- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 1977 KB
- Print Length: 280 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07SQGT3L3
Synopsis
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?
Review
Penshaw is the thirteenth book in the fabulous DCI Ryan series, set in the beautiful North East of England, which I’m proud to call my home. This book follows straight on from the cliffhanger ending of The Moor, where Philip’s and MacKenzie were about make a life altering decision, and DCI Jack Lowerson finds himself in a dangerous situation. After a fire at a house in Penshaw, Ryan and Philips are called in to see if there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Ryan also finds himself heading Operation Watchman, a cross department initiative aimed at bringing down Bobby Singh and his drugs business. With two investigations and the suspicions of a mole in the team, DCI Ryan finds himself pulled in several directions and not able to confide in anyone, not even Philip’s.
Since finishing The Moor with it’s shocking cliffhanger, I have been chomping at the bit to get my hands on Penshaw. Only two days have passed time wise between the ending of one book to the beginning of the next, but a lot seems to have happened. DCI Jack Lowerson found himself in a life threatening predicament at the end of The Moor, and in this book we see him back at work but battered, bruised and frightened. Slowly we are fed the details of what happened over those two days and why he is acting out of character. The other plot line of the body of eighty year old Alan Watson dying the house fire has links back to the Miner’s strikes of 1984 that had a devastating effect in the North East, where mining was a primary industry. L.J Ross perfectly captures the feeling and consequences of the strikes, both at the time and how it still resonates today.
The good thing about a series is being able to return to characters that are now like friends, and seeing them grow over the course of the books. Ryan and Philips are like an old married couple and I don’t think I will ever tire of their dry, Geordie humour and sarcasm. Both find themselves facing new challenges, Ryan in his lead role on Operation Watchman, and Philips in his personal life with his wonderful wife DI Denise MacKenzie. There is also the on off romance of trainee DC Melanie Yates and DC Jack Lowerson. These all add light. and shade, drama with a touch of humour that make these books such a brilliant read.
For DCI Ryan fans Penshaw is a must read. Another fabulous crime thriller with plenty of drama and suspense, a touch of romance and the brilliant Geordie humour. The only downside is now having to wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you for visiting Bokliterati Book Reviews and reading my review. If you haven’t read any of the DCI Ryan series then I highly recommend them. It is a better if you read them in order, as you will get the most out of the characters and back plot. You can keep up to date with my reviews by subscribing to my blog for free via email or following me on social media, just click the buttons.
