Ok, I've read up to chapter 58, and not yet any further than that.
So here is my reaction and theory.
First of all, my enjoyment of this series picked up again as soon as Light got a hold of the Death Note and his memories again. I guess I just like it better when he's being all evil and psycho.
I was a little bit expecting Ryuuzaki to die, but it still hit me hard nonetheless. However, certain things make me believe he's not REALLY dead, but instead was just faking in order to get Light's reaction and find out for sure whether or not Light is Kira. One of the things that makes me suspect this is that Light's father was the one to tell the others for sure that Ryuuzaki is dead. L had Light's father act for him once before, when he had him pretend to shoot Light. Light's father kind of suspects his son is Kira, but wants to deny it badly. If L is still alive, I think he told Light's father to tell the others that he is dead so that he can observe Light secretly and take him down.
Anyway, that's just my crazy theory. Maybe L really is dead but I really, really hope he's not because he's the best character and dammit, I will be pissed if he's dead, maybe I myself am in denial. I just find it suspicious that only Light's father was present to find out confirmation of L's death.
I guess if L's really dead, I should let one of you tell me so that I don't get my hopes up. But if telling me something like that interferes with the storyline too much, then I guess just keep me in the dark and I'll find out for myself.
Edited to Add:
Had to make it. Couldn't resist.