by LJ Ross
After a short speech from the CEO of Nathan Armstrong’s UK publishing house—whose reputation had only just weathered the storm surrounding Armstrong’s forthcoming trial for multiple murders—a new version of Il Mostro was unveiled to the crowd. On its cover, in bold type, was the name of its author, Andrew Wharton, whose original foreword and dedication to his beloved partner, Tony Manetti, had been included in the new print run.
Old copies printed under Armstrong’s name had been pulped or recalled, not because they were under any legal obligation to do so, but because the publisher owed it to the family of Armstrong’s victim to reduce their widespread circulation.
Armstrong had been stripped of his awards, which were attributed posthumously to Andrew Wharton and presented to his family, who were still coming to terms with everything.
“I know Andrew isn’t around to see any of this, but it makes a difference,” Anna said.
“His life was valuable,” Ryan said. “His contribution deserves to be acknowledged.”
They fell silent as Andrew’s mother stepped forward to unveil a plaque which had been simply engraved:
ANDREW JOHN WHARTON
1970—1998
HIS MEMORY LIVES ON
DCI Ryan will return from his globe-trotting in
Longstone: A DCI Ryan Mystery
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AUTHOR’S NOTE
Warkworth Castle and Hermitage is truly a beautiful spot and it was a delight to rediscover its history and setting as I started to plan ‘The Hermitage’. I remembered visiting several times during my childhood but, since moving back to Northumberland, it has been a treat having the castle and its pretty village almost on my doorstep. Indeed, when I imagined a place where a man might go to escape the world, Warkworth, with its ethereal, fairytale beauty seemed an obvious choice. For anybody who is inspired to visit the real hermitage after reading this book, I should warn you that I took a small liberty with its opening times for the purposes of my fictional story set in winter. I would therefore advise that you check it is open, before you plan your trip!
On the subject of taking liberties, it is also worth mentioning that the Palazzo Russo discussed in this story is entirely fictional. However, there are numerous palazzos in the city which have been converted into apartments and hotels, so its essence remains authentic.
Whilst the Vasari Corridor is very real—and hopefully re-opening soon for visitors to explore—the section running from the Uffizi to the Ponte Vecchio is suspended above a series of arches and therefore does not give direct access to any building along that part. This was chosen deliberately and altered for the purposes of my story, to preserve an important distinction between fact and fiction. However, if you ever find yourself in Florence, it is well worth taking a tour along the corridor to see how the Medici once got about!
The themes of this story are revenge, love, friendship and home. I wanted to uncover a bit more about Ryan’s background and to illustrate that it doesn’t matter where you are in the world; when you are with those you love, that place becomes home.
L J Ross
October 2018
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, LJ Ross moved to London where she graduated from King’s College London with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Law. After working in the City as a regulatory lawyer for a number of years, she realised it was high time for a change. The catalyst was the birth of her son, which forced her to take a break from the legal world and find time for some of the detective stories that had been percolating for a while and finally demanded to be written.
She lives with her husband and young son in her beautiful home county of Northumberland.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Once again, I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of my readers. Before it was even published, ‘The Hermitage’ reached Number One on the Amazon UK Kindle Chart on the strength of their enthusiasm alone! Thank you all very much—I hope you enjoy this instalment in DCI Ryan’s adventures, which straddles Northumberland and Florence, Italy. It represents the first ‘globe-trotting’ experience for Ryan and the gang, which was a lot of fun to write and I hope you have enjoyed their little foray to warmer climes!
As always, there are numerous people to thank. First and always, my husband, James. He is a constant source of love and encouragement, which is invaluable whenever I step into the unknown and begin to write a new story. My son, Ethan, is now a great reader himself (although, not of his mother’s books quite yet!) and there is no happier moment for me than when he crawls onto my knee and reads me a story he has written himself! My parents, Susan and Jim, and my sister, Rachael, are constant sources of love and inspiration and I thank them for their unstinting positivity. I thank Dr Alexandra Baker, who was able to advise me on various medical questions, and the numerous retired police officers who kindly shared their insights into life as a real detective, so I could add colour and depth to the fictional ones on the page. Finally, my thanks to English Heritage, who do such a marvellous job looking after Warkworth Castle and Hermitage for the generations to come.