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Blood Red Winter: A Thriller
No good deed goes unpunished...
Two months after his fiancee, Elizabeth Reinhardt, leaves him with no explanation, broken and confused, Trent Lemend is forced to pack up and start over in rural Georgetown, Texas. Believing his life could get no worse, Trent attempts to bury the inner demons of his past.
But when he stumbles upon a terrifying crime scene, Trent's troubles are only just beginning. Discovering that one of the victims, an emaciated, blood-covered woman, is still alive, changes his life in ways he never thought possible.
Saving the woman destroys all that he's ever known. Suddenly, as a witness, he's the killer's number one target. With the murderer on the loose, nobody is safe--especially Elizabeth, the only woman he's ever loved. Now, it's up to Trent to save his ex and reclaim his life. But will he discover a dangerous dark side of his own?
Two months after his fiancee, Elizabeth Reinhardt, leaves him with no explanation, broken and confused, Trent Lemend is forced to pack up and start over in rural Georgetown, Texas. Believing his life could get no worse, Trent attempts to bury the inner demons of his past.
But when he stumbles upon a terrifying crime scene, Trent's troubles are only just beginning. Discovering that one of the victims, an emaciated, blood-covered woman, is still alive, changes his life in ways he never thought possible.
Saving the woman destroys all that he's ever known. Suddenly, as a witness, he's the killer's number one target. With the murderer on the loose, nobody is safe--especially Elizabeth, the only woman he's ever loved. Now, it's up to Trent to save his ex and reclaim his life. But will he discover a dangerous dark side of his own?
- GenresThriller
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2017
265 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
J. Conrad
8 books192 followersJ. writes because she loves the universal resonance of stories and the lessons they teach us about human nature. She thinks it’s amazing that people from all over the world can relate to the fictional characters in books written by authors they’ve never met. It’s something she never gets tired of creating for others or experiencing herself. When J.’s not dreaming up new problems to throw at her unsuspecting characters, she disappears on long walks, animal watches, or finds new books to read. She lives in the southern US with her brilliant husband and a cat who eats too many lizards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 28, 2017
It had me hooked from the beginning. Well written with lots of twists. The main story is inter-gained with chapters from the back story, which did make it a little confusing at times ; but generally a good story that I recommend.
July 10, 2017
A blood-dripping thriller
The deeper into reading Blood Red Winter, I started getting the feeling that all is not as it seems. Sure, the plot appears clear. Trent Lemend has lost himself in a rural Texas town to distance himself from a history of broken relationships only to come across a grizzly murder/torture scene of two women – one barely alive. He calls the police and that’s when Trent’s life becomes a roller coaster ride of doubts, threats and hunted prey.
But my growing suspicions of who and what is the truth makes me feel as if I’m a juror in a murder trail and the constant flashbacks to Trent’s earlier life is like witnessing a cross-examination to determine if Trent is innocent or guilty. The outcome will surprise.
The writing is easy to read and illustrative, putting the reader clearly in each scene. A recommended thriller.
The deeper into reading Blood Red Winter, I started getting the feeling that all is not as it seems. Sure, the plot appears clear. Trent Lemend has lost himself in a rural Texas town to distance himself from a history of broken relationships only to come across a grizzly murder/torture scene of two women – one barely alive. He calls the police and that’s when Trent’s life becomes a roller coaster ride of doubts, threats and hunted prey.
But my growing suspicions of who and what is the truth makes me feel as if I’m a juror in a murder trail and the constant flashbacks to Trent’s earlier life is like witnessing a cross-examination to determine if Trent is innocent or guilty. The outcome will surprise.
The writing is easy to read and illustrative, putting the reader clearly in each scene. A recommended thriller.
July 26, 2017
A gripping psychological thriller that captivates your attention from beginning to end. A true page turning mystery filled with suspense, murder, mystery and an unexpected twist. Kept me guessing throughout. Excellent descriptions, characters and plot. This is a must read for any fan of psychological thrillers. Looking forward to reading more from this talented author
FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
June 10, 2018
Great read! Excellent thriller. Several twists in this tale of how not to go on a walk. I'm not going to do a spoiler here, that would be so nasty. You need to read it for yourself. The character's job finds him embroiled in a horrific find. Then his life is on the line.
