The Infirmary (The DCI Ryan Mysteries)

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The middle act of mystery novels is often where I get a bit lost. It makes perfect sense that the detective needs to interrogate witnesses, search for clues, and run down false leads. But in no other genre is one so forcefully reminded that nothing you encounter is going to really change things until the end. That guy they're chasing halfway through? He's not the killer. You know this because the book is screaming at you that the real killer will only be revealed at the end. For this reason, drama and intrigue have to come from other places – from troubling personal relationships, unexpected plot twists, and the unveiling of themes that make one question the underlying meaning of what's going on. Maybe some of that was present in Holy Island for other readers, but I didn't get much of it, and found myself often skimming. I loved how Ryan and Anna interact with each other. They both carry some baggage and have some issues but there is still a lot of humor between them. He has the need to be protective and she has a need for independence. It's fun watching them meet in the middle. ABOUT LJ ROSS LJ Ross is an international bestselling author, whose books have sold over 8 million copies worldwide. Not only do we do get the frankly preposterous main story, but we then get the Epilogue. My most charitable thought is 'oh, you're over egging this now' but most of my thoughts were about laughing, or calling it hogwash, or something.

There is more going on in this idyllic setting that no B&B visitor would wish to know. The writing draws the reader in and leaves one breathless as the police seem unable to break the closing ranks of the communiuty. I like police procedurals and this one has a unique feel as DCI Ryan sets up his base in the front room of his holiday let. Maybe the author is in expectation of this novel being made into a film/series but I wouldn't be watching it if that's the case. The killer is one slippery and smooth character, and Bertie Carvel perfectly voiced the internal thoughts of the killer, I love this actor anyway, but now listening to him it gave me chills. Too many!!! I have before that this series would make a brilliant TV show and this audio is simply the best making you feel part of the investigation. I have always said that this series would make a brilliant TV show now I think that even more. Close your eyes for a second while watching your favourite programme and just listen to the words…..This is exactly what The Infirmary is like. watching a thriller without the TV, you will know what I mean when you listen to it.This is book 1 of a series, and I will definitely be reading book 2. I could stop there, but. . . I’ll give you the opening scene: Having enjoyed the Ryan Series thus far I was a little hesitant when I heard that we were straying away from the norm (and brilliance of Jonathan Keeble's narration), and venturing into an audio drama. I did actually think I was going to enjoy it when I started reading it. Based near where I live, & the first chapters were ok, not brilliant, but enough to keep me reading after the sample. After that it was more of a chore. I think my mouth actually dropped open when the lead charater 'snarled' & then became so sexist & arrogant I did think it was maybe done intentionally as a joke & then as I kept reading I realised the author was serious. Because these books are categorized under the ‘DCI Ryan Mysteries’ name, it isn’t surprising to learn that Detective Chief Inspector Ryan takes center stage in this series. When he is first introduced, Ryan has been forced to undertake a sabbatical leave. We’re moving inland now and very much keeping that sense of history as we head along Hadrian’s Wall to encounter a world famous tree. Sycamore Gap is situated in a dramatic basin that frames it perfectly and is probably one of the most photographed and painted trees in all the world. Many remember it’s appearance in the 1991 film, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, where it’s location in the film is rather off the actual mark.

But when people award 5 stars and glowing superlatives unqualified by any critical thinking, my reaction is to think: Dr Taylor has the other advantage of having grown up on Lindisfarne but has some personal issues there having left to go to university and not returned in over 8 years. The DCI Ryan novels begin with ‘Holy Island’. Holy Island is an actual place. They call it Lindisfarne. Located in North East England, the island is rich with history and tourists from all over the world visit it with the intention of exploring that history. In the case of DCI Ryan, the death of his sister still haunts him. Not only does it strain his career, but every decision he makes after his sister’s tragic passing is informed in some way by her death and thoughts of the man that took her life.Holy Island is a perfect setting for a murder mystery; cut off from the main land twice a day when the tidal waters cover the causeway. When a murder at high tide happens it has to have been committed by someone still on the island. Fortunately although there is no standing police presence there a detective is on hand to handle the case. DCI Ryan has been recuperating in a local cottage for the past 3 months following a particularly difficult end to a murder investigation. So he feels both obligated and ideally placed knowing the island and many of its inhabitants already.

Crossing the tidal causeway, you will find yourself on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. It’s easy to see why LJ chose the location as the setting for the first novel. With its historic priory and the castle that rises up over the Island. Many people who visit the Island walk the three mile ancient Pilgrim’s Way that is marked by wooden posts along the sand. Remember the tide and always ensure you study the crossing times before visiting. When Paul worked in Tourist Information the safe crossing times were one of the most frequently asked questions. It is quite apparent the extensive research that went into the preparation of this novel. This was a well-developed book, with characters that come alive as you read each small detail unfolding. The imagery is vivid and enables you to sense the atmosphere of the setting. I was unable to figure out the “Who”, a tribute to the spectacular writing skills of the author. You have ridiculous scenarios, not least Ryan's boat journey. I just don't have words for how unlikely this is, and how insulting it is to the reader. It is unlikely he could have navigated the journey in calm daylight. And why get a boat from Budle, when Seahouses would be the logical place (fishing vessels, trips to the Farnes...I think there might be cruises to Lindisfarne as well)? Ross took a leap of faith when she became a writer. She had to give up a career that paid rather well to get her books out, and her husband was more than happy to support her choices in this area. As I said, this is my introduction to the series, I was hooked, captivated and excited by it all. This will easily be a series I fall in love with and DCI Ryan, well is it too early to have a crush?Now, this really is a star studded affair. Featuring Tom Bateman as DCI Ryan and Kevin Whately as Frank Phillips, you are sure of a stunning performance. For me they both captured the characters perfectly, Whately especially making a brilliant Frank. Alun Armstrong was almost unrecognisable as Gregson but again a superb performance, and fantastic narration by Hermione Norris throughout the book, all of them keeping listeners on the hook from beginning to end. I don't think I could imagine a better cast for this to be fair and can only hope that there are more audio productions in the future to reunite (most of) them again. 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. If you are a fan of the DCI Ryan series then this book really is an absolute must read. Even if you haven’t, this is a great book to start the series off with, with it actually being the prequel. Walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre and cross the Wynch Brdige across the River Tees and walk the Pennine Way path towards High Force to see it from above. Ryan is drawn into the case, though he isn’t alone. Doctor Anna Taylor is a police consultant with roots on Holy Island. As she struggles to overcome her old memories, Ryan and Anna work together to catch a killer.

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. I'm not even going to mention the romance aspect. The fact that it was inappropriate and unprofessional doesn't make it impossible, but given the various circumstances, it simply didn't ring true, and happened way too fast, at a time when both of them would be pre-occupied with the murders. The sex scenes seemed out of place, adding nothing to the storyline and being devoid of anything erotic. Some sane reviewers have referred to it negatively as 'Mills and Boon'! This was a very steady read and kept me guessing throughout. I have to say the ending was pretty spectacular. I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be so tense and exhilarating and it left me on a total high after finishing it.

Detective Chief Inspector Ryan

This book is a prequel to all the rest, and I knew how it would end, that didn't detract from the story. For anyone new to Ryan this would be a great place to start, and the story ends where Holy Island begins - and you will fall in love with Ryan!. For anyone who has read the other DCI Ryan books this is a must-listen. Having been annoyed by various parts of this story which seemed to belong in the group of male authors writing about depressed breasts, imagine my surprise when I discovered that L.J. Ross is, in fact, a woman. While male authors have been increasingly called out on such sexist writing as was portrayed in this novel, it made me wonder whether female authors are subjected to the same scrutiny. Or is it forgiven because the sexism is wrapped up in a cutesy romance with a HEA?