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Jefferson Winter #3
Prey - Deine Tage sind gezählt
Wenn du mir folgst, werde ich dich töten
»Wir lügen alle. Und am meisten belügen wir uns selbst.«
Jefferson Winter, der Profiler mit dem unheimlichen Gespür dafür, wie Serienkiller ticken, hat gerade einen Job in New York zu Ende gebracht. Vor der Abreise nach Paris zu seinem nächsten Fall geht er in einem Diner etwas essen. Es ist zwei Uhr nachts, der einzige andere Gast ist eine platinblonde Frau mit Lederjacke. Als Winters Essen serviert wird, steht sie auf - und ersticht vor seinen Augen den Koch. Dann geht sie seelenruhig davon ... Eine Provokation, die Winter nicht ignorieren kann: Paris muss warten. Das Spiel ist eröffnet.
»Wir lügen alle. Und am meisten belügen wir uns selbst.«
Jefferson Winter, der Profiler mit dem unheimlichen Gespür dafür, wie Serienkiller ticken, hat gerade einen Job in New York zu Ende gebracht. Vor der Abreise nach Paris zu seinem nächsten Fall geht er in einem Diner etwas essen. Es ist zwei Uhr nachts, der einzige andere Gast ist eine platinblonde Frau mit Lederjacke. Als Winters Essen serviert wird, steht sie auf - und ersticht vor seinen Augen den Koch. Dann geht sie seelenruhig davon ... Eine Provokation, die Winter nicht ignorieren kann: Paris muss warten. Das Spiel ist eröffnet.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
40 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
James Carol
22 books281 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 122 reviews
November 11, 2025
"We're the same" mouthed Jefferson Winter's serial killer father to Jefferson as he was put to death by the state. Those words have haunted Jefferson for the first two books in the series and in this one Jefferson starts to question himself. That Jefferson does not simply dismiss his father's words means that perhaps there is something to them. Jefferson use to be a profiler for the FBI but he freelances now and hunts down serial killers world wide using his unique knowledge (which he attributes to his serial killer father) in a consulting capacity.
Jefferson had just assisted apprehending serial killer Ryan McCarthy with the assistance of NYPD detective Mendoza and is set to leave for Paris to assist them with their serial killer investigation. Jefferson is in his new found diner at about 2 in the morning when he notices a strange woman in the diner as well. She makes her way over to him and there is some idle chit chat prior to her killing the cook right in front of Jefferson. She leaves the diner leaving Jefferson an old newspaper which deals with a killing that happened six years ago and says that maybe he should revisit it if he is as good as he claims to think he is.
So Jefferson is actually arrested for the diner killing and the NYPD do not believe his story at first. His former and most recent partner believes that perhaps he has finally flipped to the dark side. Throughout the novel this theme is dealt with in a recurring way and its done very well. Could Jefferson actually be drawn to becoming a serial killer? It actually has me wondering if it would be a good spin off - Jefferson turning dark like his father. Using his particular mindset for evil versus good.
Anyway Jefferson knows this female killer has singled him out for a reason and it deals with a murder then quick suicide by the murderer whose mother was also a suicide victim. Are you with me so far? There is a lot of action and a lot of tangents and author James Carol handles it oh so well.
The murders of yester year of a newly wed couple take place in rural New York in a town called Hartwood. What eventually unfolds there is mind blowing but I won't discuss it due to spoiler reasons.
Again, this book has a lot of action, a lot of twists and turns and some of it may actually disturb a few readers. Parts of it were pretty crazy, especially the discovery of what took place in Hartwood.
The ending is cool too because it sets up for possible follow ups by our female killer who does enjoy the odd kill but prefers to manipulate others to do her serial killing which is different in and of itself and yet sold very well by the author. How many minions of serial killers does she have at the ready? How many can she unleash for Jefferson?
The tangents in this novel unfold nicely and it all eventually ties in true to form. It is very hard to know the eventual outcome but you can figure out some things along the way and you are always dying to know what's going to happen next.
A fun intriguing read and a solid 4 stars if not a low 80 score out of a 100. I'm so glad to have happened on this series. Enjoy!!
Jefferson had just assisted apprehending serial killer Ryan McCarthy with the assistance of NYPD detective Mendoza and is set to leave for Paris to assist them with their serial killer investigation. Jefferson is in his new found diner at about 2 in the morning when he notices a strange woman in the diner as well. She makes her way over to him and there is some idle chit chat prior to her killing the cook right in front of Jefferson. She leaves the diner leaving Jefferson an old newspaper which deals with a killing that happened six years ago and says that maybe he should revisit it if he is as good as he claims to think he is.
So Jefferson is actually arrested for the diner killing and the NYPD do not believe his story at first. His former and most recent partner believes that perhaps he has finally flipped to the dark side. Throughout the novel this theme is dealt with in a recurring way and its done very well. Could Jefferson actually be drawn to becoming a serial killer? It actually has me wondering if it would be a good spin off - Jefferson turning dark like his father. Using his particular mindset for evil versus good.
Anyway Jefferson knows this female killer has singled him out for a reason and it deals with a murder then quick suicide by the murderer whose mother was also a suicide victim. Are you with me so far? There is a lot of action and a lot of tangents and author James Carol handles it oh so well.
The murders of yester year of a newly wed couple take place in rural New York in a town called Hartwood. What eventually unfolds there is mind blowing but I won't discuss it due to spoiler reasons.
Again, this book has a lot of action, a lot of twists and turns and some of it may actually disturb a few readers. Parts of it were pretty crazy, especially the discovery of what took place in Hartwood.
The ending is cool too because it sets up for possible follow ups by our female killer who does enjoy the odd kill but prefers to manipulate others to do her serial killing which is different in and of itself and yet sold very well by the author. How many minions of serial killers does she have at the ready? How many can she unleash for Jefferson?
The tangents in this novel unfold nicely and it all eventually ties in true to form. It is very hard to know the eventual outcome but you can figure out some things along the way and you are always dying to know what's going to happen next.
A fun intriguing read and a solid 4 stars if not a low 80 score out of a 100. I'm so glad to have happened on this series. Enjoy!!
May 14, 2016
This is the third and most current Jefferson Winter book. (A fourth is in the works.) I binge read these three books and found the entire series very enjoyable. It was nice to get to know the main character and spend an extended amount of time with him.
In this book, Winter faces a serial killer who is taunting and targeting him. He must investigate an old case that ended with a conviction to understand this unsub. There is more of a psychological opponent playing mind games in this book. As the story progressed, I wondered if Winter had met his match and could hardly wait for this truly evil unsub to be caught.
Once again, a sensitive and likeable Winter is seen. He has certain habits and quirks that are endearing. He questions and evaluates himself and looks for signs that he is like his serial killer father. I found him to be really interesting, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
In this book, Winter faces a serial killer who is taunting and targeting him. He must investigate an old case that ended with a conviction to understand this unsub. There is more of a psychological opponent playing mind games in this book. As the story progressed, I wondered if Winter had met his match and could hardly wait for this truly evil unsub to be caught.
Once again, a sensitive and likeable Winter is seen. He has certain habits and quirks that are endearing. He questions and evaluates himself and looks for signs that he is like his serial killer father. I found him to be really interesting, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 26, 2015
So the third in the Jefferson Winter series then, I’ve really enjoyed these and I have to say that from a personal point of view I think that Prey is my favourite so far.
In this instalment a mysterious woman accosts Jefferson in a cafe – challenging him in a way that he cannot ignore, he begins a journey into a past case that may have far reaching consequences.
A real page turner this one – I read it in two gulping sittings, in this case it was not Jefferson I was interested in so much as it was our enigmatic female “bad guy” I LOVED her, so much so that often I wanted her to win. Well occasionally anyway. Even Jefferson is having trouble getting a handle on things and this makes for some great moments as he attempts to make sense of the unimaginable.
I love a good “profiler” story and James Carol’s series is a cut above when it comes to pure readability and for characters that always leave you desperate for more. Jefferson is a marvellously drawn character, usually he’s right on the ball so it was actually fascinating to see him having issues. As for our appearing/disappearing lady, never knowing when she was going to suddenly appear made for some edge of the seat moments, with a very real possibility that Jefferson had met his match.
The mystery element is, as always, intelligent and compelling, lovely twisty turny goodness as things progress and more information comes to light. Keeping you off kilter as far as what may happen next is one of the strengths of this particular author and with “Prey” it is beautifully done.
Overall then a most terrific read. I simply cannot WAIT for the next one.
In this instalment a mysterious woman accosts Jefferson in a cafe – challenging him in a way that he cannot ignore, he begins a journey into a past case that may have far reaching consequences.
A real page turner this one – I read it in two gulping sittings, in this case it was not Jefferson I was interested in so much as it was our enigmatic female “bad guy” I LOVED her, so much so that often I wanted her to win. Well occasionally anyway. Even Jefferson is having trouble getting a handle on things and this makes for some great moments as he attempts to make sense of the unimaginable.
I love a good “profiler” story and James Carol’s series is a cut above when it comes to pure readability and for characters that always leave you desperate for more. Jefferson is a marvellously drawn character, usually he’s right on the ball so it was actually fascinating to see him having issues. As for our appearing/disappearing lady, never knowing when she was going to suddenly appear made for some edge of the seat moments, with a very real possibility that Jefferson had met his match.
The mystery element is, as always, intelligent and compelling, lovely twisty turny goodness as things progress and more information comes to light. Keeping you off kilter as far as what may happen next is one of the strengths of this particular author and with “Prey” it is beautifully done.
Overall then a most terrific read. I simply cannot WAIT for the next one.
June 23, 2015
I have to say, each book in this series just gets better and better. Jefferson Winter's father was a serial killer, who was put to death after serving 20 years in prison. Each book tells just a little bit more background on what it was like being a child and finding out that your father used to abduct women, turn them loose in a large forest area and then hunt them down with a rifle.
Winter spent many years as an FBI profiler, now he is a freelance consultant to any police department who needs his help in tracking down the human monsters.
This time, though, he is stalked by another psychopath who doesn't want to be 'like' Jefferson Winter, but wants to 'be' Jefferson Winter.
It's been said that Winter has the brain of a psychopath....so let the battle begin.
Whenever I've read one of the books in this series, I always think how smart Winter is..how he's able to out-think the psychopaths that he chases. Then it occurred to me .. it's actually the author who has the brain and the smarts ... and the way he constructs the story is brilliant. Sometimes the author will tell you upfront who-did-it and then it's like a carnival ride figuring out the 'how' or the 'why.
I hope this is not the end of the series. I would follow Jefferson Winter and James Carol anywhere.
