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The Jefferson Files: Extended Edition
It is 1806; a powerful and criminal secret society has almost complete control over many of the elected officials, international finance, and commerce in the young nation. Its leaders arrange for a dissident to be brutally murdered and left floating in the Potomac River so that the body surfaces within clear site of Thomas Jefferson’s White House.
This criminal act is intended to send a message to the President and all those around him: ‘the society’s power should know no limit – elected officials – including the president – must acknowledge and support us, allow us to do whatever we want, when and wherever we choose, or suffer the consequences’.
This criminal act is intended to send a message to the President and all those around him: ‘the society’s power should know no limit – elected officials – including the president – must acknowledge and support us, allow us to do whatever we want, when and wherever we choose, or suffer the consequences’.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
314 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2015
15 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Martin Herman
7 books33 followersMartin Herman was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and currently lives in Connecticut, midway up a small mountain.
For more than forty years he led a series of start-ups and troubled businesses towards stronger bottom line results, here and abroad.
Although he has written and published articles and short stories under a series of pen names since his early teens, it was not until he approached his 75th birthday that he published his first full length mystery novel, “The JeffersonFiles – the expanded edition” – a historical murder mystery, (now in its 8th printing).
The response from readers as young as 10 all the way up to a 93 to the protagonist, Will James, sparked enough interest to turn it into a series. With the launch of his newest novel, there are now four more novels in this series – “The Hidden Treasure Files” – an international thriller; “The Sweet Revenge Files” – a who dun nit that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page; , “The Return to Sender Files”, pitting Will James against a very clever cybercriminal who seems to be well on the way to bringing the entire civilized world to its knees and the newest novel in this series,.The 1st Tuesday of the Month Murder Files.
Late last year Martin released two new books. One, a book of short stories titled, “A Very Special Dress & Other Stories with his daughter Aimee, already a published author on her own, and a biography of a still active 93-year-old Hartford musician, Howard M. Hill.
He is currently writing a novel that follows eight generations of a family of grifters, scam artists, and swindlers who skillfully cheat the rich, the famous, and the infamous, over a 400 year period. Also scheduled for release in the next year is a book on business basics based on his 40 year career as a turn-around expert.
He also teaches writing at U-CONN, Waterbury, as part of their OLLI program.
For more than forty years he led a series of start-ups and troubled businesses towards stronger bottom line results, here and abroad.
Although he has written and published articles and short stories under a series of pen names since his early teens, it was not until he approached his 75th birthday that he published his first full length mystery novel, “The JeffersonFiles – the expanded edition” – a historical murder mystery, (now in its 8th printing).
The response from readers as young as 10 all the way up to a 93 to the protagonist, Will James, sparked enough interest to turn it into a series. With the launch of his newest novel, there are now four more novels in this series – “The Hidden Treasure Files” – an international thriller; “The Sweet Revenge Files” – a who dun nit that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page; , “The Return to Sender Files”, pitting Will James against a very clever cybercriminal who seems to be well on the way to bringing the entire civilized world to its knees and the newest novel in this series,.The 1st Tuesday of the Month Murder Files.
Late last year Martin released two new books. One, a book of short stories titled, “A Very Special Dress & Other Stories with his daughter Aimee, already a published author on her own, and a biography of a still active 93-year-old Hartford musician, Howard M. Hill.
He is currently writing a novel that follows eight generations of a family of grifters, scam artists, and swindlers who skillfully cheat the rich, the famous, and the infamous, over a 400 year period. Also scheduled for release in the next year is a book on business basics based on his 40 year career as a turn-around expert.
He also teaches writing at U-CONN, Waterbury, as part of their OLLI program.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 15, 2015
One hundred percent transparency: This book was written by my father, who I am immensely proud of writing this incredible book.
As a reader (and I eat books as though they are meals), I truly loved the storyline and the incredible amount of research that went into this. People call books, PAGE TURNERS, but this one really is. I could not put it down, because I had to know what happened next! I love books that span years and this one spanned centuries!
I definitely suggest this book to anyone who likes historical fiction novels, books for young adults who like suspense and history, books for anyone with an interest in mystery!
As a reader (and I eat books as though they are meals), I truly loved the storyline and the incredible amount of research that went into this. People call books, PAGE TURNERS, but this one really is. I could not put it down, because I had to know what happened next! I love books that span years and this one spanned centuries!
I definitely suggest this book to anyone who likes historical fiction novels, books for young adults who like suspense and history, books for anyone with an interest in mystery!
January 12, 2020
3.5 Stars
An unusual mystery, formatted strangely as if you’re reading a case file or newspaper. At first I struggled with the jumping timelines, however this book ultimately won me over with its intriguing storyline and character dynamics. When reading pay close attention to the carefully detailed dates and locations of each chapter, as it constantly changes and bounces through a roughly 200 year time frame. With a shocking twist in the last third that I didn’t see coming, this book left me with more questions than answers and a legitimate worry for the main character at the end. 3.5 stars for an engrossing historical intrigue.
An unusual mystery, formatted strangely as if you’re reading a case file or newspaper. At first I struggled with the jumping timelines, however this book ultimately won me over with its intriguing storyline and character dynamics. When reading pay close attention to the carefully detailed dates and locations of each chapter, as it constantly changes and bounces through a roughly 200 year time frame. With a shocking twist in the last third that I didn’t see coming, this book left me with more questions than answers and a legitimate worry for the main character at the end. 3.5 stars for an engrossing historical intrigue.
June 24, 2017
Possible Spoilers: The story is good. But from the middle to the end, I got tired of the characters and how they interacted. All shouting and being kinda stupid, IMHO. But I finished the book. Interesting ideas and tied together at the end. I will read the second book.
February 19, 2019
I really enjoy historical fiction, but most of the books I've read in that genre are from the early 20th century-WWII, so this part of history is newer for me. I enjoyed reading a book that's from the perspective of someone lower on the social ladder, as it provided a unique viewpoint that we might not otherwise get. Thomas Jefferson is such a fascinating character that I'm always glad to learn more about him. The writing style is straightforward and is easily accessible for readers from middle and high school.
June 25, 2017
Enjoyed the mystery.
Left me guessing till the end.
Left me guessing till the end.
November 4, 2017
Story at times seemed too contrived and didn't really flow. Would have appreciated a story that was more historically correct.
July 21, 2017
An absolutely fascinating historical snippet, with creative licence, about Thomas Jefferson and a group of influential movers and shakers from the revolution to the modern day about which I and most people know nothing. An intriguing mystery to be solved quite cleverly. But I wanted more history, more details, more description, more nuance. And one of the characters at the end behaved in a manner not in keeping with his previously established personality. Even so it was a lot of fun and well worth the read.
April 22, 2017
I read The Jefferson Files in one weekend. It's a wonderful story filled with history, intrigue, and believable characters. It kept my interest from the first page to the last, I just had to know what was going to happen next! Very well written and edited, it's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a mystery which goes between the past and the present. The plot works very well and holds interest all the way through the book. Looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the series.
March 1, 2019
Martin Herman's book "The Jefferson Files" is a real page turner! I didn't think I was into historical fiction, but I loved it. Kept me guessing right up to the last page. Can't wait for his next novel!
April 18, 2020
I am enjoying reading this series (I am on the second one after the author kindly numbered the order of them for me) but I struggle with the switches - forwarded and backward in time - as I am very linear in my thinking. I'll start number 3 later today.
December 15, 2015
Really good book but the ending seemed rushed. I really enjoyed reading this new authors book.
August 18, 2017
A very interesting read...especially in THIS time.
May 12, 2020
Entertaining.
July 7, 2021
I just don't know. I actually really like this author and have read most of his books while the rest are on my to read shelf. All the stories are so entertaining and fun to read however if you ask me if they're good... lol I mean...I love them, I would and do recommend them but the stories themselves are way far fetched and the dialog is kinda of silly and the way the characters interact with each other is so unnatural, so good books? Not necessarily, but I love them like a bad soap opera.
September 5, 2019
I had the good fortune to meet the author at an art/craft in Hyannis this past weekend.. was intrigued by the back cover- signed copy made it even better BUT when I got to reading!! I was hooked.. wished I had bought the whole series not just the first book! The author has done a great job where you can read them without going in order as well.. just FYI! get the book! you wont be disappointed!
