I am a huge fan of Vera Stanhope, both on the page and the small screen. While reading I now see Brenda Blethyn in my head as she has done such a great job of making the role her own. The Dark Wives is the eleventh book in this excellent series where the rugged landscape of Northumberland is a character in its own right. On the previous case, one of the team, Holly, died in a tragic accident, and Vera is still coming to terms with the loss which is making her unusually introspective.
A young man is found dead in the grounds of a care home for troubled teenagers, and fourteen-year-old Chloe has gone missing. While searching for clues, Vera reads her diary and is convinced Chloe was not responsible. However, it is imperative that they find her before any harm can come to her. When another resident of Rosebank is found in a bothy near the standing stones, the Three Dark Wives, apparently suffering from an overdose, the pressure mounts.
The team have their work cut out, and the arrival of new addition Rosie Bell shakes things up a bit. As unlike Holly as she could possibly be, she comes across as a bit abrasive to start with. We can only watch and wait to see if she will fit in with Joe Ashworth and the rest of the team. The case comes to a dramatic conclusion when the local community gather for the annual ‘witch hunt’ in the village near the standing stones. It is dark and spooky evening, with crowds of people in fancy dress making it almost impossible to find who they are looking for.
I have read and loved all the books in this superb series and The Dark Wives was no exception. The atmospheric setting, excellent characterisation and top notch storytelling all made for a gripping read that you will not be able to put down. We can only hope that there will be many more stories featuring Vera Stanhope still to come. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

When Josh, a young staff member at a care home for troubled teens, is found brutally murdered, suspicion falls on Chloe, a bright 14-year-old resident who had a crush on the victim and who has mysteriously vanished.
Enter Vera, the dogged Northumbrian detective and her sidekicks, Joe, and new team member Rosie. After reading Chloe’s diary Vera becomes convinced of her innocence and fears for her safety.
Then a drug-addict from the home is found dead in the wild countryside near the Dark Wives, a forbidding trio of giant stone monoliths, which are steeped in local superstition. Vera doesn’t buy the overdose theory, believing the killer has struck again.
The novel comes to a climax on a night of madness and mayhem when the community comes together for an annual witch hunt near the Dark Wives and the race is on to find Chloe before the killer does. The 11th instalment of the Vera Stanhope series is an atmospheric page-turner peppered with twists and turns. A satisfying read.

DI Vera Stanhope and her team are investigating the disappearance of 14 year old Chloe Spence from a troubled children’s home called Rosebank and the death of one of its volunteers Josh Woodburn. Could the two incidents be connected and how does it link to the local annual with hunt of The Dark Wives.

A good book to read, there was a lot of characters to get my head around but once I did, it made the story easier. I really liked how Vera and her team approached the investigations and how the story came together.

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.