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DCI Ryan Mysteries #14
Borderlands
When the gods made man, they made a weapon...
After uncovering a fresh wave of corruption within the ranks of Northumbria CID, Detective Chief Inspector Ryan was looking forward to an uneventful summer. But, when a young woman is shot dead on the remote army ranges of the Northumberland National Park, Ryan is called in to investigate.
Meanwhile, violent crimes are being committed across sites of historic importance in the North East, the perpetrator leaving only a graffitied symbol as their calling card. As the body count rises, Ryan and his team must unravel the mystery behind its meaning – before it's too late...
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
After uncovering a fresh wave of corruption within the ranks of Northumbria CID, Detective Chief Inspector Ryan was looking forward to an uneventful summer. But, when a young woman is shot dead on the remote army ranges of the Northumberland National Park, Ryan is called in to investigate.
Meanwhile, violent crimes are being committed across sites of historic importance in the North East, the perpetrator leaving only a graffitied symbol as their calling card. As the body count rises, Ryan and his team must unravel the mystery behind its meaning – before it's too late...
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
247 pages, paperback
First published September 30, 2019
4494 people are currently reading
1295 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Ross
58 books3,250 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 417 reviews
December 16, 2019
The storyline was more predictable and felt more rushed than others from the DCI Ryan series. The whole book seemed more of a novella than a novel. Also the sub-plot that Jack & Mel investigate was woefully thin and wasn’t as woven into the plot as much as previous books.
The prose read as well as ever and it’s easy to keep reading as it flows. I just wanted more of a plot and more twists.
The prose read as well as ever and it’s easy to keep reading as it flows. I just wanted more of a plot and more twists.
April 23, 2021
Not a bad book, but not quite 5 stars.
The sub plot that Jack and Mel investigated was a bit thin and not woven into the main story as much as usual.
Good exciting ending, but I felt as if there were lots of questions left unanswered. Can't elaborate without spoilers.
The sub plot that Jack and Mel investigated was a bit thin and not woven into the main story as much as usual.
Good exciting ending, but I felt as if there were lots of questions left unanswered. Can't elaborate without spoilers.
August 20, 2025
**Read 3.5 STARS!**
This fast-paced straightforward crime novel is the 14th volume of the remarkable "DCI Ryan" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a phrase penned by G.K. Chesterton (creator of Father Brown).
Storytelling is excellent, all characters are believable and lifelike in this tale about the human condition, relationship and friendship, but the story itself was somewhat rushed and with hardly any plots or twists.
The book starts off with a prologue set in August 2009, in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when a young soldier will encounter a horrific experience that will haunt him for the remainder of his life, and the consequences of that experience will come very much to the forefront in this tale.
The main story has two major killing incidents, one being the murder of Private Jess Stephenson, and one being the murder of Layla Bruce on the ranges of Otterburn Army Training Camp in Northumberland.
DCI Ryan and DS Phillips are investigating these two murders, and eventually they will solve and identity the responsible killers without too much of a plot in the end, while DC Lowerson and newly promoted DC Yates are investigating a hate crime case that will involve a fascist group calling themselves Odinists, and without so much as a twist because the core of that fascist group will be apprehended after a tip-off from an old soldier with a patriotic human heart.
Very much recommended, for this is another good addition, but not the very best though, of this excellent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Good Border Killing"!
This fast-paced straightforward crime novel is the 14th volume of the remarkable "DCI Ryan" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a phrase penned by G.K. Chesterton (creator of Father Brown).
Storytelling is excellent, all characters are believable and lifelike in this tale about the human condition, relationship and friendship, but the story itself was somewhat rushed and with hardly any plots or twists.
The book starts off with a prologue set in August 2009, in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when a young soldier will encounter a horrific experience that will haunt him for the remainder of his life, and the consequences of that experience will come very much to the forefront in this tale.
The main story has two major killing incidents, one being the murder of Private Jess Stephenson, and one being the murder of Layla Bruce on the ranges of Otterburn Army Training Camp in Northumberland.
DCI Ryan and DS Phillips are investigating these two murders, and eventually they will solve and identity the responsible killers without too much of a plot in the end, while DC Lowerson and newly promoted DC Yates are investigating a hate crime case that will involve a fascist group calling themselves Odinists, and without so much as a twist because the core of that fascist group will be apprehended after a tip-off from an old soldier with a patriotic human heart.
Very much recommended, for this is another good addition, but not the very best though, of this excellent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Good Border Killing"!
November 1, 2019
3.5 stars
September 19, 2023
Tai jau 14 - toji serijos dalis. 😉 Ši dalis man gal kiek pasirodė per trumpa, norėjosi kad tas veiksmas ilgiau nesibaigtų. Bet aišku kiekvienos knygos laukiu su nekantrumu, nes įdomu kaip rašytoja nustebins sekantį kartą. 😉
July 9, 2021
The weakest of all the books!
