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Winter Falls
They murdered his parents, shot him in the head, and left him to die. They should have made sure.
Twenty years after Tom Lewis watched his parents die, those responsible are being killed. One by one.
Gentle, brain-damaged Tom, a giant of a man who can barely speak, can’t be responsible for their deaths. Can he?
When Tom Lewis was shot, something new was created. Something unique. Something deadly. Something patient enough to plan revenge for twenty long years.
Meet Jimmy Blue
An explosive revenge thriller from award winner Ian W. Sainsbury.
NOTE: This novel was previously published in three parts under the series title Bedlam Boy.
Twenty years after Tom Lewis watched his parents die, those responsible are being killed. One by one.
Gentle, brain-damaged Tom, a giant of a man who can barely speak, can’t be responsible for their deaths. Can he?
When Tom Lewis was shot, something new was created. Something unique. Something deadly. Something patient enough to plan revenge for twenty long years.
Meet Jimmy Blue
An explosive revenge thriller from award winner Ian W. Sainsbury.
NOTE: This novel was previously published in three parts under the series title Bedlam Boy.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2021
893 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Ian W. Sainsbury
28 books219 followersIan W Sainsbury is a musician, composer, writer, comedian and puppet wrangler (yes, that's a real job). Obviously, he doesn't know what to do when he grows up and - now that he's in his forties - he's resigned to the fact that he probably never will.
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 30, 2022
When Tom Lewis was 12, he and his parents were savagely attacked in their home by a criminal named Winter and his three henchmen. Tom was shot in the head, but despite damage to his brain he miraculously survived. His murdered parents did not benefit from that miracle. While both were tied to chairs, Tom’s father was shot in the head and killed and his mother was shot in the stomach. Their home was burnt to the ground while his mother was still alive. Winter used her as kindling for the fire as she burned to death.
Twenty years later the brain-damaged Tom had grown into a powerful but timid and gentle and dim-witted giant who sometimes imagines a fellow called Jimmy Blue following him in the shadows.
Just as Dr. Jekyll became Mr. Hyde and Clark Kent became Superman, Tom becomes Jimmy Blue, his alter ego with a razor sharp mind concentrated on a single purpose: revenge on the four who had murdered his parents — and any others who had the misfortune to offend him or obstruct him along the way.
Jimmy Blue is yet another Jack Reacher clone, a dominating avenging angel with a clear moral compass, a massive frame, unbeatable fighting and weapons skills, the determination to carry out his vision of Justice while acting alone, and a penchant for dissecting and describing the components of a fight for the benefit of his readers who are not so prone to physical combat.
It struck me as surprising that with his remarkable talents it took Tom as Jimmy Blue nearly 300 pages and 57 chapters to accomplish his goal. It was also surprising that despite all the gun play in the book, the author did not know the difference between a clip and a magazine.
But it was most surprising, if not astonishing and incredible considering his brain damage, that Tom was still able to salvage and nurture an amazing mental acuity, perfect his fighting and weapons skills, and assume a secret identity as Jimmy Blue which he could conjure up on cue. I suppose that’s what makes some fiction fantasies and some fantasies juvenile. I confess that the juvenile in me still enjoys fantasies like these.
The Jack Reacher character has been copied to death, but among his many imitators I am always looking to find one I like better. This one came close.
Twenty years later the brain-damaged Tom had grown into a powerful but timid and gentle and dim-witted giant who sometimes imagines a fellow called Jimmy Blue following him in the shadows.
Just as Dr. Jekyll became Mr. Hyde and Clark Kent became Superman, Tom becomes Jimmy Blue, his alter ego with a razor sharp mind concentrated on a single purpose: revenge on the four who had murdered his parents — and any others who had the misfortune to offend him or obstruct him along the way.
Jimmy Blue is yet another Jack Reacher clone, a dominating avenging angel with a clear moral compass, a massive frame, unbeatable fighting and weapons skills, the determination to carry out his vision of Justice while acting alone, and a penchant for dissecting and describing the components of a fight for the benefit of his readers who are not so prone to physical combat.
It struck me as surprising that with his remarkable talents it took Tom as Jimmy Blue nearly 300 pages and 57 chapters to accomplish his goal. It was also surprising that despite all the gun play in the book, the author did not know the difference between a clip and a magazine.
But it was most surprising, if not astonishing and incredible considering his brain damage, that Tom was still able to salvage and nurture an amazing mental acuity, perfect his fighting and weapons skills, and assume a secret identity as Jimmy Blue which he could conjure up on cue. I suppose that’s what makes some fiction fantasies and some fantasies juvenile. I confess that the juvenile in me still enjoys fantasies like these.
