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DCI Ryan Mysteries #23
Belsay
Christmas can be deadly…
After a long year of crime-fighting, DCI Ryan and his team are looking forward to a peaceful Christmas filled with festive treats – including the occasional turkey stottie, or three. To celebrate a job well done, the entire team are treated to a party at beautiful Belsay Hall, a spectacular country estate on the outskirts of the city. But, when their dinner is interrupted by the untimely arrival of a dead body, they’re reminded that crime never sleeps – and nor do the secrets within the walls of Belsay.
It's time to find out who’s been naughty or nice…
After a long year of crime-fighting, DCI Ryan and his team are looking forward to a peaceful Christmas filled with festive treats – including the occasional turkey stottie, or three. To celebrate a job well done, the entire team are treated to a party at beautiful Belsay Hall, a spectacular country estate on the outskirts of the city. But, when their dinner is interrupted by the untimely arrival of a dead body, they’re reminded that crime never sleeps – and nor do the secrets within the walls of Belsay.
It's time to find out who’s been naughty or nice…
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2024
1543 people are currently reading
1361 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Ross
58 books3,236 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 321 reviews
December 22, 2025
**Read 2.5 STARS!**
This small fast-paced crime mystery is the 23rd volume of the "DCI Ryan" series.
I have to say in all honesty, that the series have become very predictable, for this is in my opinion a kind of remake of the author's book "Ryan's Christmas", and lately this series has become too much a promo tour of historical spots in Northumberland, England, for my liking than a real crafted mystery.
Storytelling is very good, no doubt about that, all characters are very believable and lifelike, but the mysteries are becoming less attractive compared to the earliest ones in the series, simply because the author has gone in my opinion for quantity instead quality in at least ten of her last offerings, and that's a shame because the earliest ones were just excellent.
This mystery is situated in and around Belsay Hall, and for DCI Ryan and his team to find the killer of two murders, first that of Kimberley Foster and secondly that of the head gardener Paul Bullmann.
Around the same time in North Shields, body-parts are turning up in the harbour, and for DC Jack Lowerson and DC Melanie Yates to discover who's body it is, while their own relationship will head to a lame dead end.
What is to follow is a predictable and short crime mystery, of a series that has turned into a promo tour guide of historical spots instead of ingenious crafted mysteries with a great storyline and plots, I'm sorry to say.
Recommended to anyone who's a fan of this series, personally I hope the next one "Berwick" will be so much better otherwise I will probably have to end this series for lack of real craftmanship, but we will see for the author has produced really great books, and what this book is concerned I would like to call this latest episode: "A Mediocre Belsay Murder Mystery"!
This small fast-paced crime mystery is the 23rd volume of the "DCI Ryan" series.
I have to say in all honesty, that the series have become very predictable, for this is in my opinion a kind of remake of the author's book "Ryan's Christmas", and lately this series has become too much a promo tour of historical spots in Northumberland, England, for my liking than a real crafted mystery.
Storytelling is very good, no doubt about that, all characters are very believable and lifelike, but the mysteries are becoming less attractive compared to the earliest ones in the series, simply because the author has gone in my opinion for quantity instead quality in at least ten of her last offerings, and that's a shame because the earliest ones were just excellent.
This mystery is situated in and around Belsay Hall, and for DCI Ryan and his team to find the killer of two murders, first that of Kimberley Foster and secondly that of the head gardener Paul Bullmann.
Around the same time in North Shields, body-parts are turning up in the harbour, and for DC Jack Lowerson and DC Melanie Yates to discover who's body it is, while their own relationship will head to a lame dead end.
What is to follow is a predictable and short crime mystery, of a series that has turned into a promo tour guide of historical spots instead of ingenious crafted mysteries with a great storyline and plots, I'm sorry to say.
Recommended to anyone who's a fan of this series, personally I hope the next one "Berwick" will be so much better otherwise I will probably have to end this series for lack of real craftmanship, but we will see for the author has produced really great books, and what this book is concerned I would like to call this latest episode: "A Mediocre Belsay Murder Mystery"!
March 4, 2025
I adored this series, love the characters, the humour, the suspense, the plots. But recently, the books are shorter and feel rushed, predictable story lines, yet another murder while the team were at the venue, then yet another cliffhanger involving Ryan's wife.
I'm really starting to wonder if I will carry on reading this series. I hope the next book is better and takes us back to having the kind of story lines we experienced at the start, gripping, heart racing, not so obvious!!!
Please... stop rushing a great series!!
I'm really starting to wonder if I will carry on reading this series. I hope the next book is better and takes us back to having the kind of story lines we experienced at the start, gripping, heart racing, not so obvious!!!
Please... stop rushing a great series!!
February 2, 2025
A very slow book, quite dull characters and I had very little interest in the murder itself.
Nice to catch up with the main characters and see developments in their personal lives.
A very interesting cliff hanger which took it to a 2/5 stars for me. Hopefully this was just a filler book for a much bigger plot line incoming.
Nice to catch up with the main characters and see developments in their personal lives.
A very interesting cliff hanger which took it to a 2/5 stars for me. Hopefully this was just a filler book for a much bigger plot line incoming.
February 2, 2025
disappointing
An average story which feels like a filler leading up to the final chapter, which basically sets up the next book.
An average story which feels like a filler leading up to the final chapter, which basically sets up the next book.
February 18, 2025
sadly, this series has gone downhill
From book one of this series, I have been fully invested in all the characters as it all started at Holy Island near the place of my birth. There have been so many highs which have kept me captivated with this series but this latest book is scraping the bottom of the barrel with a poor plot line, far too many cheesy quips between Ryan and Frank and as a Geordie myself, a ridiculous amount of my dialect injected just to pad out the chapter. Sorry but this is an honest opinion
From book one of this series, I have been fully invested in all the characters as it all started at Holy Island near the place of my birth. There have been so many highs which have kept me captivated with this series but this latest book is scraping the bottom of the barrel with a poor plot line, far too many cheesy quips between Ryan and Frank and as a Geordie myself, a ridiculous amount of my dialect injected just to pad out the chapter. Sorry but this is an honest opinion
February 27, 2025
I want to love these DCI Ryan books, I really do. But….I cannot stand Frank. I cannot stand Ryan and Frank’s ‘banter’. It’s so false and unlikely. I hate Frank’s stupid remarks which are totally yuck…. Ryan and Anna….yuk. It all just seems unlikely….sorry but I’ve had it with these books. Could be so good but spoiled by unlikely friendships.
February 21, 2025
Disappointing
The last 3 books, including Belsay, have, in my opinion, been a shadow of the earlier books in the series.
We have consistently been reminded of who the characters are and their back stories. The real action and story haven't really taken place until you're over halfway through the books. Of course, you need context if reading as a stand-alone book, but there really isn't enough for readers of the series in the last 3, I feel.
Sorry about this, because the earlier books are fantastic.
The last 3 books, including Belsay, have, in my opinion, been a shadow of the earlier books in the series.
We have consistently been reminded of who the characters are and their back stories. The real action and story haven't really taken place until you're over halfway through the books. Of course, you need context if reading as a stand-alone book, but there really isn't enough for readers of the series in the last 3, I feel.
Sorry about this, because the earlier books are fantastic.
February 3, 2025
Another great story from LJ Ross.
DCI Ryan and the team are enjoying their Christmas celebrations at Belsay when a body literally lands on their table.
Ryan and Frank get straight onto the investigation when it’s clear it was not an accident.
There’s a few surprises in store in this book and Frank is full of his one-liners which always makes me smile.
I really enjoy these books, but wish they were longer.
DCI Ryan and the team are enjoying their Christmas celebrations at Belsay when a body literally lands on their table.
Ryan and Frank get straight onto the investigation when it’s clear it was not an accident.
There’s a few surprises in store in this book and Frank is full of his one-liners which always makes me smile.
I really enjoy these books, but wish they were longer.
March 17, 2025
Having just read Sons and Lovers this was a breath of fresh air though it will never reach the ‘classic’ status of the former!
The characters are unrealistic but over the years they have become family. A quick read, uplifted the spirits after the previous novel. Twist at the end I thought was a bit over the top but then it was a ploy to read the next episode in the life of Ryan.
The characters are unrealistic but over the years they have become family. A quick read, uplifted the spirits after the previous novel. Twist at the end I thought was a bit over the top but then it was a ploy to read the next episode in the life of Ryan.
February 4, 2025
not up to usual standard
Too much about the personal matters of Ryan’s team and a rather thin plot. I will hesitate to purchase any future books.
Too much about the personal matters of Ryan’s team and a rather thin plot. I will hesitate to purchase any future books.
May 26, 2025
Rather on the short side, not a bad story but slightly predictable.
February 13, 2025
A cross between Catherine cookson and mills and boon
Totally disjointed disciplined rubbish....too much romantic mush..why have a dismembered body which is not mentioned at any other point??? ...unrealistic
Too much Geordie unfunny jokey dialogue
Not a who done it but a predictive half tale that felt like a novella not a book
The story limped along not taxing any part of my mind as it easy to see where it was going
Not feeling sure if I care what happens next as the cliff hangar of the perfect Anna and Hollywood star Ryan in a state of flux...read this in an hour ..what a pity it's so short and daft
Totally disjointed disciplined rubbish....too much romantic mush..why have a dismembered body which is not mentioned at any other point??? ...unrealistic
Too much Geordie unfunny jokey dialogue
Not a who done it but a predictive half tale that felt like a novella not a book
The story limped along not taxing any part of my mind as it easy to see where it was going
Not feeling sure if I care what happens next as the cliff hangar of the perfect Anna and Hollywood star Ryan in a state of flux...read this in an hour ..what a pity it's so short and daft
February 7, 2025
Very disappointed
I thought this book was a crime and mystery
story but it turned out to be in the a romantic Mills & Boon category. I have enjoyed this series but over the years but feel the crime element was overshadowed by repetitive gushing of the main characters and a very weak and obvious plot.
I thought this book was a crime and mystery
story but it turned out to be in the a romantic Mills & Boon category. I have enjoyed this series but over the years but feel the crime element was overshadowed by repetitive gushing of the main characters and a very weak and obvious plot.
March 1, 2025
Another enjoyable book from This author although there was too much romanticism and not much criminal activity. The ending however was a total cliff hanger and who knows how long we have to wait for the next episode!!
February 27, 2025
Not as good as most of the other 22.
If you haven’t read those then start at the beginning of the series, most of earlier books are well worth a read.
If you haven’t read those then start at the beginning of the series, most of earlier books are well worth a read.
April 3, 2025
A very quick read, another great story if just a little short. I love the characters in this series and I’m so grateful that there is a bit of a happy ending before the cliffhanger at the end!
Looking forward to book 24!
Looking forward to book 24!
May 6, 2025
Love this series by LJ Ross!
May 21, 2025
Took me 13 months to catch up on this must read series. can't wait fir the next one.
February 12, 2025
Fantastic book
Finished this book. Book was amazing, the book publish date was put back a couple of times because LJ Ross said she had changed the final chapter(s) when i got to the end of the penultimate chapter. I thought, Brilliant, that must have been the chapter she changed.... until i read chapter 28.... (i wonder if chapter 28 is the one she changed) i definitely, definitley was not expecting the book to end the way it did. I can't wait to read the next book in this series (whenever that may be)
Please read it.... you will be very surprised how it ends........
Finished this book. Book was amazing, the book publish date was put back a couple of times because LJ Ross said she had changed the final chapter(s) when i got to the end of the penultimate chapter. I thought, Brilliant, that must have been the chapter she changed.... until i read chapter 28.... (i wonder if chapter 28 is the one she changed) i definitely, definitley was not expecting the book to end the way it did. I can't wait to read the next book in this series (whenever that may be)
Please read it.... you will be very surprised how it ends........
February 5, 2025
Loved the series up until this book, it was a real chore to read 🥱
Had zero interest in the love triangle. Hopefully the next one is back to focusing on the crimes/detective aspect.
Still love Frank though 🧡
Had zero interest in the love triangle. Hopefully the next one is back to focusing on the crimes/detective aspect.
Still love Frank though 🧡
February 1, 2025
Each instalment in this series is like slipping on a comfy cardigan with its familiar cast of characters, the friendships between them and the range of Northumbrian settings although perhaps the plot lines are now becoming less compelling than those earlier in the series.
Having grown up only a few miles from Belsay and my parents being tenants of a cottage owned by the Belsay estate I like the author have fond memories of the magical walled gardens at Belsay and in particular the rare handkerchief tree within it. It is a truly gorgeous unspoilt secret and well worth a visit. As such the title alone drew me to this as an easy two session winter read.
Having grown up only a few miles from Belsay and my parents being tenants of a cottage owned by the Belsay estate I like the author have fond memories of the magical walled gardens at Belsay and in particular the rare handkerchief tree within it. It is a truly gorgeous unspoilt secret and well worth a visit. As such the title alone drew me to this as an easy two session winter read.
February 17, 2025
LJ Ross is a wonderfully consistent author and I have enjoyed every book. I was eager to read Belsay because one of my daughters and three grandchildren live there....I know the territory.
I am not being critical - I wouldn't dare - she is an infinitely more successful author than I am. But if I am candid, this book lacked some of the genuine excitement of her earlier work. On the other hand, the very end of the book heralds a cracking effort in store for us with the next one.
I am not being critical - I wouldn't dare - she is an infinitely more successful author than I am. But if I am candid, this book lacked some of the genuine excitement of her earlier work. On the other hand, the very end of the book heralds a cracking effort in store for us with the next one.
November 24, 2025
I didn't listen to myself and picked up this book no 23 in the author's DCI Ryan mystery series. A warning once again as there are a couple of spoilers to previous DCI Ryan books are included in the plot, Doh!
This festive story takes place a few days before Christmas and the local constabulary find their Christmas party is interrupted in a shocking and brutal way.
The team are at least on the spot to start investigations. As the suspect list grows and the motives for the crime become confusing, DCI Ryan's life is about to change.
L J Ross leaves us with a spectacular cliffhanger ending, which won't get sorted for a while as book 24 isn't due for release until September 2026!!
This festive story takes place a few days before Christmas and the local constabulary find their Christmas party is interrupted in a shocking and brutal way.
The team are at least on the spot to start investigations. As the suspect list grows and the motives for the crime become confusing, DCI Ryan's life is about to change.
L J Ross leaves us with a spectacular cliffhanger ending, which won't get sorted for a while as book 24 isn't due for release until September 2026!!
April 6, 2025
I'm sorry, I have loved the whole DCI Ryan experience for several years now. I have connected with all the characters, the personal and work families together with the determined police investigations.
Belsay, however, disappoints as romance comes to the fore as the reader forgets a murder has even happened,
Mystery & intrigue is missing while a detailed investigation is just a passing thought.
Let's hope this is a temporary blip.
Belsay, however, disappoints as romance comes to the fore as the reader forgets a murder has even happened,
Mystery & intrigue is missing while a detailed investigation is just a passing thought.
Let's hope this is a temporary blip.
April 21, 2025
This was another excellent DCI Ryan adventure, I swear these books get better each time! This was a really engaging story with the usual characters and banter. It focussed more on the story and not so much on the families which was no bad thing in my opinion. The end for two characters brought a few tears and then into a truly shocking cliffhanger, something which LJ Ross seems to be perfecting. I sincerely hope the next book is out soon!
September 2, 2025
I have read all the series and will continue to do so, i like the plots and the characters. This plot was good quite intriguing although i did spot the where it was going way before the finale. Although i love the characters in work mode i find the personal chat repetitive and cheesy hence 4 stars not 5
Cliffhanger at the end!!
Cliffhanger at the end!!
February 17, 2025
Belsay - DCI Ryan excels
Wonderful read- invested in characters! Good book from a great writer. Cannot wait for the next instalment.
Roll on book 24!
Wonderful read- invested in characters! Good book from a great writer. Cannot wait for the next instalment.
Roll on book 24!
April 17, 2025
I thought this was okay. The dialogue has become quite irritating in places and Frank has become almost slapstick as a character which is a real shame. I will still read them as they are released but the later books are not even close to being as compelling or suspenseful as the earlier novels which had me hooked from the first page each time. At least it wasn't a corrupt police officer as the murderer this time which was a welcome relief.
July 11, 2025
This is the first book I've read from this series and found it a little confusing at first trying to keep track of who was who.
February 25, 2025
Classic LJ Ross, kept you on your toes with a Christmas themes and ended on a cliff hanger. Looking forward to the next book now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews