Step into the windswept, mysterious world of the DCI Ryan series, where North East England’s rugged landscapes and ancient folklore collide with pulse-pounding crime drama! Penned by L.J. Ross, this bestselling series follows Detective Chief Inspector Maxwell Ryan, a sharp yet haunted detective unraveling chilling mysteries. With historic settings like Holy Island and a knack for blending local legends with modern suspense, DCI Ryan hooks readers from the first page.
Whether you’re a crime fiction fanatic or just love a story with heart, Ryan’s journey—marked by personal tragedy and relentless pursuit of justice—offers a fresh take on the genre. Let’s explore how this series began, its gripping tales, and why it’s a must-read for mystery lovers.
How DCI Ryan Began
L.J. Ross, a former lawyer from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, launched the DCI Ryan series with Holy Island in 2015. Inspired by the ethereal beauty of Lindisfarne, a tidal island steeped in history, Ross crafted her debut novel after her son’s birth gave her time to write. Self-published through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, Holy Island soared to the top of the UK Kindle chart within months, proving Ross’s instinct for storytelling. Her love for North East England’s culture and landscapes became the series’ beating heart, setting it apart in the crowded crime fiction scene.
The Heart of DCI Ryan
The series kicks off with Holy Island, where Ryan, on sabbatical after his sister’s murder, is drawn into a ritual killing at Lindisfarne’s ancient priory. Dr. Anna Taylor, a local expert in pagan rituals, joins him, sparking tension and romance amid a web of small-town secrets. Sycamore Gap follows, set along Hadrian’s Wall, where Ryan tackles a murder tied to historical betrayals. High Force, a fan favorite, pits Ryan against a vengeful serial killer, while The Infirmary, a prequel, dives into his early career in Newcastle.
Ross weaves local folklore—think pagan rituals and Celtic legends—into taut, contemporary thrillers. The Northumbrian setting, from windswept coasts to medieval castles, acts as a vivid character, grounding the stories in a sense of place. Ryan himself, compassionate yet burdened by loss, brings emotional depth, while humor and romance (especially with Anna) lighten the tension. The series balances cozy crime’s charm with gritty procedural drama, making it accessible yet thrilling.
With 22 books and counting, including Poison Garden (2024), the series evolves with Ryan’s relationships and team dynamics. Recurring characters like DS Frank Phillips and Dr. Anna Taylor add warmth, while Ross’s knack for twists keeps readers guessing. Each book stands alone but rewards sequential reading for deeper character arcs.
Why DCI Ryan Resonates
The DCI Ryan series has sold over 10 million copies, earning L.J. Ross a spot as Amazon’s second most-read author of the past decade. Its blend of atmospheric settings, relatable characters, and clever mysteries has built a loyal fanbase. Ross’s self-publishing success, rejecting traditional deals, inspires aspiring authors, while her Northern Photography Prize and charity work reflect her commitment to the North East’s culture.
Fans praise the series for its vivid sense of place—many visit Lindisfarne or Hadrian’s Wall after reading—and its emotional core. Ryan’s resilience in the face of grief resonates, making him more than a typical detective. The series’ mix of folklore and modern crime taps into a universal love for stories where history and mystery intertwine.
- First Book: Holy Island (2015)
- Total Books: 22 as of 2024
- Notable Award: The Infirmary audio-drama featured stars like Tom Bateman
- Setting: North East England, including Lindisfarne and Newcastle
Grab Holy Island and dive into DCI Ryan’s thrilling world of murder, mystery, and Northumbrian charm! Whether you’re chasing killers or soaking in the folklore, this series promises a page-turning adventure.