Blood Ribbon: When there’s more than secrets buried, where do you start digging?

by Roger Bray

When Brooke Adams is found battered, bleeding, and barely conscious, the police are at a loss as to who her attacker is or why she was targeted. Then, PI Rod Morgan turns up convinced that Brooke's attack is the latest in a string of unsolved disappearances dating back thirty-five years. The police, however, aren't convinced, so Brooke and Rod must investigate the cases themselves. As secrets from the past start unravelling, will they find Brooke's attacker before he strikes again, or is that one secret that will stay buried forever?

300 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2018

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Chilling Must Read!

Blood Ribbon is a chilling thriller that I couldn't put down.

We meet Brooke, she has just split up from her good for nothing boyfriend.
Brooke had a tough past, in and out of foster care, no family. But she manages to get her qualifications and she walks out just before her 18th.

Brooke stumbles across Nico one morning when he finds her hiding behind a dumpster.
Nico has a big heart and takes her under his wing. Giving her a home, job and safety.

The story is told by Brooke. Which to start with got me a lil confused as it jumped about from past to present with other characters having the odd chapter.
But once I got to chapter 5 I settled straight in and was drawn into Brookes life.

You see someone tried to kill Brooke!,
They buried her alive, but she survived!
Why Brooke?

Rod Morgan. A retired detective with the Criminal Investigation Division, approaches Brooke.
He believes her attempted murder to be linked to six others. But she potentially is the only survivor!

Can they work together to catch the serial killer? What is the missing link? Why Brooke?

Ohhh just thinking back writing this review gives me chills. I was thoroughly enthralled.
I really liked Brooke she has her flaws yes, but she has so much strength, sass and determination.

There are plenty of juicy twists to keep the reader enthralled.
The pace if perfect it ramps up suspense and tension as the story progresses.
Roger creates a real dark sinister feel as we come to learn more about the killer.
I loved how Morgan takes a back seat throughout most of the detective work, allowing Brooke to shine through. It made a refreshing change.

If you are looking for a chilling, enthralling Thriller that ramps up suspense, then you will definitely want to read Blood Ribbon.
A Must Read! I can't wait to read more from the talented Roger Bray. Definitely an Author to add to my must read list!

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website:-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Superb Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was a perfectly paste compulsive Red... an intriguing detective story with a refreshing twist... One of the best things about being a book blogger is you are exposed to so MANY books you wouldn’t otherwise Hear about.... I have had The pleasure to read and review so many wonderful books written by so many talented writers... sometimes makes me wonder why isn’t this book on a bestseller list? Just makes me realize there are SO many books out there that are as good or better than some of those books on those lists and this book is a good example of that!

Brooke is found clinging to life after being brutally assaulted.... PI Rod Morgan believes her attack is linked to a series of missing women spanning over 30 years... The police dismiss this theory so Brooke and Rod take it upon themselves to investigate...

Brooke is a sassy, strong, and determined young lady... things haven’t always been easy for her, but I admired her tenacity in this situation.... what I found so refreshing is the focus was more on Brooke and her investigation rather than that of the detective.... now this could go terribly wrong, but The author did a really good job with Brook’s character... Brooke was very thoughtful and intelligent when it came to investigating, she didn’t do anything stupid that you might expect when a civilian starts detecting.... no Scooby snacks, no mystery machine, no professor in a mask, you get the picture....

Rod took a bit of a backseat to Brooke in this book, but I did like his character as well... The only thing I would have liked a little more of is getting to understand the relationship between Brooke and Rod... and I’m not talking about a romantic relationship... this book was peppered with so much friendship and family giving a definite balance to the story...

A different kind of detective book filled with all the twists and turns you could want.... had no idea who done it!

*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

University student Brooke Adams is lucky to be alive after having her head bashed in multiple times and then buried alive by an unknown assailant. Brooke is used to taking care of herself,she refuses to consider herself a victim. She is going to get better,live and learn from the experience but she is not going to dwell on it. But all that changes after PI Rod Morgan arrives at her hospital room and informs her that he is sure Brooke was attacked by a serial killer who Rod is convinced has been murdering and burying along the coast for over thirty years. The police are convinced that the attack on Brooke was just a random opportunistic act of violence so Rod,Brooke and one of Brooke`s friends Liv start their own search for Brooke`s attacker.As secrets from the past start unravelling it soon becomes clear that the case is far more dark and sinister than they could have imagined.Will they find Brooke`s manipulative,clever,psychopathic killer before he kills again and how will he react once he finds out that Brooke is still alive. Will he risk attacking her again and this time silencing her for good....


