Ann Cleeves’ ninth Vera Stanhope mystery, The Darkest Evening, is due out next Tuesday, Sept. 8. If you haven’t yet met Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope, you can pick up the short story “Frozen”, for free on Amazon for a Kindle. Very smart move on the part of Cleeves’ publisher, Minotaur Books. The story just came out in early August, so they deliberately led up to the release of the latest book.
At only twenty-two pages, of course there’s not much character development. It’s just enough for the reader to get a feeling for Vera’s style. Vera stops in Forum Books, a newly opened bookstore to find the owners searching under the floor of what was once a chapel. When they discover a skeleton under the floor, Vera recognizes the bracelet.
That’s it. I really can’t tell you more because it’s only a story, not an entire novel. But, even in this short piece, the reader can tell that Vera is a force of nature who demands a great deal of those who work with her. In addition, when she reveals the final solution, it’s obvious that Vera has her own ways of dealing with crime.
So, check out “Frozen”. And, get ready for the next book in the bestselling Vera Stanhope series, The Darkest Evening.
Ann Cleeves’ website is www.anncleeves.com
“Frozen” by Ann Cleeves. Minotaur Books, 2020. 22p.
Thanks. Got it. By coincidence, we watched the last episode of the latest series of VERA (series 10) last night. "Force of nature" is a good description of her.
Vera is something else. I'd hate to work with her, though.
Thanks for pointing this out, Lesa. I'm really excited about the book. Have it preordered. I listened to a wonderful event with Louise Penny earlier today. Murder By the Book was the host and McKenna Jordan was the interviewer. So much fun to sit and listen to them talk. My book is on the way – hope it gets here soon.
I listened to it on my lunch hour, Kay. You're right. It was good to see and hear them. I've read it, but I still wanted to see Louise.
I'm excited about this one as well. I'm behind in reading the series, but it doesn't really matter. It's Vera.
Having never read a Vera, I somehow got Frozen free and read it and loved it. My goal is to start from the beginning with Crow Trap and work my way upward.
It is just a matter of finding the time…..too many books.
I KNOW, Netteanne! I read The Crow Trap, and I have the second one. Time! I need time. Ann Cleeves writes wonderful mysteries. I haven't read all the books, but I've read books in her three most recent series.