The Moor

DCI Ryan Mysteries #12

by L.J. Ross

The circus is in town…

When a ten-year-old girl turns up on DCI Ryan’s doorstep to tell him she’s witnessed a murder, he has no idea he’s about to step into his most spellbinding case yet. The circus has rolled into Newcastle upon Tyne, bringing with it a troupe of daring acrobats, magicians, jugglers—and one of them is a killer.

Ryan and his team must break through their closed ranks to uncover a secret which has lain buried for eight years, before the killer strikes again – this time, to silence the only living witness…

Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Detective, Murder Mystery

374 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2019

About the author

LJ 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

Reviews

[Kylie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

DCI Ryan is at first bemused, then intrigued, when a ten year old girl rocks up on his doorstep one day, claiming her mother has been murdered, and she is a witness. The trouble is the murder happened eight years ago, when the girl was a toddler, and the victim was a member of a travelling circus. As Ryan and his team look into the girl's claims, they find that their suspects are acrobats, clowns and psychics, not to mention the girl's ringmaster father. But was the woman really murdered, as the girl claims? Or did she simply run off with her lover, as all the members of the circus seem to think? Ryan certainwy has his work cut out for him this time!

One of my favourite series, the DCI Ryan Mysteries go from strength to strength. With wonderful camaraderie amongst the team, and ever more intriguing plots, LJ Ross has earned herself a well deserved following. Quick and easy to read, I have no hesitation recommending this book, and series, to all lovers of crime and mystery novels.

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still not sure about this one. I have loved all the books in the series so far. all easily 5 star occasional 4.5. But this one is 3.5 rounded to 4, on the basis I am not 100% what is wrong. Could be I am heading for a reading slump, but I struggled to get involved. Never really looked forward to reading some more.
The basic premise of the plot was good. But it sort of felt like a transitional book, new characters developments and ... no spoilers. Hopefully next one is back to the high standards we expect.

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This exciting book is the 12th volume of the "DCI Ryan" series, but don't forget its the 11th instalment in chronological order.

At the beginning of the book you'll find a short phrase taken from William Shakespeare's "Othello".

The author's storytelling is excellent, all characters come splendidly to life in this tale about jealousy, revenge and murder, while circus life is also wonderfully pictured.

The book starts off with a memory recollection by a 10-year old girl named Samantha about her mother death while listening to a certain jingle at Tyne Radio, and that recollection will prompt her to find DCI Ryan and let him know that her mother was murdered in 2011, with her as the only witness.

Now that DCI Ryan and his friend and colleague DS Phillips have a name and description about this dead woman, which was a cold case from 2011, they can start to investigate this murder committed in 2011 and find the murderer, while domestic bliss will arrive at the home of DI MacKenzie and DS Phillips in the form of the aforementioned Samantha, and for acting SIO DC Lowerson and his colleague Trainee DC Yates the task to find clues and evidence against a dangerous man who goes by the name of Singh.

What is to follow is an entertaining and thrilling police procedure, with lots of action and a surprising plot and outcome concerning the murder of Samantha's mother, and the irresponsible and dangerous solo police action by DC Lowerson.

Very much recommended, for this is another engrossing addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Thrilling Lethal Circus Act"!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I love about this authors books is how character driven they are. There is a great cast of main characters anyway but then along comes another fabulous character in the form of ten year old Samantha. I absolutely loved her! No doubt life in the circus is going to toughen her up but whilst she is old above her means, she is still very much a child and at times my heart went out to her.

I loved the setting of the circus in the novel. This is one of your more old fashioned circuses rather than your modern day ones. Even so, I can’t say I really envy life in one, with the constant travelling. Whilst the people in the circus tend to be close knit, there seems to be a lot of animosity around in this one.

The author takes us on a suspenseful journey whilst also giving us a hint of what we can look forward to in the next book in the series. There are lots of little twists just as you think you know who the murderer is so that you are taken back to square one with absolutely no clue.

The Moor is such a great read. The story line had me so engrossed that I read it in one afternoon/evening. I’m really hoping that we get to see more of Samantha in up coming books as she was to much of a great character to be confined to only one. An addictive series that just gets better and better. Brilliant!

