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Jefferson Winter #0.5
Presumed Guilty
The first in a special eBook only series: The Jefferson Winter Chronicles, featuring Jefferson Winter, and introducing his mentor, Yoko Tanaka. Together they make an unforgettable team.
Special Agent Yoko Tanaka is one of the best profilers in the FBI. She's observant, smart and professional, but doesn't really play well with others. She's been called in to consult on the case of 'Valentino', a killer who steals his victims' hearts. Literally.
With five women already dead, time is running out for the police to catch the killer before he strikes again. Within twenty-four hours of Yoko's arrival they have a suspect in custody: a precocious nineteen-year-old kid called Jefferson Winter whose IQ is off the charts. He's also a textbook psychopath and the son of one of America's most notorious serial killers. Not only does he confess to the murders, he knows details of the crimes that only the killer could know. It's an open and shut case, or is it?
A Jefferson Winter Novella
Special Agent Yoko Tanaka is one of the best profilers in the FBI. She's observant, smart and professional, but doesn't really play well with others. She's been called in to consult on the case of 'Valentino', a killer who steals his victims' hearts. Literally.
With five women already dead, time is running out for the police to catch the killer before he strikes again. Within twenty-four hours of Yoko's arrival they have a suspect in custody: a precocious nineteen-year-old kid called Jefferson Winter whose IQ is off the charts. He's also a textbook psychopath and the son of one of America's most notorious serial killers. Not only does he confess to the murders, he knows details of the crimes that only the killer could know. It's an open and shut case, or is it?
A Jefferson Winter Novella
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
25 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
James Carol
22 books280 followersJames Carol was born in Scotland in 1969, where he spent his early years. He moved to England in the eighties and has lived there ever since. At various times he has worked as a guitarist, sound engineer, guitar tutor, journalist, and a horse riding instructor.
The character of Jefferson Winter came about because he wanted to write a series of books that gave him as much freedom as possible. He figured that the more interesting he kept things for himself, the more interesting it would be for the reader.
Although the novels are written as a series, James approaches each book as a stand-alone. Each story is set in a different location, and has a different cast of characters. The beauty of this approach is that the novels can be read out of order.
Broken Dolls, the first Jefferson Winter thriller, will be published in January 2014. This will be followed in the Spring by Presumed Guilty, the first in a series of eBooks set during Winter’s FBI days. Watch Me, the second Jefferson Winter thriller, is scheduled for publication in September 2014.
When he’s not writing, James spends his time training horses and riders. An accomplished guitarist, he relaxes by writing and recording music. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and two children.
The character of Jefferson Winter came about because he wanted to write a series of books that gave him as much freedom as possible. He figured that the more interesting he kept things for himself, the more interesting it would be for the reader.
Although the novels are written as a series, James approaches each book as a stand-alone. Each story is set in a different location, and has a different cast of characters. The beauty of this approach is that the novels can be read out of order.
Broken Dolls, the first Jefferson Winter thriller, will be published in January 2014. This will be followed in the Spring by Presumed Guilty, the first in a series of eBooks set during Winter’s FBI days. Watch Me, the second Jefferson Winter thriller, is scheduled for publication in September 2014.
When he’s not writing, James spends his time training horses and riders. An accomplished guitarist, he relaxes by writing and recording music. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 8, 2014
So I have tentatively put this on my 'favourite series' shelf because that's how much I enjoyed this novella/prequel to the Jefferson Winter series which I know nothing about!
I cannot WAIT to read the series if this is anything to go by.
This story finds Jefferson Winter as a smart-arse 19 year old student who has been arrested for the murder of four young women.
It concentrates in detail on the interaction between himself and FBI agent Yoko Tanaka which is quick-witted, candid and oddly intimate.
It was this that made me want to read more and lifted it above other serial killer stories (love the genre).
It worked so well as a short story and has done a great job in making me want to read more...will keep you posted!...
I cannot WAIT to read the series if this is anything to go by.
This story finds Jefferson Winter as a smart-arse 19 year old student who has been arrested for the murder of four young women.
It concentrates in detail on the interaction between himself and FBI agent Yoko Tanaka which is quick-witted, candid and oddly intimate.
It was this that made me want to read more and lifted it above other serial killer stories (love the genre).
It worked so well as a short story and has done a great job in making me want to read more...will keep you posted!...
December 20, 2015
Presumed Guilty is a novella prequel to the Jefferson Winter thriller series.
