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A school shooting. A city in mourning. A prosecutor out for justice.

When a massacre at an elite private high school leaves seventeen dead and a city reeling with horror, Philadelphia assistant district attorney Jessica Black will stop at nothing to find justice for the victims. But doing so will require facing an adversary even more terrifying than the teenage shooter.

The Internet can be as deadly as a gun.

Lurking in secrecy is an evil voice known only as True_Man. True_Man haunts the Internet, befriending the lonely and the frustrated, turning adolescent emotions toward destruction. Jessie believes True_Man is just as guilty of murder as the teenager he manipulated, but proving it—and bringing True_Man to justice—will take all of Jessie’s formidable legal skills and more.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2016

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354 people want to read

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Larry A. Winters

31 books116 followers

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5 stars
1,076 (54%)
4 stars
670 (33%)
3 stars
202 (10%)
2 stars
31 (1%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for Renee Mihld.
39 reviews
May 15, 2016
Deadly Evidence is another great book in the Jessie Black Legal Thriller series written by Larry A Winters. Jessie Black in a strong, confident, female prosecutor in Philadelphia. Deadly Evidence hands out another tough case to Jessie when a teenager goes on a killing spree at his elite private school. He targets the cheerleading squad – but what is his true motive? We quickly find out that his accomplice was pushing him and feeding off of the insecurities of a teenage boy, abandoned by his Mom, and dealing with his Father, whose priority seems to be his his new love interest, and not his son. Jessie needs to find this accomplice, which isn’t easy when they are hiding somewhere in the Internet.

Larry A Winters brings suspense and twists in this book that kept me interested and turning the page. He adds characters to the story that help to develop the plot. Jessie’s love interest Leary takes a bigger role in this story, but I’d be surprised if he stays very long in books #4 or #5. Jessie shows she is a successful, talented, smart woman who doesn’t need the distraction or drama of a man. I liked the female character Graham who shows us the dynamics of Jessie working with other women, and trying to make a friend. In Deadly Evidence, Larry A. Winters has a good, easy to read writing style that is getting better in every book. He holds my attention, and gives enough detail that I can picture everything that is happening. There is plenty of action and characters in the story to keep the plot going at a steady pace. He doesn’t include alot of fluff or nonsense just to add more pages – this I appreciate.

There is violence. I only found one typo – great job! There were 9 f-words. There is some mild sex.

I try not to give away any spoilers in my reviews – it’s the job of the author to lay the plot, and describe all characters. This is the third Jessie Black book in the series, but it is a standalone book as well. I received a copy of this book from the author Larry A Winters, in exchange for an honest review. However, it was on sale and I went ahead and bought my own copy.
2,076 reviews25 followers
March 17, 2018
A great addition to the Jessie Black series! Jessie is an assistant DA in Philadelphia. A student at an elite private school goes on a shooting spree and leaves a trail of bodies. There is no doubt about the guilt of the shooter but he was influenced by a shadowy figure over the internet called True Man. True Man played on the young man insecurities.

This book is full of page turning suspense. It will grab you from the first page and hold on til the end of the book. I love Jessie, she is a strong woman who takes no prisoners.
Profile Image for Kevin.
877 reviews41 followers
October 20, 2023
Slight Flaws

3.5*

I enjoyed the book but the characters are not as fully fleshed out as previous books, and the timeline gaps were deep which could have been filled.

The theme is strong, the plot average and the ending rushed and not realistic in such a short space of time.
239 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2025
I'm a fan of courtroom dramas, and this one lives up to expectations. The third installment in the Jessie Black series features plenty of suspense, action, and drama. It kicks off with a high school massacre that results in seventeen fatalities. Assistant District Attorney Jessie Black takes on the case, but it quickly becomes more complex as she uncovers additional details. Overall, “Deadly Evidence” is a compelling legal thriller that examines the aftermath of tragedy, ethical challenges in prosecution, and the personal toll of seeking justice. Winters’ increasing confidence as a writer, his adept use of suspense, and his memorable heroine make this a notable addition to the genre.
1,116 reviews23 followers
October 11, 2018
Another winner in the Jessie Black series. In this one, a young man shows up with a duffle bag full of fire arms at his school's cheerleading practice and opens fire, killing all sixteen cheerleaders and their director. When the killer ends up committing suicide, the investigators have to piece together what drove him to commit such a heinous act. They find out he'd been communicating on the internet with someone calling themselves Tru_Man. Their conversations center around their hatred for women.

Jessie, as a deputy prosecutor, gets involved in the case. Once I started this I didn't want to put it down. It captured my interest right away and I read through it in a couple of hours. Can't wait to start on the next one.
252 reviews
July 3, 2021
Enjoying a newly found author who keeps me reading with many twists and turns leading to a surprise ending. Timely topic-high school shooting, and interesting plot.
Profile Image for deryl taylor.
54 reviews23 followers
June 14, 2017
Whew! What a story

I held my breath, sat on the edge of my seat, each line that I read. The suspense was chilling! The author did it again! Another immobilizing crime thriller! What a good read. On to book 4 in the series. I highly suggest you get on board if you like crime thrillers because you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Nan Christine  Borton-Smith.
561 reviews12 followers
April 30, 2016
Ready for the next book !

This is a great legal / crime thriller. It has all the elements needed to feel you are watching the story unfold. The author keeps you guessing throughout.. Can't wait for next Jessie Black book.
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2016
Good story.

This story is about the school shooting, but in this case web site. Two very strong, confident female prosecutor and female homicide detective. Working together to find the real guilty person behind the shooting.
Profile Image for Carol.
343 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2016
Suspenseful

Deadly Evidence by Larry A. Winters comes uncomfortably close to reality possibilities. Action, suspense, bits of romance that he does so well. I would recommend this book to my friends and family.
Profile Image for Robyn.
101 reviews
May 9, 2017
A really good read

I have read a couple of Larry Winters books and thoroughly enjoyed them, I recommend them to any real reader. He won't let you down.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
November 1, 2020
Philadelphia, PA. Stevens Academy private school. When Russell Lanford (school shooter) came through the front door Emily Graham wasn’t quite sure about his answer to her question.
When it was all/done True_Man had left 17 dead & many wounded.
The deceased names had been released: Ms. Kerensa (cheerleading coach), Lissa Bernier, Peta Kent, Macey O’Reilly, Pam Speer, Detta Sanborn, Brynne White, Coral Gaffney, Sydney Devlin, Alex Tanner, Gina Franz, Mandi Fox, Jordan Dunn (16, Jr., cheerleader), Roni McClain, Skye Locke, Alene Rollins, & Nola York.
Detective Warren Williams (Homicide), DA Jesus Rivera (Philadelphia), & ADA Jessica Black (Philadelphia) had arrived to speak with Warren.
Detective Emily Graham (Philadelphia PD Homicide) & Detective Tobias Novak (65, Philadelphia PD Homicide partner) met ADA Black at the crime scene.

Then they went to visit with Wesley Lanford (father, avid gun collector).
Principal Clark Harrison had reopened the school.
ADA Black didn’t get very far with Vaughn Truman (Manpower LLC owner, men’s rights activist) & Adrian Rohr (Manpower LLC corporate lawyer).
Manpower LLC quickly scheduled a press conference.
Roundhouse. Detective Graham introduced Arabella Minsky (Stevens Academy Jr.) to Detective Novak.

Next stop to interview Mrs. Dunn & Mr. Dunn.
Detective Graham & Detective Novak arrested/Miranda Principal Clark Harrison
Barbara Harrison called Hyram Brand (attorney) for him.
Juanita Kidd Stout Center Criminal Justice Court room #303 of the
The trial of Commonwealth v. Clark Harrison began. All rise. The District Court of Philadelphia County is now in session, Judge Letty Sokol is presiding.
Prosecution: ADA Jessica Black (U of Pennsylvania; JD). Defense: Hyram Brand; Principal Clark Harrison.
How will the trial turn out?

