Longstone: A DCI Ryan Mystery (The DCI Ryan Mysteries Book 10)

Longstone sees Ryan and co head to the beautiful town of Seahouses on the Northumbrian Coast where the body of a Marine Archaeologist, and colleague of Ryan's wife, is found washed ashore one of the Farne Islands -the eponymous Longstone. It isn't clear whether this was simply a tragic accident or something far more sinister as the man had declared the historical find of lol the century, a sunken Viking vessel which could blow apart all that people thought they knew about the history of the north east. But if it wasn't an accident, then who could possibly want to kill the historian and why?Well ... let's face it. If DCI Ryan has been called in, there is very little chance of this being a simple boating accident now, is there? What Ryan finds when he arrives is a town full of suspects who are very reluctant to be honest him, a team of Archaeologists and divers who would do anything to claim that one big find, and a family mystery which stems back over two decades. What we as readers find is another absolutely cracking mystery which captivates you and keeps you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep. And I really did try last night, but after half and hour of tossing and turning, I gave up trying to kid myself and went straight back into the book, not stopping until I reached the completely shocking, and ultimately tragic, conclusion.What I love about the books is the way in which LJ Ross's love for her home county always shines through in the narrative. It doesn't matter how dark or deadly the story may get, the setting is always so lovingly captured that you cannot help but want to go there yourself. In fact, it feels so real, so tangible, that you may well be there, tasting the salt water as it slashes against your face, feeling the stomach churning rise and fall of the North Sea as you ride with Ryan and a rather distressed Frank Phillips, a man whose sea legs are possibly even less steady than his land legs during a post mortem. I was in Seahouses earlier this year and, although some of the narrative clearly has to be fictional, I could picture every inch of the harbour as the author described it and delighted in the talk of the islands that I sailed around this year and plan to visit again next. It really is quite extraordinary and, as I have said before, Northumberland is like the seventh member of the team, a living breathing character in its own right.Fans of the series will be delighted to know that poor Jack Lowerson is back in this book. I have to admit to having a bit of a soft spot for our Jack. He's not quite his old self, a kind of melancholy hanging over him as you would expect after all he has been through, but there is still that old spark and it was great to have him safely back within the arms of his other family. Trainee DC Yates seemed very pleased to see him back. I guess we will have to watch to see if anything develops there in the future.Another key feature of these books, and one which always has me smiling as I read, is the camaraderie between the team, particularly Frank and Ryan. They spar off each other brilliantly and although they really are chalk and cheese, they are the perfect detecting duo and I can't imagine the series being the same without them together. Anna features less in this book, but the scenes between her and Ryan are beautiful as always, the two of them so in tune with each other than it is always romantic to watch. It is the team as a whole who make these stories, each member making their own mark upon those around them. The are strong as individuals, but together they are unstoppable.But there is another poignant and wonderfully developed layer in this story, one which involves the secondary characters that inhabit Seahouses. You know from the very beginning that landlord, Hutch, has an unrequited love for his brother's girlfriend Gemma, and there is something very touching about the way in which he has looked out for her and her son over the years. He is a sensitive character, although he works hard to hide it, and I really did like him and felt for him as he struggled with his feelings.The story itself is fast paced and completely gripping. I was pulled into it from the start and from the moments of excitement, such as when the archaeologist, Iain, had made his big discovery, to the sense of foreboding which grows as the story progresses, this was a book which just seemed to fly. If anything, I wish it had been longer. There are the moments of fast action and tension, as well as some quieter more reflective scenes which balance each other perfectly. This isn't a series which relies upon quick thrills to keep the audience captivated - it doesn't need them. It is the compelling mix of character, plot, setting and mystery which makes each of these books so brilliant and Longstone is up there will the best of them. Loved it.

Good Author Good read

Whether you’re new to DCI Ryan and team or have read the previous books, you’re going to enjoy this book.Set in beautiful Northumberland, this particular story takes place in the seaside village of Seahouses.The main story is about the disappearance of an eminent Archaeologist Iain who has discovered a Viking wreck. He announces his find to a pub full of people, buying drinks for them all, the next morning he can’t be found. The last person he phoned was his University colleague Anna, whose husband happens to be Ryan. When Iain doesn’t turn up for a meeting he’s arranged with Anna she knows that something is wrong.I love these books almost as much as I love Northumberland, LJ Ross is a great storyteller.

Just really enjoy the DCI Ryan mysteries. An easy read but one I need to get to the end of to find out who the baddie was!!

Enjoying the series

Local historian Doctor Anna Taylor is called in to help with cataloguing after the discovery of Viking treasure off the northeast coast, but when the body of a diver is washed up, it’s time for Anna’s detective husband to step in. DCI Ryan has his work cut out when a possible murder is followed up by another one. With some of the locals not quite telling the whole truth, he must dig deep to uncover the mystery behind the diver’s murder.I first started reading these books five years ago and, like always when I discover yet another author with a hefty backlog, it takes time to catch up. This is book 10 in the DCI Ryan series and finds the canny cop searching the waters off Seahouses for clues to a murder. The story didn’t grab me quite so much as with the other books and Ms Ross still has a tendency to drop in clichéd phrases and sometimes unwieldy dialogue tags. Nevertheless, the denouement is interesting and unexpected. Which is nice.

Great story as usual with engaging characters; both new and established. You always finish one of LJ Ross's books with a desire to visit the area.

Having read the earlier books I feel there is not sufficient anticipation

L J Ross is a North-East author, and knows her countryside and environment intimately. A highly recommended read.

The DCI Ryan Mysteries have been consistently interesting since the beginning, this tenth entry continues the streak. Each book references a specific location of historical or scenic interest on the east coast of England and includes vivid descriptions that bring it alive for readers. The plots are intricate and hold attention. The continuing characters are engaging. The books stand alone for the main plots and provide enough relevant information about previous novels when to explain character relationships and history for readers who are new to the series.The series has a romantic atmosphere far from the stern realistic hard-boiled school of police procedurals. The villains tend to be over-the-top in villainy and sinister plots such as quasi-satanic secret society, for example. The continuing characters have plenty of time for sweet romance. If you want to relax, suspend disbelief, and settle down with appealing characters , a little romance, and with a bit of travelogue for good measure, this is a good book for you.

A really fine author..enjoyed all 10 of his books so far. Intrigue and crime solving at its best. Looking forward to more.

I loved this mystery because I wasn't sure until the very end of the book, of who was the killer. I loved the drawn out suspense, the building up of characters and the plot. I loved the information supplied on diving and marine archeology! All in all, this novel had gripped my attention from start to finished. My favourite character, Hutch. He seemed so real to me so I have to thank the author for creating larger than life characters that entered my life and seem to linger with me even as I put the book down, having finished the story. Hutch remains very real to me. I'd love to see him in another story with a happier outcome for him!

One of the best DCI Ryan Mysteries , with great atmosphere , wonderful descriptions of the sea’s different moods and of the lives and secrets of the inhabitants of a small community. It also really motivates me to plan a visit the area!