I don’t tend to read a lot of crime, but I really enjoyed this. My favourite character is Jefferson Winter. I think this was a great introduction to his character, and I look forward to getting to know him more. I also think Special Agent Yoko Tanaka is an interesting character, and the other detective's nickname made me giggle.
I already have the rest of the series, so I’m really looking forward to reading more of it in the coming months.
I don’t tend to read a lot of crime, but I really enjoyed this. My favourite character is Jefferson Winter. I think this was a great introduction to his character, and I look forward to getting to know him more. I also think Special Agent Yoko Tanaka is an interesting character, and the other detective's nickname made me giggle.
I already have the rest of the series, so I’m really looking forward to reading more of it in the coming months.
December 6, 2025
A solid 3.5
September 17, 2018
If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading the Jefferson Winter series yet then this is an ideal introduction. If like me you have read the full length novels, then this short story is an absolute must read.
We get to meet Jefferson as a student who is trying to come to terms with his fathers past actions. Having met and loved Jefferson’s character in the series, it was really interesting to see him in his youth. It took me a while to warm to him as he is very cocky and full of himself. The further into it I got though the more I warmed to him and could see through the attitude.
I really liked Yoko’s character in the story. It is great to see a strong female play the lead in this sort of case and see what was going on in her head.
Presumed Guilty was a cracker of a short story that will not disappoint fans of the series. The case had me riveted as, as usual with this author, they arn’t your bog standard killings which make them more memorable as well as intriguing. A great read when you want something quick that will have you gripped.
We get to meet Jefferson as a student who is trying to come to terms with his fathers past actions. Having met and loved Jefferson’s character in the series, it was really interesting to see him in his youth. It took me a while to warm to him as he is very cocky and full of himself. The further into it I got though the more I warmed to him and could see through the attitude.
I really liked Yoko’s character in the story. It is great to see a strong female play the lead in this sort of case and see what was going on in her head.
Presumed Guilty was a cracker of a short story that will not disappoint fans of the series. The case had me riveted as, as usual with this author, they arn’t your bog standard killings which make them more memorable as well as intriguing. A great read when you want something quick that will have you gripped.
April 27, 2015
Excellent background into the young life of Jefferson Winter and why he might be a natural nurtured psychopath and an ideal profiler.
Lots of tension as the young 19 year old gets caught up in the aftermath of a serial killer's latest victim and subsequently arrested due to his knowledge that surely only the perpetrator would know.
Great idea for a character and well set out in this clever short story prequel to this acclaimed series.
Lots of tension as the young 19 year old gets caught up in the aftermath of a serial killer's latest victim and subsequently arrested due to his knowledge that surely only the perpetrator would know.
Great idea for a character and well set out in this clever short story prequel to this acclaimed series.
January 17, 2017
Interesante precuela sobre los años juveniles de Jefferson Winter. Creo que aporta algún matiz a la personalidad del protagonista, que, aunque no necesario, le da mayor profundidad. Me gustó especialmente cómo interactúa con la agente del FBI Yoko Tanaka. Además, es una lectura corta, que se lee de un tirón, pero que te permite adentrarte en el personaje en caso de querer seguir leyendo sus novelas posteriores, más largas, y que, vista la precuela, prometen un nivel de buena calidad, o eso al menos es lo que espero del autor.
January 12, 2016
A great prequel to the Jefferson Winter books. I really enjoyed this novella. It doesn't feel like 106 pages. It was perfectly paced and the story flowed really well from start to finish!
May 22, 2019
Ridiculous. Strange that the novels are so good and the novellas so atrocious.
December 3, 2022
Jefferson Winter stan for life
April 16, 2023
This is the 5th book that I read about the genius FBI Agent Jefferson Winter but historically it is the beginning of his career. The first case that he solved. In the book he is only 19.
Special Agent Yoko Tanaka is one of the best profilers in the FBI. She is involved in a chase of a serial killer who killed already 4 girls around the location where Jefferson Winter is at college.
Soon she sees in the crowd near 4th victim house a strange young man who is studying people around him. She decides that this is the killer and sheriff is arresting Jefferson. The young man is not intimidated and soon he confesses that he is the killer and tell them details about killings that were not opened to the public. Interview is going for hours and is showing the character of the young man. His IQ is very high and it is very hard for Special Agent Yoko Tanaka to read his mind.
Soon we find that Jefferson has a solid alibi for the time of killings and he was playing a mind game during this interview.
He is released but offers his help in finding the killer.
This series of books is very interesting and the main character is unique.
I recommend this series to people who like high intellectual crime books.
Special Agent Yoko Tanaka is one of the best profilers in the FBI. She is involved in a chase of a serial killer who killed already 4 girls around the location where Jefferson Winter is at college.