August 13, 2017
Blood Red Winter was a nostalgic read for me as it would be for any central Texas resident. The descriptions are vividly depicted and it all checks out in terms of geography. The details of the story were also well researched as a whole, even beyond the geographic locations/history. Another part I loved was the characters. The main narrator, Trent Lemend, and the people around him are extremely relatable, both in the highs and lows of their lives. It was particularly interesting to be following a main character who seems to live such an ordinary life (prior to the events that unfold at least!), shuffling between jobs at a ranch and a gas station. This really makes it a whole lot easier to put yourself in his shoes when the suspenseful aspects of the story kick in.
While I did feel satisfied by the action sequences and the motive of the ultimate, "who," of this, "whodunnit," some of the in-between bits of what leads us to them are just a bit of a stretch. This and a few small editing things here or there are what had me rounding down to 4 rather than up.
Despite these critiques though, I actually preferred the plot of Blood Red Winter to some other comparable popular suspense novels. It grips you right from the beginning and certainly kept me guessing throughout, so consider this one highly recommended!
While I did feel satisfied by the action sequences and the motive of the ultimate, "who," of this, "whodunnit," some of the in-between bits of what leads us to them are just a bit of a stretch. This and a few small editing things here or there are what had me rounding down to 4 rather than up.
Despite these critiques though, I actually preferred the plot of Blood Red Winter to some other comparable popular suspense novels. It grips you right from the beginning and certainly kept me guessing throughout, so consider this one highly recommended!
January 14, 2018
This was my first read for this author. I did figure this one out, but it is a pretty good action and suspense book.
Trent has moved on from his fiance, who wants me time to think about their relationship. She has found out about a previous romance Trent had when he was younger, and now she doesn't trust that he will stay with her if she marries him..So, he heads out, gets two jobs and tries to get his mind clear. But, nothing stays the same, when his boss asks him to check out one of his vacant home so that Trent can fix it up, he finds two bodies..Or at least what he though was 2 bodies, one of the women is still alive.
Trent calls 911 and gets the police there, but this is the start of his problems..SOmeone is now trying to kill Trent, but why. He is first working and sees someine in a car, and then the man starts to fire on him. He gets away and reports it to the police. Now he thinks someone is trying to kill him because he was reported the two women he found..
This is a fast read and will keep you interested..
Trent has moved on from his fiance, who wants me time to think about their relationship. She has found out about a previous romance Trent had when he was younger, and now she doesn't trust that he will stay with her if she marries him..So, he heads out, gets two jobs and tries to get his mind clear. But, nothing stays the same, when his boss asks him to check out one of his vacant home so that Trent can fix it up, he finds two bodies..Or at least what he though was 2 bodies, one of the women is still alive.
Trent calls 911 and gets the police there, but this is the start of his problems..SOmeone is now trying to kill Trent, but why. He is first working and sees someine in a car, and then the man starts to fire on him. He gets away and reports it to the police. Now he thinks someone is trying to kill him because he was reported the two women he found..
This is a fast read and will keep you interested..
June 14, 2018
If you’re going to pick up this riveting read, it would be a good idea to buy some ‘ready meals’. I began reading thinking it would be for a few hours. I had a lovely day reading compulsively, but when my husband came in from work at 8pm, I was still unable to put this book down which meant he had no dinner.
I was caught up with Trent’s life. He was likeable despite his faults, and I enjoyed seeing the events unfold through his eyes. It was also interesting having the male point of view on certain issues. I think I should have guessed earlier who ‘did it’ but I didn’t as this very talented author kept me engaged in the immediate problems our hero was facing.
All the characters were interesting and believable, wonderful detail and descriptions and in hindsight, there were some red-herrings. It’s all rounded off neatly right to the last line.
After two days of solid reading, I think I should go and cook my husband some tea. Next time I pick up one of J. Conrad’s books I will make sure I’m prepared for the long-haul. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I was caught up with Trent’s life. He was likeable despite his faults, and I enjoyed seeing the events unfold through his eyes. It was also interesting having the male point of view on certain issues. I think I should have guessed earlier who ‘did it’ but I didn’t as this very talented author kept me engaged in the immediate problems our hero was facing.
All the characters were interesting and believable, wonderful detail and descriptions and in hindsight, there were some red-herrings. It’s all rounded off neatly right to the last line.
