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DCI Ryan Mysteries #15
Ryan's Christmas: A DCI Ryan Mystery
FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND AND IMPOSTOR Christmas can be murder… After a busy year fighting crime, DCI Ryan and his team of murder detectives are enjoying a festive season of goodwill, mulled wine and, in the case of DS Phillips, a stottie cake or two—that is, until a freak snowstorm forces their car off the main road and into the remote heart of Northumberland. Their Christmas spirit is soon tested when they’re forced to find shelter inside England’s most haunted castle, where they’re the uninvited guests at a ‘Candlelit Ghost Hunt’. It’s all fun and games—until one of the guests is murdered. It seems no mortal hand could have committed the crime, so Ryan and Co. must face the spectres living inside the castle walls to uncover the grisly truth, before another ghost joins their number… Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit 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
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 23, 2019
3867 people are currently reading
2924 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Ross
58 books3,313 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 583 reviews
September 8, 2025
This straightforward crime novel is the 15th volume of the "DCI Ryan" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll find two lines taken from Shakespeare's "Macbeth".
Storytelling is very good, all characters are believable and lifelike, but the story itself is a bit rushed in my opinion, due to the fact by working in terms of quantity, 6 books in this year of publication, instead of quality, and that has taken much of its captivating shine compared to the earliest editions of this series.
The book starts off in freezing and snowing conditions in which our protagonists and friends, DCI Ryan and his wife, Anna the historian, and his colleagues DI MacKenzie and her husband DS Phillips, find themselves after returning from Edinburgh visiting the Christmas festivities, and due to this dangerous conditions they will finally end up at Chillingham Castle, and there their murder adventure begins.
All of a sudden one of the proprietors, Carole Black, is found stabbed through the neck in the garden, and for DCI Ryan and his team to find out the culprit behind this killing action, but not long after this death another person will be murdered, and this victim must somehow have a connection with the past and towards the people staying at Chillingham Castle.
What is to follow is a somewhat predictable and rushed mystery, more a novella than a novel, but also a mystery with domestic happiness to come for some in the end.
Highly recommended, although this is not the author's best effort, its still a satisfactory addition to this otherwise great series, that's why I like to call this episode: "A Good Christmas Mystery"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find two lines taken from Shakespeare's "Macbeth".
Storytelling is very good, all characters are believable and lifelike, but the story itself is a bit rushed in my opinion, due to the fact by working in terms of quantity, 6 books in this year of publication, instead of quality, and that has taken much of its captivating shine compared to the earliest editions of this series.
The book starts off in freezing and snowing conditions in which our protagonists and friends, DCI Ryan and his wife, Anna the historian, and his colleagues DI MacKenzie and her husband DS Phillips, find themselves after returning from Edinburgh visiting the Christmas festivities, and due to this dangerous conditions they will finally end up at Chillingham Castle, and there their murder adventure begins.
All of a sudden one of the proprietors, Carole Black, is found stabbed through the neck in the garden, and for DCI Ryan and his team to find out the culprit behind this killing action, but not long after this death another person will be murdered, and this victim must somehow have a connection with the past and towards the people staying at Chillingham Castle.
What is to follow is a somewhat predictable and rushed mystery, more a novella than a novel, but also a mystery with domestic happiness to come for some in the end.
Highly recommended, although this is not the author's best effort, its still a satisfactory addition to this otherwise great series, that's why I like to call this episode: "A Good Christmas Mystery"!
January 1, 2020
Unusual sloppiness of plotting narrative.
Unusual sloppiness of plot. The scene is set well. The Agatha Christie scenario in a real haunted castle with the protagonists trapped by bad weather is interesting. Because Ryan and wife Anna are just too perfect as dramatic creations we have to have some tedious drama about Anna having miscarriages but don't worry the perfect life of the perfect couple ends well. What is unforgivable is Chapter 21 it totally misleads readers to believe Nadia had an ankle Injury and woke up to find Marcus missing. That's just prudent sloppy writing. In another incident we have a character who is presented as gossipy and complaining who tells us she eats gluten free and avoids dairy being on a diet but is shown in another chapter to be tucking into beef flavoured hoopla hoops which suggests she isn't worried about her diet at all. Or being gluten free. Going back to Chapter 21 in a proper who done it you don't tell lies to the reader to wilfully mislead them. Very sloppy. I've followed Ryan. Anna, Frank, etc through every adventure but Anna and Ryan are getting to be a bit too good/perfect to be true they could win smug couple in crime mystery series of the decade.
Unusual sloppiness of plot. The scene is set well. The Agatha Christie scenario in a real haunted castle with the protagonists trapped by bad weather is interesting. Because Ryan and wife Anna are just too perfect as dramatic creations we have to have some tedious drama about Anna having miscarriages but don't worry the perfect life of the perfect couple ends well. What is unforgivable is Chapter 21 it totally misleads readers to believe Nadia had an ankle Injury and woke up to find Marcus missing. That's just prudent sloppy writing. In another incident we have a character who is presented as gossipy and complaining who tells us she eats gluten free and avoids dairy being on a diet but is shown in another chapter to be tucking into beef flavoured hoopla hoops which suggests she isn't worried about her diet at all. Or being gluten free. Going back to Chapter 21 in a proper who done it you don't tell lies to the reader to wilfully mislead them. Very sloppy. I've followed Ryan. Anna, Frank, etc through every adventure but Anna and Ryan are getting to be a bit too good/perfect to be true they could win smug couple in crime mystery series of the decade.
March 11, 2024
Kaip gera buvo vėl sugrįžti prie Rajeno ir jo komandos. 😉 Visko šioje dalyje saikingai, bet norėjosi, kad knyga taip greitai nesibaigtų. 🤭😁Lauksim kitų dalių.
December 27, 2023
3.5⭐️
Su šia knyga Ross nuklydo nuo sau įprasto braižo ir gerai padarė. Jau įpratome skaityti apie šaunuolį Rajeną ir jo komandą dirbančius komisariate, visame mieste besivaikantį nusikaltėlius, skubantį, lenkiantį, besigrumiantį ir dažniausiai laimintį. Tokie tipiniai įprastos detektyvinės knygos griaučiai. O čia rašytoja padovanojo labai klasikinius Agathos Christie kūrinius primenantį reikalą. Rajenas su draugais dėl didelio snygio strigo senovinėje pilyje.
Strigo be telefono ryšio, be galimybės greitu metu ištrūkt. Pilyje jau buvo nemažai svečių, susirinkusių dalyvauti dvasių kvietime. Po šito seanso, kitą dieną - vienas iš žmonių randamas nužudytas. Vadinasi draugais įkalinti čia su būriu žmonių, kurių vienas yra žudikas. Be jokių šiuolaikinių priemonių inspektorius nusprendžia išsiaiškinti nusikaltimą. Visai kaip Puaro - visis po vieną apklausinėja, ieško mažų užuominų ir pamažu dėlioja nusikaltimo šešėlius.
Patiko! Ross tikrai gerai pavyko sukurt tą nejaukią tamsios pilies atmosferą ir įpaišyt Rajeną į klasikinio detektyvo vaidmenį. Patiko, kad logiškai viskas išsukta ir tikrai tikrai priminė Christie darbus. Keista taip sakyt apie detektyvą, bet jaukiai susiskaitė. Priminė tuos laikus, kai su Marpl ir Erkiuliu leisdavau kiekvieną vakarą.
Su šia knyga Ross nuklydo nuo sau įprasto braižo ir gerai padarė. Jau įpratome skaityti apie šaunuolį Rajeną ir jo komandą dirbančius komisariate, visame mieste besivaikantį nusikaltėlius, skubantį, lenkiantį, besigrumiantį ir dažniausiai laimintį. Tokie tipiniai įprastos detektyvinės knygos griaučiai. O čia rašytoja padovanojo labai klasikinius Agathos Christie kūrinius primenantį reikalą. Rajenas su draugais dėl didelio snygio strigo senovinėje pilyje.
Strigo be telefono ryšio, be galimybės greitu metu ištrūkt. Pilyje jau buvo nemažai svečių, susirinkusių dalyvauti dvasių kvietime. Po šito seanso, kitą dieną - vienas iš žmonių randamas nužudytas. Vadinasi draugais įkalinti čia su būriu žmonių, kurių vienas yra žudikas. Be jokių šiuolaikinių priemonių inspektorius nusprendžia išsiaiškinti nusikaltimą. Visai kaip Puaro - visis po vieną apklausinėja, ieško mažų užuominų ir pamažu dėlioja nusikaltimo šešėlius.
Patiko! Ross tikrai gerai pavyko sukurt tą nejaukią tamsios pilies atmosferą ir įpaišyt Rajeną į klasikinio detektyvo vaidmenį. Patiko, kad logiškai viskas išsukta ir tikrai tikrai priminė Christie darbus. Keista taip sakyt apie detektyvą, bet jaukiai susiskaitė. Priminė tuos laikus, kai su Marpl ir Erkiuliu leisdavau kiekvieną vakarą.
April 14, 2021
Brilliant, back to the high standards. An Agatha Christie, style mystery in a Snowbound haunted Castle.
Great characters, fast paced and a good plot. Although I had guessed fairly accurately what the motive probably was fairly early, and suspected the perpetrator. Still well written, and a good read to see if I was right. Fantastic ending.
Great characters, fast paced and a good plot. Although I had guessed fairly accurately what the motive probably was fairly early, and suspected the perpetrator. Still well written, and a good read to see if I was right. Fantastic ending.
April 21, 2024
Greit ir lengvai. Nieko ypatingo, toks vienas lengvesnių Rajeno serijos detektyvų.
December 31, 2024
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
WooHoo! Just managed to sneak this one in as my final read of the year and I couldn't have picked a better book for it. A snowbound whodunnit for Ryan, Anna, Phillips and McKenzie and a very special Christmas gift revealed that comes to fruition in the coming new year.
WooHoo! Just managed to sneak this one in as my final read of the year and I couldn't have picked a better book for it. A snowbound whodunnit for Ryan, Anna, Phillips and McKenzie and a very special Christmas gift revealed that comes to fruition in the coming new year.
December 30, 2024
Dar vienas, gana lengvas, bet sakyčiau labai įtraukiantis autorės detektyvas. Vienu metu vos nepatikėjau apie vaiduoklius, bet žinojau, kad Ross ne gali iki to nueiti. Tai būtų tiesiog ne jos stilius 😁
Kaip visada Ryan su komanda ir savo juokeliais kelią šypseną.
Po naujų metų imsiu Šventovė ir lauksiu naujos knygos - Kutberto kelias 😍
4.5
Kaip visada Ryan su komanda ir savo juokeliais kelią šypseną.
Po naujų metų imsiu Šventovė ir lauksiu naujos knygos - Kutberto kelias 😍
4.5
February 5, 2020
Whilst Christmas may have come and gone, as it is still the coldest time of the year, this was the perfect book to snuggle up with. With freezing temperatures outside, there is nothing like being snug and warm on the inside, enjoying a good book.
The story starts off with Ryan, Phillips and their partners all in good spirits until they get stranded due to the bad weather. I was quite envious of them to start with as they end up having to take shelter in a castle. The castle sounded fabulous and even the ghost stories about it being haunted, didn’t put me off in the slightest.
It wouldn’t be a crime book of course if there wasn’t a good old murder or two and there is no rest for poor Ryan and Phillips as they have to try and solve the case. Cut off from the outside world with no working phone lines, they really are up against it.
This is a proper whodunnit that reminisces of Agatha Christie. I love the sense of isolation and that the murderer must be one of the small cast of characters within the house. Whilst it’s set at Christmas time, the festive spirit doesn’t really come into it until the end, ensuring that this can be read at anytime of the year.
Ryan’s Christmas is an addictive read and one I was sad to see end. I was enjoying it that much that I had it read in no time at all. The story line was an addictive one and when the revelations started coming, they were thick and fast. Having me racing through the pages feeling a mixture of shock and excitement. The ending I absolutely loved and had me smiling for quite a while after. My only issue is, is that I am now desperate for the next book in the series.
The story starts off with Ryan, Phillips and their partners all in good spirits until they get stranded due to the bad weather. I was quite envious of them to start with as they end up having to take shelter in a castle. The castle sounded fabulous and even the ghost stories about it being haunted, didn’t put me off in the slightest.
It wouldn’t be a crime book of course if there wasn’t a good old murder or two and there is no rest for poor Ryan and Phillips as they have to try and solve the case. Cut off from the outside world with no working phone lines, they really are up against it.
This is a proper whodunnit that reminisces of Agatha Christie. I love the sense of isolation and that the murderer must be one of the small cast of characters within the house. Whilst it’s set at Christmas time, the festive spirit doesn’t really come into it until the end, ensuring that this can be read at anytime of the year.
Ryan’s Christmas is an addictive read and one I was sad to see end. I was enjoying it that much that I had it read in no time at all. The story line was an addictive one and when the revelations started coming, they were thick and fast. Having me racing through the pages feeling a mixture of shock and excitement. The ending I absolutely loved and had me smiling for quite a while after. My only issue is, is that I am now desperate for the next book in the series.
October 19, 2021
A cute little mystery similar to Agatha Christie's!
January 2, 2020
What a cleverly written tale this is. I have absolutely LOVED it!
I always know I’m in for a treat when there is a new DCI Ryan mystery to devour and Ryan’s Christmas has been no exception.
I’m always excited to find a new book by LJ Ross in my Kindle library 😊 This author is a genius. I honestly don’t know how she does it!
I loved the setting of this story. Stranded due to heavy snow and having to take refuge in a castle sounds so exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Given it’s a murder mystery I had expected things to get interesting, but I was totally blown away by what eventually unfolds.
Like I said, genius!
The banter between Ryan and Phillips is on form, particularly at the beginning of this book. I have to say that I laughed SO loud at the cow incident!! (It might just be me. LOL!) Phillips proper cracks me up, bless him. I love him. He’s the sweetest, funniest character, who just gets better with each book. This really did tickle me, and I was giggling to myself for ages. I think my husband thought I had lost the plot 😉
Ryan and Anna continue to remind me of me and my Steve. I love the romantic aspect of these books and an insight into the personal lives of these murder detectives. It makes them more real and relatable. Having read the series from the start, I do feel like I almost know these characters personally. I look forward to catching up with them all and I can’t wait for book 16!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2020/01/0...
I always know I’m in for a treat when there is a new DCI Ryan mystery to devour and Ryan’s Christmas has been no exception.
I’m always excited to find a new book by LJ Ross in my Kindle library 😊 This author is a genius. I honestly don’t know how she does it!
I loved the setting of this story. Stranded due to heavy snow and having to take refuge in a castle sounds so exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Given it’s a murder mystery I had expected things to get interesting, but I was totally blown away by what eventually unfolds.
Like I said, genius!
The banter between Ryan and Phillips is on form, particularly at the beginning of this book. I have to say that I laughed SO loud at the cow incident!! (It might just be me. LOL!) Phillips proper cracks me up, bless him. I love him. He’s the sweetest, funniest character, who just gets better with each book. This really did tickle me, and I was giggling to myself for ages. I think my husband thought I had lost the plot 😉
Ryan and Anna continue to remind me of me and my Steve. I love the romantic aspect of these books and an insight into the personal lives of these murder detectives. It makes them more real and relatable. Having read the series from the start, I do feel like I almost know these characters personally. I look forward to catching up with them all and I can’t wait for book 16!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2020/01/0...
January 6, 2020
On the way home from a trip to Edinburgh, where they spent some time perusing the Christmas markets, Ryan, Phillips and their better halves Anna and Denise, are caught out by a heavy snowfall, causing an accident which shut the main road for miles. Forced to take side roads they make slow progress, until eventually they reach the small village of Chillingham, where they had to abandon the car.
The village was tiny, consisting of a few cottages and a castle which, they were thankful to learn, did have guest accommodation. Chillingham Castle had a reputation for being the most haunted castle in England, and ran ghost tours for the guests.
A fun and festive novella length story featuring characters we’ve come to know and love. Their forced stay at the castle sees them, along with six other guests, isolated and without transport, mobile signals or phone lines. With no way out of the castle, a murderer on the loose and a limited number of suspects, atmosphere, tension and suspense weave their way through the story.
The guests are all distinct and you get a sense of their personalities and backgrounds almost immediately. And, as always, the closeness, camaraderie and trust between the main characters is there in spades. A thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery with a lovely ending.
What I love about the DCI Ryan mysteries is that the settings are all actual places. Thirteenth century Chillingham Castle is described as the most haunted castle in England. The castle does accommodate guests and ghost tours are available to book. Chillingham is also famous for having the only surviving truly wild herd of cattle. Ryan and his party have a humorous encounter with one while navigating the country lanes.
The village was tiny, consisting of a few cottages and a castle which, they were thankful to learn, did have guest accommodation. Chillingham Castle had a reputation for being the most haunted castle in England, and ran ghost tours for the guests.
A fun and festive novella length story featuring characters we’ve come to know and love. Their forced stay at the castle sees them, along with six other guests, isolated and without transport, mobile signals or phone lines. With no way out of the castle, a murderer on the loose and a limited number of suspects, atmosphere, tension and suspense weave their way through the story.
The guests are all distinct and you get a sense of their personalities and backgrounds almost immediately. And, as always, the closeness, camaraderie and trust between the main characters is there in spades. A thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery with a lovely ending.
What I love about the DCI Ryan mysteries is that the settings are all actual places. Thirteenth century Chillingham Castle is described as the most haunted castle in England. The castle does accommodate guests and ghost tours are available to book. Chillingham is also famous for having the only surviving truly wild herd of cattle. Ryan and his party have a humorous encounter with one while navigating the country lanes.
January 2, 2020
Setting: Christmas season, horrendous snowstorm, ancient haunted castle. LJ Ross’ Ryan’s Christmas (DCI Ryan Mystery #15) finds DCI Ryan, his wife, Dr. Anna Taylor, DI McKenzie, and her husband, DS Philips stranded at Chillingham Castle on their trip home after some holiday celebrating in Edinburgh. A never-ending snowstorm forces the closing of A1, a major motorway, and the motorway Ryan is driving to return these friends home. Thus, Ryan leaves the motorway in hopes of locating a place to wait out the storm, and they become stranded outside the gates of an ancient castle. The biting wind, relentless snow, and the freezing temperatures ‘help’ them to decide to attempt shelter in the castle. Once inside, Ryan and crew discover that they are now attending a “Candlelit Ghost Hunt”. Cold and tired their one choice is to join this ‘Ghost Hunt’, but where Ryan et al go, murder follows. Problem:
snow blocked roads, no cell phone reception, no landline, unknown people, and a murder. Is this anyway to spend Christmas? Ryan and his friends find a solution. Highly recommended! 5 stars.
snow blocked roads, no cell phone reception, no landline, unknown people, and a murder. Is this anyway to spend Christmas? Ryan and his friends find a solution. Highly recommended! 5 stars.
January 4, 2020
The first book in the Ryan series was good, but it has gone downhill badly. I love 'stuck in the snow' stories, but this paen to Ryan's looks, potential generosity, and smarts just left me cold (and it's not snowing here.) This is my last one for this series.
December 7, 2023
#perskaičiau
L.J.Ross "Rajeno Kalėdos"
Labai laukiau pasirodant šios serijos knygos, nes L.J.Ross serija su detektyvu Rajenu seniai užkariavo mano širdį.
Šį kartą Rajenas su žmona, bei kolegomis, išsiruošė trumpoms atostogoms, bet kaip visuomet, jam nelemta ilsėtis. Užklupti pūgos, jie priversti apsistoti senoje pilyje, kur susirinko būrelis žmonių į vaiduoklių medžioklę. Tačiau jau sekančią dieną randamas nužudytos moters kūnas. Ekspertų komanda negali atvykti dėl pūgos, tad Rajenui su Filipsu tenka aiškintis patiems ar tai nelaimingas atsitikimas, ar žudo vaiduoklis, nes visi svečiai turi nenuginčyjamą alibi. Šį kartą neapsieinama su vienu nužudymu, o praeities vaiduokliai tikrai atsekė juos į pilį.
