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DCI Ryan Mysteries #20
Lady's Well
THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE WATER...
When the ancient waters of Lady’s Well in the rural village of Holystone begin to run red, it seems to be a nasty Hallowe’en prank and nothing more. But things take a sinister turn when the entire village suffers severe poisoning, and one old man turns up dead.
Accusations abound in the small, close-knit community, and ‘old’ religions spar against ‘new’ while fear runs like wildfire through the streets. With so many potential motives and countless opportunities, there’s only one man who can help solve this particular mystery…
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
When the ancient waters of Lady’s Well in the rural village of Holystone begin to run red, it seems to be a nasty Hallowe’en prank and nothing more. But things take a sinister turn when the entire village suffers severe poisoning, and one old man turns up dead.
Accusations abound in the small, close-knit community, and ‘old’ religions spar against ‘new’ while fear runs like wildfire through the streets. With so many potential motives and countless opportunities, there’s only one man who can help solve this particular mystery…
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2023
About the author
L.J. Ross
38 books2,593 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 291 reviews
June 16, 2023
Lady’s Well, near Holystone village, Northumberland. Hallowe’en. Present day. LJ Ross’s Lady’s Well
(DCI Ryan Mysteries, #20) is another winner. I absolutely love this series, and Northumbria, England is one area of England which I have not visited very often, but these characters are so real to me, I feel that they are my friends. I hope to go back to England, and one place I hope to see as soon as I land is Holy Isle or Lindisfarne. LJ Ross’s first book in the DCI Ryan Mysteries is entitled Holy Isle. I would feel as though I was going home even though I am an American. Now about Lady’s Well - DCI Ryan and his partner and best friend, DS Frank Philips who at the moment looks like Uncle Fester (It is Hallowe’en after all.), and they are on their way to Holystone as there has been a reported death of a man from Holystone.A result of contaminated water? The investigation begins. I read this book from beginning to end without stopping as I have done with all DCI Ryan Mysteries. I enjoy them that much! Highly recommended! 5 stars.
(DCI Ryan Mysteries, #20) is another winner. I absolutely love this series, and Northumbria, England is one area of England which I have not visited very often, but these characters are so real to me, I feel that they are my friends. I hope to go back to England, and one place I hope to see as soon as I land is Holy Isle or Lindisfarne. LJ Ross’s first book in the DCI Ryan Mysteries is entitled Holy Isle. I would feel as though I was going home even though I am an American. Now about Lady’s Well - DCI Ryan and his partner and best friend, DS Frank Philips who at the moment looks like Uncle Fester (It is Hallowe’en after all.), and they are on their way to Holystone as there has been a reported death of a man from Holystone.A result of contaminated water? The investigation begins. I read this book from beginning to end without stopping as I have done with all DCI Ryan Mysteries. I enjoy them that much! Highly recommended! 5 stars.
March 5, 2023
I have become a fan of the Ryan series and had been disappointed at the delay of this latest book. I saved it for my flight home from holiday so I could read in one go. I enjoyed it like most books, however the storyline felt a little thin as this just seemed to be a prelude to something more. There are loose ends which point towards the next book. Anna’s book just disappeared. Mel walking away but not definitively. Ryan’s feelings about his house. Phillips possible move. All loose ends. I’ll wait and see what happens next but has this character run it’s course? Possibly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2023
disappointing
I’d looked forward to this additional book to add to series for some time
But was left disappointed by lame plot where the guilty party was obvious from early stages
The supposed comedy between main characters is both lame and over done
Come a long way from brilliant early books with great plots
I’d looked forward to this additional book to add to series for some time
But was left disappointed by lame plot where the guilty party was obvious from early stages
The supposed comedy between main characters is both lame and over done
Come a long way from brilliant early books with great plots
May 26, 2023
Another Ryan mystery set in Northumberland, and I enjoyed this but felt the ending was rushed.
March 11, 2023
Another fabulous experience
You never disappoint. Often when I read crime fiction I can work out whodunit by halfway but in this story I only realised when Ryan did. You give a wonderful description of the area and we will be visiting soon while I await the next instalment. (No pressure, they are well worth the wait!)
You never disappoint. Often when I read crime fiction I can work out whodunit by halfway but in this story I only realised when Ryan did. You give a wonderful description of the area and we will be visiting soon while I await the next instalment. (No pressure, they are well worth the wait!)
March 11, 2023
Hellooooo Ryan and Frank - I have certainlymissed these two. I cannot even explain how happy I was for book 20 of the DCI Ryan series to be released. As many people know - I’m a huge fan of L.J. Ross and I absolutely LOVE these books! It was a superb read 👏🏻
When I settle down with these stories I feel like I’m just catching up with some old friends, they’re absolutely wonderful characters and having learnt so much about them along the journey of these mysteries, I feel like I actually know them.
Lady’s Well is so enjoyable to read, I was certainly devouring these chapters. It’s an addictive whodunnit mystery, great descriptions. I laughed so much throughout with Frank’s one liners, he is 100% a character that I will forever love!
Another masterpiece, full of suspense and I’m super excited for the next book and what comes next with these characters and of course some more murders to solve!
When I settle down with these stories I feel like I’m just catching up with some old friends, they’re absolutely wonderful characters and having learnt so much about them along the journey of these mysteries, I feel like I actually know them.
Lady’s Well is so enjoyable to read, I was certainly devouring these chapters. It’s an addictive whodunnit mystery, great descriptions. I laughed so much throughout with Frank’s one liners, he is 100% a character that I will forever love!
Another masterpiece, full of suspense and I’m super excited for the next book and what comes next with these characters and of course some more murders to solve!
March 9, 2023
Another success
Another great story from L J Ross. Reading her DCI Ryan books feels like being with friends. The characters of all of Ryan's team are well drawn and believable making her books a joy to read.
In Lady's Well there are new murders and old mysteries to be solved. Fred Humble is a cantankerous man with no friends so when he is found dead in his cottage in Holystone no-one mourns him. The question is whether the problems with the village's water supply caused his death and did Eco-protestor kill himself because he felt guilty for Fred's death?
Fred's wife Diane disappeared 20 years ago, should she be contacted about her husband's demise?
As always Ryan is quick to spot the clues and ably assisted by Frank and McKenzie the culprits are brought to justice.
Another great story from L J Ross. Reading her DCI Ryan books feels like being with friends. The characters of all of Ryan's team are well drawn and believable making her books a joy to read.
In Lady's Well there are new murders and old mysteries to be solved. Fred Humble is a cantankerous man with no friends so when he is found dead in his cottage in Holystone no-one mourns him. The question is whether the problems with the village's water supply caused his death and did Eco-protestor kill himself because he felt guilty for Fred's death?
Fred's wife Diane disappeared 20 years ago, should she be contacted about her husband's demise?
As always Ryan is quick to spot the clues and ably assisted by Frank and McKenzie the culprits are brought to justice.
March 23, 2023
A good quick read, up to date with recent events, several murders one from years ago and two more recent. Good pace and characterisation.
June 11, 2023
Mediocre and predictable. Explained too much, did not credit the reader with intelligence.
June 12, 2023
So good to meet up with Ryan and co again. This is a longer novel, less dramatic and more mellow. As much about the police team as the crime itself. Almost a very enjoyable cosy crime !
March 7, 2023
Lady’s Well is another perfect book in the DCI Ryan series. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. Another well paced, fun, captivating mystery for DCI Ryan and our favorite team of detectives to solve. I count down the days each and every time I know a new book in this series is coming out and this was not exception!
LJ Ross has done such an amazing job with this series, it feels like picking back up with old friends each and every time she writes a new book. I can’t wait until the next one!
LJ Ross has done such an amazing job with this series, it feels like picking back up with old friends each and every time she writes a new book. I can’t wait until the next one!
March 7, 2023
Wasn't going to review but now feel I need to... The book was delayed due to myriad health issues of the author. That's an important factor for which to account when reading and commenting. A solid addition to the beloved DCI Ryan series.
March 6, 2023
This book goes for the most part to the standard no major overlap with another book from the series, but if you did not read the previous two, I do strongly suggest to have a go before going for this one, or you will know one of the murders in this one.
Otherwise, the story is set in a small village and the start of the story is some 20 years ago with a murder of a young woman. And it is then moved to the future, when the first murder happens early in the book and the second soon after. Everything is complicated by demonstrations about fracting in the area, as well as lack of authopsy for a long while in the book. But the story is still enjoyable.
Lot of focus is on Melanie Yates, who is struggling with the events of the previous books and there is lot of her internal dilema in this book, but it does not overpower the main story. And personal development in the characters is one of the reasons why I enjoy the series.
Overall, I liked the book and cannot wait for the next one, although revisiting the past again? We will see...
Otherwise, the story is set in a small village and the start of the story is some 20 years ago with a murder of a young woman. And it is then moved to the future, when the first murder happens early in the book and the second soon after. Everything is complicated by demonstrations about fracting in the area, as well as lack of authopsy for a long while in the book. But the story is still enjoyable.
Lot of focus is on Melanie Yates, who is struggling with the events of the previous books and there is lot of her internal dilema in this book, but it does not overpower the main story. And personal development in the characters is one of the reasons why I enjoy the series.
Overall, I liked the book and cannot wait for the next one, although revisiting the past again? We will see...
July 29, 2023
It's definitely worth the wait. L J ross does not disappoint with this her latest novel. Every time I read her books, I'm left craving the next in the series. Here's hoping they go on for years to come thankyou Louise 😊
August 19, 2024
Another DC Ryan book. This time 3 murders in Holystone. Lots of loose ends to tie up. Are the circle involved. What will happen to Mel. Has Anna’s book idea been stolen ?
June 27, 2023
Excellent, waited a long time for this book, but it didn't disappoint. Going to have a bacon buttie while I wait for the next one.
February 12, 2024
This series rarely fails to please. Excellent characters and plot. You think you know where it's headed and then there's a twist.
March 18, 2023
Lovely to catch up with Ryan and co.
A usual the plot was great and the twists clever. It makes you want to visit Northumberland and immerse yourself in the world described so well by the author. Can’t wait for the next one!
A usual the plot was great and the twists clever. It makes you want to visit Northumberland and immerse yourself in the world described so well by the author. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 18, 2024
Another winner in this series.
March 31, 2023
I was a fan of this series in the beginning, but I think it has long had its day. I feel like the first few books had a bit more grit and interesting crimes to solve, whereas now the main focus is on the relationships between the characters with a very thinly plotted mystery in the background.
November 22, 2023
In this instalment we see the ongoing development of the relationships between Ryan and Anna, Frank and Denise and Mel and Jack. And we are left with a cliff hanger of an unsolved murder for the first time in a while. Some great characters in this story and some unlikely murderers, an enjoyable mystery.
November 11, 2023
Lady's Well is book twenty in the DCI Ryan Mysteries Series by L. J. Ross. DCI Ryan and his team caught a mysterious case of Well turning red, and the entire village of Holystone suffered from poisoning, which caused an older man to die. During their investigation, DCI Ryan's team found many people with motives for the murder. DCI Ryan's team started to whittle down the list of suspects. The readers of Lady's Well will continue to follow DCI Ryan to discover what happens.
Lady's Well is another fantastic addition to this tremendous series. I always enjoy engaging with the stories of L. J. Ross, and Lady's Well did not disappoint. I sometimes had to laugh with the characters and how they interacted throughout this book. I love L. J. Ross's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Lady's Well is well-written and researched by L. J. Ross. I like L. J. Ross's description of the settings of Lady's Well, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Lady's Well will understand the consequences of jealousy. Also, Lady's readers will learn about trauma's effects on law enforcement officers.
I recommend this book.
Lady's Well is another fantastic addition to this tremendous series. I always enjoy engaging with the stories of L. J. Ross, and Lady's Well did not disappoint. I sometimes had to laugh with the characters and how they interacted throughout this book. I love L. J. Ross's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Lady's Well is well-written and researched by L. J. Ross. I like L. J. Ross's description of the settings of Lady's Well, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Lady's Well will understand the consequences of jealousy. Also, Lady's readers will learn about trauma's effects on law enforcement officers.
I recommend this book.
August 12, 2023
Ryan and Frank are called out to Holystone when a man is found dead in his home. Has he died of natural causes or is something more sinister going on?
With the water at Lady’s Well having turned red and the residents being affected after drinking some of the water, Ryan realises pretty quickly that all is not right.
With another death, which could be suicide, the team have got to work hard and quickly to get to the bottom of just what is going on.
Thank goodness for Ryan and Frank, two of my favourite crime fighting duos. There were snorts galore here, I love the banter and camaraderie between these two.
With Denise threatening anyone and everyone in the building to not let Frank have any treats as he’s supposed to be on a diet, the wily ways of the two of them is something to behold.
My heart went out to Melanie Yates and Jack Lowerson, both trusted and valued members of the team and so much baggage, will they get through this difficult time?
I always enjoy the author’s descriptive writing in this series, I like to take myself off to these wonderful parts of Northumberland in my mind.
If you enjoy humour as well as the serious side of policing, then I would say that this is a series for you.
With the water at Lady’s Well having turned red and the residents being affected after drinking some of the water, Ryan realises pretty quickly that all is not right.
With another death, which could be suicide, the team have got to work hard and quickly to get to the bottom of just what is going on.
Thank goodness for Ryan and Frank, two of my favourite crime fighting duos. There were snorts galore here, I love the banter and camaraderie between these two.
With Denise threatening anyone and everyone in the building to not let Frank have any treats as he’s supposed to be on a diet, the wily ways of the two of them is something to behold.
My heart went out to Melanie Yates and Jack Lowerson, both trusted and valued members of the team and so much baggage, will they get through this difficult time?
I always enjoy the author’s descriptive writing in this series, I like to take myself off to these wonderful parts of Northumberland in my mind.
If you enjoy humour as well as the serious side of policing, then I would say that this is a series for you.
April 24, 2023
Disappointing
The latest book has become too formulaic,with little New development of the main characters.
I appreciate that the author has been unwell,which caused a delay in publication. It may have been better to further delay publication to give herself time to work on the story.
Pity,all the previous books were excellent.so much so,I read one after the other.
I look forward to the next book.
The latest book has become too formulaic,with little New development of the main characters.
I appreciate that the author has been unwell,which caused a delay in publication. It may have been better to further delay publication to give herself time to work on the story.
Pity,all the previous books were excellent.so much so,I read one after the other.
I look forward to the next book.
March 7, 2023
I have read all her books and this one is a disappointment. If you compare her earlier books they have a stronger storyline whereby this one just feels weak in the storytelling.
April 12, 2023
No surprises
I have to say I’ve read the books in this series’s and this was kind of boring .Not that I don’t like the characters I do but everything feels so settled and nice like an old cardigan.we know Ryan Anna Mackenzie Philips and co so well there aren’t any surprises.I read it to end but it was a struggle.
I have to say I’ve read the books in this series’s and this was kind of boring .Not that I don’t like the characters I do but everything feels so settled and nice like an old cardigan.we know Ryan Anna Mackenzie Philips and co so well there aren’t any surprises.I read it to end but it was a struggle.
May 2, 2023
Three and a half stars. Without the already easy brilliant characters this book is very much run of the mill. The characters elevate it through their interaction and process. The 20th in the sequence (I am a fan and have read them all) and if it was the premier league it’d be about 15th - safe from relegation but certainly no where near some if the excellent books in this series. Always worth a read and I look forward to the next (improved) instalment.
March 11, 2023
Disappointed in this one. Normally I finish an LJ Ross book in a day but I lacked the enthusiasm this time. Can’t help thinking that Anna’s career change to become a crime writer is a dig at another northeast crime writer who is releasing a book very similar to Dark Skies. I have a feeling all will be revealed in the next one, which I will still read as I am invested in the characters now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
Below parr, a real shame
Book 20 and starting to fade a little. The story was ok but far more emphasis placed on police relationships than plot. I love LJ Ross but Ryan seems to be coming to an end.
Book 20 and starting to fade a little. The story was ok but far more emphasis placed on police relationships than plot. I love LJ Ross but Ryan seems to be coming to an end.
May 10, 2023
Great story made me gasp. Made me laugh. Kept me guessing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews