I finished up the newest book in the DCI Ryan series by LJ Ross in late April. Bamburgh is the nineteenth book in the series and follows the formula that has made Ross one of the most successful authors on the Kindle platform. The story is a police procedural that deftly blends mystery and romance tropes. It features the set of characters that have pulled fans in as the series has developed. Like the earlier books, it really leverages the setting in Northumbria. In this story, Bamburgh Castle is at the center of the story. Here is a great arial video that was recently released by the team managing the castle.
This story is actually two separate storylines involving the main characters. Ross has used this in other entries in the series. I am not sure it is as strong as when she focuses on a single plotline. She also tends to bring “the villain” in close to the main characters in a way that is feeling a bit contrived. I will probably continue to read the stories as they are released, but the early entries in the series are much better books.
Post featured image was derived from herdiephoto, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bamburgh
By LJ Ross
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY…
When a cantankerous old woman dies at her home in the sleepy, picturesque village of Bamburgh, DCI Ryan doesn’t think much of it—except, that is, for the small matter of it having been his wife who happened to find her body. Then another body turns up amongst the sand dunes at the base of the mighty castle fortress, and he decides it can’t be a coincidence…
Meanwhile, after a recent revelation about her sister, DC Melanie Yates’ quest to avenge her death is becoming an obsession—much to the concern of those around her. With a new DCS to contend with and hundreds of cold case files to sift through, the chances of uncovering a dormant killer seem unlikely. But as Melanie delves deeper into the secrets of the past to uncover the truth, she soon realises it lies much closer to home…
Published March 31, 2022
312 pages (print)