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Ramus
Detective Jain thought it was going to be simple. A straightforward missing person case. In the end, confusion, heartbreak and the crimes of the past create a mystery he cannot seem to unravel.
What really happened to James Lockedon?
*Note: contains strong themes of mental health and may be triggering for some.
What really happened to James Lockedon?
*Note: contains strong themes of mental health and may be triggering for some.
- GenresMystery
212 pages, ebook
Published November 8, 2019
33 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Tony Ryan
5 books11 followersBritish born, HongKong-based, father-of-two, teacher-of-many, former police officer!
I'm happy to provide review copies to reliable reviewers. Just send me a message.
My debut novel, Ramus, got good reviews so I wrote a short prequel called Training Day, which is also on Amazon. The full sequel, Fractured, is in progress and will be released in 2020, nope 2021, nope 2022, maybe 2023 lol.
Thanks
I'm happy to provide review copies to reliable reviewers. Just send me a message.
My debut novel, Ramus, got good reviews so I wrote a short prequel called Training Day, which is also on Amazon. The full sequel, Fractured, is in progress and will be released in 2020, nope 2021, nope 2022, maybe 2023 lol.
Thanks
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 11, 2019
This story kept me intrigued to the point that I stayed up late, wanting to know the outcome of the investigation. It’s a mystery crime novel, listed in the ‘police procedurals’ genre. The author’s skill in building up suspense makes the book a page-turner. I was impressed with the characters, and how thoroughly the author delved into their thoughts and motivations. The main character is a likeable sort -- kind, hard-working and has a good work ethic. His internal monologue was handled in such a way that I started to feel as if I knew him.
The story has a lot of twists and turns, and I never suspected the outcome because the author crafted the suspense so cleverly. It’s written so that we can see the perspective from the point of view of the police as well as the criminal. The author’s ability to handle off-kilter thinking is excellent. Decisions made by several of the characters, and how they justified their choices was disturbing, but realistic of human nature. It’s the kind of story that haunted me throughout the next day, causing me to reflect on what I’d do if faced with the situations in this story.
The story has a lot of twists and turns, and I never suspected the outcome because the author crafted the suspense so cleverly. It’s written so that we can see the perspective from the point of view of the police as well as the criminal. The author’s ability to handle off-kilter thinking is excellent. Decisions made by several of the characters, and how they justified their choices was disturbing, but realistic of human nature. It’s the kind of story that haunted me throughout the next day, causing me to reflect on what I’d do if faced with the situations in this story.
December 18, 2019
This book was very well written, but you have to finish it to get the full reward. Don't want to give too much away, but it's dark, thought provoking and genuine. I enjoyed this book very much and the message it delivers.
February 12, 2021
I’m the author, so this is not really a review as much as it is an opportunity to connect with potential readers. The blurb that goes along with a book and its sales pages are rarely a clear description of a novel. I have to give a star rating, so I obviously gave 5.
Who is this book for? Primarily, it’s a police investigation story, so if that’s your usual genre then this is for you.
It’s also intended to be a blunt story about a person (or people) with mental health issues. I hope it’s realistic, as it’s partly autobiographical. It may well be triggering for someone, but I hope it’s more of a cathartic experience.
Overall, it’s got crime, mystery and raw emotion. The police procedural elements are as realistic as storytelling allows, based on my ten years as a police officer.
It’s out at the beginning of 2020. Enjoy. Feel free to give honest feedback.
*update: I’ve brought the release date forward to November 2019 :)
Who is this book for? Primarily, it’s a police investigation story, so if that’s your usual genre then this is for you.
It’s also intended to be a blunt story about a person (or people) with mental health issues. I hope it’s realistic, as it’s partly autobiographical. It may well be triggering for someone, but I hope it’s more of a cathartic experience.
Overall, it’s got crime, mystery and raw emotion. The police procedural elements are as realistic as storytelling allows, based on my ten years as a police officer.
It’s out at the beginning of 2020. Enjoy. Feel free to give honest feedback.
*update: I’ve brought the release date forward to November 2019 :)
November 18, 2019
Ok, I’m a bit of a bookworm and I found Tony’s debut novel to be seriously good reading. The plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing as to where the story’s leading. The characters are excellent and the pace of the book is spot on, just when you think you have an idea of what’s happening there’s a sudden twist. The book is written with obvious compassion, intelligence and a professional understanding of the material, and I found that I couldn’t put it down. I was in the middle of reading ‘ Go Set a Watchman’ which didn’t grab me as much as Ramus. If you are looking for a story that will make you think about the sad, frail and often misunderstood side of human nature, and how we generally all jump to conclusions, then read it now.
Already looking forward to the, hopefully, next instalment.
Already looking forward to the, hopefully, next instalment.
December 8, 2019
A powerful and moving story that touches on the affects depression has on not only the people who suffer from it, but also those who know the person. Everything around you is miserable: work can make you want to stay in bed; relationships are tough to maintain, and so much more.
The novel is heavy on police procedures, making sure that everything is done correctly so criminals don't get off on a technicality. It's an insightful look into the workings of the police. And this "precision" is also central to the story. But this precision is also focused on biases. You see what you want to see or believe, and can build evidence to that effect. This story will leave you questioning your own beliefs and biases about those you may have criticized or ostracized or thought of as "criminal." So many people are "tried" even before they get to the court room.
The novel is heavy on police procedures, making sure that everything is done correctly so criminals don't get off on a technicality. It's an insightful look into the workings of the police. And this "precision" is also central to the story. But this precision is also focused on biases. You see what you want to see or believe, and can build evidence to that effect. This story will leave you questioning your own beliefs and biases about those you may have criticized or ostracized or thought of as "criminal." So many people are "tried" even before they get to the court room.
November 23, 2019
What a fantastic read! The story unravels in such a gripping way with unexpected twists, leaving you feeling unusually sorry for characters you didn’t expect to.
Written in such detail you can really understand and relate to each character deeply.
I found myself lost in this book, unable to put it down and I felt like I was part of each character’s life. A truly shocking and believable plot that leaves you feeling unsettled by the outcome.
A must read. A brilliant first book by this author.
Written in such detail you can really understand and relate to each character deeply.
I found myself lost in this book, unable to put it down and I felt like I was part of each character’s life. A truly shocking and believable plot that leaves you feeling unsettled by the outcome.
A must read. A brilliant first book by this author.
December 1, 2019
Please, do yourselves a favor, and read this book! Seriously. It is one of the BEST books I've ever read.
Reading RAMUS was like being inside my head, living with depression and anxiety. It also gave me a sad insight into the modern legal system and our social bias toward criminals and victims. I was truly amazed at how much I loved these characters. Their development was phenomenal, and within a few short pages, I really felt as though I knew them.
***Please, accept a TRIGGER warning***
Some scenes may be difficult to read for those of us suffering from mental illness. I swear, reading it may be tough, but once you do, it is amazing. It is like a burst of fresh air within a socially saturated topic. A topic that is often filled with inconsistencies and stereotypes. A topic that is so misunderstood, it feels like no one experiences the same feelings, yet we are all, apparently, the same. I, myself, cried as I read this book. It was suspenseful and genuine.
Well done Tony. Thank you for sharing. Tony Ryan
Reading RAMUS was like being inside my head, living with depression and anxiety. It also gave me a sad insight into the modern legal system and our social bias toward criminals and victims. I was truly amazed at how much I loved these characters. Their development was phenomenal, and within a few short pages, I really felt as though I knew them.
***Please, accept a TRIGGER warning***
Some scenes may be difficult to read for those of us suffering from mental illness. I swear, reading it may be tough, but once you do, it is amazing. It is like a burst of fresh air within a socially saturated topic. A topic that is often filled with inconsistencies and stereotypes. A topic that is so misunderstood, it feels like no one experiences the same feelings, yet we are all, apparently, the same. I, myself, cried as I read this book. It was suspenseful and genuine.
Well done Tony. Thank you for sharing. Tony Ryan
Want to read
December 8, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
November 24, 2019
I intended to read the book over several nights however. I read it within a few hours as it pulled me into its gripping story lines.. A very well written stereotypical piece of work.. Sadness and misconception at its best.
November 30, 2019
I have got to say that this book left me with chills. I was not expecting the ending to be the way it was. The author did an exemplary job of portraying the characters the way were to view them until the very end of the book. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone that I know.
January 16, 2020
This unpredictable debut novel is massively informed by the author’s first-hand experience of every day British policing. Tony Ryan brings immense depth and detail of actual hands-on police work to his tale, down to every minor detail. Like the painstaking process of investigating a missing person case in the rural west of England.
That’s the springboard for this story in which clever plotting conceals the author’s true intentions. A young man’s car breaks down on a remote backroad and he seeks help from a ramshackle old mansion – where he eventually encounters his ultimate destiny.
Throughout Ramus, the author challenges our preconceptions and the clichés of crime fiction. He tackles the thorny subject of mental illness without flinching. There are some strong scenes set within the prison system, and plenty of pithy observations about the effectiveness of the British justice system in (not) rehabilitating criminals.
We’re also introduced to an intriguing police investigator, DC Jain. He’s clearly committed to performing his duties well and comes over as a man of conscience… but he’s not one of life’s over-achievers. More like an ordinary bloke doing the best job he can.
This is a first novel and it reads a little stiffly in places. There are a few passages which needed an editor’s pen to tidy up the punctuation – but it’s still better than most self-pubbed indie novel. The author plainly has an inventive mind and a wealth of actual policing experience to share, and he’s created an unusually interesting character to serve as a springboard for further investigations. I’d happily read another so I hope he continues to hone his writing craft.
7/10
There's a longer version of this review - and info about many great crime-thrillers - over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
That’s the springboard for this story in which clever plotting conceals the author’s true intentions. A young man’s car breaks down on a remote backroad and he seeks help from a ramshackle old mansion – where he eventually encounters his ultimate destiny.
Throughout Ramus, the author challenges our preconceptions and the clichés of crime fiction. He tackles the thorny subject of mental illness without flinching. There are some strong scenes set within the prison system, and plenty of pithy observations about the effectiveness of the British justice system in (not) rehabilitating criminals.
We’re also introduced to an intriguing police investigator, DC Jain. He’s clearly committed to performing his duties well and comes over as a man of conscience… but he’s not one of life’s over-achievers. More like an ordinary bloke doing the best job he can.
This is a first novel and it reads a little stiffly in places. There are a few passages which needed an editor’s pen to tidy up the punctuation – but it’s still better than most self-pubbed indie novel. The author plainly has an inventive mind and a wealth of actual policing experience to share, and he’s created an unusually interesting character to serve as a springboard for further investigations. I’d happily read another so I hope he continues to hone his writing craft.
7/10
There's a longer version of this review - and info about many great crime-thrillers - over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
November 12, 2019
After reading the book, It took me sometime to write this review. Words that came to mind were, amazing, wow, superb, an emotional rollercoaster, brilliant. This book had me intrigued, emotional, excited, to say but a few. I have read hundreds of books and I have to say this book is in a league of it’s own. This is one book that I would definitely recommend, it is a must read. For me a future TV mini series would be amazing.
December 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The story is very well written. My interest was kept throughout. I recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2019
The story unfolds organically. Because of this, I finished the book in record time. The mystery keeps you invested in the storyline, and there are hints peppered throughout that’ll smack you in the face later. Happy reading~
December 12, 2019
Interesting turn of events
I can’t give away the story here but a clear cut case of multiple murder takes. Strange and unexpected twist. Did the creepy old man who had committed at least 3 murders commit yet another? The author does a really good job leading the way through this tale. His writing was easy to follow and the story flowed really well. But I made a mistake, I took for granted that I knew how it ended. Don’t make that mistake! It’s a story worth reading from cover to cover.
I can’t give away the story here but a clear cut case of multiple murder takes. Strange and unexpected twist. Did the creepy old man who had committed at least 3 murders commit yet another? The author does a really good job leading the way through this tale. His writing was easy to follow and the story flowed really well. But I made a mistake, I took for granted that I knew how it ended. Don’t make that mistake! It’s a story worth reading from cover to cover.
January 3, 2020
Not your usual detective mystery
This police procedural mystery is set in England. It evolves gradually from a missing person search to a multiple murder case. The author skillfully drops clues which only appear to be relevant in hindsight. The reader gets glimpses into the mind of a very different type of sociopath, and the ending is a surprise on many fronts. Definitely a worthwhile read.
This police procedural mystery is set in England. It evolves gradually from a missing person search to a multiple murder case. The author skillfully drops clues which only appear to be relevant in hindsight. The reader gets glimpses into the mind of a very different type of sociopath, and the ending is a surprise on many fronts. Definitely a worthwhile read.
April 23, 2020
Review originally posted at https://tinyurl.com/yazbd5bp.
The disappearance of James Lockedon is a cause for little concern in the small town of Somerset at first, but the longer the investigation goes on the more is unearthed. What starts as a simple missing person case soon spirals into a possible multiple murder case. The thing is the person of interest is such an odd individual and nothing seems to add up about him. What will be uncovered during this investigation and who is truly ready for it?
The easiest way to sum this up is that I completed this book in less than twenty-four hours. From the start I was drawn into the mystery of the book. While at some point I read the synopsis by the point I started the book I had no idea what I was beginning, so it was a mystery for me as well. I found myself looking up multiple words that I was not familiar with or initially thought were misspelled, only to discover they were British versions.
All in all this is a great book that is a fun, fast read at 200 pages. All of the loose ends are tied up, and you end up feeling sympathy for someone that you wouldn't expect to feel it for. For anyone who takes a chance on this book I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
The disappearance of James Lockedon is a cause for little concern in the small town of Somerset at first, but the longer the investigation goes on the more is unearthed. What starts as a simple missing person case soon spirals into a possible multiple murder case. The thing is the person of interest is such an odd individual and nothing seems to add up about him. What will be uncovered during this investigation and who is truly ready for it?
The easiest way to sum this up is that I completed this book in less than twenty-four hours. From the start I was drawn into the mystery of the book. While at some point I read the synopsis by the point I started the book I had no idea what I was beginning, so it was a mystery for me as well. I found myself looking up multiple words that I was not familiar with or initially thought were misspelled, only to discover they were British versions.
All in all this is a great book that is a fun, fast read at 200 pages. All of the loose ends are tied up, and you end up feeling sympathy for someone that you wouldn't expect to feel it for. For anyone who takes a chance on this book I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
February 16, 2020
I believe this is the author’s debut novel, well what an awesome start to a writing career! I chose this book as the blurb caught my eye, I’m very pleased I took the leap and read the book. I love a good detective/mystery book and this one is fantastic. It didn’t go as I had thought and kept me on my toes throughout. This is not a book that you can easily put down, not even to just pop and get a fresh cuppa. Take a chance with this new author, you won’t regret it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2020
An interesting and different detective story. Very quickly you identify the likely victim and the likely killer. Things are not as they seem. A story of police work, attitudes, and procedures. Halfway through it appears all is over and you wonder what can the remainder of the book about. That is when this book makes, in my opinion, a significant turn. Not sure how many like this I would read but I found the book interesting and enjoyed reading.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews