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The Killing Seasons #1
A Winter's Kill
It’s winter, and a new kind of predator has just come out of hibernation.
All summer long he has been hibernating, just like the bears do in winter. During the fall he spent his months preparing, getting ready, making sure this season would be his best ever. And when winter finally comes…he’ll hunt.
The winters in Willow Falls, Iowa are cold, brutal and unforgiving. And so is the town’s newest visitor. Except he’s not passing through. He’s here on vacation, for some fun and he’s going to stay for a while.
They call him “Robin Hood”, a winter serial killer who has left a gruesome trail of horror and death across four Midwestern states. His grisly trademark is skewering his victims to tree trunks using a hunting crossbow.
Now he’s here…
For ex-FBI Special Agent Carolyn Ryder, winter is the season to reflect, to come home, to take stock and to grieve. Willow Falls for her is filled with sorrow and regret. She has returned to her hometown to bury her mother after a long battle with illness. Her sister blames Carolyn for not caring, for not being there for her and their mother, for being a cold, dispassionate person who was more interested in building her career than in the family.
In the close-knit community of Willow Falls, Ryder has no reputation, no authority and no say with the townsfolk. To them she’s a stranger, an outsider, someone who can’t be trusted.
Then the first body is discovered; a local, a teenage girl found almost crucified to a white pine deep in the forest.
The local police aren’t equipped to deal with something like this, yet they stubbornly refuse Ryder’s help. With no support, Ryder decides to go it alone, to follow the clues herself, to trust her instincts. Slowly she starts to formulate a theory as to who the killer is. But no one will believe her. It’s too incredible to conceive.
Lock the doors, check the windows, stoke the fire and keep the lights on. It’s winter, and a new kind of predator has just come out of hibernation.
All summer long he has been hibernating, just like the bears do in winter. During the fall he spent his months preparing, getting ready, making sure this season would be his best ever. And when winter finally comes…he’ll hunt.
The winters in Willow Falls, Iowa are cold, brutal and unforgiving. And so is the town’s newest visitor. Except he’s not passing through. He’s here on vacation, for some fun and he’s going to stay for a while.
They call him “Robin Hood”, a winter serial killer who has left a gruesome trail of horror and death across four Midwestern states. His grisly trademark is skewering his victims to tree trunks using a hunting crossbow.
Now he’s here…
For ex-FBI Special Agent Carolyn Ryder, winter is the season to reflect, to come home, to take stock and to grieve. Willow Falls for her is filled with sorrow and regret. She has returned to her hometown to bury her mother after a long battle with illness. Her sister blames Carolyn for not caring, for not being there for her and their mother, for being a cold, dispassionate person who was more interested in building her career than in the family.
In the close-knit community of Willow Falls, Ryder has no reputation, no authority and no say with the townsfolk. To them she’s a stranger, an outsider, someone who can’t be trusted.
Then the first body is discovered; a local, a teenage girl found almost crucified to a white pine deep in the forest.
The local police aren’t equipped to deal with something like this, yet they stubbornly refuse Ryder’s help. With no support, Ryder decides to go it alone, to follow the clues herself, to trust her instincts. Slowly she starts to formulate a theory as to who the killer is. But no one will believe her. It’s too incredible to conceive.
Lock the doors, check the windows, stoke the fire and keep the lights on. It’s winter, and a new kind of predator has just come out of hibernation.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2019
2655 people are currently reading
2710 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Ellem
35 books220 followersJK Ellem was born in London and spent his formative years preferring to read books and comics rather than doing his homework.
He is the innovative author of short chapter, Hitchcock-style adult thrillers in the genres of crime, mystery, and psychological thrillers which have multiple plot lines that culminate in explosive, unpredictable endings that will leave you shocked.
In 2022 he was accepted into the Curtis Brown Creative, Writing Your Novel in Six Months course which he undertook in London while working on his manuscript for future submission.
He splits his time between the US, the UK and Australia.
Are you following JKE on Amazon? Great way to keep up-to-date with all my new releases, prime and kindle deals. Just click on the Follow Button found at the top of his author page. By following me you will receive notifications about all deals on all his books.
Just click here and "Follow"→ https://amzn.to/3qK8YI2
Why not curl up and read one of his can't put down thrillers:
Ravenwood Series:
Mill Point Road
Ravenwood
The Sisterhood
An Unkindness of Sinners
The Killing Seasons:
A Winter’s Kill
A Spring Kill
A Summer's Kill
A Fall Kill
A Wintry Kill
A Dark Kill
A Forgotten Kill
Thrillers:
All Other Sins
Murder School
Audrey Kills Again!
Taxi Man
No Justice Series:
Deadly Touch
No Justice
Cold Justice
American Justice
Fast Justice
Sinful Justice
Dark Justice
Hidden Justice
Raw Justice
Final Justice
Octagon Trilogy:
Soldiers Field
Octagon
Infernum
Visit my Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jkellem
Follow me on Facebook: https://goo.gl/pQZ9Du
Follow me on Instagram: https://goo.gl/jLKruA
Visit my YouTube Channel : https://bit.ly/3pMqV5X
He is the innovative author of short chapter, Hitchcock-style adult thrillers in the genres of crime, mystery, and psychological thrillers which have multiple plot lines that culminate in explosive, unpredictable endings that will leave you shocked.
In 2022 he was accepted into the Curtis Brown Creative, Writing Your Novel in Six Months course which he undertook in London while working on his manuscript for future submission.
He splits his time between the US, the UK and Australia.
Are you following JKE on Amazon? Great way to keep up-to-date with all my new releases, prime and kindle deals. Just click on the Follow Button found at the top of his author page. By following me you will receive notifications about all deals on all his books.
Just click here and "Follow"→ https://amzn.to/3qK8YI2
Why not curl up and read one of his can't put down thrillers:
Ravenwood Series:
Mill Point Road
Ravenwood
The Sisterhood
An Unkindness of Sinners
The Killing Seasons:
A Winter’s Kill
A Spring Kill
A Summer's Kill
A Fall Kill
A Wintry Kill
A Dark Kill
A Forgotten Kill
Thrillers:
All Other Sins
Murder School
Audrey Kills Again!
Taxi Man
No Justice Series:
Deadly Touch
No Justice
Cold Justice
American Justice
Fast Justice
Sinful Justice
Dark Justice
Hidden Justice
Raw Justice
Final Justice
Octagon Trilogy:
Soldiers Field
Octagon
Infernum
Visit my Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jkellem
Follow me on Facebook: https://goo.gl/pQZ9Du
Follow me on Instagram: https://goo.gl/jLKruA
Visit my YouTube Channel : https://bit.ly/3pMqV5X
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
March 7, 2019
WOW....An intriguing story tracking a real life monster!! The descriptions are so that I could see every scene playing before my eyes, on the edge of my seat through some harrowing moments..Carolyn Ryder, ex-FBI agent, is back in Willow Falls after her Mom's death, and the town people are all uneasy with her around. Once she left this town she rarely returned, so people here do not trust her at all..Until a murdered body is found!
The police force in town tries it's best but has no ability to investigate such a horrible scene, but refuses to let the ex-agent help at all. Carolyn finds different and strange things going on, and can't help investigating. She believes a serial killer , who has criss-crossed the country, Is the person now in their town..But No One will Believe her!!
A fascinating, harrowing story that will have you checking the locks in your house every lonely night!!!
The police force in town tries it's best but has no ability to investigate such a horrible scene, but refuses to let the ex-agent help at all. Carolyn finds different and strange things going on, and can't help investigating. She believes a serial killer , who has criss-crossed the country, Is the person now in their town..But No One will Believe her!!
A fascinating, harrowing story that will have you checking the locks in your house every lonely night!!!
June 11, 2021
Another up-all-night-serial-killer-thriller that sent goosebumps up and down my spine – exactly what I’ve come to expect from J. K. Ellem! Be forewarned that the crimes here are gruesome and grisly – and may not work for the faint of heart or those readers prone to nightmares.
No longer an FBI agent, Carolyn Ryder returns to her hometown of Willow Falls, Iowa for the first time in many years to attend the funeral of her mother and to help her sister settle the estate. You might say that wherever the former agent goes trouble follows, and it isn’t long before she’s knee-deep in another dark and gruesome mass murder case. And this time she might have found herself the target of a madman with a crossbow.
The less you know about the plot, the more thrills and chills to experience as the crime spree unfolds. The killer’s identity becomes apparent early on through his carelessness – but his motive is vague and perplexing, and those nasty details are slowly unraveled as the hunter becomes the hunted.
Ellem is off to a great start with his Killings Seasons series. This author’s strong expertise for imagery, descriptions and landscapes never fails to please me. A true example of “the devil’s in the details,” and that makes it my favorite kind of read. There were a few questions left unanswered, and I hope those answers will come with the arrival of the next book in this new series.
A perfect reading escape for psychological thriller fans who like to read on the dark side.
June 22, 2019
NC-17 Graphic murders, kidnap, torture, maiming, sex slavery. Then it morphs into science-fantasy.
Think you have a strong stomach? Here’s what the serial killer does to a victim, who is still alive. “Reaching out he twisted, pulled, wrenched, tearing flesh, ripping muscle, splintering bone.”
This psychopath takes his winter vacations in northern states. His POV chapters are creepy as he reconnoiters, stalks, and kidnaps women. He releases the women into snowy forests, gives them a head-start, tracks them, shoots to maim, patches them up, makes them run, shoots them again. You get the idea.
He’s being hunted by Carolyn Ryder, an ex-FBI agent who specialized in serial killers, and a skilled hunter/guide named Beau Hodges—6’6” 300 pounds of brawn and brains.
As the story progresses, the killer becomes stronger and faster with increasing endurance. Soon he’s a combination of CW Arrowverse’s Flash with some of Supergirl’s invincibility. That said, he later fights through unbelievable injuries. During one battle with Ryder and Hodges, I saw comic book storyboards in my mind. Hodges grabs the killer, swings him like a human pendulum, then smashes him on the ceramic sink, the refrigerator, granite countertop. It’s horrific . . . but a bit funny. Not strictly CW and not DC movies.
Then I remembered HULK SMASH, so I googled “The Avengers Hulk smash Loki.” It’s on YouTube: Hulk swinging Loki and smashing him into the concrete floor. Swing. Smash. Swing. Smash. Repeat. Hulk: “Puny god.”
In novels it’s never that easy or even amusing when protagonists fight deadly murderers. There’s a running battle—actually hard trudging through snow—with Ryder and rage-fueled Hodges pursuing the killer. For more, you can read the book.
2.5 stars
Think you have a strong stomach? Here’s what the serial killer does to a victim, who is still alive. “Reaching out he twisted, pulled, wrenched, tearing flesh, ripping muscle, splintering bone.”
This psychopath takes his winter vacations in northern states. His POV chapters are creepy as he reconnoiters, stalks, and kidnaps women. He releases the women into snowy forests, gives them a head-start, tracks them, shoots to maim, patches them up, makes them run, shoots them again. You get the idea.
He’s being hunted by Carolyn Ryder, an ex-FBI agent who specialized in serial killers, and a skilled hunter/guide named Beau Hodges—6’6” 300 pounds of brawn and brains.
As the story progresses, the killer becomes stronger and faster with increasing endurance. Soon he’s a combination of CW Arrowverse’s Flash with some of Supergirl’s invincibility. That said, he later fights through unbelievable injuries. During one battle with Ryder and Hodges, I saw comic book storyboards in my mind. Hodges grabs the killer, swings him like a human pendulum, then smashes him on the ceramic sink, the refrigerator, granite countertop. It’s horrific . . . but a bit funny. Not strictly CW and not DC movies.
Then I remembered HULK SMASH, so I googled “The Avengers Hulk smash Loki.” It’s on YouTube: Hulk swinging Loki and smashing him into the concrete floor. Swing. Smash. Swing. Smash. Repeat. Hulk: “Puny god.”
In novels it’s never that easy or even amusing when protagonists fight deadly murderers. There’s a running battle—actually hard trudging through snow—with Ryder and rage-fueled Hodges pursuing the killer. For more, you can read the book.
2.5 stars
January 13, 2025
Slow start & slightly Disappointed in knowing the killer for what felt like most of the book but we recovered with a few surprises in the end.
Will be trying Spring next!
Will be trying Spring next!
June 27, 2020
Sit down, relax and enjoy the ride..
This is a rollercoaster ride of a story. I couldn't put it down. I'm new to this author but after reading Mill Point Rd, cover to cover last night, I wanted more.
There were parts in this story that resonated with me deeply and made the story all the more real and terrifying for it. Monsters really do exist.
If I'm honest there was a moment near the end when the realms of reality were stretched a little to far for my liking, however it did not distract from the fact that this is a great story and another book that begs to be read with no interruptions from start to finish. I am intrigued to find out more about Carolyn and will definitely be checking out more from Mr Ellem. Xx
This is a rollercoaster ride of a story. I couldn't put it down. I'm new to this author but after reading Mill Point Rd, cover to cover last night, I wanted more.
There were parts in this story that resonated with me deeply and made the story all the more real and terrifying for it. Monsters really do exist.
If I'm honest there was a moment near the end when the realms of reality were stretched a little to far for my liking, however it did not distract from the fact that this is a great story and another book that begs to be read with no interruptions from start to finish. I am intrigued to find out more about Carolyn and will definitely be checking out more from Mr Ellem. Xx
May 1, 2025
This was an unputdownable read! The story follows former FBI special agent Carolyn Ryder as she returns to her hometown after her mother's death. I wasn’t sure how things would kick off, but it didn’t take long before I was completely hooked. A hunter is on the loose and Carolyn finds herself right smack in the middle of it. The mystery kept me guessing, and the unexpected twist was so well done. Every move the hunter makes feels precise and brutal, as if he’s been preparing for this moment in ways no one could predict. The narrator, Cassandra Alling does a wonderful job portraying Carolyn, the hunter, and many of the other characters. The tones and inflections used were spot on and she kept me engaged till the very end.
If you’re looking for a gripping addictive thriller from start to finish check this one out!
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted audiobook.
If you’re looking for a gripping addictive thriller from start to finish check this one out!
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted audiobook.
August 1, 2020
Thrilling!
This book definitely kept me guessing with all the twists and turns it had. I really liked the female lead, Carolyn (an interesting name for a character born in the 1990s… Just doesn't seem like anyone has been named Carolyn in the last 75 years… But that's the only thing that wasn't believable about this book) Carolyn is a former FBI agent that returns to her hometown for her mothers funeral. When she returns, a serial killer has also arrived in her small town as well which begins an interesting and well written cat and mouse game. I know the author is writing another book so I look forward to seeing what develops in the later books of this series.
Besides not liking the name of the main character… (would a bad ass FBI agent really be named Carolyn? LOL I don't think so… ok, ok, I’ll let it go...) I really really loved this book, another up all night thriller from JK Ellem!
This book definitely kept me guessing with all the twists and turns it had. I really liked the female lead, Carolyn (an interesting name for a character born in the 1990s… Just doesn't seem like anyone has been named Carolyn in the last 75 years… But that's the only thing that wasn't believable about this book) Carolyn is a former FBI agent that returns to her hometown for her mothers funeral. When she returns, a serial killer has also arrived in her small town as well which begins an interesting and well written cat and mouse game. I know the author is writing another book so I look forward to seeing what develops in the later books of this series.
Besides not liking the name of the main character… (would a bad ass FBI agent really be named Carolyn? LOL I don't think so… ok, ok, I’ll let it go...) I really really loved this book, another up all night thriller from JK Ellem!
December 2, 2025
A Winter’s Kill is one of those atmospheric winter thrillers that pulls you in before you even realize it. J.K. Ellen nails that cold, isolated tension that makes the setting feel like its own character.
Carolyn is the standout here. As an ex–l FBI agent trying to rebuild her life, she brings a mix of instinct, grit, and quiet vulnerability that makes her incredibly compelling. Watching her slip back into investigative mode—l whether she wants to or not - adds depth to the mystery and makes every clue feel sharper. She’s strong, flawed, and so easy to root for.
The story moves with a steady, tightening pace. Everyone in the town seems to be hiding something, and Ellen blends suspense, small town secrets, and slow-building dread in a way that keeps you hooked without relying on over the top drama. It’s the subtle tension that really gets under your skin.
If you love icy settings, mysteries layered with emotion, and a capable heroine with a complex past, A Winter’s Kill is absolutely worth picking up.
Carolyn is the standout here. As an ex–l FBI agent trying to rebuild her life, she brings a mix of instinct, grit, and quiet vulnerability that makes her incredibly compelling. Watching her slip back into investigative mode—l whether she wants to or not - adds depth to the mystery and makes every clue feel sharper. She’s strong, flawed, and so easy to root for.
The story moves with a steady, tightening pace. Everyone in the town seems to be hiding something, and Ellen blends suspense, small town secrets, and slow-building dread in a way that keeps you hooked without relying on over the top drama. It’s the subtle tension that really gets under your skin.
If you love icy settings, mysteries layered with emotion, and a capable heroine with a complex past, A Winter’s Kill is absolutely worth picking up.
Read
January 31, 2019A Winter's Kill is a stand alone adult thriller that you won’t be able to put down.
A serial killer domestic thriller
For Sale now at:
* Amazon - https://bit.ly/2Uq5kNO
It's winter, and a new kind of predator has just come out of hibernation.
All summer long he has been hibernating, just like the bears do in winter. During the fall he spent his months preparing, getting ready, making sure this season would be his best ever. And when winter finally comes...he'll hunt.
The winters in Willow Falls, Iowa are cold, brutal and unforgiving. And so is the town's newest visitor. Except he's not passing through. He's here on vacation, for some fun and he's going to stay for a while.
They call him "Robin Hood", a winter serial killer who has left a gruesome trail of horror and death across four Midwestern states. His grisly trademark is skewering his victims to tree trunks using a hunting crossbow.
Now he's here...
For ex-FBI Special Agent Carolyn Ryder, winter is the season to reflect, to come home, to take stock and to grieve. Willow Falls for her is filled with sorrow and regret. She has returned to her hometown to bury her mother after a long battle with illness. Her sister blames Carolyn for not caring, for not being there for her and their mother, for being a cold, dispassionate person who was more interested in building her career than in the family.
In the close-knit community of Willow Falls, Ryder has no reputation, no authority and no say with the townsfolk. To them she's a stranger, an outsider, someone who can't be trusted.
Then the first body is discovered; a local, a teenage girl found almost crucified to a white pine deep in the forest.
The local police aren't equipped to deal with something like this, yet they stubbornly refuse Ryder's help. With no support, Ryder decides to go it alone, to follow the clues herself, to trust her instincts. Slowly she starts to formulate a theory as to who the killer is. But no one will believe her. It's too incredible to conceive.
Lock the doors, check the windows, stoke the fire and keep the lights on. It's winter, and a new kind of predator has just come out of hibernation.
A Winter's Kill, is a dark, sinister, gritty novel from the Amazon Best Selling Thriller Author, JK Ellem.
A serial killer domestic thriller
For Sale now at:
* Amazon - https://bit.ly/2Uq5kNO
It's winter, and a new kind of predator has just come out of hibernation.
All summer long he has been hibernating, just like the bears do in winter. During the fall he spent his months preparing, getting ready, making sure this season would be his best ever. And when winter finally comes...he'll hunt.
The winters in Willow Falls, Iowa are cold, brutal and unforgiving. And so is the town's newest visitor. Except he's not passing through. He's here on vacation, for some fun and he's going to stay for a while.
They call him "Robin Hood", a winter serial killer who has left a gruesome trail of horror and death across four Midwestern states. His grisly trademark is skewering his victims to tree trunks using a hunting crossbow.
Now he's here...
For ex-FBI Special Agent Carolyn Ryder, winter is the season to reflect, to come home, to take stock and to grieve. Willow Falls for her is filled with sorrow and regret. She has returned to her hometown to bury her mother after a long battle with illness. Her sister blames Carolyn for not caring, for not being there for her and their mother, for being a cold, dispassionate person who was more interested in building her career than in the family.
In the close-knit community of Willow Falls, Ryder has no reputation, no authority and no say with the townsfolk. To them she's a stranger, an outsider, someone who can't be trusted.
Then the first body is discovered; a local, a teenage girl found almost crucified to a white pine deep in the forest.
The local police aren't equipped to deal with something like this, yet they stubbornly refuse Ryder's help. With no support, Ryder decides to go it alone, to follow the clues herself, to trust her instincts. Slowly she starts to formulate a theory as to who the killer is. But no one will believe her. It's too incredible to conceive.
Lock the doors, check the windows, stoke the fire and keep the lights on. It's winter, and a new kind of predator has just come out of hibernation.
A Winter's Kill, is a dark, sinister, gritty novel from the Amazon Best Selling Thriller Author, JK Ellem.
October 31, 2023
FANTASTIC THRILLER!!
This was exciting, suspenseful and so fast paces!!!
I absolutely loved it!
The first few chapters are nothing compared to the excitement that builds so quickly throughout the book.
This was exciting, suspenseful and so fast paces!!!
I absolutely loved it!
The first few chapters are nothing compared to the excitement that builds so quickly throughout the book.
January 28, 2025
I wasn’t a huge fan of the way this book was written. There were multiple povs, but not in first person & it wasn’t completely obvious at first which pov was up. Overall it was an interesting book to say the least.
May 7, 2024
Very compelling
My favorite character isn't even the main one, but, Beau is my dream best friend! The story was great with many different twists and turns. Definitely portrays the real monsters this world has to offer. A hero among heroes as well!!
My favorite character isn't even the main one, but, Beau is my dream best friend! The story was great with many different twists and turns. Definitely portrays the real monsters this world has to offer. A hero among heroes as well!!
May 11, 2023
Quite the book. Can’t put down book. Well written & has a shocking story in it. Scary to think there are probably people like this killer in the world. A fascinating end to this story. I figured who it probably was doing the killing early on in the book & it was fun to watch it unfurl.
September 28, 2025
It was entertaining, but became a little over the top unrealistic toward the end.
July 10, 2024
A Winter's Kill ( The Killing Season FBI Mystery Series Book 1)
Absolutely a great read. Some tears but mostly how to get rid of a monster! What happens in a small town is terror!
Absolutely a great read. Some tears but mostly how to get rid of a monster! What happens in a small town is terror!
September 1, 2023
Logically inconsistent
The story is fine and exciting until Ryder goes to Ritter’s cabin and the latter tells her he is the serial killer and she is next and then lets her go to hunt her. Prior to all this, Ritter is meticulous and carefully plans his kills one at a time. His next kill was to be Alesha, and Olivia, a first for him as he will kill two at once, and he considered this a challenge. But all of a sudden he switches his planning to kill not just those too, but Ryder and Hodges too, I.e. four close together. He also killed a policeman, Finch, a man and no reason was given. But he is a surgeon, not a scientist. Yet he is able to develop a strength/ performance enhancement drug. So strong that he is able to bend the barrel of Hodges rifle, yet when Hodges lifts him up, he cannot snap Hodges neck with his hands. A disappointment.
The story is fine and exciting until Ryder goes to Ritter’s cabin and the latter tells her he is the serial killer and she is next and then lets her go to hunt her. Prior to all this, Ritter is meticulous and carefully plans his kills one at a time. His next kill was to be Alesha, and Olivia, a first for him as he will kill two at once, and he considered this a challenge. But all of a sudden he switches his planning to kill not just those too, but Ryder and Hodges too, I.e. four close together. He also killed a policeman, Finch, a man and no reason was given. But he is a surgeon, not a scientist. Yet he is able to develop a strength/ performance enhancement drug. So strong that he is able to bend the barrel of Hodges rifle, yet when Hodges lifts him up, he cannot snap Hodges neck with his hands. A disappointment.
October 15, 2020
I did quite enjoy reading this book but after about two thirds of the story it started to get a little too far fetched for me. Carolyn who is supposed to be a brilliant FBI agent had suspicions of who she thought the killer might be so what does she do? She decides to go for a meal with him and have sex? Ehh very strange. That and the fact that the killer turned out to be some kind of superman who injected himself to make himself impervious to pain and have super strength. But it is up to other readers to decide for themselves if they like this kind of story or not. I may still try another of the author’s books and just hope it is more realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
This book took me so long to read I almost DNF. I just could not get into it. It wasn't thrilling to me. We never figured out why Ritter killed the way he did, the reasoning behind his need for kills. The storyline dragged for me. Not going to read anymore do these series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
Ohh my so good! Fantastic thriller and kept me hooked the whole time!!
February 28, 2020
Loved it. One criticism we have no mountains in Iowa. This fact did not detract from my enjoyment of your book!😊
May 22, 2024
so tense so clever
A sociopathic hunter of women, an awesomely courageous and stubborn ex-FBI agent going after him. Woohoo what a ride this book was!
A sociopathic hunter of women, an awesomely courageous and stubborn ex-FBI agent going after him. Woohoo what a ride this book was!
January 7, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐ rating
I liked this. Kept me intrigued and invested the entire time. Even though you know who the killer is it was still fun to read when they would catch up to him and confront him. I like the chase and fight scenes. The creep factor of the villain stalking his victims always makes me check twice on my locked doors at home and blinds shut at all times. The side twist story with Olivia and Alisha was an interesting dynamic that I don't think I've read in a mystery before. And Hodges was probably my favorite character out of them all.
My only reason for a half star lower is that I really loved the short story The Most Dangerous Game and this premise reminded me of this exact story. I was hooked as soon as I found out the killer got his thrill on hunting humans instead of animals. However, I would have liked more of the hunt and chase aspect in at least one or two chapters. There was a little bit but not as much as I was hoping. I did like the twist of the one girl finding the tent. I wanted more scenes like that but maybe involving one of the main characters or side characters like Olivia and Alisha. I was looking forward to their hunt...but never actually got it. But that's okay, I still enjoyed this book anyways.
Although maybe I missed it or forgot, but I don't know why he decided to release Alisha instead of went through with the hunt of the two girls. I mean I guess I see there needed to be a way to free Alisha and the other slave girl in the basement but I was thinking that would happen after he would man hunt Alisha and Olivia. Maybe have Olivia die and Alisha make it back alive to the house or they both make it and have a struggle story of Alisha still trying to get away from Olivia and saving the basement girl still. I just wanted a little more from that side of the story. I think it still would have kept a really good dynamic to the whole story.
I liked this. Kept me intrigued and invested the entire time. Even though you know who the killer is it was still fun to read when they would catch up to him and confront him. I like the chase and fight scenes. The creep factor of the villain stalking his victims always makes me check twice on my locked doors at home and blinds shut at all times. The side twist story with Olivia and Alisha was an interesting dynamic that I don't think I've read in a mystery before. And Hodges was probably my favorite character out of them all.
My only reason for a half star lower is that I really loved the short story The Most Dangerous Game and this premise reminded me of this exact story. I was hooked as soon as I found out the killer got his thrill on hunting humans instead of animals. However, I would have liked more of the hunt and chase aspect in at least one or two chapters. There was a little bit but not as much as I was hoping. I did like the twist of the one girl finding the tent. I wanted more scenes like that but maybe involving one of the main characters or side characters like Olivia and Alisha. I was looking forward to their hunt...but never actually got it. But that's okay, I still enjoyed this book anyways.
Although maybe I missed it or forgot, but I don't know why he decided to release Alisha instead of went through with the hunt of the two girls. I mean I guess I see there needed to be a way to free Alisha and the other slave girl in the basement but I was thinking that would happen after he would man hunt Alisha and Olivia. Maybe have Olivia die and Alisha make it back alive to the house or they both make it and have a struggle story of Alisha still trying to get away from Olivia and saving the basement girl still. I just wanted a little more from that side of the story. I think it still would have kept a really good dynamic to the whole story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
This book was really frustrating. It started out great with an intriguing premise, but just became a convoluted mess by the end. The killer is set up really well with a defined killing pattern but then just throws it all out the window for no apparent reason? So many things don’t make sense. He kills a male cop (why??) but then later when he is about to kill Hodges he gets excited because it will be the first man he’s ever killed? Did you forget? Caroline and Hodges agree to kill Ritter and not get law enforcement involved or let him stand trial, but then they are sneaking along his house looking for incriminating evidence? Why??? Just shoot him! But no, shooting him isn’t enough because the killer has developed a super serum that makes him almost invincible! Good lord
The motivations of these characters are baffling and don’t even get me started on why Caroline, who is supposed to be this elite trained agent (maybe the best ever), goes alone to a cabin for a dinner with a man she is suspicious of, a man she thinks might be a SERIAL KILLER, with no gun and no phone. Girl, what? And why the author decided to add the Olivia subplot I’ll never know. It adds nothing and we don’t even find out what happened to Alicia, poor thing was just a giant afterthought. Justice for Alicia.
That said it was certainly an easy read and I enjoyed the setting. I guess I was curious enough to finish the whole thing and I thought the narrator did a good job.
The motivations of these characters are baffling and don’t even get me started on why Caroline, who is supposed to be this elite trained agent (maybe the best ever), goes alone to a cabin for a dinner with a man she is suspicious of, a man she thinks might be a SERIAL KILLER, with no gun and no phone. Girl, what? And why the author decided to add the Olivia subplot I’ll never know. It adds nothing and we don’t even find out what happened to Alicia, poor thing was just a giant afterthought. Justice for Alicia.
That said it was certainly an easy read and I enjoyed the setting. I guess I was curious enough to finish the whole thing and I thought the narrator did a good job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
This book was a refreshing take away from the Ben Stone stories. Focusing on one of his former love interests and ex-colleague,
Carolyn Ryder
Set in a small idyllic mountain town in Idaho it would be the last place you'd think a serial killer would show up.
Although, Carolyn, had resigned from the FBI, she was determined to help the local police whether they wanted help or not. Seeing as how she saw them as inexperienced an incompetent.
Expertly written, J. K. Ellem, takes us for a ride through Willow Falls and the surrounding mountains, showcasing it's beautiful scenery, which practically jumped off the page, setting the stage for the eerie things that were happening in the town that gave your spine chills.
When Carolyn meets an out of town doctor in town on a vacation it sets your mind aflame...could he be the one? The serial killer? Mr Ellem casts enough doubts around about him and poses other possible suspects that we just aren't sure.
No spoilers here. If you want the thrills you'll have to read it!
A nail bitter for sure. This is one great read. I didn't even miss our handsome hero, Ben Stone, much
Carolyn Ryder
Set in a small idyllic mountain town in Idaho it would be the last place you'd think a serial killer would show up.
Although, Carolyn, had resigned from the FBI, she was determined to help the local police whether they wanted help or not. Seeing as how she saw them as inexperienced an incompetent.
Expertly written, J. K. Ellem, takes us for a ride through Willow Falls and the surrounding mountains, showcasing it's beautiful scenery, which practically jumped off the page, setting the stage for the eerie things that were happening in the town that gave your spine chills.
When Carolyn meets an out of town doctor in town on a vacation it sets your mind aflame...could he be the one? The serial killer? Mr Ellem casts enough doubts around about him and poses other possible suspects that we just aren't sure.
No spoilers here. If you want the thrills you'll have to read it!
A nail bitter for sure. This is one great read. I didn't even miss our handsome hero, Ben Stone, much
April 26, 2022
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT
After the death of her mother, Carolyn, returns home to Willow Falls. It's not a place she wanted to return to, she'd only been so glad to leave it 10 years before and become an FBI agent. After a troubled time she retired,even though still young.
With the hunting season it brings with it a monster. Even now being a civilian, Carolyn gets caught up in one of the most terrible times with a monster who kills in the most terrifying ways.
You get to find out who this monster is, but to catch a killer it means how first to survive, or be killed and with the help of Beau Hodges, the fight begins.
The characters are well placed with a storyline that holds you like the monster, who sees through you and can hunt you down in a game of cruelty for the love of sport, determination to kill you who very well not only taught the tricks of his own trade to become the Ice Man Killer but, also had a killer in him, not known to mankind.
A very highly recommend read.
After the death of her mother, Carolyn, returns home to Willow Falls. It's not a place she wanted to return to, she'd only been so glad to leave it 10 years before and become an FBI agent. After a troubled time she retired,even though still young.
With the hunting season it brings with it a monster. Even now being a civilian, Carolyn gets caught up in one of the most terrible times with a monster who kills in the most terrifying ways.
You get to find out who this monster is, but to catch a killer it means how first to survive, or be killed and with the help of Beau Hodges, the fight begins.
The characters are well placed with a storyline that holds you like the monster, who sees through you and can hunt you down in a game of cruelty for the love of sport, determination to kill you who very well not only taught the tricks of his own trade to become the Ice Man Killer but, also had a killer in him, not known to mankind.
A very highly recommend read.
January 25, 2024
Definitely won't be the only book I read by this author. Wow, this was a great one!
Robin Hood, only this one kills. He kills in the Winter months, different state every time. He has left a trail of killings every where he goes. He hunts his prey down and leaves them as a trophy for everyone to see. He hunts with a crossbow!!
Carolyn Arnold has left the FBI and is headed home. Her mother is critically ill and she is going to take the time now to be with the family she left 10 years ago. But, can you really go home. It seems, even Carolyn's sister blames her for not being with her mother.
Now, after the funeral, Carolyn is left to clean the things out at her Mother's home. At times she misses the FBI, but she almost lost her life on the last one and it is just time to give it up and live. But, when a body is found in her hometown, and the police don't know how to handle it, Carolyn steps in. What Carolyn doesn't know is who is living next door to her! Lots of suspense and action!!
Robin Hood, only this one kills. He kills in the Winter months, different state every time. He has left a trail of killings every where he goes. He hunts his prey down and leaves them as a trophy for everyone to see. He hunts with a crossbow!!
Carolyn Arnold has left the FBI and is headed home. Her mother is critically ill and she is going to take the time now to be with the family she left 10 years ago. But, can you really go home. It seems, even Carolyn's sister blames her for not being with her mother.
Now, after the funeral, Carolyn is left to clean the things out at her Mother's home. At times she misses the FBI, but she almost lost her life on the last one and it is just time to give it up and live. But, when a body is found in her hometown, and the police don't know how to handle it, Carolyn steps in. What Carolyn doesn't know is who is living next door to her! Lots of suspense and action!!
June 12, 2025
I flew through this one! A Winter’s Kill is an exceptionally well-written serial killer mystery that will constantly give you that one-more-chapter feeling. I had a blast with it! I adored the characters; our main character, Carolyn, returns to Willow Falls as an ex-FBI special agent and gets pulled into a murder case unlike any other, not knowing the horrific things she was about to see, or just how much danger she’d soon be in. I was fascinated with our serial killer in this one; a repulsive, horrifying predator you’ll fear right from the start, and then fear even more when their identity is revealed.
The book perfectly blends a chilling, mysterious plot with uncomfortable, bloody crime scenes and such intricate detective work. Tense, gripping and absorbing. I really enjoyed my time with this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series!
The book perfectly blends a chilling, mysterious plot with uncomfortable, bloody crime scenes and such intricate detective work. Tense, gripping and absorbing. I really enjoyed my time with this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series!
September 18, 2019
Tremendously enjoyable!
I read A Winters Kill in one sitting. Even though I had to be up early next morning! It was the classic “ can’t put it down yet” so it had to be finished. It is an easy read. By that I mean it doesn’t get overly complicated, confusing, or try to be too clever for its own good. It’s a good straightforward thriller with interesting characters going about life in a believable way. My favourite was Beau. A man with a viewpoint soo different from my own, but his genuine commitment to following his interests in the right and proper way certainly gave me pause for thought. This book could easily be the start of a series, so I wait to see if it is. Meantime I’m certainly going on to more of JKEllems books.
I read A Winters Kill in one sitting. Even though I had to be up early next morning! It was the classic “ can’t put it down yet” so it had to be finished. It is an easy read. By that I mean it doesn’t get overly complicated, confusing, or try to be too clever for its own good. It’s a good straightforward thriller with interesting characters going about life in a believable way. My favourite was Beau. A man with a viewpoint soo different from my own, but his genuine commitment to following his interests in the right and proper way certainly gave me pause for thought. This book could easily be the start of a series, so I wait to see if it is. Meantime I’m certainly going on to more of JKEllems books.
April 1, 2019
There's a predator in town. A killer that hibernates during the summer, plans and prepares in the fall and kills in the winter. He's dangerous, deadly and likes to watch his victims slowly die and struggle before he plants the kill shot.
Carolyn Rider, former FBI agent, is also in town. She resigned from her job to move home and be with her mother during her last few months of life. Unfortunately her mother passed away sooner than expected and she has her sister to contend with.
Upon hearing about the grisly death of a woman, Carolyn feels the need to investigate.
This is definitely a well written book with a great plot and interesting cast of characters. I couldn't put it down!
Carolyn Rider, former FBI agent, is also in town. She resigned from her job to move home and be with her mother during her last few months of life. Unfortunately her mother passed away sooner than expected and she has her sister to contend with.
Upon hearing about the grisly death of a woman, Carolyn feels the need to investigate.
This is definitely a well written book with a great plot and interesting cast of characters. I couldn't put it down!
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