June 22, 2025
I think I’d give this a 2.8 - I enjoyed reading and deciphering the historical fact vs fiction aspect but the writing just wasn’t my style. I had a hard time liking any of the characters and felt like some of the bigger plot points were discussed so quickly and only one paragraph of explanation. The ending lost me a little bit.
March 12, 2018
This is my first venture into reading Martin Herman and I really enjoyed the book. It kept me engaged right up to the end. I’m not a big historical fiction reader but Mr. Herman just might change that.
August 29, 2018
I met the author at an event and bought thos book, because I like historical fiction. I really enjoyed the story telling and how he weaved the past and the present together making for a page turning adventure. Truly an enjoyable read.
January 16, 2024
As a person who dreaded reading as a child. It was basically pulling teeth to get me to read. As an adult. This is the first voluntary book I have read withing a week. For someone who grew in the special reading classes I'm so proud of myself to finish this book IN UNDER A WEEK
November 11, 2025
The Jefferson Files grabbed me from the first page! The mix of historical detail and edge-of-your-seat suspense is brilliant. The secret society plot had me hooked, and that murder scene, wow! Martin Herman does an amazing job blending real history with an intense thriller. Highly recommend!
November 11, 2025
What a fantastic read! The Jefferson Files is smart, fast-paced, and totally gripping. The twist with the murder and the secret society was unexpected and kept me guessing. Herman really nails the historical vibe while keeping the suspense high. I couldn’t put it down!
November 11, 2025
If you love a good political thriller, this one’s for you. The Jefferson Files is packed with intrigue and historical depth. The dark, secret society controlling everything? Brilliant. Martin Herman has created a story that’s both exciting and thought-provoking. Don’t miss this one!
January 2, 2023
The characters and storyline were interesting. The editing however was atrocious, with numerous grammatical errors, typos, and an entire repeated section.
March 13, 2023
The timeline did make it difficult to follow the characters. There were occassions where the timeline in the character's life didn't seem to fit. Some of the history was off.
September 9, 2024
Suspenseful and interesting!
June 25, 2017
This was the first book by Martin Herman that I read,
The title gets you thinking - hidden treasure ? Is it something special that was handed down by family members, is it more than a physical item. Hidden treasure - could be a lot of different things depending on who is looking at them.
As I read Hidden Treasures I found that out!
A great mystery. That took many different turns because of a variety of different 'hidden treasures' and what each one meant to the individuals protecting.
Loved this book.
So far I have read all three Will James Mysteries - and I will read more if/when they come out. For now Hidden Treasure is my favorite.
A must read for anyone who likes mysterious and has their own hidden treasures.
The title gets you thinking - hidden treasure ? Is it something special that was handed down by family members, is it more than a physical item. Hidden treasure - could be a lot of different things depending on who is looking at them.
As I read Hidden Treasures I found that out!
A great mystery. That took many different turns because of a variety of different 'hidden treasures' and what each one meant to the individuals protecting.
Loved this book.
So far I have read all three Will James Mysteries - and I will read more if/when they come out. For now Hidden Treasure is my favorite.
A must read for anyone who likes mysterious and has their own hidden treasures.
July 25, 2018
A captivating read with suspenseful twists and turns. A brave and highly intelligent family flee from a country of hatred and fear to provide a better life for their family, especially the children. While the story is intertwined with good vs. evil, the importance of family and the lengths taken to save them pervades as the search for a cure for cancer continues. The ending brings warmth to your soul. Read and find out!
November 14, 2018
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did despite meeting the very interesting author in person at a recent art fair in CT. The author has a unique style of writing which I found very enjoyable and the story kept my interest with every page. It was hard to put down as the book kept leading me in a direction that was always surprising. Look forward to reading another Martin Herman novel.
February 20, 2017
fun read, look forward to reading his first book too!
March 28, 2020
Just finished reading this for the second time. Don't know why I didn't remember reading before.
But it's a quick read and it kept my attention.
But it's a quick read and it kept my attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews