Another great read featuring Vera Stanhope.
Vera is called in when a worker at a children's home is murdered and a teenage resident is missing.
This is a gripping read with believable characters. In addition to characters from previous books we are introduced to a new recruit - Rosie Bell. There are references to past cases but this doesn't detract from the story and the book can be read as a standalone novel.
The descriptions of the northern landscape add to the dark and gritty atmosphere. There is also a touch of folklore involving the local custom of a 'witch hunt' amid the backdrop of tall stones known locally as the 'Dark Wives.'
The book also highlights the pressures on the care system and corruption in privately-run children's services.
An excellent addition to a great series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

At last, another Vera story! I’m a big fan of this series. She’s such an unlikely character but somehow it works. I don’t think for one minute her approach would sit comfortably in real life, but this is a story and I’m happy to invest in this shambolic lady, one blessed with intellect and insight. The new addition to the team, Rosie, allows a move forward in terms of introducing computer technology. It’s interesting to see the relationship between her and Joe develop as he sees a different way to do things.

This story has the usual strong Northumberland setting and is a chilling view of the state of children’s social services. I suspect that aside from the murder scenario, much is based on fact. It’s a twisty tale with Vera keeping her counsel as usual. Loved it.

A new Vera Stanhope mystery!!! I had to read this one as soon as I could as I am a longtime fan of Ann Cleeves but especially the Vera books.
A young volunteer at a children’s home is found murdered and a 14 year old girl is missing. Vera’s team are investigating but Vera is still grieving the death of Holly in a previous investigation and is beginning to wonder if she is too old for her job.
New team member Rosie is a welcome addition to the cast of characters and I enjoyed seeing Joe’s reaction to her as she found her feet and began to take a full role in the team. It was also good to see how important the work behind the scenes is. We don’t often see much of how important the computer side of an investigation is but in this novel, it was a vital part of the solution.
The mystery is a compelling one and gives us a sadly all too realistic portrayal of children’s services in the current era of underfunding. As always, the Northumberland setting is an important element of the plot especially towards to the end when the action culminates in a modern version of a witch hunt involving the whole community out on the moor at night including the possible killer.
Vera has vowed to be more open and inclusive with her team but in this mystery, she seemed to keep even more to herself than usual meaning that there was a lot of explanation needed at the end. I enjoyed the conclusion but would have liked a bit more transparency as the story went on so that the explanation didn’t need to be as involved.
This was my only slight negative and otherwise, this was another brilliant outing for DI Vera Stanhope and her team.

Always an engrossing read, all the Vera books have good characters and superb sense of place. A missing girl from a children’s home, a murder and a strange pagan festival of catching a witch in the dark all add up to a good read but I was a little bit disappointed with the ending.

Vera books are very dependable although I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as The Rising Tide - the last in the Vera Stanhope series I've read.
This is the story of a 14 year old girl who goes missing from a children's home the same night as a volunteer worker is murdered. It seems too greater coincidence for the two not to be connected and as Vera and her team find bits of the girl's diary and notes to a friend it is obvious that something is amiss at the home.
Ann Cleeves manages to string out the resolution well by having her lead detective, Vera Stanhope, keep all her cards close to her chest. I found this a bit annoying and extremely doubtful police practise and wished there had been another way to for the reveal to happen.
I also wasn't entirely happy with the character of Chloe. I thought as a sparky teenager she'd have a bit more, well, spark, to her, but she comes across as very fearful of something unknown, and I found her writings rather childish.
I did very much enjoy the settings in this book which almost became another character. The village where the Witch Hunt takes place with it iconic pub and tough landlady is great and other places around mentioned like Warkworth and Alnmouth are favourites of mine.
And of course Vera is a very likeable character even at her most crusty and difficult.
With thanks to Netgalley and PanMac Marketing for an early copy in return for an honest review.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (plenty of reviews like that out there already).

I've read and enjoyed several of Ann Cleeves' earlier "Vera Stanhope" novels, and always look forward to a new one. As usual, this was an enjoyable read, with plenty of twists and turns, and "red herrings" to throw you off the trail!

The action moves between several locations in beautiful Northumberland - including a care home for troubled teens, and a pleasant-sounding village inland. The characters and locations are - as usual - well written and described, so that you can picture the scenes.

One point of mystery for me were references to Vera's sadness about Holly (one of her team) - but I'm not sure what happened to her (I have obviously missed something in an earlier novel!)

Highly recommended for fans of Ann Cleeves, and Vera Stanhope. Looking forward to the next novel already!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I've not read any Ann Cleves books before nor watched the Vera TV Series (although I have seen some Shetland series) but many friends have recommended Ann Cleves' books in the past and they were right to as I enjoyed this murder investigation, despite murder mysteries not really being my preferred genre. Ann Cleves writes so well, the narrative just flows along. Gory details of the murders are not dwelt on which I liked and it let the characters and the story shine instead. There were no issues as a new reader coming into a long running series and there were a few nods to past team members and allusions to current members and their families to keep serial readers updated. All very cleverly woven in and the mystery tied up.

This time Vera and her team are joined by a new member called Rosie and are called out to a privately run childrens home where a young agency worker has been murdered and a vunerable teenage resident who goes to a very strict Academy type school. is missing. Vera and her team have to join the dots and make connections in the case with time running out for the missing child and an exciting final act against the back drop of the "Dark Wives" - tall stones that stand over a crag and a "witch hunt" event taking place in the dark there.

Ann Cleeves can hardly go wrong with Vera Stanhope, and once again, another successful novel I´m sure, this time involving a care home for teenagers, where one of the residents goes missing after witnessing a murder.

Quite dark in some places, an intriguing plot, which at times, I lost the thread, but all in all, a great read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

A girl goes missing from the group foster home where she lives, her diary left behind and a care worker found dead nearby.

Called in to investigate, Vera and Joe - both still mourning the loss of their colleague during the events of the last book - and new DC Rosie discover realise that nothing (and nobody) is as it seems. And when another body is found in the rural Northumberland village to which the missing girl has links, the race is on to find her before more harm is caused.

The Dark Wives - named for the standing stones in the village - was another brilliant and gripping read with Cleeves' usual keen eye for social justice and the failures of privatisation. The mystery kept me guessing and the final showdown was tense and creepy.

I've never read a Vera Stanhope book or seen the TV series. I gradually got to know Vera as the story unfolded, and found her quite fascinating. But along with her team, I was frustrated by her tendency to keep everything to herself. As we neared the end, I felt as confused as the two team members who didn't seem to know what they were supposed to do to find Chloe. The witch hunt event would make superb TV, but somehow it didn't grip or excite me. The actual reveal, which Vera and Charlie had kept to themselves, was not too surprising except for the perpetrators. I enjoyed the plot and getting to know Vera, but found the pace a bit slow at times.

There's always something so comforting about a Vera novel.

It's partly knowing you're in safe hands: for all her unassuming prose, Cleeves is a master of characterisation and world-building. The fast-paced plot doesn't leave much room for description, but even so the coastal villages and inner wilds of Northumberland are vividly rendered. It's always a pleasure to be swept up by the forceful personality of Vera, and spirited new DC Rosie makes a wonderful addition to the team.

Then there's the plot itself: The Dark Wives features a compelling mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end. Some of the hints are very subtle, but all the clues are there. It's structured so that you feel almost as if you're going round in circles, but gradually the threads pull tighter and tighter until you reach the dramatic denouement.

It unravels a little at the very end, but all in all, The Dark Wives is a solid addition to the Vera series.

This is the first book of Ann Cleeves that I’ve read. I liked the style of writing and enjoyed how she wrote the first few chapters. I was engaged straight away and wanted to read on to find out what had happened! I did find the book a little slow towards the end and felt it was really far into the book that we found out what happened. It also felt like an abrupt end I thought. For those reasons. I’ve rated it a 3 star

The Dark Wives is part of the Vera Stanhope series, serving as the 11th book in the collection. This captivating plot revolves around a young woman's mysterious circumstances, uncovering a series of secrets and hidden truths that have a profound impact on the lives of those involved. As DI Vera Stanhope takes charge of the investigation, a captivating story unfolds, revealing the complex connections between the characters and the dark past that continues to haunt them.

The central story focuses on the perplexing death of a staff member named Josh at Rosebank, a home for troubled teens. The primary conflict stems from the disappearance of Chloe Spence, a 14-year-old resident suspected of being tied to Josh's murder. DI Vera Stanhope, determined to find Chloe and reveal the truth, refuses to believe that a teenager could be responsible for such a heinous crime. As the investigation progresses, a new layer of mystery arises when another related body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of Northumberland. As Vera delves deeper into the case, she uncovers the collision of superstition, folklore, and facts, hinting at the presence of more complex issues and hidden secrets.

Throughout the narrative, a palpable tension and suspense pervades, leaving readers on edge as the characters navigate through the intricate web of the mystery. Cleeves expertly crafts a brooding atmosphere that captivates and compels readers from start to finish. Each character is intricately developed, with their distinct flaws, motivations, and secrets. DI Vera Stanhope, the sharp and intuitive detective, takes center stage as she unravels the past and connections of those involved in the case. Her honesty and no-nonsense attitude make her a compelling and relatable protagonist. Vera's dynamic with her dependable colleague DS Joe Ashworth brings an endearing sense of camaraderie and contrasts their approach to solving the case. Additionally, the introduction of ambitious DC Rosie Bell adds further depth to the team and challenges initial judgments.

As the plot progresses, readers will develop a fondness for DC Rosie Bell, appreciating her intelligence and adeptness in questioning suspects. The continuity of characters, such as Vera, Joe, and Charlie, creates a sense of familiarity and comfort for longtime readers of Ann Cleeves' bestselling series. Their close bond and dedication to uncovering the truth make for a captivating read that resonates with honesty and approachability.

Ann Cleeves skillfully combines suspense, character development, and a touch of folklore to create a compelling read. The relatable nature of the characters, particularly Vera Stanhope, adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm to the narrative. With each turn of the page, readers will find themselves captivated by the truth-seeking journey of the dedicated DI and her team.

Her writing style is both accessible and sophisticated, making her work a must-read for fans of the genre.

Another great book in the Vera series. A new girl Rosie is brought in to work alongside Joe in Vera's team ,out to earn Vera's respect after the death of Holly in a previous story., A girl ,Chloe,being kept in care goes missing from the care home she is being kept in. Shortly afterwards the body of one of the carers is found. All clues lead to an area of countryside where Chloe's grandparents used to have a farm where she used to stay. Another body is found in a hideout nearby , is this linked to Chloe and her disappearance? Chloe is eventually discovered by Joe and Rosie during the course of a local custom known as the Witch Hunt. Vera and the team unravel the murders and uncover more secrets in the area.

Another excellent Vera instalment by the author Ann Cleeves. In my opinion the subject matter of the book is a little darker than usual but the storyline is no less intriguing and the conclusion makes for a very satisfying read. But will I still see Brenda Blethyn in my minds eye in future instalments? A question for a different audience.

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.

Another stunning book in the Vera series highlighting the children's care home system failings. Brilliantly paced keeping you gripped from the start. My only sorrow is that the wonderful Brenda Blethen will not bring this book to life. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy.

A volunteer in a children’s care home is murdered. A young teenager from the same privately run care home is missing. The police struggle on all fronts to uncover a motive for murder and whereabouts of a vulnerable young adult. Residents and employees of the facility are overwhelmed with lack of staff, funding and experts able to identify and resolve the traumatic effects of damaged teenagers. The waiting lists for referrals to CAMHS is three years with serious underfunding and understaffing leaving the door open for criminal activities in the centres. Slowly through old fashioned police work, interviewing and collating information and reliance on teamwork a convoluted crime begins to surface. An interesting storyline linking criminal activities, faults in the funding and management of children’s care facilities compounded by inability to recognise and help children under stress or risk of abuse leads to a satisfactory conclusion aided and abetted by descriptions of the magnificent Northumberland and north eastern countryside. The ever popular detective Vera leads the investigation identifying the strands and unexpected perpetrators of the crime that will resolve yet another murder. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Ann Cleeves has given us another Vera instalment; we find that Vera is struggling a bit with the death of Holly. We are now introduced to Holly's replacement it may take a while for her to settle onto the team. We start off with a support worker Josh found dead and a young girl missing from the children's home where he worked. So Vera has her work cut out trying to find the girl. As always Vera is indomitable, Ann Cleeves paints such a picture with words. She also highlights the chasm between the haves and have nots. Such a fantastic read, very thought provoking what a good book should be!

Ann Cleeves has done it again. Vera keeps on going and keeps on solving mysteries. This novel has a gritty feel to it as it revolves around children in care. Chloe goes missing from a children's home and the pressure is on to find her. Is she guilty of murder? The characters in this book are believable and I was hooked on the plot, watching Vera go about her work in her usual methodical but unconventional method. A must read.