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LJ Ross
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Death Rocks: A DCI Ryan Mystery (The DCI Ryan Mysteries Book 21) Kindle Edition

by LJ Ross (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 35,129 ratings
FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OFHOLY ISLANDANDIMPOSTOR

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A COINCIDENCE...

When the body of a talented photographer is found on the rocks beneath the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, DCI Ryan and his team of detectives immediately suspect the worst. But, since none of their potential suspects seems to have a motive, the case runs cold.

Then, when another body is found dead on a lonely stretch of road near Hadrian’s Wall and their only suspect has an airtight alibi, the team are faced with another crime without a perpetrator.

With the number of unexplained deaths in the area increasing rapidly and only a series of coincidences to work from, Ryan and his team must find the invisible link between them to crack the case—before it’s too late.

Can Ryan solve his most dangerous case yet?

Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.

“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” –The Times

“A literary phenomenon” –Evening Chronicle
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  1. Book 21 of 23
    The DCI Ryan Mysteries
  2. Print length
    234 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    29 Mar. 2024
  6. File size
    1.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 23 books in this series.

In this series (23 books)

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  1. “It’s always better to face the demon. Otherwise, they become more powerful in our imagination than in reality.”
    Highlighted by 100 Kindle readers
  2. Whether by accident or design, life could be snatched away in the blink of an eye, so it was better to live it to the full.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CZGY7FYY
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 29 Mar. 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 234 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 21 of 23 ‏ : ‎ The DCI Ryan Mysteries
  • Best Sellers Rank: 833 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 35,129 ratings

About the author

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LJ Ross

LJ Ross

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LJ Ross is an international bestselling author, best known for creating atmospheric mystery and thriller novels, including the DCI Ryan series of Northumbrian murder mysteries which have sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Her debut, Holy Island, was released in January 2015 and reached number one in the Amazon UK and Australian charts. Since then, she has released more than twenty further novels, all of which have been top three global bestsellers and most of which have been UK #1 bestsellers. Louise has garnered an army of loyal readers through her storytelling and, thanks to them, most of her books reached the coveted #1 spot whilst only available to pre-order ahead of release. Her eleventh novel, "The Infirmary", is a prequel story and is also available as a major Audible Originals audio-drama starring Tom Bateman, Kevin Whately, Bertie Carvel, Hermione Norris and Alun Armstrong.

In addition to her DCI Ryan series, Louise has created a new series of thriller novels based around the central character of ‘Dr Alexander Gregory’, whose work as a psychological profiler takes him around the world. The first three books (Impostor, Hysteria and Bedlam) were #1 bestsellers and the fourth book was released in March 2022 (Mania). They were narrated in audio by the actors Hugh Dancy (Impostor & Hysteria) and Richard Armitage (Bedlam & Mania).

"The Cove" (the first book in her new Summer Suspense Mysteries series) was released in 2021 and followed up by "The Creek" in 2022 and "The Bay" in 2023. This is a new series of standalone romantic suspense novels featuring strong female protagonists. "The Haven" will follow in summer 2024.

The novels all are available to purchase in e-book, paperback and audiobook formats on the Amazon store, as well as in libraries and book shops around the world.

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 family Northumberland, where she enjoys reading all manner of books, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Louise is a keen philanthropist, and is pleased to have supported numerous non-profit programmes in addition to founding several of her own, including the Lindisfarne Reading Challenge and the Lindisfarne Prize for Debut Crime Fiction.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
35,129 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this mystery book compelling with a gripping storyline that keeps them in thrall with the mystery. The writing is well-executed, with customers noting how the author understands the human psyche, and they appreciate how the characters feel like old friends. The book evokes strong emotions, making readers laugh and cry, while maintaining a fast-paced narrative that's fresh like the first book in the series.

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ReadabilityTwists and turnsEmotional contentWriting qualityCharacter developmentHumourInterestPacing
518 customers mention ‘Readability’507 positive11 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as brilliant and well-written, with one customer specifically praising it as a great whodunnit.

"Excellent book and a great read I thoroughly recommend to anyone I do look forward to new releases in due time" Read more

"Brilliant thanks" Read more

"...Great read." Read more

"Omg once again what a brilliant read Louise this was well worth the wait but once I got it I didn’t want to read it because I knew once I stated I..." Read more

195 customers mention ‘Twists and turns’164 positive31 negative

Customers enjoy the twists and turns in the book, praising its gripping and fast-moving storyline that keeps them engaged with the mystery.

"...will have you caught up in a web of fishing tackle, heartbreak and suspense (not necessarily in that order.)..." Read more

"...No spoilers, hate that. Just saying this is one if my favourite authors and keeping the stories fresh, with so long a series, is amazing...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book and the intrigue. Not realising that there are 20 previous books with DCI Ryan, seems I have catching up to do." Read more

"Had me hooked from the start, gripping, funny, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Highly recommended...." Read more

91 customers mention ‘Emotional content’67 positive24 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, with many describing it as a gripping story that had them in tears.

"Oh that was a good one. Blunt and exciting. Emotional and dogged characters to admire. Don’t miss it you’ll be sorry you did" Read more

"...is Ryan's biggest battle yet, and it's a twisted, complicated and emotional one" Read more

"...book from chapter33 through the epilogue and beyond, what a truly sad ending, keep a whole box of tissues on hand" Read more

"Absolutely brilliant, tears, laughter, love, and an intriguing story line. I really can't wait for the next installment...." Read more

90 customers mention ‘Writing quality’83 positive7 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting the author's deep understanding of the human psyche.

"...with Ryan & Phillips conducting investigations finding them well written & intriguing...." Read more

"...She is such a brilliant writer and you can't help but feel that you are there in the middle of these mysteries. Fantastic!..." Read more

"...I have totally enjoyed everyone of the books. L J Ross is a great author, Death Rocks was well written and kept you in suspense until the very end...." Read more

"...Brilliant author well recommended to" Read more

85 customers mention ‘Character development’82 positive3 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, describing them as feeling like old friends, with one customer noting they can see and hear them vividly.

"...Excellent series of books. Love the characters, the storylines, and as of yet I have not guessed the killer once...." Read more

"Great plot , good story line ,believable characters. Through the 21 books you really get to know the characters. Well done." Read more

"...The characters are brilliant and you as if you know them. The plots are exciting and believable...." Read more

"...Great characters and storyline with a continuation of the characters and introduction of a new one making for a great back story." Read more

31 customers mention ‘Humour’31 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with some mentioning they laughed and cried while reading it, and one customer noting the witty banter between characters.

"...As always a well written book with humour and true life thoughts throughout. I have really missed this series, and look forward to many more...." Read more

"...but this time the humanity played such a part - compassion and laughter and then the darkness of fear, anger and sheer evil. I’m lost for words ...." Read more

"...Reed - who is a breath of fresh air and comes armed with the perfect sense of humour and attitude to manage both Frank and Ryan...." Read more

"Very interesting plot and an enjoyable read. Enjoyed the humour in some of the last chapters between Ryan and Philips and Morrison...." Read more

23 customers mention ‘Interest’23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with one noting how the geography of Northumbria is ingeniously woven into the story.

"...& Phillips conducting investigations finding them well written & intriguing...." Read more

"...about these books is that, living in Northumberland, these places are well known...." Read more

"...Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next and the lovely Northern scenery and characters I have grown to love. Highly recommended." Read more

"...the exceptionally high standard of these fine novels, set in a wonderful part of the country, this was brilliant...." Read more

23 customers mention ‘Pacing’19 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced and fresh as the first one, with one customer noting it picks up perfectly smoothly from the previous book.

"This is the best dci ryan book I've read, fast paced , I just couldn't put it down, the way the characters are described, i feel I know them and I..." Read more

"Fast paced & exciting, a sad ending but looking forward to book 22 and maybe a TV series in the future!" Read more

"...like meeting up with old friends to read this, it picked up perfectly smoothly from the last book...." Read more

"Another fast paced,fantastic read ...." Read more

Another fantastic read!
5 out of 5 stars
Another fantastic read!
Well firstly; what an absolute treat to wake up on Saturday, go for a scroll on Facebook to see an announcement that Death Rocks was out in ebook, I always pre order these books but I have to say I quite liked the random surprise and let me tell you, I dropped all my current reads to read this and devoured it all in the same day! Death Rocks is quite a dark whodunnit full of twists and you can’t forget the added humour which is my favourite - Ryan and Frank are quite the duo! I was so happy to be back with Ryan, Frank and the rest of the team and their families, having read this whole series I’ve become quite attached to them and this book definitely showed that for me with such a huge twist! I definitely felt ALL the emotions reading this and it had me on the edge of my seat. I am SO excited for book 22, Poison Garden. The DCI Ryan mysteries always give me the escapism I always love - a massive thank you to Louise for writing incredible stories and I look forward to reading the next book and finding out what happens next, especially after that insane cliff hanger!
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Mr. F. J. Royston
    5.0 out of 5 stars That's one way of making you read the next book.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 June 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A tense book with plenty of action which keeps you reading until the mysterious finale. Now it's on to book 22. Well done Louise, keep them coming.
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  • Jay
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another brilliant read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 May 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I had become very familiar with Ryan & Phillips conducting investigations finding them well written & intriguing. Reading about the North East has brought back my childhood memories which in turn brings the story to life remembering the places mentioned.

    The twists & turns of the story keeps you gripped until the end, reading about the team feels like old friends you what to hear about. After over 20 books the story still draws you in like the first book did but will it have the same bad guy well we'll wait & see.
    If you want to loose yourself in a book read this I can't wait for the next one.
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  • JenMedBookLover
    4.0 out of 5 stars Full of humour and drama and everything in between
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Ooooh. This book ... Fans of the series will have been having near heart failure reading this one, and with very good cause. LJ Ross really does seem to relish pushing her characters and, therefore, her readers to the very edge and this book is one of the tops when it comes to peril and jeopardy. But just who has she placed in the bad guy's crosshair this time, and why? Well, you'll have to read the book yourself for that information - a no spoiler review here folks - but, trust me, it's a good one.

    Northumberland plays as much a part in these books as the crime and the characters, and this time around we have been transported to a golf course that stands in the shadows of Dunstanburgh Castle. A man's body is found upon the eponymous Death Rocks. It is initially unclear as to whether this was an accident, the area being renowned for such events, or whether something more sinister has taken place. Well, it would have been a very short book had that been the case. It also would not have engaged the interest of Ryan and co, so our involvement would have been very limited.

    The more that the team learn about the victim, the clearer it is that something very unusual is going on. There are a number of people who may have had cause to hurt the victim, but whether that would extend to murder remains to be seen. And with some prominent figures in the frame, the challenges for Ryan come not only a lack of evidence. Not being one to let politics get in the way of his investigations, you can probably imagine how Ryan sees off that particular problem!

    Now this book does have echoes of a very well know story - film even - that cannot be named (spoilers remember). but I think many people would recognise the further we get into the story. LJ Ross has taken a very clever path in developing this story, and as the victims start to pile up, so do the clues, ultimately bringing the team front and centre with an old foe. It make for a rather tense read at times, and you can feel the whole story building to a crescendo, and a conclusion that we perhaps are not quite ready for. It is also a surprisingly emotional read (or listen) for various reasons. Jack Lowerson is still struggling in the aftermath of previous stories, and there are a few other scenes which really will bring a lump to the throat of even the most hardened reader.

    Not to fear. For all the moments of tension, Frank is on hand to counter them with his own special brand of humour. There were numerous times where Mandie and I were chuckling away, the prospect of a potential Abba themed dance off featuring Frank being just one of them. And there is a new entrant to the team - DC Charlie Reed - who is a breath of fresh air and comes armed with the perfect sense of humour and attitude to manage both Frank and Ryan.

    If you love the series, you will love this one, although be prepared for it to not quite reach a conclusion. It's not exactly a cliff hanger, more of a disruption of service, and I cannot wait to read the next instalment, Poison Garden, to see what comes next. Another fab read and heartily recommended (as is a walk alongside the 'death rocks' from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle and on to Embleton Bay - beautiful), although we're neither of us convinced by the idea of Kipper Scotch eggs???
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A hit on Ryan. A spider weaving his murders.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 April 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Another blistering story by L J Ross.

    Cannot wait for the next book.

    I have read all 21 DCI Ryan books and have never tired of the journey.

    It has been some time waiting for the recent 2. But after reading them I am seriously considering starting again at the beginning and reading them all again.

    No spoilers, hate that. Just saying this is one if my favourite authors and keeping the stories fresh, with so long a series, is amazing.

    You can see and hear the characters, due to the snippets dropped in regarding their personnas, without them overpowering the storyline and being repeated every book, another pet hate.

    The writing is seamless, with no obscure words used so that you have to interrupt reading to look them up in the dictionary.

    Thank you for wonderful stories and interesting characters, without making them unbelievable, but falling effortlessly and naturally into th storyline.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • lorraine46
    5.0 out of 5 stars LjRoss excellent again
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 June 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great story for followers of DCIRyan
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  • Library Lady
    5.0 out of 5 stars Addictive
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I realised that I had already read this book as I started it, plus the next in the series. In the wrong order too. Such a good story that I was happy to read it a second time. I will have to re-read the next one now, to complete the tale.
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  • Stephanie Edmeads
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another fantastic read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Well firstly; what an absolute treat to wake up on Saturday, go for a scroll on Facebook to see an announcement that Death Rocks was out in ebook, I always pre order these books but I have to say I quite liked the random surprise and let me tell you, I dropped all my current reads to read this and devoured it all in the same day!

    Death Rocks is quite a dark whodunnit full of twists and you can’t forget the added humour which is my favourite - Ryan and Frank are quite the duo!

    I was so happy to be back with Ryan, Frank and the rest of the team and their families, having read this whole series I’ve become quite attached to them and this book definitely showed that for me with such a huge twist! I definitely felt ALL the emotions reading this and it had me on the edge of my seat. I am SO excited for book 22, Poison Garden.

    The DCI Ryan mysteries always give me the escapism I always love - a massive thank you to Louise for writing incredible stories and I look forward to reading the next book and finding out what happens next, especially after that insane cliff hanger!
    Customer image
    Stephanie Edmeads
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Another fantastic read!

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2024
    Well firstly; what an absolute treat to wake up on Saturday, go for a scroll on Facebook to see an announcement that Death Rocks was out in ebook, I always pre order these books but I have to say I quite liked the random surprise and let me tell you, I dropped all my current reads to read this and devoured it all in the same day!

    Death Rocks is quite a dark whodunnit full of twists and you can’t forget the added humour which is my favourite - Ryan and Frank are quite the duo!

    I was so happy to be back with Ryan, Frank and the rest of the team and their families, having read this whole series I’ve become quite attached to them and this book definitely showed that for me with such a huge twist! I definitely felt ALL the emotions reading this and it had me on the edge of my seat. I am SO excited for book 22, Poison Garden.

    The DCI Ryan mysteries always give me the escapism I always love - a massive thank you to Louise for writing incredible stories and I look forward to reading the next book and finding out what happens next, especially after that insane cliff hanger!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Janet Lewis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Non ho potuto finire I libri
    Reviewed in Italy on 2 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Con gli ultimi tre libri che ho comprato per il mio kindle, c'è stato un problema strano. Ad un certo punto, dopo circa 50 pagine, appare la pagina di valutazione, "prima di andare via... "e non c'è modo di superare la pagina e andare avanti nella lettura. Io ho preso nel tempo decide di ebbooks da Amazon, tutti perfetto. Che fare?
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner for DCI Ryan
    Reviewed in Canada on 17 July 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The saga, mystery and ever unfolding page turner by L J Ross continues to pull you deaper into the ever changing world of DCI Ryan's family and co-workers. A cliff hanger to die for. I can't wait to dive into the next chapter created for DCI Ryan.
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  • Cliente Kindle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant writing
    Reviewed in Spain on 1 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My heart was in my mouth until the very last page. I can't wait for the next installment of this wonderful series.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!!!
    Reviewed in Australia on 7 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely love being in the company of DCI Ryan and Co. Every book is unputdownable and Death Rocks is no exception. I feel I know them all so well and ,as always, it will be fun getting to know new faces better. Brilliant storyline so well written. Tense with an awesome twist to finish. Can’t wait for #22 😁
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  • Preetha Remesh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional!
    Reviewed in India on 13 June 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As always, the subtle nuances of the key charectors is excellent. Can almost visualise the scenes. Cannot wait for the next book.
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