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DCI Ryan Mysteries #17
Cuthbert's Way: A DCI Ryan Mystery
FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND AND IMPOSTOR A SECRET KEPT FOR A THOUSAND YEARS... After the dramatic theft of a priceless artefact from Durham Cathedral, the rest of the world believes that DCI Ryan and his team were able to recover and return St. Cuthbert’s cross to its rightful home. But Ryan knows the cross he recovered was a fake—far from being over, their problems are only just beginning… Just as Ryan and his team begin to unravel the truth behind the spate of mysterious thefts, something even more priceless is stolen—something that can never be replaced. As the nationwide manhunt continues without success, Ryan is thrust into despair—until he realises the answer lies not in modern policing but in an age-old secret known only to a chosen few. To recover what’s been lost, he must first crack ‘Cuthbert’s Code’, following the trail of a long-dead saint across the wild, unpredictable hills and valleys of the borderlands. Can Ryan find what he’s looking for, before it’s too late? He’s going to need a miracle… Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. “LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times “A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle “LJ Ross is the Queen of Kindle” – Sunday Telegraph
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2020
2552 people are currently reading
1779 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Ross
41 books3,171 followersLJ Ross is an internationally bestselling author, whose books have sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
Her debut, Holy Island, was released in 2015 and became an instant, international bestseller. Since then, a further eighteen of her novels have gone on to take the coveted #1 spot, some even before general release and whilst only available to ‘pre-order’. The Bookseller magazine has reported on Louise having topped the ‘Most Read’ and ‘Most Sold’ fiction charts, and she has garnered an army of loyal fans who love her atmospheric and addictive storytelling.
Her eleventh novel, The Infirmary, is a prequel story to the DCI Ryan series and is available as a major Audible Originals audio-drama starring Tom Bateman, Kevin Whately, Bertie Carvel, Hermione Norris and Alun Armstrong.
The first novel in her Alexander Gregory Thrillers series, Impostor, was shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2020: Crime & Thriller Book of the Year. The audiobook of Impostor, narrated by Hugh Dancy, was also selected as a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards, Best Fiction Audiobook of the Year Category.
In May 2021, Louise was shortlisted for the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association ‘Dagger in the Library’ award, which recognises an author’s entire body of work having been consistently enjoyed by library borrowers around the United Kingdom, and an author’s longstanding support of libraries.
Louise was born in Northumberland, England. She studied undergraduate and postgraduate Law at King’s College, University of London and then abroad in Paris and Florence. She spent much of her working life in London, where she was a lawyer for a number of years until taking the decision to change career and pursue her dream to write. Now, she writes full time and lives with her husband and son in Northumberland and Edinburgh. She enjoys reading all manner of books, painting, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
To find out more about the many philanthropic ventures Louise has founded and sponsored through her publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, please visit ‘Philanthropy’.
If you would like to connect with LJ Ross, she would be very happy to hear from you:
https://www.facebook.com/LJRossAuthor
https://twitter.com/ljross_author
www.lovesuspense.com
lj_ross@outlook.com
Her debut, Holy Island, was released in 2015 and became an instant, international bestseller. Since then, a further eighteen of her novels have gone on to take the coveted #1 spot, some even before general release and whilst only available to ‘pre-order’. The Bookseller magazine has reported on Louise having topped the ‘Most Read’ and ‘Most Sold’ fiction charts, and she has garnered an army of loyal fans who love her atmospheric and addictive storytelling.
Her eleventh novel, The Infirmary, is a prequel story to the DCI Ryan series and is available as a major Audible Originals audio-drama starring Tom Bateman, Kevin Whately, Bertie Carvel, Hermione Norris and Alun Armstrong.
The first novel in her Alexander Gregory Thrillers series, Impostor, was shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2020: Crime & Thriller Book of the Year. The audiobook of Impostor, narrated by Hugh Dancy, was also selected as a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards, Best Fiction Audiobook of the Year Category.
In May 2021, Louise was shortlisted for the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association ‘Dagger in the Library’ award, which recognises an author’s entire body of work having been consistently enjoyed by library borrowers around the United Kingdom, and an author’s longstanding support of libraries.
Louise was born in Northumberland, England. She studied undergraduate and postgraduate Law at King’s College, University of London and then abroad in Paris and Florence. She spent much of her working life in London, where she was a lawyer for a number of years until taking the decision to change career and pursue her dream to write. Now, she writes full time and lives with her husband and son in Northumberland and Edinburgh. She enjoys reading all manner of books, painting, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
To find out more about the many philanthropic ventures Louise has founded and sponsored through her publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, please visit ‘Philanthropy’.
If you would like to connect with LJ Ross, she would be very happy to hear from you:
https://www.facebook.com/LJRossAuthor
https://twitter.com/ljross_author
www.lovesuspense.com
lj_ross@outlook.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews
December 6, 2020
Short and underdeveloped.
Feels like a money spinner to publish so many short novels so rapidly. This was half a story; right?
I do like the characters and the authors narration skills are excellent. Personally, having studied archaeology at Durham, these stories are a bit nostalgic. I do think that the earlier books in the series are better: complexity, character development etc.
I agree with earlier reviews, that there is too much personal drama. I don’t need to read about the same characters being kidnapped or attacked again and again. It’s starting to feel a bit like a soap opera and could be less sensational.
That said, a very quick easy read. Ideal for a flight or something like that.
Sorry not to like it more, I used to really look forward to this series, I have been disappointed latterly. I enjoyed the development of Ryan’s fathers character, but it was probably a bit rushed, it didn’t need to all happen in a few chapters, when he has been aloof with the reader for so long.
The reintroduction of an old character at the very end feels like it is paving the way for the next ‘episode’. Again, it feels like a rushed and fleeting reacquaintance with an excellent character. The novels now read like hour long tv dramas, rather than the intriguing complex stories with fascinating and many faceted characters that they started off as.
Feels like a money spinner to publish so many short novels so rapidly. This was half a story; right?
I do like the characters and the authors narration skills are excellent. Personally, having studied archaeology at Durham, these stories are a bit nostalgic. I do think that the earlier books in the series are better: complexity, character development etc.
I agree with earlier reviews, that there is too much personal drama. I don’t need to read about the same characters being kidnapped or attacked again and again. It’s starting to feel a bit like a soap opera and could be less sensational.
That said, a very quick easy read. Ideal for a flight or something like that.
Sorry not to like it more, I used to really look forward to this series, I have been disappointed latterly. I enjoyed the development of Ryan’s fathers character, but it was probably a bit rushed, it didn’t need to all happen in a few chapters, when he has been aloof with the reader for so long.
The reintroduction of an old character at the very end feels like it is paving the way for the next ‘episode’. Again, it feels like a rushed and fleeting reacquaintance with an excellent character. The novels now read like hour long tv dramas, rather than the intriguing complex stories with fascinating and many faceted characters that they started off as.
November 30, 2020
Disappointing
I normally enjoy the series very much but am getting a bit fed up with the crimes being so personal. I love the fact that Ryan is happily married, that his team are lovely and loyal but would just like Ryan to investigate a nice, juicy macabre crime which doesn't involve any of his family, himself or his team. I have had enough of him being agonised!!!
I normally enjoy the series very much but am getting a bit fed up with the crimes being so personal. I love the fact that Ryan is happily married, that his team are lovely and loyal but would just like Ryan to investigate a nice, juicy macabre crime which doesn't involve any of his family, himself or his team. I have had enough of him being agonised!!!
September 24, 2025
This excellent crime novel is the 17th volume of the "DCI Ryan" series, but in my view should have been combined with its predecessor "The Shrine", but more on that later on.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a passage from St Cuthbert, from Bede's "Life of St Cuthbert".
Storytelling is impressive, all characters are very believable and lifelike, while at the same time the atmosphere and surroundings of Northumberland are wonderfully described and pictured.
To come back to my point of view at the beginning, the reason that I only give 3 STARS for this novel is that this book "Cuthbert's Way" and its predecessor "The Shrine", which I gave 2 STARS, should have in my estimation made into to one whole book, for the simple reason that these books are complement to each other, and if the author would have done so it would have received a full 5 STARS from me, no doubt about it.
This second part after the deaths of DCI Tebbutt and forger Faber, and not to forget the disappearance of the real St Cuthbert's Cross, will bring once again DCI Ryan and his team consisting of DI Mackenzie, DS Phillips, PCs Lowerson and Yates, while in the end Chief Constable Sandra Morrison will also get personally involved, into action in a desperate effort to catch this crazy killer and thief of St Cuthbert's artefacts, and this hunt will take more lives and artefacts, until the moment of truth will decide who goes and who stays.
What is to come is a wonderful follow-up of "The Shrine", in which DCI Ryan, with the help from his team, must act to the very limits of his being in an effort to rescue his wife Anna from the clutches of this maniac killer, and all this is brought to us in a great fashion by the author.
Highly recommended, but as I said before, its predecessor "The Shrine" and this novel "Cuthbert's Way" should have been 1 complete enthralling read from start to finish, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Compelling Cuthbert's Other Half"!
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a passage from St Cuthbert, from Bede's "Life of St Cuthbert".
Storytelling is impressive, all characters are very believable and lifelike, while at the same time the atmosphere and surroundings of Northumberland are wonderfully described and pictured.
To come back to my point of view at the beginning, the reason that I only give 3 STARS for this novel is that this book "Cuthbert's Way" and its predecessor "The Shrine", which I gave 2 STARS, should have in my estimation made into to one whole book, for the simple reason that these books are complement to each other, and if the author would have done so it would have received a full 5 STARS from me, no doubt about it.
This second part after the deaths of DCI Tebbutt and forger Faber, and not to forget the disappearance of the real St Cuthbert's Cross, will bring once again DCI Ryan and his team consisting of DI Mackenzie, DS Phillips, PCs Lowerson and Yates, while in the end Chief Constable Sandra Morrison will also get personally involved, into action in a desperate effort to catch this crazy killer and thief of St Cuthbert's artefacts, and this hunt will take more lives and artefacts, until the moment of truth will decide who goes and who stays.
What is to come is a wonderful follow-up of "The Shrine", in which DCI Ryan, with the help from his team, must act to the very limits of his being in an effort to rescue his wife Anna from the clutches of this maniac killer, and all this is brought to us in a great fashion by the author.
Highly recommended, but as I said before, its predecessor "The Shrine" and this novel "Cuthbert's Way" should have been 1 complete enthralling read from start to finish, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Compelling Cuthbert's Other Half"!
December 2, 2020
Can we PLEASE have a book where Anna isn’t put into mortal danger?
Please?
Exciting the first two times... now it’s reading going ‘how long until Anna gets kidnapped, blown up or hurt?’
She’s an amazing character and vital to the plots with her knowledge - but why the constant plot get out of ‘oh. Anna is hurt. It’s personal to Ryan’.
It made no sense in this book either.
Please?
Exciting the first two times... now it’s reading going ‘how long until Anna gets kidnapped, blown up or hurt?’
She’s an amazing character and vital to the plots with her knowledge - but why the constant plot get out of ‘oh. Anna is hurt. It’s personal to Ryan’.
It made no sense in this book either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
Nortumbrijos kraštovaizdžio apsuptyje, tobulai susipina žmogžudystė, paslaptys, romantika ir humoras. Smagu buvo pasinerti į dar vieną serijos dalį apie Rajeną ir jo artimuosius bei kolegas. Patinka man ši serija👌 su nekantrumu lauksiu sekančio dalies. 👏😊
December 7, 2020
Half a book
This is the second half of 'The Shrine', the end of which took me by surprise as I thought I was only halfway through the book. I was born in Durham and live in Northumberland and never knew we had so many weirdos and members of strange cults in our midst. I'm getting a little tired of the saintly DCI Ryan and his perfect wife - does this man never investigate ordinary run-of-the-mill murders committed by people without a personal grudge against him? I think I've probably read my last Ryan book.
This is the second half of 'The Shrine', the end of which took me by surprise as I thought I was only halfway through the book. I was born in Durham and live in Northumberland and never knew we had so many weirdos and members of strange cults in our midst. I'm getting a little tired of the saintly DCI Ryan and his perfect wife - does this man never investigate ordinary run-of-the-mill murders committed by people without a personal grudge against him? I think I've probably read my last Ryan book.
December 6, 2020
Not the best
I have read and devoured every book in this series but this one just didn't keep me engrossed like the others. Interesting topic but a bit long winded in parts, kept putting it down which I've never done with other books in this series. I have to agree with some other reviews that it's getting a bit predictable with Anna ending up in danger and getting rescued. You would have thought by now after all that has happened, that Ryan would have exceptional security especially with all his money so I find it far fetched that they can get into the property so easily, let alone know where he lives. I had just read the new Joy Ellis book and what a remarkable difference, her books just get better. I do hope that if this series continues, it will be more about Ryan, Phillips and their team and Anna is more in the background.
I have read and devoured every book in this series but this one just didn't keep me engrossed like the others. Interesting topic but a bit long winded in parts, kept putting it down which I've never done with other books in this series. I have to agree with some other reviews that it's getting a bit predictable with Anna ending up in danger and getting rescued. You would have thought by now after all that has happened, that Ryan would have exceptional security especially with all his money so I find it far fetched that they can get into the property so easily, let alone know where he lives. I had just read the new Joy Ellis book and what a remarkable difference, her books just get better. I do hope that if this series continues, it will be more about Ryan, Phillips and their team and Anna is more in the background.
October 25, 2021
Ah, this kind of ends the previous book! LOL
We get to know why the crazy acts crazy and it's kind of sad... Dangerous crazy, but still sad...
Anna is again in mortal danger and Ryan has to save the day (and he obviously does)!
I'm wondering if those two will ever have a relaxing moment... but even if they don't I still like this series! :)
We get to know why the crazy acts crazy and it's kind of sad... Dangerous crazy, but still sad...
Anna is again in mortal danger and Ryan has to save the day (and he obviously does)!
I'm wondering if those two will ever have a relaxing moment... but even if they don't I still like this series! :)
February 9, 2025
#perskaičiau
L. J. Ross "Kutberto kelias"
Grįžti prie inspektoriaus Rajeno ir jo komandos – visada kaip sugrįžti namo. 🖤 L. J. Ross jau septynioliktą kartą mus kviečia į kvapą gniaužiančią bylą, kurioje detektyvinė intriga persipina su mistiškomis legendomis bei nuostabiais Jungtinės Karalystės kraštovaizdžiais.
Šįkart Rajenas ir jo komanda atsiduria šventojo Kutberto kelyje, kur mirtis pasiveja net ten, kur turėtų karaliauti ramybė. Senosios paslaptys, netikėti siužeto posūkiai ir neblėstanti įtampa – ši knyga įtraukia nuo pirmųjų puslapių. Negalėjau atsitraukti, o keliose vietose net širdis suspurdėjo iš netikėtumo! 💥
Mano meilė L. J. Ross knygoms tęsiasi jau trečius metus, ir su kiekvienu nauju detektyvu ji tik stiprėja. Jei dar nepažįstate inspektoriaus Rajeno – pats metas susipažinti. Patikėkite, tai viena tų serijų, kurios įtraukia nuo pirmosios knygos ir nepaleidžia iki paskutinio puslapio. 📚✨
Labai rekomenduoju 5/5⭐
L. J. Ross "Kutberto kelias"
Grįžti prie inspektoriaus Rajeno ir jo komandos – visada kaip sugrįžti namo. 🖤 L. J. Ross jau septynioliktą kartą mus kviečia į kvapą gniaužiančią bylą, kurioje detektyvinė intriga persipina su mistiškomis legendomis bei nuostabiais Jungtinės Karalystės kraštovaizdžiais.
Šįkart Rajenas ir jo komanda atsiduria šventojo Kutberto kelyje, kur mirtis pasiveja net ten, kur turėtų karaliauti ramybė. Senosios paslaptys, netikėti siužeto posūkiai ir neblėstanti įtampa – ši knyga įtraukia nuo pirmųjų puslapių. Negalėjau atsitraukti, o keliose vietose net širdis suspurdėjo iš netikėtumo! 💥
Mano meilė L. J. Ross knygoms tęsiasi jau trečius metus, ir su kiekvienu nauju detektyvu ji tik stiprėja. Jei dar nepažįstate inspektoriaus Rajeno – pats metas susipažinti. Patikėkite, tai viena tų serijų, kurios įtraukia nuo pirmosios knygos ir nepaleidžia iki paskutinio puslapio. 📚✨
Labai rekomenduoju 5/5⭐
March 26, 2025
Ši autorė mano dievaitė. Tokios trumpos istorijos, o taip gerai būna. Rajeno serija į mano TOP5 patenkanti be jokių abejonių! Ir labai tikiuosi, kad greitai dar nesibaigs.
"Kurberto kelias" 17toji serijos dalis. Ir šįkart gana asmeniška Rajenui. Apie pačią bylą, manau, neverta pasakot, nes man šiose knygose svarbiau Rajenas, jo šeima ir santykiai su kolegomis. Kaskart paėmus į rankas naują dalį tarsi susitinku su seniai pažįstamais draugais. Komandinis darbas, pagarba ir ištikimybė vadovui šioj daly ypač išryškėjo. Rajenas ne tik teisingas ir dažnai nuojauta pasižymintis detektyvas inspektorius, bet, kaip pirmą kartą pamatome, ir nuostabus tėvas. Ir kaip minėjau, ši dalis jam ypač asmeniškai - jis įtaria, kad nusikaltėlis gali persekiot jo šeimą ir kelti jai pavojų.
Vienintelis šios serijos trūkumas - knygos per plonos! Norėtųsi ilgesnio skaitymo malonumo. Šįkart ir susigraudinti teko, bet dažniausiai šypsojaus ir labai labai nuostabiai praleidau porą vakarų su šia knyga.
Jei dar neteko susipažinti su Rajeno komanda, tiesiog būtina tai padaryt. Tik pradėkite nuo 11tos serijos dalies "Ligoninė", kurioje pasakojama priešistorė.
"Kurberto kelias" 17toji serijos dalis. Ir šįkart gana asmeniška Rajenui. Apie pačią bylą, manau, neverta pasakot, nes man šiose knygose svarbiau Rajenas, jo šeima ir santykiai su kolegomis. Kaskart paėmus į rankas naują dalį tarsi susitinku su seniai pažįstamais draugais. Komandinis darbas, pagarba ir ištikimybė vadovui šioj daly ypač išryškėjo. Rajenas ne tik teisingas ir dažnai nuojauta pasižymintis detektyvas inspektorius, bet, kaip pirmą kartą pamatome, ir nuostabus tėvas. Ir kaip minėjau, ši dalis jam ypač asmeniškai - jis įtaria, kad nusikaltėlis gali persekiot jo šeimą ir kelti jai pavojų.
Vienintelis šios serijos trūkumas - knygos per plonos! Norėtųsi ilgesnio skaitymo malonumo. Šįkart ir susigraudinti teko, bet dažniausiai šypsojaus ir labai labai nuostabiai praleidau porą vakarų su šia knyga.
Jei dar neteko susipažinti su Rajeno komanda, tiesiog būtina tai padaryt. Tik pradėkite nuo 11tos serijos dalies "Ligoninė", kurioje pasakojama priešistorė.
January 28, 2021
Superlative! Present day, Northumbria, England. L J Ross’ Cuthbert’s Way (DCI Ryan Mysteries, #17) begins with a theft of “a priceless artifact” from Durham Cathedral that is connected to St. Cuthbert, a leader of the religious priory on Lindisfarne, the Holy Isle, and for a time a hermit on one of the Farne Islands located near Lindisfarne during the 7th c. The public believes that DCI Ryan and his team found and returned this artifact to its ‘rightful’ place in Durham Cathedral, but DCI Ryan is aware that this artifact is a forgery. He also knows 3 deaths have occurred which are linked to this theft. How many more? Then a flurry of thefts happen, and all are tied to St Cuthbert. Ryan, who is known for his logic and reasoning, realizes that these thefts have to do with St. Cuthbert and his ‘supposed’ abilities to heal the severally ill. ‘Cuthbert’s Code’ is mentioned. Anna, Ryan’s wife is an historian, and she locates information that Ryan and his team can use, but Ryan cannot shake the premonition that something will be lost or taken that can never be replaced, and he must be the one to ‘crack Cuthbert’s code’. The author’s writing just flows off the page keeping the reader enthralled. This reader definitely was enthralled. The characters, their personalities, their teamwork, the feelings they have for the entire team - I worked with a group of people such as these characters, and it was the best experience I have ever had. This author reaches her readers with her characters, the plot, and her beautifully executed mysteries. Highly recommended! 5 stars again!
March 3, 2021
A follow on from The Shrine, similar to the previous books in the series but a good read. I like the developing characters of Ryan's parents. Looking forward to number 18.
December 20, 2020
Didn't finish
I used to love this books but now I'm just sick of all the soppyness. I miss the gritty crime that its supposed to be about. Got 60% the way through and its just chapter after chapter of 'how lucky are we' 'I'm so glad for my family and team' blah blah. This is meant to be a crime book not a soap opera. In fact there's more drama in a soap opera. Used to be my favourite series but now seems to be churning them out every few months without a real story to write. My last try I think now to find another one to hold my interest.
I used to love this books but now I'm just sick of all the soppyness. I miss the gritty crime that its supposed to be about. Got 60% the way through and its just chapter after chapter of 'how lucky are we' 'I'm so glad for my family and team' blah blah. This is meant to be a crime book not a soap opera. In fact there's more drama in a soap opera. Used to be my favourite series but now seems to be churning them out every few months without a real story to write. My last try I think now to find another one to hold my interest.
December 31, 2020
Well that was a doozy! At one point I honestly thought we weren't going to make it! I suddenly rediscovered reading in May this year, since when I have read more than 60 books, including all 17 of the DCI Ryan series. Quite honestly, I was beginning to fear for my sanity what with covid-19 and the lockdown but have thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in Northumbria and am looking forward to visiting if we ever get our of here. Looking forward to the next one... ! x
December 9, 2020
I’ve read all the DCI Ryan books and always looked forward to the next edition. The one before this I found disappointing and it didn’t really enthuse me. But Cuthbert’s Way - well what to say? It was three quarters unbearable sentimental slush and one quarter plot. How can it be that the author doesn’t realise she’s gone completely over the top in as far as the emotional pull is concerned? I’ll try the next book but if it’s anything like this one I’m afraid I’ll have had enough.
February 23, 2025
Dvidešimtoji skaityta detektyvo Rajeno serijos knyga. Sakyčiau, “Šventovės” tęsinys, daug primenama apie tai, kas buvo rašoma “Šventovėje”. Panašu, kad autorė išsikvėpė ir vis sunkiau sukuria intrigą. O gal ir aš pripratau prie jos kuriamų istorijų.