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content violence (school mass killing), or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (female student affair) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written legal thriller (Prequel) book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great legal thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
17 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2019
The beginning was gruesome but a well-placed hook. The plot was good, in that it kept me reading to get to the end. I learned some legal stuff; hope it's factual. "If an appellate court rules my search warrant unconstitutional, then everything the warrant leads you to... will be off limits. Fruit of the poisonous tree. Your whole case will vanish in a puff of judicial smoke." I guess that's true. There were other points of legal interest.
Jessie Black had no personality. Jessie Black's boyfriend was a prop to keep women interested? I didn't find him interesting. The detective, Emily Graham had force to her words. I also liked some of Larry Winters observations from the mouths of his characters: “They were so entitled, so proud of themselves, so sure that they deserved every happiness in life just because of the genetic accident of being born pretty.” (and) “It’s terrifying, what the internet makes possible, the dangers it poses to kids.” (This statement is also true for adults; we don't realize how much the U.S. police force monitors our web searches and what sites we visit. Be careful.) Which leads to another quote, ““…didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression,” Graham said. Of course this was a bald-faced lie—half of the police department playbook involved giving people the wrong impression, whether to get them to waive their right to counsel, consent to a warrantless search, or voluntarily come to the Roundhouse [police station] to be interrogated…”” Police are relentless in pursuing those they perceive as being law breakers. But not every law breaker is a bad person. We all break laws; it is the degree and severity of the offense which separate a good person from a bad person. It is unfortunate that one cop will give a person a break while another will arrest that person or beat that person’s head in. Sorry to all you cops out there, but it happens.
Overall the book was short but could have been even shorter.
One last quote: History showed how frequently the most hateful people were also the most charming and charismatic—and, yes, good-looking—which only increased their dangerousness.
1,754 reviews13 followers
August 29, 2019
This is the 1st book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. The story begins with Russell Lanford killing 16 cheerleaders and their coach. When the police arrive, he surrenders and drops his weapon. Meanwhile Jessie Black has just won a cas and has gone to celebrate with members of the D.A.'s office where she works. She is leaving for a vacation tomorrow with her boyfriend Leary. While at the celebration, she receives a text along with other members of their party. She along with her boss Warren are directed to report at their bosses house, the Philadelphia District Attorney. While there she is handed the case to prosecute Russell.

Before the trial starts, Russell kills himself in jail. Everybody in the D.A.'s office with the exception of Jessie believes that the case is over and complete. Jessie, with Emily and Novak examine the evidence and discover that there is the possibility of a conspiracy. They dig deep and are able to uncover an individual who was conversing with Russell via the internet. They were able to identify the individual as True_Man, but were able to find his real name from the website owners.

By pushing harder, they discovered who it was and arrested him and brought him to trial.

To find out what led them to him and the action that occurred, then you must read the book which I recommend. The ending is well worth it.
151 reviews
April 16, 2022
Another fun Jessie Black legal thriller!

One issue I have with any series (and it's not the fault of the author) is that there is necessarily some repetition of details, background, etc. This is needed to help those who started later in the series and also for those who haven't read anything in the series for a while. In my case, I've been reading the novels in series, so it's a bit frustrating.

Overall, this was quite enjoyable. But, I did find a couple of things that reduced my enjoyment.

First, I normally am terrible at guessing "whodunit", but in this case, I guessed correctly pretty quickly.

Second, I was never in law enforcement, but having taken an abbreviated citizen's police academy course, I do have some real-life knowledge. NO cop would ever let a murder suspect go unescorted to "get dressed". Why? Well, they could go to escape, grab a weapon, or (as in this novel) something else.
189 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2020
A school shooting

I have been so drawn into this series. Literally from the first page. Lots of twists and turns. Not just a murder mystery but also a psychological thriller in my opinion. I felt a lot of emotion reading this book, related to real life school shootings. I guess that's one positive thing about schools being closed due to covid, no school shootings.
I love the female lead in this book and her boyfriend. This is a series but each book is a stand-alone. The characters are very well developed and believable. I feel like I know them personally. I would recommend this book to any adult as there are so mild sexual scenes. Looking forward to the next book.
193 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2021
This book started explosively, with an event that would fill anyone with horror and highlights the ongoing issue with the possession of firearms. Larry Winters is still a fairly new author to me but, after reading the prequel and the first two in this legal thriller series, I’ve bought the rest of his books about the ‘avenging angel of justice’, and am getting to better understand the relationship between the police and the prosecution...It’s not essential to have read the earlier books, about Jessie Black, as each is a stand-alone story, but I highly recommend it. This 3rd book in the series frustrated me by the lack of time spent in the courtroom. I was also surprised, and disappointed by the abrupt ending, especially after such a lengthy buildup.
266 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2020
Collateral damage

The killing of 16 cheerleaders, and their coach seemed a clear cut massacre done by a young and angry boy. He killed himself a few days later. There as much more going on behind the scenes. The social media was used as a way to manipulate minds and get dissatisfied people to commit unthinkable crimes. Is the police or the DAs office going to be able to reach the true guilty party, or how many were There? Fast pace thriller keeps the interest of the reader from beginning to end. Nice job!
375 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2021
Super Duper Thriller!

