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Alongside her work as an author, LJ is behind Read Write Walk North East, the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction and the Northern Photography Prize. Northumberland has contributed immensely to British history and this book lays it all out, starting with the venerable Bede. Probably the most encompassing of the history of Northumberland books is the Northumbrians book is an easy-to-read book that covers a huge gamut of history and how Northumberland fits in. Buy the Northumbrians Book Now Northumbria: History and Identity 547-2000 Northumberland: Including Newcastle, Hadrian’s Wall and the Coast (Bradt Slow Travel) – Updated in 2019 and includes 30 walks, chapters on Hadrian’s Wall, the coast and Northumberland National Park. > Buy this superb walks in Northumberland book now.
I've only previously read the first book in this series and I wouldn't have described myself as a fan yet. But consider me converted, as I really loved this latest instalment. Thank you for sharing that with us! Your childhood there sounds incredible! The castle is one of my favourite places to visit – there’s absolutely nothing like it. The first novel in her Alexander Gregory Thrillers series, Impostor, was shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2020: Crime & Thriller Book of the Year. The audiobook of Impostor, narrated by Hugh Dancy, was also selected as a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards, Best Fiction Audiobook of the Year Category. Is there one place you always like to visit that you would recommend to others? I love motorcycling. One of my favourite routes takes me along the Wooler to Chatton Road. I always stop and pull over above the hill from Weetwood Bridge to take in the views across the River Till, a tributary of the River Tweed, and the Hortons. I like the view and the tranquility just listening to the birdsong as you look across to Cheviot. What bothered me about this book (and I really loathe being critical because its so readable) is the fact it’s the third book in this fine series to use almost identical plot and character development to drive the story. Seriously. The ideas – the structure, the character, the psychopathy, the ability to fool peers and family for decades, everything, have been used not once, but twice before. In fact, when a new character was introduced, I had the fleeting thought, ‘oh, please don’t make this person behave like…’ Well, Ross did. I even eye-rolled when it became evident the storyline was the same. I mean, how many times can a small police station tolerate this kind of thing? Even one of the characters makes a joke about it towards the end. Not sure that lets Ross off the hook. 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. But I confess to feeling disappointed that, yet again, this particular plot device and type of character was used.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… LJ Ross said: "I feel especially grateful to my readership for their unstinting loyalty even 18 books into that series. I'm especially proud as an indie author and publisher who did not have anywhere near the same marketing spend as those placed #1 and #2 (or indeed the majority of the others on that list) who belonged to major publishing houses. The sense of place is as keen as ever and the more I read, plus the more I visit the area in real life, I can easily picture the scene. It's nice to see Bamburgh and Bamburgh castle take centre stage after a previous series cameo as the castle in particular is such an iconic part of the county that it deserves its own nod. Characters are carefully and convincingly drawn and the pacing of the story is just right. Because of the two different threads the investigations are perhaps not as in depth or drawn out as they may have been in the past, but it works for this book and I think the balance is just about right. Meet some real-life heroes in my series of special interviews with people who represent the spirit and heart of the North East.
Sounds like a great route! Do you have one favourite shop or business you think everyone should know about? Cubby’s the newsagents in Seahouses. I go there every morning to collect the papers. Come rain or shine the people there are always happy to chat and smiley. My wife Claire and I like to eat at The White Swan at Warenford. It is very down to earth with good food and friendly people. The bar is always full of locals and visitors rubbing shoulders.
Publication Order of Alexander Gregory Books
The characters are, as always, fleshed out and given their own personalities. The storyline has two threads going on, only one of which I have mentioned above as this is the major tagline. The style is easy reading and the tension is built up towards the end of the novel. And oh.. how could I forget Doctor Alex Gregory. It was good to see you again. Only wish there were more scenes with him and Ryan. But it was equally good to see him and Mac working together.
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