The first ann cleeves book I read was the quick reads shetland book. I enjoyed it so I tried the shetland books and then immediately read the vera books. I had put off reading her books for a long time as I though they may be too bleak for me. Instead I found them fascinating and a joy to read. I won't give any plots away as I don't normally like doing that. These are very impressive books. The writing is brilliant. And like my favourite crime writers such as Agatha Christie or j k Rowling's strike novels it's all about character, atmosphere and intriguing plots. The shetland books are fascinating. A great lead detective surrounded by good supporting characters with solid plots and a magnificent backdrop in the locations. I'm not as familiar with the shetland locations as I am with the vera books locations but I do know some and it's nice to see places I know in these books. These are deliberately slow paced novels. Characters are introduced and their lives are picked over to reveal the clues. Perez is a good character who goes through quite a lot over the course of the books. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and have to say I am impressed that cleeves has ended the shetland books. The vera stories have a large geographical area for murders to be committed whereas the shetland books could become silly if they continued. How many murders would be believable on a relatively small set of islands before you have to twin shetland with midsummer! I would be happy if she did return to these books occasionally but I'm very happy with the ones we have. A great series.

Excellent murder mystery, keeps you guessing right to the end. Love the setting and the characters, will certainly continue with the series.

Again two series are my normal reads from this author. Vera and Shetland as books have held my attention through difficult recent times. All now read with the exception of one now out of print. Have also read The Herons Cry. Again looking forward to new publications. Reccommended.

Really enjoying this series. Enjoyed the Vera collection by Ann Cleeves and have not been disappointed with the Shetland setued