Books published by Dark Skies Publishing

When the gods made man, they made a weapon... After uncovering a fresh wave of corruption within the ranks of Northumbria CID, Detective Chief Inspector Ryan was looking forward to an uneventful summer. But, when a young woman is shot dead on the remote army ranges of the Northumberland National Park, Ryan is called in to investigate. Meanwhile, violent crimes are being committed across sites of historic importance in the North East, the perpetrator leaving only a graffitied symbol as their calling card. As the body count rises, Ryan and his team must unravel the mystery behind its meaning - before it's too late... Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. "LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times "A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

A murder for the history books¿ After a long and eventful winter, DCI Ryan and his team are looking forward to the joys of spring. But, when one of their colleagues is shot dead on her own doorstep and the brass think it¿s an inside job, Ryan finds himself drafted in to investigate. He¿s barely scratched the surface when reports flood in of a terror explosion at Durham Cathedral. Chaos descends on the sleepy, historic city and, when the smoke clears, they find a priceless artefact that once belonged to Saint Cuthbert is missing. With tensions running at an all-time high, unable to trust the local police, can Ryan and his team bring a killer to justice ¿ and restore Cuthbert¿s cross to its natural resting place? Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular landscape of County Durham. ¿LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers¿ ¿ The Times ¿A literary phenomenon¿ ¿ Evening Chronicle

Christmas can be murder... After a busy year fighting crime, DCI Ryan and his team of murder detectives are enjoying a festive season of goodwill, mulled wine and, in the case of DS Phillips, a stottie cake or two-that is, until a freak snowstorm forces their car off the main road and into the remote heart of Northumberland. Their Christmas spirit is soon tested when they're forced to find shelter inside England's most haunted castle, where they're the uninvited guests at a 'Candlelit Ghost Hunt'. It's all fun and games-until one of the guests is murdered. It seems no mortal hand could have committed the crime, so Ryan and Co. must face the spectres living inside the castle walls to uncover the grisly truth, before another ghost joins their number... Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. "LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times "A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

When you sell your soul, the devil gives no refunds... When an old man is burned alive in a sleepy ex-mining village, Detective Chief Inspector Ryan is called in to investigate. He soon discovers that, beneath the facade of a close-knit community, the burn from decades-old betrayal still smoulders. When everyone had a motive, can he unravel the secrets of the past before the killer strikes again? Meanwhile, back at Northumbria CID, trouble is brewing with rumours of a mole in Ryan¿s department. With everyone under suspicion, can he count on anybody but himself? Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. ¿LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers¿ ¿ The Times ¿A literary phenomenon¿ ¿ Evening Chronicle

The circus is in town¿ When a ten-year-old girl turns up on DCI Ryan¿s doorstep to tell him she¿s witnessed a murder, he has no idea he¿s about to step into his most spellbinding case yet. The circus has rolled into Newcastle upon Tyne, bringing with it a troupe of daring acrobats, magicians, jugglers¿and one of them is a killer. Ryan and his team must break through their closed ranks to uncover a secret which has lain buried for eight years, before the killer strikes again¿this time, to silence the only living witness¿ Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. ¿LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers¿ ¿ The Times ¿A literary phenomenon¿ ¿ Evening Chronicle

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLANDHell has unleashed a demon - and he's coming for you...Detective Chief Inspector Ryan's worst nightmare has just become a reality. Notorious serial killer The Hacker has escaped prison and kidnapped one of his best detectives from her own home. His brutality is the stuff of legend - Ryan lost his sister and nearly his own life bringing the man to justice first time around. Can Ryan do it again to save his friend? There's a nationwide manhunt underway but the trail has gone cold and fear spreads like a virus. Ryan and his team must find The Hacker before he takes another life - but are they too late? The clock is ticking...Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. "A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle"LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND AND IMPOSTOR THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY... When a cantankerous old woman dies at her home in the sleepy, picturesque village of Bamburgh, DCI Ryan doesn't think much of it-except, that is, for the small matter of it having been his wife who happened to find her body. 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... Meanwhile, after a recent revelation about her sister, DC Melanie Yates' quest to avenge her death is becoming an obsession-much to the concern of those around her. With a new DCS to contend with and hundreds of cold case files to sift through, the chances of uncovering a dormant killer seem unlikely. But as Melanie delves deeper into the secrets of the past to uncover the truth, she soon realises it lies much closer to home... Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. "LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times "A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DCI RYAN MYSTERIES You can't run from the past... Back in London after a dramatic trip to North America, Doctor Alexander Gregory finds himself without an occupation while he awaits the all-important decision of the disciplinary panel at Southmoor Hospital. That is, until he witnesses the death of a famous actor, live on stage during the opening night of King Lear. When the police rule the death suspicious, they call upon the elite services of Gregory and his partner in criminal profiling, Bill Douglas. Gregory is paired with attractive investigating officer DCI Hope and tensions arise-especially when an old foe resurfaces. With bodies piling up and no new leads, Gregory and Hope realise they must look to the past to uncover the truth-before it's too late. Immersed in the glamorous world of celebrity, Gregory soon learns that, beneath the surface, things are far murkier than they seem... Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst London's vibrant Theatreland. "LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle"LJ Ross is the Queen of Kindle" - Sunday Telegraph

FROM THE SHADOWS INTO THE LIGHT... When a fishing boat is wrecked off the treacherous North Sea coast and the body of a young woman washes up on the beach beside the iconic `Marsden Rock¿, DCI Ryan cannot ignore the call to duty. With one already dead and more human cargo missing from the wreckage, Ryan and his team race to find the remaining souls ¿ before it¿s too late, and their investigation turns to murder. As they uncover the seedy underbelly of Tyneside, cold and calculated opportunism clashes with the rock-hard arm of the Law, but there¿s one thing that proves stronger than stone¿ The human spirit. Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular North Eastern landscape. ¿LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers¿ ¿ The Times ¿A literary phenomenon¿ ¿ Evening Chronicle

A SECRET KEPT FOR A THOUSAND YEARS...After the dramatic theft of a priceless artefact from Durham Cathedral, the rest of the world believes that DCI Ryan and his team were able to recover and return St. Cuthbert's cross to its rightful home. But Ryan knows the cross he recovered was a fake-far from being over, their problems are only just beginning...Just as Ryan and his team begin to unravel the truth behind the spate of mysterious thefts, something even more priceless is stolen-something that can never be replaced. As the nationwide manhunt continues without success, Ryan is thrust into despair-until he realises the answer lies not in modern policing but in an age-old secret known only to a chosen few. To recover what's been lost, he must first crack 'Cuthbert's Code', following the trail of a long-dead saint across the wild, unpredictable hills and valleys of the borderlands. Can Ryan find what he's looking for, before it's too late? He's going to need a miracle...Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.  "LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times "A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

** THE PREQUEL TO THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER HOLY ISLAND AND NOW A MAJOR NEW AUDIBLE ORIGINALS DRAMA STARRING TOM BATEMAN, KEVIN WHATELY, HERMIONE NORRIS AND ALUN ARMSTRONG **No man is an island...In the stifling summer heat of 2014, a killer has been stalking the streets of Newcastle causing city-wide panic. When the officer in charge of the case turns up dead, it falls upon Detective Chief Inspector Ryan to take up the baton and find the person responsible.To the close-knit team of police in Northumbria CID, Ryan is still an outsider; aloof and uncompromising. He's lived a charmed life and has an unbroken track record to match. But, as The Hacker's death toll rises, Ryan realises this is one adversary he'll never bring to justice on his own... Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced crime thriller, set amidst the iconic North-Eastern landscape. "LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

Between the devil and the deep blue sea...Viking treasure is discovered beneath the icy waters of the North Sea and local historian Doctor Anna Taylor is called in to help catalogue the most exciting hoard in living memory. But when a shipwreck diver washes up dead, she's soon out of her depth. Luckily, she knows just the person to call...When DCI Ryan arrives at the picturesque fishing town of Seahouses, he''s faced with an impenetrable wall of secrets and lies. As he juggles marine archaeology and the cutthroat world of shipwreck diving, another murder blows the case wide open. To uncover the truth, Ryan must delve deeper into the hearts of those around him to find what lies beneath...Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. "LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND AND SEVEN BRIDGESHe thought he was invincible, but he was wrong... 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 keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times "A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

THE EXPLOSIVE SEQUEL TO THE UK #1 BESTSELLER HOLY ISLANDThe 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.

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLAND AND DARK SKIESRyan''s most explosive case yet¿It''s been five months since a killer walked free and DCI Ryan is preparing to leave Newcastle to hunt him down - this time, for good. But Ryan''s plans are scuppered when events take a dramatic turn and he is forced to stay and face his past one last time, or watch a friend suffer the consequences. Amid the chaos, another killer is preparing to strike. When the Tyne Bridge explodes, Ryan''s team are faced with a frantic race to uncover a deadly foe who won''t stop until every bridge is burned, along with everybody on it...Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. ¿LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers¿ ¿ The Times¿A literary phenomenon¿ ¿ Evening Chronicle

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DCI RYAN MYSTERIES In a world gone mad, who can you trust?  Fresh from a high-profile case in the Paris fashion world, elite forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory receives a call from the New York State Homicide Squad. The girlfriend of a notorious criminal has been admitted to a private psychiatric hospital and can no longer testify in his upcoming trial. Without her, their case will collapse but, amidst reports that the staff are as unpredictable as their patients, who can the police trust? In desperation, they turn to an outsider and now Gregory must find the courage to step inside the fortified walls of Buchanan Hospital to uncover the truth. The question is, will he ever be the same again? Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Catskill Forest.

In a beautiful world, murder is always ugly¿Recently returned from his last case in Ireland, elite forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory receives a call from the French police that he can¿t ignore. It¿s Paris fashion week and some of the world¿s most beautiful women are turning up dead, their faces slashed in a series of frenzied attacks while the world¿s press looks on.Amidst the carnage, one victim has survived but she¿s too traumatised to talk. Without her help, the police are powerless to stop the killer before he strikes again ¿ can Gregory unlock the secrets of her mind, before it¿s too late?Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Parisian landscape.

After an elite criminal profiling unit is shut down amidst a storm of scandal and mismanagement, only one person emerges unscathed. Forensic psychologist Doctor Alexander Gregory has a reputation for being able to step inside the darkest minds to uncover whatever secrets lie hidden there and, soon enough, he finds himself drawn into the murky world of murder investigation. In the beautiful hills of County Mayo, Ireland, a killer is on the loose. Panic has a stranglehold on its rural community and the Garda are running out of time. Gregory has sworn to follow a quiet life but, when the call comes, can he refuse to help their desperate search for justice? Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Irish landscape.

Everyday Kindness is a charity anthology of short, fictional stories of kindness, edited by L J Ross and published through her imprint, Dark Skies Publishing. These uplifting tales of hope and of small, everyday kindnesses are intended to be read daily, through the course of a year, to support wider, positive mental health goals and foster wellbeing through the act of reading tales of goodwill inspired by others. Featuring authors across the spectrum of literature, some international bestsellers and award-winning writers amongst them, this is a unique collection of words to inspire hope, in direct response to the Covid-19 crisis. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Shelter, a charity that helps millions of people a year struggling with bad housing or homelessness. Authors include: LJ Ross, Adam Hamdy, Alex Smith, Alexander Gordon Smith, Alison Stockham, Anne O'Leary, Barbara Copperthwaite, JD Kirk, CL Taylor, Caroline Mitchell, Chris McDonald, CK McDonnell, Claire Sheehy, Clare Flynn, Darren O'Sullivan, David Leadbeater, Debbie Young, Deborah Carr, Emma Robinson, Graham Brack, HM Lynn, Heather Martin, Holly Martin, Ian Sainsbury, Imogen Clark, James Gilbert, Jane Corry, Jean Gill, JJ Marsh, Judith O'Reilly, Kelly Clayton, Kim Nash, Liz Fenwick, Louise Beech, Lousie Jensen, Louise Mumford, Malcolm Hollingdrake, Marcia Woolf, Mark Stay, Marcie Steele, Natasha Bache, Nick Jackson, Nick Quantrill, Nicky Black, Patricia Gibney, Rachel Sargeant, Rob Parker, Rob Scragg, SE Lynes, Shelley Day, Casey Kelleher, Sophie Hannah, Leah Mercer, Victoria Connelly, Victoria Cooke, Will Dean.

Holy Island by Lj Ross is a captivating narrative that will transport you to a world of mystery and suspense. Published in 2020 by Dark Skies Publishing, this novel falls under the genre of mystery and thriller, keeping readers on the edge of their seats till the very end. Lj Ross, renowned for her storytelling prowess, weaves a tale that is as engaging as it is unpredictable. Set against the backdrop of the Holy Island, the story unravels a series of events that will leave you guessing till the last page. This book is a testament to Ross's ability to create a riveting storyline that captivates the reader's imagination. If you're a fan of mystery novels, Holy Island by Lj Ross is a must-have addition to your collection, courtesy of Dark Skies Publishing.

FROM THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOLY ISLANDBeware what lies beneath...One fateful, starry night, three friends embark on a secret camping trip but only two return home. Thirty years later, the body of a teenage boy rises from the depths of England's biggest reservoir and threatens to expose a killer who has lain dormant...until now. Detective Chief Inspector Ryan returns from honeymoon to face danger from all sides. In the depths of Kielder Forest, a murderer has escaped justice before and will do anything to protect the secrets of the past. Meanwhile, back at Northumbria CID, an old foe has taken the helm as Superintendent and is determined to destroy Ryan at any cost. Who will prevail in Ryan's most dangerous case yet?Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. "LJ Ross keeps company with the best mystery writers" - The Times"A literary phenomenon" - Evening Chronicle

Two new books in the crime series featuring DCI Ryan, set in the Northumbrian landscape.