I like literature where I know the location in which the action takes place or at least have a good understanding of the surroundings. This makes the mental cinema much easier because I then have concrete images in front of my eyes and an even greater reading experience than I always have anyway. If the genre fits, then I can hardly tear myself away from the book.
That was the case with the book A Pact of Ashes and Blood by Ratinger Sabine Riedel. The book takes place in Ratingen, basically around the corner from me, and is also a historical mystery thriller. Three genres that I enjoy reading and that are not often found combined in one book. So I had to grab it when the book was published by FeuerTanz-Verlag at the beginning of December 2025.
Two things you notice first about the book are the cover and the page number. The cover is a feast for the eyes and really makes you want to read the book. The number of pages of 552 pages, which is evident from the thickness of the book, promises a long reading time. So don’t wait long, just get straight into the book.
In the book we accompany a total of five people in two time periods. Nowadays these are the firefighter Mark and the photographer Cat in Ratingen and Melanie, with depression and hallucinations in the Bay of Lübeck. In 1460 we accompany the sisters Helene and Anna, who live in the forest away from Ratingen, decried as witches. While in modern times the focus is on Mark and his experiences during a mission and Cat is only involved more or less by chance, Melanie is actually very far away, and not just because of the spatial distance. Melanie is currently dissolving her mother and grandmother’s household and is plagued by visions and at the same time has to deal with her choice of romantic relationship and the complications that come with it. The connection is not immediately obvious.
The connection is clearer when looking at the two Ratingen stories. The sisters Anna and Helene from 1460 provide the background to the events of the present. In her story, Helene makes a pact with Johann, the lord of the Wasserburg Haus zum Haus and marshal of the Duke of Berg, and supplies him with all kinds of magical utensils in order to protect her own life and that of her sister. A pact with the devil, as it soon turns out.
The further both stories progress, the more the connection between the eras and the protagonists and antagonists becomes apparent. The content is clearly convincing and entertaining.
In addition to the content, the book also includes the craftsmanship and the look, which was already praised on the cover, stands out. The typeface and layout with the initials and the references to place and time at the beginning of the chapter, as well as the background, fit perfectly and ensure increased reading pleasure. Then there is the tension curve, the well-rounded development of the protagonists and antagonists and the surprising twists. Sometimes descriptions are a bit overloaded, but that’s the only point of criticism I have and that’s kind of complaining at a high level. It’s almost a shame that the book is self-contained and there can’t be a second volume, because I would have liked to continue reading.
Conclusion: Sabine Riedel’s A Pact of Ashes and Blood is a successful mystery thriller that skillfully combines a historical narrative alongside a current narrative and slowly shows what connects these two narratives. This happens with great protagonists and antagonists, surprising twists and lots of tension. The book is also visually impressive with its cover and layout and even if you read for longer at 552 pages, you would definitely like to continue reading at the end.
Ratingen, December 10, 2025
A Historical Mystery Unfolds in a Familiar Landscape
Table of Contents
Sabine Riedel’s “A Pact of Ashes and Blood” masterfully blends historical fiction with a contemporary thriller, creating a captivating read for fans of both genres.
- Sabine Riedel’s novel, “A Pact of Ashes and Blood,” published in early December 2025, uniquely combines historical mystery and thriller elements.
- The story unfolds across two timelines—Ratingen in 1460 and the present day—connecting the fates of characters separated by centuries.
- The book’s detailed setting, compelling characters, and surprising plot twists contribute to an immersive reading experience.
For readers who crave a strong sense of place in their fiction, Sabine Riedel’s “A Pact of Ashes and Blood” delivers. The novel, published by FeuerTanz-Verlag at the beginning of December 2025, is a compelling mystery thriller that seamlessly weaves together a historical narrative with a modern-day investigation, and it’s this skillful combination that makes it a standout read.
Two Timelines, One Dark Pact
The narrative follows five individuals across two distinct periods. In present-day Ratingen, firefighter Mark and photographer Cat find themselves entangled in a perplexing situation, while Melanie, grappling with depression and hallucinations, navigates personal challenges in the Bay of Lübeck. Meanwhile, in 1460, sisters Helene and Anna struggle for survival, branded as witches and living on the fringes of Ratingen society.
The connection between these seemingly disparate storylines becomes clearer as the novel progresses. Helene, in the 15th century, enters into a dangerous pact with Johann, the lord of Wasserburg Haus zum Haus and marshal of the Duke of Berg, providing him with magical items in exchange for protection—a pact that quickly reveals itself to be a deal with the devil. The events of the past cast a long shadow over the present, influencing the lives of Mark and Cat.
Craftsmanship and a Compelling Narrative
Beyond the intriguing plot, “A Pact of Ashes and Blood” shines in its attention to detail. The book’s cover is visually striking, immediately drawing the reader in, and its substantial 552 pages promise a lengthy, immersive experience. The typeface, layout, and chapter headings, complete with references to place and time, enhance the overall reading pleasure.
While the descriptions occasionally lean towards the verbose, this is a minor critique in an otherwise well-crafted novel. The book’s tension builds steadily, the characters are fully realized, and the twists are genuinely surprising. It’s a testament to Riedel’s storytelling ability that the conclusion leaves the reader wishing for a continuation of the story.
“A Pact of Ashes and Blood” is a successful mystery thriller that skillfully connects two narratives, offering a thrilling and visually impressive reading experience.