Soon she sees in the crowd near 4th victim house a strange young man who is studying people around him. She decides that this is the killer and sheriff is arresting Jefferson. The young man is not intimidated and soon he confesses that he is the killer and tell them details about killings that were not opened to the public. Interview is going for hours and is showing the character of the young man. His IQ is very high and it is very hard for Special Agent Yoko Tanaka to read his mind.
Soon we find that Jefferson has a solid alibi for the time of killings and he was playing a mind game during this interview.
He is released but offers his help in finding the killer.
This series of books is very interesting and the main character is unique.
I recommend this series to people who like high intellectual crime books.
September 27, 2018
They were looking for a murderer called Valentino; first they presumed it was a 19yr old boy at college, but with this guys' help connected with the real murderer - a much older man. He killed 4 women, took their hearts out and placed them in a preserved jar inside his puppets who by the way were exactly like his victims.
Excellent reading
Excellent reading
December 4, 2022
After struggling with a couple of other books I returned to my mate Jefferson on his very first appearance and read the whole book without giving up in just a few days. I was beginning to become disillusioned with my reading choices.
August 15, 2017
good introduction to Winter but the whole puppet thing is a bit cheesy
March 28, 2020
Keep me hooked
Finished in one sitting. Good read. I recommend this book if you like thrillers, I’ll definitely read more that this author has written
Finished in one sitting. Good read. I recommend this book if you like thrillers, I’ll definitely read more that this author has written
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April 1, 2021shor
June 7, 2023
Don't normally give as high as four stars for novellas, but this was one of the best I've read. Introducing Jefferson Winter as a student. Very good.
July 3, 2014
A fun read. Jefferson Winter is a charismatic and very entertaining character and here we get a glimpse of him in his arrogant youth. He´s got a smart, quick mind and an even smarter mouth and is always one step ahead of anyone else. Carol has Winter´s voice down perfectly. He´s just a distinct character and Carol writes his younger self, with all the touches of a cocky teenager instead of writing the “same” Winter and just stating he´s younger. Its a believable teenager Winter and amazing to read if you are a fan of the character. The writing is crisp, the pace good and the plot grabs you from the start. There´s a few fun bits, if you read “Broken Dolls”, like the origin of Winter´s Zippo lighter which I thought were pretty cool.
The first part of the story could have moved faster and I thought Tanaka, an FBI agent who is sort of Winter´s mentor could have used more “life” but those are minor complaints. Once the “action” gets going, and the crime solving starts, things pick up and don't stop until the satisfying conclusion.
The scope of the story of obviously smaller than in a book, and like before I wish more time had been given to Winter instead of so many pages about the somewhat dull, Agent Tanaka but for Winter fans this is a wonderful way to spend an evening. I finished it, wanting more and immediately pre-ordered the next Jefferson Winter, “Watch Me”. I cant wait until its delivered on the kindle app! Good work, once again, James Carol! Good work!
The first part of the story could have moved faster and I thought Tanaka, an FBI agent who is sort of Winter´s mentor could have used more “life” but those are minor complaints. Once the “action” gets going, and the crime solving starts, things pick up and don't stop until the satisfying conclusion.
The scope of the story of obviously smaller than in a book, and like before I wish more time had been given to Winter instead of so many pages about the somewhat dull, Agent Tanaka but for Winter fans this is a wonderful way to spend an evening. I finished it, wanting more and immediately pre-ordered the next Jefferson Winter, “Watch Me”. I cant wait until its delivered on the kindle app! Good work, once again, James Carol! Good work!
January 10, 2015
so, I read the earlier ones ( or if you want to go chronologically the later ones ) and thought I'd read this as its only short and I needed a sorbet course.
This book shows us a young Jefferson Winters, not something I greatly needed to see but it does explain a lot about his motives ( if you will ) After reading the earlier ones I didn't exactly 'like' the character, I was more in between nothing and like, a place i describe as ' if you called my phone id answer and natter, but I wouldn't bother calling you' so I wasn't exactly falling over myself to read this book, but read it I did. It was a good read, perfect sized I think if it was longer it would have got boring. So what did i think? while writing this review I have changed my star rating 6 times... 7 times. It was very.. obvious. I'd worked out the bio of the bad guy long before they did, and knew the location of the key evidence before it was revealed, so the two conclusions are, this book is obvious, or im two out of stock crunchies away from having a show on the crime channel based loosely around me, maybe staring Emma Roberts, but I digress. so my overall view of this book is, read it if you get a chance, but don't go out of your way to read it. your won't really be better for reading it, but you wont be worse either.
maybe one more star change...
`
This book shows us a young Jefferson Winters, not something I greatly needed to see but it does explain a lot about his motives ( if you will ) After reading the earlier ones I didn't exactly 'like' the character, I was more in between nothing and like, a place i describe as ' if you called my phone id answer and natter, but I wouldn't bother calling you' so I wasn't exactly falling over myself to read this book, but read it I did. It was a good read, perfect sized I think if it was longer it would have got boring. So what did i think? while writing this review I have changed my star rating 6 times... 7 times. It was very.. obvious. I'd worked out the bio of the bad guy long before they did, and knew the location of the key evidence before it was revealed, so the two conclusions are, this book is obvious, or im two out of stock crunchies away from having a show on the crime channel based loosely around me, maybe staring Emma Roberts, but I digress. so my overall view of this book is, read it if you get a chance, but don't go out of your way to read it. your won't really be better for reading it, but you wont be worse either.
maybe one more star change...
`
November 15, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Dolls so was very intrigued to learn of this Novella series.
I can't help but feel that the arrogant and condescending nature of Winter was a little over the top. I suppose with a Novella you will never have the time to get emotionally invested, and the point is to only provide a back story, but it just didn't feel real to me.
Oh wait, he is 19, maybe it does make sense afterall.
I can't help but feel that the arrogant and condescending nature of Winter was a little over the top. I suppose with a Novella you will never have the time to get emotionally invested, and the point is to only provide a back story, but it just didn't feel real to me.
Oh wait, he is 19, maybe it does make sense afterall.
December 18, 2014
meh.
It was an okay fast read but nothing special either in characterisation or writing style.
It was as if the author was looking for a different sort of criminal profiler type.
We have women.
We have minorities.
We have quadriplegics.
We have oldies.
I know lets have a teenage kid!
However this is just a novella prequel to a series so I will probably try the next which is on the the Specsavers Ward Shortlist which I am working my way through...
It was an okay fast read but nothing special either in characterisation or writing style.
It was as if the author was looking for a different sort of criminal profiler type.
We have women.
We have minorities.
We have quadriplegics.
We have oldies.
I know lets have a teenage kid!
However this is just a novella prequel to a series so I will probably try the next which is on the the Specsavers Ward Shortlist which I am working my way through...
June 5, 2016
Ahh I love James Carol and his writing! I love the Jefferson Winter books and had to buy the novellas. I loved knowing a little more about Jefferson Winter and how he became a profiler etc.
The writing just draws me in from beginning to end and I can never put it down. I read all these books in one sitting!
Just love love love!
I have another novella to read in this series and then I have to wait until 2017 when the next book comes out :(
The writing just draws me in from beginning to end and I can never put it down. I read all these books in one sitting!
Just love love love!
I have another novella to read in this series and then I have to wait until 2017 when the next book comes out :(
January 3, 2017
I enjoyed this book, a fast and easy read and quite interesting. It is probably more enjoyable if you haven't read the Jefferson Winter Thrillers yet (i.e Broken Dolls, etc), as these chronicles happen before and the main character, Jefferson, is quite different. But it is interesting to meet Yoko, his mentor, and it feels like we get to know the character and his history a bit better. I would still recommend it, James Carol's writing skills are brilliant!
July 5, 2015
This book opens with a 19 year old college student Jefferson Winter who is accused of being a serial killer. He confesses to the crime and even supplies details that the police have kept under wraps. I enjoyed this novella and it was interesting to meet the young Jefferson and to get more of an insight into his psyche and how he first has contact with the FBI. Very enjoyable.
July 7, 2014
This is the prequel to the Jefferson Winter series but is a stand alone novella. It provides an insight into how Jefferson became the profiler he is. I loved this book it gave more depth to the character. Another 5 stars for James Carol.
February 22, 2016
Wow! This is where it all began. The first in the Jefferson Winter Chronicles, it shows our eccentric, brilliant psychopath Jefferson Winter solving his first case.
I really can't get enough of my new favourite author's gripping reads.
I really can't get enough of my new favourite author's gripping reads.
July 30, 2014
good wee prequel
August 22, 2014
I don't usually like short stories but this explains the background of Jefferson Winter and I started the second full book in the series immediately after finishing this.
September 2, 2014
little intro to Jefferson Winter. it was ok. great review, eh!
September 13, 2014
another great read from James carol
September 23, 2014
Nice story, good approach, fills out the Jefferson Winters character from the Broken Dolls book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews