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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the first of a long series of mystery novels centred around the main character DCI Ryan. Ryan is introduced in this novel. He is living quietly on Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and returns from a sabbatical to lead an investigation on the island. The plot was gripping, with plenty of twists and red herrings. I’m looking forward to reading the second book now, as there were some unresolved elements after reading this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Torture, Death of parent
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
This is the first LJ Ross novel that I’ve read, intentionally the first DCI Ryan Mystery, and recommended by a good friend. I really enjoyed it as gripping bed time reading. The only reason I haven’t given it the full five stars is that I found it a little difficult to get into in the early chapters. The tempo increased quite rapidly though. I really enjoyed the Lindisfarne location up here in North East England.
Apparently I read this book in 2016. But I quite enjoyed the second reasd. I gave the book 5 stars this time. I have been looking for a English mystery series with an evocative atmosphere and good characters. And there are 20 books!!!!
Based on holy island
Detective finds a girl
Spiritual killings
Ok
Detective finds a girl
Spiritual killings
Ok
'Detective Chief Inspector Ryan retreats to Holy Island seeking sanctuary when he is forced to take sabbatical leave from his duties as a homicide detective. A few days before Christmas, his peace is shattered and he is thrust back into the murky world of murder when a young woman is found dead amongst the ancient ruins of the nearby Priory.'
I listened to this via Audio and have to admit sometimes got some of the names mixed up and confused so going to read the physicals moving forward.
I was convinced I knew the culprit from near the start but was wrong, which made it a nice surprise.
Not 100% sure I will read them all but will certainly try the next one.
I listened to this via Audio and have to admit sometimes got some of the names mixed up and confused so going to read the physicals moving forward.
I was convinced I knew the culprit from near the start but was wrong, which made it a nice surprise.
Not 100% sure I will read them all but will certainly try the next one.
Oh dear. More holes than a Seahouses fisherman's net. Couldn't decide whether this was a bodice ripper or really bad crime fiction. It's like Barbara Cartland threw in the odd paragraph. The main character DCI Ryan is a hideous throwback the like of which I thought the police force was now largely free off. The idea that the highly educated young historian would fall for him, however good-looking the arrogant pig, is pushing the limits of believability to the extreme. And on the subject of Dr Taylor, are we really meant to believe that not even a decade after finishing school, she's an authority on pagan rituals?
I was almost driven to distraction by the abundance of description which really wasn't necessary; then again, it struck me that it was maybe there to stop the whole shebang from falling apart as the plot holes needed something to stitch them up. There were Americanisms thrown in (including terms that are used in the police) and turgid, unrealistic dialogue.
Are there any positives in Holy Island? Well, yes, surprisingly. The basic premise of killings taking place on an island that is separated from the mainland by a causeway that is dependent on the tides. This had implications for getting police officers and other resources to the investigation. This situation was quite original but alas it was squandered with such poor support from the characters and style.
I can't recommend this book. It was nothing short of a disappointment. I wanted to like it as it's set in the part of the world from which I originate, but I found little to like.
I was almost driven to distraction by the abundance of description which really wasn't necessary; then again, it struck me that it was maybe there to stop the whole shebang from falling apart as the plot holes needed something to stitch them up. There were Americanisms thrown in (including terms that are used in the police) and turgid, unrealistic dialogue.
Are there any positives in Holy Island? Well, yes, surprisingly. The basic premise of killings taking place on an island that is separated from the mainland by a causeway that is dependent on the tides. This had implications for getting police officers and other resources to the investigation. This situation was quite original but alas it was squandered with such poor support from the characters and style.
I can't recommend this book. It was nothing short of a disappointment. I wanted to like it as it's set in the part of the world from which I originate, but I found little to like.