This gripping,thriller is voiced mainly by Brooke but there is also contributions from other characters including Liv and Brooke`s assailant. The chapters vary in length and are set in the past and the present.Brooke is a feisty,likeable character who we learn had a tough start in life,growing up in foster homes.She ran away at eighteen and found herself in Salam where she was taken in by kindly shopkeeper called Nico Stassino who let her move into his spare room,gave a job and made her feel like she belonged and was safe for the first time in her young life. For me personally there was a bit too much background information at the beginning of the story and I would have liked Brooke`s escape from her grave on the beach to have lasted for a bit longer than a couple of pages. Due to Rod being side lined due to ill health,Brooke and Liv ended up doing most of the investigating and I liked how despite having no experience as investigators they were portrayed as intelligent,capable characters and not bumbling,amateur idiots. Poor Brooke experiences a wide range of realistic emotions as the story unfolds and events push her to breaking point. But she also learns that family doesn't just have to be blood relatives,it also be the people you are close to.

This is a well written thriller that has a number of unpredictable twists including a one that was so jaw droppingly brilliant I almost dropped my kindle in shock. The characters were vivid and well rounded,the killer was twisted and spine chillingly sinister. I really liked Rod and Brooke and hope the author is planning more mysteries for them to investigate. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it most definitely will not be my last.

Many thanks to publishers Undertow and Rachel Gilbey of Rach Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review this gripping thriller and for the opportunity to take part in the blog blitz

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I have to make a confession, when every new character came into the story I assumed that each one was the murderer. There was a psycho that was responsible for the disappearance of a number of women and the attempted murder of another. Brooke Adams hadn’t always had good luck, but the day she had her head smashed in and someone buried her, she had, because she survived. The first bit of good luck had been when Nic took her in off the streets and offered her a home and work. The third piece of luck was PI Rod Morgan offering his help in finding out who wanted her and all the other victims dead. Well buckle up because this is one hell of a ride!
The story is mainly told by Brooke but others do play their parts too, especially the killer, who certainly brought a chill to the air round me when I slipped inside his mind. Oh my goodness this fella has one pretty damaged mind as the horrors of his own past are replayed in his tortured dreams. The thing is who the hell is he? When you think things can’t get worse they do, a nightmare that Brooke seems to be living with only one way to put it to rest. Brooke is one determined and sassy lass who takes the largest chunk on tracking down and eliminating the who dunnit suspects.
Roger Bray has again brought a total entertainment package within this book cover, while my paranoid reading skills for solving a mystery had my heart pumping furiously at every turn of a page. Brooke is a brilliant well-adjusted young woman who I couldn’t help but admire but boy did her determination double after a shocking discovery that would have crumbled most people. The descriptions of the killer’s compulsion to ease his mind through the same ritual I knew would never stop but something changed with the one that got away and survived.
This is an edgy story of constantly looking over your shoulder as it dips back into the past and how it all began to present day. Loved the ending. Another book of perfection from Roger Bray! A real must read.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still in the slump - sigh.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the tour for this book came up, I knew I just had to do it! Not only did the book entice but it was Roger as well. Ever since I joined the blogging world 7 months ago, I have noticed on Twitter alone he follows bloggers and always supports their posts by liking them and retweeting and I thought this would be a great opportunity to give back to him, and say thanks! So here we are!

It is also a special day too! HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!! ❤️

This book, when reading, seems like a slow burner…but it is not. When reflecting you realise how much has been said and done in a few short pages, how Roger has set the scene and introduced you to all the characters and their stories and how they all link together.

The way in which Roger has written the individual stories, it has you suspecting every-blinking-one, I had my suspicions about who the attacker was, and I was half right. However, even when you are given the person who has done these god-awful things and part of the reason why….the story does not end there!

Brooke, the leading lady, has had not had the easiest of starts to life, but when she is given a place to stay and a life by Nico, you see her carry on blossoming in to a wonderful woman….then she is brutally attacked, a way in which is one of my greatest fears. But yay! She survives! Although, after her surviving, the lines between the past and present become blurry.

The alternating chapters were fab, you had insight from Brooke and Liv (the bestie) in the present day. Then you get whisked into the past, to the attacker and to a group of friends growing up amidst a murder one summer holiday. The catalyst for all of this!

I also loved, that even though it is a crime story, where we need to solve the mystery, this is not a police-led crime procedure, but we are led by Brooke. She starts off working with PI Rod Morgan it is more out of curiosity, but when a link is found between Brooke and the past, it takes on a more personal aspect.

I really have suspected everyone in this book, but it is tough to explain without taking the magic away from this book. As mentioned before when the attacker is revealed, it is just not as simple as one would expect, and I absolutely loved this little twist in the story. Also, like with any book, when you realise what the book title means, it just resonates even more, especially in this book. When you realise what “Blood ribbon” represents, I found it quite sad and haunting, and you can also grasp that from the gorgeous gorgeous book cover

I am over the moon that I got a chance to read this book, and reading this book has made me itching to get hold of Roger’s other books. (Plus look at the gorgeous cover! I know I have said that already!) I am not done with his writing as it is absolutely enthralling, the way you are sucked in, without even realising you are sucked in. Hooking me from start to finish, I have found this hard to put down and when I had, I was thinking about it long after.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Ribbon has a chilling opening chapter as an unknown man buries the body of a woman he has strangled. The act itself is horrendous but it soon becomes disturbingly evident that she is far from the first woman he has buried. The story then leaves the killer for a while however, as the reader is introduced to Brooke Adams and later, Scoot Mease. Brooke had a difficult start in life, spending her childhood in institutions and foster homes before she ran away at sixteen and ended up in Salem. Unlike many runaways who end up falling through the gaps, she was fortunate to meet Nico, a kindly convenience store owner who gave her a home and a job. In the years that have followed she has grown in confidence and though newly single, has good friends and is studying psychology at the local college. Meanwhile, Scoot Mease has cancer and emphysema; believing he is nearing the end of his life, he reminisces about his childhood summers in Lincoln City where he and his group of friends enjoyed carefree days in the sun until they came to a sudden end when he was sixteen.
Though we already know from the description that Brooke will become the victim of a brutal assault, it's still a shock when it happens. I'd already grown to like this tenacious young women which meant I was even more invested in seeing her response to the attack, particularly after she discovers that she is probably not the first woman to have been targeted. She is visited by Rod Morgan, a retired detective who previously worked in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Oregon State Police who tells her that he is convinced she is the sole survivor of what he believes to be the work of a serial killer responsible for the deaths of scores of other women. That sort of news would leave most of us terrified, but Brooke wants to study criminal psychology and she is made of sterner stuff, so suggests her unique perspective could prove invaluable.
Blood Ribbon's narrative switches between Brooke's investigation and the twisted mind of the killer, whose identity is revealed to the reader prior to the characters in the book. Although Brooke's endeavours to find out the identity of her attacker is fascinating, I also really enjoyed seeing the impact of her decisions on her friends and loved ones. Liv supports her and agrees to help but her other close friend, Deon and Nico - who has become her father figure and clearly cares deeply for her - are understandably concerned that she is putting herself in what could be terrible danger. Their worries seem to be justified and there are scenes in the novel which feature an ominous sense of foreboding leading to an unsettling feeling of being reluctantly one step ahead of Brooke
The pacing is excellent throughout, the earlier chapters giving an insight into both the mindset of the killer and an understanding of what drives Brooke to continue investigating even as it becomes ever more perilous for her as the tension gradually picks up towards the end. The blending of the contemporary storyline with the glimpses into a terrible event in the past is beautifully crafted too. I was really impressed by Blood Ribbon; it's a dark, gripping thriller, with surprising twists and turns, engaging and diverse characters and an often touching focus on relationships and what makes a family, It's the first book I've read by Roger Bray but it certainly won't be the last.

[Neats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and boy what an introduction to his writing it was!

Brooke Adams hasn't had the easiest start in life. With no family she bounces from one foster home to another and she runs away at sixteen and ends up in Salem. That's when her luck starts to change, she meets Nico and makes a few close friends who quickly become the family she never had as a child.

Just as she's settling down and finally finding her feet somewhere that she feels comfortable and appreciated, someone brutally attacks her, leaving her for dead in a sandy grave - but Brooke isn't dead. After telling the local police what little she can remember of the attack, Brooke's approached by Rod Morgan, a retired detective who believes that whoever tried to kill her could be responsible for several other disappearances stretching over at least three decades. Brooke is obviously keen for her attacker to be caught so she agrees to work with Rod to try and piece the clues together but they'll need to tread carefully.

I loved Brooke's character - she's a sassy young woman who is determined not to be labelled a victim and I quickly found myself believing in her and growing attached to her extremely likeable nature. I particularly enjoyed watching her friendships grow but seeing how her decisions impacted on those close to her certainly made for compelling reading. It was a refreshing change for me to read a crime story that wasn't reliant on the police procedural side of things and add to that the timeslip chapters, where I was able to glimpse past events that might give some clues as to the identity of the killer, you've got yourself one happy hippo who couldn't read this book fast enough!


Blood Ribbon is a taut, dark thriller that is full of unexpected twists and turns. Focusing on friendships, relationships and family adds to the reality of the story and Roger Bray has executed this aspect perfectly, bringing a sense of reality to the whole book. I can't believe that I haven't discovered Roger's books until now but I'm so pleased that I've got another two of his books to read at some point in the future.

[Jéssica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of those classic crime and thriller books here you can't keep yourself from looking away and get so focus that you forget the real world for a moment. That's what this book made me feel.

The book had this slow pace that at times created this adrenaline feeling because I was expecting some event to occur or a crucial piece of information to be reveal. And combined with Roger's thrilling storytelling ability and engaging characters it the right recipe and created a fantastic book.

The way the characters are written make the book feel possible and real, that means I got attached to Brooke. Brooke is awesome, her personality and how strong she is just empowers the story, she doesn't want to be a victim, she want's to find out what happen. I love reading about the development in her relationships with others, and with each new development and all the friends supporting Brooke, it was easy to be excited about them.

Page after page we get going deeper and deeper in the story of a group of people trying to figure out what was going on and trying to find the truth behind the serial murderer and the motivations behind the killings. And it was unexpected, full of twists and turns, thrilling, wow and definitely full of action, suspense and mystery. Just like it's suppose to be in this genre.

Do I recommend this book? Of course! That's not even a question. If you like Thrilling crime and mystery books, this is just right for you.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel's Random Resources, for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour, and to Roger for the eCopy of the book.]

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Brooke starts life moving from foster home to foster home. When she's old enough to leave, she moves to a new town and is fortunate enough to find Nico who turns out to be like a father to her. With his help, she's able to turn into a strong, independent woman and even starts attending college.

Then Brooke is attacked, and it starts a chain of events that will change her life. She wants to find out who attacked her, and she and PI Rod Morgan end up investigating not only her attack but murders that he thinks are related. There are several twists along the way, and the story is one difficult to put down. I had to find out what was going to happen next!

I definitely recommend this book especially if you enjoy a good murder mystery.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Brooke survives a brutal attack she isn’t prepared to let it ruin her life. Instead alongside her close friend Liv and a private investigator she tries to find out whether the assault on her is linked to prior murders. She isn’t prepared though, for the heartache that her investigation causes.
There is more than one narrator in the novel, the most common one is Brooke but there is also narrative from Liv, Rod, the killer and his friends. You know fairly early on who it he is but not his whereabouts in modern-day.
At times it felt a little like YA. this is mainly due to the age of the characters, and the uncertainty they had over feelings and career options. I did like Brooke, I liked how determined she was to put her childhood behind her and not let it have any negativity on her new life. Nico was a good friend to her and helped her in more ways than one. Looking after her seemed to give him some focus in his lonely life.
One of the strongest parts of the novel concerned the killer and his relationship with his mother. I hope that there aren’t families like his but there probably are. I did guess correctly which way the novel would go early but I still enjoyed reading it. I didn’t get everything.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old habits don't die ...

I like this cover very much. It fits the content of the book perfectly.

The story is fluently written and combines the past and the present in way that makes the book attractive and keeps you reading chapter after chapter after chapter ... It seems like your eyes are glued to it and you can't convince yourself to put it down.

I also loved the way the author lets us get into different people's heads in order to reveal everything from different points of view.

To me, it's very important that every piece fits and that the reader is kept in the dark as long as possible. He also has to be able to try and find the culprit with the information that is being given. I hate it when, sometimes, the answer seems to fall out of the sky, but it was not like this here. I was happy that I could give myself a pat on the back because I had been thinking in the right direction, but I don't think I am ready to join the force yet. LOL

Overall, a very good book and I certainly would not mind reading more of this author's writing. 5 stars.

Thank you, Roger Bray and RachRandomResources for letting me join the blogtour.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone has been killing women and burying them for over 25 years- buried in the sand dunes and marked on his map. There is a link but a very tenuous one and one that is not public knowledge. Brooke has been lucky after a difficult start. She was taken in by Nico having been wandering the streets and sleeping rough after being old enough to leave her foster home. Nico not only gave her a place to stay and work but his trust and faith in her. Something she had never had. When she is attacked but lives to tell the tale her life takes on a different slant. A story of friendships and enduring memories. Of that family doesn’t have to be blood relations just those close to you. I really enjoyed this and read it in a day. I liked Brooke- she has tenacity and determination and that want to put something back which to me is an honorable thing. This is different from the normal PI crime stories as the PI takes a back seat and even Brooke investigating is done well, in a more roundabout way as if she is more curious as to why she was attacked rather than her setting out to be a hapless gumshoe as in some books. Well told from a different perspective , a crime tale but one to restore your faith in human nature.

[Angela Petch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets and damaged minds

Cleverly written, the tangled story of a band of friends from forty years ago, "the summer friends" and, forty years later, how another group of student friends uncover clues to unsolved murders of several girls.
The main character, Brooke, has gone slightly astray but comes good. A feisty girl, she almost becomes a victim herself but is determined to get to the bottom of the crime.
There are several red herrings along the way and I was kept guessing about the murderer's id until the grisly finale.
Concurrent to the crime theme, there are coming of age elements, a couple of main characters are gay and one is agonising over whether to come out.
The author knows about police procedure, having personal experience in his working life. I read that he lived originally in Britain, spent time in USA and now lives in Australia and I wondered why he set the story in America - sometimes the expressions used by the characters sounded more Oz or British, but I may be wrong.
A thrilling and engaging read.

[Julie Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really solid thriller that has a gripping and disturbing premise at its heart that I won’t say too much about as it’s not hinted at in the blurb and I don’t want to give anything away, but it has a historical and psychological basis that is revealed throughout the book in a way that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

The main character is Brooke, a young student who survives an attack on her which looks like it may be the latest in a string of historical crimes in the same area. Brooke is a very strong and determined person and, when the police don’t seem to be getting anywhere in investigating her crime due to lack of evidence, she teams up with a retired detective and PI with a theory about the crime, to try and track down her attacker herself. Whether or not this is a wise decision, you will have to read the book to find out.

The book is set on the coast of Oregon, which was great as I love any book set in the USA, especially those areas which are away from the normal settings we would visit as international tourists. The author does a good job of bringing the setting to life, and making it important to the plot. I would have liked even more description of the area, but I think that’s probably a personal preference because I can’t get enough of getting lost in the scenery of America, there will probably be the perfect amount for most readers who want to be able to imagine the place where the action is taking place in their mind’s eye but not be bogged down by description.

One of the major strengths of this book is the relationships the author creates between Brooke and her friends. Brooke has an unusual family situation, and the important relationships in this book are unconventional but no less meaningful for that, per haps more so even. Her history and the way her close relationships have been built makes those relationships, and the threat to them by the antagonist in the book, even more poignant and important to the reader when creating peril. It is extremely well crafted and, for me, is what really carried the book and made me so invested in it that I had to race to the end. The author also is not afraid to make some hard choices about who to imperil, which I admire and makes a huge difference in these sort of books and to your heart rate when you are reading as you realise, no one is safe.

If I had to point out a tiny negative, there were some points near the beginning where there was a little too much exposition that could have lost me if the author had not set up the character of Brooke so strongly from the start so that I was already invested in discovering her story. However, this was a flaw only noticeable in some very early chapters of the book and seemed to abate very quickly and did not appear later on and it was a very tiny issue that could easily be overcome by a further edit. It did not detract from my enjoyment of this book at all.

I really, really enjoyed this book. It was very original and riveting and I read it in only two sittings over the course of 24 hours. My iPad ran out of charge with only 20 pages to go which made me scream with frustration because we were at the tense denouement at this point and I was desperate to know how it ended. This a fabulous addition to the thriller genre, I am so glad that I got the opportunity to discover this author and I can’t wait to go back and read his previous work. I recommended picking up this book as soon as possible if you are looking for an engrossing read.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke hasn’t exactly had an easy life so far, and it seems as if the universe has decided she isn’t entitled to her piece of happiness and peace. After finally establishing a home, a group of friends and embarking on a path toward a career, she becomes the victim of a brutal attack. Sheer luck is the only reason she isn’t seven feet under, as her attacker intended.

She doesn’t start out with the intention of finding the person who tried to kill her, and rather inadvertently is led to the horrific discovery that she is perhaps just one of many more innocent victims, but is convinced to take a closer look by a retired detective. A man who is driven by the need to find someone he believes to be a serial killer.

The investigation is nothing more than closure or a bit of trivia until things start to get personal for Brooke. Her past and the present collide, and put her in the middle of a cold case and a brand new murder.

Bray distracts his readers by pulling them in multiple directions at the same time. If his story teaches us anything at all, then it is to trust no one. No matter how friendly, helpful or polite they may seem. Sometimes the real monsters are hiding behind the most innocent of masks.

It’s also a reminder of how many young men women and children go missing and are never found again. A lot of them falling prey to the murderous deviants haunting our streets. The ones who will forever remain the missing.

Blood Ribbon is a fast-paced crime with elements of a psychological thriller. The main character is unfortunately an example of a perfect victim. The person no one looks for when they disappear, which means nobody knows they are gone. The perfect scenario for a killer, but a nightmare for the intended target.

The killer lurks in plain sight in this read, which is also often the case in real life. They don’t have scary faces or come with daunting warning signs as they approach, which is why they and the killer in this story manage to kill over and over again.

It has echoes of Wambaugh, as Bray takes inspiration from certain real life scenarios and mixes them with his fictional killer who has a penchant for hair ribbons. It’s a read that will keep you guessing or suspect every single person until the end.
*I received a copy courtesy of the author*

[Sandy Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Just completed reading this book last night. Unexpected ending and left a little between elation and "oh, ok, it's over" feeling.
This book begins introducing the reader to some of its main characters. I know before it begins it is a mystery thriller. I would not say a thriller, though a good mystery. I fell in love with the three main characters who become firm friends from lost childhoods and growing up years.
We follow Brooke from her broken childhood, in and out of various foster homes until she finally lands in Salem to begin her new life. She befriends a Greek Cypriot shop owner who takes her under his wing and becomes the father/mentor she never had and feeds her up on the best home made food she has ever had.
Entering college to study the criminal mind, she befriends two other students who become very close friends to the end. The lives of Deon and Liv become entangled with her life, helping, hindering and loving al the way through goes the length of Brooke's inner strength and grit determination to capture the killer who only has a red ribbon to link all the murders together. Along the way, Brooke becomes an unwitting victim of the man she is chasing, suffering loss and trauma until she eventually nabs him.
Of course, all this work is not done on her own, but with the help of a retired detective who supplies her with his notes, photographs and details of previous murders he had been involved in. Morgan who is not in the best of health supports her through thick and thin and is always available to supply the benefit of his eccentric thoughts and opinions.
I enjoyed reading the book for the story and mystery behind it. In fact, there were moments I couldn't put it down and very reluctant to do so, even when I had to get back to work. I would highly recommend reading this book. Gives me cause for concerne that there really are people out there in the world like this madman. Looking forward to reading his next enthralling novel.

[Rachel (Rae) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intriguing story Blood Ribbon turned out to be this is the first book that I have read by Roger Bray but I feel that I have definitely been missing out. I enjoyed the way Roger Bray brought his characters to life and I especially enjoyed following Brooke's story.


At times there were some intense scenes mainly because you get the added insight into the killer, hearing their thoughts which definitely show some darker moments. I always appreciate books with a cold case storyline I guess for me it is so interesting looking back over the evidence and hoping that a fresh pair of eyes or new evidence will have come to light over the years. Blood Ribbon shows this perfectly as the book spans decades showing the reader the past and present as the collide into Brooke's life.

Putting the clues together was an intriguing part of reading and I couldn't wait to see if the killer would be found before killing again. I have to say that one of the things that worked out so well in this book was the brilliant balance of not only the crimes but also the personal effect on Brooke. Showing her friendships and family life along with a troubled past, it was so easy to like her character! There is a steady pace throughout along with a few thrilling moments that will have you turning the pages quickly. It is the type of story to keep you engaged and this is down to Brooke and her friends.

Blood Ribbon has some twists and turns that took me on quite a journey making me think along the way but also get attached to the characters too. All I can add is that this is the type of book where late at night you will say just one more chapter knowing full well you will carry on reading!

Four stars from me!

[Stephanie Dagg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat! It’s a chilling thriller, with oodles of menace and tension. A simple red hair ribbon takes on a very sinister aspect when it’s connected with the deaths of young women over quarter of a century.
Brooke, our heroine, is a likeable, down to earth young woman. She’s a strong character who recovers from an attempt on her life but instead of running and hiding, she chooses to track down and confront her attacker, with the assistance of private detective Rod Morgan. He too is a sympathetic although not necessarily easy person, and the two make an unusual but effective team as they strive to take this particular evil off the streets. They encounter a wide variety of tightly drawn and memorable characters in their quest for the truth.
Author Roger Bray really gets inside the head of the perpetrator of the crimes, and it’s this which gives that icy touch to this exciting and fast-paced novel. It really will send shivers down your spine! The author also has a sharp eye for detail and settings and events are vividly described. His writing is brisk and methodical, which keeps the action rolling without ever losing the reader in all the excitement.
All in all it’s an absorbing and highly enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.

[Alan Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novel I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The writing is excellent and fast paced. The opening chapters set the scene for the characters and give a depth to them that really drove the story forward. The unconventional family dynamic was well done and showed that families are not always what we consider them to be. It was an interesting twist to an excellent read. There are no wasted moments in this book, each character adds to the story line.
The story is told from various perspectives, including the killer's, which brings a reality to a story well told by this author. It is a quality, unpredictable thriller with a lot of twists and turns and, some cliff edge moments which have you turning the pages rapidly.
There are some dark moments, some funny moments and plenty of twisting, thrilling moments. Exactly what I want from this type of book.

Highly recommended.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I have read a few books by author and was delighted to see that he was releasing a new one and I couldn’t wait to get my teeth in to it!

I was drawn in completely by the blurb and was hooked by the storyline within a few pages. I loved the pace and the way the story built up to a cracking ending. It has some fascinating characters and I loved their interaction, it is a well planned story and it flowed very well and before I knew it I had read over 60% of the book – not bad for just a few chapters! I was completely immersed in the story.

Five stars from me – a very enjoyable read – very highly recommended!!

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book definitely fits the thriller genre it has a nice benefit of not being gruesome. I would easily share this with a mature YA reader. Another benefit is that this book is a standalone and has a complete ending. It was nice to have closure.

While it takes a little while to get the flow of the book and the transfers in time, as well as characters, each of these things, are essential to understanding the story. In addition, the author gives you a glimpse into the mind of the killer which helps adds to the intense nature of the story as well as the intrigue of following the plot.

[H.M. Holten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serial Killer on the loose
A thriller with a feisty heroine. That being said, some of the thrill lies in experiencing fragments of the plot through the serial killer’s eyes. Add to that, his foible for red ribbons and dunes as well as his long-enduring success. His prospective victim survives and dedicates her recovery period to find her would-be killer. Only a PI, former criminal investigator, goes all out to help her. He suspects that several unexplained murders may be connected. Bray shows his psychological insight in the way he handles his main characters. Highly recommended

[Claire Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Kept me guessing right up to the end. Twists and turns a plenty. Thoroughly recommend this thriller from Roger Bray.

[Alfred Nobile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow as part of the bog blitz.

[S.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable thriller with twists you don't see coming

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow Start But Pacing Picks Up

This promising book started slowly, but after it hit its stride, it was a good read. “Blood Ribbon” is a combination of a sort-of police procedural with cozy elements, plus two coming-of-age stories.
The prologue intrigued me, and that’s what kept me reading beyond the first three chapters, which are heavily weighted with exposition. After that, I became invested in the unconventional characters and the “family” they make for themselves.
There are many flashbacks for multiple characters—especially for the serial murderer and the MC, who is his only known survivor. More problematic, many flashbacks are not clearly delineated. On Kindle there are often no breaks between present time and flashbacks. Oddly, a few flashbacks are in italics, but as I recall, at least one phone conversation was italicized.
This book needs a good copy editor.