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The Warmest Winter
A collage of a grisly murder, rampant adultery, questionable alibis, and heart halting truths heat up what is normally the frosty season of Chicago. Attorney James Gordon is thrust with the unenviable task of trying prove his friend's innocence in a crime that defies the definition of horrible, while also combating his own demons. Chicago has never been this warm during the Winter.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 18, 2015
The book was good. Kept you guessing and the story moved along at a nice pace. I never felt bored, only wanting to keep reading. Nice debut.
May 31, 2015
Lately I have been on a psychological thriller/suspense kick so I was excited to read James Gordon's first work of fiction. Gordon is a well-known poet so this was a complete change of pace for him. The book starts with a bang as a mother and her children are found murdered and the husband is the prime suspect.
The first half of the book moves at an exciting pace as the story is focused on the investigation surrounding Miles (the husband) and his lawyer, James. At one point you think you have it figured it out and that Miles is the murderer but then Gordon throws in a twist. With the twists came the introduction of new characters and the story went a little left of center.
I am giving the book 3 stars instead of 4 because there were a few issues that the editor should have caught. The issues did not distract from the overall storyline. The Warmest Winter was fast paced and a respectable debut for a poet delving into the world of fiction writing.
The first half of the book moves at an exciting pace as the story is focused on the investigation surrounding Miles (the husband) and his lawyer, James. At one point you think you have it figured it out and that Miles is the murderer but then Gordon throws in a twist. With the twists came the introduction of new characters and the story went a little left of center.
I am giving the book 3 stars instead of 4 because there were a few issues that the editor should have caught. The issues did not distract from the overall storyline. The Warmest Winter was fast paced and a respectable debut for a poet delving into the world of fiction writing.
April 1, 2015
A story within a story. The twists and turns of life surrounding counsel as he works to find exactly who did the deed are engrossing. I was unable to put the book down until the last word. Excellent read.
February 16, 2017
Who Did it???????
Wow very detailed book with lots of questions needing to be answered as to who murdered this innocent woman and her children I thought the book was very well-written and very descriptive with the very twisted shocking ending why I did not expected to end in that way I didn't expect Michael sister as to being the murderer......shocking ending.Good book Mr. Gordon.
Wow very detailed book with lots of questions needing to be answered as to who murdered this innocent woman and her children I thought the book was very well-written and very descriptive with the very twisted shocking ending why I did not expected to end in that way I didn't expect Michael sister as to being the murderer......shocking ending.Good book Mr. Gordon.
June 3, 2015
If you’ve read the other reviews you pretty much know what the story is about but there were underlying issues that I felt were a major part of this story that I’d like to address, so I will focus on those in my review.
Love, cheating, and affairs, parallel the main character, James, and his friend, Miles. As James' story unfolds we see the similarities in Miles life. Miles is a consistent cheater who seems doomed to be forever looking for the new and better experience with women.
As James tries to clear Miles, who is accused of murdering his second wife and two daughters, he must face his own choices and the affects of infidelity. Is his affair based on love or just the excitement of sneaking away and passion. If it’s love will it withstand time, this time, or will he cheat again? If it’s love will it hold up against any drama, accusations, or temptations ?
James has a front row seat into another’s man life and he is assailed with how the consequences of cheating might affect his daughter. Is having a hot sex life more important than family? How will his own infidelity affect the bonds he’s come to love. Does a cheating spouse have a detrimental lasting affect of guilt and at risk sanity on the children of those who cheat? Aware from previous events, how children run into their mothers arms for comfort, he wonders how his decision will affect his relationship with his daughter and what kind of father he will end up being? Will bonds be broken or strengthened?
Twists, lies, murder, mystery, suspense, and lust, all the makings of a a good read.
Choices and decisions are weighed throughout this story as the police and James hunt for the killer. Ultimately, choices must be made but then sometimes if you wait too long, they’re made for you.
Even with the formatting issues in this ebook, I enjoyed this mystery drama and since I really thought it was a well crafted story despite those issues, I give this book 5 stars.
Love, cheating, and affairs, parallel the main character, James, and his friend, Miles. As James' story unfolds we see the similarities in Miles life. Miles is a consistent cheater who seems doomed to be forever looking for the new and better experience with women.
As James tries to clear Miles, who is accused of murdering his second wife and two daughters, he must face his own choices and the affects of infidelity. Is his affair based on love or just the excitement of sneaking away and passion. If it’s love will it withstand time, this time, or will he cheat again? If it’s love will it hold up against any drama, accusations, or temptations ?
James has a front row seat into another’s man life and he is assailed with how the consequences of cheating might affect his daughter. Is having a hot sex life more important than family? How will his own infidelity affect the bonds he’s come to love. Does a cheating spouse have a detrimental lasting affect of guilt and at risk sanity on the children of those who cheat? Aware from previous events, how children run into their mothers arms for comfort, he wonders how his decision will affect his relationship with his daughter and what kind of father he will end up being? Will bonds be broken or strengthened?
Twists, lies, murder, mystery, suspense, and lust, all the makings of a a good read.
Choices and decisions are weighed throughout this story as the police and James hunt for the killer. Ultimately, choices must be made but then sometimes if you wait too long, they’re made for you.
Even with the formatting issues in this ebook, I enjoyed this mystery drama and since I really thought it was a well crafted story despite those issues, I give this book 5 stars.
February 17, 2017
I read this novel for an event we have coming up. To me the story never came together, there is a lot of unanswered questions and too many stories within the story with no closure. Clearly no real character development, I have to say along with grammatical errors I really did not enjoy or really ever engage in the novel. 2.5 stars.
July 24, 2015
James Gordon’s ‘The Warmest Winter’ is an intricate murder mystery where no one is exactly who they seem to be. As befitting all great crime thrillers, there are more unexpected twists than in a barrel full of red herrings. These serve to maintain reader interest and create the marvellous atmosphere of constant tension present throughout. Yet what drives this novel forward are two masterful traits the author brings to the narrative. The first is the powerful prose that sets the tone in each scene and lends an enviable solidity to the events the writer conjures up. The second, a far more difficult proposition, is the courage to tell this complex tale in the first person. We, the readers, find out what has happened at the same time as the protagonist, and are equally led up false trails with him until the surprising climax is revealed. Our involvement with the protagonist though is not one of an ephemeral observer. Author Gordon places us in his skin, allows us to experience his own troubles as his marriage crumbles and his future prospects appear to disintegrate too. It makes the eyes through which we witness the mystery unravel a very human perspective which serves to colour our own appreciation of the trials and tribulations other characters experience.
If you are looking for a robust murder mystery with a down-to-earth flavour, this is the one for you. Highly recommended! One of my best reads this year!
If you are looking for a robust murder mystery with a down-to-earth flavour, this is the one for you. Highly recommended! One of my best reads this year!
May 15, 2015
The story begins with a gruesome murder of Miles Livingtson's second wife and his two little girls. The main character, James Gordon, is called to the scene of the crime as Miles' attorney. As James tires to get to bottom of the grisly murder, he uncovers a secret that his best friend, Miles, was hiding. Unfortunately, Miles' secret correlates very closely to what James is going through in his own personal life. As James tracks down the murderer, what he learns makes him doubt his own choices in life.
I really enjoyed this story. It's written in first person, which makes it easy to identify with the main character. It's fast paced, and I couldn't wait to read to the final reveal. Like all good thriller's there are twists and turns and I didn't figure out the villain until I was supposed to. Which for me, is pretty good, as I usually figure out the plot acres way before most readers.
My one complaint is the terrible formatting. Dialogues are tun together, paragraphs where there shouldn't be and none where there should be. Normally I'd lower my rating by 1 star with issues like this, but I was drawn into the story so much, I'm going to make an exception. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 feathers.
I really enjoyed this story. It's written in first person, which makes it easy to identify with the main character. It's fast paced, and I couldn't wait to read to the final reveal. Like all good thriller's there are twists and turns and I didn't figure out the villain until I was supposed to. Which for me, is pretty good, as I usually figure out the plot acres way before most readers.
My one complaint is the terrible formatting. Dialogues are tun together, paragraphs where there shouldn't be and none where there should be. Normally I'd lower my rating by 1 star with issues like this, but I was drawn into the story so much, I'm going to make an exception. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 feathers.
April 20, 2015
If you love a good whodunit, you’ll enjoy The Warmest Winter. It gives the reader everything you want in a murder mystery. We have a violent, seemingly senseless murder, several suspects, a few red herrings and lots of shenanigans on the side.
The Warmest Winter is set in Chicago during an unusually warm March. The wife and children of a popular doctor are found dead in their home. James Gordon is not a criminal attorney, but he agrees to represent his friend Dr. Miles. Livingston, husband of the deceased, during the investigation. Gordon is experiencing his own domestic crisis while trying to unravel the lies surrounding the murder.
GPA’s characters are well developed and pull you immediately into this tale of betrayal, lust and rage. Before the story was over, I kept hoping the murderer was the person I hated the most. But then, everybody else seemed to be lying too, and there were a few other suspects that I couldn’t like either. This mystery kept me guessing to the end.
June 8, 2015
When love and marriage go off the rails, trouble follows. There's a reason spouses, lovers, suitors, and ex-paramours turn up on the short list whenever there's a murder. This book is no exception. When Dr. Livingston finds his "second chance" family murdered, he's immediately a suspect and calls his lawyer. There are plenty of other suspects, though, as Livingston's lawyer and narrator of the tale soon learns. The lawyer, James Gordon, provides an interesting point of view as the plot unfolds. Mr. Gordon's got his own marital issues as he watches the drama in Dr. Livingston's life play out. An interesting exploration of the ripple effects set in motion by a series of bad decisions. Who gets hurt? Who does the hurting? How bad can it get? You'll have to check out this book for yourself to figure that out. Five Stars for this book, even with the formatting issues noted by other reviewers.