I got to the end, but I still don't know who and why did all of that!
What I meanis that there're two diferent crimes and we get to know who did one, but the other is a complete mystery! Why? Will it be revealed in the next book?
Mah...
I got to the end, but I still don't know who and why did all of that!
What I meanis that there're two diferent crimes and we get to know who did one, but the other is a complete mystery! Why? Will it be revealed in the next book?
Mah...
October 5, 2023
#perskaičiau
L.J.Ross "Pasienio žemė"
Aš tikrai labai mėgstu L.J.Ross knygas, labai liūdna, kad tai kol kas paskutinė į lietuvių kalbą išversta knyga, tačiau nuoširdžiai tikiuosi, kad greitai pasirodys sekančios serijos dalys.
Šį kartą istorija pasirodė man kiek per paprasta, taip taip, sakyčiau tiesiog paprasta 🤭 Labai įdomi pradžia - karinių pratybų metu buvo nušauta jauna mergina, tikrai intriguojanti aplinkybė, kuria sakyčiau buvo galima labiau pasinaudoti ir kiek "kiečiau" viską išplėtoti, nes šį kartą tiesiog per lengvai "sukrito kortos" Rajenui ir jo komandai 🤭 Paprastai man visada visko užtenka ir užvertusi knygą noriu jau imti sekančią, nes paliekama mįslė arba intriga, tačiau šį kartą man šiek tiek trūko 🤭
Ką gi, būna juk ir taip 🤗 Kaip bebūtų - praleidau puikiai laiką skaitydama "Pasienio žemę" ir labai lauksiu sekančių knygų, nes man išties patinka ši detektyvo Rajeno serija ❤️
⭐⭐⭐/5
L.J.Ross "Pasienio žemė"
Aš tikrai labai mėgstu L.J.Ross knygas, labai liūdna, kad tai kol kas paskutinė į lietuvių kalbą išversta knyga, tačiau nuoširdžiai tikiuosi, kad greitai pasirodys sekančios serijos dalys.
Šį kartą istorija pasirodė man kiek per paprasta, taip taip, sakyčiau tiesiog paprasta 🤭 Labai įdomi pradžia - karinių pratybų metu buvo nušauta jauna mergina, tikrai intriguojanti aplinkybė, kuria sakyčiau buvo galima labiau pasinaudoti ir kiek "kiečiau" viską išplėtoti, nes šį kartą tiesiog per lengvai "sukrito kortos" Rajenui ir jo komandai 🤭 Paprastai man visada visko užtenka ir užvertusi knygą noriu jau imti sekančią, nes paliekama mįslė arba intriga, tačiau šį kartą man šiek tiek trūko 🤭
Ką gi, būna juk ir taip 🤗 Kaip bebūtų - praleidau puikiai laiką skaitydama "Pasienio žemę" ir labai lauksiu sekančių knygų, nes man išties patinka ši detektyvo Rajeno serija ❤️
⭐⭐⭐/5
October 2, 2019
2.5 stars.
I have to say that the mystery was a bit disappointing in this installment of the DCI Ryan series. The ending of both story lines felt very rushed, ultimately leaving me feeling unsatisfied. The star rating is for the sweet relationships between all the MCs plus Samantha, the newest addition to the cast. I liked how the characters were realistic, so very human but still very likable.
I have to say that the mystery was a bit disappointing in this installment of the DCI Ryan series. The ending of both story lines felt very rushed, ultimately leaving me feeling unsatisfied. The star rating is for the sweet relationships between all the MCs plus Samantha, the newest addition to the cast. I liked how the characters were realistic, so very human but still very likable.
October 25, 2019
How are we on the 14th book in the series already? What a series it’s been to. Even though the 14th, this can easily be read as a standalone.
The beginning of this story grabbed me by the collar and wouldn’t let go. In a way it was quite sombre read. When you read it for yourself you will understand why. It is one that will get the emotions going. It certainly did mine anyway.
Frank and Ryan have got to be two of my favourite characters in a series. The bond between them both is easy to see and they really make the story even more enjoyable, as Frank brings a bit of humour in whilst Ryan is kind of the strong and sexy one. Well in my head he is.
The thread to do with the killing of the woman on the army range was brilliant in my eyes. It makes me wonder just how warped the authors mind is to come up with these fascinating ways of killing characters. This is why I keep coming back for more with this series.
