Ann Cleeves can hardly go wrong with Vera Stanhope, and once again, another successful novel I´m sure, this time involving a care home for teenagers, where one of the residents goes missing after witnessing a murder.

Quite dark in some places, an intriguing plot, which at times, I lost the thread, but all in all, a great read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

A girl goes missing from the group foster home where she lives, her diary left behind and a care worker found dead nearby.

Called in to investigate, Vera and Joe - both still mourning the loss of their colleague during the events of the last book - and new DC Rosie discover realise that nothing (and nobody) is as it seems. And when another body is found in the rural Northumberland village to which the missing girl has links, the race is on to find her before more harm is caused.

The Dark Wives - named for the standing stones in the village - was another brilliant and gripping read with Cleeves' usual keen eye for social justice and the failures of privatisation. The mystery kept me guessing and the final showdown was tense and creepy.

I've never read a Vera Stanhope book or seen the TV series. I gradually got to know Vera as the story unfolded, and found her quite fascinating. But along with her team, I was frustrated by her tendency to keep everything to herself. As we neared the end, I felt as confused as the two team members who didn't seem to know what they were supposed to do to find Chloe. The witch hunt event would make superb TV, but somehow it didn't grip or excite me. The actual reveal, which Vera and Charlie had kept to themselves, was not too surprising except for the perpetrators. I enjoyed the plot and getting to know Vera, but found the pace a bit slow at times.

There's always something so comforting about a Vera novel.

It's partly knowing you're in safe hands: for all her unassuming prose, Cleeves is a master of characterisation and world-building. The fast-paced plot doesn't leave much room for description, but even so the coastal villages and inner wilds of Northumberland are vividly rendered. It's always a pleasure to be swept up by the forceful personality of Vera, and spirited new DC Rosie makes a wonderful addition to the team.

Then there's the plot itself: The Dark Wives features a compelling mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end. Some of the hints are very subtle, but all the clues are there. It's structured so that you feel almost as if you're going round in circles, but gradually the threads pull tighter and tighter until you reach the dramatic denouement.

It unravels a little at the very end, but all in all, The Dark Wives is a solid addition to the Vera series.

This is the first book of Ann Cleeves that I’ve read. I liked the style of writing and enjoyed how she wrote the first few chapters. I was engaged straight away and wanted to read on to find out what had happened! I did find the book a little slow towards the end and felt it was really far into the book that we found out what happened. It also felt like an abrupt end I thought. For those reasons. I’ve rated it a 3 star

The Dark Wives is part of the Vera Stanhope series, serving as the 11th book in the collection. This captivating plot revolves around a young woman's mysterious circumstances, uncovering a series of secrets and hidden truths that have a profound impact on the lives of those involved. As DI Vera Stanhope takes charge of the investigation, a captivating story unfolds, revealing the complex connections between the characters and the dark past that continues to haunt them.

The central story focuses on the perplexing death of a staff member named Josh at Rosebank, a home for troubled teens. The primary conflict stems from the disappearance of Chloe Spence, a 14-year-old resident suspected of being tied to Josh's murder. DI Vera Stanhope, determined to find Chloe and reveal the truth, refuses to believe that a teenager could be responsible for such a heinous crime. As the investigation progresses, a new layer of mystery arises when another related body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of Northumberland. As Vera delves deeper into the case, she uncovers the collision of superstition, folklore, and facts, hinting at the presence of more complex issues and hidden secrets.

Throughout the narrative, a palpable tension and suspense pervades, leaving readers on edge as the characters navigate through the intricate web of the mystery. Cleeves expertly crafts a brooding atmosphere that captivates and compels readers from start to finish. Each character is intricately developed, with their distinct flaws, motivations, and secrets. DI Vera Stanhope, the sharp and intuitive detective, takes center stage as she unravels the past and connections of those involved in the case. Her honesty and no-nonsense attitude make her a compelling and relatable protagonist. Vera's dynamic with her dependable colleague DS Joe Ashworth brings an endearing sense of camaraderie and contrasts their approach to solving the case. Additionally, the introduction of ambitious DC Rosie Bell adds further depth to the team and challenges initial judgments.

As the plot progresses, readers will develop a fondness for DC Rosie Bell, appreciating her intelligence and adeptness in questioning suspects. The continuity of characters, such as Vera, Joe, and Charlie, creates a sense of familiarity and comfort for longtime readers of Ann Cleeves' bestselling series. Their close bond and dedication to uncovering the truth make for a captivating read that resonates with honesty and approachability.

Ann Cleeves skillfully combines suspense, character development, and a touch of folklore to create a compelling read. The relatable nature of the characters, particularly Vera Stanhope, adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm to the narrative. With each turn of the page, readers will find themselves captivated by the truth-seeking journey of the dedicated DI and her team.

Her writing style is both accessible and sophisticated, making her work a must-read for fans of the genre.

Another great book in the Vera series. A new girl Rosie is brought in to work alongside Joe in Vera's team ,out to earn Vera's respect after the death of Holly in a previous story., A girl ,Chloe,being kept in care goes missing from the care home she is being kept in. Shortly afterwards the body of one of the carers is found. All clues lead to an area of countryside where Chloe's grandparents used to have a farm where she used to stay. Another body is found in a hideout nearby , is this linked to Chloe and her disappearance? Chloe is eventually discovered by Joe and Rosie during the course of a local custom known as the Witch Hunt. Vera and the team unravel the murders and uncover more secrets in the area.

Another excellent Vera instalment by the author Ann Cleeves. In my opinion the subject matter of the book is a little darker than usual but the storyline is no less intriguing and the conclusion makes for a very satisfying read. But will I still see Brenda Blethyn in my minds eye in future instalments? A question for a different audience.

Vera Stanhope #11

Vera is called to Rosebank children’s home to investigate the murder of Josh Woodburn, a university student and volunteer at the home. In addition, one of the residents 14 year old Chloe Spencer has disappeared which clearly seems suspicious but Vera finds it hard to believe this particular teenager could be responsible. In the search for Chloe in a remote area that she loves, another death, that of a male teenager also from Rosebank, is discovered near the three ancient standing stones known as the Three Wives close to the village of Gillstead. The plot definitely thickens and dangerously so.
Does it link to the children’s home as it seems it might and, how is Chloe involved?

I continue to marvel at the ability of writers like Ann Cleeves who have been producing best sellers for years, and who can still churn out novels that make for such compelling reading. It’s fair to say that Vera and DS Joe Ashworth feel like old friends now. I love Vera who tells it how it is ‘pet’ and how intuitively smart she is. She’s a one off that’s for sure. I like her closeness to Joe who unlike his boss, does like to stick to the rules and also quiet member of the team in Charlie plays a crucial role this time. There’s a new member of the squad replacing Holly ( Previous novel) in the ambitious DC Rosie Bell and it’s a case of not judging a book by its cover. As the novel progresses I grow to like her, she’s very good with those she questions and she too has plenty of smarts.
Will the team feel the same??

The cases is a perplexing one and I like that it shines a spotlight in the children’s home sector, especially those that are privately run and some of those children in Rosebank have some very sad back stories. Vera is just the right person to handle this and she seems to have made a new friend through the investigation.

As the enquiry moves further north into the area around Gillstead and the Dark Wives, the setting is fantastic, it’s full of atmosphere and is very well described. I love the inclusion of local traditions, one of which provides a tremendous backdrop to the conclusion of the addictive novel. These are some of the most vivid scenes in the book and they really stand out.

The plot is told at a to brisk pace, it builds well with plenty of tension and many a twist. Throughout there’s terrific (canny) dialogue so I can ‘hear’ the local dialect and some great words. Champion. The ending is typical Vera. She’s figured it all out before her team, but I have to say I’m a tad disappointed that there aren’t too many clues for readers to pick up but so definitely fits with Vera‘s personality.

Overall, that aside, it’s a compulsive and engrossing read and I’m engaged from start to finish. I like the social commentary angle I’ve not only the children’s homes but also of some education academies. I find myself nodding in agreement with ‘Vera’.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Another stunning book in the Vera series highlighting the children's care home system failings. Brilliantly paced keeping you gripped from the start. My only sorrow is that the wonderful Brenda Blethen will not bring this book to life. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy.

A volunteer in a children’s care home is murdered. A young teenager from the same privately run care home is missing. The police struggle on all fronts to uncover a motive for murder and whereabouts of a vulnerable young adult. Residents and employees of the facility are overwhelmed with lack of staff, funding and experts able to identify and resolve the traumatic effects of damaged teenagers. The waiting lists for referrals to CAMHS is three years with serious underfunding and understaffing leaving the door open for criminal activities in the centres. Slowly through old fashioned police work, interviewing and collating information and reliance on teamwork a convoluted crime begins to surface. An interesting storyline linking criminal activities, faults in the funding and management of children’s care facilities compounded by inability to recognise and help children under stress or risk of abuse leads to a satisfactory conclusion aided and abetted by descriptions of the magnificent Northumberland and north eastern countryside. The ever popular detective Vera leads the investigation identifying the strands and unexpected perpetrators of the crime that will resolve yet another murder. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Ann Cleeves has given us another Vera instalment; we find that Vera is struggling a bit with the death of Holly. We are now introduced to Holly's replacement it may take a while for her to settle onto the team. We start off with a support worker Josh found dead and a young girl missing from the children's home where he worked. So Vera has her work cut out trying to find the girl. As always Vera is indomitable, Ann Cleeves paints such a picture with words. She also highlights the chasm between the haves and have nots. Such a fantastic read, very thought provoking what a good book should be!

Ann Cleeves has done it again. Vera keeps on going and keeps on solving mysteries. This novel has a gritty feel to it as it revolves around children in care. Chloe goes missing from a children's home and the pressure is on to find her. Is she guilty of murder? The characters in this book are believable and I was hooked on the plot, watching Vera go about her work in her usual methodical but unconventional method. A must read.

This is the latest story in the DI Vera Stanhope series and I’m sure most of us are now very familiar with Vera because of the very successful TV spin off. So whenever I pick up a ‘Vera’ novel I know pretty much what to expect and this doesn’t disappoint.
‘The Dark Wives’ sees Vera and longstanding sidekick Joe joined by a new team member, Rosie a modern brash lass from the city. (I look forward to seeing how this character develops and fits in with the team). The story evolves around a murder and a missing girl from a privately run children’s home. Is she a suspect or is she in danger? The team must pull out all the stops to find her before it’s too late.
A cracking good read.

When the worker of a private children’s care home is found murdered and 14-year old Chloe goes missing, Vera and her team are on alert to find her and establish whether there is a connection between the death and her disappearance. A second body is then discovered in an isolated rural bothy and matters get extremely tense.

I enjoy police procedurals and Ann Cleeves writes them so well; the pacing is excellent, there are believable characters and I love the insights into what some of the characters are thinking and feeling.

There is a very satisfying game of cat and mouse while a strange local event takes place in the pitch black of night.

The introduction of Rosie to the team adds a new dimension and refreshes the team dynamics. This change prompts reflection from Vera about her way of ways of working and communicating with her team, but if course nothing really changes Vera! She is still as independent and determined to pursue her own lines of enquiry as ever. She will never be tied to a desk, managing matters from the office. Vera is a superb creation.

The Dark Wives is a thoroughly engrossing read. I can see that the central themes around private care homes and care of troubled teenagers came from concerns and real life investigations which have really stirred the author. As a former social worker she definitely highlights failings and inadequacies in the system, particularly at the resolution of the story.

Thank you (very much) to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

The Ann Cleeves novels that give the reader unrestricted access to the cases involving DCI Vera Stanhope rarely disappoint, and The Dark Wives is no exception to this rule. It’s fair to acknowledge that the ITV series starring Brenda Blethyn is one of those rare TV adaptations that offer characters that sit comfortably with most readers’ interpretations of the author’s creations. But the undoubted star ingredient is the carefully crafted plot that introduces the crime, teases with plausible perpetrators, throws the occasional unexpected twist and then offers a denouement that leaves most readers more than satisfied. The author acknowledges the prompt given by real events in terms of the setting, but there is no inappropriate preaching by the author in placing the crime in association with a privately operated home for troubled children.
Strongly recommended.

Another excellent book in the Vera series. I love the descriptions of the dark night skies and surrounding countryside, but the best parts for me are seeing the characters develop and also the relationships between them. Rosie is a great addition to the team. I hope there are many more Vera books to come - I’m not ready for her to retire yet!

My first 'Vera' book. My first Anne Cleeves book, actually. Always on my list of to be read books but never quite made it. All that must change and they will be my next binge read.
I really enjoyed the characters, the setting and the plot and shared the frustrations of a social care system that has been completely broken by chronic underfunding and lack of support.
It was already a winner for me and was made even more so by the fact that I was unable to work out who the killer was.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks to Netgalley.

This is vintage Vera. A good mystery which brings an important matter to the attention of the reader, the privatisation of homes for children in care, and at the same time keeps the original atmosphere of the series. All in the unique voice of the main character Vera Stanhope who remains true to her stubborn self in spite of growing older. It is a great addition to the series and I am sure all the fans will appreciate it. It's always best to read the series in order, but this book can also be read as a standalone because there are no loose threads from before. Very enjoyable.

Another solid installment in the Vera series, with it's classic, comforting signature - it also has a briliantly complex plot to capture your attention, with all sorts of twists and turns, with the 'standing stones' providing an atmospheric presence over it all