The Jack Reacher character has been copied to death, but among his many imitators I am always looking to find one I like better. This one came close.
November 10, 2021
Can't put it down
Well written. Moves right along. Stays on track. Great characters -- especially Tom and Jimmy Blue. Great action and suspense. The best news is that there are even more books in this series.
Cheers and Happy Reading!
Adam James😎
Well written. Moves right along. Stays on track. Great characters -- especially Tom and Jimmy Blue. Great action and suspense. The best news is that there are even more books in this series.
Cheers and Happy Reading!
Adam James😎
January 15, 2022
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
What a fantastic book! It has The Equalizer-slash-John Wick vibes with a touch of Split. I've honestly never read this kind of revenge-suspense action thriller book before, and I'm glad that I enjoyed it!
This novel tells the story of Tom Lewis, a thirty-something bald man with massive build and a comprehension of a 12-year-old. A victim of trauma after his parents were massacred, he could barely speak coherent sentences and cowers easily. But behind this brain-damaged hulk of a man lies Jimmy Blue, a complete opposite of Tom Lewis. He's a psychopath, he's articulate and well-trained in combat, and he seeks revenge to the people behind the massacre of Tom Lewis' parents. It's like seeing Jekyll and Hyde, or James McAvoy's character in the movie Split. I love it.
The pacing, action and tension are so good, I feel like watching a movie through the pages of the ebook. I would have wanted a different ending, but it's still satisfying to me, nonetheless. I also wished there were more supporting characters with him, something to soften the hard edges of the story, but that's also cool. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
What a fantastic book! It has The Equalizer-slash-John Wick vibes with a touch of Split. I've honestly never read this kind of revenge-suspense action thriller book before, and I'm glad that I enjoyed it!
This novel tells the story of Tom Lewis, a thirty-something bald man with massive build and a comprehension of a 12-year-old. A victim of trauma after his parents were massacred, he could barely speak coherent sentences and cowers easily. But behind this brain-damaged hulk of a man lies Jimmy Blue, a complete opposite of Tom Lewis. He's a psychopath, he's articulate and well-trained in combat, and he seeks revenge to the people behind the massacre of Tom Lewis' parents. It's like seeing Jekyll and Hyde, or James McAvoy's character in the movie Split. I love it.
The pacing, action and tension are so good, I feel like watching a movie through the pages of the ebook. I would have wanted a different ending, but it's still satisfying to me, nonetheless. I also wished there were more supporting characters with him, something to soften the hard edges of the story, but that's also cool. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
December 24, 2021
I bloody loved this book. A great thriller. Jekyll and Hyde meets the Punisher. Impossible to put down. Read it now
December 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this one, although I readily admit that it is not for everyone. There's a lot of hard-core violence, which many will wish to avoid. On the other hand I loved the premise of a single person having two completely different, mutually exclusive identities, with opposite personalities and vastly different capabilities. The action moved right along, I liked both Tom and Blue, and I'm glad to know there are more books to come in the series.
August 7, 2023
Tom Lewis’s parents were brutally murdered when he was twelve, and he was shot in the head and left for dead. Miraculously he survived, and now twenty years later his alter ego, Jimmy Blue, is taking his revenge on the people responsible – a criminal called Winter and his vicious henchmen. By necessity there is a high level of violence, but somehow it all seems justified. I was very impressed with the writing and totally gripped by cinematic quality of the story.
I chose to read Winter Falls after reading the blurb and discovering that the main character was called Jimmy Blue – ‘Move Away Jimmy Blue’ is one of my favourite songs by Scottish band Del Amitri. It was too much of a coincidence to ignore, and I was not disappointed. Winter Falls is an excellent addition to the vigilante revenge thriller genre despite the unusual premise, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series and learning more of the backstory.
June 21, 2022
revenge is sweet
Tom is a 12 year old boy on him and his family were executed I have criminal boss. Tom manage to survive a terrible head wound and they made his way in the world by doing menial jobs and living hand to mouth. Tom also wanted revenge on the four people he thought were responsible for his parents death. He starts on the list and starts killing the four people on the list. Tom is not alone however as a demon is possessing him. The plot revolves around the revenge and the killings done by Tom and the demon.. The demon goes by the name of Jimmy blue and there’s quite the opposite of time. A trigger warning there is violence, death and gruesome situations. I found the story interesting but also cringe worthy. I recommend this book for those who like thrillers puppy where there are violent circumstances in this book.
Tom is a 12 year old boy on him and his family were executed I have criminal boss. Tom manage to survive a terrible head wound and they made his way in the world by doing menial jobs and living hand to mouth. Tom also wanted revenge on the four people he thought were responsible for his parents death. He starts on the list and starts killing the four people on the list. Tom is not alone however as a demon is possessing him. The plot revolves around the revenge and the killings done by Tom and the demon.. The demon goes by the name of Jimmy blue and there’s quite the opposite of time. A trigger warning there is violence, death and gruesome situations. I found the story interesting but also cringe worthy. I recommend this book for those who like thrillers puppy where there are violent circumstances in this book.
November 27, 2023
Once it grabs, you can't escape.
Honestly, this was well written, and that tided me over, putting off the decision to just stop reading. I was at the point of stopping when I read one more sentence. That one sentence was the grab-me point that convinced me to finish the book.
And I am so glad I did.
It was harrowing, and far more than once did I wonder how. I live alone, so I don't know what I looked like while reading, but I felt like I believed my face was showing it plainly. And just when I thought it was finished, boom. Still nearly a third of the book remaining.
So good. So intriguing. So captivating. Very interesting characters. I want more Jimmy Blue. I expect you will, too.
Honestly, this was well written, and that tided me over, putting off the decision to just stop reading. I was at the point of stopping when I read one more sentence. That one sentence was the grab-me point that convinced me to finish the book.
And I am so glad I did.
It was harrowing, and far more than once did I wonder how. I live alone, so I don't know what I looked like while reading, but I felt like I believed my face was showing it plainly. And just when I thought it was finished, boom. Still nearly a third of the book remaining.
So good. So intriguing. So captivating. Very interesting characters. I want more Jimmy Blue. I expect you will, too.
December 12, 2025
They say that Tom Lewis is the anti-hero and this got my attention because I don't see many books where the "bad guy" is the hero of the story.
Tom Lewis was shot in the head by criminals who killed his parents and these bad guys assumed that the truth was that Tom had died from his injuries and, in a way, he did, only to give birth to Jimmy Blue. Man, talk about multiple personalities? Tom continues to suffer from his injuries he received when he was 12; Jimmy is everything that Tom isn't and, whew, this side of Tom makes a stone-cold killer look like a pickpocket as Jimmy targets and kills the people responsible for the death of his/Tom's parents.
Read the book and find out why Jimmy Blue is coming...
Tom Lewis was shot in the head by criminals who killed his parents and these bad guys assumed that the truth was that Tom had died from his injuries and, in a way, he did, only to give birth to Jimmy Blue. Man, talk about multiple personalities? Tom continues to suffer from his injuries he received when he was 12; Jimmy is everything that Tom isn't and, whew, this side of Tom makes a stone-cold killer look like a pickpocket as Jimmy targets and kills the people responsible for the death of his/Tom's parents.
Read the book and find out why Jimmy Blue is coming...
January 5, 2022
The Equalizer We've Been Waiting For
A young boy is shot in the head after watching his parents' brutal murder. The gunshot leaves him severely brain damaged. The cops fake his death and place him i. Witness protection. Years later he works menial jobs, barely able to speak. But someone starts executing the criminals who made his life a living hell. Could the bumbling loser actually be a shrewd and lethal killer?
This is a terrific book. The pace is good, the set up interesting. Jimmy Blue is the Equalizer we've been waiting for. Good to see the little guy get justice.
A young boy is shot in the head after watching his parents' brutal murder. The gunshot leaves him severely brain damaged. The cops fake his death and place him i. Witness protection. Years later he works menial jobs, barely able to speak. But someone starts executing the criminals who made his life a living hell. Could the bumbling loser actually be a shrewd and lethal killer?
This is a terrific book. The pace is good, the set up interesting. Jimmy Blue is the Equalizer we've been waiting for. Good to see the little guy get justice.
February 17, 2022
I got this book as a freebie on Bookbub. Those freebie books are usually not very good, at least more often than not. "Winter Falls" sat on my Kindle for a while, but once I started it I couldn't put it down. I had no memory of what the book was supposed to be about, no blurb to know what I was getting myself into. I am stunned by how great this book is. Not only is a good story, but this author can really write. Sorry I can't stay longer, I'm off to read another of Ian W. Sainsbury's books.
August 16, 2025
Blimey!
NOT what I was expecting! This book is brilliant, very well written, amazing plot, great characters. I nearly deleted it in the first few pages, thought it wouldn't be my kind of thing - then it gripped me by the throat and wouldn't let go. Briefly, Tom is nearly murdered when a child, but somehow survived - with a psychotic immoral alter ego Jimmy Blue, who takes over when Tom is in a fugue state. Revenge is best served with extreme prejudice! Needless to say, I've already downloaded the next in the series. Wow, just wow. Highly recommended.
