The Darkest Evening: A Vera Stanhope Novel

Vera Stanhope, Book 9

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Janine Birkett

Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

From Ann Cleeves - New York Times best-selling and award-winning author of the Vera and Shetland series, both of which are hit TV shows - comes the stunning new Vera Stanhope novel, The Darkest Evening.

"Ann Cleeves is one of my favorite mystery writers." (Louise Penny)

"As a huge fan of both the Shetland and Vera series of books, I had high expectations for Cleeves’ latest.... A stunning debut for Cleeves’ latest crimefighter." (David Baldacci on The Long Call)

On the first snowy night of winter, Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope sets off for her home in the hills. Though the road is familiar, she misses a turning and soon becomes lost and disorientated. A car has skidded off the narrow road in front of her, its door left open, and she stops to help. There is no driver to be seen, so Vera assumes that the owner has gone to find help. But a cry calls her back: a toddler is strapped in the back seat.

Vera takes the child and, driving on, she arrives at a place she knows well. Brockburn is a large, grand house in the wilds of Northumberland, now a little shabby and run down. It’s also where her father, Hector, grew up. Inside, there’s a party in full swing: music, Christmas lights, and laughter. Outside, unbeknownst to the revelers, a woman lies dead in the snow.

As the blizzard traps the group deep in the freezing Northumberland countryside, Brockburn begins to give up its secrets, and as Vera digs deeper into her investigation, she also begins to uncover her family’s complicated past.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

©2020 Ann Cleeves (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Vera solves a case in the wilds of Northumberland

A wonderful murder mystery with characters well voiced by the excellent reader. Loved it As all the loose ends were well wrapped by the end.

Excellent narrator for Vera!

I loved it! The narrator was terrific - her vocals really added to the story!

One of her best

This is one I'll re-listen to I'm sure. Pacing, theme, and writing all top notch. Janine Birkett fits just right, in tone and characterizations.

Perfection; Per Usual

Anytime I start a new Anne Cleeves I have this latent anxiety that I will be disappointed. The bar is so high because she had set this bar herself. I believe her to be the most talented crime writer (of this genre) of our time. Her writing has depth, atmosphere, humor, and just enough of a spooky undercurrent to propel her stories the right way. She always develops her characters totally, you truly get to know these folks. She is masterful with her ability to really TRANSPORT the reader to these locations. The Shetland Series is the proof of that. You close your eyes and really GO there and that is genius in my opinion. It is not easy to achieve this. I loved this book from start to finish. There are no lags, drags, or unnecessary words or chapters. Every printed word has been carefully though out. The story itself is exceedingly interesting and of course, we have the wild and alluring backdrop of Northumbria. The performance is outstanding. I absolutely loved it. This is one that I will be listening to again. I always enjoy Vera (I prefer Shetland but really enjoy Vera as well) and of the Vera series this is one of the best. In my opinion there are some serious standouts in the series. Books such The Crow Trap, Telling Tales, The Glass Room and Harbor Street are almost how to guides for a mystery writer. I’ve listened many times to these. This one is right at the top of that list. A wonderful book and a really fun read. Once again, and for like the fiftieth time, thank you AC. Another fabulous story that I won’t soon forget. Bravo 😎😎😎🎉🎉🎉

A good, solid mystery

I'm a fan of the Vera Stanhope television series so I was predisposed to like the novel. The audio version was just as gripping. The plot was intricate, the characters well-drawn, and the interpretation was very good. I recommend it.

classic " Vera " novel

I love the Vera series. Love the characters, so well drawn and the plots are great. I liked seeing a little softer side of Vera. I also like that Holly has grown into her position in this novel. The narration is good for all the characters in this novel.

Memorable characters, atmospheric

While I have seen many Vera episodes on tv, I had not read the books. I decided to order the latest on Audible. The characters are vividly drawn and the plot is believable. Excellent narration. Cannot think of one flaw. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Loved it!

I loved this new "Vera" mystery! It's Anne Cleeves at her best! More please!!!

Great new Vera!

I am very happy to see that Vera Stanhope is still active and quite astute. This one had me stumped. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Mystery Marvelous

Intrigued as usual by a Cleeves ' novel. Read it straight through, almost without stopping. I was constantly looking, for the tricky killer who turned out to be someone I never even considered. A smashing mystery. don't miss it. The narrator was very enjoyable.