April 29, 2015
The greatest poet alive? He does know how to write a thrilling murder mystery. This book just grabbed me from the start. I stayed up last night to finish it and I picked it up yesterday morning. I am a connoisseur of murder mysteries, if I do say so myself. And the books either pull you in from page one or are a flimsy excuse for a story.
The warmest winter doesn’t disappoint. It is written very well with a lot of depth in its characters and settings. You feel like you are part of the scene, watching from the sidelines. The end is beautifully crafted and well worth the read. I would definitely give it five stars and look forward to reading more James Gordon books in the future.
The warmest winter doesn’t disappoint. It is written very well with a lot of depth in its characters and settings. You feel like you are part of the scene, watching from the sidelines. The end is beautifully crafted and well worth the read. I would definitely give it five stars and look forward to reading more James Gordon books in the future.
May 5, 2015
This story moves along at a cracking speed. James Gordon is an interesting character and plays the role of detective really well. I was hooked from the start. Set in the great city of Chicago, you’ll find yourself driving down streets and visiting places that, if you know the town, you’ll recognise. I have never visited Chicago but I felt I was there. The attention to detail draws the reader in and makes this story seem oh, so real. I became really fond of the characters too which I believe is an indication of a well-developed writer. If you love a good detective story, you’re going to want to read this book and the rest in the series.
July 20, 2015
James Gordon has proven he can write in several genres and make them a success. First, he brought us his unique line of poetry, then his children’s stories, now a crime thriller, and in this, he delivers once again.
The wife and two daughters of Miles Livingston, a local doctor, are found dead in their home. James Gordon happens to be friends with the doctor, and agrees to represent him. Writing in the first person, Gordon gives a perfect performance, as he tries to make sense of events leading up to the murder. The story moved at a good pace, while keeping the reader in suspense about the identity of the villain, like all good thrillers, until the very end of the story. Brilliant!
The wife and two daughters of Miles Livingston, a local doctor, are found dead in their home. James Gordon happens to be friends with the doctor, and agrees to represent him. Writing in the first person, Gordon gives a perfect performance, as he tries to make sense of events leading up to the murder. The story moved at a good pace, while keeping the reader in suspense about the identity of the villain, like all good thrillers, until the very end of the story. Brilliant!
April 19, 2015
Once again Author James Gordon delivers another great book for the masses & his latest offering "The Warmest Winter" just shows what a truly gifted writer this young man is. The Warmest Winter is destined to be an Literary Classic and If you are a fan of his previous books you will be pleasantly surprise by this Murder Mystery. For those of you who have never read any of his work hold onto your seats and prepare for the ride of your life.
June 12, 2015
A Great Murder Mystery.
The Warmest Winter: A James Gordon Mystery
Murders occur, and James Gordon an attorney has to find the guilty parties.
There are many twists and turns that occur in this fascinating, thrilling murder mystery; you will want to turn page after page to reach the final conclusion.
I would certainly recommend the reading of this book, very graphic at times but well worth the read.
The Warmest Winter: A James Gordon Mystery
Murders occur, and James Gordon an attorney has to find the guilty parties.
There are many twists and turns that occur in this fascinating, thrilling murder mystery; you will want to turn page after page to reach the final conclusion.
I would certainly recommend the reading of this book, very graphic at times but well worth the read.
May 5, 2015
In his debut mystery novel, James Gordon has written a tale drenched with truths, lies, deceit, and alibis (believable or not). In the beginning a prominent member of his Chicago community was charged with a murder. There were confessions, evidence, motives (or the lack thereof galore. There were many twists and turns that led up to an ending that I didn't see coming. Nice job!
June 16, 2015
This story is about an attorney named James Gordan who is pulled into a "whodunit" murder mystery. This book pulled me in from the beginning and kept me intrigued with the twists and turns. The ending left me wanting more of this character and the murder mystery.
June 13, 2015
The Warmest Winter.(The Poetry Collection )
I have read the other book by this author The Warmest Winter A James Gordon Mystery and was equally impressed with this poetry version. I would certanly recommend the reading of both of these books.
I have read the other book by this author The Warmest Winter A James Gordon Mystery and was equally impressed with this poetry version. I would certanly recommend the reading of both of these books.
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March 31, 2016Couldn't finish
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June 8, 2015see comment with other version of this book
July 2, 2015
Nice debut for urban thriller genre. Nice pleased with the editing, or lack thereof but overall a very intriguing book.
February 5, 2017
This book was ok! Poorly edited! but I never thought it was the sister that did the killing's.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews