett’s battles—both external and internal—remind us that the hardest fights are often the ones we fight within ourselves. This isn’t just a story, it’s a mirror held up to the human soul. A beautiful, unforgettable read

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just another war story or a tale of crime and redemption—it’s a journey into the deepest corners of the human spirit. Emmett Casey is a man haunted by his choices, torn between good and evil, and searching for forgiveness he doesn’t think he deserves. Watching him stumble, fall, and rise again was nothing short of inspiring. Highly, highly recommended

[Susan Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often, a book comes along that feels like more than just fiction—it feels like life itself. This was that book for me. I could see myself in Emmett’s struggles, feel his regrets, and celebrate his small victories. It’s dark, yes, but also breathtakingly beautiful. If you’re looking for a story that will stay in your heart, this is it.

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of emotions! One moment I was on edge with suspense, the next I was holding back tears. Emmett’s journey from broken child to hardened soldier to a man desperate for redemption is a reminder that even the most damaged souls can still find light. This book deserves to be read, shared, and talked about.

[James Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s the kind of novel that grabs you by the collar, shakes you, and doesn’t let go. Emmett’s story isn’t easy, but it’s worth every page. If you love books that make you feel, think, and question everything you thought you knew about right and wrong—this one’s for you.

[Emerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Emmett’s life is a storm of violence, mistakes, and regret, but also of courage, survival, and a yearning for something better. What amazed me was how real he felt—I could almost hear his voice narrating the pain of Chicago’s streets and the chaos of Vietnam. This is not a book you simply read; it’s a book you experience.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this book so special is its honesty. It doesn’t glamorize war, crime, or redemption—it shows them for what they really are: messy, painful, and complicated. And yet, through all of Emmett’s struggles, there’s this thread of hope that makes the book impossible to put down. Absolutely brilliant.

[Kristine Moropito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the kind of story that takes you apart and puts you back together in a new way. Emmett’s journey from the slums of Chicago to the jungles of Vietnam is told with such raw honesty that I felt every wound, every regret, and every flicker of hope right along with him. A masterpiece of emotion and grit.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written similar to a memoir, the reader is transported to different time periods in the life of the main character. From the tough streets of his youth to the jungles of Vietnam each stage helps form Emmett Casey. Very nice start to the saga.

[Darci Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bless me father was a wonderful insightful read. It took ahold of me in the first 2 chapters as I couldn’t put it down I wanted to know what happened next. So happy I read it and grateful Michael wrote more. Great book!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was hooked. The phrase ‘dance with the devil’ couldn’t be more fitting for Emmett’s life, and yet what shines through is his humanity. This is a book about scars, yes, but also about the possibility of healing. It’s intense, emotional, and beautifully told.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most gripping novels I’ve read in a long time. The writing doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you into it. I could smell the smoke, hear the chaos, and feel Emmett’s heartache. It’s dark at times, but that’s what makes the moments of light shine so much brighter.

[Stephen Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me in the best way possible. Every chapter peeled back another layer of Emmett’s pain, his regrets, and his fight to find forgiveness. It’s raw and heavy, but also hopeful. I closed the book feeling like I’d just witnessed something deeply important.

[Brandy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible journey! This book is about choices—the ones we regret, the ones we cling to, and the ones that define us. Emmett’s story is both tragic and inspiring, and it made me reflect on my own life. I can’t stop recommending it to friends.

[Gideon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to battle your own demons, this book captures it perfectly. Emmett’s life is a dance between darkness and redemption, and watching him stumble through it is equal parts painful and inspiring. A beautifully told story that demands to be read.

[Wendy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something hauntingly beautiful about this book. The way the author captures Emmett’s struggles makes you ache for him, yet root for him with all your heart. It’s gritty, yes, but it’s also full of humanity. This is a story that lingers.