Borderlands was a mind blowing and enthralling read. I love the authors writing style as there is definitely thills and chills a plenty, yet she writes with warmth and compassion so that you really care about a lot of the characters that feature in the storylines. Not all of them of course, as the baddies are truly horrible. This is an author who can do no wrong in my opinions. She delivers time after time with each book, leaving me desperate for the next one.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The beginning of this story grabbed me by the collar and wouldn’t let go. In a way it was quite sombre read. When you read it for yourself you will understand why. It is one that will get the emotions going. It certainly did mine anyway.
Frank and Ryan have got to be two of my favourite characters in a series. The bond between them both is easy to see and they really make the story even more enjoyable, as Frank brings a bit of humour in whilst Ryan is kind of the strong and sexy one. Well in my head he is.
The thread to do with the killing of the woman on the army range was brilliant in my eyes. It makes me wonder just how warped the authors mind is to come up with these fascinating ways of killing characters. This is why I keep coming back for more with this series.
Borderlands was a mind blowing and enthralling read. I love the authors writing style as there is definitely thills and chills a plenty, yet she writes with warmth and compassion so that you really care about a lot of the characters that feature in the storylines. Not all of them of course, as the baddies are truly horrible. This is an author who can do no wrong in my opinions. She delivers time after time with each book, leaving me desperate for the next one.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
October 5, 2019
DCI Ryan and DS Philips are excellent friends and a successful team as detectives. LJ Ross’ Borderlands: A DCI Ryan Mystery (The DCI Ryan Mysteries Book 14) has as its setting the NE of England, the Northumbrian borders with Scotland, an area that has an extremely violent history, and is now Northumberland National Park where the Army conducts training exercises, but when a civilian is killed during one of these exercises, the team of DCI Ryan and DS Philips are requested to join the investigation. In addition, horrific hate crimes are happening in the NE of England at historic sites with ‘the perps’ leaving only a drawn symbol. There is one more ‘sick’ act against humanity occurring simultaneously. Ryan and Philips, as members of Northumbria CID, and their ‘team’ must solve these crimes to prevent more death and destruction. Are they successful? Has DC Lowerson finally ‘got his act together’? Do Mac and Samantha enjoy Mac’s time off? Who is ‘the soldier’ and just how does he fit into the mystery? There is a great deal taken place in Borderlands just as there was historically in the borderlands of England and Scotland. Just one comment from me - I am continually shocked as I learn of more ways people contrive to hurt or destroy fellow human beings. 4.25 stars!
October 20, 2024
Jau trečias šios autorės skaitomas detektyvas. Pirmos dvi buvo puikiai parašytos, bet man - per... baisios, tad vertinimo nedėjau. Nes žvaigždutes žymiu SAU, o ne tiems, kas seka mano įrašus.
Pvz. Kai užpuola ir pjaustinėja iki mirties tavo pačios bute. Prieš miegą ne kas tokius skaityti.
Man labiau patinka detektyvai, kai negali susitapatinti. Tai šitas 👌👌👌
Beje. Esu buvusi Newcastle Didžiojoje Britanijoje, kur vyksta veiksmas ir Durumo universitete, kur dirba viena iš veikėjų.
Tad skaityti dar įdomiau.
Pvz. Kai užpuola ir pjaustinėja iki mirties tavo pačios bute. Prieš miegą ne kas tokius skaityti.
Man labiau patinka detektyvai, kai negali susitapatinti. Tai šitas 👌👌👌
Beje. Esu buvusi Newcastle Didžiojoje Britanijoje, kur vyksta veiksmas ir Durumo universitete, kur dirba viena iš veikėjų.
Tad skaityti dar įdomiau.
September 29, 2023
Tikriausiai trumpiausia Inspektoriaus Rajeno serijos dalis iš tų, kurias man teko skaityti. Ir čia jau 14 Ross darbas! Matyt, sunku neišsikvėpti tiek kuriant apie tą patį veikėją ir jo tiriamus nusikaltimus, nes būtent tokia man ši knyga pasirodė - šiek tiek suskubėta, šiek tiek "tas pats per tą patį", šiek tiek nuobodi.
Kalba čia apie kareivių pratybų metu nušautą civilį. Nei ginklai turėjo būt užtaisyti, nei eiliniai žmonės toje vietoje vaikščiot turėjo, bet, deja, nužudoma jauna mergina... Žinoma, tiriamos įvairios versijos, o kariai ir jų viršininkai stoja vieni už kitus, saugo savo įvaizdį ir gina tik "netyčinę versiją". Inspektoriui Rajenui toks variantas netinka - jis įtaria, kad už to slypi kai kas daugiau. Šalia yra tiriami ir masyvūs išpuoliai, kuomet nusikaltėliai niekina istorinės svarbos objektus, pastatus, maldos namus ir ant sienų palieka keistus piešinius.
Nors ir tiriami du nusikaltimai, nei vienas nei kitas iki galo nesudomino, trūko intrigos, kažkokio kabliuko, dėl kurio knietėtų greičiau sužinot kas ir kodėl taip elgiasi. Nuobodoka. Ross knygas visad imu, kai ir taip noriu ko nors lengvo, paprasto. Net nesitikėdama kažko labai įspūdingo, vis tiek čiut nusivylus likau.
Kalba čia apie kareivių pratybų metu nušautą civilį. Nei ginklai turėjo būt užtaisyti, nei eiliniai žmonės toje vietoje vaikščiot turėjo, bet, deja, nužudoma jauna mergina... Žinoma, tiriamos įvairios versijos, o kariai ir jų viršininkai stoja vieni už kitus, saugo savo įvaizdį ir gina tik "netyčinę versiją". Inspektoriui Rajenui toks variantas netinka - jis įtaria, kad už to slypi kai kas daugiau. Šalia yra tiriami ir masyvūs išpuoliai, kuomet nusikaltėliai niekina istorinės svarbos objektus, pastatus, maldos namus ir ant sienų palieka keistus piešinius.
Nors ir tiriami du nusikaltimai, nei vienas nei kitas iki galo nesudomino, trūko intrigos, kažkokio kabliuko, dėl kurio knietėtų greičiau sužinot kas ir kodėl taip elgiasi. Nuobodoka. Ross knygas visad imu, kai ir taip noriu ko nors lengvo, paprasto. Net nesitikėdama kažko labai įspūdingo, vis tiek čiut nusivylus likau.
October 18, 2025
Šį kartą Rajeno komandai tenka tirti dvi visiškai skirtingas bylas - karinių pratybų metu įvykusią jaunos merginos žūtį, iš pradžių laikomą nelaimingu atsitikimu ir brutalius neapykantos nusikaltimus, nukreiptus prieš kai kurias religines bendruomenes.
Kokia trumpa knyga 😀 Buvo įdomu, ar autorei pavyks į kiek daugiau nei 200 puslapių sutalpint dvi skirtingas siužeto linijas, tyrimą ir įdomią pabaigą. Mano akimis - pavyko. Šį kartą nepavyko atspėti, kas dėl visko kaltas, o patys paskutiniai puslapiai vėl priminė veiksmo filmą 😀 Gal tik laimingų atsitiktinumų buvo truputį per daug.
Kokia trumpa knyga 😀 Buvo įdomu, ar autorei pavyks į kiek daugiau nei 200 puslapių sutalpint dvi skirtingas siužeto linijas, tyrimą ir įdomią pabaigą. Mano akimis - pavyko. Šį kartą nepavyko atspėti, kas dėl visko kaltas, o patys paskutiniai puslapiai vėl priminė veiksmo filmą 😀 Gal tik laimingų atsitiktinumų buvo truputį per daug.
October 28, 2023
Vertas kiekvienos žvaigždutės 😊
January 20, 2021
I really wasn’t keen on this chapter of the Lj Ross series. Borderlands fell short on suspense, plot twists and also felt short in length?
The book seemed to just end with no real conclusion to the main plot thread. No explanation of the why behind the crimes?
Also, no spoilers but the secondary plot involving Jack & Mel was largely ignored towards the end and not solved? Maybe it’ll be reopened in the next book.
Overall, the book left me disinterested. I didn’t like the narrative of the army vs religious/political extremism. There was no flow or real ‘ending’ to tie everything up.
The book seemed to just end with no real conclusion to the main plot thread. No explanation of the why behind the crimes?
Also, no spoilers but the secondary plot involving Jack & Mel was largely ignored towards the end and not solved? Maybe it’ll be reopened in the next book.
Overall, the book left me disinterested. I didn’t like the narrative of the army vs religious/political extremism. There was no flow or real ‘ending’ to tie everything up.
November 3, 2020
Series: DCI Ryan Mysteries #13
Publication Date: 10/1/19
Number of Pages: 249
Another exciting, fast-paced, well-written adventure for DCI Ryan and his team from the Major Crimes Unit. The team is definitely split into different ventures in this book, with Ryan and Phillips working a murder on an Army training base, Lowerson and Yates dealing with a series of hate crimes, and MacKenzie enjoying some off time with her foster daughter, Samantha.
The Army is conducting a live-fire tactical training mission at Otterburn Army Training Ranges in Northumberland. The mission is to find and neutralize two targets – at night using night vision gear. When the first target is sighted, the soldiers training kicks in and they fire upon the target. Except, it isn’t the mechanical target they’ve engaged, it is…was…a live female. How in the world did a lone female end up running through the middle of the moors on a huge Army training base? Before long, Detective Chief Inspector Maxwell Finlay-Ryan and Detective Sergeant Frank Phillips are wending their way along the Northumberland National Park through the Cheviot Hills and into the village of Otterburn – almost at the border with Scotland. Will their investigation discover that it was a horrible, horrible accident when the woman ran directly into a live-fire exercise – or will they find it is something more – something much darker?
