Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope finds herself at the grand home of a relative, first seeking aid after finding a toddler alone in a car, then while investigating a body found on the estate grounds. Not only is there the intricate web of suspects to parse through, there is the threat that the lens will circle back to a relative, an undesirable outcome in the best of relationships, muddied when the connections are already strained.

Ann Cleeves creates flawed characters and works in details on their situations and histories. There is depth to everyone, and in spite of -- or perhaps because of -- their flawed natures, they are relatable and you can develop fondness for them and wish them well.

This is the ninth installment of the Vera Stanhope series, none of which I'd read previously, and I didn't suffer for it. I could have believed it to have been a standalone; there was reference to renovating after a fire that in hindsight must be in reference to a past title, but I wasn't concerned at the lack of detail and context for the series. 

I've now read two titles by Cleeves; I don't know that I will work my way through her back catalog (a quick glance shows that there are nearly 40 titles to her name now), but she's established herself as a writer who creates thoughtful mysteries that I could see myself making room to read newer titles if they cross my path.

(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R208OHODHHZKMN?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp In the 9th & latest Vera Stanhope mystery, Ann Cleeves sends us on a chilling (literally) whodunit in the Devon countryside in the middle of a blizzard. The tale starts out with Vera trying to make her way home in a blinding snowstorm and accidently stumbling on a crime scene after taking a wrong turn. With the frumpy appearing, yet ever deceptively sharp- witted DCI Vera at the helm, Cleeves cunningly draws the reader into the unfolding procedural storyline with wonderful descriptive elements of the quirky & tight-knit village community, as well as the locale. This latest segment does not disappoint. The characters are well thought out and we get to unfold a bit more of Vera's back story with a bit more insight into what makes this brilliant DCI tick. The tale drew me in from the first page & kept me guessing until the end. Well done!

Quaint and atmospheric mystery set in a rural village in England. This continuation of the Vera Stanhope series is a welcome addition to fans of the series but is lacking in the "wow" factor many lovers of more fast paced mystery/suspense may be looking for.

A quaint murder mystery/police procedural that takes place in modern times in Northumberland, England. Very atmospheric with the action centering on an old, run down, manor house and a small rural village. This being the first book I’ve read of the series (and it is #9), I have to say I wasn’t too enamored by the characters but imagine they would grow on you with each book. D.I. Vera Stanhope is a bit gruff and described as looking like a bag lady. The story is a decent, rather tame, adventure, and the series appears to be well liked. I just prefer more sensational, grittier mysteries.

What a great thriller. I was hesitant to pick up The Darkest Evening because it's the ninth in a long-running series but I had read Cleeves' The Long Call (book 1 in the Two Rivers series) and really enjoyed it so I figured it was worth a shot. Oh boy am I glad I did!

The pacing is the perfect push-pull of thoughtful investigation and tense mystery that keeps the pages turning. I really enjoyed all of the characters but Vera the most of all. I'm so intrigued by her and enjoyed her humor so much that I'm planning to go back to read books one through eight. There was just enough background between the characters' relationships with one another that I didn't feel confused by what I'd missed before and all of the secondaries are interesting even on their own.

The ambiance of the Northumberland countryside really shone through as well as the perfect setting for this story. And the ending! It was a total surprise to me, even though I'd spent the whole time guessing. All around a fantastic read and I'm very excited to read the others in the series, including hopefully a book ten.

Note: I received a free electronic edition of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for the honest review above. I would like to thank them, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to do so.

Although this is book #9 in the Vera Stanhope series by Ann Cleeves, it is the first book that I have read by this author and can definitely be read as a standalone. Vera is a detective inspector who is headed home in a snow storm, gets turned around and lost in the blowing snow and ends up finding an abandoned car with a baby left alone in the back seat. Rescuing the baby from the elements, Vera heads to the closest house, an estate named Brockburn where her father was raised. The quest for Vera to find the baby’s parent turns into a murder investigation when the body of Lorna Falstone is found in the back yard of the estate. Creepy, full of atmosphere and fast-paced, this book was a magnetic draw for me since I love police procedurals and crime thrillers and this book was the best of both. Vera’s team is called in and Vera’s determination to solve the murder mystery leads to a deep dive into the secrets of the family and the local townspeople. There are rumors, infidelities, and drama galore in this highly entertaining British crime thriller. I really liked the character of Vera Stanhope who reminded me of a female Columbo from the American TV series, frumpy with unexpected insights and no filter on the mouth. This was very humorous at times, especially as Vera unraveled the mystery and got closer to the perpetrator as she waded through numerous suspects. The author did a terrific job of developing each character, including the multiple suspects, in such a way that they were memorable enough for me to keep track of them. Vera also reflects on her own childhood in this story, which was perfect for me since it was my first book about her. I totally enjoyed this book and will absolutely look for more of these in the future!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A dark and stormy night. An abandoned car with a baby inside. A murdered mother. Exciting stuff to start a story. I knew going in that this was part of a series that has also been made into a British TV show. I was excited to start. It was not exactly what I expected. This was more of a procedural than I expected, without the mood I read about in other reviews. It was very good for what it was, but it was not what I expected.

The Darkest Evening is the ninth in Ann Cleeves' engaging series starring strong willed DI Vera Stanhope and her colleagues, especially the one she relies on most, DS Joe Ashworth.

Heading home one snowy night, Vera finds herself lost, and comes upon a car skidded off the side of the road. Its door is open and a toddler is inside. Vera takes the child to the nearest house, seeking help, and ends up at Brockburn, which used to be her disreputable father's family home.

Soon, the child's mother is found murdered nearby, and Vera's team moves into action. This is another intriguing procedural for Vera, Joe and company!

5★
“Vera sat heavily on one of the wooden chairs by the table.

‘Stick the kettle on, pet. I’m parched and this might take a while. It’s not a courtesy call.’”

I considered counting the number of cuppas, both tea and coffee, but why be so petty? It was December, they’d had blizzards in Northumbria (northern England), and it was bl**dy freezing, so Vera always welcomed a warm mug to wrap her frozen hands around.

This is the latest book. I’ve not read Ann Cleeves before, but I’m a longtime fan of Vera, the TV series, which I gather from Cleeves that she is also. I heard her say in an interview that Brenda Blethyn has captured the character of Vera Stanhope so well, that on occasion she’s contacted Cleeves about a TV script (which someone else writes) to say “our Vera wouldn’t say such a thing, would she?!” And Cleeves agrees. She and Blethyn know their Vera! Our Vera.

This opens in the middle of a blizzard – the kind of blizzard where you’re not even sure if there’s a road in front of you or if it might be veering off to one side or the other. When Vera spots a car off the side of the road with a door open, she really doesn’t want to get out in the blinding snow. But she does, and she discovers a small toddler in a car seat with no sign of anyone else. Where’s the driver? Why would he or she leave the car door open?

The nearest house is her father’s family’s estate. Hector was the black sheep of the Stanhopes, and Vera spent her life looking after him as he drank himself to death making fun of her and her aspirations.

“As a teenager, Vera had loved reading traditional detective novels. Hector had thrown that back at her when she’d joined the police as a cadet. She could still remember the sneer in his voice and wondered now if there had been something else there too. A fear of being left alone? Or a fear of his daughter passing on information about his squalid criminality? It won’t be like Agatha Christie, you know. It won’t be all country houses, vicars, butlers and wills.”

Ironically, Vera does feel nervous approaching this ‘country house’ with a strange toddler in a snowstorm. There may be a butler, who knows? But she is a relative, she has a good reason to seek help, and she’s dealt with far worse.

“Besides, Vera thought, if she could face murderers and rapists, she wasn’t going to be intimidated by a few weak-chinned minor aristos.”

She is a solid, plainly dressed woman, wearing her trademark hat and heavy coat. It’s easy for people to underestimate her acuity. She seems far too simple to be as perceptive as she is. Attractive Juliet opens the door.

“The detective stood there, legs slightly apart, as solid as the hills from which she’d grown.”

She’s persistent. Polite but persistent. So are her detectives, Sergeant Joe Ashworth and Constable Holly Jackman. They are at her beck and call, sometimes reluctantly but always loyally. Their chief may call them in the middle of the night, a sore point with Joe’s wife but a relief from her insomnia for Holly.

“Holly thought this was one of the strangest cases she’d ever worked. She was slightly thrown by it: by the big house, the suspects trapped by the weather, the snow. It reminded her of the TV dramas her parents had forced her to watch when she went home for Christmas. They expected her to solve the mystery before they did and were disappointed when she showed no interest. ‘You must know who the killer is, darling. It’s what you do for a living.’”

The story moves through and around the small village that surrounds the estate, with various villagers related to each other through past relationships, current activities, or simply old rumours. No butlers to speak of, but there is a vicar, a will, and an excellent mystery Agatha Christie would have enjoyed.

The characters are well-drawn and easily recognisable. Vera knows her strengths but she also knows when Holly or Joe is more likely to get a warmer reception when interviewing people.

And somebody else has to help drink all that tea and coffee! I’m looking forward to reading the back catalogue now.

In her acknowledgements, the author thanks many people, but she adds this special note.

“Again, I can’t mention everyone, but Louise Penny provided help, support (and a rather lovely bed for the night) when I most needed it and has been there during the bad times.”

I read that before I read the book, so perhaps I was predisposed to like it because I’m such a fan of Louise Penny’s Armand Gamache series.

No, I’d have loved it anyway. The fact that these two authors are such good friends just adds to my enjoyment and my appreciation of them both.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the preview copy from which I've quoted.

This was my first encounter with Vera and I enjoyed it. Will look to read more in this series. It took a bit for me to get interested in all the characters but the mystery and how she solved it with her team was well done.

Ann Cleeves’ “Vera” series is a remarkable example of detective novels translated successfully to the screen. But “The Darkest Evening,” the first new Vera in three years, reminds us that the novels are richer, fuller and more satisfying than any episode of television can be. That is especially true of “The Darkest Evening,” which may be the best Vera yet. The plot, which finds DI Vera Stanhope entangled awkwardly with Stanhope relatives, is a delicious mix of crime and character, as the hoity-toity Stanhopes respond with thinly concealed horror to the arrival of Vera, toting a baby she has found on the road. They’re having a party, spoiled by the discovery of a murder victim. Just try to put “The Darkest Evening” down after that. Cleeves is a master of the genre, and hasn’t lost a step. Full review ran in print in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and online.

I love this series. The Darkest Evening is a fantastic addition to it. You really get to know Vera in this book. Fascinating tale. Well written of course. Enjoyed immensely.

This book is set at the estate home of distant relatives of Vera. It made for some interesting encounters. It’s a snowy night and Vera is on her way home and missing a turn finds herself close to her family estate. But before she makes her way there, she finds a car off the road with the door open. In it, she finds a baby. She moves the baby over to her Land Rover and makes a minimal search for the driver before taking the baby to the estate. There a party is going on. Late in the evening a body is found out the back when a father comes to pick up the teen aged workers.

This is my first Vera novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The murderer was a surprise. Vera’s team is well developed and the distant family relations are interesting. Great book.

Ann Cleeves is the undisputed master of the atmospheric mystery, and The Darkest Evening is no exception . When Vera Stanhope discovers a toddler in her car, it sets off a series of events that spiral out of control, as Vera sleuths to not only figure out why the child is relevant, but also to uncover old family secrets and dynamics.
Ann Cleeves excels so much at ambience and characterization. Her writing is subtle, and if you enjoy beautifully rendered writing that slowly brings the plot to a boil over the course of a descriptive and intriguing background, The Darkest Evening is worth the read.

In this ninth superbly written story which takes place on one of the "darkest evenings of the year", Vera Stanhope the crusty, no nonsense and at times unorthodox Northumberland Chief Inspector stumbles upon a victim at the height of a blizzard near her deceased father's ancestral home. Set right before Christmas, Cleeves offers vivid descriptions of life in the country house, life in the croft and village life where her well developed characters live and work. The story unfolds from multiple perspectives where our knowledge is deepened about Vera's two often competing detectives Holly and Joe. With this compelling story, Cleeves continues to demonstrate her skill writing a range of believable characters, highly descriptive setting as well as an intricate and satisfying plot

Vera Stanhope is called to a snowy scene by her ancestral home where the body of a woman has been discovered. She is a single mom with a small child who has been left in the car seat. Her body is found just a bit from the car on the property of the snooty Stanhopes, a family Vera is related to but is not a part of in any way. Vera finds connections with the Stanhopes who are having a dinner party to sell people on the idea of supporting a theater in town and does find some connections between the dead woman and them. This mystery took the reader through a series of red herrings and I didn’t guess the killer at all and liked the twist. I enjoyed hearing about Vera’s family history and how it played into the story.

I received this book through Net Galley and have left an honest review.

This is my first read in this series and it won’t be the last. Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope is a smart detective who puts a lot of herself into her cases. This is a suspenseful police procedural with an interesting plot. It slightly drags out in the later half of the book, but I really enjoyed Vera and some of the ways she got what she needed.

When I decided to read The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves, I had not realized it was part of a series. Even so, I was able to read and enjoy it as a standalone and am excited to read more of the series. As the story begins, Vera finds an abandoned car with a toddler still inside, but no one else. She takes the child and finds sanctuary in Brockburn, which is the place her father grew up in and belongs to her estrange. What follows is the mystery of what happened to the toddler’s mother and dives into her past. The story was a captivating mystery with engaging characters.

Happy reading!

I received an ARC of this haunting mystery. Excellent story, full of suspense, lots of twists and turns. I couldn't put it down!

Rural Northumberland, a blinding blizzard with no visibility, village signs covered in heavy snow. Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope came upon a car, driver's door left wide open, a toddler strapped into a car seat. "Wouldn't a mother have shut the door to keep out the bitter wind?" Assuming the driver went for help, Vera left a note and work business card on the dashboard stating she was taking the baby to safety. Safety turned out to be Brockburn, the Stanhope family estate. "Vera wasn't going to be intimidated by a few weak chinned minor aristos...her relatives would have a phone...It was the closest form of habitation to the abandoned car".

"...a huge Christmas tree, decorated completely in silver...A handful of people...all grandly dressed, were chosen by Mark Bolitho [Juliet Stanhope's husband] for their wealth and professional standing...the vicar and her husband for local color...". For Vera, "a glamorous life that would not be hers...Cinderella looking in...". Juliet Stanhope informs her guests, "This is Vera, my cousin, sort of...she's found a baby in an empty car that ran off the road".

A frightful discovery! The body of a bludgeoned young woman was found near the estate. Vera called in her team to the crime scene. DC Holly Jackman was a natural detective, always curious. "She'd regret leaving [a criminal investigation] with the story still untold...the job was Holly's life". Joe Ashworth, pathologist, worked in tandem with Vera "...experiencing...the thrill of excitement and exhilaration that compensated for the boredom of family life...". The invited guests at Brockburn staying the night due to inclement weather, were excited to be in their very own country murder mystery...Juliet...not so much...there were buried secrets to protect.

Investigating the murder of the baby's mother, Lorna Falstone, was like "wandering into one of Mark [Bolitho's] film sets". Mark was trying to set up a theatre in Brockburn, the winter party was meant to fund his venture and simultaneously pay for repairs to the crumbling mansion. Why would anyone want to hurt Lorna Falstone?". Her life was on the right track according to close friend and former teacher, Connie Browne. Rumors swirled in the small town. Who was Lorna's father? Why would Crispin Stanhope have payed Lorna's costly medical bills? Who was the baby's father? Lorna refused to say. In this small place where everyone knew everyone, a killer was among them. Vera was determined to find the murderer and unmask the Stanhope family secrets.

For this reader, "The Darkest Evening (Vera Stanhope #9)" by Ann Cleeves was a first foray into police procedurals headed by Vera Stanhope. The characters were extremely well developed and included Dorothy Felling, the highly educated housekeeper at Brockburn, the unpleasant Harriet Stanhope, matriarch of Brockburn, and the families of tenant farmers in the immediate area. There were many misleading twists and turns and continuous servings of tea and digestive biscuits. I can't wait to accompany Vera Stanhope on future investigations. Highly recommended.

Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review