"Holy Isle" by LJ Ross

LJ Ross has given me a problem with the first of her Northumbrian set DCI Ryan mysteries.  I’ve already mentioned elsewhere on here that I don’t really do series of novels based around a central police character.  Lawyers, reporters or special agents seem to offer much more scope for variety.  It also features a sensationalist plot element that I’m reluctant to buy-in to as a continuing theme and a body count higher than I’m willing to accept as plausible.  

So, despite having enjoyed it, I’d normally not bother to read any more of the series.  But here’s my problem - I loved these characters.  Ryan and academic consultant Anna Taylor spark on the page, and although there’s a case to be made that the professional boundaries being crossed are more than questionable, given the suspension of disbelief required for the plot as a whole it wasn’t an issue for me.  

I don’t think there’s any intention here to provide a particularly accurate portrayal of police work or of the Lindisfarne community, so if that’s what you’re looking for then this won’t be the book for you.  But does everything have to be about gritty realism?  if you’re happy with an entertaining read that takes a few liberties along the road, it’s definitely worth giving this a chance as you could quite possibly find yourself on an 18 book journey with Ryan.  

As for me?  I think I’ll give the next book a go and see if the characters remain sufficiently engaging to overcome my reservations.

Check the DCI Ryan series out here.