Arnhem 1944
British paratroopers launch one of the most audacious plans of the Second World War – Operation Market Garden. Private Duncan Shaw records his experiences as his unit fights desperately to capture a vital bridge from the Germans.
Arnhem, Present Day
Duncan’s great granddaughter Zoe retraces his steps as part of a college project to accompany veterans of the battle and record their experiences. What Zoe doesn’t anticipate is uncovering a series of disturbing family secrets, some with deadly consequences.
Another dangerous case for Steph and Hale
A body is found tangled in the rushes on the banks of the Rhine, close to the river boat where former police officer, Steph Grant, and her partner, Chief Inspector Philip Hale, are chaperoning students from the college where she now works. Working with Dutch police, the pair investigate further, and quickly discover that no one is safe – be they pupils, veterans or staff.
What did I think?
Blood Ribbons is the fourth book in the Steph Grant Murder Mystery series but it can be read as a standalone. Although the characters are familiar to fans of the series, it has its own contained storyline and it's a real good 'un.
The college that Steph works at are planning to write a book to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, which was the World War II battle for the bridge at Arnhem that inspired the film A Bridge Too Far. One of the students has a personal link to the battle and she shares poignant extracts from her great grandfather's journal.
With Steph and Hale around, there's bound to be a dead body or two and the pair find themselves investigating once again. The plot is very clever as Lin Le Versha catches the reader in a pincer movement with both a present day and a past mystery to solve. I was completely riveted by both strands of the story and I simply couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Of course it wouldn't be a Steph Grant book without an appearance from Derek, her faithful hound. Derek may not make an appearance until towards the end of the book but it's definitely quality over quantity as he has a big part to play in the story.
Blood Ribbons is an outstanding murder mystery that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. The historical element is beautifully and sensitively portrayed and I found it quite emotional and poignant. A highly recommended read.
I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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