There is a terrible explosion and fire at the Central Mosque in Newcastle upon Tyne. It isn’t an accident, and the perpetrators left three large black triangles painted upon the doors along with the words ‘MUSLIMS GO HOME’. Detective Constable Jack Lowerson and Detective Constable Melanie Yates are dispatched to investigate. They know it is definitely a hate crime, but is it an isolated incident and what does that symbol mean? As that symbol turns up at additional sites of vandalism – not just Muslim – but Jewish, black, etc. they know it is the work of a well-organized group. That group is getting bolder, better organized, and more skilled. They have to be stopped before lives are lost. Stopping the group will take not only good investigative skills but the bravery and patriotism of a man who has nothing but that to give.
I listened to the audiobook (Whispersync) version of this book and enjoyed it very much. The narrator has a pleasant voice - but as I have mentioned before, all of the characters sound pretty much alike. Some are softer and breathier, but they all seem to have the same accents. We have a Scot, an Irish, and a Londoner, but they all seem to have the same accent - if not all of the time, most of the time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the mystery, the friendships, and seeing that the goodness in mankind can overcome anything. If you choose to read the book, I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Publication Date: 10/1/19
Number of Pages: 249
Another exciting, fast-paced, well-written adventure for DCI Ryan and his team from the Major Crimes Unit. The team is definitely split into different ventures in this book, with Ryan and Phillips working a murder on an Army training base, Lowerson and Yates dealing with a series of hate crimes, and MacKenzie enjoying some off time with her foster daughter, Samantha.
The Army is conducting a live-fire tactical training mission at Otterburn Army Training Ranges in Northumberland. The mission is to find and neutralize two targets – at night using night vision gear. When the first target is sighted, the soldiers training kicks in and they fire upon the target. Except, it isn’t the mechanical target they’ve engaged, it is…was…a live female. How in the world did a lone female end up running through the middle of the moors on a huge Army training base? Before long, Detective Chief Inspector Maxwell Finlay-Ryan and Detective Sergeant Frank Phillips are wending their way along the Northumberland National Park through the Cheviot Hills and into the village of Otterburn – almost at the border with Scotland. Will their investigation discover that it was a horrible, horrible accident when the woman ran directly into a live-fire exercise – or will they find it is something more – something much darker?
There is a terrible explosion and fire at the Central Mosque in Newcastle upon Tyne. It isn’t an accident, and the perpetrators left three large black triangles painted upon the doors along with the words ‘MUSLIMS GO HOME’. Detective Constable Jack Lowerson and Detective Constable Melanie Yates are dispatched to investigate. They know it is definitely a hate crime, but is it an isolated incident and what does that symbol mean? As that symbol turns up at additional sites of vandalism – not just Muslim – but Jewish, black, etc. they know it is the work of a well-organized group. That group is getting bolder, better organized, and more skilled. They have to be stopped before lives are lost. Stopping the group will take not only good investigative skills but the bravery and patriotism of a man who has nothing but that to give.
I listened to the audiobook (Whispersync) version of this book and enjoyed it very much. The narrator has a pleasant voice - but as I have mentioned before, all of the characters sound pretty much alike. Some are softer and breathier, but they all seem to have the same accents. We have a Scot, an Irish, and a Londoner, but they all seem to have the same accent - if not all of the time, most of the time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the mystery, the friendships, and seeing that the goodness in mankind can overcome anything. If you choose to read the book, I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
October 9, 2019
I absolutely LOVE this series and Borderlands is another excellent instalment! I cannot recommend it highly enough. Yet again, I have been captivated from the very first page and to say I have been gripped throughout would be a massive understatement.
If you have read any of my reviews for the previous books in this series, you will know how highly I rate them. Whenever LJ Ross has a new release I confidently and excitedly click the pre-order link without even having to read the blurb because I know I am in for a treat as soon as I get the chance to read it! I feel totally blessed that LJ Ross often sends me an early copy. I feel honoured to be able to read the books prior to publication. Imposter is my next read! 😊
In Borderlands Ryan, Phillips and the team are faced with investigating the shooting of a woman during a scheduled army training exercise and a group of extremists who are targeting local religious organisations. As always, nothing is straight forward or without an element of danger and this makes for an exciting, fast-paced read.
There are some scary characters in this story, one who particularly made my skin scrawl.
