What do you think?
Rate this book
DCI Ryan Mysteries #24
Berwick
Blood never lies…
Detective Chief Inspector Ryan is living a nightmare.
As one of the country’s foremost murder detectives, Ryan knows he can face the worst of humanity and step into the darkest minds because, every night, he returns home to the loving arms of his young daughter and wife, Anna, whom he trusts implicitly. When he receives a call to say she’s been arrested for the murder of a well-known author, he refuses to believe the evidence which seems to be piling up against her. Anna could never murder anyone—he’s sure of it.
Isn’t he?
To the outside world, she’s a quiet academic, a devoted wife and mother, and a good friend. But Anna’s father was a killer, and he taught her how to use a gun.
With the case mounting against her, Ryan must search his soul to answer the question that seems to be on everybody’s lips…
Does he really trust the woman he married?
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
Detective Chief Inspector Ryan is living a nightmare.
As one of the country’s foremost murder detectives, Ryan knows he can face the worst of humanity and step into the darkest minds because, every night, he returns home to the loving arms of his young daughter and wife, Anna, whom he trusts implicitly. When he receives a call to say she’s been arrested for the murder of a well-known author, he refuses to believe the evidence which seems to be piling up against her. Anna could never murder anyone—he’s sure of it.
Isn’t he?
To the outside world, she’s a quiet academic, a devoted wife and mother, and a good friend. But Anna’s father was a killer, and he taught her how to use a gun.
With the case mounting against her, Ryan must search his soul to answer the question that seems to be on everybody’s lips…
Does he really trust the woman he married?
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
- GenresCrime
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2026
1495 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Ross
49 books3,414 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 25, 2026
Got my copy at an event in Glasgow two days ago. Started reading that night, I read all day yesterday and have just finished this fantastic book.
So many interwoven stories that all link up in the end with the typical mastery that LJ Ross has perfected in her writing.
Absolutely loved every twist, turn, shock and awe moment throughout. Thank you, I look forward to the next one.
So many interwoven stories that all link up in the end with the typical mastery that LJ Ross has perfected in her writing.
Absolutely loved every twist, turn, shock and awe moment throughout. Thank you, I look forward to the next one.
March 2, 2026
This book was truly awful. The first three quarters of it are spent on the lives (and love lives) of all the detectives, including two from another force area that joined the investigation (and ended up as a couple).
How beautiful/handsome/marvellous/clever they all are. How Ryan sold his house to Frank at a knock down price. And so on, and on, and on.
How marvellously understated Ryan is, despite the fact his father was an illustrious ambass…… We know. We don’t need reminding in every single book.
For a man whose daily aftershave is upwards of £200 a bottle, that does not scream understated to me.
It was all so saccharine sweet it made my teeth ache. When you finally got to some detective work it stretched the imagination into implausibility.
I do not need to know about Sandra Morrison’s bath time routine. And what writer gives a three year old child a line about ‘naked cuddling’?
It was more akin to a dating show than a police procedural.
As for the ending? Even I could have written that. You won’t need a clairvoyant to predict it. Suffice to say there is even more perfection to come in the next instalment.
I used to like this series but the books have become utterly unbelievable. Is there nothing that Anna cannot do or be involved in?
If I could give the book no stars I would. It is last in the series for me.
How beautiful/handsome/marvellous/clever they all are. How Ryan sold his house to Frank at a knock down price. And so on, and on, and on.
How marvellously understated Ryan is, despite the fact his father was an illustrious ambass…… We know. We don’t need reminding in every single book.
For a man whose daily aftershave is upwards of £200 a bottle, that does not scream understated to me.
It was all so saccharine sweet it made my teeth ache. When you finally got to some detective work it stretched the imagination into implausibility.
I do not need to know about Sandra Morrison’s bath time routine. And what writer gives a three year old child a line about ‘naked cuddling’?
It was more akin to a dating show than a police procedural.
As for the ending? Even I could have written that. You won’t need a clairvoyant to predict it. Suffice to say there is even more perfection to come in the next instalment.
I used to like this series but the books have become utterly unbelievable. Is there nothing that Anna cannot do or be involved in?
If I could give the book no stars I would. It is last in the series for me.
February 28, 2026
Berwick
Berwick is pretty much what I would expect from the 24th book in an on going series - equal parts investigation of the day and on going family/relationship stuff.
