The Darkest Evening - Ann Cleeves
She read
This is another book that has been on my TBR list for a long time. I really like Ann Cleeves’ writing, having read her Two Rivers series. The Darkest Evening is number nine of ten in the Vera Stanhope series (there are also some short stories). Some of you may recognize the name Vera Stanhope from the very successful TV series based on these stories starring Blenda Blethlyn and available on a number of streaming platforms.
Vera is a bit overweight and unkempt, very forthright, and no fashion plate. She, however, is a stellar detective. While traveling home during a snowstorm in Northumberland, Vera comes upon a car on the side of the road. The car door is open and there is a toddler seemingly abandoned and strapped into a carseat. Taking him to the nearest residence to call for help is a bit uncomfortable for Vera as it is the residence of her snooty, upperclass relatives from whom she has been estranged. When the body of the child’s mother is discovered on the property, Vera and her team investigate, revealing much family intrigue among both her family and the families of their tenants.
This worked well as a stand alone and as my first introduction to Vera. 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 literally did not put this book down until I was finished.
Ann Cleeves is highly recommended for fans of British police procedurals and other mystery lovers.
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