Sycamore
Gap– L J Ross (reviewed 25.11.2015)
Blurb
THE EXPLOSIVE SEQUEL TO THE UK #1 BESTSELLER HOLY ISLAND The past never stays buried for long... Detective Chief Inspector Ryan believes he has put his turbulent history behind him. Then, in the early hours of the summer solstice, the skeleton of a young woman is found inside the Roman Wall at Sycamore Gap. She has lain undiscovered for ten years and it is Ryan's job to piece together her past. Enquiry lines cross and merge as Ryan is forced to face his own demons and enter into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who seems unstoppable. Murder and mystery are peppered with a sprinkling of romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular scenery of Hadrian's Wall country in Northumberland.
My Review
It may help the reader to read the first book, but in my opinion this
book can be read as standalone read.
There are subtle references to the first book, however I would imagine the
reader will be able to understand the story, the first book will enable you to
understand the characters and some of their traits.
Detective Chief Inspector Ryan is back and again with another case that
grips you from the start.
The book starts off with us introduced to DCI Ryan and his team who are
called in to investigate another “potential” murder again set in Northumberland,
this time near Hadrian’s Wall. A body of
a young girl who has been missing for what becomes apparent is 10 years, found
hidden deep inside the wall. Ryan and
his team recognise the girl once the initial forensic tests have been conducted
due to Dr Kier (yes he’s back) having a photograph in his possession despite
being incarcerated.
Ryan is determined to be involved in this case and despite warnings
from his boss Gregson continues to investigate and pursue this matter. He has a personal interest in Dr Kier and quietly
right!
This book is set approximately 6 months on from the end of Holy Island
(L J Ross’ first book).
This is a dark murder mystery with plenty of twists to keep you
enthralled. The mysterious society known
as the "Circle" is mentioned again, and as the story of Sycamore Gap
grabs you, further members of the “Circle” are discovered and make you realise
how large this group is and that the members include people who are in high
powered positions.
Relationships between Ryan and his colleagues keep the reader entertained. His love of work; finding the right result
for the right reasons comes across; his enthusiasm for his team including Phillips
(who has a love of garish ties), MacKenzie (the female investigation officer
who is an invaluable member of the team), Lowerson (who without giving anything
away is now reunited with the team). The
love of his life Anna who again makes an appearance in the book.
Again, as with the first, this instalment ends with a cliff-hanger, leaving
you wanting the author L J Ross to write faster and quicker to put you out of
your misery. I for one want to know
answers to some questions.
I will add that I don’t like doing spoilers in my reviews, I like to
think that anybody reading the review wants to know what happens and therefore
they will buy the book (and hopefully the first one as well) as they are
intrigued as to what happens next!
If that person is you, and you want to know what this fantastic author
has to offer then I’m afraid, yes you’ve guessed it you’re going to have to
read the book. If you don’t then you
really are missing out on a gem of a read.
I would like to say a special thanks to the
author L J Ross who contacted me via my blog to ask would I like to review this
book and again I am so pleased that I said yes!
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