Synopsis
DCI Vera Stanhope returns in The Darkest Evening, the ninth novel in Sunday Times bestseller Ann Cleeves' enduringly popular series.
Driving home during a swirling blizzard, Vera Stanhope's only thought is to get there quickly.
But the snow is so heavy, she becomes disoriented and loses her way. Ploughing on, she sees a car slewed off the road ahead of her. With the driver's door open, Vera assumes the driver has sought shelter but when she inspects the car she is shocked to find a young toddler strapped in the back seat.
Afraid they will freeze, Vera takes the child and drives on, arriving at Brockburn, a run-down stately home she immediately recognizes as the house her father Hector grew up in.
Inside Brockburn a party is in full swing, with music and laughter to herald the coming Christmas. But outside in the snow, a young woman lies dead and Vera knows immediately she has a new case. Could this woman be the child's mother, and if so, what happened to her?
A classic country house mystery with a contemporary twist, Ann Cleeves returns with a brilliant Vera novel to savour.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Pan Macmillan
- ISBN: 9781509889556
- Number of pages: 416
- Dimensions: 197 x 129 x 28 mm
- Weight: 298g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
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Always a pleasure
Grabbing the latest book in this series is a no-brainer for a couple of reasons. First, I know I’m in for a well written, twisty murder mystery. Second, I ... READ MORE
Great addition to the series
General bit first, more about the book itself in the second paragraph. I've come late to these books. No plots will be given away here. These are very imp... READ MORE
Vera's back with a chilling murder-mystery to solve!
On a cold, dark night near Christmas, detective Vera Stanhope loses her way home in a snowstorm and stumbles across an abandoned car with a baby boy in the... READ MORE
The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading.
The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves, was a breath of fresh air, it w... READ MORE
Enjoyable Story
Driving home during a snow storm, DCI Vera Stanhope comes across an abandoned car with a toddler inside. Taking the child she drives to the nearest house w... READ MORE
Brilliant Vera
This is book 9 in the Vera Stanhope series but the first 'Vera' book I have read.
I don't think that it mattered too much, coming in at book 9 – although t... READ MORE
The Darkest Evening
I have to admit that I have only dipped in to this series of books - probably only read about half of what has gone before - but that I am a big fan of the... READ MORE
Murder mystery set in NORTHUMBERLAND
This is no. 9 in the Vera Stanhope series and will beautifully transport you to wild Northumberland, just a few days before Christmas. Vera is driving her ... READ MORE
Magnificent!
The Darkest Evening is the latest book in the DI Vera Stanhope series by Ann Cleeves.
Set in my home county of Northumberland, it is the first snowy night... READ MORE
A Frosty Yet Gripping Winter’s Tale
Another well-written crime story by Ann Cleeves, full of heart-warming descriptive details, a plot with turns and twists, characters that show AC’s great i... READ MORE
vera returns
The latest Vera Stanhope novel is up to the usual standard. All the other reviews say it all. My favourite characters are back and Vera is in fine form d... READ MORE
Ann Cleeves never disappoints
A fast paced winter page turner, that didn't disappoint. Whenever I read an Ann Cleeves, DCI Vera Stanhope novel, it's like inviting an old friend into you... READ MORE
the tale has a slight Agatha Christie feel
Although I’ve watched several episodes of the tv show ‘Vera’ this was my first time to read one of the books on which the show is based. As a result, it wa... READ MORE
The Darkest Evening
The 8th novel in the Vera Stanhope series, The Darkest Evening is a thrilling, fast paced story filled with twists and turns.
As always, Vera is a strong,... READ MORE
Even better than the tv series
The darkest evening is the ninth DI Vera Stanhope novel and yet another wonderful read from this great writer. One evening Vera, ever stubborn ,is driving... READ MORE
Anne Cleeve
Always enjoy her books, Shetland and the Vera series are always a good read.
Thrilling Mystery
I had selfish reasons for reading "The Darkest Evening". I am a huge "Vera" fan (on Britbox), however I have never read one of Ann Cleeves books. I was cur... READ MORE
Crime mystery set in Northumberland
Northumberland at Christmas. Vera is driving her battered Land Rover when she comes across a car that has been run off the road. A small child is still ins... READ MORE
Twists and turns
The Darkest Evening is a very atmospheric read with twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the final chapter.
This is one of my favourite Vera St... READ MORE
Another Great Novel From Ann Cleeves.
Set in Northumberland, I really enjoyed this latest novel in the DCI Vera Stanhope series.
Vera is trying to get home from work in the middle of a snowstor... READ MORE
Thrilling Mystery
I had selfish reasons for reading "The Darkest Evening". I am a huge "Vera" fan (on Britbox), however I have never read one of Ann Cleeves books. I was cur... READ MORE
Vera's the Best
Unputdownable. The latest Vera may well be the best one of the lot. Ann Cleeves is such a good writer that the pace just cracks along with all the other ... READ MORE