August 25, 2016
I was not familiar with James Carol before reading this book but will now look at his other works as I really enjoyed this. Jefferson Winter is an ex cop who now works as a police consultant. His father was a serial killer and throughout the book we are provided with details regarding Jefferson's background and childhood. How horrifying to know this about someone who is supposed to play such a major part in a young boy's life, how do you ever deal with this even as an adult, I suppose there is no choice.
Jefferson is sitting in a cafe at 2am when a woman sitting alone approaches him, what she will say will begin a game of cat and mouse and Jefferson will find himself up against a very smart psychopath. This is a very captivating story, you are drawn straight in it doesn't let go until the end, great plot and characters, enjoy!
Jefferson is sitting in a cafe at 2am when a woman sitting alone approaches him, what she will say will begin a game of cat and mouse and Jefferson will find himself up against a very smart psychopath. This is a very captivating story, you are drawn straight in it doesn't let go until the end, great plot and characters, enjoy!
August 8, 2016
I just loved it
March 5, 2015
The third in James Carol’s serial killer series follows the very successful Broken Dolls and Watch Me, and features ex-FBI psychological profiler Jefferson Winter. The hook of the series is that Winter himself is the son of a convicted serial killer, and he’s in a constant battle to dampen the killer instinct in his own character handed down via his father’s genes. Hence, the age old conundrum of nature versus nurture fuels much of the tension as he investigates his cases.
In Prey, Winter is approached in the early hours of the morning – yes, he’s an insomniac as well – in his local diner by a strange woman who seems to know everything about him. After casually slaying the hapless cook in said diner, she departs leaving Winter in possession of an old newspaper report about the murder of a young couple in a small town some years previously. The case seemed cut and dried, and the perpetrator was found and punished. Winter’s natural curiosity is aroused, and he enlists the help of feisty NYPD police detective, Carla Mendoza. They set off to review the original murders, and to track down this murderous woman who has her sights set on Winter.
Even if you haven’t read the previous books, it’s easy to get a handle on the relationship between Winter and Mendoza, with the effects of their previous investigation looming large in Prey as well. Carol weaves in the backstory well. With Winter’s naval gazing about his own psychological make-up and innate ability to predict and pre-empt the actions of the killer they pursue, he is an interesting enough character. However, when compared to the lead characters in other serial killer books – such as those in the books of Chris Carter or Jack Kerley – I found him a trifle dull in comparison.
Although there can be no question that Carol has done his homework on the psychopathy of killers and how this reveals itself in their particular killing methods and motivation, there is the slight feeling that you’ve read it all before. Winter’s brand of cleverness becomes tiresome quite quickly as his character isn’t balanced enough with the necessary traits to arouse interest or empathy. Admittedly, his female counterpart, Mendoza, adds a certain energy to the pace and plot, and her more cynical attitude and sense of derring-do when needed lifts Prey from the morass of familiarity. It’s enjoyable to see Winter and Mendoza grow irritating to the somewhat slack members of the local law enforcement office in upstate New York. This lightens the atmosphere, although the other police characters aren’t all that original.
In terms of plot, again we have that feeling of ennui, and the more far fetched behaviour of the murderous female protagonist does extend disbelief to the nth degree. It all seems a little contrived, and to be honest I cared not a whit as to the why, when and how her behaviour had morphed into that of a psychopath, drawing on the tired tropes of childhood abuse etc. It all felt a little too familiar, and I read this book with an ever increasing need to be surprised and shocked that just wasn’t fulfilled. However, seeing the glowing reviews for the previous two books, maybe I have come in to the series at the wrong point, and would have enjoyed Broken Dolls or Watch Me more.
In Prey, Winter is approached in the early hours of the morning – yes, he’s an insomniac as well – in his local diner by a strange woman who seems to know everything about him. After casually slaying the hapless cook in said diner, she departs leaving Winter in possession of an old newspaper report about the murder of a young couple in a small town some years previously. The case seemed cut and dried, and the perpetrator was found and punished. Winter’s natural curiosity is aroused, and he enlists the help of feisty NYPD police detective, Carla Mendoza. They set off to review the original murders, and to track down this murderous woman who has her sights set on Winter.
Even if you haven’t read the previous books, it’s easy to get a handle on the relationship between Winter and Mendoza, with the effects of their previous investigation looming large in Prey as well. Carol weaves in the backstory well. With Winter’s naval gazing about his own psychological make-up and innate ability to predict and pre-empt the actions of the killer they pursue, he is an interesting enough character. However, when compared to the lead characters in other serial killer books – such as those in the books of Chris Carter or Jack Kerley – I found him a trifle dull in comparison.
Although there can be no question that Carol has done his homework on the psychopathy of killers and how this reveals itself in their particular killing methods and motivation, there is the slight feeling that you’ve read it all before. Winter’s brand of cleverness becomes tiresome quite quickly as his character isn’t balanced enough with the necessary traits to arouse interest or empathy. Admittedly, his female counterpart, Mendoza, adds a certain energy to the pace and plot, and her more cynical attitude and sense of derring-do when needed lifts Prey from the morass of familiarity. It’s enjoyable to see Winter and Mendoza grow irritating to the somewhat slack members of the local law enforcement office in upstate New York. This lightens the atmosphere, although the other police characters aren’t all that original.
In terms of plot, again we have that feeling of ennui, and the more far fetched behaviour of the murderous female protagonist does extend disbelief to the nth degree. It all seems a little contrived, and to be honest I cared not a whit as to the why, when and how her behaviour had morphed into that of a psychopath, drawing on the tired tropes of childhood abuse etc. It all felt a little too familiar, and I read this book with an ever increasing need to be surprised and shocked that just wasn’t fulfilled. However, seeing the glowing reviews for the previous two books, maybe I have come in to the series at the wrong point, and would have enjoyed Broken Dolls or Watch Me more.
February 18, 2015
Prey – Brilliant Thriller
James Carol has brought another instalment of the Jefferson Winter thriller in the form of Prey, which bring a new case of psychopath killer to the public. Prey is written in a wonderful easy to read style that draws you in as the ride through an evil mind is pure brilliance. The Jefferson Winter series gets better with each book which promised and delivers on the grisly and twisted. We continue to see Winter as a conflicted but brilliant profiler who channels his inner psychopath to find the killer.
Jefferson Winter is out late at night in New York wanting something to eat in a late night diner; he has just finished a case and is ready to fly out to Paris for another case. When a mystery woman engages him in conversation before his food is delivered and as she leaves she stabs the cook through the eye and kills him.
With Mendoza a detective from the NYPD Homicide Squad they begin a cat and mouse game with this mysterious killer as she drops crumbs for them to follow. First they must get to the bottom of a solved crime from six years previous that happened up in New York state where their interference would not be appreciated in small town rural New York.
They realise that their suspect is one Amelia Price who may or may not have been involved while her brother was thought to be the murderer who killed himself before any arrest. They also discover that the Price family is one very damaged group of people Amelia’s brother and mother both hung themselves in the family barn and nobody had seen her father Eugene for six years.
As Winter and Mendoza investigate they have a sheriff that seems to move in reverse and blocking them at every turn, their suspect appears in the middle of the night to taunt them and all roads seem to head back to New York and his previous case. All along they slowly uncover Amelia’s clues but they still cannot get down to the psyche and even at the end do they really know her? They realise that discover what she is capable of then they need to find the truth from the six years previous to understand what she is capable of in the present.
Winter realises that the only way they will ever capture Amelia is to turn the tables on her because as long as she was in control they would never get near to her. She would need to be dragged out of her comfort zone but they had to find that first and how long they could be the masters of her destiny would be another matter.
James Carol’s writing is clear and crisp and descriptions make it clear to picture everything that we are being told. Carol is a master of the psycho crime thriller that gets you hooked from the first to the last paragraph the only regret is finishing the book.
James Carol has brought another instalment of the Jefferson Winter thriller in the form of Prey, which bring a new case of psychopath killer to the public. Prey is written in a wonderful easy to read style that draws you in as the ride through an evil mind is pure brilliance. The Jefferson Winter series gets better with each book which promised and delivers on the grisly and twisted. We continue to see Winter as a conflicted but brilliant profiler who channels his inner psychopath to find the killer.
Jefferson Winter is out late at night in New York wanting something to eat in a late night diner; he has just finished a case and is ready to fly out to Paris for another case. When a mystery woman engages him in conversation before his food is delivered and as she leaves she stabs the cook through the eye and kills him.
With Mendoza a detective from the NYPD Homicide Squad they begin a cat and mouse game with this mysterious killer as she drops crumbs for them to follow. First they must get to the bottom of a solved crime from six years previous that happened up in New York state where their interference would not be appreciated in small town rural New York.
They realise that their suspect is one Amelia Price who may or may not have been involved while her brother was thought to be the murderer who killed himself before any arrest. They also discover that the Price family is one very damaged group of people Amelia’s brother and mother both hung themselves in the family barn and nobody had seen her father Eugene for six years.
As Winter and Mendoza investigate they have a sheriff that seems to move in reverse and blocking them at every turn, their suspect appears in the middle of the night to taunt them and all roads seem to head back to New York and his previous case. All along they slowly uncover Amelia’s clues but they still cannot get down to the psyche and even at the end do they really know her? They realise that discover what she is capable of then they need to find the truth from the six years previous to understand what she is capable of in the present.
Winter realises that the only way they will ever capture Amelia is to turn the tables on her because as long as she was in control they would never get near to her. She would need to be dragged out of her comfort zone but they had to find that first and how long they could be the masters of her destiny would be another matter.
James Carol’s writing is clear and crisp and descriptions make it clear to picture everything that we are being told. Carol is a master of the psycho crime thriller that gets you hooked from the first to the last paragraph the only regret is finishing the book.
March 30, 2015
Bit slower to start than first 2 but overall another great read. Great characters
April 24, 2017
I was blown away by the first book in this series Broken Dolls and moved straight onto book 2. Book 2 (entitled Watch Me) was also a great read however didn't have quite the same pull the first book did. After finishing book 3 I felt the same. It was a great read, but it didn't blow me away. Knowing that book 4 is soon to be released was as good as any a reason to get caught up right in time for it. Jefferson Winter is a brilliant character, he smokes too much, he has a shock of white hair, an IQ that is crazy and to top it all off he works for himself. He used to be an FBI profiler however now he works freelance and it means he doesn't have quite the same rules to follow as others. What makes this character even more special is that his Father was a Serial Killer. Yep, you read that right! It always gives Jefferson an edge and it feels like he is fighting his own battle to prove he is not like his Father.
The opening chapters of the book throw you quite literally in to the deep end as a killer manages to murder a cook in front of Jefferson, all before he ate his breakfast! What gave this book an interesting edge was that the killer was female. As openings go, it certainly started with a bang. Knowing that he has to find this woman Jefferson enlists the help of Mendoza, an NYPD Homicide Detective. Mendoza is a closed book but I like the fact that she is inclined to disbelieve Jefferson first, it certainly makes for an interesting dynamic.
Their search takes them to a cold case with the murder of a young married couple in Upstate New York. The story picks up pace and as clues are uncovered the story unravels little by little. Jefferson and Mendoza fight until they unravel all of the threads that hold this story together and layer by layer is revealed, usually with a graphic scene or two thrown in! I am a huge fan of James Carol and really love Jefferson Winter, I am just waiting for that wow factor again. Even without that extra wow, his books are enjoyable and I will definitely continue to follow this series.
The opening chapters of the book throw you quite literally in to the deep end as a killer manages to murder a cook in front of Jefferson, all before he ate his breakfast! What gave this book an interesting edge was that the killer was female. As openings go, it certainly started with a bang. Knowing that he has to find this woman Jefferson enlists the help of Mendoza, an NYPD Homicide Detective. Mendoza is a closed book but I like the fact that she is inclined to disbelieve Jefferson first, it certainly makes for an interesting dynamic.
Their search takes them to a cold case with the murder of a young married couple in Upstate New York. The story picks up pace and as clues are uncovered the story unravels little by little. Jefferson and Mendoza fight until they unravel all of the threads that hold this story together and layer by layer is revealed, usually with a graphic scene or two thrown in! I am a huge fan of James Carol and really love Jefferson Winter, I am just waiting for that wow factor again. Even without that extra wow, his books are enjoyable and I will definitely continue to follow this series.
October 17, 2015
I wasn't as impressed with this one but ONLY because the proofreading isn't up to the standard of his previous two. The story was still as good as the others were for me which doesn't seem to be the case for many other reviewers.
I made note in book one of Jefferson ditching fag butts indiscriminately and three times in this one he was careful where he ditched them so I was greatly impressed !! Hehehe...Once again I liked people he encountered-this time Granville was a particular favourite. It was also very nice that Omar's name was not forgotten by Jefferson at any point either.I found the rule of threes interesting as well. Jefferson certainly had his work cut out with this particular adversary and no doubt we may hear from her again...
There was a really irritating habit of misusing apostrophes in this one and THEN getting them right so the difference was known but clearly nobody thought to put them right.
I did notice a couple of times that things were mentioned that hadn't been previously mentioned. I scrolled back to check on both occasions thinking I'd somehow missed it and hadn't.Both times it was pretty confusing.He used light instead of lighter at one point and my biggest ouch was this line-spot the deliberate mistake-"There was a hanger for the top half of the outfit, and tied to this was a second hangar for the bottom part"......and I don't mean the rogue comma !!
Let's hope book 4 reverts to utilising a proper editor and proofreader as that cost this one a star for me. Both of his other books I gave 5 stars so it's a shame he missed the hat-trick.
I made note in book one of Jefferson ditching fag butts indiscriminately and three times in this one he was careful where he ditched them so I was greatly impressed !! Hehehe...Once again I liked people he encountered-this time Granville was a particular favourite. It was also very nice that Omar's name was not forgotten by Jefferson at any point either.I found the rule of threes interesting as well. Jefferson certainly had his work cut out with this particular adversary and no doubt we may hear from her again...
There was a really irritating habit of misusing apostrophes in this one and THEN getting them right so the difference was known but clearly nobody thought to put them right.
I did notice a couple of times that things were mentioned that hadn't been previously mentioned. I scrolled back to check on both occasions thinking I'd somehow missed it and hadn't.Both times it was pretty confusing.He used light instead of lighter at one point and my biggest ouch was this line-spot the deliberate mistake-"There was a hanger for the top half of the outfit, and tied to this was a second hangar for the bottom part"......and I don't mean the rogue comma !!
Let's hope book 4 reverts to utilising a proper editor and proofreader as that cost this one a star for me. Both of his other books I gave 5 stars so it's a shame he missed the hat-trick.
January 9, 2020
Wieder ein interessanter Thriller mit einem sehr guten und vor allem spannenden Beginn.
July 30, 2018
James Carol is a genius of an author who makes you want to keep on turning the pages to find out what kind of menacing thing can possible happen next.
Jefferson Winter an ex-FBI Behavioral Analysis has just finished helping the NewYork city police department hunt down Ryan McCarthy a serial killer.
A psychopath woman who clearly knows who Jefferson is. The crazy woman places a newspaper down in front of him at the page where a murder that took place six years ago, then stabs the cook and then left the diner. Jefferson is swooped upon at the diner by the police handcuffed on suspicion of murdering the cook.
October 13, 2017
Without a doubt, this has to be one of my favourite series.
It has everything, the good and the bad always keep you guessing in their psychological warfare.
In this latest installment, Winter is baited and caught by Amelia into her dangerous game where she is the predator and everyone else is prey.
An Abbie recommendation =]
It has everything, the good and the bad always keep you guessing in their psychological warfare.
In this latest installment, Winter is baited and caught by Amelia into her dangerous game where she is the predator and everyone else is prey.
An Abbie recommendation =]
August 14, 2018
Prey .
Winter is an Ex FBI analysis ,just has finished solving a main crime in New york ,and preparing him self to take a long vacation ,resting at cafe,a blond girl appeared, bizarre glances ,weird cloths.