My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Justina Neliubšienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jau buvau pasiilgusi vyresniojo inspektoriaus Rajeno ir jo komandos. Patinka man ši detektyvinė serija, perskaičiau su malonumu ir aišku lauksiu tęsinio.😉

[Loreta Griciutė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antroji Ross skaityta knyga, tikrai patiko, siužetas vertas dėmesio, tempas vertė puslapius vienas po kito ir tikrai,kas už viso to slypėjo nepavyko nuspėti,bet geriausia man visoje istorijoje tai,kad mergaitė,kuri atėjo prašydama pagalbos rasti mamos žudiką, atrado naują mylinčią šeimą ir namus.

[Jūratė Norvaišienė · Rating 5 out of 5]

12 – oji skaityta inspektoriaus Rajeno serijos knyga. Visos pirktos. Namie jau pilna lentyna.

[Ugnė | pilna_lentyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

12-oji detektyvo Rajeno serijos dalis

Prie vyresniojo inspektoriaus Rajeno namų pasirodo mergaitė, teigianti, kad yra žmogžudystės liudininkė. Į miestą kaip tik atvykęs cirkas slepia ne tik sceninio meistriškumo paslaptis – tarp jų yra ir žudikas.

Rajenas su savo komanda turi įveikti cirko žmonių uždarumą ir išsiaiškinti, kas slepiasi po ryškiais kostiumais ir dirbtinėmis jų šypsenomis. Laikas spaudžia – jei jie nespės, žudikas gali smogti dar kartą, kad užtildytų vienintelę gyvą liudininkę.

Panašu, kad rimtai užsikabinau ant šios serijos. Su kiekviena dalimi vis labiau prisirišu prie tyrėjų komandos, o jų asmeninio gyvenimo užkulisiai jau baigia įdomumu pralenkti pačias bylas.

Naujoji veikėja į susigyvenusią komandą įsipaišė tobulai. O tai keista, nes naujų veikėjų tokiose serijose dažniausiai nemėgstu 😄 Labiausiai džiaugiuosi tuo, kad jos vaidmuo ne epizodinis – kitose dalyse su ja dar tikrai susitiksim.

Ir nors ši dalis nebuvo tokia įtempta kaip „Ligoninė“, man vis tiek labai patiko. Galvojau, kad pabaigoje viskas pasibaigs įprastai, bet autorė užmetė tokį kabliuką, kad nebegaliu sulaukti, kada galėsiu imti sekančią 🤯

[Nei_dienos_be_knygos · Rating 4 out of 5]

#perskaičiau
L.J.Ross "Taun mūro laukai"

Kokio grožio viršelis 😍 Neįmanoma nepastebėti Ross knygų viršelių, nes jie visi man gražūs, bet šis ypatingai 🥰

"Į miestą atvyko cirkas...

Kai ant vyresniojo inspektoriaus Rajeno namų slenksčio išdygsta dešimtmetė, kuri teigia esanti žmogžudystės liudininkė, detektyvas dar nenutuokia, kad netrukus imsis įdomiausios bylos savo karjeroje. Į Niukaslą prie Taino atvažiavo cirkas drauge su drąsių akrobatų trupe, fokusininkais ir žonglieriais — vienas iš jų yra žudikas."

Labai įdomi serijos knyga, kuri panašu į ir taip spalvingą veikėjų būrį atnešė naują personažą, kuris visai nenusileidžia savo sumanumu kitiems knygos personažams. Labai patiko man toks scenarijus, koks yra sukurtas šioje knygoje, išties senokai to laukiau 🤭 Dar viena puiki byla ir paslapčių nestokojanti istorija 🥰
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[Bent.viena.puslapi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tikrai nesuklysiu sakydama, kad kol kas man čia buvo linksmiausia serijos apie detektyvą Ryan dalis 😁 Nepaisant visų žmogžudysčių, jaučiausi lyg skaityčiau komediją 🤭
Autorė įnešė naujų veikėjų į istoriją ir tai man labai patiko. Semė savo charakteriu ir sąmoju neprimena dešimtmetės mergaitės, o jos apetitas ir varžymasis dėl maisto su Frenku tiesiog juokingai žavu 😁🍕
Skaitant dvyliktą serijos knygą jaučiuosi lyg būčiau komandos dalis. Visi veikėjai taip gerai pažįstami 🤍
Kalbant apie žmogžudystes, nusikaltėlio neatspėjau praktiškai iki pat pabaigos, todėl buvo labai įdomu skaityti. Na o pabaigoje detektyvas Laurensonas papuola į bėdą ir knyga baigiasi. Tai aš jau aiškinosi kas ten įvyko ir jau skaitau tryliktą dalį - Penšou 😍

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a short book. Good story but not as riveting as previous books. The circus comes to town again after an absence of 8 years. Ten year old Sam, the daughter of the ringmaster, is with her horse, Pegasus, when the Tyne radio jingle comes on and she has a flashback to the night her mother was murdered when she was two years old. Sam saw it happen but not all the details although she is sure that the murderer is one of the circus people. She makes her way to the police station and begs Ryan to look into it. Ryan does and eventually some very uncomfortable truths are revealed. Sam will never be the same again.

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh!!! I loved Sam and her intelligence and cunning!!!
I just knew that Frank and Denise will end adopting her! LOL
I also liked Jack and Melanie's "dancing" around each other! :)

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
Thinking he might be able to enjoy a quiet Sunday for once, DCI Ryan was lost in a peaceful moment when the door bell rang. Determined to dispatch whoever it is quickly, he was surprised and a little taken aback to see a young girl on the doorstep asking for his help…to catch a killer.

O’Neill’s circus had returned to the Town Moor in Newcastle after an eight year absence. A jingle on the local radio station caused a hazy memory to surface for young Samantha O’Neill. Sam’s mother had disappeared when she was two. Ran off with another man and left Sam behind. Everyone said so. But Sam believed she knew different now, thanks to that jingle bringing back horrible memories of the monster she had all but forgotten. She really needed to know what actually happened to her mother and was desperately hoping Ryan would be able to find out.

Easier said than done, with the code of silence and reluctance to engage with the police that was prevalent in the circus community. Sam had broken the unwritten rule and gone to outsiders—and worse still, to the police. She was scared, not knowing who she could trust. No-one out of all the people she’d lived and travelled with, even including her father and uncle.

Initial research shows some relevant results from a cold case. The case is reopened and as a vulnerable minor, Sam is treated as a protected witness. Ryan and Phillips find themselves at the circus trying to navigate through the lies and subterfuge and unravel the eight year old mystery, which initially seems like a physical impossibility.

Meanwhile Jack Lowerson and Melanie Yates are investigating a spate of murders occurring around the city that seem to be gangland related. Jack’s first case as acting SIO and he wants to prove he’s up to the task but forgets a golden rule (So glad we don’t have to wait much longer for the next book.)

All the old favourites are back but the standout character in this episode has to be the delightful Samantha. She quickly endears herself to everyone and her interactions with with Frank and Denise bring out another side to their characters. Can’t wait to see what happens there! I really enjoy the relationships that have built up throughout the series, the closeness, the banter and how they work together. The setting is always a draw and these books have encouraged me to visit many wonderful places. The story moves at a steady pace and there are enough twists and red herrings to keep you guessing.

[Skyesmum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic 🎧 book ! I don't think that the author realises what they're doing to me!
Again the partnership and the banter in the team is absolutely brilliant!
This one gets quite serious though and I loved it.
Looking forward to the next one from BorrowBox.

[Jurgita · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Somebody out there’s laughing at us,...”. Detective Sergeant Philips, partner of DCI Ryan, states this, and I had to chuckle as it is a favorite phrase of mine! Philips says this to Ryan as a complication, a major complication, appears in the cold case murder investigation these men are attempting to solve. LJ Ross’ The Moor (DCI Ryan Mystery #12) involves a 10 year old girl, a circus, a cold case murder mystery, and current gangland killings of men-four male bodies are presented rather quickly in this story, but Sam (real name Samantha) is a delight who has a ‘hard’ life but keeps on smiling - ah, the resilience of youth! Sam literally dumps this cold case in DCI Ryan’s lap, but who could say no to this face! The author includes Ryan’s whole team in various aspects of the investigation as well as introducing the reader to circus life and life through a 10 year old’s eyes! Once again, the author does a phenomenal job of drawing the reader in from page one. This is a grand series. I am already looking forward to #13. Thank you, Ms. Ross! 5 stars!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Moor is book 12 in the DCI Ryan Mysteries by L. J. Ross. DCI Ryan was enjoying a day off with his wife when a young girl knocked on his front door, saying she was reporting a murder. Due to her age and the killer being part of the circus, DCI Ryan Sergeant Frank Phillips and his wife, Inspector Denise Mackenzie, decide to look after the young girl in their home. At first, DCI Ryan and his team did not know where to start with this investigation until they found Samatha's mum on the cold case list. The readers of The Moor will continue to follow DCI Ryan's investigation to discover what happens.

The Moor is another fantastic book by L. J. Ross and a brilliant addition to this excellent series. I sometimes laugh with the characters and engage with the stories from the first page. L. J. Ross did not disappoint me in the way she portrayed her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Moor was well-written and researched. I like L. J. Ross's description of the settings of The Moor, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The Moor's readers will learn about the role of Clinical psychologists in law enforcement investigations and understand the consequences of mental illness that are not being treated.

I recommend this book.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner, although i actually guessed the baddie for once! Roll on July for book 13!

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thriller set in NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

“…fools in love were much more likely to behave irrationally in the heat of passion. More likely to make mistakes – for love, or through jealousy: More likely to kill…”



It’s a Sunday evening in June at the Elsdon home of DCI Ryan and his wife, and there is a knock on the door. A young girl of around 11 or 12 is standing on the doorstep. She introduces herself as Samantha O’Neill and she is approaching him with with recently resurrected memories, triggered by a jingle on the radio. She knows he is the man to help her.

The O’Neill Circus is in Newcastle upon Tyne. It’s June 2019 and it’s the first time since 2011 that the performers and their Big Top have been back on the Town Moor in the city. Samantha, a young member of the circus troupe, describes to DCI Ryan how she can dimly recollect her mother being murdered. This is in stark contrast to the story put about at the time by her father (and circus owner) – that her mother Esme (short for Esmerelda) packed up one day to be with her new lover and abandoned everyone, including her daughter.

Amongst the circus fraternity there is a kind of omertà (like the silence of the Mafia). Everything is handled within the close-knit community, and anyone who takes their issues to authorities outside and beyond the circus folk is putting themselves in grave danger… and thus Samantha has put herself at enormous risk. She needs immediate protection.

It soon becomes evident that a body found in 2011 was indeed that of her mother and the police investigation becomes Operation Showstopper.

If you are familiar with the DCI Ryan series, the regular characters make their scheduled appearances and there is the on-going and usual banter – even an amorous liaison – which soon gets the reader back into the groove of crime fighting with DCI Ryan and his team, in and around Newcastle and Northumberland. Lowerson, however, by the end of the book has got himself into a scrape and quite how he will extricate himself waits to be seen…

It is a very easy to follow plot. Would social services really allow Samantha, who happens to be an incredibly well informed and resourceful child (given her background of neglect), stay with a police couple at the drop of a hat, even if they had their DBS certificates?

Location is delightful for someone who knows the area. You can follow the bodies as they turn up in the Dean Street Car Park, St Peter’s Wharf and Stocksfield, and there is even a rendezvous in the Corbridge garage. How do the murders of several seemingly unconnected characters – with the ends of their fingers missing (so they cannot be identified) – link to Samantha and her plight?

This can be read as a stand-alone but the characters will gain a greater richness if the books are read in sequence.">

“…fools in love were much more likely to behave irrationally in the heat of passion. More likely to make mistakes – for love, or through jealousy: More likely to kill…”

It’s a Sunday evening in June at the Elsdon home of DCI Ryan and his wife, and there is a knock on the door. A young girl of around 11 or 12 is standing on the doorstep. She introduces herself as Samantha O’Neill and she is approaching him with with recently resurrected memories, triggered by a jingle on the radio. She knows he is the man to help her.

The O’Neill Circus is in Newcastle upon Tyne. It’s June 2019 and it’s the first time since 2011 that the performers and their Big Top have been back on the Town Moor in the city. Samantha, a young member of the circus troupe, describes to DCI Ryan how she can dimly recollect her mother being murdered. This is in stark contrast to the story put about at the time by her father (and circus owner) – that her mother Esme (short for Esmerelda) packed up one day to be with her new lover and abandoned everyone, including her daughter.

Amongst the circus fraternity there is a kind of omertà (like the silence of the Mafia). Everything is handled within the close-knit community, and anyone who takes their issues to authorities outside and beyond the circus folk is putting themselves in grave danger… and thus Samantha has put herself at enormous risk. She needs immediate protection.

It soon becomes evident that a body found in 2011 was indeed that of her mother and the police investigation becomes Operation Showstopper.

If you are familiar with the DCI Ryan series, the regular characters make their scheduled appearances and there is the on-going and usual banter – even an amorous liaison – which soon gets the reader back into the groove of crime fighting with DCI Ryan and his team, in and around Newcastle and Northumberland. Lowerson, however, by the end of the book has got himself into a scrape and quite how he will extricate himself waits to be seen…

It is a very easy to follow plot. Would social services really allow Samantha, who happens to be an incredibly well informed and resourceful child (given her background of neglect), stay with a police couple at the drop of a hat, even if they had their DBS certificates?

Location is delightful for someone who knows the area. You can follow the bodies as they turn up in the Dean Street Car Park, St Peter’s Wharf and Stocksfield, and there is even a rendezvous in the Corbridge garage. How do the murders of several seemingly unconnected characters – with the ends of their fingers missing (so they cannot be identified) – link to Samantha and her plight?

This can be read as a stand-alone but the characters will gain a greater richness if the books are read in sequence.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite in the series. Detective Ryan is surprised when a young girl knocks on his door and says she witnessed her mother being murdered and wants him to find out who did it. Even though Samantha was so young when it happened a song on the radio triggers all kinds of memories about that day. Ryan and his team take on the case which involves them investigating the circus in town where Samantha's father works.

This one seemed to drag at times. I managed to finish it but it didn't capture my attention like some of the others.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously another 5 star review from this series.
I love how character driven the series is and when a new addition comes along and they just slot right in.
Suspence, humour, love story all rolled into one. DCI Ryan Mystery makes me really happy.

[Cora Tea Party Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oops I read it in a single sitting.

The series is definitely getting a little bit fantastical in what the characters get away with, but I'm addicted anyway. It's indulgent escapism.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this instalment. The characters introduced are brilliant and o can’t wait for book 12

[Clbplym · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable, quick read.

[Bexar Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read this in one sitting. Can't wait for the next one already!

[Laura Alber · Rating 5 out of 5]

L. J. Ross never fails to impress. Loved the latest in the Ryan and Co series! And, Sam is an excellent addition! Can't wait for the next one. Thanks to Mrs. Ross for keeping me so entertained!!

[M R B Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from the beginning

Having read all the DCI Ryan stories in order, this is refreshing. Unlike other detective murder mysteries, this had me gripped from page one. And Ludo is back! I expect the next from LJ Ross to see his come-uppance. Hope it's not long coming?

[Susan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The circus has come to town in Newcastle and DCI Ryan and the team investigate a complicated and heartbreaking cold case, connected to the circus. This series is so much more than just DCI Ryan, the rest of the team are just as important. Once again a fantastic book in this series and The Moor, I thought was very different. The humour and the banter between Phillips and Ryan is priceless. Desperate to read the next in series!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Look, I need to know if this is the right place,” she said, unconsciously mirroring his stance. “You look like him.”
Ryan’s lips twitched.
“Like who? Because, unless it’s James Bond, I’m not sure I’ll be flattered.”
She flashed a smile, which was gone just as quickly.
“Detective Chief Inspector Ryan,” she said. “I saw him—I saw you—on the news a while ago. You’re supposed to be the best.”
“At what?”
“Catching killers.”

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Sammy became Phillips and MacKenzie’s adopted daughter features in this mystery, while it is cleverly worked as always in this series.