December 20, 2022
Another good read in this brilliant series.
This one didn’t have me as enthralled as other books in the series until something significant happened about three quarters the way through the book. The pace then picked up and it had me racing through the pages from that point.
I look forward to reading the next book on the series.
This one didn’t have me as enthralled as other books in the series until something significant happened about three quarters the way through the book. The pace then picked up and it had me racing through the pages from that point.
I look forward to reading the next book on the series.
December 23, 2020
2.75 stars.
I have to admit that this isn't my favourite of the DCI Ryan series. However, it was nice to visit with all the different characters, and have some good development in their relationships with one another.
The nature of this book, being a continuation of the previous book (which ended rather abruptly), felt rather incomplete, which I guess in essence it was. Unfortunately, the conclusion and villain were underdeveloped as well.
I have to admit that this isn't my favourite of the DCI Ryan series. However, it was nice to visit with all the different characters, and have some good development in their relationships with one another.
The nature of this book, being a continuation of the previous book (which ended rather abruptly), felt rather incomplete, which I guess in essence it was. Unfortunately, the conclusion and villain were underdeveloped as well.
December 2, 2020
I’ve read all of the books in the series, but I think this might be the last. It seemed to be more about how much the characters loved each other than the crime itself, which only really kicked in for the last 50 pages. It’s a little too focused on gooey fairytale romances that are unprofessional in the context! The villain could have been more developed, including a link between him and Ryan/Anna. I agree with another reviewer who suggested that crimes that weren’t personally connected to the main characters would be more interesting. In its favour is the fact that it is an easy read, with lovely locations that are described well. If you like cosy crime, it might be for you.
October 5, 2022
I absolutely love LJ Ross books but I’m finding that this book and The Shrine seemed very rushed. Elements of the story didn’t unfold as they once would have been written and information/storylines were skipped over. I really enjoyed the idea behind this book though. LJ Ross, please don’t rush to complete your books, take time to share every element with the reader. Now off to read the next in the series…
December 27, 2020
Not everyone understood such greatness, but there was a chosen few who did. They were the true believers…the true guardians of Cuthbert’s way of life, and only they, through him, could benefit from his miraculous power.
January 24, 2021
I’ve given this2 stars as I did finish it. The previous book was a half book at best, so this was an improvement. However, it’s probably my last Ryan book. All getting a bit predictable.
May 21, 2021
i was a bit disappointed with this LJ Ross so did not give it at least 4 stars which I have done for all of the other Ryan books. I found it slow, with references back and no obvious crime. In fact the actual crime was really only revealed late on. There were some exciting chapters such as that in London and obviously at the end but much was too ponderous to make me want to read on. Usually a Ryan books keeps me awake but not this one.
December 2, 2020
Wow!
As usual with Ross books I could not put it down. The suspense had this short, fat old lady begging for mercy. I have loved Ryan's character from book one. Now I love all of the characters. I feel like I am in the room with them. I don't know much about modern North England but after read this book I am enchanted with Northumbria. I checked it out on Google. Lovely. It would not have been as much fun for me if I had not read them all. Don't miss this one. Don't miss ANY of them!
As usual with Ross books I could not put it down. The suspense had this short, fat old lady begging for mercy. I have loved Ryan's character from book one. Now I love all of the characters. I feel like I am in the room with them. I don't know much about modern North England but after read this book I am enchanted with Northumbria. I checked it out on Google. Lovely. It would not have been as much fun for me if I had not read them all. Don't miss this one. Don't miss ANY of them!
February 2, 2021
I love this group of detectives, however, poor Anna must be the most jinxed person in history. No matter what, these cases always seem to affect her somehow. I love how Ryan is reconnecting with his father and seeing Charles' returned affections is great to read. This was a great read as per usual and the case links to a previous one. I love how this team are like a huge family and work together to suss out all the clues. Anna's invaluable historical knowledge once again gives them a lead and the team are well on their way to solving the case...but what are the repercussions? Another thrilling read from LJ Ross.
December 22, 2020
I should start by saying that I love the characters in the Ryan tales especially Frank and his relationship with Ryan himself. That said after seventeen books they are becoming too familiar and predictable. The main characters are now all paired off and 'loved up.' This is not a realistic situation in my opinion and whilst they have all faced challenges in the previous stories they are all seemingly and unrealistically blissful in their relationships both personal and working.
The only clouds on their horizon would seem to be their inability to let bygones be bygones and keep harping back to these previous challenges. Those of us having read the previous sixteen stories would like new plots and intrigue rather than having the storylines constantly rehashed. WE KNOW what has gone before and that's why were invested in the characters but please let's move on!
I still love these characters but would like some good old fashioned crimes to solve, murder, kidnap even child abduction. Anyone would think that every other person in the North East subscribed to Pagan worshipping and /or witchcraft. Please can we move on a bit? A good piece of detective work to solve a crime that doesn't involve something from the past would be a great start. The stories are getting too similar. By the way if my wife was as often a victim of criminals I would seriously think of divorcing her for her own good. Not very realistic.
The only clouds on their horizon would seem to be their inability to let bygones be bygones and keep harping back to these previous challenges. Those of us having read the previous sixteen stories would like new plots and intrigue rather than having the storylines constantly rehashed. WE KNOW what has gone before and that's why were invested in the characters but please let's move on!
I still love these characters but would like some good old fashioned crimes to solve, murder, kidnap even child abduction. Anyone would think that every other person in the North East subscribed to Pagan worshipping and /or witchcraft. Please can we move on a bit? A good piece of detective work to solve a crime that doesn't involve something from the past would be a great start. The stories are getting too similar. By the way if my wife was as often a victim of criminals I would seriously think of divorcing her for her own good. Not very realistic.
February 15, 2021
Too much time spent on sappy nonsense between couples. Really? Police officer couples investigating crimes and kissing on the job? Here we are in this small part of the world and police officer and family members Keep getting kidnapped., as it is apparent that this has happened with Mackenzie in a previous book.
I think the author really wants to write romance novels As so much of the book is spent on that. Solving the mystery actually went very fast after they finally got to it. Interesting that 9 months had elapsed after the initial theft and then, suddenly, they decide to investigate the people in charge of the historic renovation and figure out the motivation of the police officer that killed herself. I think she got tired of the story at the end and decided to finish it quickly.
I think the author really wants to write romance novels As so much of the book is spent on that. Solving the mystery actually went very fast after they finally got to it. Interesting that 9 months had elapsed after the initial theft and then, suddenly, they decide to investigate the people in charge of the historic renovation and figure out the motivation of the police officer that killed herself. I think she got tired of the story at the end and decided to finish it quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2020
*My review is not completely spoiler-free*
I love this series, everyone who knows me knows I love it, but I'm sad to say that I believe it has had its day. Unless things get shaken up a bit, it's all getting a bit copy and paste.
The amount of times Anna has been in danger and survived honestly beggars belief. It's boring to read now as it has happened so many times and there is no sense of peril now as you just know she will be ok. I wish the author had the balls to kill her off, now that would be a shock.
I do still enjoy the interactions between the team but I find reading a crime novel with no sense of danger really quite boring. I will probably read the next one because I've come this far with the series but please LJ Ross, mix things up just a little bit.
I love this series, everyone who knows me knows I love it, but I'm sad to say that I believe it has had its day. Unless things get shaken up a bit, it's all getting a bit copy and paste.
The amount of times Anna has been in danger and survived honestly beggars belief. It's boring to read now as it has happened so many times and there is no sense of peril now as you just know she will be ok. I wish the author had the balls to kill her off, now that would be a shock.
I do still enjoy the interactions between the team but I find reading a crime novel with no sense of danger really quite boring. I will probably read the next one because I've come this far with the series but please LJ Ross, mix things up just a little bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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