Always good to have another Ann Cleeve book to get stuck into. This time we're also introduced to new character DC Rosie Bell, who promises to add a new dimension to events. Lots of twists and turns and Rosie has to learn about Vera's techniques as a detective. Plenty to keep fans occupied until the next outing.

I loved this book, gripping, tense, so well written, just excellent. Huge fan of both the Vera and Shetland books and the TV versions, you won't be disappointed with this one. The introduction of new detective Rosie into the team worked well, interesting to see how much Vera missed Holly. I really liked how much she empathised with and understood Chloe, ultimately her hunches about the girl led to her unravelling the case. Another belter!

When a young man is found dead outside a care home for troubled kids, Vera and her team are tasked with investigating his murder. Upon realisation that he in fact worked for a care home and had forged a friendship with one of the residents who is now missing, added another level of intrigue as they worked to locate her.

The introduction of Rosie to the team creates some interesting dynamics, with Vera as aloof and distant as usual. With the further element of her trying to deal with the grief of losing a previous colleague. Many of the locals are under suspicion, and the team must work fast to uncover the true motive before the traditional witch hunt takes place.

A well written, atmospheric book, with many twists and turns. The plot is decent and well structured; however, the ending could have been stronger, with Vera’s hunch pretty much leading the way to breaking the case. There was also a little background the Hector, with Vera’s past and present interlinking somewhat.

I am curious to see how the team and Rosie continue to integrate, and how those relationships develop, and of course if Vera continues to solves crimes.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Pan Macmillan for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars.

The Dark Wives is the 11th book in the popular Vera Stanhope series.
In short, DI Vera Stanhope investigates the death of a man who worked at a home for troubled teenagers and the suspicious disappearance of one of the home’s residents, 14 year old Chloe Spence.
It’s another enjoyable read starring DI Vera Stanhope, this case is set around the Northumbrian countryside near the legendary Three Dark Wives stones…Vera relentlessly works through all the twist and turns whilst determined to protect her team following the death of their colleague, Holly.
It’s a well written classic murder mystery with a strong central character, what’s not to love!
Big thanks to Ann Cleaves, Pan and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

DI Vera Stanhope is called out to the scene of a murder at Rosebank, a privately run home for troubled teens. A volunteer worker, Josh Woodburn, was found in the early morning by a dog walker. Another of the residents, fourteen year old Chloe Spence, has gone missing. After reading Chloe’s diary for any leads or clues, Vera doesn’t want to believe the teenager could commit such a crime, but it’s something she has to consider, despite her reluctance. Was she the killer … or another victim?

'NOBODY LISTENS. The words on the page of the diary scorched into her memory.'

The events of the last case are still playing on Vera’s mind and she also has a new member, DC Rosie Bell, joining the team. Rosie is ambitious and desperate to fit in, having wanted to join Vera’s team for quite a while, although she finds Vera’s methods confusing at times.

Before long Vera, Joe and Rosie are immersed in the case. They discover Chloe is a bit of a loner who loved to read. She classed Josh as a friend as it seemed he was the only one who actually listened to her. The teachers at school were more concerned with what the students were wearing and how they looked.

The race to find Chloe escalates when another body, also connected to Rosebank, is found. The fact a local witch festival relating to a group of three standing stones, The Three Dark Wives, bringing in the tourists isn’t going to help matters. The local legend goes that three ‘uppity’ crones were turned to stone by a giant for giving their husbands a hard time.

Although Vera’s TV persona, in the guise of the fabulous Brenda Blethyn, is coming to end, I hope this isn’t the last we see of her in print. Vera is her inimitable self, treading carefully with Rosie, determined not to make the same mistakes as she did with Holly, but still finding that getting emotionally involved is outside her comfort zone. Having said that, Chloe did crack the barrier somewhat as Vera can empathise in a way with her situation.

An atmospheric and well plotted tale, full of drama and suspense, which incorporates relevant societal issues.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley

Anne Cleeves delivers a gripping and intricately woven mystery in *The Dark Wives*, the eleventh installment of her acclaimed Vera Stanhope series. This time, the formidable detective Vera is drawn into the unsettling investigation of a young man's death, his lifeless body discovered in the shadow of a home for troubled teens. As Vera and her dedicated team embark on this harrowing journey, they find themselves entangled in the eerie disappearance of a teenage resident, leading them to the disturbing discovery of a second body near a haunting local landmark known as the "Three Dark Wives." Cleeves expertly conjures a chilling atmosphere, utilizing the rugged, windswept landscape of Northumberland as a dramatic backdrop that mirrors the story's tension and unease. The plot unfolds with a slow-burning intensity, unspooling a complex tapestry of secrets, betrayals, and hidden connections that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation. Vera's sharp wit and astute observational skills shine brightly as she unravels the intricacies of the case, balancing her investigative tenacity with a profound sense of empathy for the victims and their loved ones. The supporting characters are richly developed, each one bringing a unique flavor and depth to the narrative. The dynamics among Vera and her team evolve throughout the investigation, particularly with the introduction of Rosie Bell, a new recruit whose fresh perspective injects an invigorating energy into the team's interactions. Cleeves skillfully delves into the personal lives of her characters, fashioning poignant insights into their vulnerabilities and motivations that lend emotional weight to the unfolding drama. *The Dark Wives* is not just a mystery; it is a captivating exploration of human nature that will resonate with both longtime fans of the series and those encountering Vera for the first time. With its vivid sense of place, meticulously crafted plot, and compelling character arcs, this latest installment solidifies Anne Cleeves's reputation as a master storyteller. It stands as a testament to her enduring ability to create mysteries that are not only suspenseful but also rich in emotional resonance, pulling readers into a world where every secret could hold the key to uncovering the truth.

The Dark Wives is yet another great read from Ann Cleeves. The character of Vera just keeps getting more interesting and, in this book, she seems to be rather more introspective than usual which I find promising for future adventures.

The plot is quite involved with different strands running through the main storyline. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to anyone who has followed the series and also to new readers as it can stand alone.

My thanks to Ann Cleeves, to the publisher and to Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.

So good to have another Vera book!
Vera has to be my very favourite detective in any book in this genre, so I was thrilled to discover that there was a new book to add to the series.
As always Ann Cleeves weaves the most marvellous story full of twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. Vera’s no-nonsense methods of detection & interactions with the public & her team always brings some light relief to what could be an incredibly dark story. This book is set not long after the end of the previous book where the team loses one of their own, and this book shows some of Vera’s self-doubt following this, and made this formidable character address some chinks in her self-made armour.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The depictions and descriptions by the author allowed me to bring the settings and characters strongly in my mind, yet kept me guessing until the very end.

My admiration for the Vera Stanhope series knows no bounds, and 'The Dark Wives' stands out as well. The characters are superbly crafted, and the narrative grips me from beginning to end with its numerous twists and turns. The portrayal of Northumberland is particularly captivating. I find no flaws in this book and strongly endorse it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my ARC.

A masterful piece of storytelling that is great for Vera TV fans new to the books, with a puzzling new case to digest. A dead man is found outside the teenage care home he worked at. But all is not as it may seem, when a second body is found, An atmospheric read.

I love these books and this one was her best yet. Addictive and mesmerizing I couldn't stop reading it. I love trying to guess who committed the crime and following the clues. More please. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

DI Vera Stanhope and her team are called to Rosebank, a care home for troubled teens, where Josh Woodburn, a member of the staff has been found dead nearby and one of the home's residents, a 14-year-old girl named Chloe Spence, has gone missing.

This is a well written atmospheric police procedural story set in Northumberland. Having watched the tv series 'Vera" I was really looking forward to reading this and it didn't disappoint.

Highly recommended!

***This is book number 11 in the D.I. Vera Stanhope series, it can be read as a standalone, but why miss out on such a good series when you can get to read the previous books for the back story.

Love Vera and wanted to read one of these books. Living in the area where the author bases her books I found the placement very easy to follow and could see them in my mind's eye. Was a great read apart from me losing a lot of the narrative in my head.........a little confusing at times! Overall another very good book by this author and will read another Vera book when mind is more focused!
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book

I have watched a lot of Vera but not read the books. I will now! This was an excellent example of the genre which kept me gripped to the end. The characters, setting and story were all well explored and I would highly recommend. Many thanks

A Vera book by Ann Cleeves is usually a good read and this is no exception.
The characters are so well described and believable with Vera herself coming to life on the page like no other detective. The reader is privy to her thoughts and actions and can follow the case with ease.
This is a great read that just flows and is highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Again, class Cleeved writing which I can’t fault. I thought the book was well written but I just didn’t connect with it in the way I had hoped I would!

I was devastated to learn that the formidable Brenda Blethyn is saying goodbye to the character of Vera on the screen but am somewhat relieved to be able to still get my Vera fix though the incredible writings of Ann Cleeves.

Using the privatisation of the care home system and highlighting the challenges that this brings in particular the access of appropriate early intervention Mental Health services for our young people struck a chord with me.

This books sees the introduction of the new DC Rosie who is slightly star struck by her new boss and what an interesting character she is!

Vera is a complex no nonsense character who underneath it all has a heart of gold.

A new Vera novel is eagerly anticipated, and it has been two years since the dramatic events of The Rising Tide with its finale that shocked many readers. Those events have had a profound and lasting effect upon Vera. She has taken Holly’s death personally, blaming herself for it, punishing herself with ‘survivor guilt’ and surprisingly for an unreligious woman, the need for penance. This being Vera, she’s not the kind to wallow in self-pity or self-recrimination, she realises she must change the habits of a lifetime, be more open, and less blunt in favour of being more mellow. Still in her dark times or those brief moments of self-doubt Holly is there in spirit, in her thoughts. In this story we see much more of compassionate side of Vera, who is one of the most complex and compelling lead characters in crime fiction. The spectre of her father Hector is never far away, but here she reflects that even though she was an unloved child she never felt unsafe, as she worries about the missing Chloe.

Policing never stops though, there is a new member of the team, Rosie Bell who is stepping into Holly’s shoes, though she could never be her replacement. In a characteristic piece of Vera mischievousness, she has taken on a young woman who couldn’t be more different from Holly, someone to keep stable, reliable family man Joe Ashworth on his toes. Rosie is an outgoing woman, with a touch of flamboyance to go with the hair and the fake tan, who loves a night on the town. It helps that she is very much in awe of Vera and was determined to work for her team. She also proves herself as a good cop, with Vera taking a bit of a shine to her, leaving the reader to ponder whether she sees a bit of herself in Rosie or perhaps the woman she could have been where it not for Hector.

One of the author’s great strengths is to capture the location and its people in such an evocative way yet retaining the ordinariness of working and country people. In this story the isolation and ruggedness of the open moorland proves vital, with the three standing stones. The superstition and mythology behind the stones provide background and flavour to the tale with witchcraft and the three strong women. It provides echoes within; the missing girl Chloe has her two close confidants Esther and Alice. Then there is Vera, Ma the village publican and Kath the social worker lead are also three strong women who battle against the tide to provide support for their communities. These celebrations of the superstitions of the past can seem silly and trite to sophisticated city folk, but our author is aware they provide the glue that binds small, isolated communities together, so her handling of it could never be less than perfect.

The storyline is the search for a missing girl, who hopefully is alive, and a murderer so there is plenty of cat and mouse to the man hunt. The potting is masterful, managing to be tight and compact but set against a sweeping vista of moorland. The question is would be the more open Vera spoilt it, after all fans of the series have come to expect a ‘rabbit out the hat’ from the great lady. Have no fear she gives the team the name of her suspect but not the reader. The search provides some frantic moments and there are plenty of surprises to hold our interest.
The principal setting, that of a private children’s home, was prompted by a radio investigation and so is current and important. We are left in no doubt there must be a better way, it’s a shame that there are not more ladies like Kath and Vera.

Of course there are lighter moments, I particularly liked the thought that Vera had never worn high heels, and there is the usual city versus country and old versus new ways woven in. All of this is nicely judged so as not to detract from the seriousness of the message.

The Dark Wives is another piece of masterful story telling from an author who is an acute observer of what is around her. Another brilliant story in a fabulous series.

I would like to NetGalley for providing access to this book.

As always Ann Cleves is easy to read, but her plots are clever, entwined, & the endings never as you expect. Plus, her description & love of Northumberland draw me in even further. When I read dialogue, I can really hear the wonderful accent. Enjoyed the newest addition to the team. Look forward to future books in this series.

A man walking his dog in the early morning discovered the body of a man in the park near Rosebank, a care home for troubled teens. The dead man was Josh - one of the care workers who was due to work a shift the night before but who had never turned up. D I Vera Stanhope is called in to investigate the murder - but her only clue is the disappearance of one of the residents, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spencer. Some people believe that Chloe was responsible for the death but Vera thinks this is unlikely as the girl's diary makes it clear that she adored Josh. She knows that she has to find Chloe to discover what happened to Josh.

When you get to the eleventh book in a police procedural series, it's not unusual to find the format tired. That's not the case with The Dark Wives. I was riveted from the first page and finished the book in less than twenty-four hours, desperate to know what happened.

Rosebank's a private care home, run by Seaview Holdings, a shadowy conglomerate where profit means a great deal more than the well-being of the residents. The children are not badly treated but resources and time are stretched. Individual workers attempt to understand some children but the cracks are wide and people fall through easily. Few if any of the residents will be better for their stay at Rosebank: it's more about getting them through to the age when they can leave the care system. In all probability, they'll then be taken over by the penal system. Lives are wasted.

DI Stanhope is carrying a weight of her own. She feels considerable guilt over the death of one of her team in a recent case. I'll give a spoiler alert here: if you haven't read The Rising Tide, the tenth book in the series, then you should read it before reading The Dark Wives. DS Joe Ashworth is still being pulled between two strong women - his boss and his wife - but is probably content not to shoulder the responsibilities that promotion would bring.

As always with Ann Cleeves, the plotting is tight. Many police procedural books are not worth buying in hardback as you know what happens and you'll almost certainly not reread the book. With Cleeves, there's the pleasure of the initial read and then the delight of rereading to discover how the plot slotted together.

As well as reading the review copy that the publishers made available, I listened to an audio download, narrated by Janine Birkett and which I purchased myself. I have listened to Birkett narrating one of the earlier books in the Vera series without problems But when I listened to The Dark Wives, I wasn't entirely convinced by some of the male voices. That is almost certainly me being very picky.