I really felt for the homeless soldier. What he’s gone through and continues to go through is just heart-breaking. No-one should be living on the streets in this day, and age. Least of all our veterans. I am married to one and I’m an extremely proud wifey. It’s often so difficult for them to adjust to civilian life and they should be afforded any and all the support they might need.
I love the main characters in this series and enjoy how their relationships develop throughout each book.
There is a feelgood aspect to this book which I really enjoyed also. As the author herself says (in a much more eloquent way than me!), amongst all the bad stuff going on in this world there are many people doing a little bit of good in their own little way. This helps to restore my faith in humankind.
Without a doubt another five star read!
I can’t wait for Ryan’s Christmas!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2019/10/0...
If you have read any of my reviews for the previous books in this series, you will know how highly I rate them. Whenever LJ Ross has a new release I confidently and excitedly click the pre-order link without even having to read the blurb because I know I am in for a treat as soon as I get the chance to read it! I feel totally blessed that LJ Ross often sends me an early copy. I feel honoured to be able to read the books prior to publication. Imposter is my next read! 😊
In Borderlands Ryan, Phillips and the team are faced with investigating the shooting of a woman during a scheduled army training exercise and a group of extremists who are targeting local religious organisations. As always, nothing is straight forward or without an element of danger and this makes for an exciting, fast-paced read.
There are some scary characters in this story, one who particularly made my skin scrawl.
I really felt for the homeless soldier. What he’s gone through and continues to go through is just heart-breaking. No-one should be living on the streets in this day, and age. Least of all our veterans. I am married to one and I’m an extremely proud wifey. It’s often so difficult for them to adjust to civilian life and they should be afforded any and all the support they might need.
I love the main characters in this series and enjoy how their relationships develop throughout each book.
There is a feelgood aspect to this book which I really enjoyed also. As the author herself says (in a much more eloquent way than me!), amongst all the bad stuff going on in this world there are many people doing a little bit of good in their own little way. This helps to restore my faith in humankind.
Without a doubt another five star read!
I can’t wait for Ryan’s Christmas!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2019/10/0...
October 18, 2019
Another good read from L J Ross, but a little rushed over the last few chapters I thought.
September 6, 2024
Sakiau neskaitysiu šį mėnesį Ross knygų, bet jos kaip saulėgrąžos - pradėjęs, negali sustoti kol nesibaigia 😁
Įdomi ir negirdėta knygos tematika - kariuomenė, karių pratybos, kurių metu atsitinka nelaimingas atsitikimas. Bet ar tikrai tai buvo nelaimingas atsitikimas? Detektyvas Ryan ir jo komanda skuba išsiaiškinti.
Mėgavausi knyga tik gaila greitai baigėsi.
Vienintelis kabliukas buvo knygos pabaigoje, kai išsekęs ir beveik mirštantis žmogus padaro tokius žygdarbius, kad truputį nelogiška atrodo. Žinoma galima ginčytis, kad adrenalinas, noras išgyventi ir panašiai, bet mintyse pagalvojau, kad gal visgi autorei nereikėjo jo pavaizduoti tokio silpno.
Anyways Ross yra viena iš mano pavoričių ir kiekviena jos knyga man yra kaip saldainiukas prie kavos 😍
Įdomi ir negirdėta knygos tematika - kariuomenė, karių pratybos, kurių metu atsitinka nelaimingas atsitikimas. Bet ar tikrai tai buvo nelaimingas atsitikimas? Detektyvas Ryan ir jo komanda skuba išsiaiškinti.
Mėgavausi knyga tik gaila greitai baigėsi.
Vienintelis kabliukas buvo knygos pabaigoje, kai išsekęs ir beveik mirštantis žmogus padaro tokius žygdarbius, kad truputį nelogiška atrodo. Žinoma galima ginčytis, kad adrenalinas, noras išgyventi ir panašiai, bet mintyse pagalvojau, kad gal visgi autorei nereikėjo jo pavaizduoti tokio silpno.
Anyways Ross yra viena iš mano pavoričių ir kiekviena jos knyga man yra kaip saldainiukas prie kavos 😍
March 24, 2021
Yet another excellent book in the series.
You can always tell how good a book is if it stops you turning out your lamp at 1am.
This one was well researched and again a fantastic plot.
Looking forward to reading the last 2 in the current series soon.
You can always tell how good a book is if it stops you turning out your lamp at 1am.
This one was well researched and again a fantastic plot.
Looking forward to reading the last 2 in the current series soon.
December 7, 2019
Murder mystery set in North NORTHUMBERLAND
This is no.14 in the hugely successful DCI Ryan mystery series written by international best-selling author L J Ross, and the book can certainly be read as a standalone.