Kaip visada įdomi ir įtraukianti istorija, apgaubta senovės pilies mitais ir paslaptimis. Gana glausta knyga, tad net pasigedau didesnio išplėtojimo, norėjosi, kad knyga dar nesibaigtų, bet guodžiu save, kad serijoje dar liko kelios knygos 🤭
O sekantiems Rajeno ir Anos istoriją ši knyga nepašykštės romantiškos staigmenos. Juk vis gi Kalėdos 🤭❤️🎄
Labai patiko knyga ir nekantrauju perskaityti sekančią serijos knygą ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
L.J.Ross "Rajeno Kalėdos"
Labai laukiau pasirodant šios serijos knygos, nes L.J.Ross serija su detektyvu Rajenu seniai užkariavo mano širdį.
Šį kartą Rajenas su žmona, bei kolegomis, išsiruošė trumpoms atostogoms, bet kaip visuomet, jam nelemta ilsėtis. Užklupti pūgos, jie priversti apsistoti senoje pilyje, kur susirinko būrelis žmonių į vaiduoklių medžioklę. Tačiau jau sekančią dieną randamas nužudytos moters kūnas. Ekspertų komanda negali atvykti dėl pūgos, tad Rajenui su Filipsu tenka aiškintis patiems ar tai nelaimingas atsitikimas, ar žudo vaiduoklis, nes visi svečiai turi nenuginčyjamą alibi. Šį kartą neapsieinama su vienu nužudymu, o praeities vaiduokliai tikrai atsekė juos į pilį.
Kaip visada įdomi ir įtraukianti istorija, apgaubta senovės pilies mitais ir paslaptimis. Gana glausta knyga, tad net pasigedau didesnio išplėtojimo, norėjosi, kad knyga dar nesibaigtų, bet guodžiu save, kad serijoje dar liko kelios knygos 🤭
O sekantiems Rajeno ir Anos istoriją ši knyga nepašykštės romantiškos staigmenos. Juk vis gi Kalėdos 🤭❤️🎄
Labai patiko knyga ir nekantrauju perskaityti sekančią serijos knygą ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
December 22, 2024
Leidau sau truputį pasukčiauti ir praleidusi kelias serijos dalis, ėmiausi pačios šventiškiausios - "Rajeno Kalėdų". Nors to šventiškumo, ne tiek ir daug, kai esi įstrigęs atokiame dvare, aplinkiniai keliai uždaryti, telefono linijos nutrūkusios, o ryte kieme randamas lavonas. Situaciją dar labiau pablogina mintis, kad jei dėl oro sąlygų niekas negalėjo patekti į dvarą, žudikas turi būti kažkuris iš svečių. Primena senus gerus Agathos Christie detektyvus? Ne be reikalo.
Būna detektyvų, kuriuose įtari visus. Šioje - priešingai. Visi atrodė niekuo nesusiję, be jokių akivaizdžių motyvų ar ryšių su auka. Tačiau būtent tai ir kėlė didžiausią intrigą – net ir patys nekalčiausi žmonės, galėjo slėpti tamsiausias paslaptis. Sukau galvą, bet nusikaltėlio taip ir neatspėjau - gal per mažai kabliukų buvo palikta? Gal tiesiog maža knygos apimtis pakišo koją, nes net nebuvo laiko išplėtoti siužetą? Gerai, kad bent atomazga pasirodė logiška.
Smagu, kad gavom papildomą trumpą istoriją, bet aš lieku įprastų Rajeno serijos knygų gerbėja - su pilna ir gerai pažįstama komanda ir įprastais tyrimo būdais 😀
Būna detektyvų, kuriuose įtari visus. Šioje - priešingai. Visi atrodė niekuo nesusiję, be jokių akivaizdžių motyvų ar ryšių su auka. Tačiau būtent tai ir kėlė didžiausią intrigą – net ir patys nekalčiausi žmonės, galėjo slėpti tamsiausias paslaptis. Sukau galvą, bet nusikaltėlio taip ir neatspėjau - gal per mažai kabliukų buvo palikta? Gal tiesiog maža knygos apimtis pakišo koją, nes net nebuvo laiko išplėtoti siužetą? Gerai, kad bent atomazga pasirodė logiška.
Smagu, kad gavom papildomą trumpą istoriją, bet aš lieku įprastų Rajeno serijos knygų gerbėja - su pilna ir gerai pažįstama komanda ir įprastais tyrimo būdais 😀
January 5, 2025
Istorija labai jau girdėta: keturių draugų kompanija įstringa kelyje užklupus speigui. Baigiasi kuras, tad tenka apsistoti senovinėje pilyje, kurioje rengiamos vaiduoklių medžioklės. Įvykus žmogžudystei, inspektorius Rajenas pradeda ieškoti žudiko. Svečiai, pasirodo, pakviesti į pilį neatsitiktinai.
Ar nieko neprimena? Gal Agatos Kristi "Dešimt negriukų" ar "Tada nebeliko nė vieno" (nežinau, gal tai vienas ir tas pats kūrinys)?
Sunku susigaudyti, kai į rankas paimi tik pirmą ("Šventoji sala") ir penkioliktą ("Rajeno Kalėdos") istoriją apie Maksvelą Finlėjų Rajeną. Tai lyg atsivertęs storą knygą bet kurioje vietoje, perskaitytum vieną skyrių. Čia jau yra ir žmona Ana, kuri laukiasi kūdikio, užsimenama apie mirusią seserį. Taigi, trūksta gero gabalo paties Rajeno gyvenimo.
Gerai tik žiema, speigas ir, žinoma, Nortumberlandas.
Ar nieko neprimena? Gal Agatos Kristi "Dešimt negriukų" ar "Tada nebeliko nė vieno" (nežinau, gal tai vienas ir tas pats kūrinys)?
Sunku susigaudyti, kai į rankas paimi tik pirmą ("Šventoji sala") ir penkioliktą ("Rajeno Kalėdos") istoriją apie Maksvelą Finlėjų Rajeną. Tai lyg atsivertęs storą knygą bet kurioje vietoje, perskaitytum vieną skyrių. Čia jau yra ir žmona Ana, kuri laukiasi kūdikio, užsimenama apie mirusią seserį. Taigi, trūksta gero gabalo paties Rajeno gyvenimo.
Gerai tik žiema, speigas ir, žinoma, Nortumberlandas.
December 20, 2020
“Are we all settled in? Good, because I have a Christmas ghost story for you, after all.”
December 27, 2019
A Bit Rushed
I felt the story was a bit too Agatha Christie compared to the usual darker storylines. I got the feeling that the book had been rushed out as there were several errors in continuity and at least one typo.
Had I known, in starting the book, that it was a special, charity edition, I would have approached it differently.
I have read all of the Ryan books and am looking forward to the next one.
I felt the story was a bit too Agatha Christie compared to the usual darker storylines. I got the feeling that the book had been rushed out as there were several errors in continuity and at least one typo.
Had I known, in starting the book, that it was a special, charity edition, I would have approached it differently.
I have read all of the Ryan books and am looking forward to the next one.
January 4, 2021
4.5*s My first DCI Ryan's and loved it! Finally a nice CHristmas mistery, It's Christmassy... and has a good mistery! Not easy to find! :) Loved Ryan's character and his crew. Can't wait to read more DIC Ryan books!
December 30, 2019
Did L J Ross write this book?
Unlikely -- provided the plot, apparently. But it travesties established characterizations and relationships. The prose is simplified, full of cliches and americanisms. The snow covers up the absence of Northumberland countryside. Find a better 'collaborator' -- or editor....
Unlikely -- provided the plot, apparently. But it travesties established characterizations and relationships. The prose is simplified, full of cliches and americanisms. The snow covers up the absence of Northumberland countryside. Find a better 'collaborator' -- or editor....
April 22, 2020
A very short book and very predictable! Typical Ryan and more like an Agatha Christie. Group of people getting snowed in a coutry house - and of course 2 murders! Luckily Ryan and Phillips were also there!
December 16, 2023
I usually try and read series books like this in order, made an exception here as this was a Christmas themed story and I was looking for something seasonal.
DC Ryan and his associates are stranded by a snowstorm and their refuge becomes the scene of a murder. With no outside communications he has to use just his skill to solve the crime.
This one had a very Agatha Christy feel to it with everyone being gathered together at the end for the big reveal.
DC Ryan and his associates are stranded by a snowstorm and their refuge becomes the scene of a murder. With no outside communications he has to use just his skill to solve the crime.
This one had a very Agatha Christy feel to it with everyone being gathered together at the end for the big reveal.
May 23, 2025
15 inspektoriaus Rajeno detektyvas.
Smagi kalėdinė istorija apie detektyvą vyresnįjį inspektorių Rajeną ir jo komandą. Susigyvenau su šiais veikėjais. Skaičiau su šypsena veide, kai jie pradeda pokštauti. Šiltas tarpusavio ryšys, kai bendradarbiai tampa kaip šeima yra nepaprasta ir autorė puikiai parodo, kaip reikia branginti tokius žmones.
Šioje dalyje atsidūriau nepažįstamoje teritorijoje be ryšio su išoriniu pasauliu. Snieguotas apledėjęs kelias, pūga ir prieglobstį suteikianti senovinė pilis. Bet juk nebus viskas taip paprasta ir gražu - kaip be nusikaltimų. Rajenas su Ana ir Makenzi su Filipsu dominuoja šioje istorijoje. Netikėtai bandę pasislėpti nuo pūgos atsidūrė pilyje, kurioje vaidenasi. Antgamtiniais reiškiniais tikintys galvoja, kad žmogžudystę įvykdė vaiduoklis, bet tik ne Rajenas. Greitas siužetas ir atrodo, kad reiks kriminalistų pagalbos, bet viskas tampa gan paprasta. 11 žmonių - kas kaltininkas ir kodėl, sužinosit knygoj. Rekomenduoju 🎄
☃️4.0❄️
Smagi kalėdinė istorija apie detektyvą vyresnįjį inspektorių Rajeną ir jo komandą. Susigyvenau su šiais veikėjais. Skaičiau su šypsena veide, kai jie pradeda pokštauti. Šiltas tarpusavio ryšys, kai bendradarbiai tampa kaip šeima yra nepaprasta ir autorė puikiai parodo, kaip reikia branginti tokius žmones.
Šioje dalyje atsidūriau nepažįstamoje teritorijoje be ryšio su išoriniu pasauliu. Snieguotas apledėjęs kelias, pūga ir prieglobstį suteikianti senovinė pilis. Bet juk nebus viskas taip paprasta ir gražu - kaip be nusikaltimų. Rajenas su Ana ir Makenzi su Filipsu dominuoja šioje istorijoje. Netikėtai bandę pasislėpti nuo pūgos atsidūrė pilyje, kurioje vaidenasi. Antgamtiniais reiškiniais tikintys galvoja, kad žmogžudystę įvykdė vaiduoklis, bet tik ne Rajenas. Greitas siužetas ir atrodo, kad reiks kriminalistų pagalbos, bet viskas tampa gan paprasta. 11 žmonių - kas kaltininkas ir kodėl, sužinosit knygoj. Rekomenduoju 🎄
☃️4.0❄️
January 22, 2020
A good story, more a novella, with Ryan and colleagues stuck in a castle in deep snow. A murder occurs and they need to solve it with limited resources. Made me think very loosely of Agatha Christie, but I won't spoil it by saying which one!
December 26, 2023
Agatos Christie bangomis.
December 25, 2019
Excellent as always
I read this in one setting and found it to be as good as the others. It has an interesting twist at the end and I highly recommend it.
I read this in one setting and found it to be as good as the others. It has an interesting twist at the end and I highly recommend it.
January 1, 2020
It was silly. Pure Agatha Christie with Ryan as Poirot. I felt cheated, and it wasn't (Thankfully) much more than a novella. This formula has run out of steam - I won't be buying anymore.
March 16, 2020
I have enjoyed all of LJ's novels about DCI Ryan. This one was good if a little corny. It was set in a snow-bound castle in northern England during a very severe winter storm. The plot centers on the death of two of the guests staying there. Ryan and his three detectives begin as thorough an investigation as they can. There's no cell phone service, landlines are down and no vehicles can get thru. He has to walk twice thru the snow to the nearest village (two miles one way) to report the deaths and summon assistance. It's a bit like an Agatha Christie novel; it has the same type of denouement where all the surviving guests and staff are gathered together to hear about "whodunnit". I think LJ rushed this novel as it lacked the complexity of her usual mysteries and it was much shorter than previous stories.
This review was written by Shawn Callon author of The Diplomatic Spy.
This review was written by Shawn Callon author of The Diplomatic Spy.
February 16, 2020
Another really enjoyable DCI Ryan book if a very short one.
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