The girl made an unbelieving movement ,killing a waitress with a cold blood, challenging Winter and the smile on her face ,and flee .!
Vacation no longer accepted ,new Weirdo case knocking his door.
One of the best i read in crime and thriller novels .
Talking about the abused children by their family, how they would became psychopaths in the near future , most of the psychopaths have had been abused while they were young.
It is not a crime thriller novel ,it is beyond that, has another aspect hidden into it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
___________________________
Winter is an Ex FBI analysis ,just has finished solving a main crime in New york ,and preparing him self to take a long vacation ,resting at cafe,a blond girl appeared, bizarre glances ,weird cloths.
The girl made an unbelieving movement ,killing a waitress with a cold blood, challenging Winter and the smile on her face ,and flee .!
Vacation no longer accepted ,new Weirdo case knocking his door.
One of the best i read in crime and thriller novels .
Talking about the abused children by their family, how they would became psychopaths in the near future , most of the psychopaths have had been abused while they were young.
It is not a crime thriller novel ,it is beyond that, has another aspect hidden into it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
___________________________
October 23, 2017
Prey
opens with a very CHILLING moment, I think -- how the psychopath killed an innocent in front of Winter just to catch his attention. I actually had my jaw dropped at that moment.
The psychopath gives Winter clues that make him digging into a shut-down murder case in Hartwood, a small town in upstate New York, where a young couple is killed and the murderer commits suicide. Winter has to prove that there's something more to the case, if he wants to be able to catch the psychopath.
Overall, it had less body count but slightly more disturbing in my opinion (). And for the first time, compared to the previous two books, I felt kind of sorry for the psychopath
The psychopath gives Winter clues that make him digging into a shut-down murder case in Hartwood, a small town in upstate New York, where a young couple is killed and the murderer commits suicide. Winter has to prove that there's something more to the case, if he wants to be able to catch the psychopath.
Overall, it had less body count but slightly more disturbing in my opinion (). And for the first time, compared to the previous two books, I felt kind of sorry for the psychopath
February 27, 2019
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Jefferson Winter is haunted by the last words his serial killer father spoke (or, more correctly, mouthed) to him just before he was executed: "We're the same". True words, as it turns out, since Jefferson is a top-notch freelance profiler who "channels his inner psychopath" in order to catch killers. He is driven by guilt: how could he not have realised what his father was? It's too late for the 15 girls his father took into the forest so he could hunt them down with his rifle, but Jefferson sure as hell won't rest while new victims are being hunted by new monsters. The bat-shit crazy bitch featured in Prey understands that. She wants Winter to come out and play, and she knows a dead body and a newspaper article about a 6 year-old double homicide will be invitation enough. Winter is a formidable opponent, but perhaps he's finally met his match?
Who will win the cat-and-mouse game? How sweet will the victory be?
The plot was clever and the baddie a chilling piece of work. I've been inside my share of fictional killers' lairs, and trust me, this girl's was spectacularly sick! James Carol has a fantastic imagination, a brilliant mind, and real skill as a writer. Nevertheless I didn't enjoy Prey nearly as much as the previous 2 books in the series. Why not? Well, it's simple, the author switched from the first to the third person narrator, losing Winter's voice and his sterling sense of humour. What a pity! Having said that, I'll still read the next instalment, even though it's also written in the third person. Yup, I checked 😢
Jefferson Winter is haunted by the last words his serial killer father spoke (or, more correctly, mouthed) to him just before he was executed: "We're the same". True words, as it turns out, since Jefferson is a top-notch freelance profiler who "channels his inner psychopath" in order to catch killers. He is driven by guilt: how could he not have realised what his father was? It's too late for the 15 girls his father took into the forest so he could hunt them down with his rifle, but Jefferson sure as hell won't rest while new victims are being hunted by new monsters. The bat-shit crazy bitch featured in Prey understands that. She wants Winter to come out and play, and she knows a dead body and a newspaper article about a 6 year-old double homicide will be invitation enough. Winter is a formidable opponent, but perhaps he's finally met his match?
Who will win the cat-and-mouse game? How sweet will the victory be?
The plot was clever and the baddie a chilling piece of work. I've been inside my share of fictional killers' lairs, and trust me, this girl's was spectacularly sick! James Carol has a fantastic imagination, a brilliant mind, and real skill as a writer. Nevertheless I didn't enjoy Prey nearly as much as the previous 2 books in the series. Why not? Well, it's simple, the author switched from the first to the third person narrator, losing Winter's voice and his sterling sense of humour. What a pity! Having said that, I'll still read the next instalment, even though it's also written in the third person. Yup, I checked 😢
December 9, 2016
Добра е, но ми липсваше повествованието от първо лице. Някак си се губи целият чар и чандлъровско настроение така. Иначе зачот за сюжета и цялата психопатщина :)
November 17, 2025
Hab’s nur gelesen, weil Sandra es mir geschenkt hat. Sandra hat es nicht gelesen, sie bekommt immer nur Krimis von ihrer SchwiMu geschenkt aber sie mag glaube ich gar keine Krimis und ihre SchwiMu noch weniger
July 22, 2017
I don't usually choose books about profilers...or the FBI for that matter....but boy am I glad I picked this one up :o)
I didn't realise that this was number three in a series but that in no way mattered. From the off it had such a sense of familiarity about it I felt I was reading a well-loved favourite. (I can only put that down to the opening scenes in a diner a place often haunted by my beloved Reacher!) There was no messing about, the story went straight into the action & I was hooked from the off. I loved the characters, the storyline & the dialogue, especially the banter between Winter & both Mendoza & the mystery woman. The ending leaves me hopeful that Winter & this psychotic adversary will meet again - whether they do or not it certainly won't be my last meeting with Winter.
I didn't realise that this was number three in a series but that in no way mattered. From the off it had such a sense of familiarity about it I felt I was reading a well-loved favourite. (I can only put that down to the opening scenes in a diner a place often haunted by my beloved Reacher!) There was no messing about, the story went straight into the action & I was hooked from the off. I loved the characters, the storyline & the dialogue, especially the banter between Winter & both Mendoza & the mystery woman. The ending leaves me hopeful that Winter & this psychotic adversary will meet again - whether they do or not it certainly won't be my last meeting with Winter.
March 29, 2015
I sometimes like to start a new book before bed, and to read a couple of chapters just to get an idea of what it's about. Then I go to sleep. I recommend that readers do not do that with Prey, as you'll find yourself still reading over an hour later. It has a fast-paced, exciting opening that hooks the reader in, demanding that you read on. This is my first James Carol book, and it's a series I wasn't even aware of until a couple of weeks ago. It can be read as a standalone, but there were a number of times throughout where I felt I would have enjoyed it more, or understood certain things more if I had read the previous books.
Sometimes you read a book where the villain is just so well crafted that they just make the book, and that was certainly the case with the villain created here. Perhaps it's because I was reading it at the same time as watching Wentworth, and as it's fiction, I think it's okay to admit that at times I wanted the villain to succeed. After all, how boring would it be if they were apprehended straightaway? Prey is a book where you can't really predict what will happen, you never really know what's around the corner, you just know that you can't wait to find out. It's a game of cat and mouse better than any I have read in a long time.
Jefferson Winter is an interesting and intriguing character, though not without his flaws. Only being given snippets of his history, and knowing that I've missed out on two previous books, only makes me want to read about him more, so I'll be hoping to check out the first books in the series very soon. You know, he isn't all that dissimilar from others like him in the genre, but there was just something that I liked about him and pairing him with a character such as Carla Mendoza, is preferable I think to him being a lone ranger. There was perhaps an element of 'seen it all before' but it is becoming more and more difficult for an author to create a wholly original idea, and Carol's writing, and obvious knowledge and research of psychopathy do give the book a bit of an edge, and means that I can end this review easily recommending this book to anybody with it on their TBR.
Sometimes you read a book where the villain is just so well crafted that they just make the book, and that was certainly the case with the villain created here. Perhaps it's because I was reading it at the same time as watching Wentworth, and as it's fiction, I think it's okay to admit that at times I wanted the villain to succeed. After all, how boring would it be if they were apprehended straightaway? Prey is a book where you can't really predict what will happen, you never really know what's around the corner, you just know that you can't wait to find out. It's a game of cat and mouse better than any I have read in a long time.
Jefferson Winter is an interesting and intriguing character, though not without his flaws. Only being given snippets of his history, and knowing that I've missed out on two previous books, only makes me want to read about him more, so I'll be hoping to check out the first books in the series very soon. You know, he isn't all that dissimilar from others like him in the genre, but there was just something that I liked about him and pairing him with a character such as Carla Mendoza, is preferable I think to him being a lone ranger. There was perhaps an element of 'seen it all before' but it is becoming more and more difficult for an author to create a wholly original idea, and Carol's writing, and obvious knowledge and research of psychopathy do give the book a bit of an edge, and means that I can end this review easily recommending this book to anybody with it on their TBR.
March 28, 2017
It's taken me a week to read all 3 of the books that are in this series so far. I have enjoyed each one, Here are my thoughts on book 3
Well after reading book 2 I couldn't wait to dive right into this, Book 3 in the Jefferson Winter Series.
I have to say I really am enjoying this series, getting to know the character, that I have to say he is pretty damn awesome. James Carol has worked wonders creating this guy and I look forward to reading many more books featuring him.
I had had book one, two and three on my kindle for quite some time, so after promising myself I was going to play catch up with some of the series of books I still had to read, here I am just having finished book 3 and what a book it was. I have to say there is something about these books that once you start them you can't seem to stop until you are right at the very end, and then you just don't want it to finish.
The action in this book starts right from the beginning, and for a short time I really thought Winter was in it up to his neck. He does seem to get himself in some crazy situations.
The Ex FBI Profiler is working a case this time of lady, mmmm maybe wrong word, this time of a woman he has actually witnessed killing someone, and he ends up teamed up with Detective Mendoza, although it seems it's not her choice to work with him.
How will things turn out, and will the good guys catch the bad, well the only way to find out is read the damn book. You'll not regret it.
It's been interesting getting to know Jefferson Winter, bit by bit over these 3 books, and I have enjoyed each one so far.
I certainly wouldn't have any problems recommending this series of books to anyone. And although I feel they certainly could be read as standalones, as usual for me I find it so much better to read books in order. But again this is just my personal thoughts.
Well after reading book 2 I couldn't wait to dive right into this, Book 3 in the Jefferson Winter Series.
I have to say I really am enjoying this series, getting to know the character, that I have to say he is pretty damn awesome. James Carol has worked wonders creating this guy and I look forward to reading many more books featuring him.
I had had book one, two and three on my kindle for quite some time, so after promising myself I was going to play catch up with some of the series of books I still had to read, here I am just having finished book 3 and what a book it was. I have to say there is something about these books that once you start them you can't seem to stop until you are right at the very end, and then you just don't want it to finish.
The action in this book starts right from the beginning, and for a short time I really thought Winter was in it up to his neck. He does seem to get himself in some crazy situations.
The Ex FBI Profiler is working a case this time of lady, mmmm maybe wrong word, this time of a woman he has actually witnessed killing someone, and he ends up teamed up with Detective Mendoza, although it seems it's not her choice to work with him.
How will things turn out, and will the good guys catch the bad, well the only way to find out is read the damn book. You'll not regret it.
It's been interesting getting to know Jefferson Winter, bit by bit over these 3 books, and I have enjoyed each one so far.
I certainly wouldn't have any problems recommending this series of books to anyone. And although I feel they certainly could be read as standalones, as usual for me I find it so much better to read books in order. But again this is just my personal thoughts.
September 14, 2016
I picked this up during a very spontaneous trip to Book Sale last week. The synopsis at the back of the book was so interesting. It seemed like it was something I would enjoy reading. I've always loved reading and watching stories that revolve around mystery or crime because the first book that got me into reading was mysterious too (Nancy Drew).
This book had so much potential, but the main character, Winter, knew every single thing that was going on in the mind of the woman he was looking for. Yes, I'm aware that he knew how criminals and psychopaths think, but it was too unrealistic because knew ALMOST EVERYTHING and his assumptions were always correct. Because of this, I felt that the case was solved too easily and it lacked mystery. Again, Winter's guesses were all right. This left no room for me to think of what would happen next because I already knew that whatever he said, it was going to be accurate.
As a reader, I wanted the thrill to build up, but that didn't exactly happen when I read this book. Also, the events leading up to the ending were not as exciting as I expected them to be.
This book had so much potential, but the main character, Winter, knew every single thing that was going on in the mind of the woman he was looking for. Yes, I'm aware that he knew how criminals and psychopaths think, but it was too unrealistic because knew ALMOST EVERYTHING and his assumptions were always correct. Because of this, I felt that the case was solved too easily and it lacked mystery. Again, Winter's guesses were all right. This left no room for me to think of what would happen next because I already knew that whatever he said, it was going to be accurate.
As a reader, I wanted the thrill to build up, but that didn't exactly happen when I read this book. Also, the events leading up to the ending were not as exciting as I expected them to be.
March 4, 2015
Many may disagree with me but I think with Broken Dolls James Carol set himself a probably impossible to beat target. The first book was absolutely brilliant book 2 didn't come anywhere near Book 3 is a good read good amount of suspense and page turning I found the first half a bit slow and couldn't really buy into the plot but it was a good read. Nowhere near as good as Broken Dolls though. I think where these subsequent books lose out is in Broken Dolls there was more of an insight into the killer through his victims that fed into the suspense but that aspect is missing from the subsequent books.
April 11, 2015
Enjoyed the previous 2 in the series, but this didn't grab me like its predecessors. The classical music meanderings and references to Winter's t-shirts are becoming a bit ho-hum, I know these things are part of what defines him, but after reading the first 2 books I get it already! Mendoza is his sidekick here, but she's just a convenience for Winter (or Carol) and doesn't do a lot. His target in Prey is a different matter, an interesting antagonist that causes perennial wise-ass Winter some serious head scratching. Carol has an easy writing style that is a pleasure to read and I look forward to more of Winter, although I think the series needs to rediscover its early magic.
June 28, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book it has you hooked from the start. Jefferson Winter has just finished helping with a case and it late at night and he goes in to a diner to eat. a woman was there and she gets up and kills someone in front of Jefferson Winter.She shows him a newspaper of a murder 6 years ago and walks out of the diner. it a start of a deadly cat and mouse game, she gets into his room in hotels and he along with Sergent Mendoza start to hunt for the killer and the killing of the young couple six years ago.
This is the 3rd book about Jefferson Winter
This is the 3rd book about Jefferson Winter
July 29, 2015
I am a great fan of these books probably due to the main character Jefferson Winter. His own father had been a serial killer who was held on Death Row for 20 years prior to his execution.Winter had worked as an FBI profiler before leaving to work free-lance.
This story involves a woman who definitely has psychotic tendencies and who ensnares Winter's attention when she kills someone in front of him.
The journey goes back to a 6 year old double murder which had 'apparently' been solved at the time
This story involves a woman who definitely has psychotic tendencies and who ensnares Winter's attention when she kills someone in front of him.
The journey goes back to a 6 year old double murder which had 'apparently' been solved at the time
June 17, 2015
I must admit, when I started this I couldn't help but think that Winter's arrogance had reached new levels that would drive me off this series.
Thankfully it didn't take me long to realize this was simply another piece of the Winter I enjoy, another step in his complex physce and character growth.
Enjoyed the book all in all, another good contribution to the series.
Thankfully it didn't take me long to realize this was simply another piece of the Winter I enjoy, another step in his complex physce and character growth.
Enjoyed the book all in all, another good contribution to the series.
August 14, 2015
Another fab book in the Jefferson Winter series and they keep getting better. This one is gripping and gruesome with a very scary serial killer.
July 27, 2016
Hat mich leider nicht so begeistert wie die anderen beiden Bände.
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