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DCI Ryan Mysteries #24
Berwick
Blood never lies…
Detective Chief Inspector Ryan is living a nightmare.
As one of the country’s foremost murder detectives, Ryan knows he can face the worst of humanity and step into the darkest minds because, every night, he returns home to the loving arms of his young daughter and wife, Anna, whom he trusts implicitly. When he receives a call to say she’s been arrested for the murder of a well-known author, he refuses to believe the evidence which seems to be piling up against her. Anna could never murder anyone—he’s sure of it.
Isn’t he?
To the outside world, she’s a quiet academic, a devoted wife and mother, and a good friend. But Anna’s father was a killer, and he taught her how to use a gun.
With the case mounting against her, Ryan must search his soul to answer the question that seems to be on everybody’s lips…
Does he really trust the woman he married?
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
Detective Chief Inspector Ryan is living a nightmare.
As one of the country’s foremost murder detectives, Ryan knows he can face the worst of humanity and step into the darkest minds because, every night, he returns home to the loving arms of his young daughter and wife, Anna, whom he trusts implicitly. When he receives a call to say she’s been arrested for the murder of a well-known author, he refuses to believe the evidence which seems to be piling up against her. Anna could never murder anyone—he’s sure of it.
Isn’t he?
To the outside world, she’s a quiet academic, a devoted wife and mother, and a good friend. But Anna’s father was a killer, and he taught her how to use a gun.
With the case mounting against her, Ryan must search his soul to answer the question that seems to be on everybody’s lips…
Does he really trust the woman he married?
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2026
1813 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Ross
41 books3,481 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 175 reviews
March 2, 2026
This book was truly awful. The first three quarters of it are spent on the lives (and love lives) of all the detectives, including two from another force area that joined the investigation (and ended up as a couple).
How beautiful/handsome/marvellous/clever they all are. How Ryan sold his house to Frank at a knock down price. And so on, and on, and on.
How marvellously understated Ryan is, despite the fact his father was an illustrious ambass…… We know. We don’t need reminding in every single book.
For a man whose daily aftershave is upwards of £200 a bottle, that does not scream understated to me.
It was all so saccharine sweet it made my teeth ache. When you finally got to some detective work it stretched the imagination into implausibility.
I do not need to know about Sandra Morrison’s bath time routine. And what writer gives a three year old child a line about ‘naked cuddling’?
It was more akin to a dating show than a police procedural.
As for the ending? Even I could have written that. You won’t need a clairvoyant to predict it. Suffice to say there is even more perfection to come in the next instalment.
I used to like this series but the books have become utterly unbelievable. Is there nothing that Anna cannot do or be involved in?
If I could give the book no stars I would. It is last in the series for me.
How beautiful/handsome/marvellous/clever they all are. How Ryan sold his house to Frank at a knock down price. And so on, and on, and on.
How marvellously understated Ryan is, despite the fact his father was an illustrious ambass…… We know. We don’t need reminding in every single book.
For a man whose daily aftershave is upwards of £200 a bottle, that does not scream understated to me.
It was all so saccharine sweet it made my teeth ache. When you finally got to some detective work it stretched the imagination into implausibility.
I do not need to know about Sandra Morrison’s bath time routine. And what writer gives a three year old child a line about ‘naked cuddling’?
It was more akin to a dating show than a police procedural.
As for the ending? Even I could have written that. You won’t need a clairvoyant to predict it. Suffice to say there is even more perfection to come in the next instalment.
I used to like this series but the books have become utterly unbelievable. Is there nothing that Anna cannot do or be involved in?
If I could give the book no stars I would. It is last in the series for me.
March 30, 2026
3.5 / 5.0
This is like CSI and Grey’s anatomy type of vibe (but not the medical aspect) meets Yorkshire/ Scottish Borders type location. At one hand it’s great to hear a book which such great team dynamic and banter but quite literally my head was spinning around. The start is slow and we are only following two stores, soon this grows arms and legs and grows into something more. At the start I could confidently say that you could read this as a standalone as I have never read a book from the series, but soon near the end when Ross was rattling names like a bingo card - it becomes clear that there is still elements from the previous events covered in the books before creeping in. It’a a murky sea follow and at points it’s gets hard because so much is happening at a incredibly quick pace. I’m surprised at how well Ross is able to get from one location to another. It’s a very packed plot for a small compact book.
DCI Ryan is having a tough time, not only is he the country foremost murder detective - he has seen and faced the worst of humanity but when he receives a call that his wife is arrested for murder of a well known author he point blank refuses all the evidence that’s pulling against her. Surely his wife can’t be a murder? But just as he’s questioning himself and what he believes, he has no time as it seems like a chopped up body is discovered and it’s a race against time
to uncover the truth about one case to the murder case against his wife.
Overall it’s not a bad read, I’m hoping if there’s another book in the series it’s not so stop start slow but a steady consistent pace that gradually ramps up. I’m also hoping that there’s not so many sub plots because it’s like doing multiple jigsaw puzzles in one go. But overall it’s an ok read, maybe if I had a bit of knowledge from the other books it may have weathered the storm abit.
This is like CSI and Grey’s anatomy type of vibe (but not the medical aspect) meets Yorkshire/ Scottish Borders type location. At one hand it’s great to hear a book which such great team dynamic and banter but quite literally my head was spinning around. The start is slow and we are only following two stores, soon this grows arms and legs and grows into something more. At the start I could confidently say that you could read this as a standalone as I have never read a book from the series, but soon near the end when Ross was rattling names like a bingo card - it becomes clear that there is still elements from the previous events covered in the books before creeping in. It’a a murky sea follow and at points it’s gets hard because so much is happening at a incredibly quick pace. I’m surprised at how well Ross is able to get from one location to another. It’s a very packed plot for a small compact book.
DCI Ryan is having a tough time, not only is he the country foremost murder detective - he has seen and faced the worst of humanity but when he receives a call that his wife is arrested for murder of a well known author he point blank refuses all the evidence that’s pulling against her. Surely his wife can’t be a murder? But just as he’s questioning himself and what he believes, he has no time as it seems like a chopped up body is discovered and it’s a race against time
to uncover the truth about one case to the murder case against his wife.
Overall it’s not a bad read, I’m hoping if there’s another book in the series it’s not so stop start slow but a steady consistent pace that gradually ramps up. I’m also hoping that there’s not so many sub plots because it’s like doing multiple jigsaw puzzles in one go. But overall it’s an ok read, maybe if I had a bit of knowledge from the other books it may have weathered the storm abit.
February 25, 2026
Got my copy at an event in Glasgow two days ago. Started reading that night, I read all day yesterday and have just finished this fantastic book.
So many interwoven stories that all link up in the end with the typical mastery that LJ Ross has perfected in her writing.
Absolutely loved every twist, turn, shock and awe moment throughout. Thank you, I look forward to the next one.
So many interwoven stories that all link up in the end with the typical mastery that LJ Ross has perfected in her writing.
Absolutely loved every twist, turn, shock and awe moment throughout. Thank you, I look forward to the next one.
March 1, 2026
I do love the DCI Ryan books, but this felt a little too fast paced and contrived. It also felt like it really need some better proof reading!
March 3, 2026
I am so happy to be back with Ryan and Anna and the rest of the gang 💜 the massive cliffhanger we left on has been neatly resolved and I couldn't be happier because if anyone tries to hurt my lovely Anna, I will throw some punches 😅
Ghosts of the past coming to haunt the present has been an interesting twist and I am still not sure the ghost is gone! 👻
Ghosts of the past coming to haunt the present has been an interesting twist and I am still not sure the ghost is gone! 👻
March 23, 2026
I rarely write reviews but felt compelled with this book. I have read all the books in this series, in fact reading them back to back pulled me through a dark period in my life, I’m from the North East, Berwick in fact, so most of the places in the previous books were known to me. I was excited for this one…named after my home town so I thought it would feature heavily…I was wrong! Berwick only really comes into the story at the bitter end…should have named it Amble. At least the part of Berwick featured, the B&B on the riverside, has played an important role in my life…it was the maternity home where I was born 50 years ago!
Getting back to the story woven through this one, it was less police investigation and more office romance. I was disappointed at the lack of twists and turns that previous books offered and left feeling nauseous by the constant sickly, saccharine police station romances and the use of the word ‘nookie’
Also, how many scrapes can one woman get herself into? Anna…I’m looking at you!!
Safe to say I think DCI Ryan may have run his course…not sure if I’ll invest anymore time on this series, which is a shame because I have throughly enjoyed the many hours I have spent with the team.
Getting back to the story woven through this one, it was less police investigation and more office romance. I was disappointed at the lack of twists and turns that previous books offered and left feeling nauseous by the constant sickly, saccharine police station romances and the use of the word ‘nookie’
Also, how many scrapes can one woman get herself into? Anna…I’m looking at you!!
Safe to say I think DCI Ryan may have run his course…not sure if I’ll invest anymore time on this series, which is a shame because I have throughly enjoyed the many hours I have spent with the team.
February 28, 2026
Berwick
Berwick is pretty much what I would expect from the 24th book in an on going series - equal parts investigation of the day and on going family/relationship stuff.
This time round finds DCI Ryan's wife suspected of murder and faces from the past for several of the team. The story wraps up nearly enough while leaving enough open strands for the series to continue onwards.
Basically, more of the same but still feeling fresh enough that I'll be eagerly awaiting book 25.
3.5/5*
Berwick is pretty much what I would expect from the 24th book in an on going series - equal parts investigation of the day and on going family/relationship stuff.
This time round finds DCI Ryan's wife suspected of murder and faces from the past for several of the team. The story wraps up nearly enough while leaving enough open strands for the series to continue onwards.
Basically, more of the same but still feeling fresh enough that I'll be eagerly awaiting book 25.
3.5/5*
March 9, 2026
Too much romance
This series is getting too much into collegue romance and is becoming very cheesy. If the authors fans like that well I guess it's a winning formula. I wouldn't really recommend the books any more. Also the language- who really calls sex 'nookie' any more? Also too much eyebrow wriggling. It detracts from the crime element.
This series is getting too much into collegue romance and is becoming very cheesy. If the authors fans like that well I guess it's a winning formula. I wouldn't really recommend the books any more. Also the language- who really calls sex 'nookie' any more? Also too much eyebrow wriggling. It detracts from the crime element.
February 27, 2026
Workplace Dating Show with Corpse on the Side
When every case conveniently produces a new coupling in the squad room, it starts to feel like a workplace dating show with a corpse on the side. The stakes shrink. The murders become backdrop to flirtation
Not impressed
When every case conveniently produces a new coupling in the squad room, it starts to feel like a workplace dating show with a corpse on the side. The stakes shrink. The murders become backdrop to flirtation
Not impressed
March 1, 2026
What a fabulous read. if you want a page turner this is it book 24 in DCI Ryan series. The characters are brilliant but my favourite is Frank Phillips . Looking forward to book 25 now
March 18, 2026
Is it me or does Franks accent get more and more Geordie as the series progresses - to be honest it’s starting to distract from the dialog - it’s just too much!
Also I found the whole bath time bush section completely bizarre - why didn’t someone tell the author to cut this entire section.
I also think Frank would be sacked or face disciplinary proceedings if he told colleagues about his ‘naked cuddling’ song list!
Will I read the next one - probably however I think the writer is stating to loose the plot! Literally.
Also I found the whole bath time bush section completely bizarre - why didn’t someone tell the author to cut this entire section.
I also think Frank would be sacked or face disciplinary proceedings if he told colleagues about his ‘naked cuddling’ song list!
Will I read the next one - probably however I think the writer is stating to loose the plot! Literally.
March 24, 2026
This series used to be great now it just isn’t. Everyone is perfectly perfect. I mean detectives have group hugs? Stop it!
About 76% of the book is just relationships not crime investigations.
About 76% of the book is just relationships not crime investigations.
February 26, 2026
Berwick by L J Ross is book 24 in the DCI Ryan police mysteries series. In this latest Ryan episode, Anna is pregnant with her second child.she is out shopping when she passes a bookstore and recognises the author who is addressing her audience about her new book being published. The problem is for Anna is that it is her book which the woman has stolen and published as her own. Anna goes into the bookstore and addresses the audience and confronts the author.
She is found murdered in her own home within hours of her book launch and Anna is arrested by the local police.
The story moves on to other murder cases and historic cases where the body is exhumed.
It is another successful DCI Ryan mystery solved with the help of his team, friends and family.
One of my favourite series that you just race through and thoroughly enjoy reading.
Highly recommended
She is found murdered in her own home within hours of her book launch and Anna is arrested by the local police.
The story moves on to other murder cases and historic cases where the body is exhumed.
It is another successful DCI Ryan mystery solved with the help of his team, friends and family.
One of my favourite series that you just race through and thoroughly enjoy reading.
Highly recommended
February 27, 2026
Long anticipated but didn’t disappoint. Was great to engage with DCI Ryan and his team again. Every twist and turn is skill fully written and generates more tension with each page. As always the characters and their relationships form a major part of the story and humour is skill fully woven into the text keeping you smiling throughout despite the gruesome story line. Knowing Berwick well definitely helps visualise the climax of the story but LJ Ross brings the town to life with her descriptions.
I devoured this book and now can’t wait to read the next instalment - several new story lines are neatly sown into the ending to entice the reader into the next book.
I devoured this book and now can’t wait to read the next instalment - several new story lines are neatly sown into the ending to entice the reader into the next book.
March 17, 2026
With everything that Ryan and Anna have had to deal with lately, you would think life would give them a break. Sadly life has yet more plans for them which makes for a shocking and heart-breaking read. Along with personal issues, Ryan and the team are dealing with a case that is close to home for some of the members of the team and I was completely hooked to see where things were going to go.
I really felt for Anna who is having to deal with so much. Life seems to be against her but she has Ryan as well as her friends to support her through it all. In fact all the team are having to deal with things at the present. Some of which are better than others. I love the romance element which gives the story a bit of light heartedness and of course you always have Frank who never fails to raise a smile on my lips. He has a certain charisma of his own which also comes in handy in his job, getting people to open up to him.
The story takes on so many twists and turns. The different threads and how they all weave and then pull together was so cleverly done and I hadn’t expected the story to turn out the way it does. With the tension mounting, you can’t help but race through the pages of this crime novel.
Berwick was an all consuming read that picks up from the previous novel and has left me desperate for the next one. Whilst some parts have been resolved, there are parts that have left me with questions which I know I will have to wait until the next one to get the answer to those. It’s hard to believe we are on book twenty four already and I am still as invested in this series as when it first started. The characters are so familiar that it always feels like I’m catching up with old friends. I can’t get enough of this series which is a credit to the author as she knows how to keep her readers coming back for more.
I really felt for Anna who is having to deal with so much. Life seems to be against her but she has Ryan as well as her friends to support her through it all. In fact all the team are having to deal with things at the present. Some of which are better than others. I love the romance element which gives the story a bit of light heartedness and of course you always have Frank who never fails to raise a smile on my lips. He has a certain charisma of his own which also comes in handy in his job, getting people to open up to him.
The story takes on so many twists and turns. The different threads and how they all weave and then pull together was so cleverly done and I hadn’t expected the story to turn out the way it does. With the tension mounting, you can’t help but race through the pages of this crime novel.
Berwick was an all consuming read that picks up from the previous novel and has left me desperate for the next one. Whilst some parts have been resolved, there are parts that have left me with questions which I know I will have to wait until the next one to get the answer to those. It’s hard to believe we are on book twenty four already and I am still as invested in this series as when it first started. The characters are so familiar that it always feels like I’m catching up with old friends. I can’t get enough of this series which is a credit to the author as she knows how to keep her readers coming back for more.
April 2, 2026
Another great crime thriller from LJ Ross.
After the cliffhanger of the last book, we join Ryan and Anna as she’s taken in for questioning about the death of a woman.
The woman stole Anna’s manuscript and when she came face to face with her the day before, she was angry. But was she angry enough to kill her?
Ryan, Frank and Denise are totally behind her but with all the evidence against her, they know they need to get to the bottom of this and clear her name quickly.
This is a great read.
After the cliffhanger of the last book, we join Ryan and Anna as she’s taken in for questioning about the death of a woman.
The woman stole Anna’s manuscript and when she came face to face with her the day before, she was angry. But was she angry enough to kill her?
Ryan, Frank and Denise are totally behind her but with all the evidence against her, they know they need to get to the bottom of this and clear her name quickly.
This is a great read.
March 13, 2026
Characters are almost like family now! I enjoyed reading the latest DCI Ryan episode. An easy read, okay there are dead bodies most of which have had a gruesome death and the story line a bit over the top but the plot is well devised and the detective work interesting.
March 15, 2026
Make no mistake, I love this series and the character development. However, I felt that this book left too many loose ends and that may have been the intent. Still a great story but maybe should have ended with “to be continued…”
March 4, 2026
Another page turner from LJ Ross! It was good to resolve the cliffhanger from the end of the previous book and to find out more about some of the newer members of the team, alongside solving the latest series of murders. The ending of this one leaves you with a bit of mystery about where the story will go next ... Going on past experience it could take several more books for this to resolve 😂 Can't wait for the next one!
March 10, 2026
Well worth the wait
Been waiting for this to be released for a while, well worth it, really enjoyed it, looking forward to reading Ryan - The Met Years (due to release in 2027)
Been waiting for this to be released for a while, well worth it, really enjoyed it, looking forward to reading Ryan - The Met Years (due to release in 2027)
March 24, 2026
Gave
This book was the final straw, I just gave up of DCI Ryan series. I kept reading them, because I was expecting that it would improve, more police work, less romance. By this point I can’t stand Anna and Ryan, how perfect they are?! Boringgggg
This book was the final straw, I just gave up of DCI Ryan series. I kept reading them, because I was expecting that it would improve, more police work, less romance. By this point I can’t stand Anna and Ryan, how perfect they are?! Boringgggg
March 8, 2026
Another cracking yarn from L J Ross. You can always expect a good story about DCI Ryan and his colleagues.
March 22, 2026
A bit disappointing. There wasn’t much of a mystery. Fun to visit with the characters but otherwise a weak plot.
March 3, 2026
Kindle
Great storyline- setting up for new villains and twisty storyline.
Great storyline- setting up for new villains and twisty storyline.
Review of advance copy
Read in one sitting today. Enjoyed the story overall and will carry on reading the rest in the series.
March 17, 2026
I don’t know why I persevere with this formulaic nonsense. The ‘humour’ is a throwback to the innuendo laden seventies and Ryan is ridiculously perfect.
March 28, 2026
DCI Ryan and the team are back, and this time it is Anna who is well and truly in the firing line. Now anyone who has read the past few books will know that she has a bit of of a beef with someone, wholly justified in this case. But when that person, an author of some renown, is discovered to have been murdered, well, it's not looking good for Anna. Add to that a set of initially unidentified body parts that have the team hunting for not just an identity but a killer, and it's another full on, fast paced story that I powered through in a matter of hours.
Now, if you are a long term reader of the series, you won't need me to tell you how one of the key draws of this series are the characters, and here they are all on top form. Ryan, Frank, Denise, Jack, Mel, and, relative newcomer, Charlie have their work cut out for them solving a very brutal murder, as well as trying to influence the investigation targeted at Anna, at least in Ryan's case. A tough ask given he naturally has to sit on the outside of the investigation. They are a brilliant team, and I am extending that to Anna, Ryan's mother, and the next generation, Emma and Sam, who all breathe life, and charm into the books. LJ Ross has created personalities that it is enjoyable to spend time with, whose lives we are easily invested in, and through whose banter we are utterly entertained by.
This book has links to previous stories so if it is your first foray into the world of DCI Ryan you may want to read the earlier books first as they would count as delivering significant spoilers, particularly for the very start and the preceding book in the series. I actually appreciated how this book loops back into the team's past, and a rather key case that holds memories for quite a few of them. It also brings about surprises and shocks that most won't be expecting. It certainly went in a direction I hadn't been expecting and that had me racing back to that earlier title to refresh my memory of the past. There is a decent enough recap in this book too though, so if if your memory is as variable as mine, you'll be suitably refreshed as you read.
Not only do we have the new destination, Berwick, to add to the long list of destinations across the North East that have inspired many a traveller, but also a couple of new characters to love and chortle over two. The two Detectives who are investigating the murder Anna is caught up in, DS Lauren Bell, and DS Kieron Vale, more than hold their own amongst the established teams, with moments between them that bring about the laughter and more than the odd smile, including some romantic tips and tricks from the (self proclaimed) master of romance, Frank Phillips. I actually really liked them, the interactions between them and towards Ryan's team quite natural, in spite of some clear points of conflict at times.
The pacing is spot on and the book delivers everything readers have come to expect and love about the series. There are plenty of surprises in store, a lot of tension and some artful misdirection. There is also a lot of underlying threat, and a few emotional moments that are handled in a sensitive way by the author. I know Berwick pretty well, having stayed and visited there several times in the past, and the scene setting really did evoke memories of the area, including the iconic Royal Border Bridge that spans the mouth of the River Tweed, as ever a wonderful advert for the area. If you love the books, then this is definitely recommended. If you are arriving in Ryan's North East for the first time - start at the beginning. You won't regret it.
Now, if you are a long term reader of the series, you won't need me to tell you how one of the key draws of this series are the characters, and here they are all on top form. Ryan, Frank, Denise, Jack, Mel, and, relative newcomer, Charlie have their work cut out for them solving a very brutal murder, as well as trying to influence the investigation targeted at Anna, at least in Ryan's case. A tough ask given he naturally has to sit on the outside of the investigation. They are a brilliant team, and I am extending that to Anna, Ryan's mother, and the next generation, Emma and Sam, who all breathe life, and charm into the books. LJ Ross has created personalities that it is enjoyable to spend time with, whose lives we are easily invested in, and through whose banter we are utterly entertained by.
This book has links to previous stories so if it is your first foray into the world of DCI Ryan you may want to read the earlier books first as they would count as delivering significant spoilers, particularly for the very start and the preceding book in the series. I actually appreciated how this book loops back into the team's past, and a rather key case that holds memories for quite a few of them. It also brings about surprises and shocks that most won't be expecting. It certainly went in a direction I hadn't been expecting and that had me racing back to that earlier title to refresh my memory of the past. There is a decent enough recap in this book too though, so if if your memory is as variable as mine, you'll be suitably refreshed as you read.
Not only do we have the new destination, Berwick, to add to the long list of destinations across the North East that have inspired many a traveller, but also a couple of new characters to love and chortle over two. The two Detectives who are investigating the murder Anna is caught up in, DS Lauren Bell, and DS Kieron Vale, more than hold their own amongst the established teams, with moments between them that bring about the laughter and more than the odd smile, including some romantic tips and tricks from the (self proclaimed) master of romance, Frank Phillips. I actually really liked them, the interactions between them and towards Ryan's team quite natural, in spite of some clear points of conflict at times.
The pacing is spot on and the book delivers everything readers have come to expect and love about the series. There are plenty of surprises in store, a lot of tension and some artful misdirection. There is also a lot of underlying threat, and a few emotional moments that are handled in a sensitive way by the author. I know Berwick pretty well, having stayed and visited there several times in the past, and the scene setting really did evoke memories of the area, including the iconic Royal Border Bridge that spans the mouth of the River Tweed, as ever a wonderful advert for the area. If you love the books, then this is definitely recommended. If you are arriving in Ryan's North East for the first time - start at the beginning. You won't regret it.
March 15, 2026
The 24th DCI Ryan book.
Linette Winterbottom (known as Lin Oldman to her readers), has been writing thrillers for over 30 years. The day she died, she’d - apart from other things - attended a book event to give a talk and sign copies of her book for customers. Historically, her career as an author has been checkered to say the least, a few sales here and there, bouncing from publisher to publisher…. But this time was different - because the original manuscript of the book was not in fact hers. It had been written by Anna Taylor-Ryan. By the time Lin had tinkered enough, the original author couldn’t possibly reconcile it with her words - or so she believed.
But life has a funny way of throwing a curve ball. Who should walk past the very bookstore where Lin is preening her feathers, but Anna. She arrives just as the Q & A session is starting, and before she knows it she’s accused Lin of stealing the manuscript and vows that Lin will never write another chapter, in front of several members of the public. Unsurprisingly, when Winterbottom/Oldman is found murdered, Anna is top of the list of suspects.
Linette Winterbottom (known as Lin Oldman to her readers), has been writing thrillers for over 30 years. The day she died, she’d - apart from other things - attended a book event to give a talk and sign copies of her book for customers. Historically, her career as an author has been checkered to say the least, a few sales here and there, bouncing from publisher to publisher…. But this time was different - because the original manuscript of the book was not in fact hers. It had been written by Anna Taylor-Ryan. By the time Lin had tinkered enough, the original author couldn’t possibly reconcile it with her words - or so she believed.
But life has a funny way of throwing a curve ball. Who should walk past the very bookstore where Lin is preening her feathers, but Anna. She arrives just as the Q & A session is starting, and before she knows it she’s accused Lin of stealing the manuscript and vows that Lin will never write another chapter, in front of several members of the public. Unsurprisingly, when Winterbottom/Oldman is found murdered, Anna is top of the list of suspects.
March 13, 2026
Guess who’s back.
Wow, this book will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, for it shows the creative genius of LJ Ross.
It’s the way she’s able to take multiple storylines and gel them all seamlessly together to create one helluva DCI Ryan story.
Be it the fact that Anna is arrested for the murder of the renowned author that stole her manuscript or that the investigation that follows her arrest, shows that a ghost with close and personal connection to her past, seems to have arisen from the dead and Anna isn’t the only one, who’s past has come back to haunt them for there is one other who’s world is about to turn upside down and on top of that the team are also tasked with finding out who’s body parts were fished out of the water and if that isn’t enough for you, then you’d best have the tissues handy, for this close knit group of colleagues and friends are about to be hit by more than one case of heartbreak and sadness.
Honestly if you don’t enjoy this book, then maybe reading just isn’t your thing. Enjoy
Wow, this book will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, for it shows the creative genius of LJ Ross.
It’s the way she’s able to take multiple storylines and gel them all seamlessly together to create one helluva DCI Ryan story.
Be it the fact that Anna is arrested for the murder of the renowned author that stole her manuscript or that the investigation that follows her arrest, shows that a ghost with close and personal connection to her past, seems to have arisen from the dead and Anna isn’t the only one, who’s past has come back to haunt them for there is one other who’s world is about to turn upside down and on top of that the team are also tasked with finding out who’s body parts were fished out of the water and if that isn’t enough for you, then you’d best have the tissues handy, for this close knit group of colleagues and friends are about to be hit by more than one case of heartbreak and sadness.
Honestly if you don’t enjoy this book, then maybe reading just isn’t your thing. Enjoy
February 28, 2026
4.5*
It's been quite a while since the last DCI Ryan book so I was excited to start listening to this one. This time Ryan's wife, Anna, finds herself accused of the murder of the woman who plagiarised her book.
The investigation is interesting and moves in lots of directions, eventually leading back to events in a previous book. The book title is a little confusing as hardly any of the action takes place there. This series is very character driven and all the regulars are back. I'd say this book is about 50/50 between the investigation and the personal lives of the characters. Really looking forward to book 25 now.
Excellent narration, as always, from Jonathan Keeble.
It's been quite a while since the last DCI Ryan book so I was excited to start listening to this one. This time Ryan's wife, Anna, finds herself accused of the murder of the woman who plagiarised her book.
The investigation is interesting and moves in lots of directions, eventually leading back to events in a previous book. The book title is a little confusing as hardly any of the action takes place there. This series is very character driven and all the regulars are back. I'd say this book is about 50/50 between the investigation and the personal lives of the characters. Really looking forward to book 25 now.
Excellent narration, as always, from Jonathan Keeble.
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