The Darkest Evening

Description

DCI Vera Stanhope returns in The Darkest Evening, the ninth novel in Sunday Times bestseller Ann Cleeves' enduringly popular series. Driving home during a swirling blizzard, Vera Stanhope's only thought is to get there quickly. But the snow is so heavy, she becomes disoriented and loses her way. Ploughing on, she sees a car slewed off the road ahead of her. With the driver's door open, Vera assumes the driver has sought shelter but when she inspects the car she is shocked to find a young toddler strapped in the back seat. Afraid they will freeze, Vera takes the child and drives on, arriving at Brockburn, a run-down stately home she immediately recognizes as the house her father Hector grew up in. Inside Brockburn a party is in full swing, with music and laughter to herald the coming Christmas. But outside in the snow, a young woman lies dead and Vera knows immediately she has a new case. Could this woman be the child's mother, and if so, what happened to her? A classic country house mystery with a contemporary twist, Ann Cleeves returns with a brilliant Vera novel to savour.

Ann Cleeves is the author of over thirty critically acclaimed novels, and in 2017 was awarded the highest accolade in crime writing, the CWA Diamond Dagger. She is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez who can now be found on television in ITV's Vera and BBC One's Shetland. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide. Ann worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook, and auxiliary coastguard before she started writing. She is a member of 'Murder Squad', working with other British northern writers to promote crime fiction. Ann is also a passionate champion for libraries and was a National Libraries Day Ambassador in 2016. Ann lives in North Tyneside near where the Vera books are set.

A thoroughly engrossing thriller * Mail on Sunday * Cleeves's Northumberland novels are strong on atmosphere, combining old-fashioned detective work with a modern take on class * Sunday Times * Brilliantly written, with more twists and turns you can shake one of Vera's hats at * Heat * A gripping read * Sun * Fans will enjoy matching wits with Cleeves's eccentric sleuth right up to the dangerous surprise in her denouement * Kirkus Reviews * Cleeves has a fine time constructing a clockwork murder plot * Booklist * Superb . . . This page-turner is must reading for fans as well as newcomers -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) This ninth instalment will keep you guessing until the end * My Weekly * Well-paced and plotted, with its evocative Northumberland village setting and excellent characterisation, this is a great winter read * Choice * A touch of the Agatha Christie house-party murder -- Book of the Week, Country Life Award-winning crime author Ann Cleeves makes a welcome return with the ninth book in her popular Vera series * Woman *