Are you a fan of gripping crime thrillers set against the breathtaking backdrop of Northumberland? If so, LJ Ross and her bestselling DCI Ryan and Alexander Gregory series are must-reads! Since her debut novel Holy Island took the Amazon UK charts by storm in 2015, LJ Ross has captivated millions with her atmospheric mysteries, compelling characters, and intricate plots. Whether you’re new to her work or a devoted fan, this guide provides the complete LJ Ross books in order, including publication dates, tips for new readers, and why these series are so addictive. Let’s dive into the world of DCI Ryan, Dr. Gregory, and more!
Why Read LJ Ross Books in Order?
LJ Ross’s novels, particularly the DCI Ryan series, are best enjoyed in publication order to follow the character development and overarching story arcs. The series follows Detective Chief Inspector Ryan as he solves complex murder mysteries in North East England, with settings like Holy Island and Hadrian’s Wall adding a rich, atmospheric layer. The Alexander Gregory thrillers, featuring a forensic psychologist, offer a different but equally thrilling perspective. Reading in order ensures you catch every twist, character growth, and recurring villain, like the shadowy cult from Holy Island. Plus, fans on X rave about the immersive settings and addictive storytelling, making chronological reading a rewarding experience!
Complete List of LJ Ross Books in Order of Release Date
Below is a comprehensive list of all LJ Ross books in order of their publication date, organized by series and including standalone works. This table covers the DCI Ryan Mysteries, Alexander Gregory Thrillers, Summer Suspense Mysteries, and other publications up to October 2024.
| Release Date | Title | Series | Book Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2015 | Holy Island | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 1 |
| September 2015 | Sycamore Gap | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 2 |
| March 2016 | Heavenfield | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 3 |
| August 2016 | Angel | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 4 |
| January 2017 | High Force | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 5 |
| July 2017 | Cragside | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 6 |
| January 2018 | Dark Skies | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 7 |
| July 2018 | Seven Bridges | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 8 |
| January 2019 | The Hermitage | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 9 |
| October 2019 | Impostor | Alexander Gregory Thrillers | 1 |
| January 2020 | The Infirmary (Prequel) | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 11 |
| March 2020 | Hysteria | Alexander Gregory Thrillers | 2 |
| July 2020 | The Moor | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 12 |
| August 2020 | Bedlam | Alexander Gregory Thrillers | 3 |
| July 2019 | Longstone | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 10 |
| January 2021 | Penshaw | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 13 |
| June 2021 | The Cove | Summer Suspense Mysteries | 1 |
| July 2021 | Borderlands | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 14 |
| November 2021 | Everyday Kindness (Anthology) | Standalone | – |
| December 2021 | Ryan’s Christmas | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 15 |
| March 2022 | Mania | Alexander Gregory Thrillers | 4 |
| July 2022 | The Shrine | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 16 |
| November 2022 | The Rock | Summer Suspense Mysteries | 2 |
| January 2023 | Bamburgh | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 17 |
| May 2023 | The Bay | Summer Suspense Mysteries | 3 |
| July 2023 | Lady’s Well | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 18 |
| October 2023 | The Creek | Summer Suspense Mysteries | 4 |
| January 2024 | Death Rocks | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 19 |
| July 2024 | Cuthbert’s Way | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 20 |
| October 2024 | Belsay | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 21 |
| January 2025 | Amnesia | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 22 |
| August 2025 | Untitled (DCI Ryan #23) | DCI Ryan Mysteries | 23 |
| September 2025 | Untitled (Alexander Gregory #5) | Alexander Gregory Thrillers | 5 |
Notes:
- The DCI Ryan series is best read in publication order, though The Infirmary is a prequel. The author recommends reading it after Longstone to avoid spoilers.
- Everyday Kindness is a charity anthology of short stories by various authors, curated by LJ Ross.
- Lady’s Well was temporarily removed from publication due to the author’s illness but was released in July 2023.
- Two upcoming titles for 2025 are confirmed but untitled as of October 2024.
- Publication dates for 2025 titles are based on Amazon pre-order listings and may be subject to change.
For the latest updates on LJ Ross’s releases, visit her official website (ljrossauthor.com) or follow her on X (@LJRossAuthor).
LJ Ross DCI Ryan Series in Order
The DCI Ryan series, set in the rugged landscapes of Northumberland, is LJ Ross’s flagship work, with over 20 novels and counting. Here’s the complete list in publication order, updated as of October 2024:
- Holy Island (January 2015)
DCI Ryan seeks sanctuary on Holy Island but uncovers a chilling murder tied to a dangerous cult. The novel that started it all! - Sycamore Gap (July 2015)
A body near the iconic Sycamore Gap tree pulls Ryan into a case along Hadrian’s Wall. - Heavenfield (March 2016)
A murder in a historic church tests Ryan’s resolve as past enemies resurface. - Angel (August 2016)
A killer stalks Newcastle, and Ryan must stop them before more lives are lost. - High Force (January 2017)
Ryan hunts a serial killer in the dramatic Durham countryside. - Cragside (July 2017)
A murder at the historic Cragside estate unveils dark secrets. - Dark Skies (January 2018)
A body in Kielder Water leads Ryan to a decades-old mystery. - Seven Bridges (July 2018)
A terrorist threat in Newcastle pushes Ryan to his limits. - The Hermitage (January 2019)
A death at Warkworth Castle uncovers a web of deceit. - Longstone (July 2019)
A Viking-inspired murder on the Farne Islands challenges Ryan’s team. - The Infirmary (January 2020, prequel)
A serial killer haunts Newcastle in this gripping prequel. Best read after Longstone for context. - The Moor (July 2020)
A circus brings danger to Northumberland’s moors. - Penshaw (January 2021)
A murder in Durham’s Penshaw Monument stirs local tensions. - Borderlands (July 2021)
A cross-border case takes Ryan into Scotland’s wilds. - Ryan’s Christmas (December 2021)
A festive novella with Ryan facing a holiday mystery. - The Shrine (July 2022)
A sacred site becomes a crime scene in this chilling installment. - Bamburgh (January 2023)
A cliffhanger at Bamburgh Castle keeps readers on edge. - Death Rocks (July 2023)
A body on a Northumberland beach uncovers a sinister plot. - Cuthbert’s Way (January 2024)
A pilgrimage route hides deadly secrets. - Belsay (July 2024)
A murder at Belsay Hall tests Ryan’s instincts. - Amnesia (October 2024)
The latest novel, where a mysterious case challenges Ryan’s past and present.
Tip: Start with Holy Island to meet DCI Ryan and his team. While The Infirmary is a prequel, it’s best read later to avoid spoilers and appreciate character depth. Fans on X suggest reading in order for the full emotional impact of Ryan’s journey.
LJ Ross Alexander Gregory Series in Order
For fans of psychological thrillers, the Dr. Alexander Gregory series offers intense, character-driven stories. Here’s the list in publication order:
- Impostor (October 2019)
Forensic psychologist Dr. Gregory tackles a serial killer case in Ireland. - Hysteria (March 2020)
A Paris fashion week murder draws Gregory into a glamorous but deadly world. - Bedlam (August 2020)
A New York case tests Gregory’s profiling skills. - Mania (March 2022)
A chilling case pushes Gregory to confront his own demons.
Tip: The Gregory series is shorter but equally gripping. Start with Impostor to understand Gregory’s complex personality.
LJ Ross Summer Suspense Series
The Summer Suspense series offers standalone thrillers with a lighter, romantic tone. Currently, there’s one novel:
- The Cove (June 2021)
Kate Irving arrives in Cornwall with her son, only to face a tragedy that unravels her past.
Why LJ Ross Books Are So Popular
LJ Ross’s novels blend suspense, romance, and humor, set in vivid locations like Holy Island and Sycamore Gap, which fans describe as “transporting” and “addictive.” Her legal background adds authenticity to the investigative plots, while her characters—like the brooding DCI Ryan and introspective Dr. Gregory—grow with each book, keeping readers invested. With over 8 million copies sold and translations in 11 languages, her work resonates globally. Fans on X praise the audio versions, narrated by Jonathan Keeble, for bringing the stories to life, with some calling them “Morse-like” in quality.
Tips for New Readers
- Start with Holy Island: It introduces DCI Ryan and the atmospheric Northumberland setting.
- Read in Order: Character arcs, like Ryan’s battles with the cult from Holy Island, evolve over time.
- Try Audiobooks: Fans love the Audible narrations for their immersive quality.
- Explore Settings: Visit Northumberland locations like Lindisfarne or Bamburgh Castle to feel the stories’ ambiance.
- Check for Updates: LJ Ross writes quickly, often releasing two books a year, so stay tuned for new releases!
FAQs About LJ Ross Books
Q: Should I read LJ Ross books in order?
A: Yes, especially for the DCI Ryan series, as character development and recurring plotlines build across books. Start with Holy Island for the best experience.
Q: Are the Alexander Gregory books connected to DCI Ryan?
A: No, they’re a separate series, but both share LJ Ross’s signature suspense and rich settings.
Q: When is the next DCI Ryan book coming out?
A: As of October 2024, Amnesia is the latest, but LJ Ross often releases new titles every six months. Check her website for updates.
Q: Are LJ Ross books good for TV adaptations?
A: Fans on X think so! Many compare the DCI Ryan series to Morse and believe it would make a stellar TV drama.
Where to Find LJ Ross Books
You can find LJ Ross’s books on Amazon, Audible, and major bookstores like Waterstones. Her official website, ljrossauthor.com, offers updates on new releases and signed copies. For the latest buzz, check X for fan discussions about her books and settings.
Conclusion: Start Your LJ Ross Journey Today!
LJ Ross’s DCI Ryan and Alexander Gregory series offer thrilling mysteries, unforgettable characters, and the stunning backdrop of North East England. With 31 books and counting, there’s plenty to dive into. Start with Holy Island and read in order to experience the full depth of her storytelling. Have you read any LJ Ross books yet? Share your favorite in the comments or join the conversation on X!
Happy reading, and enjoy the suspense!