NOT what I was expecting! This book is brilliant, very well written, amazing plot, great characters. I nearly deleted it in the first few pages, thought it wouldn't be my kind of thing - then it gripped me by the throat and wouldn't let go. Briefly, Tom is nearly murdered when a child, but somehow survived - with a psychotic immoral alter ego Jimmy Blue, who takes over when Tom is in a fugue state. Revenge is best served with extreme prejudice! Needless to say, I've already downloaded the next in the series. Wow, just wow. Highly recommended.
January 20, 2022
A real surprise
What genius thought up this character? Unbelievable when I first read the blurb, but upon reading, I found the book hard to put down. I felt for the main character (Tom/Blue) and as the plot unfolded, increasingly drawn in. On to the rest of a hopefully longer series. What does it say about us, though, that tales of vigilante justice strike so resounding a chord? I will ponder that as I read the next one.
What genius thought up this character? Unbelievable when I first read the blurb, but upon reading, I found the book hard to put down. I felt for the main character (Tom/Blue) and as the plot unfolded, increasingly drawn in. On to the rest of a hopefully longer series. What does it say about us, though, that tales of vigilante justice strike so resounding a chord? I will ponder that as I read the next one.
January 21, 2022
Winter Falls
This book was a freebie offered by Amazon/Facebook. I was not really sure what to expect based on the info blurb. I had never read this author but ws intrigued. The story was fabulous, but the storyline was really bizarre. I do not want to give away much, but would have loved some additional background on Jimmy as the story unfolded. Still, as this was the first book in the series, I am hooked to read the next. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
This book was a freebie offered by Amazon/Facebook. I was not really sure what to expect based on the info blurb. I had never read this author but ws intrigued. The story was fabulous, but the storyline was really bizarre. I do not want to give away much, but would have loved some additional background on Jimmy as the story unfolded. Still, as this was the first book in the series, I am hooked to read the next. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
March 21, 2025
wow again
Excellent. Love the characters and their motivations and the progression of the story. Neat balance between plot and story which rounds it out beautifully. My only negative comment would be in relation to reading order. Perhaps it’s just me but I don’t think it is as clear as it could be. Well done. Plus as I lived in Lowestoft for some time, loved those references too.
Excellent. Love the characters and their motivations and the progression of the story. Neat balance between plot and story which rounds it out beautifully. My only negative comment would be in relation to reading order. Perhaps it’s just me but I don’t think it is as clear as it could be. Well done. Plus as I lived in Lowestoft for some time, loved those references too.
November 17, 2021
Better then expected
An interesting premise which manages to outdo its potential for “triteness” numerous times. It’s pretty well written and it’s a pretty interesting plot with a lot of good turns and twists. There are a few moments where it just gets a little more unbelievable than it needs to be but overall I enjoyed it and was intrigued by the plot.
An interesting premise which manages to outdo its potential for “triteness” numerous times. It’s pretty well written and it’s a pretty interesting plot with a lot of good turns and twists. There are a few moments where it just gets a little more unbelievable than it needs to be but overall I enjoyed it and was intrigued by the plot.
January 8, 2022
A bit gruesome in parts, but to be expected for the storyline. Young Tom was shot in the head when he was young. As a result, he works menial labor jobs. Along the way we meet Jimmy Blue, a vigilante. As the story progresses we learn how the two are connected. Like I said, gruesome because of the revenge angle.
January 8, 2022
I downloaded the book for free and didn't expect much but boy was i wrong! I really enjoyed the characters and the writing style, I don't know how else to put it but it made me "see" everything that was happening like a movie, it was that well written... I also like the fact that it can be read as stand alone book as well as series.
January 10, 2022
Excellent narrative about human trafficking with English gangs
Several characters provide the basis of the story line. The mystery is with the central character who appears different and yet aware of someone else. I would not give the plot away but it's an unusually premise. Surprises all along. Great read.
Several characters provide the basis of the story line. The mystery is with the central character who appears different and yet aware of someone else. I would not give the plot away but it's an unusually premise. Surprises all along. Great read.
January 16, 2022
What a little help from a friend can do....
Saw this book advertised and read some of the reviews. Was intrigued so ended up reading it in one setting. (One of the benefits of being retired.) Anyone who likes a well written story where "good" guy come out top should enjoy this book.
Saw this book advertised and read some of the reviews. Was intrigued so ended up reading it in one setting. (One of the benefits of being retired.) Anyone who likes a well written story where "good" guy come out top should enjoy this book.
January 22, 2022
This story was very interesting from the beginning because of the main character's dual personality or what is commonly referred to as split personality. Further, I enjoyed the author's way of describing the revenge the hero was getting from the evil doers who had murdered his family. For this genre others may rate the novel higher than I when for me these type of revenge stories are a dime a dozen, or should I say by today's prices $100.00 a dozen. This is a fun read I would recommend to those who really enjoy the shoot "em up" stories. Ian writes with wit and wisdom leaving you comfortable with the revenge & interested in the hero's complicated life.
January 23, 2022
Excellent book!
Young man, has his parents killed in front of him. The killers, also thought they killed him, but he escaped when the killers set his home on fire.
He spent a lot of time in the hospital.
Due to the trauma, he developed another persona. Jimmy Blue. His protector, when he could not protect himself.
Young man, has his parents killed in front of him. The killers, also thought they killed him, but he escaped when the killers set his home on fire.
He spent a lot of time in the hospital.
Due to the trauma, he developed another persona. Jimmy Blue. His protector, when he could not protect himself.
January 30, 2022
Outathisworld
If I could I'd give this book20 outa10. It was amazing!!! Fantastic new plot ever.!well articulated. ! I generally don't like books without much speach between the characters but I read each and every word throughout , felt gripped onto each word from the beginning, oh, my, absolutely loved this book. need more from this author!!!!
If I could I'd give this book20 outa10. It was amazing!!! Fantastic new plot ever.!well articulated. ! I generally don't like books without much speach between the characters but I read each and every word throughout , felt gripped onto each word from the beginning, oh, my, absolutely loved this book. need more from this author!!!!
January 31, 2022
A Surprise in the Dark
This book had a lot of twists and turns, sometimes prolonging the story more than necessary. I enjoyed the character of the young boy and his alter ego. Some of it was a little far fetched to truly believe 1 man/boy could do so much damage. I gave it 4 stars because I hope the future books will bring the story home.
This book had a lot of twists and turns, sometimes prolonging the story more than necessary. I enjoyed the character of the young boy and his alter ego. Some of it was a little far fetched to truly believe 1 man/boy could do so much damage. I gave it 4 stars because I hope the future books will bring the story home.
April 14, 2023
Winter Falls
Excellent read and very unusual. Congratulations to the author for thinking up this story as it held me transfixed for hours until I finished the book. I sincerely hope there’s going to be a sequel although how you better this one I have no idea. Very much recommended.
Excellent read and very unusual. Congratulations to the author for thinking up this story as it held me transfixed for hours until I finished the book. I sincerely hope there’s going to be a sequel although how you better this one I have no idea. Very much recommended.
July 20, 2024
An odd revenge story, as the alter ego of a man shot in the head as a child seeks retribution. His family were murdered, and as his journey progresses he finds out a lot about their past. Tom Lewis is a brain damaged man, but Jimmy Blue is a trained killing machine.
Winter Falls is different and interesting, if overly violent. A fairly linear plot with a very different lead character.
Winter Falls is different and interesting, if overly violent. A fairly linear plot with a very different lead character.
September 21, 2024
It took me a bit to figure out what was going on, but once I did, I was hooked. The character development was good. The thing that pushed this book to 5 stars for me was the unpredictability. I couldn't guess what was going to happen next. It made it hard to put the book down, and I'm looking forward to binging the rest of the series.
November 19, 2025
A lot of fun. This is a traditional revenge thriller with a comic book styled origin story. Lots of action, with the requisite flashbacks and evil villains. In this book, the bad guys are truly scum with absolutely no redeeming qualities. Don’t expect to understand the psychology behind any of the characters just go with it.
November 26, 2025
Winter Falls -
While I enjoyed this book, I did find that it took me longer to read than most, mainly because it didn’t fully keep my focus. Some books you just can’t put down, but I did struggle to keep reading this. On saying this, it wasn’t a bad story. Maybe, it could have been slightly shorter. 4 out of 5.
While I enjoyed this book, I did find that it took me longer to read than most, mainly because it didn’t fully keep my focus. Some books you just can’t put down, but I did struggle to keep reading this. On saying this, it wasn’t a bad story. Maybe, it could have been slightly shorter. 4 out of 5.
January 11, 2022
This book got one star because you can’t give no stars. The premise was ridiculous. The violence was way over the top. There was nothing believable about this story. I realize that sometimes one must “suspend” disbelief but this is too much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews