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Vera Stanhope #11
The Dark Wives
The man’s body is found in the early morning light by a local dog walker in the park outside Rosebank, a care home for troubled teens in the coastal village of Longwater. The victim is Josh, a staff member, who was due to work the previous night but never showed up.
DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate the death, with her only clue being the disappearance of one of the home's residents, fourteen year old Chloe Spence. Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility.
Vera, Joe and new team member Rosie Bell, are soon embroiled in the case, and when a second connected body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of the Northumberland countryside, superstition and folklore begin to collide with fact. Vera knows she has to find Chloe to get to the truth, and the dark secrets in their community that may be far more dangerous than she could have ever believed possible.
DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate the death, with her only clue being the disappearance of one of the home's residents, fourteen year old Chloe Spence. Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility.
Vera, Joe and new team member Rosie Bell, are soon embroiled in the case, and when a second connected body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of the Northumberland countryside, superstition and folklore begin to collide with fact. Vera knows she has to find Chloe to get to the truth, and the dark secrets in their community that may be far more dangerous than she could have ever believed possible.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 27, 2024
About the author
Ann Cleeves
116 books7,486 followersAnn is the author of the books behind ITV's VERA, now in it's third series, and the BBC's SHETLAND, which will be aired in December 2012. Ann's DI Vera Stanhope series of books is set in Northumberland and features the well loved detective along with her partner Joe Ashworth. Ann's Shetland series bring us DI Jimmy Perez, investigating in the mysterious, dark, and beautiful Shetland Islands...
Ann grew up in the country, first in Herefordshire, then in North Devon. Her father was a village school teacher. After dropping out of university she took a number of temporary jobs - child care officer, women's refuge leader, bird observatory cook, auxiliary coastguard - before going back to college and training to be a probation officer.
While she was cooking in the Bird Observatory on Fair Isle, she met her husband Tim, a visiting ornithologist. She was attracted less by the ornithology than the bottle of malt whisky she saw in his rucksack when she showed him his room. Soon after they married, Tim was appointed as warden of Hilbre, a tiny tidal island nature reserve in the Dee Estuary. They were the only residents, there was no mains electricity or water and access to the mainland was at low tide across the shore. If a person's not heavily into birds - and Ann isn't - there's not much to do on Hilbre and that was when she started writing. Her first series of crime novels features the elderly naturalist, George Palmer-Jones. A couple of these books are seriously dreadful.
In 1987 Tim, Ann and their two daughters moved to Northumberland and the north east provides the inspiration for many of her subsequent titles. The girls have both taken up with Geordie lads. In the autumn of 2006, Ann and Tim finally achieved their ambition of moving back to the North East.
For the National Year of Reading, Ann was made reader-in-residence for three library authorities. It came as a revelation that it was possible to get paid for talking to readers about books! She went on to set up reading groups in prisons as part of the Inside Books project, became Cheltenham Literature Festival's first reader-in-residence and still enjoys working with libraries.
Ann Cleeves on stage at the Duncan Lawrie Dagger awards ceremony
Ann's short film for Border TV, Catching Birds, won a Royal Television Society Award. She has twice been short listed for a CWA Dagger Award - once for her short story The Plater, and the following year for the Dagger in the Library award.
In 2006 Ann Cleeves was the first winner of the prestigious Duncan Lawrie Dagger Award of the Crime Writers' Association for Raven Black, the first volume of her Shetland Quartet. The Duncan Lawrie Dagger replaces the CWA's Gold Dagger award, and the winner receives £20,000, making it the world's largest award for crime fiction.
Ann's success was announced at the 2006 Dagger Awards ceremony at the Waldorf Hilton, in London's Aldwych, on Thursday 29 June 2006. She said: "I have never won anything before in my life, so it was a complete shock - but lovely of course.. The evening was relatively relaxing because I'd lost my voice and knew that even if the unexpected happened there was physically no way I could utter a word. So I wouldn't have to give a speech. My editor was deputed to do it!"
The judging panel consisted of Geoff Bradley (non-voting Chair), Lyn Brown MP (a committee member on the London Libraries service), Frances Gray (an academic who writes about and teaches courses on modern crime fiction), Heather O'Donoghue (academic, linguist, crime fiction reviewer for The Times Literary Supplement, and keen reader of all crime fiction) and Barry Forshaw (reviewer and editor of Crime Time magazine).
Ann's books have been translated into sixteen languages. She's a bestseller in Scandinavia and Germany. Her novels sell widely and to critical acclaim in the United States. Raven Black was shortlisted for the Martin Beck award for best translated crime novel in Sweden in 200
Ann grew up in the country, first in Herefordshire, then in North Devon. Her father was a village school teacher. After dropping out of university she took a number of temporary jobs - child care officer, women's refuge leader, bird observatory cook, auxiliary coastguard - before going back to college and training to be a probation officer.
While she was cooking in the Bird Observatory on Fair Isle, she met her husband Tim, a visiting ornithologist. She was attracted less by the ornithology than the bottle of malt whisky she saw in his rucksack when she showed him his room. Soon after they married, Tim was appointed as warden of Hilbre, a tiny tidal island nature reserve in the Dee Estuary. They were the only residents, there was no mains electricity or water and access to the mainland was at low tide across the shore. If a person's not heavily into birds - and Ann isn't - there's not much to do on Hilbre and that was when she started writing. Her first series of crime novels features the elderly naturalist, George Palmer-Jones. A couple of these books are seriously dreadful.
In 1987 Tim, Ann and their two daughters moved to Northumberland and the north east provides the inspiration for many of her subsequent titles. The girls have both taken up with Geordie lads. In the autumn of 2006, Ann and Tim finally achieved their ambition of moving back to the North East.
For the National Year of Reading, Ann was made reader-in-residence for three library authorities. It came as a revelation that it was possible to get paid for talking to readers about books! She went on to set up reading groups in prisons as part of the Inside Books project, became Cheltenham Literature Festival's first reader-in-residence and still enjoys working with libraries.
Ann Cleeves on stage at the Duncan Lawrie Dagger awards ceremony
Ann's short film for Border TV, Catching Birds, won a Royal Television Society Award. She has twice been short listed for a CWA Dagger Award - once for her short story The Plater, and the following year for the Dagger in the Library award.
In 2006 Ann Cleeves was the first winner of the prestigious Duncan Lawrie Dagger Award of the Crime Writers' Association for Raven Black, the first volume of her Shetland Quartet. The Duncan Lawrie Dagger replaces the CWA's Gold Dagger award, and the winner receives £20,000, making it the world's largest award for crime fiction.
Ann's success was announced at the 2006 Dagger Awards ceremony at the Waldorf Hilton, in London's Aldwych, on Thursday 29 June 2006. She said: "I have never won anything before in my life, so it was a complete shock - but lovely of course.. The evening was relatively relaxing because I'd lost my voice and knew that even if the unexpected happened there was physically no way I could utter a word. So I wouldn't have to give a speech. My editor was deputed to do it!"
The judging panel consisted of Geoff Bradley (non-voting Chair), Lyn Brown MP (a committee member on the London Libraries service), Frances Gray (an academic who writes about and teaches courses on modern crime fiction), Heather O'Donoghue (academic, linguist, crime fiction reviewer for The Times Literary Supplement, and keen reader of all crime fiction) and Barry Forshaw (reviewer and editor of Crime Time magazine).
Ann's books have been translated into sixteen languages. She's a bestseller in Scandinavia and Germany. Her novels sell widely and to critical acclaim in the United States. Raven Black was shortlisted for the Martin Beck award for best translated crime novel in Sweden in 200
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
May 3, 2024
Vera Stanhope #11
Vera is called to Rosebank children’s home to investigate the murder of Josh Woodburn, a university student and volunteer at the home. In addition, one of the residents 14 year old Chloe Spencer has disappeared which clearly seems suspicious but Vera finds it hard to believe this particular teenager could be responsible. In the search for Chloe in a remote area that she loves, another death, that of a male teenager also from Rosebank, is discovered near the three ancient standing stones known as the Three Wives close to the village of Gillstead. The plot definitely thickens and dangerously so. Does it link to the children’s home as it seems it might and, how is Chloe involved?
I continue to marvel at the ability of writers like Ann Cleeves who have been producing best sellers for years, and who can still churn out novels that make for such compelling reading. It’s fair to say that Vera and DS Joe Ashworth feel like old friends now. I love Vera who tells it how it is ‘pet’ and how intuitively smart she is. She’s a one off that’s for sure. I like her closeness to Joe who unlike his boss, does like to stick to the rules and also quiet member of the team in Charlie plays a crucial role this time. There’s a new member of the squad replacing Holly ( Previous novel) in the ambitious DC Rosie Bell and it’s a case of not judging a book by its cover. As the novel progresses I grow to like her, she’s very good with those she questions and she too has plenty of smarts. Will the team feel the same??
The cases is a perplexing one and I like that it shines a spotlight in the children’s home sector, especially those that are privately run and some of those children in Rosebank have some very sad back stories. Vera is just the right person to handle this and she seems to have made a new friend through the investigation.
As the enquiry moves further north into the area around Gillstead and the Dark Wives, the setting is fantastic, it’s full of atmosphere and is very well described. I love the inclusion of local traditions, one of which provides a tremendous backdrop to the conclusion of the addictive novel. These are some of the most vivid scenes in the book and they really stand out.
The plot is told at a to brisk pace, it builds well with plenty of tension and many a twist. Throughout there’s terrific (canny) dialogue so I can ‘hear’ the local dialect and some great words. Champion. The ending is typical Vera. She’s figured it all out before her team, but I have to say I’m a tad disappointed that there aren’t too many clues for readers to pick up but so definitely fits with Vera‘s personality.
Overall, that aside, it’s a compulsive and engrossing read and I’m engaged from start to finish. I like the social commentary angle I’ve not only the children’s homes but also of some education academies. I find myself nodding in agreement with ‘Vera’.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Vera is called to Rosebank children’s home to investigate the murder of Josh Woodburn, a university student and volunteer at the home. In addition, one of the residents 14 year old Chloe Spencer has disappeared which clearly seems suspicious but Vera finds it hard to believe this particular teenager could be responsible. In the search for Chloe in a remote area that she loves, another death, that of a male teenager also from Rosebank, is discovered near the three ancient standing stones known as the Three Wives close to the village of Gillstead. The plot definitely thickens and dangerously so. Does it link to the children’s home as it seems it might and, how is Chloe involved?
I continue to marvel at the ability of writers like Ann Cleeves who have been producing best sellers for years, and who can still churn out novels that make for such compelling reading. It’s fair to say that Vera and DS Joe Ashworth feel like old friends now. I love Vera who tells it how it is ‘pet’ and how intuitively smart she is. She’s a one off that’s for sure. I like her closeness to Joe who unlike his boss, does like to stick to the rules and also quiet member of the team in Charlie plays a crucial role this time. There’s a new member of the squad replacing Holly ( Previous novel) in the ambitious DC Rosie Bell and it’s a case of not judging a book by its cover. As the novel progresses I grow to like her, she’s very good with those she questions and she too has plenty of smarts. Will the team feel the same??
The cases is a perplexing one and I like that it shines a spotlight in the children’s home sector, especially those that are privately run and some of those children in Rosebank have some very sad back stories. Vera is just the right person to handle this and she seems to have made a new friend through the investigation.
As the enquiry moves further north into the area around Gillstead and the Dark Wives, the setting is fantastic, it’s full of atmosphere and is very well described. I love the inclusion of local traditions, one of which provides a tremendous backdrop to the conclusion of the addictive novel. These are some of the most vivid scenes in the book and they really stand out.
The plot is told at a to brisk pace, it builds well with plenty of tension and many a twist. Throughout there’s terrific (canny) dialogue so I can ‘hear’ the local dialect and some great words. Champion. The ending is typical Vera. She’s figured it all out before her team, but I have to say I’m a tad disappointed that there aren’t too many clues for readers to pick up but so definitely fits with Vera‘s personality.
Overall, that aside, it’s a compulsive and engrossing read and I’m engaged from start to finish. I like the social commentary angle I’ve not only the children’s homes but also of some education academies. I find myself nodding in agreement with ‘Vera’.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 14, 2024
Well the wonderful Brenda Blethyn may be hanging up her Vera hat but thank goodness Ann Cleeves is still writing. Of course the on screen Vera and book Vera diverged a long time ago as often happens. Here in book world Vera, still grieving, has a new DC to break in. Rosie Bell is full of energy, a city girl at heart and very keen to impress the legendary Vera. She'll get her chance with a new case.
Josh Woodburn's body has been discovered outside Rosebank children's home - a privately run home for troubled teens. A resident teenager, Chloe Spence, is missing having disappeared on the same night.
Vera and her team have to dig into the family circumstances of Josh and Rosie as well as the history of the home and the school where Rosie attended. When further tragedy - another body - is discovered near the standing stones, The Dark Wives, where Chloe's family have their roots, the coincidences become too overwhelming to be ignored.
Vera has to get to the bottom of the mystery of the bodies and the missing teen before another child is lost.
What can you say about Ann Cleeves work that hasn't been said before. So I'll stick with the usual - this is a well plotted, not too complicated (but obviously enough for me to have zero clue whodunnit). The well established characters are always a joy to meet again- they feel like old friends and Rosie, despite being a bit brash, is so in awe of Vera that she'll fit right in plus Joe might have to up his game to shine.
I would definitely highly recommend this latest addition to Vera's story. Thankyou Ann Cleeves for making her such an irascible but loveable detective.
Thankyou so much to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the advance review copy. Most appreciated.
Josh Woodburn's body has been discovered outside Rosebank children's home - a privately run home for troubled teens. A resident teenager, Chloe Spence, is missing having disappeared on the same night.
Vera and her team have to dig into the family circumstances of Josh and Rosie as well as the history of the home and the school where Rosie attended. When further tragedy - another body - is discovered near the standing stones, The Dark Wives, where Chloe's family have their roots, the coincidences become too overwhelming to be ignored.
Vera has to get to the bottom of the mystery of the bodies and the missing teen before another child is lost.
What can you say about Ann Cleeves work that hasn't been said before. So I'll stick with the usual - this is a well plotted, not too complicated (but obviously enough for me to have zero clue whodunnit). The well established characters are always a joy to meet again- they feel like old friends and Rosie, despite being a bit brash, is so in awe of Vera that she'll fit right in plus Joe might have to up his game to shine.
I would definitely highly recommend this latest addition to Vera's story. Thankyou Ann Cleeves for making her such an irascible but loveable detective.
Thankyou so much to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the advance review copy. Most appreciated.
May 2, 2024
Vera has a new young and ambitious member of her team, Rosie. They are called to a home for troubled teens about a murder, and a girl, Chloe, who is missing. Could she have killed Josh? After another murder, the team is interviewing people in the nearby town. A local witch festival brings in many tourists, which may complicate the search; Rosie, Joe, and Vera are on site, while Charlie is working behind the scenes, following the money to find out who is behind everything. Ann Cleeves has written another page turner. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
July 20, 2024
His face was turned towards Vera, but she could see the back of his head, the large round hole in the skull where he’d been hit, the blood that clotted and matted in the pale hay-coloured hair.
Oh Chloe, Vera thought. What have you done? And where are you now? And if this wasn’t you — and really there’s nothing in your diary to suggest that it was — are you still alive?
Because Chloe Spence had disappeared.
THE DARK WIVES is #11 in the Vera Stanhope series, and it is an outstanding mystery, with only one misstep—near the ending—that marred its excellence. A four-star novel that was a strong five-star one until the 75% point.
Josh Woodburn, a university student who has become a volunteer worker at a private care home for troubled teenagers, is murdered, bludgeoned to death by a hammer. Chloe Spencer, a 14-year-old who lived in the house with three other “challenged” teenagers, has disappeared. Those three other residents have an alibi for the time of the murder, unfortunate for Vera’s investigation, because the resident most likely to have committed Josh’s murder was 17-year-old Brad Russell, a petty drug dealer given to violent outbursts. But soon, Brad’s body is discovered in a desolate rural hideaway—one well known to Chloe. Brad is the apparent victim of yet another murder.
Vera and her team trace down clues designed to locate Chloe, who Vera is sure was a witness to the first murder and now running for her life. Vera feels that once they locate Chloe, they will be able to identify the murderer. Vera’s team consists of Joe, Charlie, and Rosie. Rosie is a new addition, a replacement for Holly who was killed at the end of book #10.
Everything moves at a quick pace, as the detectives, particularly Joe and Rosie, collect information that tells us more about Chloe and where she might be hiding. Then, around the 75% point, Vera has a hunch. Up to this stage, we, the readers have been privy to the main characters’ thoughts—sometimes following Joe’s POV, sometimes following Rosie’s POV, and sometimes following Vera’s POV. But Vera’s hunch isn’t shared with readers. So the denouement comes out of the blue. And this is the misstep that occurs near the ending. In an attempt to conceal the true murderer, the author hid important information from readers—changed the trajectory we were following—to bring the story to a quick close.
So from perfect story, to somewhat less than perfect, in order to pull off a surprise ending. Still it was a great read, a book I couldn’t put down, even though I felt a bit cheated by the sudden shift in direction near the end.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My review for an earlier book in this series:
The Rising Tide (Vera Stanhope, #10)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“The Dark Wives” Will be released in North America on August 29, 2024.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGallry. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
Oh Chloe, Vera thought. What have you done? And where are you now? And if this wasn’t you — and really there’s nothing in your diary to suggest that it was — are you still alive?
Because Chloe Spence had disappeared.
THE DARK WIVES is #11 in the Vera Stanhope series, and it is an outstanding mystery, with only one misstep—near the ending—that marred its excellence. A four-star novel that was a strong five-star one until the 75% point.
Josh Woodburn, a university student who has become a volunteer worker at a private care home for troubled teenagers, is murdered, bludgeoned to death by a hammer. Chloe Spencer, a 14-year-old who lived in the house with three other “challenged” teenagers, has disappeared. Those three other residents have an alibi for the time of the murder, unfortunate for Vera’s investigation, because the resident most likely to have committed Josh’s murder was 17-year-old Brad Russell, a petty drug dealer given to violent outbursts. But soon, Brad’s body is discovered in a desolate rural hideaway—one well known to Chloe. Brad is the apparent victim of yet another murder.
Vera and her team trace down clues designed to locate Chloe, who Vera is sure was a witness to the first murder and now running for her life. Vera feels that once they locate Chloe, they will be able to identify the murderer. Vera’s team consists of Joe, Charlie, and Rosie. Rosie is a new addition, a replacement for Holly who was killed at the end of book #10.
Everything moves at a quick pace, as the detectives, particularly Joe and Rosie, collect information that tells us more about Chloe and where she might be hiding. Then, around the 75% point, Vera has a hunch. Up to this stage, we, the readers have been privy to the main characters’ thoughts—sometimes following Joe’s POV, sometimes following Rosie’s POV, and sometimes following Vera’s POV. But Vera’s hunch isn’t shared with readers. So the denouement comes out of the blue. And this is the misstep that occurs near the ending. In an attempt to conceal the true murderer, the author hid important information from readers—changed the trajectory we were following—to bring the story to a quick close.
So from perfect story, to somewhat less than perfect, in order to pull off a surprise ending. Still it was a great read, a book I couldn’t put down, even though I felt a bit cheated by the sudden shift in direction near the end.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My review for an earlier book in this series:
The Rising Tide (Vera Stanhope, #10)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“The Dark Wives” Will be released in North America on August 29, 2024.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGallry. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
March 29, 2024
What a wonderful addition to Ann Cleeves' Vera series.
Of course, I'm a huge fan of Ann Cleeves and particularly of this series. I got into it via the British television series--especially loving the actress, Brenda Blethyn, who plays Vera (Cleeves says that when she writes Vera now, she hears Blethyn's voice!).
As usual when I watch adaptations, I went to read the books they're based on. And these do not disappoint. If anything, they're even better than the tv versions. A little harder-hitting, a little darker.
The title of the book, The Dark Wives, refers to three huge stones, reminiscent of Stonehenge, ancient and foreboding, which overlook a small town in rural England--Northumberland, a very northern region, near the border of Scotland. The towns are quite urban, surrounded by farms and then wilder territory.
Cleeves takes us to a child care facility housing traumatized teens who have, one way or another, lost their families, even if only temporarily. One of the workers is found brutally murdered and one of the residents, a young girl, is missing. Vera doesn't know if the girl is a suspect or possible victim.
I loved the characters and the plot moved along at a good, even pace. The book did not drag (I often find that mysteries, even ones I like, slow down somewhere around the middle and then pick up again toward the end. This one does not. And the ending was a complete surprise (which happens less frequently as I age and the number of mysteries I read adds up!).
Although I did like the ending, I found it pushed the bounds of probability. Cleeves makes it work and ultimately I was satisfied but it took a bit of effort and suspension of disbelief on my part.
As always with this series, Cleeves' writing is crisp and her characters vivid. Dialogue is lively and reinforces the setting and the characters' personalities.
The book can be read as a stand-alone but I think familiarity with the rest of the series, especially the beginning ones which establish some of the major characters and the most recent ones which makes at least one of the events much more meaningful, is definitely helpful.
Altogether a highly enjoyable read. One of those books I wish I could read again for the first time.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur books for providing me with an advance copy.
Of course, I'm a huge fan of Ann Cleeves and particularly of this series. I got into it via the British television series--especially loving the actress, Brenda Blethyn, who plays Vera (Cleeves says that when she writes Vera now, she hears Blethyn's voice!).
As usual when I watch adaptations, I went to read the books they're based on. And these do not disappoint. If anything, they're even better than the tv versions. A little harder-hitting, a little darker.
The title of the book, The Dark Wives, refers to three huge stones, reminiscent of Stonehenge, ancient and foreboding, which overlook a small town in rural England--Northumberland, a very northern region, near the border of Scotland. The towns are quite urban, surrounded by farms and then wilder territory.
Cleeves takes us to a child care facility housing traumatized teens who have, one way or another, lost their families, even if only temporarily. One of the workers is found brutally murdered and one of the residents, a young girl, is missing. Vera doesn't know if the girl is a suspect or possible victim.
I loved the characters and the plot moved along at a good, even pace. The book did not drag (I often find that mysteries, even ones I like, slow down somewhere around the middle and then pick up again toward the end. This one does not. And the ending was a complete surprise (which happens less frequently as I age and the number of mysteries I read adds up!).
Although I did like the ending, I found it pushed the bounds of probability. Cleeves makes it work and ultimately I was satisfied but it took a bit of effort and suspension of disbelief on my part.
As always with this series, Cleeves' writing is crisp and her characters vivid. Dialogue is lively and reinforces the setting and the characters' personalities.
The book can be read as a stand-alone but I think familiarity with the rest of the series, especially the beginning ones which establish some of the major characters and the most recent ones which makes at least one of the events much more meaningful, is definitely helpful.
Altogether a highly enjoyable read. One of those books I wish I could read again for the first time.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur books for providing me with an advance copy.
June 27, 2024
When a staff member at a home for troubled teens is found murdered and a fourteen year old female resident of the home disappears, Vera and her team are drawn to the countryside of Northumberland to investigate.
I really enjoy Ann Cleeves’ writing, having read her Two Rivers series. This book is the eleventh of the Vera Stanhope series (there are also some short stories); it is the second I have read. Some may recognize the name Vera Stanhope from the very successful TV series based on these stories starring Blenda Blethyn and available on a number of streaming platforms.
Vera is a bit overweight and unkempt, very forthright, and no fashion plate. She isn’t always a team player. She is, however, a stellar detective.
Cleeves is an excellent writer. All of her books that I have read have been engrossing, well plotted, with good character development. Her atmospheric, descriptive, detailed language draws the reader into the scenes.
I did like the new addition to the team, Rosie Bell. She is also quite the character! Although the main players’ stories progress with successive books, each one can be read as a stand alone.
Ann Cleeves is recommended for fans of British police procedurals and other mystery lovers.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress #Minotaur for the DRC.
I really enjoy Ann Cleeves’ writing, having read her Two Rivers series. This book is the eleventh of the Vera Stanhope series (there are also some short stories); it is the second I have read. Some may recognize the name Vera Stanhope from the very successful TV series based on these stories starring Blenda Blethyn and available on a number of streaming platforms.
Vera is a bit overweight and unkempt, very forthright, and no fashion plate. She isn’t always a team player. She is, however, a stellar detective.
Cleeves is an excellent writer. All of her books that I have read have been engrossing, well plotted, with good character development. Her atmospheric, descriptive, detailed language draws the reader into the scenes.
I did like the new addition to the team, Rosie Bell. She is also quite the character! Although the main players’ stories progress with successive books, each one can be read as a stand alone.
Ann Cleeves is recommended for fans of British police procedurals and other mystery lovers.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress #Minotaur for the DRC.
July 5, 2024
Ann Cleeves is one of those writers I drop everything to pick up. She is managing to create two series each intriguing in its own way in its approach to the crimes perpetuated, the investigators cracking the code, and, most importantly, the role the UK landscape plays in the proceedings. We are back in Northumberland with Vera Stanhope, familiar to those addicted to the BBC series starring Brenda Blethyn who embodies her to perfection, her no nonsense style, filthy Land Rover, piercing intelligence. Cleeves makes use of news sources for inspiration, in this case the treatment of unwanted kids in a halfway house and the complications of their care.
April 7, 2024
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
"The Dark Wives" takes place a few weeks (I think, don't want to go back and look) after the murder/death of Holly. Vera is determined to be a better boss and when she gets assigned a new woman named Rosie. Rosie is unlike Holly, but Vera and even Joe are unsure if she has enough to stick with the team. A murder takes place and a young girl flees and Vera and her team are unsure if the young girl is the killer or if she is hiding from someone else.
This was very uneven. I don't know if it was the new character of Rosie or what. But nothing really fit well as I was reading through the pages. I thought that the murder of Josh was initially okay, but then it felt like the book is floundering. And I have to say, that I was beyond annoyed that apparently Vera realizes who did it and there's zero clue to this and we just get an exposition dump in the end. I think Cleeves's wanted to say something about children's homes in England (good) but the the storytelling wasn't top notch and honestly wasn't believable. And I didn't really like Vera or Joe much in this one. And Rosie was a little too all over the place for me.
"The Dark Wives" takes place a few weeks (I think, don't want to go back and look) after the murder/death of Holly. Vera is determined to be a better boss and when she gets assigned a new woman named Rosie. Rosie is unlike Holly, but Vera and even Joe are unsure if she has enough to stick with the team. A murder takes place and a young girl flees and Vera and her team are unsure if the young girl is the killer or if she is hiding from someone else.
This was very uneven. I don't know if it was the new character of Rosie or what. But nothing really fit well as I was reading through the pages. I thought that the murder of Josh was initially okay, but then it felt like the book is floundering. And I have to say, that I was beyond annoyed that apparently Vera realizes who did it and there's zero clue to this and we just get an exposition dump in the end. I think Cleeves's wanted to say something about children's homes in England (good) but the the storytelling wasn't top notch and honestly wasn't believable. And I didn't really like Vera or Joe much in this one. And Rosie was a little too all over the place for me.
May 19, 2024
DI Vera Stanhope and her team are called out to investigate the death of a staff member outside Rosebank, a home for troubled teens. Added to that, one of the residents, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence, has disappeared.
When I first started reading The Dark Wives I absolutely LOVED it! It's the first book I've read in the Vera Stanhope series and I kept asking myself how on earth I had previously missed this series. I loved how the book got its name: The story was that three uppity crones who talked too much had been turned into stone by a giant who'd thought they'd also nagged their husbands too much! They're actually three large stones that resemble Stonehenge and overlook a small town in the Northumberland countryside and are known as the Three Dark Wives Monument. (Now I want to go and see them in real life, naturally.)
The more I read, the more I loved the book and I smiled every time Vera called someone pet! My enchantment lasted right up until the last few pages. Those two things made me CRAZY. (Even though in the other reviews I've read they don't seem to have bothered anyone else.)
It makes me sad to rate The Dark Wives only three stars when I was initially so wild about it. That ending, though...
My thanks to both #MinotaurBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Dark Wives. This book is #11 in the series with an expected publication date of August 27, 2024.
When I first started reading The Dark Wives I absolutely LOVED it! It's the first book I've read in the Vera Stanhope series and I kept asking myself how on earth I had previously missed this series. I loved how the book got its name: The story was that three uppity crones who talked too much had been turned into stone by a giant who'd thought they'd also nagged their husbands too much! They're actually three large stones that resemble Stonehenge and overlook a small town in the Northumberland countryside and are known as the Three Dark Wives Monument. (Now I want to go and see them in real life, naturally.)
The more I read, the more I loved the book and I smiled every time Vera called someone pet! My enchantment lasted right up until the last few pages. Those two things made me CRAZY. (Even though in the other reviews I've read they don't seem to have bothered anyone else.)
It makes me sad to rate The Dark Wives only three stars when I was initially so wild about it. That ending, though...
My thanks to both #MinotaurBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Dark Wives. This book is #11 in the series with an expected publication date of August 27, 2024.
April 9, 2024
Eleven books into DCI Vera Stanhope and one might think the stories will get old... but there is nothing old about Vera and her team! There is a murder, of course, and Vera and her team set off to find the killer. It is a bit of a race, because there is also a missing teenager who could be in danger.
The pacing is very good and I love working through the mystery with Vera's team... I did not guess who "did it" and, yes, I was surprised!
If you already love Vera, you will love book eleven in the series. If you are new to Vera and this is your introduction, you might feel lost on a few things... but that is okay, because going back to catch up will be an enjoyable journey!
I highly recommend The Dark Wives (and the entire series!)
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the digital copy of this book! It will be published August 27, 2024.
The pacing is very good and I love working through the mystery with Vera's team... I did not guess who "did it" and, yes, I was surprised!
If you already love Vera, you will love book eleven in the series. If you are new to Vera and this is your introduction, you might feel lost on a few things... but that is okay, because going back to catch up will be an enjoyable journey!
I highly recommend The Dark Wives (and the entire series!)
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the digital copy of this book! It will be published August 27, 2024.
March 24, 2024
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on August 27th, 2024.
The latest in the Vera Stanhope novels — sharply twisted and full of the intense ambiance of the Northumberland countryside. I’ve only read a few of the novels, having long ago been hooked by the ITV series. It’s fun to read these with such vivid character images already in mind. High marks for plot and the intricate network of episode specific characters and local customs. The one thing I didn’t enjoy was the fact that the clues which led Vera to solving the case were kept hidden from us so that we had no way of trying to figure out whodunnit. I still couldn’t put it down, but it was slightly irritating that I wasn’t given the info I needed to at least speculate on how everything happened.
The latest in the Vera Stanhope novels — sharply twisted and full of the intense ambiance of the Northumberland countryside. I’ve only read a few of the novels, having long ago been hooked by the ITV series. It’s fun to read these with such vivid character images already in mind. High marks for plot and the intricate network of episode specific characters and local customs. The one thing I didn’t enjoy was the fact that the clues which led Vera to solving the case were kept hidden from us so that we had no way of trying to figure out whodunnit. I still couldn’t put it down, but it was slightly irritating that I wasn’t given the info I needed to at least speculate on how everything happened.
April 15, 2024
A Vera Stanhope story by Ann Cleeves is always something to look forward to and this eleventh book in the series is an absolute winner.
Set against a backdrop of a children's home and an academy school, Ann Cleeves shines a spotlight into the world of the 'haves and have-nots' and private business managing what were once public bodies.
The death of a support worker at a care home and the disappearance of one of the young residents leads Vera and her team into a complex case; new team member Rosie makes a good addition to the series. There is a race against time to find the missing child.
The story takes the team out into the countryside where a second body is discovered and into the village of Gillstead- close to three large mysterious standing stones called The Three Dark Wives and annual event called The Witch Hunt.
The plot is fast and the details of the crime procedural are as excellent as ever - unfeeling the tragedies and frailties within all types of relationships and families. It is Ann Cleeves' eye for the detail in every day life that makes the series so good and of course Vera's brooding character and determined ( and sometimes sharp) nature that makes her such a brilliant protagonist. In this story she even attempts to be more inclusive with her team following the events of the previous book.
As with all series, it is good to read them in order to see how characters develop, but this book could be read as a standalone.
The one element that shone through with this book is Ann Cleeves' feelings towards the disparity in society - 'privatised' state schools and care homes - targets and goals and profits - leading to the neglect of the most vulnerable in society.
A brilliant police /detective procedural but with a plot clearly directed to make us all consider what politicians and systems are doing to communities and individuals in the name of supposed "progress"!
Highly recommended
Set against a backdrop of a children's home and an academy school, Ann Cleeves shines a spotlight into the world of the 'haves and have-nots' and private business managing what were once public bodies.
The death of a support worker at a care home and the disappearance of one of the young residents leads Vera and her team into a complex case; new team member Rosie makes a good addition to the series. There is a race against time to find the missing child.
The story takes the team out into the countryside where a second body is discovered and into the village of Gillstead- close to three large mysterious standing stones called The Three Dark Wives and annual event called The Witch Hunt.
The plot is fast and the details of the crime procedural are as excellent as ever - unfeeling the tragedies and frailties within all types of relationships and families. It is Ann Cleeves' eye for the detail in every day life that makes the series so good and of course Vera's brooding character and determined ( and sometimes sharp) nature that makes her such a brilliant protagonist. In this story she even attempts to be more inclusive with her team following the events of the previous book.
As with all series, it is good to read them in order to see how characters develop, but this book could be read as a standalone.
The one element that shone through with this book is Ann Cleeves' feelings towards the disparity in society - 'privatised' state schools and care homes - targets and goals and profits - leading to the neglect of the most vulnerable in society.
A brilliant police /detective procedural but with a plot clearly directed to make us all consider what politicians and systems are doing to communities and individuals in the name of supposed "progress"!
Highly recommended
April 28, 2024
Very tense and fast paced. Vera is back with a new team member to replace Holly and a murder or two to solve. There’s the added complication of a missing child. I love the descriptions of wild Northumbria and the characters Ann Cleeves describes so well. I didn’t guess who the murderer was but the ending and the motivation, to me seemed a little weak. That was my only complaint about an otherwise brilliant book. I should thank NetGalley, via a kind friend, for letting me read this book.
March 31, 2024
As a die hard fan of Vera, the unassuming, witty and caring detective inspector, this Ann Cleeves book did not disappoint with the Vera character shine in place. From the moment I read…Pet… I was right at home in this text. However, this title and world building around this mystery shrouded in some ancient folklore or witchcraft was a bit confusing.
,
,
March 24, 2024
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
Josh, an agency worker at a care home, is found murdered, and Chloe, one of the teenagers living at the home, is missing. The first 75% of this was a page turner as Vera, Joe and new addition to the team Rosie follow various leads and look for Chloe. The storylines about how children come to be taken into care and the pressures on social workers were well done. But then there was a sort of thriller section where the characters knew the identities of 'the murderer' and 'the murderer's accomplice', but the reader did not, which annoyed me. Finally the solution to what went on made complete sense but seemed to me to have been only very lightly clued, so it wasn't as satisfactory as it might have been.
Josh, an agency worker at a care home, is found murdered, and Chloe, one of the teenagers living at the home, is missing. The first 75% of this was a page turner as Vera, Joe and new addition to the team Rosie follow various leads and look for Chloe. The storylines about how children come to be taken into care and the pressures on social workers were well done. But then there was a sort of thriller section where the characters knew the identities of 'the murderer' and 'the murderer's accomplice', but the reader did not, which annoyed me. Finally the solution to what went on made complete sense but seemed to me to have been only very lightly clued, so it wasn't as satisfactory as it might have been.
March 21, 2024
DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate a young man's death in The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves. Her only clue has disappeared, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence. Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility. Vera, Joe, and new team member Rosie Bell are soon embroiled in the case, and when a second connected body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of the Northumberland countryside, superstition and folklore begin to collide with fact. Vera knows she has to find Chloe to get to the truth.
Vera is a good character, strong and determined, no-nonsense. A good storyline.
I loved the character of Emily. I hope there is more of this character in future books.
The Dark Wives is a good addition to this series. I would recommend this book and this series.
#NetGalley @StMartinsPress
Vera is a good character, strong and determined, no-nonsense. A good storyline.
I loved the character of Emily. I hope there is more of this character in future books.
The Dark Wives is a good addition to this series. I would recommend this book and this series.
#NetGalley @StMartinsPress
March 22, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
Vera is my favorite female character and I'm always so happy when a new book in the series comes out.
This time a young man is murdered outside a home for troubled minors and a young girl goes missing at the same time.
Vera, Joe and a new detective, Rosie, are desperate to find not only the murderer, but also Chloe. Did she do it or is she hiding, terrified?
As usual, I couldn't put the book down. The insight into the detectives mindsets is so good and the series (and Vera) so unique, I loved it, and as usual, I highly recommend it! Here's hoping we don't have to wait too long for the next book!
Vera is my favorite female character and I'm always so happy when a new book in the series comes out.
This time a young man is murdered outside a home for troubled minors and a young girl goes missing at the same time.
Vera, Joe and a new detective, Rosie, are desperate to find not only the murderer, but also Chloe. Did she do it or is she hiding, terrified?
As usual, I couldn't put the book down. The insight into the detectives mindsets is so good and the series (and Vera) so unique, I loved it, and as usual, I highly recommend it! Here's hoping we don't have to wait too long for the next book!
July 10, 2024
thanks to netgalley for providing an advanced e-reader copy in exchange for a review! this book comes out august 27th.
this is our eleventh book with Vera! in this book, there's a murder of a staff worker at a troubled teens home and a young 14yo girl missing from that home. throughout the book, Vera and crew need to solve the murder and, hopefully, find missing girl before the murder potentially finds her.
between my appreciation for Ann Cleeves' consistently solid writing and my affection for Brenda Blethlyn's depiction of Vera, i've got a lot of goodwill for any entry in the series. this series is a strong example of how the different versions can interplay in a really nice way. it's enjoyable to read a new book and imagine the television adaptation (in reverse, i do enjoy watching the show and seeing where it differs from the book).
accordingly, my first thought in reviewing The Dark Wives is considering it specifically as a Vera book and on those terms, i really recommend it to fans of the series. the book picks up recently following the death of one of Vera's team and Vera is thinking a lot about how she interacts with her team, especially the newest edition, Rosie. i liked spending time following Vera's thoughts and some of the thoughts were distinctive from earlier books but still staying true to her voice.
my second thought is considering The Dark Wives as a mystery novel and it's just okay, just fine! there's a sense of urgency pulling the narrative forward in a lovely way as Vera & crew search for the missing teenage girl. it's also a book that invites us into the thoughts and perspective of a lot of the central characters in a compelling way. we get a strong sense of the people at the center of the story and that helps encourage the reader to ponder what might have happened. however, a lot of the solving of the mystery happens off page and that's ultimately a little dissatisfying. that's really where it fell a little bit short.
in all, lovely addition to the Vera series but likely will only satisfy less critical readers who have a lot of fondness for the series.
this is our eleventh book with Vera! in this book, there's a murder of a staff worker at a troubled teens home and a young 14yo girl missing from that home. throughout the book, Vera and crew need to solve the murder and, hopefully, find missing girl before the murder potentially finds her.
between my appreciation for Ann Cleeves' consistently solid writing and my affection for Brenda Blethlyn's depiction of Vera, i've got a lot of goodwill for any entry in the series. this series is a strong example of how the different versions can interplay in a really nice way. it's enjoyable to read a new book and imagine the television adaptation (in reverse, i do enjoy watching the show and seeing where it differs from the book).
accordingly, my first thought in reviewing The Dark Wives is considering it specifically as a Vera book and on those terms, i really recommend it to fans of the series. the book picks up recently following the death of one of Vera's team and Vera is thinking a lot about how she interacts with her team, especially the newest edition, Rosie. i liked spending time following Vera's thoughts and some of the thoughts were distinctive from earlier books but still staying true to her voice.
my second thought is considering The Dark Wives as a mystery novel and it's just okay, just fine! there's a sense of urgency pulling the narrative forward in a lovely way as Vera & crew search for the missing teenage girl. it's also a book that invites us into the thoughts and perspective of a lot of the central characters in a compelling way. we get a strong sense of the people at the center of the story and that helps encourage the reader to ponder what might have happened. however, a lot of the solving of the mystery happens off page and that's ultimately a little dissatisfying. that's really where it fell a little bit short.
in all, lovely addition to the Vera series but likely will only satisfy less critical readers who have a lot of fondness for the series.
July 25, 2024
I've read other series by Ann Cleeves and have watched at least six seasons of Vera but, until now, I had never read any of the books in the Vera Stanhope series. As in the shows, this is a complex mystery with different threads to pull until the case can be unwound and the murderer(s) identified.
In this one, Rosie Bell is a young DC trying hard to impress Vera to earn a spot on her team. And Rosie's way with families is needed because not only is there a dead body by the Rosebank Children's Home, but one of its residents, a 14-year-old girl named Chloe, is missing. There's also an important message about the problems inherent in allowing for-profit enterprises to provide social services.
In the TV series, Vera is always calling people "love" or "pet" and she does in the novel as well. In the book she is more of a curmudgeon and occasionally sharpish with her team, adding some acid behind the endearments. Quite a character! I plan to read others in the series, having enjoyed this immensely.
My thanks to the author, publisher, audiobook producer, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review #TheDarkWives in advance of its publication date, Aug. 27, 2024.
In this one, Rosie Bell is a young DC trying hard to impress Vera to earn a spot on her team. And Rosie's way with families is needed because not only is there a dead body by the Rosebank Children's Home, but one of its residents, a 14-year-old girl named Chloe, is missing. There's also an important message about the problems inherent in allowing for-profit enterprises to provide social services.
In the TV series, Vera is always calling people "love" or "pet" and she does in the novel as well. In the book she is more of a curmudgeon and occasionally sharpish with her team, adding some acid behind the endearments. Quite a character! I plan to read others in the series, having enjoyed this immensely.
My thanks to the author, publisher, audiobook producer, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review #TheDarkWives in advance of its publication date, Aug. 27, 2024.
August 1, 2024
This is my first outing of the Vera series and after reading this I will go back and read the others. I have watched the TV series and whilst reading this I had the lovely Brenda Blethyn image in my head.
Vera is still getting over the death of one of the members on her team. The new member that has come to replace her Rosie Bell is full of energy and read to impress Vera in the new case that of a volunteer of privately run Rosebank Children’s home, Josh Woodburn’s body has been discovered and Chloe Spencer who is residing at the home until her mum gets out of hospital has gone missing. Chloe formed a bond with Josh while he was at the home. Vera doesn’t think she is the killer but, thinks she is in danger as she may know who killed him.
This is a gripping read from the author worth a well-executed plot. I really enjoyed this story which you can also read as a standalone. As I have not read the others. It was great getting to know that well loved characters in book form. As I only know them from the TV series. This is a fabulous read. 5 stars from me.
Vera is still getting over the death of one of the members on her team. The new member that has come to replace her Rosie Bell is full of energy and read to impress Vera in the new case that of a volunteer of privately run Rosebank Children’s home, Josh Woodburn’s body has been discovered and Chloe Spencer who is residing at the home until her mum gets out of hospital has gone missing. Chloe formed a bond with Josh while he was at the home. Vera doesn’t think she is the killer but, thinks she is in danger as she may know who killed him.
This is a gripping read from the author worth a well-executed plot. I really enjoyed this story which you can also read as a standalone. As I have not read the others. It was great getting to know that well loved characters in book form. As I only know them from the TV series. This is a fabulous read. 5 stars from me.
April 7, 2024
The Dark Wives is Ann Cleeves eleventh book featuring DI Vera Stanhope and
it’s as fresh as ever.
Since the tragic death of team member Holly, for which Vera feels partly responsible, Vera has thrown herself into her work. So when she gets a call to say the body of a young man has been found outside a home for troubled teens that the victim was working at, also the discovery that a vulnerable 14 year old girl Chloe is missing from the same home, Vera’s team swing into action. It’s not long before another body with connections to the home is found near the ‘Three Dark Wives’ monument in the Northumberland countryside and Vera knows they must find Chloe quickly to have any hope of finding out who is responsible for the crimes.
Interwoven with the crime investigation are tales of local folklore, lots of colourful characters and what I particularly liked was the dynamics and interactions of Vera’s team, from Holly’s replacement Rosie, the life & soul of the party who’s keen to make a success of her posting. Joe’s worries about having to make decisions and being caught between the two strong women in his life, his wife Sal & his boss.
The quiet man of the team Charlie, who plays more of a role in this book and at the heart of it all is Vera, straight to the point, stirring the pot in her usual ham fisted way to keep her team on their toes, championing the underdog, caring deeply about the troubled teens and making a new friend.
Loved it!
Many thanks to the publisher Macmillan & NetGalley for an ARC
July 2, 2024
Another winner in the Vera Stanhope series! In the Dark Wives, a young counselor at a home for trouble teens is murdered - and one of the residents, a young woman named Chloe Spence, is missing. Vera, Joe, and new team member Rosie Bell begin investigating the case and trying to locate the missing teen. When a second resident is found murdered in the area of "The Dark Wives" a stone monument in Northumberland, connections to Chloe's past have to be considered, including her family. A well-crafted mystery that kept me reading! Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader copy.
July 3, 2024
4.5
Vera fans rejoice! This fall, we once again travel into rural Northumbria with our favourite detective as she searches for a vulnerable young woman at the epicentre of a grisly murder outside a care home for young people.
What worked for me:
🍂 It’s always such a pleasure to spend time in Northumberland with this wonderful cast of characters including the wonderful addition of Rosie Bell
🍂 Sitting with Vera as she processed her grief from the events of the previous book
🍂 The autumnal setting and feel
🍂 Realistic portrayal of the wonky priorities in social care, education, policing, etc which increasingly prioritize corporatization over function and profit over purpose
🍂 A timely commentary of how austerity and climate breakdown are impacting rural communities
What I wasn’t so keen on:
🍂 While I was heartened to see that Vera’s body wasn’t the on the sharp end of cruel commentary as much as The Rising Tide, there are some language choices that I think could be more conscious and improved
I anticipate this being a hit with Vera fans (the books and the programme) and for anyone looking for an atmospheric mystery to enjoy this fall alongside your hot drink of choice and favourite fleece blanket! I genuinely think this book could work as a standalone, but would caution folks to start earlier as you’d be doing the character and story arcs a disservice to jump in here.
Pan Macmillan, you have made my week with this ARC - thank you so much! 🥰
Vera fans rejoice! This fall, we once again travel into rural Northumbria with our favourite detective as she searches for a vulnerable young woman at the epicentre of a grisly murder outside a care home for young people.
What worked for me:
🍂 It’s always such a pleasure to spend time in Northumberland with this wonderful cast of characters including the wonderful addition of Rosie Bell
🍂 Sitting with Vera as she processed her grief from the events of the previous book
🍂 The autumnal setting and feel
🍂 Realistic portrayal of the wonky priorities in social care, education, policing, etc which increasingly prioritize corporatization over function and profit over purpose
🍂 A timely commentary of how austerity and climate breakdown are impacting rural communities
What I wasn’t so keen on:
🍂 While I was heartened to see that Vera’s body wasn’t the on the sharp end of cruel commentary as much as The Rising Tide, there are some language choices that I think could be more conscious and improved
I anticipate this being a hit with Vera fans (the books and the programme) and for anyone looking for an atmospheric mystery to enjoy this fall alongside your hot drink of choice and favourite fleece blanket! I genuinely think this book could work as a standalone, but would caution folks to start earlier as you’d be doing the character and story arcs a disservice to jump in here.
Pan Macmillan, you have made my week with this ARC - thank you so much! 🥰
April 30, 2024
When the worker of a private children’s care home is found murdered and 14-year old Chloe goes missing, Vera and her team are on alert to find her and establish whether there is a connection between the death and her disappearance. A second body is then discovered in an isolated rural bothy and matters get extremely tense.
I enjoy police procedurals and Ann Cleeves writes them so well; the pacing is excellent, there are believable characters and I love the insights into what the officers are feeling and thinking.
There is a very satisfying game of cat and mouse between the detectives and a suspect, while a strange local event takes place in the pitch black of night.
The introduction of Rosie to the team adds a new dimension and refreshes the team dynamics. This change prompts reflection from Vera about her way of ways of working and communicating with her team, but if course nothing really changes Vera! She is still as independent and determined to pursue her own lines of enquiry as ever. She will never be tied to a desk, managing matters from the office. Vera is a superb creation.
The Dark Wives is a thoroughly engrossing read. I can see that the central themes around private care homes and care of troubled teenagers came from concerns and real life investigations which have really stirred the author. As a former social worker she definitely highlights failings and inadequacies in the system, particularly at the resolution of the story.
Thank you (very much) to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
I enjoy police procedurals and Ann Cleeves writes them so well; the pacing is excellent, there are believable characters and I love the insights into what the officers are feeling and thinking.
There is a very satisfying game of cat and mouse between the detectives and a suspect, while a strange local event takes place in the pitch black of night.
The introduction of Rosie to the team adds a new dimension and refreshes the team dynamics. This change prompts reflection from Vera about her way of ways of working and communicating with her team, but if course nothing really changes Vera! She is still as independent and determined to pursue her own lines of enquiry as ever. She will never be tied to a desk, managing matters from the office. Vera is a superb creation.
The Dark Wives is a thoroughly engrossing read. I can see that the central themes around private care homes and care of troubled teenagers came from concerns and real life investigations which have really stirred the author. As a former social worker she definitely highlights failings and inadequacies in the system, particularly at the resolution of the story.
Thank you (very much) to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
April 7, 2024
“The Dark Wives” by Ann Cleeves it's the 11th instalment in the Vera Stanhope Mystery Series. I love the Vera Mystery series and this instalment did not disappoint. The Series is character-driven and also very descriptive you feel like you are right there in Northumbria, England. In this instalment we get to catch up with Vera and her team, after the death of team member Holly. Vera is trying to communicate more with the team and new member Rosie, as Vera blames herself for Hollys death.
We had lots of suspects but I did sort of guess one of the suspects just before it was revealed.
I highly recommend this book and the Vera Stanhope Mystery series to all my British Mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We had lots of suspects but I did sort of guess one of the suspects just before it was revealed.
I highly recommend this book and the Vera Stanhope Mystery series to all my British Mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 31, 2024
This was a good mystery thriller with great pacing and an engaging mystery.
This is the 11th book in the Vera Stanhope series. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series and was able to jump right in.
In this book Vera is called to Rosebank children’s home to investigate the murder of a university student and volunteer there. It also turns out that a 14 year old resident at the home has disappeared and could be in danger.
Read this if you like:
→ Crime stories
→ Engaging mysteries
→ Police procedurals
Now I definitely want to go back and read the other books in this series!
Thank you @Minotaur_books for sending me a gifted copy of this book.
This is the 11th book in the Vera Stanhope series. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series and was able to jump right in.
In this book Vera is called to Rosebank children’s home to investigate the murder of a university student and volunteer there. It also turns out that a 14 year old resident at the home has disappeared and could be in danger.
Read this if you like:
→ Crime stories
→ Engaging mysteries
→ Police procedurals
Now I definitely want to go back and read the other books in this series!
Thank you @Minotaur_books for sending me a gifted copy of this book.
March 25, 2024
The Dark Wives is another exceptional entry into the Vera Stanhope mystery novels. Ann Cleeves is a master writer, her plot, characters and timing are written at such a high level. I was in a dilemma reading this book. I raced ahead to see who the killer was but at the same time wanted to read slowly so the book would last. This eleventh book in the series is just as well written and absorbing as the first. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2024
There is no finish date because I got halfway through and then skimmed the rest. Even though this is a good police procedural account, my interest started to falter. This is a popular series and the fault of my disinterest is all my own.
May 12, 2024
Chloe is going through a difficult situation at home. She is forced to go to a home for kids. While there, she dissappears and no one knows where she went. I enjoyed this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
Ann Cleeves will never disappoint!
The 11th book in the Vera series focuses on a young volunteer who has been found dead at a children’s home and Chloe, who has disappeared. This leaves us with lots of questions: Where is Chloe? Was she involved in the murder? Could she also be dead?
This was a great mystery read while also highlighting the all-too-real problems within children’s homes due to the lack of funding.
Many thanks to MacMillan & Net Galley for this ARC.
The 11th book in the Vera series focuses on a young volunteer who has been found dead at a children’s home and Chloe, who has disappeared. This leaves us with lots of questions: Where is Chloe? Was she involved in the murder? Could she also be dead?
This was a great mystery read while also highlighting the all-too-real problems within children’s homes due to the lack of funding.
Many thanks to MacMillan & Net Galley for this ARC.
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