Larry churns out yet another thriller. Russell Lanford shoots 15 of his schoolmates and a teacher. He too commits suicide in the Jail. Assistant District Attorney Jessie Black and Detective Graham are in charge of this case. It looks the case has reached it's end, but for an information given by Russell's father. True_Man seems to be the person who instigated Russell to shoot.
Jessie & Graham are in the process to find out who True_Man is.
Will they be successful?
Read this excellent thriller to find out.
Profile Image for Kelvin Reed.
Author 11 books14 followers
November 28, 2022
"Deadly Evidence: Jessie Black Legal Thrillers, Book 3" (2016, 2017) by Larry A. Winters is an interesting, stand-alone legal thriller about Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Jessie Black expanding her inquiry after a school shooting in which seventeen people were killed. After the young shooter hangs himself while in custody, Jessie pursues an uphill battle to prosecute the anonymous internet figure who encouraged the shooter. An engaging read, but I would have liked to have seen more people of color. Narrator Xe Sands is effective. Solidly recommended.
965 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2023
I enjoyed the book; it was easy reading. I was familiar with Jessie Black and Leary from other books in this series but I don't think the author developed the other major characters enough. As a result they were overwhelmed by Jessie Black.

The story kept my interest although there were times that it became too complicated and felt contrived, especially at the end. I'll probably read more books in the series although I found I liked Jessie less in this book than earlier ones. She's becoming a bit smug and know-it-all.
1,794 reviews15 followers
November 29, 2023
Jesse Black is pulled in to the battle against evil - again. As an Assistant District Attorney, that is her job. But this one is ugly. The author weaves quite the tale to pull the reader in. The clues and evidence are sparse at first, but that does not put Jesse off. In fact she makes a strong connection with a PPD detective who is just as driven as she is. Intuition leads to conclusions that were less than obvious, but the facts bear out the reasoning behind the flow of evil.

Great story for mystery lovers who like a strong female lead.
133 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2019
Good Story, Mediocre Writting

An interesting story covering the unusual topic of men’s rights is told with lack luster, stilted writing where poorly supported conclusions occur forcing the reader to read between the lines often.

It is regrettable that this story, which could have been made into a memorable book, was wasted. The author would do well to team with an accomplished writer.
Profile Image for Brenda Whiteside.
Author 24 books311 followers
September 9, 2023
I’ve read several Jessie Black novels by Mr. Winters. I’ve enjoyed all of them including this one, although I don’t rank this as one of the best. Her partner, Graham, irritated me a few times with his phone. I think you’re supposed to get irritated and feel Jessie’s frustration, but it seemed a bit overdone. Jessie hunting down True_Man seemed forced at times to make it work. But don’t get me wrong. This is an entertaining novel which is the purpose and appreciated.
860 reviews22 followers
January 10, 2024
A well written thriller with relatable characters.
A school shooting, with a cheer squad as targets, sets the scene for a twisted plot to bring the real perpetrator to justice. Not all was what it seemed in the initial investigation.
A page turning story that has you wanting to read what happens next.

A recommended read if you enjoy legal thrillers.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,003 reviews21 followers
May 7, 2019
Excellent!

Everything you're looking for! Drama grabs you with the opening chapter, characters with personality and intensity, plenty of suspense, police procedure, with a legal case out of the headlines. The court scenes near the end are written well and still the action isn't over. I've enjoyed the series and they just get better!
139 reviews
June 9, 2019
Very deadly at times...

Follows the previous books in the series very well. Ms. Black continues to do well in both public and private life, although she needs to learn a bit about self-defense. The author has a good grasp of the legal system which adds to the dialogue. I plan to read all the books in the series.
416 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2019
Who is the real shooter

Readers must not judge the book from the gruesome start. Great character interactions keeps the real plot alive and intriguing. The reader will see the simplistic answer expressed by many to this type of crimes is never right. Great weaving of clues into the story. Ending was surprising but to me a letdown to the rest of the book.
Profile Image for Angel Graham.
Author 1 book33 followers
October 26, 2019
Content Warning. Male Rights Activists. Incels. School Shooting.

This was a hard one, difficult to read. I almost stopped several times. Jessie is likeable. So is Detective Graham. 17 murdered people, 16 of them cheerleaders. Who is True_Man and why did he want them dead? You get the answers as you continue to read.

There is no on page sex.
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