The novel opens with a scene set in Helmand Province. A soldier is severely burnt and sees his local friend, Naseem, die a terrible death. He returns to England severely traumatised and finds little understanding of his plight and struggles to cope and survive.
Out in The Northumberland National Park it is night time and a group of soldiers is practising shooting with live rounds when a woman runs across the terrain. She is running for her life. She is shot and killed, her face horribly mutilated. She has no identification on her.
In Newcastle a racist group is targeting religious centres, mosques, synagogues and individuals, leaving behind a very striking symbol.
DCI Ryan and his team have to race against time, tracking down a perpetrator who seems to be a serial killer on the loose. As always, there is a real sense of camaraderie and humour in the investigative team, with some personal backstories to add a sense of humanity. In an author’s note at the end of the novel, the author writes that Borderlands is a book about the human condition; it’s about relationships between people, and how one small act of kindness can defuse a potentially volatile situation… and she goes on to say that it’s a very restless world we live in, at the moment, and she wanted to remember all the good that people are trying to do, every day, in their own little ways.
Location is beautifully brought to life. The central setting is around Otterburn, with Wooler and Border locations like St Boswells featuring too. I learned about the early Bronze Age Stone Circle at Duddo and although I live in Northumberland, I had never heard of it (oops!) – but this is what TripFiction is about, learning about places through terrific fiction. Job done! Enjoy!
This is no.14 in the hugely successful DCI Ryan mystery series written by international best-selling author L J Ross, and the book can certainly be read as a standalone.
The novel opens with a scene set in Helmand Province. A soldier is severely burnt and sees his local friend, Naseem, die a terrible death. He returns to England severely traumatised and finds little understanding of his plight and struggles to cope and survive.
Out in The Northumberland National Park it is night time and a group of soldiers is practising shooting with live rounds when a woman runs across the terrain. She is running for her life. She is shot and killed, her face horribly mutilated. She has no identification on her.
In Newcastle a racist group is targeting religious centres, mosques, synagogues and individuals, leaving behind a very striking symbol.
DCI Ryan and his team have to race against time, tracking down a perpetrator who seems to be a serial killer on the loose. As always, there is a real sense of camaraderie and humour in the investigative team, with some personal backstories to add a sense of humanity. In an author’s note at the end of the novel, the author writes that Borderlands is a book about the human condition; it’s about relationships between people, and how one small act of kindness can defuse a potentially volatile situation… and she goes on to say that it’s a very restless world we live in, at the moment, and she wanted to remember all the good that people are trying to do, every day, in their own little ways.
Location is beautifully brought to life. The central setting is around Otterburn, with Wooler and Border locations like St Boswells featuring too. I learned about the early Bronze Age Stone Circle at Duddo and although I live in Northumberland, I had never heard of it (oops!) – but this is what TripFiction is about, learning about places through terrific fiction. Job done! Enjoy!
October 15, 2019
When an army exercise in Otterburn ends with the death of a civilian, DCI Ryan and DS Phillips investigate alongside the army. While they are investigating, Mac and Samantha carry on with their holiday.
DC Lowerson and Mel Yates are investigating arson attacks with a mystery symbol left at each one. Can they work well together now they are in a relationship?
We also meet a homeless ex soldier who is trying to keep away from some drug dealers who are trying to get him hooked on the stuff and think nothing of giving him beatings when he won’t get involved.
Borderlands has very interesting and different stories. Being the wife of an ex serviceman, I found the homeless veteran story very sad, mainly because it is unfortunately, a common occurrence. It was great to see it mentioned and handled well in this story. We get to meet some great characters alongside Ryan and his team. For those who don’t know the Northumbria county, you get a sense of it through the wonderful descriptive writing. I look forward to reading more in this great series.
DC Lowerson and Mel Yates are investigating arson attacks with a mystery symbol left at each one. Can they work well together now they are in a relationship?
We also meet a homeless ex soldier who is trying to keep away from some drug dealers who are trying to get him hooked on the stuff and think nothing of giving him beatings when he won’t get involved.
Borderlands has very interesting and different stories. Being the wife of an ex serviceman, I found the homeless veteran story very sad, mainly because it is unfortunately, a common occurrence. It was great to see it mentioned and handled well in this story. We get to meet some great characters alongside Ryan and his team. For those who don’t know the Northumbria county, you get a sense of it through the wonderful descriptive writing. I look forward to reading more in this great series.
October 2, 2019
Slightly disappointing
The storyline was more predictable and felt more rushed than others from the DCI Ryan series. The whole book seemed more of a novella than a novel. Also the sub-plot that Jack & Mel investigate was woefully thin and wasn’t as woven into the plot as much as previous books.
The prose read as well as ever and it’s easy to keep reading as it flows. I just wanted more of a plot and more twists.
