When an old man is found dead inside the ancient hermitage at Warkworth Castle, Northumbria CID are called in to investigate. With no apparent motive, it’s their job to unravel why he was murdered – and this time they’re forced to do it without their star detective…
DCI Ryan is thousands of miles away. He’s tracked a killer across Europe and has sworn not to return until he has his man in custody. Nathan Armstrong is a dangerous psychopath but there’s just one problem – he’s also an international celebrity; a world-famous thriller writer with money and connections.
Ryan is a stranger in a foreign land, but he knows one thing – he’ll never give up.
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular landscapes of Northumberland and Tuscany.
LJ Ross is an internationally bestselling author, whose books have sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
Her debut, Holy Island, was released in 2015 and became an instant, international bestseller. Since then, a further eighteen of her novels have gone on to take the coveted #1 spot, some even before general release and whilst only available to ‘pre-order’. The Bookseller magazine has reported on Louise having topped the ‘Most Read’ and ‘Most Sold’ fiction charts, and she has garnered an army of loyal fans who love her atmospheric and addictive storytelling.
Her eleventh novel, The Infirmary, is a prequel story to the DCI Ryan series and is available as a major Audible Originals audio-drama starring Tom Bateman, Kevin Whately, Bertie Carvel, Hermione Norris and Alun Armstrong.
The first novel in her Alexander Gregory Thrillers series, Impostor, was shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2020: Crime & Thriller Book of the Year. The audiobook of Impostor, narrated by Hugh Dancy, was also selected as a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards, Best Fiction Audiobook of the Year Category.
In May 2021, Louise was shortlisted for the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association ‘Dagger in the Library’ award, which recognises an author’s entire body of work having been consistently enjoyed by library borrowers around the United Kingdom, and an author’s longstanding support of libraries.
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 husband and son in Northumberland and Edinburgh. She enjoys reading all manner of books, painting, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
To find out more about the many philanthropic ventures Louise has founded and sponsored through her publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, please visit ‘Philanthropy’.
If you would like to connect with LJ Ross, she would be very happy to hear from you:
Another unputdownable read in the DCI Ryan series by LJ Ross. This time we're following Ryan to Florence, Italy on the trail of a known killer that Ryan sees as the "One That Got Away". Meanwhile back on their own patch Phillips and MacKenzie are looking for the killer of an old man who worked as a boatman at a local historical site. As the investigations march onwards some of Ryan's team join him in Tuscany and we race towards the surprising conclusions. The Hermitage is another must read in this series, which just goes from strength to strength. I'm now looking forward to reading the next in the series, "Longstone". Recommended for all lovers of crime and mysteries.
This was not a bad book, but didn't really work for me as good as the previous books. Not sure what the problem was, some great description of Newcastle and Florence, good characters and a reasonable storyline. But somewhere the magic was missing for me anyway. I am sure this is just a blip, looking forward to book 10. Yet again the best part was the ending.
First of all I would like to say that this marvellous crime novel is the 9th volume of the remarkable "DCI Ryan" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a short appropriate phrase concerning this story, taken from Alexandre Dumas's "The Comte de Monte-Christo".
Next point I would like to mention is that Warkworth Castle and Hermitage, as well beautiful ancient Florence will be acting as historical backgrounds within this excellent mystery.
The book starts off with a prologue set in February 21st, at Warkworth in Northumberland, England, where a killing act will occur that will set into motion dangerous events and lethal actions later on in Florence.
The main story is divided at first with DI MacKenzie, DS Phillips and trainee DC Yates investigating the murder of Edward Clarkson (Charon) in Warkworth, before the first two mentioned will travel to Florence to join DCI Ryan and his wife Anna Taylor-Ryan in their to catch a certain individual called Nathan Armstrong, until eventually certain dangerous and some lethal events from both Warkworth and Florence will come together at one point, towards an astonishing conclusion and an extremely satisfying ending.
What is to follow as a whole is a magnificent and fast-paced read, with beautiful historical backgrounds, great storyline and that will end with a superbly executed plot.
Very much recommended, for this is in my opinion, so far, the best addition of this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Brilliant Heartfelt Revenge"!
Labai man patinko, jau buvau pasiilgusi inspektoriaus Rajeno jo žmonos Anos ir visos komandos. Įtraukiantis pilnas veiksmo ir kartu toks lengvas detektyvas. 😉
I thoroughly enjoyed this 9th book in the DCI Ryan mysteries, especially the Florence setting for Ryan and Anna's investigation and the look back at Ryan's youth and his family's incredible wealth. Featuring a serial killer (or is that two?), the "almost-death" of Ryan and a joyous wedding to boot, there was certainly enough there to keep any savvy sleuth glued to the pages ..... and I was! Simply satisfying conclusion to a long story arc and I'm chomping at the bit to read the next book in line, "Longstone".
The new day brought with it a layer of mist which curled over the rooftops and spires of Florence, weaving through the streets like long fingers as it spread through the city. Ryan leaned against one of the terrace doors to watch it, lifting an espresso to his lips.
Although opening with a murder in Northumbria–the ferryman rowing tourists to the Hermitage castle–nearly 80% of the action takes place in Florence/Tuscan countryside–enough for me to add it to my Italian-theme bookshelf. Starting a series at #9 is probably not a good idea, yet there is enough background/hints at characters from earlier books for this to pass as a standalone, and credit goes to the author for that.
Basically: a sound police procedural. DS Denise MacKenzie heads the investigation, along with fellow detective and fiancé, Frank Phillips-in the absence of DCI Ryan who is in Florence, with wife Anna (an academic), on the trail of celebrity author Nathan Armstrong (a good Northumbrian name)–implicated in murders in the UK yet Ryan unable to provide sufficient evidence for a conviction.
With the release of the 20th anniversary edition of his finest work - Il Mostro, based on true-crime murders in Florence back in the sixties and seventies-Armstrong is on a promotional book tour of Europe, and persons have gone missing in Paris, Vienna and Florence coinciding with his appearances. Yes, there’s a mafia connection; possible money-laundering. Yes, food and art are involved. Ryan’s wife Anna, and later his colleagues, come to grips with the luxury family villa, Villa Lucia that Ryan will inherit, following the murder of his sister.
Aside from the weather, the views and tourist landmarks of the Duomo, the narrow cobbled streets, the famous Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio, what sold me was the historical element used by our latter-day killer.
“The Vasari Corridor,” an enclosed, elevated passageway, built by Cosimo de’ Medici in 1565 to allow his family and their guests to move freely between their residence at the Palazzo Pitti and the government palace at the Palazzo Vecchio without having to sully themselves on the street.”
How’s that for style? An attempted murder, a handful of suspects. Overall, entertaining, with a twist in the end. Nice to read a police procedural based on love, a certain amount of daring, and without the investigator succumbing to alcohol abuse.
I almost got to Northumbria last month, but, unfortunately, plans fell through. Thus, the next best way to travel to NE England is by reading L J Ross’ The Hermitage (DCI Ryan Mystery #9). What a surprise to discover that DCI Ryan and his wife, Anna, are in Italy - Florence, to be exact. You may well be asking ‘Why are Ryan and Anna in Florence?’ ‘Why is McKenzie temporarily sitting in Ryan’s seat at meetings?’ Well, Ryan is on an international manhunt - the one who got away so McKenzie (and Philips) is/are helping out at home with CID. Ryan is more than determined, maybe obsessed, with bringing killer Nathan Armstrong to justice, but Armstrong is also “an international celebrity”. Ryan begins working with the Italian police to attempt to ‘get’ Armstrong. In Italy everything is slower than here in the USA. At least Ryan believes this. He wishes to start this manhunt, but the Italians admire Nathan Armstrong. Thus the Italians wish to tread softly. In addition, one must be aware of every players’ ‘connections’ - one being a well know mafioso family headed by a woman. This superbly weaved story gets somewhat complicated-not confusing just complicated! Anna glimpses her husband’s background. Ryan is being Ryan so McKenzie and Philips are requested to go to Italy to lend a hand. What an eye-opener for them! Not wanting to give away much, I cannot say anymore about the details, but I highly recommend this DCI Mystery especially if you would like to go to Europe, and you are not able to leave right now!! 4.5-5 stars.
Pabaigiau jau devintąją Rajeno serijos knygą ir trečiąją savotiško mini "serialo" dalį - šioje ir dviejuose, prieš tai buvusiose, Rajenas medžiojo tą patį nusikaltėlį.
Šį kartą veiksmas nusikėlė į nuostabiąją Florenciją. Skaitę žino, kad vienas iš stipriausių autorės bruožų yra istorinių vietų aprašymai. L.J.Ross šioje dalyje leido "pasivaikščioti" ne tik po Toskonos apylinkes, bet ir susipažinti su įžymiąja Uficių galerija ir kartu su nusikaltėliu, bei Rajenu paklaidžioti po paslaptingąjį Vazario koridorių. Kalbant apie detektyvinę knygos pusę, priekaištų neturiu. Knygoje labai įdomiai susipynė dvi atskiros siužetinės linijos, o nusikaltėlių paieškos padovanojo nemažai įtampos. Smagu, kad autorei vis dar pavyksta nustebinti. Jau laukiu susitikimo su Rajeno komanda, sekančioje dalyje.
The majority of this story is set over in Italy. Oh my, how the author brings the area vividly to life. Yes this may be a dark and chilling read in parts but boy did I fall in love with the place. The descriptions were just to wonderful not to.
I have to say for me the star of this book is Phillips. He brings some light relief to the story and many a times I found myself grinning at his local dialogue. Believe me, by the end of the book, you can't help ever so slightly falling a little bit in love with him yourself. He really is such a sweetheart.
It's probably best to have read previous books in the story to get the most from this book as there is a bit of background you would be better of knowing to do with Ryan and Anna. It was great to catch up with them and see where the author was going to take us all next.
The Hermitage was a gripping page turner of a read that I couldn't help but devour pretty much in one go. It was just to fabulous not to. The author is certainly one who is well known for bringing the settings in her books to life and you can't help but get wrapped up with the scenery as well as all the goings on in the case. The pace starts off steady and picks up throughout as we get nearer to the end and I enjoyed every minute of it. A highly recommended read.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Ši serija sukelia visišką priklausomybę ir perskaičiusi devynias knygas vis dar nepavargau nuo R.J. Ross sukurtos istorijos. 💛
Vienas iš būdų išgauti daugiau naudos iš knygos veikėjų – išvesti juos iš komforto zonos ir išstumti iki galimybių ribos. 😳 Būtent taip ir atsitinka, kai detektyvas inspektorius Rajenas išvyksta iš Nortumbrijos į Florenciją, bandydamas pagauti pavojingą psichopatą, kuris iki šiol puikiai sugebėjo nuslėpti savo pėdsakus. Neitano Armstrongo arogancija muša visas lubas. Vyriškis įsivaizduoja, kad jo įžymybės statusas visada leidžia būti vienu žingsniu priekyje, tačiau inspektorius neatsilieka ir lipa jam ant kulnų. 😏
Jau ne kartą esu minėjusi, kad Ross knygose dažnai narpliojami keli tyrimai vienu metu. Niekuo nesiskyrė ir „Atsiskyrėlio buveinė“. Viena siužeto linija seka Rajeną, o kita- Filipsą ir Makenzi, kurie stengiasi surasti senyvo žmogaus, dirbusio valtininku, žudiką.
Dar nė karto nebuvau nusivylusi šia serija. R.J. Ross vis sugeba maloniai nustebinti. 👌🏻
"— Galiu pasakyti, Džefai, kad šįkart mums pasitaikė kietas riešutėlis."
Šioje dalyje tęsiasi Neitano Armstrongo gaudynės, kurio Rajenas niekaip negali pagauti, nes jis puikiai išsisuka. Viena bėda, kad Neitanas pavojingas psichopatas yra garsus trilerių rašytojas. Šį kartą veiksmas persikėlė į Toskaną ir jos nuostabų kraštą. Netikėtai atskleidžiamos dar kelios žmogžudystės ir svarbūs įrodymai, kurie pagaliau padeda sugauti nusikaltėlį.
"— Kas žino, kas tų puspročių galvose, — Filipsas, kaip visada, pasidalijo išmintimi."
Šios autorės knygos niekada nenuvilia. Ypač jei norisi lengvo detektyvo su humoro ir meilės linija. Veikėjų tarpusavio glaudus ryšys, palaikymas ir atsidavimas labai žavi. Nora ir bendradarbiai, bet geri draugai ir puikiai aprašomas šeimyniškas gyvenimas.
Vyresnysis inspektorius Rajenas — už tūkstančių kilometrų. Jis nusivijo žudiką per Europą ir prisiekė negrįžti, kol jo nesuims. Neitanas Armstrongas yra pavojingas psichopatas, bet iškyla dar viena bėda: jis garsus, visame pasaulyje žinomas trilerių rašytojas, nestokojantis pinigų ir ryšių. Rajenas atsiduria svetimoje šalyje, kur jo niekas nepažįsta, bet inspektorius žino viena — niekada nepasiduos."
Uch kokio gerumo ši serijos knyga 😍 Tikrai negalėjau atsiplėšti nuo knygos 💥 Įtampa, jaudulys, intriga, medžioklė, pinklės 👌👏 Viskas ko reikia greito siužeto detektyvui buvo šioje serijos knygoje 👏 O kad knyga būtų dar įdomesnė - ji nestokojo nei humoro, nei romantikos 🥰 Ross niekada nėra manęs nuvylusi, o šį kartą net gi labai maloniai nustebino 👏 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Kaip buvo gerai! Pagaliau susidėliojo taškai ant i ir Neitano Armstrongo byloje! Tikriausiai šis varikliukas mane ir vežė visas tris paskutines serijos dalis! Žaviuosi autorės išradingumu taip painiai sukti istoriją, o knygos gale viską logiškai ir sklandžiai paaiškinti. Buvo wow! Ne veltui mėgstu Ross. Kai norisi detektyvo, bet ne per daug baisaus, tai Ross pats geriausias pasirinkimas 💚
The ninth in this series, this one is set in Northumberland and Florence ! Quite a departure for Ryan to be in foreign lands, but it added to my enjoyment. The usual characters are there , and I liked the story line. DCI Ryan does seem at times a bit tooperfect for words, but nevertheless it is a good series when you fancy a quick read :-)
Thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue with this one, how the 2 crime scenes played out and the team's investigation skills. The Ryans, Phillips and McKenzie are an absolutely fabulous team. The author really has captured my imagination. I listened to this one on audio via BorrowBox.
Yet another brilliant book from L J Ross. This series just gets better and better. In this book Ryan and Anna head to Italy to track down Armstrong after he sent postcards to their home. Ryan won’t feel safe until he’s caught so asks the Italian police to help him. Back home, a ferryman is brutally murdered near a historic landmark and Frank and Mackenzie try and work out who took his life. I can’t say too much more and this book has lots of great twists and I loved the ending in more ways than one. On to the next book for me :)
Angry with myself for hoping this series would get better. It hasn’t. Ryan is too utterly fucking perfect and everyone else has the flaws. Sigh. It’s like reading someone's fanfic squeeeeing
This is the first time that I've given a book in this series 4 stars however, I still very much enjoyed this book - I just want to make that clear.
The reason I am rating it 4 stars is simply because I have preferred the others so far. Still a fantastic storyline that had me gripped. Maybe I'm getting a little fed up that the best things happen at the end?
I also missed Ryan and Frank working together as a big bulk of the book had them separated.
There are two storylines over a 1000 miles apart. Near Warkworth, at the Hermitage, the ferryman on the River Coquet is found murdered. He is a bit of a recluse, someone who has been keeping himself to himself and as the story peels back, it becomes clear he is not all he seems.
Ryan and his new wife Anna are hotly pursuing their nemesis, Nathan Armstrong. Both have history with him but he has managed to evade being charged with previous murders, although his culpability is absolutely clear, evidence has been insufficient. He is currently in the midst of a book signing tour across Europe – his book “Il Mostro’ has been a chart topper for a long time. It details the pattern of a serial killer which coincidentally seems a little close to home; after all, Armstrong has seemingly killed people before and with new deaths coming to light, coinciding with his book tour stops, all paths seem to point in one direction.
The Ryans arrive at Villa Lucia, not far from Piazzale Michelangelo in the city and settle in to plot their strategy. The local police need winning over and there is still quite some investigating to be done. An evening at the Uffizi – a masked gathering to add an extra layer of frisson – for one of Nathan Armstrong’s book signings sees a real turn in events and by this time his close ally from Newcastle, Frank Phillips and his fiancée Denise MacKenzie, are on the scene. They are struggling with their own wedding plans but with mounting deaths, they must put their personal issues to one side.
Intrigue, Mafia connections and negotiating Florentine Polizia procedurals combine to make this a very readable and buzzy book.
L J Ross has a very loyal following and it is justifiably increasing all the time. She is a fine example of an author who has made self-publishing work for her. It is a lovely series that is easy to read, the chapters are connective and don’t leave the reader hanging for prolonged periods. Is L J Ross the Donna Leon of Northumberland, with a brief outing to Florence? Yes, actually I think she is, but check out her books for yourself.
I am always SO excited when there's a new DCI Ryan mystery to devour. I absolutely LOVE this series! L J Ross's writing is just awesome and I know I'm in for a treat with each new addition to the series. The Hermitage (Book 9) is another brilliant addition and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. If you haven't read this series yet, then why not? You really are missing out! Holy Island is book 1 if you'd like to start from the beginning, as I prefer to do. If you read that you will be hooked, like me, I'm sure! First of all, that ending! So beautiful! It brought a tear to my eye and put a big smile on my face. What a lovely way to end such a tense story. I am so fond of some of the characters in this series now. It does feel like catching up with friends. I have to say I have loved the fact that this book is set in Italy also. I SO want to go there. Even more so now! I'd love a villa like Ryan's ;-) If only! I was on the edge of my seat reading this story as Ryan fought to prove that Nathan Armstrong, despite being a famous author with a huge fan base, is actually a dangerous psychopath who has so far literally got away with murder. It was never going to be an easy task, especially with the Italian authorities not being convinced they have anything solid on Armstrong, but Ryan and his team are determined. However, they could not be prepared for what they would uncover during this investigation. Nothing is quite as it seems and each twist in the story is as shocking as the last. The truth is quite sad and highlights just how far some people will go for fame and fortune, not caring who they have to stamp on to get there. Also, how grief can consume some people until revenge seems like their only option to find peace and justice. Brilliantly written, as always. Page-turner is an understatement! I can't recommend highly enough! I can't wait to read book 10! Thanks SO much to L J Ross for my mobi and beautiful signed paperback copy (and chocolate!).
There’s something very special when a detective leaves his or hers home turf and flies half way across the world to investigate someone…Ryan and Anna are off to Florence and it’s a world away from Northumberland but really allows us to see a new and different side to the characters. Anna in particular made me laugh and high-five myself with the attitude she has here. Ryan is out investigating so she isn’t going to sit in the house, even if it is a villa!
I SO wanted to live in this fictional villa. It’s pretty darn special. Anna is impressed and so was I! There’s not much time for cocktails on the terrace however before the reason they’ve come here kicks off and all hell breaks loose. The city of Florence is brought to life with startling quality from the cobbled streets, vespas, ice creams and coffee. There’s lot of lovely mentions of sites, impressive buildings and a little bit of history sprinkled through the text which really helps to picture things. First time there for Anna so as well as work, they to are discovering the city when they have time.
The Uffizi Galllery is an impressive venue anytime but as a setting for a crime investigation, it really comes unto its own. I was fascinated learning more about the history and status of this gallery. And the setting worked well for this investigation. Ryan and Anna are out of place in one way and doesn’t the Italian police let them know! But it allows their characters to develop and shine on another level.
Don’t think that Northumberland is left out. There’s enough Northern heritage here to keep fans happy. And just think – Ryan’s away for now – so when the cat’s away, those police mice play! Some very funny scenes here.
So, The Hermitage? Don’t be a hermit – get outside and buy this book!
I loved The Hermitage, such a wonderful book. I went on an amazing journey between the North of England and Italy. The way the book was written, made me feel like I was there with Ryan and the gang. Great characters and a good plot kept me rooted to my seat. This is a fantastic series and I would highly recommend this book.
One of my favourite books in the series, fantastic storyline and characters as always, the way the author takes us through Florence make you feel like you know the place