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C.T. Ferguson #16

Bleeding into Winter: A C.T. Ferguson Crime Novel

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As the snow falls across Baltimore, the bodies of local women fall along with it.

Winter dawns in Charm City, and the police are puzzled by the seemingly random murder of a young woman. Her family hires PI C.T. Ferguson to investigate.

But as the freeze deepens, the killings continue with no apparent rhyme or reason.

The crimes garner local and national attention while C.T. and the police remain stymied. C.T.’s assistant T.J. offers to go undercover as bait—a plan he immediately rejects. But she’s seen this kind of violence against women before and may decide to risk it all and act on her own.

In the middle of a harsh winter, can C.T. identify the killer and save his intrepid secretary?

Bleeding into Winter is the gripping sixteenth mystery in the C.T. Ferguson crime fiction series. Each story can be enjoyed in whatever order you happen upon them.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2024

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Tom Fowler

280 books134 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
52 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2024
After meeting CT in The Reluctant Detective, I find I’m invested in his life and adventures. His wit and pithy humor add to his charm. He is more and more self aware as he ages and moves with the changing circumstances. He attacks every challenge with avid energy. This case seems unsolvable but that has never stopped him before and it doesn’t now. He does a sidestep and gets a new perspective. His supporting characters bolster his efforts and together they find a most unlikely killer.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,907 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2024
Another great-5 addition to this entertaining series. The storyline was interesting and the mystery well plotted. The characters are multifaceted with tough guys with hearts of gold and females who have moved through hard lives and come out the other side to change their circumstances. If you like wise cracking P Is and don’t back down you’ll love this book.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,406 reviews26 followers
June 16, 2024
Bleeding into Winter, #16 - Too easy to figure out but still an interesting story. Well written story lines, fun characters, and plenty of snow and humor. 4*

Tom Fowler is an author with two good series. The C.T. Ferguson series fits into one of my all-time favorite genres, and I like that the PI is a privileged person instead of a Mickey Spillane stereotype. These books are well thought out in plot and character development along with realistic dialogues, realistic fight scenes and a smart mouthed character full of himself with plenty of good humor. Infrequent use of vulgar language. See my complete reviews with GoodReads and BookBub.

The C.T. Ferguson Series:
The Reluctant Detective, #1 – C.T. also has an interesting past that plays a large part in this introduction. Add in his parents, his older police Detective cousin and a good supporting cast, which all make it difficult to put the book down. 4*

The Unknown Devil, #2 - This is my fourth read, instead of my second, but that did not detract from the meshing of previous storylines with the current lines. Interesting information about the hacking of cellphones and other electronics but too much detailing of insignificant information, but still a worthy read. 4*

The Workers of Iniquity, #3 - C. T. has been a PI for almost a year at this point. The solutions and the way problems are handled are entertaining; some have a good revenge edge and others bring rewards. The crime topics are more than loan sharking. 4*

Already Guilty, #4 – I could not put this book down, a real page-turner. Bits reminded me of Lithgow and Denzel’s revenge movie, but the author does well making this his work. 5*

Daughters and Sons, #5 - Even though I have not read all these books, I have not missed anything due to the author's talent for storytelling. The past is not thrown at the reader to figure out or reminisce over. There is enough detail to make the reader a fly on the wall without the Hollywood dramatics or the usual stupidity. 5*

A March From Innocence, #6 - This story picks up a couple of weeks after Daughters ended. Clean but the topic is disgusting. Young children. Older men. Add some interesting ways that C. T. handles things makes this a difficult book to put down. 5*

Inside Cut, #7 - Oh, dear. My first C. T. book that did not work for me. It felt incomplete, like not everything was there, no enthusiasm on Mr. Fowler's end. I did like a past method coming to play; never think if something (or someone) is outdated that it cannot work in the present or future. While this story is not on par with the others in this series, it is still an OK read. 3*

The Next Girl, #8 - Moves at a fast pace through the frustrations, the investigations and the pain of his newest case. Well thought out and vividly told, but easy to figure out the who and the why, but it is still an interesting, intriguing read. 5*

In The Blood, #9 - Could not put this book down with its interesting and intriguing storylines, good characters and good dialogues. It too easy to get immersed in Fowler's eady to read books with the good pace and realistic action and talented writing style. It helps that there is infrequent profanity and the sex is private. After all, it is the interesting investigations and crime solving that is the reason to read this genre. 5*

Dead Cat Bounce, #11 - I missed a few books in this series but it was easy to get back in the groove. While I think some of the previous books were better, which may be due to the missing books gap, this story is still a good read. Interesting. TJ is a good addition to the mix. 4*

Don't Say Her Name, #12 - This is one of my favorite characters and series. Fortunately, Fowler does not rehash the past in great detail in his books, he keeps the present book interesting. There is action, romance and humor. The romance is clean without the stupid arguments and ridiculous mind sets that other authors add for drama, but mischievous and adult dialog between the two lovers. 5*

Night Comes Down, #13 - Interesting. I like that this book is about hacking and revenge. Well written with interesting story lines, a good blending of old and new, along with some intense bits made this another hard to put down read. 5*

Concrete Angels, #14 - Pretty interesting with a bigger role in the narration and duties for TJ. The good story lines kept me involved in the book and some of the characters are doozies. 5*

Conduct Unbecoming, #15 - Intriguing and interesting with good characters, well written story lines and plenty of investigations happening. Good dialog between Gonzalez and Ferguson, almost like they're friendly. Good humor. T.J. has her voice. Source: The author. 5*

Novellas:
Hong Kong Dangerous, prequel - An interesting introduction to C.T. and his cousin Rick. The events lay the path to C. T. becoming PI. C.T. is in HK hacking and being a nuisance to the Chinese government and finds himself in prison. Rick is a sergeant in the Bmore police force working hard to become a detective. 4*

3.5 Red City Blues - This is an interesting read perfect for quick getaway. The timeline is a year after he starts his PI business. A basic well told story. 4*
The C.T. Ferguson Series end.
2,493 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2024
BLEEDING INTO WINTER is another hit! I love C.T. and all his colleagues. I really enjoyed the interplay between characters as well as the beautifully plotted mystery.  Keep ‘em coming!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book with no strings attached.
1,709 reviews13 followers
June 9, 2024
I received ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with CT and TJ in the office having no cases to work on. Shortly a body is found and TJ on learning wanted to work on solving the case. CT instead said unless they were getting paid, they wouldn't consider it. After a while with no information coming from the police, the sister of the woman killed hired CT to find the killer. Now that they were being paid, CT was all in. TJ and CT began looking into the life of the victim trying to find a clue. The scene of the crime was not helpful since there was a snowstorm which covered the victim and wiped out any traces that might have been left. To make matters worse, the PD were getting blasted by a journalist at the paper in the county where the victim lived.

Later another snowstorm came up and once more another woman was found buried in snow like the 1st one. This time, CT and TJ were welcomed to assist with the case. Once more CT and TJ began searching social media to discover if there was something which connected the two victims. A clue was forthcoming when the ME discovered something during the autopsy. Eventually CY came up with a couple of suspects, but after looking more into it, they were no longer viable. Before long a 3rd victim with the same MO was discovered and CT eventually discovered a link to all 3 victims. Following more searching, CT figured out who the individual responsible was. He presented his information to the police, but the State Attorney said it was a no-go situation.

The weather forecast now projected another snowstorm which in all likelihood would result with another victim. This CT and TJ decided to set a trap, the only requirement was that he needed 3 women to use as bait.

To discover who acted as bait, who the killer was and what the reason for his actions was, then you need to read this book. The ending will provide all the answers.

215 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2024
Once again, a bizarre murderer stalks the Baltimore area. According to Rich, CT’s cousin and a homicide lieutenant with the BPD, the police have run out of clues, leaving them no avenues of pursuit. CT Ferguson just happens to be between cases of any consequence and is chomping at the bit to get into the hunt. But, since he is a PI, he needs to be invited. When the murdered girl’s family hires CT to find the murderer, the only clue he can start with is that it snowed the day the body was found. As the investigation drags on with no clues, CT and TJ, his secretary but working diligently to be his assistant, work through everything that isn’t obvious to the observer. Who is the victim, why was she murdered and left in the snow, why are there absolutely no clues. Then, when it snows a second time, another body is found......Another absolutely entertaining and intricate mystery in this series. The relationship between the characters is delightful. It doesn’t matter which story you begin with, you’ll love them. I do recommend that you start at the beginning since the relationships develop and grow as the stories progress. Of course, I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for Judy.
214 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2024
A woman’s dead body is found in the snow in a park covered in snow. What brought her out into that terrible weather and who killed her. C.T. a private investigator and his assistant T. J. are hired by the dead woman’s sister when she feels the local police are not making any headway.

A reporter for a small time newspaper is giving the police a hard time over their failure to arrest anyone. In the meantime, two more women of similar features to the first are found dead with the same injuries, each in a different city park.

The reporter is handicapped and arrives by a special cab to interview C.T. The second time his reporting turns to mocking C.T.’s lack of headway.

C.T. has by now been hired by the police department to help them solve the case. T.J. and he are both desperate to solve these murders before any other women are harmed.

This book takes several turns and the process to solving the case are complex and interesting. I would highly recommend this book for the great writing, the plot and the fantastic ending. Look out…captivating reading ahead. You will enjoy the great humor in each of Tom Fowlers C. T. Ferguson Crime Novels.
Profile Image for Tina Lincoln.
448 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2024
Great Continuation!
Who would kill a specific type of person during a heavy snowfall, more than once, too?!
What a good story that is based in the crime-fighting group that work well together, and are not actual police officers! They are, however, added to the all-hands-on-deck group concerning some things, and this murder, that goes beyond one, is one that they are included in. The hardest part, is trying to track down who would possibly want to kill these women, and during a snowstorm.
The answers to these questions are quite real and kind of simple, but real, no doubt!
Thank you, Tom Fowler for another great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my honest review.
656 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2024
I love the way CT has evolved over the course of this series and now he's more likeable than ever. If you've read any of the previous books in this series you'll know what to expect, CT being snarky to those that deserve it, a grisly murder or two, some tight action and a plot that keeps the pages turning. Tom Fowler delivers all this once again with the addition of lots of snow to make solving a murder all the harder. Actually, I was way ahead of CT this time around, which I think might suggest it was a little obvious, I'm not usually that sharp. It's a great read and another welcome addition to this series.
195 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2024
I received the book for a voluntary, honest ARC review.
Another winner by Tom Fowler, with C.T. and his assistant T.J. getting involved in a murder of a young woman with red hair in a park during a blizzard when hired by the woman's family..

The Baltimore Police Department has made no progress on the case, so the family hires C.T. to hopefully find the killer. When two more women are murdered, the pressure is amped up on everyone.

C.T. and T.J. make a discovery and connection in the case. They set out to trap the killer, and you'll be surprised at who the killer is.
The book is entertaining and exciting. I enjoyed it.
325 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2024
As if a winter storm was bad enough but to find a dead woman buried in the snowfall in an open park... well ... this is stumping everyone.
J. T. is busting to get involved but since nobody is paying C. T. is mot interested ...or is he.
Things heat up in this winter wonderland and finally C. T. gets involved but he's stumped too.
What finally breaks the case. A taunt, a forgotten clue. electronic missed information, ... etc.
Read and see if you can solve the mystery before the police or C. T. can un-plow from this continual snow storm
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
839 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2024
No spoilers in this review, but here's the important stuff! Another well-written nail-biter by Tom Fowler that you just don't want to miss. This page-turner is tough to put down; CT and TJ get involved in a case that police seem to have back bunered. Snow storms are burying evidence badly needed to solve this crime. Great characters engage the reader completely. Whether this is your introduction to this series or you were anxiously awaiting for the next in line, don't hesitate to pick this one up. You won't be sorry.
545 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2025
Big snow in Baltimore brings death to young women with red hair. No clues as the snow covers any tracks and this leaves everyone baffled. How are CT and TJ going to resolve this quandry?
Having read all of this series to date, there is a method to the way Tom Fowler writes. But each story is different in it's own right and still make very good reads. And we see how the relationship with Gloria goes from strength to strength and the working relationship with TJ does the same. With plenty of humour!
Profile Image for BJayne.
150 reviews18 followers
June 14, 2024
Another great book from Tom Fowler! His characters are compelling and well-written. The plot of “Bleeding Into Winter” will keep you engaged. C.T. Ferguson and his assistant T.J. aren’t perfect people, but they have a moral compass and a sense of duty that is encouraging to read. Every book in this series is better than the last!

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
90 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2024
C.T. And T.J. Are baffled by the latest series of murders in Baltimore. The family of the first victim hire C.T. when the police haven’t made any progress. All physical clues seem to have disappeared due to snow storms that happen on the same nights as the murders. C.T. And T.J. have to put their heads together and think of a totally different approach than the police have tried. I appreciate how the author highlights some of the perils women still face while simply trying to socialize and live their lives. Plenty of heart pounding moments and a hard book to put down.
675 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2024
C.T and T.J are back again, now a woman has been murdered during a snowstorm. Why would anyone be in the park during such heavy snow? She was young and pretty of course but no one knew why she was out there. Then her sister hires C.T. to figure it out. This one is messy and takes longer than expected with more bodies than expected. As always, this is a fabulous book along with all the other C.T books. You are hooked from page one to the end.
Profile Image for Carolyn Valdez.
493 reviews14 followers
June 21, 2024
This is another great story by my favorite author. There is a lot of action and a lot of scary times, especially toward the end. Now I am anxiously waiting for the next great story. Keep them coming, Mr. Fowler. I haven’t tired of them yet. I don’t think anybody else will either as this is a great series.


I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
959 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2025
This is my favorite book in the CT series so far. I love T.J. And her fighting spirit. After all she has been through and she still has compassion for others. She tough as nails and a perfect heroine. I loved seeing CT get frustrated and not be able to immediately solve the murders. It shows he’s not always the smartest person in the room. I loved seeing a brave and daring side of Gloria. I highly recommend this book and series!
1,291 reviews16 followers
May 24, 2024
C.T. and T.J., this incredible duo, are smart, strong, sassy, and sane. The witty repartee between them
is not to be missed. So few characters can match their intelligence and warmth and the admiration of true friendship. A ray of sunshine amongst the rain. Superbly written. Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Manfred.
549 reviews
June 8, 2024
A young woman is found murdered in Baltimore after a snowstorm. When the police doesn't find any clues, the dead woman's sister hires CT and TJ. Soon more women are found dead after snowstorms and neither the police nor CT have any leads. Then they come up with the idea of TJ going undercover.
Another entertaining crime mystery with lots of banter bewtween CT and TJ.
2,555 reviews44 followers
June 17, 2024
This one made me mad at the killer for a lot of reasons , but after you read this you will! be too. The disguise he uses makes him seem so harmless, but he's ruthless and relentless. Kudos to the gang for putting the pieces together so well. I would have never figured it out. I cheered until I was hoarse at the ending!!!!
604 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2024
Fun light read. I love this series and C.T. Ferguson's sarcastic humor throughout the book. C.T. and T.J. make a good team as they investigate the murders occurring in the city parks during heavy snowfalls. Although this one was to easy to figure out from the beginning it is an enjoyable read.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
140 reviews
June 20, 2024
Tom Fowler, it’s hard to believe, just outdoes himself with every book in this already brilliant series. I may have said something like this about his earlier books, and I will definitely say it this time around: If you’re only going to read five to ten thrillers this year, Bleeding Into Winter MUST be one of them. Without a doubt. Sheer greatness!
35 reviews24 followers
August 14, 2024
The Baltimore Police Department have three murders on their hands. They are quite baffled with this one, no leads and no witnesses. CJ. and TJ are called in to help. Three read heads have been stabbed to death during snow storms in three different parks around the city. Why were the ladies out in snow storms, the big questions. A very interesting murder mystery with a very unlikely murderer.
Profile Image for S McK.
285 reviews8 followers
October 21, 2024
Thrilling!

Another great read from Tom. I love this series and characters.

Complex story, with an unlikely predator, who enacts twisted revenge on innocent victims.
The police are making no progress and C.T. is also struggling, until he isn't... but has he found the right person?
Read the book to find out the thrilling conclusion.

I highly recommend this book and the C.T. series.
791 reviews6 followers
February 10, 2025
Another great C.T. Ferguson book by Tom Fowler. Complaining about lack of business shortly before Christmas, C:T. and his assistant start getting more than they bargained for as the death of two women startes getting out of hand. Can C.T. solve this mystery before more women die? Only time will tell and that is not on their side.As usual, suspense and humor makes this a great read.
6,019 reviews45 followers
May 30, 2024
newly christened as Office Manager, TJ plays a bigger role in this book

we hear a bit more about her history, background and new aspirations

tracking a killer proves frustrating and conflicting

if CT and TJ can survive the killers , more exciting likely lies ahead
860 reviews22 followers
May 31, 2024
Once again a thriller featuring C.T. Ferguson and his PA, the dedicted T.J., working to catch a killer.
Well paced, with great characters and their interactions all around melding the story together.
A recommended read
7,748 reviews49 followers
June 10, 2024
I found his last book, had an intriguing, interesting plot. CT..and his assistant.J T
are great they pull you into the story. A murder they want to investigate, will keep us turning pages to the end. I found this plot to be great and enjoyed it
Recommending this book for readers. Releases. June 16
319 reviews
June 24, 2024
What I was hopping to read!

I'm a solid fan of Tom Fowler, by the sagas of "The Mechanic" and the "C.T. Ferguson" mysteries .
I'm right now in lane for the next ones.
"Bleeding into Winter" has so many twists and turns that I'm already dizzy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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