The storyline was more predictable and felt more rushed than others from the DCI Ryan series. The whole book seemed more of a novella than a novel. Also the sub-plot that Jack & Mel investigate was woefully thin and wasn’t as woven into the plot as much as previous books.
The prose read as well as ever and it’s easy to keep reading as it flows. I just wanted more of a plot and more twists.
October 13, 2020
Really rushed storyline, which was far too neatly packaged and finished. Great premise, but could really benefit from more depth.
The white supremacist storyline was something and nothing, and the serial killer himself basically tells Ryan "You caught me only by chance". He's not wrong. Did we even find out who he was or why he did what he did?
Meh. I think they accidentally published the novel outline rather than the finished story.
The white supremacist storyline was something and nothing, and the serial killer himself basically tells Ryan "You caught me only by chance". He's not wrong. Did we even find out who he was or why he did what he did?
Meh. I think they accidentally published the novel outline rather than the finished story.
January 1, 2024
Geras detektyvas, bet kažkoks neišbaigtas, pabaigoje liko neatsakytų klausimų.
March 25, 2020
I gave 1* to the first in the series, read as a precursor to this, the 14th, which was chosen as a local book club read (now cancelled due to Coronavirus!).
Again, although a page turner, and the author rights English prose well, this is a written-by-numbers formulaic romance thriller, with now three pairs of in-love policemen, two clumsy plot lines, and a penchant for semi-pornographic thrills.
Most GR readers regard this as the most slapdash in the series, but I enjoyed it a little more than Holy Island, possibly because I was more prepared for the style of the book.
The GR blurb:
‘ After uncovering a fresh wave of corruption within the ranks of Northumbria CID, Detective Chief Inspector Ryan was looking forward to an uneventful summer. But, when a young woman is shot dead on the remote army ranges of the Northumberland National Park, Ryan is called in to investigate.
Meanwhile, violent crimes are being committed across sites of historic importance in the North East, the perpetrator leaving only a graffitied symbol as their calling card. As the body count rises, Ryan and his team must unravel the mystery behind its meaning – before it's too late...
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
Again, although a page turner, and the author rights English prose well, this is a written-by-numbers formulaic romance thriller, with now three pairs of in-love policemen, two clumsy plot lines, and a penchant for semi-pornographic thrills.
Most GR readers regard this as the most slapdash in the series, but I enjoyed it a little more than Holy Island, possibly because I was more prepared for the style of the book.
The GR blurb:
‘ After uncovering a fresh wave of corruption within the ranks of Northumbria CID, Detective Chief Inspector Ryan was looking forward to an uneventful summer. But, when a young woman is shot dead on the remote army ranges of the Northumberland National Park, Ryan is called in to investigate.
Meanwhile, violent crimes are being committed across sites of historic importance in the North East, the perpetrator leaving only a graffitied symbol as their calling card. As the body count rises, Ryan and his team must unravel the mystery behind its meaning – before it's too late...
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
December 13, 2019
It pains me to write this but I think my love affair with DCI Ryan may be over! This book was a disappointment. The two storylines had merit but both seem to have been rushed at the end and left me with unanswered questions. The book is also quite short - the Audible version is just under 5 1/2 hours long.
Ms Ross seems to be churning out a lot if books at the moment (4 Ryan books and 2 in her new series so far this year I believe) and I think this is why the quality of the writing has deteriorated.
On a positive note, the narration is once again done by the wonderful Jonathan Keeble.
Ms Ross seems to be churning out a lot if books at the moment (4 Ryan books and 2 in her new series so far this year I believe) and I think this is why the quality of the writing has deteriorated.
On a positive note, the narration is once again done by the wonderful Jonathan Keeble.
October 22, 2019
I'm a devoted fan of the series and Borderlands is compelling and poignant without being preachy or trying too hard to be politically correct. Just like Ryan, the author shows compassion for the characters but not because of their race or backstory but because they are human beings (and, in one case, canine). As usual, there are several mysteries and they are all equally fascinating and one of the stories (finding redemption through the love for an animal) really touched me.
November 13, 2019
It was never at the top of anybody’s wish list to take a trip to the mortuary, but it was a necessary part of getting to know the victim and the crime. It was often hard and unpleasant, but they kept coming back because they remembered one thing: the victim could not speak, but their body was perhaps the greatest clue to finding their killer or, in this case, to understanding how they’d come to find themselves in such a vulnerable position.
October 1, 2019
Lost me as a reader. Referenced the maniacs who carried out mass atrocities in Norway and New Zealand. As a NZ'er I will never use or acknowledge the name from 15 March 2019, rather I choose to honour the victims and survivors. So disappointed that this author failed to do this.
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