During this golden season in the UK, I bring you Jena’s latest Golden Chapter. She reached down under the table for her handbag and found a thriller by Roger Bray. Roger was born in the UK but lives far, far away on the Gold Coast, Australia. I am delighted to present a truly golden collaboration across three continents. It’s time to hand over this feature to Jena, a supportive American author and blogger.
I peered in to my golden handbag to see the first chapter of this Thriller/Suspense Crime Fiction. I want to note that the author included thanks to bloggers and reviewers by name in his dedication section at the beginning of the book. Nice touch!
And with a golden handbag…
it’s a golden day…
to read…
The first chapter is short but packs a punch. The author sets the table which made me want to stay for the main course.
The story is told in the third person. The words are simple and low-key, as they set the tone that something out of the ordinary is happening. We learn that it is near midnight, and an unnamed person is driving across the Nestucca River Bridge. This person is referred to as “he”.
We are not given any physical details about this person, but we do learn that he is precise and careful. He drives slowly, with headlights off, on a trail to the river. He uses a military-style shovel to dig a hole in the sand seven feet deep. He believes he is an expert at covering his tracks. He pulls on disposable latex gloves.
A body is in the trunk of his car, wrapped in a metallic lined thermal blanket. He checks the pockets on the body’s clothing, to make sure they are zipped so nothing can fall out. (Note to Handbag lovers doing mysterious things at night- make sure things don’t fall out of your bag!)
But he does forget about something, although he does his best to fix his mistake. After placing the body in the hole he dug, he is careful to smooth and cover the disturbed sand. These unsettling acts contrast with the description of the gentle breeze blowing off the Pacific.
He appears to be cool and composed. Yet, he thinks several thoughts that are peculiar. As he views the body, he pictures what we assume is his victim as “serene, happy, lovely.” He uses a ribbon to tie the hair of the deceased, making sure the ends are of equal length.
The chapter ends with man examining a “mini constellation of his own making.”
And yes, we must stop here! Ready for some questions?
- I’m sure you have many questions based on this first chapter. Who is the man? Did he kill someone? Has he done it before? Who is the victim? Does this first chapter make you want to find out more? What other questions do you have?
- What does the title Blood Ribbon mean to you, now that you’ve been introduced to the first chapter?
- From the cover blurb, we learn that a young woman is found alive, bleeding and injured. Is she the Chapter One victim or another victim?
If you’ve read and reviewed the book, please share a link to your review in the comments. Thanks!
Happy Reading and Stay Golden!
About the Book
When a psychology student survives a brutal encounter, a series of unsolved murders may be her only clue to stop the next attack…
Orphan Brooke Adams has reinvented herself after a troubled past. Now a confident psychology student, she surrounds herself with a close-knit group of friends who won’t let their past traumas ruin their big plans for the future. But when a weekend getaway ends with a bloody, savage attack that nearly leaves her dead on the beach, she’s determined not to let the traumatic experience define her.
When she’s approached by a retired cop turned PI, Brooke is shocked to learn there’s a striking similarity between her incident and a series of killings from 35 years ago. Will Brooke piece together the unsolved beach murders and reclaim her future, or will a clever killer put her six feet under the dunes?
Blood Ribbon is a tightly-woven standalone thriller. If you like dark mysteries, chilling suspense, and survivors battling incredible odds, then you’ll love Roger Bray’s gripping page-turner.
About Roger:
I served in the Royal Navy, and as a Police officer in Australia. Seriously injured and medically retired I enrolled in university which relit my passion for writing. Three books published and another on track. If my writing brings some pleasure into people’s lives, then I consider it a success.
I have always loved writing; putting words onto a page and bringing characters to life. I can almost feel myself becoming immersed into their lives, living with their fears and triumphs. Thus, my writing process becomes an endless series of questions. What would she or he do, how would they react, is this in keeping with their character? Strange as it sounds, I don’t like leaving characters in cliffhanging situations without giving them an ending, whichever way it develops.
My life to date is what compels me to seek a just outcome, the good will overcome and the bad will be punished. More though, I tend to see my characters as everyday people in extraordinary circumstances, but in which we may all find ourselves if the planets align wrongly or for whatever reason you might consider.
Contacts:
Twitter: @rogerbray22
https://rogerbraybooks.com/
Please see all the chapters at Jena’s Golden Chapters and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.
This book sounds very intriguing. I love a good thriller. 🌼
Bought it!
This is a great introduction to a new book. I have already enjoyed Roger Bray’s “Psychosis” and I’m now certain this will be another page-turner and will go on my tbr list. Thanks!
Love the contrast between the implied internal dialogue and the actions of this character. Thanks to all three of you.
Thanks for stopping by. Jena completed the lovely analysis. I think she may be meeting with Winifred soon. x
Thank you Jessie and Jena, very much appreciated 🙂
Jena did most of the work and is so generous with her support of authors.
I just did the fun part of reading the chapter. Jessie set up this lovely post.