Author Kip Lyman has created an incredible page turner with her psychological thriller The Purple Ribbon. From the start we are pulled into the disturbing crime of an eleven year old girl abducted and abused by a man and left to die.
Chelsea Whitlock not only survives but thrives with the help of Deputy Sheriff Sue Claremont. She is one of the officers that finds Chelsea, offering her a mother’s warmth in stark difference to the brutality she has experienced.
Samantha (Sammi) Whitlock immediately dedicates herself to her daughter’s healing process from this vicious attack. Her father is too upset to be as helpful as Sammi but no one would doubt the love he has for his daughter.
Lyman is wonderful at fleshing out characters that we can visualize and feel for. Cassi is the only friend that Chelsea will trust with her secret and their friendship grows stronger as the years pass. Sammi’s sister Becky is invaluable offering her home and love for Chelsea’s recovery.
Ethyle (Dr. Silverman), Chelsea’s therapist will eventually become another valuable friend for Chelsea to rely on.
As we follow Chelsea’s life, we are also introduced to J. Scott Anderson who is under the care of Dr. Goldberg. Scott has an alter ego Nathan that seems to be a very angry man who has never gotten over his hatred for his sister. Scott experiences lapses in memory in which he can’t recall what he has done but is suspecting it’s something he needs to address.
That’s all I want to reveal but you will have trouble putting this book down once you pick it up. There are twists and turns that keep the action moving and even when you think it’s all resolved . . . is it?
The Purple Ribbon is published by Palmetto Publishing, Charleston, SC and is available at amazon.com.