New paperback books 2026

Reading lists

New paperbacks to read in 2026

The Lizard

LJ ROSS is an international bestselling author known for her atmospheric mystery and thriller novels, including the DCI Ryan series which has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. Her debut novel Holy Island published in 2015 and reached number one in the Amazon UK and Australian charts. Louise has since released over thirty novels, most of which have been UK number one digital bestsellers. She is also the creator of the bestselling Dr Alexander Gregory series and the Summer Suspense series. Louise is a keen philanthropist and proud to support numerous non-profit programmes in addition to founding the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction, the Northern Photography Prize and the Northern Film Prize. Born in Northumberland, England, she studied Law at King’s College, University of London, then abroad in Florence and Paris, and worked as a lawyer before pursuing her dream to write. She lives with her family in Northumberland.

From the bestselling author of Holy Island comes the gripping new novel in the Summer Suspense Mysteries, set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape. 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle 
 
There’s nothing so deadly as the sea, and the man who survives it . . . 
 
Bryher Enys is the proud owner of Cornwall's newest restaurant, Panorama. 
 
When she isn't whipping up culinary feasts, she volunteers with the local lifeboat crew - a tight-knit team who regularly risk their lives to save others. 
 
With no immediate plans to settle down, life is pretty much perfect. 
 
Until one stormy night, when a distress signal shatters the calm. A luxury yacht is going down fast, and Bryher joins the rescue. 
 
Too late to save the vessel, they search the raging seas for survivors - but find only one... 
 
A man with no name, no memory and the power to turn her world upside down.

Amnesia

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller from the bestselling crime writer and author of The DCI Ryan Mysteries. 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
---------------------------------------- 
 
Some things you can never forget... 
 
After a nationwide manhunt for notorious felon Carl Deere left two women hospitalised in a critical condition, clinical psychiatrist and criminal profiler Doctor Alexander Gregory is left heartbroken. 
 
Both are special to him: one is his new friend, Detective Chief Inspector Ava Hope, and the other is the woman he loves, Doctor Naomi Palmer. However, there's something he doesn't know... 
 
One of them is a killer. 
 
Enlisted by the Metropolitan Police, Doctor Gregory must embark on a journey into the past - theirs, as well as his own. 
 
In doing so, he comes to understand that justice is seldom black and white, and even good people can commit murder... 
 
---------------------------------------- 
 
READERS LOVE AMNESIA BY LJ ROSS 
 
"I couldn't put this book down. It is so well crafted. LJ Ross is one of my very favourite authors." - 5-star reader review 
 
"Excellent. Can't wait for the next." - 5-star reader review 
 
"Brilliant, and enthralling, again! Another page turner." - 5-star reader review 
 
"An excellent page turning thriller that will keep you reading long into the night." - 5-star reader review 
 
"I have read every Dr Gregory book, and they keep getting better with each new one. HIGHLY RECOMMEND." - 5-star reader review

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DCI RYAN MYSTERIES 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
-------------------------------------- 
 
 
Some things, you can never forget… 
 
 
After a nationwide manhunt for notorious felon Carl Deere left two women hospitalised in a critical condition, clinical psychiatrist and criminal profiler Doctor Alexander Gregory is left heartbroken. Both are special to him: one is his new friend, Detective Chief Inspector Ava Hope, and the other is the woman he loves, Doctor Naomi Palmer. However, there’s something he doesn’t know… 
 
 
One of them is a killer. 
 
 
Enlisted by the Metropolitan Police, Doctor Gregory must embark on a journey into the past—theirs, as well as his own. In doing so, he comes to understand that justice is seldom black and white, and even good people can commit murder… 
 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced psychological thriller, set amidst the iconic streets of London.

Panic

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller from the bestselling crime writer and author of The DCI Ryan Mysteries. 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
---------------------------------------- 
 
The only way to catch a killer is to think like one... 
 
When a senior Metropolitan Police officer and High Court judge die in quick succession, criminal profiler Doctor Alex Gregory is convinced their deaths are linked to the most shameful case of his career: the notorious wrongful conviction of Carl Deere, an innocent man found guilty of a series of heinous murders perpetrated by the 'Soho Killer'. 
 
Four years later, released from prison and with his record wiped clean, Deere is an invisible spectre with a new name and a new face. 
 
But, as Gregory knows only too well, the past isn't easily forgotten, and revenge can be a powerful motive - even for an innocent man... 
 
With Scotland Yard determined to avoid any further scandal, Gregory and his friend and mentor, Professor Bill Douglas, are left to fend for themselves. 
 
With no real evidence and the body count racking up, they know it's only a matter of time before their names are next on the killer's list... 
 
---------------------------------------- 
 
READERS LOVE PANIC BY LJ ROSS 
 
"Everything a thriller needs to be - fast-paced, clever, fun, shocking." - 5-star reader review 
 
"A great crime thriller with a brilliant ending" - 5-star reader review 
 
"Excellent, and plenty of twists" - 5-star reader review 
 
"A cracking addition to the Alexander Gregory series!" - 5-star reader review 
 
"If you like your thrillers fast-pace and explosive, then this book is definitely for you." - 5-star reader review

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DCI RYAN MYSTERIES 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
------------------------------------------ 
 
 
The only way to catch a killer is to think like one... 
 
 
When a senior Metropolitan Police officer and High Court judge die in quick succession, criminal profiler Doctor Alex Gregory is convinced their deaths are linked to the most shameful case of his career: the notorious wrongful conviction of Carl Deere, an innocent man found guilty of a series of heinous murders perpetrated by the ‘Soho Killer’. Four years later, released from prison and with his record wiped clean, Deere is an invisible spectre with a new name and a new face. But, as Gregory knows only too well, the past isn’t easily forgotten, and revenge can be a powerful motive—even for an innocent man… 
 
 
With Scotland Yard determined to avoid any further scandal, Gregory and his friend and mentor, Professor Bill Douglas, are left to fend for themselves. With no real evidence and the body count racking up, they know it’s only a matter of time before their names are next on the killer’s list… 
 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the scenic landscapes of Cambridge and London.

Mania

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller from the bestselling crime writer and author of The DCI Ryan Mysteries. 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
------------------------------------ 
 
You can't run from the past... 
 
Back in London after a dramatic trip to North America, Doctor Alexander Gregory finds himself without an occupation while he awaits the all-important decision of the disciplinary panel at Southmoor Hospital. 
 
That is, until he witnesses the death of a famous actor, live on stage during the opening night of King Lear. 
 
When the police rule the death suspicious, they call upon the elite services of Gregory and his partner in criminal profiling, Bill Douglas. 
 
Gregory is paired with attractive investigating officer DCI Hope and tensions arise - especially when an old foe resurfaces. 
 
With bodies piling up and no new leads, Gregory and Hope realise the must look to the past to uncover the truth - before it's too late. 
 
Immersed in the glamorous world of celebrity, Gregory soon learns that, beneath the surface, things are far murkier than they seem... 
 
------------------------------------ 
 
READERS LOVE MANIA BY LJ ROSS 
 
"This book is a spell-binder! LJ Ross has a true gift for keeping the reader enthralled." - 5-star reader review 
 
"I couldn't put this book down, it kept me entertained from start to finish" - 5-star reader review 
 
"Another brilliant book by LJ Ross!" - 5-star reader review 
 
"How does she do it EVERY SINGLE TIME?! I'm in constant awe of the sheer talent this wonderlady has!" - 5-star reader review 
 
"Fast-paced with twists and turns. Loved it." - 5-star reader review

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DCI RYAN MYSTERIES 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
 
You can’t run from the past… 
 
 
 
Back in London after a dramatic trip to North America, Doctor Alexander Gregory finds himself without an occupation while he awaits the all-important decision of the disciplinary panel at Southmoor Hospital. That is, until he witnesses the death of a famous actor, live on stage during the opening night of King Lear. When the police rule the death suspicious, they call upon the elite services of Gregory and his partner in criminal profiling, Bill Douglas. 
 
 
 
Gregory is paired with attractive investigating officer DCI Hope and tensions arise—especially when an old foe resurfaces. 
 
 
 
With bodies piling up and no new leads, Gregory and Hope realise they must look to the past to uncover the truth—before it’s too late. Immersed in the glamorous world of celebrity, Gregory soon learns that, beneath the surface, things are far murkier than they seem… 
 
 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst London’s vibrant Theatreland.

Bedlam

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller from the bestselling crime writer and author of The DCI Ryan Mysteries. 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
---------------------------------------- 
 
In a world gone mad, who can you trust? 
 
Fresh from a high-profile case in the Paris fashion world, elite forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory receives a call from the FBI. 
 
The wife of a notorious criminal has been admitted to a private psychiatric hospital and can no longer testify in his upcoming trial. 
 
Without her, their case will collapse but, amidst reports that the staff are as unpredictable as their patients, who can the police trust? 
 
In desperation, they turn to an outsider and now Gregory must find the courage to step inside the fortified walls of Buchanan Hospital to uncover the truth. 
 
The question is, will he ever be the same again? 
 
---------------------------------------- 
 
READERS LOVE BEDLAM BY LJ ROSS 
 
"Excellent as always. Best book so far." - 5-star reader review 
 
"A cracking addition to the series. Full of tension and suspense, I loved it!" - 5-star reader review 
 
"I didn't want to put it down. A brilliant crime series." - 5-star reader review 
 
"A fantastic book" - 5-star reader review 
 
"This was a really good one. Dare I say my favourite LJ Ross?" - 5-star reader review

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DCI RYAN MYSTERIES 
 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
-------------------------------------------------In a world gone mad, who can you trust? 
 Fresh from a high-profile case in the Paris fashion world, elite forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory receives a call from the FBI. The wife of a notorious criminal has been admitted to a private psychiatric hospital and can no longer testify in his upcoming trial. Without her, their case will collapse but, amidst reports that the staff are as unpredictable as their patients, who can the police trust? 
In desperation, they turn to an outsider and now Gregory must find the courage to step inside the fortified walls of Buchanan Hospital to uncover the truth. The question is, will he ever be the same again? 
 Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Catskill Forest.

Hysteria

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller from the bestselling crime writer and author of The DCI Ryan Mysteries. 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
------------------------------------------In a beautiful world, murder is always ugly… 
 
Recently returned from his last case in Ireland, elite forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory receives a call from the French police that he can’t ignore. It’s Paris fashion week and some of the world’s most beautiful women are turning up dead, their faces slashed in a series of frenzied attacks while the world’s press looks on. 
 
Amidst the carnage, one victim has survived but she’s too traumatised to talk. Without her help, the police are powerless to stop the killer before he strikes again. 
 
Can Gregory unlock the secrets of her mind, before it’s too late? 
 
------------------------------------------ 
 
READERS LOVE HYSTERIA 
 
"Genius writing, once again, by my most favourite author." - 5-star reader review 
 
"Yet another triumph by LJ Ross" - 5-star reader review 
 
"A slick and clever mystery filled with shocks, surprises and Parisian style." - 5-star reader review 
 
"A carefully crafted masterpiece of crime, corruption, love, hatred and murder. I can't get enough of this author." - 5-star reader review 
 
"The first book was terrific and this one is another winner." - 5-star reader review

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DCI RYAN MYSTERIES 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
------------------------------------------ 
 
In a beautiful world, murder is always ugly… 
 
Recently returned from his last case in Ireland, elite forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory receives a call from the French police that he can’t ignore. It’s Paris fashion week and some of the world’s most beautiful women are turning up dead, their faces slashed in a series of frenzied attacks while the world’s press looks on. 
 
Amidst the carnage, one victim has survived but she’s too traumatised to talk. Without her help, the police are powerless to stop the killer before he strikes again – can Gregory unlock the secrets of her mind, before it’s too late? 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Parisian landscape.

Impostor

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller from the bestselling crime writer and author of The DCI Ryan Mysteries. 
 
SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS - CRIME THRILLER OF THE YEAR 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle 
 
--------------------------------------- 
 
There's a killer inside all of us... 
 
After an elite criminal profiling unit is shut down amidst a storm of scandal and mismanagement, only one person emerges unscathed. 
 
Forensic psychologist Doctor Alexander Gregory has a reputation for being able to step inside the darkest minds to uncover whatever secrets lie hidden there and, soon enough, he finds himself drawn into the murky world of murder investigation. 
 
In the beautiful hills of County Mayo, Ireland, a killer is on the loose. Panic has a stranglehold on its rural community and the Garda are running out of time. 
 
Gregory has sworn to follow a quiet life but, when the call comes, can he refuse to help their desperate search for justice? 
 
--------------------------------------- 
 
READERS LOVE LJ ROSS 
 
"Totally gripping from start to finish” 5-star reader review 
 
"A must read book. Can't wait for the next one." 5-star reader review 
 
"I couldn't put this book down from the minute I picked it up." 5-star reader review 
 
"Great page turner, with a lively plot that holds numerous twists and turns; keeps you guessing until the very end” 5-star reader review 
 
“Brilliant from start to end, be prepared to read in one sitting!” 5-star reader review 
 
“Atmospheric, gripping and twisted…YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!” 5-star reader review

There's a killer inside all of us... 
 
After an elite criminal profiling unit is shut down amidst a storm of scandal and mismanagement, only one person emerges unscathed. Forensic psychologist Doctor Alexander Gregory has a reputation for being able to step inside the darkest minds to uncover whatever secrets lie hidden there and, soon enough, he finds himself drawn into the murky world of murder investigation. 
 
In the beautiful hills of County Mayo, Ireland, a killer is on the loose. Panic has a stranglehold on its rural community and the Garda are running out of time. Gregory has sworn to follow a quiet life but, when the call comes, can he refuse to help their desperate search for justice? 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Irish landscape. 
 
From the international bestselling author of The DCI Ryan Mysteries 
 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” – The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” – Evening Chronicle

The Haven

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Suspense and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape, from the bestselling crime writer and author of Holy Island. 
 
'Absolutely brilliant book, loved the twists and turns' - 5-star reader review 
 
'Everything you could want in a summer book - twists that keep you guessing, plenty of suspense, and a strong sense of mystery running throughout' - 5-star reader review 
 
'The suspense had me on tenterhooks, and the romance had me swooning a little' - 5-star reader review 
 
Some legends never die... 
 
Irish newsreader Isolde Malone has a face many would recognise; in fact, she can't walk through the streets of Dublin without bumping into a horde of fans, all of whom want their picture taken with the darling of broadcast journalism. She's living a dream life and has never been happier... 
 
Until the night everything changes. 
 
Forced to take a sabbatical from her glittering career, Isolde needs a haven from ordinary life and the support of her only remaining family. So, when a gilt-edged invitation to attend one of her brother's fundraising events drops through the post, it seems like the perfect opportunity. There's just one problem... 
 
She must cross the sea to Cornwall. 
 
What promised to be the perfect escape soon turns into a nightmare when a body washes up at the foot of the legendary castle at Tintagel, and Isolde soon realises that the ghosts in that part of the world can be just as deadly as the ones she's left behind in Ireland. 
 
Trapped in a windswept country house hotel for the weekend, surrounded by suspects, who can Isolde trust? 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle 
 
'A magnificent roller coaster adventure of a series. Action-packed danger, drama, intrigue, betrayal, spiced with romance. Bravo LJ Ross!' - 5-star reader review 
 
'Wow, this book has it all... murder, mystery and suspense for the whodunnit fans and a touch of romance' - 5-star reader review 
 
'An ideal summer read... extremely entertaining' - 5-star reader review 
 
'Another stunning story from LJ Ross' - 5-star reader review 
 
'LJ Ross is such a wonderful writer and I love the descriptions of the areas the books are set in. As always the story is excellent.' - 5-star reader review

“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle 
 
-----------------------------------------SOME LEGENDS NEVER DIE... 
 
 
Irish newsreader Isolde Malone has a face many would recognise; in fact, she can’t walk through the streets of Dublin without bumping into a horde of fans, all of whom want their picture taken with the darling of broadcast journalism. She’s living a dream life and has never been happier… 
 
 
Until the night everything changes. 
 
 
Forced to take a sabbatical from her glittering career, Isolde needs a haven from ordinary life and the support of her only remaining family. So, when a gilt-edged invitation to attend one of her brother’s fundraising events drops through the post, it seems like the perfect opportunity. There’s just one problem… 
 
 
She must cross the sea to Cornwall. 
 
 
What promised to be the perfect escape soon turns into a nightmare when a body washes up at the foot of the legendary castle at Tintagel, and Isolde soon realises that the ghosts in that part of the world can be just as deadly as the ones she’s left behind in Ireland. 
 
 
Trapped in a windswept country house hotel for the weekend, surrounded by suspects, Isolde hardly knows who to trust, but she knows it isn’t Tristan Williams—no matter what the old legend might say… 
 
Suspense is peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced mystery, set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape.

The Cove

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Suspense and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape, from the bestselling crime writer and author of Holy Island. 
 
‘A gorgeously atmospheric mystery’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A great mystery thriller with a sprinkling of romance.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘The twist and turns are amazing’ 5-star reader review 
 
Gabrielle Adams has it all - brains, beauty, a handsome fiancé, and a dream job in publishing. Until, one day, everything changes. 
 
'The Tube Killer' takes his victims when they least expect it: standing on the edge of a busy London Underground platform, as they wait for a train to arrive through the murky tunnels of London. 
 
Gabrielle soon learns that being a survivor is harder than being a victim, and she struggles to return to her old life. Desperate to break free from the endless nightmares, she snatches up an opportunity to run a tiny bookshop in a picturesque cove in rural Cornwall. 
 
She thinks she's found the perfect escape, but has she swapped one nightmare for another? 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS “LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle 
 
"Totally gripping from start to finish” 5-star reader review 
 
"A must read book. Can't wait for the next one." 5-star reader review 
 
"I couldn't put this book down from the minute I picked it up! A great mix of thriller, romance, intrigue with a hint of humour." 5-star reader review 
 
"Great page turner, with a lively plot that holds numerous twists and turns; keeps you guessing until the very end” 5-star reader review 
 
“Brilliant from start to end, be prepared to read in one sitting!” 5-star reader review 
 
“Atmospheric, gripping and twisted…YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!” 5-star reader review

THE PERFECT ESCAPE... 
 
Gabrielle Adams has it all – brains, beauty, a handsome fiancé, and a dream job in publishing. Until, one day, everything changes.'The Tube Killer’ takes his victims when they least expect it: standing on the edge of a busy London Underground platform, as they wait for a train to arrive through the murky underground tunnels of London.Gabrielle soon learns that being a survivor is harder than being a victim, and she struggles to return to her old life. Desperate to break free from the endless nightmares, she snatches up an opportunity to run a tiny bookshop in a picturesque cove in rural Cornwall.She thinks she’s found the perfect escape, but has she swapped one nightmare for another?Suspense and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced thriller, set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape. 
 
---------------------------------------------“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle

The Creek

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Suspense and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape, from the bestselling crime writer and author of Holy Island. 
 
'An enchanting and thrilling read' 5-star reader review 
 
'From the first page this book had me hooked' 5-star reader review 
 
'Lovely scenic descriptions, interesting twists. Loved it!' 5-star reader review 
 
------------------------------------------------- 
 
You can run, but you can't hide... 
 
Kate Irving arrives at her grandfather's cottage at Frenchman's Creek in the dead of night with her young son, a small suitcase and little else. 
 
Its scattered community of fishermen, farmers, artists and jetsetters barely bat an eyelid, because theirs is a rarefied world, tucked beneath the lush forest that lines the banks of the Helford estuary, deep in the heart of Cornwall, where life is slow and people generally mind their own business. 
 
Unless, of course, your grandfather happens to be a pillar of the local community... 
 
Kate's left the past behind and guards her privacy and her son fiercely. She's wary of accepting the friendship her new neighbours offer, but their kindness is too great to refuse and she begins to feel she has found her place in the world. 
 
That is, until tragedy strikes, and her new friends look to her for the answers... 
 
Kate soon learns that the past always catches up with you, in the end - the question is, will she be able to face it when it does? 
 
Praise for LJ Ross: 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle 
 
"Totally gripping from start to finish” 5-star reader review 
 
"A must read book. Can't wait for the next one." 5-star reader review 
 
"I couldn't put this book down from the minute I picked it up! A great mix of thriller, romance, intrigue with a hint of humour." 5-star reader review 
 
"Great page turner, with a lively plot that holds numerous twists and turns; keeps you guessing until the very end” 5-star reader review 
 
“Brilliant from start to end, be prepared to read in one sitting!” 5-star reader review 
 
“Atmospheric, gripping and twisted…YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!” 5-star reader review

“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle 
 
YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE...Kate Irving arrives at her grandfather’s cottage at Frenchman’s Creek in the dead of night with her young son, a small suitcase and little else. Its scattered community of fishermen, farmers, artists and jetsetters barely bat an eyelid, because theirs is a rarefied world, tucked beneath the lush forest that lines the banks of the Helford estuary, deep in the heart of Cornwall, where life is slow and people generally mind their own business. Unless, of course, your grandfather happens to be a pillar of the local community…Kate’s left the past behind and guards her privacy and her son fiercely. She’s wary of accepting the friendship her new neighbours offer, but their kindness is too great to refuse and she begins to feel she has found her place in the world. That is, until tragedy strikes, and her new friends look to her for the answers…Kate soon learns that the past always catches up with you, in the end—the question is, will she be able to face it, when it does?Suspense is peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced mystery, set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape.

The Bay

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 
 
Suspense and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape, from the bestselling crime writer and author of Holy Island. 
 
'A perfect suspense mystery book to lose yourself in' 5-star reader review 
 
'I love this book!' 5-star reader review 
 
'A great, cosy read' 5-star reader review 
 
Secrets never stay buried for long... 
 
In the picturesque seaside town of St Ives, Detective Sergeant Sophie Keane is a pillar of the community. Between the occasional collar and lazy weekends spent on the beach, it seems a perfect life. But for Sophie, the golden sands and crystal waters hide a dark secret, one that's lain buried for twenty years. 
 
When a body turns up on the opening night of a glittering new art gallery on the seafront, the town is left shaken - especially Sophie, who recognises the killer's style but knows that what she fears just couldn't be possible... 
 
With a killer on the loose, everyone's a suspect - especially newcomer Gabriel Rowe, who seems to have settled in far too quickly for her liking. 
 
For Sophie, he's guilty until proven innocent... 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle 
 
'Action-packed danger, drama, intrigue, betrayal, spiced with romance. Bravo LJ Ross!' - 5-star reader review 
 
'A great holiday read. I've read all three of these books and thoroughly enjoyed them.' - 5-star reader review 
 
'Loved the plot, the characters and location. - 5-star reader review 
 
'An idyllic setting, you can't help but think of summer, beaches, ice creams and sun while reading the story.' - 5-star reader review 
 
'A magnificent rollercoaster adventure of a series' - 5-star reader review

“LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers” — The Times 
 
“A literary phenomenon” — Evening Chronicle 
 
------------------------------------SECRETS NEVER STAY BURIED FOR LONG...In the picturesque seaside town of St Ives, Detective Sergeant Sophie Keane is a pillar of the community. Between the occasional collar and lazy weekends spent on the beach, it seems a perfect life. But for Sophie, the golden sands and crystal waters hide a dark secret, one that’s lain buried for twenty years.When a body turns up on the opening night of a glittering new art gallery on the seafront, the town is left shaken—especially Sophie, who recognises the killer’s style but knows that what she fears just couldn’t be possible…With a killer on the loose, everyone’s a suspect—especially newcomer Gabriel Rowe, who seems to have settled in far too quickly for her liking. For Sophie, he’s guilty until proven innocent…Suspense is peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced mystery, set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape.

Belsay

LJ ROSS is an international bestselling author known for her atmospheric mystery and thriller novels, including the DCI Ryan series which has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. Her debut novel Holy Island published in 2015 and reached number one in the Amazon UK and Australian charts. Louise has since released over thirty novels, most of which have been UK number one digital bestsellers. She is also the creator of the bestselling Dr Alexander Gregory series and the Summer Suspense series. Louise is a keen philanthropist and proud to support numerous non-profit programmes in addition to founding the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction, the Northern Photography Prize and the Northern Film Prize. Born in Northumberland, England, she studied Law at King’s College, University of London, then abroad in Florence and Paris, and worked as a lawyer before pursuing her dream to write. She lives with her family in Northumberland.

FROM THE MULTI-MILLION BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
Christmas can be deadly… 
 
After a long year of crime-fighting, DCI Ryan and his team are looking forward to a peaceful Christmas filled with festive treats – including the occasional turkey stottie, or three. To celebrate a job well done, the entire team are treated to a party at beautiful Belsay Hall, a spectacular country estate on the outskirts of the city. But, when their dinner is interrupted by the untimely arrival of a dead body, they’re reminded that crime never sleeps – and nor do the secrets within the walls of Belsay. 
 
It's time to find out who’s been naughty or nice… 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. 
 
--------------------------------- 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

Poison Garden

FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
The clock is ticking… 
 
For Detective Chief Inspector Ryan, the stakes have never been higher. Most of the world thinks he’s dead, killed by an assasin's rifle in his own home. But another man took the bullet intended for him, and now Ryan’s living on borrowed time. As long as he stays ‘dead’, in the sanctuary of his parents’ home in Devon, there’s a chance to find the people behind the deadly killing network. It’s only a matter of time before his secret’s uncovered, and nowhere will be safe. 
 
Back in Northumberland, Ryan’s team are called in to investigate the mysterious death of a man in Alnwick, who collapsed yards from the walls of its Mediaeval castle. When a second person is rushed to hospital with the same symptoms, her life hangs in the balance unless they can discover the toxic substance that’s killing her. For DCs Lowerson and Reed, there’s only one place to look for inspiration—the Poison Garden… 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

Death Rocks

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
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. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

Lady's Well

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE WATER... 
 
When the ancient waters of Lady’s Well in the rural village of Holystone begin to run red, it seems to be a nasty Hallowe’en prank and nothing more. But things take a sinister turn when the entire village suffers severe poisoning, and one old man turns up dead. 
 
Accusations abound in the small, close-knit community, and ‘old’ religions spar against ‘new’ while fear runs like wildfire through the streets. With so many potential motives and countless opportunities, there’s only one man who can help solve this particular mystery… 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. 
 
--------------------------------- 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

Bamburgh

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY... 
 
When a cantankerous old woman dies at her home in the sleepy, picturesque village of Bamburgh, DCI Ryan doesn’t think much of it—except, that is, for the small matter of it having been his wife who happened to find her body. 
 
Then another body turns up amongst the sand dunes at the base of the mighty castle fortress, and he decides it can’t be a coincidence… 
 
Meanwhile, after a recent revelation about her sister, DC Melanie Yates’ quest to avenge her death is becoming an obsession—much to the concern of those around her. With a new DCS to contend with and hundreds of cold case files to sift through, the chances of uncovering a dormant killer seem unlikely. 
 
But as Melanie delves deeper into the secrets of the past to uncover the truth, she soon realises it lies much closer to home… 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

The Shrine

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
A murder for the history books… 
 
After a long and eventful winter, DCI Ryan and his team are looking forward to the joys of spring. But, when one of their colleagues is shot dead on her own doorstep and the brass think it’s an inside job, Ryan finds himself drafted in to investigate. 
 
He’s barely scratched the surface when reports flood in of a terror explosion at Durham Cathedral. Chaos descends on the sleepy, historic city and, when the smoke clears, they find a priceless artefact that once belonged to Saint Cuthbert is missing. 
 
With tensions running at an all-time high, unable to trust the local police, can Ryan and his team bring a killer to justice — and restore Cuthbert’s cross to its natural resting place? 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular landscape of County Durham. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

The Rock

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
FROM THE SHADOWS INTO THE LIGHT… 
 
When a fishing boat is wrecked off the treacherous North Sea coast and the body of a young woman washes up on the beach beside the iconic ‘Marsden Rock’, DCI Ryan cannot ignore the call to duty. 
 
With one already dead and more human cargo missing from the wreckage, Ryan and his team race to find the remaining souls — before it’s too late, and their investigation turns to murder. As they uncover the seedy underbelly of Tyneside, cold and calculated opportunism clashes with the rock-hard arm of the Law, but there’s one thing that proves stronger than stone… 
 
The human spirit. 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular North Eastern landscape. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

Cuthbert's Way

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
A SECRET KEPT FOR A THOUSAND YEARS... 
 
After the dramatic theft of a priceless artefact from Durham Cathedral, the rest of the world believes that DCI Ryan and his team were able to recover and return St. Cuthbert’s cross to its rightful home. But Ryan knows the cross he recovered was a fake—far from being over, their problems are only just beginning… 
 
Just as Ryan and his team begin to unravel the truth behind the spate of mysterious thefts, something even more priceless is stolen—something that can never be replaced. 
 
As the nationwide manhunt continues without success, Ryan is thrust into despair—until he realises the answer lies not in modern policing but in an age-old secret known only to a chosen few. To recover what’s been lost, he must first crack ‘Cuthbert’s Code’, following the trail of a long-dead saint across the wild, unpredictable hills and valleys of the borderlands. 
 
Can Ryan find what he’s looking for, before it’s too late? 
 
He’s going to need a miracle… 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

Ryan's Christmas

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND 
 
Christmas can be murder… 
 
After a busy year fighting crime, DCI Ryan and his team of murder detectives are enjoying a festive season of goodwill, mulled wine and, in the case of DS Phillips, a stottie cake or two—that is, until a freak snowstorm forces their car off the main road and into the remote heart of Northumberland. 
 
Their Christmas spirit is soon tested when they’re forced to find shelter inside England’s most haunted castle, where they’re the uninvited guests at a ‘Candlelit Ghost Hunt’. 
 
It’s all fun and games—until one of the guests is murdered. 
 
It seems no mortal hand could have committed the crime, so Ryan and co. must face the spectres living inside the castle walls to uncover the grisly truth, before another ghost joins their number… 
 
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

LJ Ross

The twenty-fourth instalment in LJ Ross's globally bestselling DCI Ryan mystery series 
 
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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 wife, Anna. 
 
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 that seems to be piling up against her. Anna could never murder anyone. He's sure of it. 
 
Isn't he? 
 
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. 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
 
PRAISE FOR LJ ROSS 
 
"LJ Ross is the queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph 
 
"She keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times 
 
"Holy Island is a blockbuster" - Daily Express 
 
"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

LJ Ross

Books by LJ Ross

Series by LJ Ross

The Alexander Gregory Thrillers8 Books

The DCI Ryan Met Years1 Book

The DCI Ryan Mysteries25 Books

The Summer Suspense Mysteries5 Books

Articles featuring LJ Ross

New paperbacks to read in 2026

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