Rating: 
Summary: Complexity without Confusion
Review: "The Dead of Winter" by Jay Squires reads like a runaway train. The suspense builds as each plot unfolds, only to be encased within another equally suspenseful plot. Sound confusing? Not at all, Mr. Squires has woven an intriguing novel, keeping the suspense level high throughout. A masterfully told story, quickly engaging the reader in a complex design that is easy to follow, Noah Winters is a man to be reckoned with, while being admired and respected by friends and foes alike. This is the type character we would love meet again in future novels. We will certainly hear from Mr. Jay Squires again; his talent cannot be denied!
Rating:
Summary: Complexity without Confusion
Review: "The Dead of Winter" by Jay Squires reads like a runaway train. The suspense builds as each plot unfolds, only to be encased within another equally suspenseful plot. Sound confusing? Not at all, Mr. Squires has woven an intriguing novel, keeping the suspense level high throughout. A masterfully told story, quickly engaging the reader in a complex design that is easy to follow, Noah Winters is a man to be reckoned with, while being admired and respected by friends and foes alike. This is the type character we would love meet again in future novels. We will certainly hear from Mr. Jay Squires again; his talent cannot be denied!
Rating:
Summary: Terminal excitement that rivals even the best sleuth novels!
Review: 10/17/03
"The Dead of Winter" is an intriguing tale of "who Dunn it" with the actual dropping of the bodies at the end.
The story unfolds with detailed description taking you through the mountains of California, as Noah Winter searches for Robbie, the nephew of a long time friend -Clayton. Noah, who happens to be wrestling with personal demons of his own, concerning the loss of loved ones, finds himself engulfed knee-deep in mystery and deceit surrounding Robbie's disappearance.
A common term: "the plot thickens," seems tailor made for his tale with its kaleidoscope of twists and turns. Not only does Noah discover the hidden past of his friend Clayton, during his search for Robbie, but also uncovers corruption and deceit within his own empire!
To add insult to injury, someone, is out to get Noah.
The Dead of Winter is a fine read that could stimulate detective tendencies in even the most nonchalant personality. The plot is well written, with more curve balls than a batter can swing at. And just when you think, "I know who is doing what, why and to whom," the author adds another piece to the puzzle. There is a fine Irony in the author's use of the word Winter and how it relates in the telling of the story.
So if you happen to be one of those people who "thinks" he can solve the mystery within the first sixty minutes of the movie - this book is a must read for you.
Bonus features: some historical culture and a controversial subject cap this book off as first rate. My only question is... does he resurface?
Rating:
Summary: Bravo, Jay Squires
Review: Dead of Winter is a captivating novel that will get you at the first page. Jay Squires has a masterful command of the English language and weaves an intricate pattern into his wonderful plot and storyline. It will be hard to put this book down as you become engrossed with Noah Winter and his search for his friend's nephew. He teases you into turning each page to find out if Noah will ever make contact with Uncle Clayton and ultimately Robbie, the missing nephew. The twists and turns this book takes will leave you feeling like you've ridden a roller coaster, and like all roller coasters, you're sorry when they end.
Lynn Price, author of A Separate Beginning
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant and Thrilling Mystery
Review: I did not want to finish The Dead of Winter. That is to say, I did not want it to end. Reading this book is a pleasure to be savored. Author Jay Squires has a monumental gift. His prose is so lush and descriptive it evokes every scene to perfect realization. The protagonist, Noah Winter is a fully human hero who must confront the ghosts of his own past to solve the disappearance of an old friend's boy, in a mystery intertwined in Native American myth and mysticism. A brilliant and thrilling mystery--a must read for fans of the genre. I can hardly wait for the next Noah Winter book by Jay Squires.
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant and Thrilling Mystery
Review: I did not want to finish The Dead of Winter. That is to say, I did not want it to end. Reading this book is a pleasure to be savored. Author Jay Squires has a monumental gift. His prose is so lush and descriptive it evokes every scene to perfect realization. The protagonist, Noah Winter is a fully human hero who must confront the ghosts of his own past to solve the disappearance of an old friend's boy, in a mystery intertwined in Native American myth and mysticism. A brilliant and thrilling mystery--a must read for fans of the genre. I can hardly wait for the next Noah Winter book by Jay Squires.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Story!
Review: Jay Squires has written an excellent story with his, "The Dead of Winter." I was captived from the first chapter and held spellbound until after I had finished the book! The characters are wonderful and the plot intriguing! This is one book you don't want to miss! (Highly Recommended Novel!)
Rating:
Summary: Literary lyricist!
Review: Jay Squires is a poet. I'd know this even if I hadn't been lucky enough to read some of his poetry before I read The Dead of Winter, because his narrative is nothing short of lyrical. You don't get just a mere glimpse into the enthralling world of Noah Winter; the author describes it so beautifully and completely that you feel the icy winter rain and the texture of Noah's Armani suit, you smell the old leather and mahogany in his library and hear a coyote's eerie howl as you watch a primitive ritual performed in a bonfire's flickering glow. Mr. Squires coins metaphors that bring each scene to vibrant, Technicolored life and project into his readers' minds images that titillate one moment and terrify the next, moving seamlessly from an awe-inspired reverie to a graphic portrait of horror. Noah Winter in a protagonist on a grand scale--rich, handsome, intelligent, and charismatic--but he's also an ex-cop who is haunted by dreams of his young son's tragic death. His innate sense of loyalty and honor send him on a quest to rescue an old friend's nephew who has been mysteriously abducted, and he finds himself in the middle of so much intrigue that it takes all his wits and experience to get out. Then, just when he thinks he's succeeded, he must face a foe who calls evil a comrade and embraces death as a lover. This is a book that will stimulate your mind with its complexities, entertain you with its engaging, three-dimensional characters and their lively dialogue, enrich you with a sampling of the author's vast wit and wisdom, and scare the bejeezus out of you in more ways than one. You may find yourself gripping the book in agitation as you near its brutal climax, but rest assured that Mr. Squires does not disappoint on any level and you'll be glad he took you along on this virtual safari through his imagination.
Rating:
Summary: Fluid...Flawless...First rate
Review: Squires has authored a novel that holds up under all criteria for a great book. "The Dead of Winter" is flawless, it is so well written I was actually looking for errors I must admit...they aren't there. It is fluid, and by that I mean the flow takes the reader down an-only-ending-at-the-last-page raft ride; smooth as well as invigorating...And the characters are so well defined and described you are convinced you know them and they are real, not made up. I will be thinking about this novel for a long time. The layers of possible things to ponder are endless...hatred in all races...brainwashing in all races...and understanding all cultures... and of course tolerance...It looks like there will be other novels in the future for main character Noah Winter and other social issues for Squires to interweave in another one if his epic tales...great reading to look forward to...Outstanding!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent mystery, with all the right ingredients!
Review: This is a fascinating book seeped in the mystical spiritualism of the Native American. Indio is "the Keeper", but his ancient mind and body is failing him. Solano, who he raised as a son, is urging him to pass on the Datura basket and let him become the Keeper of the Pathway. But this cannot be. Indio knows that Solano is not one of the chosen, and as much as he loves him, he cannot do this. But there is no one else. Will this mean the death of the ceremony? The Death of the Mystery? Even as Indio wrestles with his unsolvable dilemma, Solano has plans of his own. What is the answer? What will be the final outcome? This story resonates with rich description, and has colorful and emotional soul stirring spiritual nuances that carry the reader ever deeper into the fascinating and mysterious world of the Native American religion. With realism, detail, and suspense, the author has amply demonstrated his ability to transcend cultures and worlds. This is a book that deserves a place in the library of anyone who knows, and loves, the real Native American. Into this setting comes Noah Winter, a no nonsense retired Police officer who has created a vast wealthy empire for himself. He is inexorably drawn into a deepening mystery when he searches for his best friend, and his nephew who have disappeared with only the slimmest of clues to go on. As it becomes more apparent that they were caught up in Solano's diabolical machinations, his own life, and his future become threatened, and the only way out is to see it through... whatever the cost. Mr. Squires expertly weaves a plot that is enthralling, mysterious, and identifiable. You really come to not only know the characters, but feel their pain as well. This is a page turner in every sense of the word. Well written, using description, emotion, and realism, the reader is absorbed in the story. He even uses a touch of humor at just the right time to counter balance the incredible tension that grows to the chilling climax. This is definitely a five-star book that places Mr. Squires firmly in the seat as one of his publisher's finest authors.
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