A Vera Stanhope story by Ann Cleeves is always something to look forward to and this eleventh book in the series is an absolute winner. Set against a backdrop of a children's home and an academy school, Ann Cleeves shines a spotlight into the world of the 'haves and have-nots' and private business managing what were once public bodies. The death of a support worker at a care home and the disappearance of one of the young residents leads Vera and her team into a complex case; new team member Rosie makes a good addition to the series. There is a race against time to find the missing child. The story takes the team out into the countryside where a second body is discovered and into the village of Gillstead- close to three large mysterious standing stones called The Three Dark Wives and annual event called The Witch Hunt. The plot is fast and the details of the crime procedural are as excellent as ever - unfeeling the tragedies and frailties within all types of relationships and families. It is Ann Cleeves' eye for the detail in every day life that makes the series so good and of course Vera's brooding character and determined ( and sometimes sharp) nature that makes her such a brilliant protagonist. In this story she even attempts to be more inclusive with her team following the events of the previous book. As with all series, it is good to read them in order to see how characters develop, but this book could be read as a standalone. The one element that shone through with this book is Ann Cleeves' feelings towards the disparity in society - 'privatised' state schools and care homes - targets and goals and profits - leading to the neglect of the most vulnerable in society. A brilliant police /detective procedural but with a plot clearly directed to make us all consider what politicians and systems are doing to communities and individuals in the name of supposed "progress"! Highly recommended

I enjoyed this latest book in the Vera Stanhope series, as usual a tense, well paced read with great characterisation, good realistic plot and Vera’s own brand of policing. The only thing for me is that Vera would no doubt have been pensioned off by now. However, it’s still an enjoyable read with unexpected twists, a good new character for Vera’s team and Ann Cleeves is still on top of her game. The children's home and social workers concerns are all too realistically portrayed, sadly. book would definitely make good television viewing. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is my first outing of the Vera series and after reading this I will go back and read the others. I have watched the TV series and whilst reading this I had the lovely Brenda Blethyn image in my head. Vera is still getting over the death of one of the members on her team. The new member that has come to replace her Rosie Bell is full of energy and read to impress Vera in the new case that of a volunteer of privately run Rosebank Children’s home, Josh Woodburn’s body has been discovered and Chloe Spencer who is residing at the home until her mum gets out of hospital has gone missing. Chloe formed a bond with Josh while he was at the home. Vera doesn’t think she is the killer but, thinks she is in danger as she may know who killed him. This is a gripping read from the author worth a well-executed plot. I really enjoyed this story which you can also read as a standalone. As I have not read the others. It was great getting to know that well loved characters in book form. As I only know them from the TV series. This is a fabulous read. 5 stars from me.

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.

Book 11 in the Vera Stanhope series and it’s another cracking read. Young teenager Chloe Spence is a real live wire of a girl who likes dressing as a Goth and spinning stories of witches. She is also living in Rosebank care home for troubled teens after her Dad walked out and her Mum had a breakdown. Chloe has become close to Josh Woodburn a care worker which is making her life easier, but there are so many sad tales about the children living in the home. Briefly, one morning Vera is called out as Josh, has been found dead outside the home. Chloe has disappeared. With a new detective, Rosie, joining the team to replace Holly, they need to find Chloe and work out what happened. Is she alive and in hiding, is she the killer or is there another body to be found? Then a second body is found. Brilliant storyline as all the talents in the team try to dissemble the many lies being told to them. The main question though is will Vera let Jo, Rosie and Charlie in on her suspicions or try to do it herself? Vera is such a brilliant character and as a fan of the television show you can’t help but envisage the tv personalities as you read the books. But I find this makes my reading all the more immersive and emotional. The author is so good at writing character and the plot is, as always, brilliantly executed. A wonderful read that I didn’t want to put down. Classic!