This time round finds DCI Ryan's wife suspected of murder and faces from the past for several of the team. The story wraps up nearly enough while leaving enough open strands for the series to continue onwards.
Basically, more of the same but still feeling fresh enough that I'll be eagerly awaiting book 25.
3.5/5*
Berwick is pretty much what I would expect from the 24th book in an on going series - equal parts investigation of the day and on going family/relationship stuff.
This time round finds DCI Ryan's wife suspected of murder and faces from the past for several of the team. The story wraps up nearly enough while leaving enough open strands for the series to continue onwards.
Basically, more of the same but still feeling fresh enough that I'll be eagerly awaiting book 25.
3.5/5*
March 1, 2026
I do love the DCI Ryan books, but this felt a little too fast paced and contrived. It also felt like it really need some better proof reading!
March 1, 2026
What a fabulous read. if you want a page turner this is it book 24 in DCI Ryan series. The characters are brilliant but my favourite is Frank Phillips . Looking forward to book 25 now
February 27, 2026
Workplace Dating Show with Corpse on the Side
When every case conveniently produces a new coupling in the squad room, it starts to feel like a workplace dating show with a corpse on the side. The stakes shrink. The murders become backdrop to flirtation
Not impressed
When every case conveniently produces a new coupling in the squad room, it starts to feel like a workplace dating show with a corpse on the side. The stakes shrink. The murders become backdrop to flirtation
Not impressed
Review of advance copy
Read in one sitting today. Enjoyed the story overall and will carry on reading the rest in the series.
February 26, 2026
Berwick by L J Ross is book 24 in the DCI Ryan police mysteries series. In this latest Ryan episode, Anna is pregnant with her second child.she is out shopping when she passes a bookstore and recognises the author who is addressing her audience about her new book being published. The problem is for Anna is that it is her book which the woman has stolen and published as her own. Anna goes into the bookstore and addresses the audience and confronts the author.
She is found murdered in her own home within hours of her book launch and Anna is arrested by the local police.
The story moves on to other murder cases and historic cases where the body is exhumed.
It is another successful DCI Ryan mystery solved with the help of his team, friends and family.
One of my favourite series that you just race through and thoroughly enjoy reading.
Highly recommended
She is found murdered in her own home within hours of her book launch and Anna is arrested by the local police.
The story moves on to other murder cases and historic cases where the body is exhumed.
It is another successful DCI Ryan mystery solved with the help of his team, friends and family.
One of my favourite series that you just race through and thoroughly enjoy reading.
Highly recommended
February 27, 2026
Long anticipated but didn’t disappoint. Was great to engage with DCI Ryan and his team again. Every twist and turn is skill fully written and generates more tension with each page. As always the characters and their relationships form a major part of the story and humour is skill fully woven into the text keeping you smiling throughout despite the gruesome story line. Knowing Berwick well definitely helps visualise the climax of the story but LJ Ross brings the town to life with her descriptions.
I devoured this book and now can’t wait to read the next instalment - several new story lines are neatly sown into the ending to entice the reader into the next book.
I devoured this book and now can’t wait to read the next instalment - several new story lines are neatly sown into the ending to entice the reader into the next book.
February 28, 2026
4.5*
It's been quite a while since the last DCI Ryan book so I was excited to start listening to this one. This time Ryan's wife, Anna, finds herself accused of the murder of the woman who plagiarised her book.
The investigation is interesting and moves in lots of directions, eventually leading back to events in a previous book. The book title is a little confusing as hardly any of the action takes place there. This series is very character driven and all the regulars are back. I'd say this book is about 50/50 between the investigation and the personal lives of the characters. Really looking forward to book 25 now.
Excellent narration, as always, from Jonathan Keeble.
It's been quite a while since the last DCI Ryan book so I was excited to start listening to this one. This time Ryan's wife, Anna, finds herself accused of the murder of the woman who plagiarised her book.
The investigation is interesting and moves in lots of directions, eventually leading back to events in a previous book. The book title is a little confusing as hardly any of the action takes place there. This series is very character driven and all the regulars are back. I'd say this book is about 50/50 between the investigation and the personal lives of the characters. Really looking forward to book 25 now.
Excellent narration, as always, from Jonathan Keeble.
