Mel has become obsessive since some DNA recently surfaced that matched the DNA found on her murdered twin’s body in 2007.

LJ Ross is an internationally bestselling author, whose books have sold over 7 million copies worldwide. The whole team are looking for the killer but Mel must stay in the background to not prejudice the case.

I'm a great admirer of L J Ross and have recommended her books to many friends and family but this was not one of her best.

An enjoyably light murder mystery with likeable characters and an atmospheric setting, Bamburgh is a fast-paced whodunnit strengthened by strong police procedural and lots of humorous dialogue. However, there will be another story after this one so maybe that one will answer some of my lingering questions. DCI Ryan’s North East Ever thought of retracing the footsteps of DCI Ryan and DS Phillips in the North East of England? 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. You can really tell that Ross has a lot of love for her characters, and I most definitely want to go back and start to get to know them better!

While I enjoyed Holy Island, I wasn't sure how I felt about the romance aspect of the story as I thought it felt a little abrupt. It’s just as well the characters are so damn loveable and, after 18 books, we’re invested in them, and the overall story so gripping you keep reading. She enjoys reading all manner of books, painting, travelling and spending time with family and friends. Optional Extra - Have your items come hand wrapped in brown paper packaging tied up with string and with their very own North East tourist tip. Nothing wrong with all that – it’s in keeping with her character and the way in which her sister’s murder has not only torn her family apart, and haunted her for years but also set her on her current career path.

Overall, one star for the whole gang, one star for the engaging storytelling, half a star for the humour, and half a star for the gardener. DCI Ryan voices what everyone is thinking “The man’s got all the charm and personality of a rainbow trout. I've only previously read the first book in this series and I wouldn't have described myself as a fan yet.So begins the new installment in the DCI Ryan Mysteries, and I loved it even if parts of what is read is difficult to swallow because it is so awful - police awful. For me L J Ross has let me down as a long term fan because she seems to have forgotten what makes a good murder-mystery/thriller really work. However, I have to admit that I found quite a few elements of this installment reminiscent of previous ones.