After two days of solid reading, I think I should go and cook my husband some tea. Next time I pick up one of J. Conrad’s books I will make sure I’m prepared for the long-haul. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
June 1, 2018
Trent’s life has taken a bad turn, but unfortunately for him his breakup is just the start. I was gripped as things quickly spiraled out of control. I loved the way the story showed not only the present problems that were compounding as the story progressed, but also his dark past. Wow, as the past unfolded I was heartbroken for everyone involved. The supporting characters were interesting especially a later character who I won’t name as I don’t want to give away anything. What I found most impressive about the characterization was that even though Trent wasn’t the kind of character you with bond strongly with, by the end I did care about what happened to him. The end was satisfying, and I liked that if you are paying attention you can figure it out before the reveal. This is a fast-paced read that I read in one stretch. If you are looking for your next psychological thriller give this one a read.
November 11, 2017
I Didn't See the End Coming as Written
This was the first time I read a book by this author. I didn't particularly like the book because the writer went back and forth in time throughout the story. Due to a few reasons, I have a hard time bouncing back and forth in time when reading a book. I will say I did not expect the the way the story ended - it was a surprise as to who the criminal was. I never thought of this character as the villain.
I will more than likely read this story again sometime in the not too distant future. Knowing the difficulty I had keeping the story straight in my mind, I will probably keep notes to help me out. I do not like starting a book and not finishing the story due to difficulties I encounter when i read a book........especially when the difficulties are with me and not the author or the book.
This was the first time I read a book by this author. I didn't particularly like the book because the writer went back and forth in time throughout the story. Due to a few reasons, I have a hard time bouncing back and forth in time when reading a book. I will say I did not expect the the way the story ended - it was a surprise as to who the criminal was. I never thought of this character as the villain.
I will more than likely read this story again sometime in the not too distant future. Knowing the difficulty I had keeping the story straight in my mind, I will probably keep notes to help me out. I do not like starting a book and not finishing the story due to difficulties I encounter when i read a book........especially when the difficulties are with me and not the author or the book.
January 3, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was gripping and intriguing and the mystery was well played out. I felt terribly sorry for Trent. I mean, he REALLY had a bad few months and all because of something he wasn't REALLY to blame for. A part of, sure, but to blame for? No. That makes no difference, though when the sins of the past catch up to him. I read this in a day and was sufficiently gripped to buy the second book immediately after. The characters are well explored and I could see them in my minds eye, and the action scenes specifically I could see playing out on the pages. It's well written and a recommended light read.
January 25, 2018
A gripping thriller. The 'hero' is a bit of a loser, and I didn't totally warm to him, but his actions were realistic under the horrific circumstances he finds himself in. He does seem to mature a little by the end of the story.
I kind of guessed the identity of the killer near the end, but the story was well enough written that it still kept me engaged. A page turner, and the kind of thing that can keep you reading until the small hours.
I kind of guessed the identity of the killer near the end, but the story was well enough written that it still kept me engaged. A page turner, and the kind of thing that can keep you reading until the small hours.
September 30, 2018
Very good book
Mr. Conrad did an excellent job in keeping the person behind the killings and near killings, until the very end. I did think, however, the responsible person was revealed in a very low-key fashion, almost in a hohum manner, as an afterthought. There was also an excessive amount of describing physical assaults on one person. In real life he would have been dead! Still a good book.
Mr. Conrad did an excellent job in keeping the person behind the killings and near killings, until the very end. I did think, however, the responsible person was revealed in a very low-key fashion, almost in a hohum manner, as an afterthought. There was also an excessive amount of describing physical assaults on one person. In real life he would have been dead! Still a good book.
September 7, 2017
Blood Red Winter
What a great mystery. From the 1st page to last was action packed. The storyline was exciting and full of energy. Though the my read I was wondering about Mary's father, I couldn't figure out his age. The enter action of the characters were well written with in the book.
What a great mystery. From the 1st page to last was action packed. The storyline was exciting and full of energy. Though the my read I was wondering about Mary's father, I couldn't figure out his age. The enter action of the characters were well written with in the book.
June 4, 2018
This is a gritty murder mystery with a good character lead; a story that is set in Texas.
It is fast-paced and told in the first-person narrative, which gives it the gritty downbeat feel. I did notice a couple of typos but it didn't detract from the good writing style and tone.
The plot, though not original, had enough bones to keep interest...and talking of bones, that first scene was a great hook.
Overall, a worthy read for this genre.
It is fast-paced and told in the first-person narrative, which gives it the gritty downbeat feel. I did notice a couple of typos but it didn't detract from the good writing style and tone.
The plot, though not original, had enough bones to keep interest...and talking of bones, that first scene was a great hook.
Overall, a worthy read for this genre.
July 9, 2018
I was hooked on Blood Red Winter from the first page and found it hard to put down. I wanted to know who done-it and was unsuccessful in guessing among the usual suspects. It was an atmospheric book with an imperfect hero, (I liked this), and a selection of interesting other characters. I believe that other thriller readers will enjoy this moody tale from Texas.
August 3, 2018
Blood Red Winter is a fast and furious read that spares few of its characters from life's violence. Trent may not be the most sympathetic hero in history, but he certainly keeps a plot rolling: indeed, it's largely the pace, J. Conrad's finest authorial achievement, that keeps you guessing. A great read for thriller lovers; expect difficulties in putting it down.
June 19, 2021
Whilst this was a fun read,I couldn't really take it seriously.
The main character seemed to go from loser,to action hero lounging on the sofa a bit too easily.
I think the bad guy was a bit too predictable too.
Sets itself up nicely for next book in series,where I wonder,Is the authour going to mention food quite so much again?
The main character seemed to go from loser,to action hero lounging on the sofa a bit too easily.
I think the bad guy was a bit too predictable too.
Sets itself up nicely for next book in series,where I wonder,Is the authour going to mention food quite so much again?
August 10, 2021
I enjoyed this psychological thriller. I liked the way the author explains Trent's past through flashbacks. This story is well written with believable characters that kept me turning the pages. I did not see the ending coming. I would highly recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
February 9, 2018
Intriguing, then frustrating
A story about a hapless loser who makes poor decisions and suffers epic bad luck, Blood Red Winter presents a horrific crime on a richly painted canvas. I wish there were some better payoffs to the main plotlines, but it did hold my interest.
A story about a hapless loser who makes poor decisions and suffers epic bad luck, Blood Red Winter presents a horrific crime on a richly painted canvas. I wish there were some better payoffs to the main plotlines, but it did hold my interest.
February 12, 2018
Really good read. Writing was excellent and kept up the pace well. I thought the main character made some very poor decisions, but that was realistic. i especially liked the authors description of setting. Highly recommend this book!
February 24, 2018
Suspenseful and imaginative.
The Author did a smashing job of starting with clues here and there. Then ending with bringing it all together to a thrilling conclusion. I really enjoyed the e book.
The Author did a smashing job of starting with clues here and there. Then ending with bringing it all together to a thrilling conclusion. I really enjoyed the e book.
July 21, 2017
Interesting and unsuspecting twist
I thought I could see the twist but did not. Nice job on keeping the reader engaged. I read this in a day as it kept me wanting more.
I thought I could see the twist but did not. Nice job on keeping the reader engaged. I read this in a day as it kept me wanting more.
September 15, 2017
A solid, well thought out mystery but a little predictable and I never warmed to the central character.
October 18, 2017
Different
The main character in this book is a loser. His story is sad but a part of me thinks he earned what he got. I did not find it hard to put this book down.
The main character in this book is a loser. His story is sad but a part of me thinks he earned what he got. I did not find it hard to put this book down.
February 6, 2018
Weak
It lacked depth, way to may things did not make any since, even in the end when author tried to wrap it all up. There were just to many actions that defied normal behavior.
It lacked depth, way to may things did not make any since, even in the end when author tried to wrap it all up. There were just to many actions that defied normal behavior.
February 18, 2018
This is my first book I've read written by J. Conrad.
And, it won't be the last. It is well written, and the characters are very believable.
So many books, not enough time!
And, it won't be the last. It is well written, and the characters are very believable.
So many books, not enough time!
April 13, 2018
Good book
Nice reading. You have a unique style. I look forward to reading more of your work. Keep it up kiddo.
Nice reading. You have a unique style. I look forward to reading more of your work. Keep it up kiddo.
April 16, 2018
A pretty good book. Based in Texas hill country.
April 26, 2018
I enjoyed trying to figure out who the villain was in this book. It took me almost the entire story to do so, which is what made it so good. Fans as of suspense will surely enjoy this one...
June 10, 2018
Good read
A thriller for sure. Kept me guessing the entire time. It was a very far fetched story line, but also somewhat believable.
A thriller for sure. Kept me guessing the entire time. It was a very far fetched story line, but also somewhat believable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews