The Vera Stanhope series

Ann Cleeves

When one of DI Vera Stanhope’s unconventional neighbors disappears, Vera’s search leads to a secluded writers’ retreat—and a shocking murder. Her neighbor is discovered holding the weapon, but Vera’s instincts tell her the apparent evidence conceals a more intricate truth, drawing her into an investigation that tests both her judgment and her willingness to follow procedure. As further violence unsettles the retreat, Vera and Sergeant Joe Ashworth must unravel a killer’s literary game before imagination and reality become fatally entwined. Set against an atmosphere of creative ambition, buried tensions, and dangerous obsession, this gripping mystery showcases the sharp characterization and psychological suspense of the Vera Stanhope series.

Ann Cleeves

A decade-old murder resurfaces in the quiet village of Elvet, drawing Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope back into a web of long-buried secrets. As Vera delves into the past, she uncovers a community where appearances are deceiving and hidden resentments simmer beneath the surface. With her characteristic sharp intellect and empathetic approach, Vera must untangle the truth before the echoes of the past claim more victims.