March 1, 2026
I have read and enjoyed everyone of the DCI Ryan books. I have been looking forward to the publication of this one for months after reading no 23. In this one Anna is arrested for the murder of an author who she accused of pinching her book manuscript. The search for the real killer turns up a big shock for all the team. I enjoy the characters in these books. Every time I start a new one it is like re visiting old friends. I have seen some characters develop during the series.
Looking forward to the next book in the series. Hope it will not be too long before the next one is published.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
..
Looking forward to the next book in the series. Hope it will not be too long before the next one is published.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
..
March 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A solid 4‑star read!
Book 24 in LJ Ross’s DCI Ryan series proves once again why I keep coming back for more. I’ve loved every single book so far, and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint.
The returning characters bring that familiar, subtle humour that makes the series feel like settling back in with old friends—just ones who happen to solve dark, tangled crimes for a living. The latest case is cleverly interconnected, keeping the pace snappy without ever feeling rushed.
And that ending? I’m already itching for book 25 to land so I can dive straight back into Northumberland with Ryan and the team.
Can’t wait!
Book 24 in LJ Ross’s DCI Ryan series proves once again why I keep coming back for more. I’ve loved every single book so far, and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint.
The returning characters bring that familiar, subtle humour that makes the series feel like settling back in with old friends—just ones who happen to solve dark, tangled crimes for a living. The latest case is cleverly interconnected, keeping the pace snappy without ever feeling rushed.
And that ending? I’m already itching for book 25 to land so I can dive straight back into Northumberland with Ryan and the team.
Can’t wait!
March 2, 2026
Another "home run"
I've read them all and always am sad when I get to the end of the current story. The characters are 3d and are people you would want to meet (except the villains!) If this is the first one you are thinking of reading, I suggest you stop and go read them all in order. That way you will understand all the back stories of these wonderful people. Other than a few editing errors (wrong words in places although easy to figure out the correct one,) the book is well written and a pleasure to read. I'd also suggest a Geordie dictionary to help understand what Frank is saying. 😂
I've read them all and always am sad when I get to the end of the current story. The characters are 3d and are people you would want to meet (except the villains!) If this is the first one you are thinking of reading, I suggest you stop and go read them all in order. That way you will understand all the back stories of these wonderful people. Other than a few editing errors (wrong words in places although easy to figure out the correct one,) the book is well written and a pleasure to read. I'd also suggest a Geordie dictionary to help understand what Frank is saying. 😂
February 26, 2026
Noooo! Why won't the dead stay dead!
This is a triple whammy....a loss and two separate threats. The past comes back to haunt both Anna and Charlie in a bizarre twist that has the cases overlapping...or do they?
There are many twists in this book that will keep you guessing and whilst we get some good news, one threat remains an unknown and one is still hanging there...
a threat that could drop at any time.....
if it does....
all will pay.
It does end with a mini cliff hanger but will leave you eager for the next book. I listened to this on Audible.
This is a triple whammy....a loss and two separate threats. The past comes back to haunt both Anna and Charlie in a bizarre twist that has the cases overlapping...or do they?
There are many twists in this book that will keep you guessing and whilst we get some good news, one threat remains an unknown and one is still hanging there...
a threat that could drop at any time.....
if it does....
all will pay.
It does end with a mini cliff hanger but will leave you eager for the next book. I listened to this on Audible.
February 27, 2026
I found this very disappointing. Berwick, the title of the book only features at the very end. The number of romantic pairings amongst the police team is absolutely ridiculous- and - much of the text is taken up with mindless and cliche banter amongst the characters. I would class this more in the genre of ‘romance’ than crime.
February 27, 2026
I couldn’t put it down.
Once again L.J.Ross pulls it out of the bag. As with all the books I feel like I am meeting up with friends and family.
The stories continue to thrill and the humour is wonderful.
I thoroughly enjoy reading about the wonderful places I know so well, living in Newcastle.
I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you Louise.
Once again L.J.Ross pulls it out of the bag. As with all the books I feel like I am meeting up with friends and family.
The stories continue to thrill and the humour is wonderful.
I thoroughly enjoy reading about the wonderful places I know so well, living in Newcastle.
I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you Louise.
March 1, 2026
Brillisnt
This I think is another brilliant read Ryan's family and circle of friends are brilliant I think can run 🏃 for some time . I have enjoyed each one of your books I managed to get through this in 2 days.
I can't wait for the next episode around Northumberland.
Regards Mick Barnes😇
This I think is another brilliant read Ryan's family and circle of friends are brilliant I think can run 🏃 for some time . I have enjoyed each one of your books I managed to get through this in 2 days.
I can't wait for the next episode around Northumberland.
Regards Mick Barnes😇
March 1, 2026
Oh my gosh this book was worth the wait, I absolutely loved it. It was an emotional rollercoaster at times, but all brilliantly written. The chats between Ryan and Philips had me laughing out loud 🤣 Especially the prostate examine,
The narration was again excellent, Jonathan Keeble.
I can’t wait for the next, to see where the story leads next.
The narration was again excellent, Jonathan Keeble.
I can’t wait for the next, to see where the story leads next.
Read
March 1, 2026An absorbing, well written book. The story of Ryan, his family and his colleagues was another can't put down read. All of L J Ross's books are always exciting, poignant, engrossing..... The sadness comes when you realise, you have finished and are awaiting his next masterpiece. Let's hope the wait is not a long one.
March 2, 2026
Lovely addictive read
I'm always thrilled when a new addition to this series comes out. The characters are like old friends you haven't seen in a while and you want to catch up with What's been happening in their lives. This was a particularly good Storyline And kept me awake several nights because I couldn't put the book down
I'm always thrilled when a new addition to this series comes out. The characters are like old friends you haven't seen in a while and you want to catch up with What's been happening in their lives. This was a particularly good Storyline And kept me awake several nights because I couldn't put the book down
February 27, 2026
Ripping good yarn....
....And loose ends to be tied up, thank heavens! Bring on no25, soon please!
I love that we are still getting snippets of old characters, as well as new introductions.
....And loose ends to be tied up, thank heavens! Bring on no25, soon please!
I love that we are still getting snippets of old characters, as well as new introductions.
February 28, 2026
BERWICK BOOK 24 as always LJ Ross writes the best books
I eagerly awaited this book as Belsay, left a cliff hanger. I wasn't disappointed, the story was exciting and could not put the book down. I'm sure it leaves open for more to come .
I eagerly awaited this book as Belsay, left a cliff hanger. I wasn't disappointed, the story was exciting and could not put the book down. I'm sure it leaves open for more to come .
February 28, 2026
And extension of and a rehash of a lot of tropes from the last 23 books. But. The characters are warmly familiar, and whilst it’s not a complex read, or a particularly original story it was a good use of a few hours and I’ll carry on with the series.
March 1, 2026
Unexpected twists
This book did not disappoint. Full of surprises, I am not verbose enough to say the right words to describe my joy at reading this series of books. There is so much to come with new relationships developing. Please continue to surprise and delight Louise.
This book did not disappoint. Full of surprises, I am not verbose enough to say the right words to describe my joy at reading this series of books. There is so much to come with new relationships developing. Please continue to surprise and delight Louise.
March 1, 2026
This is LJ Ross back to her best.
Unlike previous readers I had lost interest in the story lines.
Not the characters who are so interesting. The dynamics carefully crafted.
Questions still to answer, presumably to the next book.
Unlike previous readers I had lost interest in the story lines.
Not the characters who are so interesting. The dynamics carefully crafted.
Questions still to answer, presumably to the next book.
March 1, 2026
Ryan’s receives a call to say his wife has been arrested in connection to the murder of local author. Whilst he believes in her innocence, the evidence against her seems irrefutable. He must use all his resources to get to the bottom of the mystery.
March 1, 2026
Ryan. Does it again.
I managed to .read this book in two days. It was so gripping, I I Ross has us on tenterhooks There are so many happy relationships in the main characters. Roll on the next book.
I managed to .read this book in two days. It was so gripping, I I Ross has us on tenterhooks There are so many happy relationships in the main characters. Roll on the next book.
February 27, 2026
Another great read
Brilliant from start to finish loads of twists to the plot, a great mix of laughter and tears....can't wait for the next one
Brilliant from start to finish loads of twists to the plot, a great mix of laughter and tears....can't wait for the next one
February 27, 2026
More and more please
Everything about this n
Book was brilliant. I would recommend it to everyone. Can't wait for next chapter. Well done LJ.
Everything about this n
Book was brilliant. I would recommend it to everyone. Can't wait for next chapter. Well done LJ.
February 27, 2026
Fabulous! Devoured it in 24 hours 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews