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Summer Suspense Mysteries #5
The Lizard
There’s nothing so deadly as the sea, and the man who survives it . . .
Bryher Enys is the proud owner of Cornwall's newest restaurant, Panorama.
When she isn't whipping up culinary feasts, she volunteers with the local lifeboat crew — a tight-knit team who regularly risk their lives to save others.
With no immediate plans to settle down, life is pretty much perfect.
Until one stormy night, when a distress signal shatters the calm. A luxury yacht is going down fast, and Bryher joins the rescue.
Too late to save the vessel, they search the raging seas for survivors — but find only one...
A man with no name, no memory and the power to turn her world upside down.
Bryher Enys is the proud owner of Cornwall's newest restaurant, Panorama.
When she isn't whipping up culinary feasts, she volunteers with the local lifeboat crew — a tight-knit team who regularly risk their lives to save others.
With no immediate plans to settle down, life is pretty much perfect.
Until one stormy night, when a distress signal shatters the calm. A luxury yacht is going down fast, and Bryher joins the rescue.
Too late to save the vessel, they search the raging seas for survivors — but find only one...
A man with no name, no memory and the power to turn her world upside down.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2026
About the author
L.J. Ross
42 books3,695 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 34 reviews
August 5, 2026
Underwhelmed
I am a huge LJR fan and have loved all her books. This one, however, left me a bit cold. Despite being a decent enough story, it never really grabbed me. It does prove she is human and that I am not a sycophant.
I am a huge LJR fan and have loved all her books. This one, however, left me a bit cold. Despite being a decent enough story, it never really grabbed me. It does prove she is human and that I am not a sycophant.
August 4, 2026
Deserved a one star, but I’m loyal to Miss LJ, so she earned another for that. But really, poor plot & writing, and just plain ridiculous at times.
August 3, 2026
My least favourite of all her books
July 30, 2026
Victim or perpetrator?
What a fantastic return to the Cornwall series and some of our favourite characters, this time we get the addition of the lovely Bryher who returns for a fresh start. She rejoins the community and old friends, but she can never quite escape her past.
This is a twisted tale of secrets, corruption and true love with more than one couple finding their HEA. Returning to this series and it's unique cast is like returning to visit family, they welcome you with open arms, are a little quirky, slightly crazy but you enjoy every minute of their company. I listened to this on Audible.
What a fantastic return to the Cornwall series and some of our favourite characters, this time we get the addition of the lovely Bryher who returns for a fresh start. She rejoins the community and old friends, but she can never quite escape her past.
This is a twisted tale of secrets, corruption and true love with more than one couple finding their HEA. Returning to this series and it's unique cast is like returning to visit family, they welcome you with open arms, are a little quirky, slightly crazy but you enjoy every minute of their company. I listened to this on Audible.
August 1, 2026
Another enjoyable book by LJ Ross.
Bryher Enys has overcome a lot in life to get to where she is today. With the support of her close friends she is celebrating the opening of her own restaurant. As the evening draws to a close she, together with a number of other guests who are also lifeboat volunteers are called to a rescue. Too late to save the luxury yacht they search in vain for survivors. Bryher spots a body in the water and sets off to save them. Taken to the local hospital the survivor has no recollection of who he is or what he was doing on the yacht….but Bryher knows who he is.
Bryher Enys has overcome a lot in life to get to where she is today. With the support of her close friends she is celebrating the opening of her own restaurant. As the evening draws to a close she, together with a number of other guests who are also lifeboat volunteers are called to a rescue. Too late to save the luxury yacht they search in vain for survivors. Bryher spots a body in the water and sets off to save them. Taken to the local hospital the survivor has no recollection of who he is or what he was doing on the yacht….but Bryher knows who he is.
August 3, 2026
The Lizard
Absolutely brilliant LJ, I couldn’t put the “book” down. A great story, with characters popping up from the previous Summer Suspense Mysteries novels. I loved the story line, though I suspected about ‘David’. As usual LJ, thank you for being full of great stories which I’ll get to read in the coming months.
Absolutely brilliant LJ, I couldn’t put the “book” down. A great story, with characters popping up from the previous Summer Suspense Mysteries novels. I loved the story line, though I suspected about ‘David’. As usual LJ, thank you for being full of great stories which I’ll get to read in the coming months.
July 30, 2026
The Lizard by LJ Ross
The Lizard by L J Ross is book 5 ofThe Summer Suspense Mysteries and I downloaded it last night and finished it this afternoon.
One day I will manage to read Louise’s books more slowly, possibly!
I liked the characters, the location and the storyline and found the book easy to read,engrossing, engaging and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
The Lizard by L J Ross is book 5 ofThe Summer Suspense Mysteries and I downloaded it last night and finished it this afternoon.
One day I will manage to read Louise’s books more slowly, possibly!
I liked the characters, the location and the storyline and found the book easy to read,engrossing, engaging and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
August 3, 2026
I've been waiting since last summer for this book and it didn't disappoint. This is the latest installment in the Summer Suspense series and, as is usual for these stories set in Cornwall, Louise has crafted an intriguing mystery with her trademark smattering of romance between her main characters.
July 30, 2026
Read it the day I got it
And wasn’t disappointed at all. Only sadness is I’ve got to wait for the next LJ Ross book!!
No pressure!!
And wasn’t disappointed at all. Only sadness is I’ve got to wait for the next LJ Ross book!!
No pressure!!
August 7, 2026
This is a 4.5 ⭐️ review as I am a dedicated fan of LJ Ross. I love this series of books and just find them so entertaining with the perfect balance of romance, suspense, compelling characters, all set in the most beautifully described setting. Each book introduces new characters, yet combines characters from previous books which give a lovely sense of familiarity yet moves the story on. I love the banter between DI Keane and PC Turner, there are lots of laughs in the books between them.
I dropped 1/2 star purely because the book is predictable and perhaps my least favourite out of the series. However, I absolutely love Ross’s writing and I will be waiting with bated breath for the next book. My only suggestion: please can you bring publication forward to July next year; in time for my summer holiday?
I dropped 1/2 star purely because the book is predictable and perhaps my least favourite out of the series. However, I absolutely love Ross’s writing and I will be waiting with bated breath for the next book. My only suggestion: please can you bring publication forward to July next year; in time for my summer holiday?
August 6, 2026
3 starts is being generous. Not sure where the suspense was or any romance. It was more the Nell and Sophie show rather than the main characters. Might as well start reading from 50% in as it gets into second gear at 80%. And you still wouldn't miss much. The banter between Sophie and Alex was the best thing about the book.
A shame because the author started off so well, but the last few books she has written have been really shockingly disappointing. I feel she maybe needs to take a year or two away from writing and reread her first couple of books and then create better storylines instead of churning out half hearted ones every year. As she has a big loyal audience her books are generally highly rated but they aren't that good any more. I feel bad for anyone who paid more than 2.99 for this book.
A shame because the author started off so well, but the last few books she has written have been really shockingly disappointing. I feel she maybe needs to take a year or two away from writing and reread her first couple of books and then create better storylines instead of churning out half hearted ones every year. As she has a big loyal audience her books are generally highly rated but they aren't that good any more. I feel bad for anyone who paid more than 2.99 for this book.
August 6, 2026
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to LJ Ross’s Cornish mystery series, The Lizard combines a gripping suspense plot with a wonderfully atmospheric setting. The wild beauty of the Cornish coast is brought vividly to life, and the lifeboat rescue at the heart of the story provides an immediate sense of drama. Bryher is a likeable and engaging protagonist, while the mystery surrounding the unidentified survivor keeps the pages turning. With plenty of twists, a touch of romance and a strong sense of place, this is an entertaining and immersive read that will appeal to fans of intriguing mysteries and compelling characters.
August 1, 2026
as always! wonderful!!!
Sad to think it will be another year before there will be more. 🥺 The summer series is a favourite for sure! While they can be read individually they are better as a series where you can follow the brilliant sub story!!!! Can’t wait to see what happens next!!!!
Sad to think it will be another year before there will be more. 🥺 The summer series is a favourite for sure! While they can be read individually they are better as a series where you can follow the brilliant sub story!!!! Can’t wait to see what happens next!!!!
August 5, 2026
Not what I was expecting.
Sometimes this was slow to the point of rushing it to get somewhere and then, suddenly things happened all at once. Seemed disjointed to me and I would have preferred the last few chapters to have been longer or more of them. However, it was well written and a decent holiday read. Not up to the DCI Ryan books though.
Sometimes this was slow to the point of rushing it to get somewhere and then, suddenly things happened all at once. Seemed disjointed to me and I would have preferred the last few chapters to have been longer or more of them. However, it was well written and a decent holiday read. Not up to the DCI Ryan books though.
August 7, 2026
Wonderful summer story and as with all LJ Ross’s books gives delicious descriptions of the area and a brilliant story line.
I also liked the subtle linkage with an earlier summer novel, the Cove. Heartwarming to see how the characters from that book have developed over time.
All of her books lend themselves to TV series like Vera or in the case on the Lizard a film!
I also liked the subtle linkage with an earlier summer novel, the Cove. Heartwarming to see how the characters from that book have developed over time.
All of her books lend themselves to TV series like Vera or in the case on the Lizard a film!
August 7, 2026
Excellent holiday read.
Another interesting tale in the Cornwall set series. These books remind me of the great stories Mary Stewart wrote; romantic thrillers with believable characters. Louise has captured that spirit with all her novels, this one is no exception. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
Another interesting tale in the Cornwall set series. These books remind me of the great stories Mary Stewart wrote; romantic thrillers with believable characters. Louise has captured that spirit with all her novels, this one is no exception. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
August 2, 2026
The Lizard
Another very good story from LJ Ross full of twists and turns but set in a spectacular landscape. I read this in three days from publication and really enjoyed it from cover to cover. Can’t wait for the next one.
Another very good story from LJ Ross full of twists and turns but set in a spectacular landscape. I read this in three days from publication and really enjoyed it from cover to cover. Can’t wait for the next one.
August 3, 2026
Overall 4.5*
A very descriptive tale set in Cornwall again with brooding weather, a ship lost at sea and a love affair gone wrong with plenty more drama throughout. A great read at this time of year especially if you are on holiday . Good pace and definitely a page turner
A very descriptive tale set in Cornwall again with brooding weather, a ship lost at sea and a love affair gone wrong with plenty more drama throughout. A great read at this time of year especially if you are on holiday . Good pace and definitely a page turner
August 3, 2026
A great addition to the Summer Suspense Series by LJ Ross! Suspense, adventure, romance and mystery all in one book! A great twist at the end and a great story overall!! Easy to read and very enjoyable ❤️
August 2, 2026
suspenseful
As always I love the stand alone books, this one was riveting and unputdownable, with a lot of humour, romance and suspense. Absolutely amazing ❤️🇦🇺
As always I love the stand alone books, this one was riveting and unputdownable, with a lot of humour, romance and suspense. Absolutely amazing ❤️🇦🇺
August 2, 2026
Another winner from Louise, really enjoyed.i loved her characters.
August 2, 2026
Absolutely Brilliamt.
I don't often leave reviews but this book is absolutely brilliant.
It's different and exceptional from the beginning to the end.
I don't often leave reviews but this book is absolutely brilliant.
It's different and exceptional from the beginning to the end.
August 2, 2026
A summer read in all the senses of the phrase.
August 2, 2026
Easy beach read
August 3, 2026
A great read, I can recommend, It's a real page turner.
August 3, 2026
Read whilst in the Lizard 🦎 🏴☠️
August 4, 2026
This is the perfect summer read.
August 5, 2026
Great author!! Hard to put down!!
August 5, 2026
Great read
August 5, 2026
4.5 stars.
I really love how easy these books are to read and enjoy.
I really love how easy these books are to read and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews