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DCI Ryan Books in Order

22 Books
2015 – 2023 Published
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Where to Start Reading the DCI Ryan Series

Detective Chief Inspector Maxwell Ryan is one of modern British crime fiction's most beloved investigators, created by Newcastle-upon-Tyne's own L.J. Ross. Set against the atmospheric, rugged backdrops of North East England, the series blends police procedurals with local folklore, historical legends, and a strong character-driven narrative. With the series spanning over twenty novels, navigating Ryan's world can seem daunting for newcomers.

The absolute best starting point is the series debut, Holy Island (2015). This novel introduces DCI Ryan while he is on a necessary sabbatical on the tidal island of Lindisfarne (Holy Island) following a profound family tragedy. Starting here is crucial because it establishes the foundational relationships and core cast members—most notably the local historian Dr. Anna Taylor and the dependable DS Frank Phillips. Reading the books sequentially from this point allows you to experience the organic growth of the characters, the progression of their relationships, and the overarching subplots that connect the individual murder investigations.

The DCI Ryan Publication Order

L.J. Ross is a prolific author, often releasing multiple books a year. Reading the series in publication order is highly recommended to follow the chronological evolution of the Northumbria CID team. Here is the complete list of DCI Ryan books in order of release:

  • Holy Island (2015) - DCI Ryan's sabbatical is cut short when a ritualistic murder occurs at Lindisfarne Priory.
  • Sycamore Gap (2015) - A body is found buried under the famous sycamore tree along Hadrian's Wall.
  • Heavenfield (2016) - Ryan becomes the prime suspect when he is found next to a corpse in a remote chapel.
  • Angel (2016) - The team investigates a suspicious death near Newcastle's iconic Angel of the North.
  • High Force (2017) - Ryan and his team hunt a cunning serial killer near the high Teesdale waterfall.
  • Cragside (2017) - A classic locked-room mystery unfolds during a festive gathering at a historic country house.
  • Dark Skies (2017) - A dark and chilling investigation set in the vast forests of Kielder.
  • Seven Bridges (2018) - The team races against time as a series of bombs threaten Newcastle's famous bridges.
  • The Hermitage (2018) - A murder at a historic site leads Ryan into the secretive world of old monastic ruins.
  • Longstone (2018) - A body discovered inside an ancient stone tomb brings archaeological secrets to light.
  • The Infirmary (2019) - The official prequel novel, which dives into Ryan's Newcastle past (see reading advice below).
  • The Moor (2019) - The discovery of a body on Town Moor during the annual Hoppings fair triggers a complex case.
  • Penshaw (2019) - A historic monument becomes the centerpiece of a deadly family feud and murder.
  • Borderlands (2019) - Ryan investigates a bizarre death on the Anglo-Scottish border.
  • Ryan's Christmas (2019) - A festive mystery set in a snowbound castle where the guests harbor dark secrets.
  • The Shrine (2020) - An investigation surrounding the relics of St. Cuthbert and historical artifacts.
  • Cuthbert's Way (2020) - A treasure hunt turns deadly along the historic pilgrimage route.
  • The Rock (2021) - Secrets are unearthed on the sheer cliffs of the Northumberland coast.
  • Bamburgh (2022) - A tragic murder beneath the imposing walls of Bamburgh Castle.
  • Lady's Well (2023) - The peaceful village of Holystone becomes the center of a dark conspiracy.
  • Death Rocks (2024) - A mysterious death among the coastal geological formations of the North East.
  • Poison Garden (2024) - A sinister plot unfolds, inspired by the dangerous plants of Alnwick.
  • Belsay (2025) - Ryan investigates a murder connected to the beautiful, historic Belsay Hall and Gardens.
  • Berwick (2026) - The latest investigation takes Ryan and his team to the historic border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order: The Prequel Dilemma

While the series follows a direct timeline, L.J. Ross threw a curveball to readers in 2019 with the release of The Infirmary. Although published eleventh, the novel is a prequel set in 2014, detailing DCI Ryan's early career at Newcastle CID and the tragic events that led directly to his sabbatical in Holy Island.

This creates two main options for approaching the series:

Option 1: The Publication Order (Highly Recommended)

Under this path, you read the books exactly as they were released, inserting The Infirmary between Longstone and The Moor. Alternatively, the author and publisher suggest that you can read The Infirmary anytime after Book 5, High Force. By waiting until you have read at least the first five books, you will have established a strong connection to Ryan, Frank Phillips, and Anna Taylor, making the prequel's backstory feel like a satisfying "filling in of the blanks" rather than an information dump.

Option 2: The Chronological Order

If you prefer to read events in the order they occurred, you would start with The Infirmary and then proceed to Holy Island. While this gives you the full backstory upfront, it is generally discouraged for first-time readers. Starting with the prequel changes the suspense dynamics of the first few books, as you will already know the exact details of the trauma Ryan is trying to escape on Lindisfarne.

What to Know Before You Start

The DCI Ryan series is deeply rooted in the geography and culture of North East England. Each book is named after and set around a real Northumbrian landmark, from the medieval fortress of Bamburgh Castle to the modern architecture of the Angel of the North. L.J. Ross uses these locations to weave local history, pagan folklore, and regional identity directly into the plots, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.

In terms of tone, the books strike a balance between gritty police procedures and cozy mystery elements. While the crimes can be dark and suspenseful, they are balanced by warm interpersonal relationships, banter among the police squad, and a central romance. If you enjoy the series, you may also want to check out L.J. Ross's other books. She has written the Alexander Gregory Thrillers, which follow a forensic psychologist and criminal profiler, as well as her Summer Suspense Mysteries. While these are set in the same stylistic universe, they are standalone series with no major crossovers, meaning you can read them independently of Ryan's adventures.

For those who enjoy audiobooks, The Infirmary was adapted into a high-profile Audible Original audio drama featuring a full cast, including Tom Bateman as DCI Ryan, Hermione Norris, Kevin Whately, and Alun Armstrong. It serves as a fantastic companion piece to the physical and digital books.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the DCI Ryan series?

You should start with the first published book, Holy Island. While there is a prequel novel, starting with the debut allows you to experience the characters and their relationships as they naturally develop.

QWhen should I read the prequel novel, 'The Infirmary'?

Although it is a prequel set before the events of the first book, the author recommends reading The Infirmary anytime after Book 5, High Force. This ensures you are already familiar with the characters before diving into their backstories.

QAre the DCI Ryan books standalones?

Each book features a self-contained mystery that is solved by the end of the novel. However, the personal lives, romantic arcs, and professional relationships of the recurring characters progress from book to book, so they are best read in order.

QAre the settings in the DCI Ryan books real places?

Yes, all the major settings—such as Holy Island, Sycamore Gap, Cragside, and Bamburgh—are real historical landmarks located in North East England, which you can visit in person.

QIs there a DCI Ryan television series?

As of mid-2026, there is no television adaptation of the DCI Ryan series. However, the prequel novel The Infirmary was adapted into a major multicast audio-drama starring Tom Bateman.

QHow many DCI Ryan books are there in total?

As of 2026, there are 24 published books in the main series (including the prequel), ending with Berwick (2026). The 25th book, Raby, is currently announced for a future release.