The Dark Wives: Vera Stanhope, Book 11

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 7,320 ratings

Price: 17.71

Last update: 11-16-2024


About this item

"Janine Birkett's marvelous narration enhances this riveting mystery, part of the Vera Stanhope series, set on the majestic northeast coast of England"—AudioFile on The Seagull, an Earphones Award winner

As New York Times bestseller Ann Cleeves's beloved Vera series explodes in popularity in print and on TV, this stunning eleventh book explores the web of secrets surrounding a young man's death.

The man’s body is found in the early morning light by a local dog walker in the park outside Rosebank, a home for troubled teens in the coastal village of Longwater. The victim is Josh, a staff member, who was due to work the previous night but never showed up.

DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate the death, with her only clue being the disappearance of one of the home’s residents, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence. Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility.

Vera, Joe and new team member Rosie Bell, are soon embroiled in the case, and when a second connected body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of the Northumberland countryside, superstition and folklore begin to collide with fact. Vera knows she has to find Chloe to get to the truth, and the dark secrets in their community that may be far more dangerous than she could have ever believed possible.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.


Top reviews from the United States

Karine D.
5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect fall read !
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2024
I absolutely loved this new addition to the series.

Vera is back and she is thriving, masterful at solving a strange death and disappearance. She shows empathy for those struggling and she's ruthless for the wicked. The story is engaging but also a stark warning about the dangers of commercializing basic societal needs like shelters and childcare.

Rosie is the new addition to the team and I thoroughly disliked her, but I guess that was the point.
The Vera series is one of those that can transport you to the desolate shores of England and it makes me wish I had a small cottage on the countryside ... ow boy there I go again... so well, yeah basically escapism at its finest!

Bravo again Mrs. Cleeves !
Britta Sjöström
4.0 out of 5 stars One of her best books yet
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024
"The Dark Wives" by Ann Cleeves is a captivating and insightful novel that truly highlights pressing societal issues, particularly regarding the handling of young offenders. Cleeves has an incredible talent for creating complex characters and a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Not only does the book offer suspense and drama, but it also raises important questions about ethics and morality in our society. By shedding light on the consequences of privatizing the care of young criminals, Cleeves challenges readers to think critically about this contemporary issue. She emphasizes that such privatization often leads to a lack of accountability and a neglect of individual well-being, which can have devastating effects on the most vulnerable.

Cleeves’s ability to weave a fictional story with real-world problems makes "The Dark Wives" a must-read for anyone interested in social issues and human psychology. Her writing style is both lyrical and direct, ensuring that the message resonates deeply. This novel has the potential to inspire change and provoke discussion, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how we can better support and care for our youth.
Beverly Kissinger
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2024
I've read all of this "Vera" series and the other two also. Excellent plot and evolution of all major characters and introduction of a new one. Always keeps you guessing and trying to solve who done it. Highly recommend it.
Bob B
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun British Mystery
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
A police-procedural mystery set in Northumberland, England.

The 11th Vera Stanhope mystery finds the redoubtable Vera investigating the death of a worker at a home for troubled teens. The primary suspect is a 14-year-old girl, Chloe, who has disappeared. Vera and her team, Joe and Rosie, trace Chloe’s movements and find a second murder victim in the Northumberland wilds near the famous Three Dark Wives monument.

A distinctly British mystery told primarily through the point-of-view of Vera Stanhope. Good characterization and just enough mystery to keep us engaged.
Newton Bryson
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story, rushed ending!
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024
Beautifully written story; loved the way in which Ms. Cleeves portrayed the inner landscapes of “our team”. The building of suspense was masterful and who knew rich, successful people could be so evil. However, I wish she had taken three more chapters to expound on the ending. Unfortunately, it was busted, confessed and off to goal before we could we could enjoy the march to justice for the miscreants.
S. Dressel
4.0 out of 5 stars Convoluted mystery with bood characters
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
I am a big fan of Vera stories and the TV program. This story drew me in quickly with a surprising murder of a young care provider. The issue of care homes and lack of mental health support is a strong one. The introduction of a new colleague to the story and the similarity to family Dynamics was clever. Putting a witch hunt in the story was really enjoyable. I really enjoyed the book.
Audra Anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars Vera my favorite
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
Another great one. Hard to follow the loss from the prior book, but well done. Definitely loved the ending, didnt see that coming at all - AGAIN
Roseville Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Another in a series of “A’s” for Anne Cleeves
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024
Always anticipate her latest addition to any of her series and am never disappointed. Characters, setting, plot masterfully woven into a novel providing hours of escapist pleasure.

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