Sycamore Gap – L J Ross (DCI Ryan #2)

Sycamore Gap (DCI Ryan #2)

 

 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!