Ann Cleeves is the queen of mystery. Her new title begins with the body of a student and social worker outside Rosebank, a home for troubled teens where he works. One of his devoted clients is Chloe Spence. She disappears on that night and suspicion falls on her but Vera has a hard time believing a teenager, who so liked Josh, could do such a thing. Woven within the mystery is the theme of private care homes which are making money on their clients. Another Vera stunner!.

Ann Cleeves has done it again with another intelligent Vera Stanhope story. This time, a young man working at a private care home for troubled youth is murdered right outside the building. And one of the young girls staying there has gone missing the same night. No one knows if she is the murderer, a witness or another victim.
I love these books for the in-depth character studies of the entire team. The book incorporates multiple POVs from each of the team members. Rosie is a great addition to the team and I can’t wait to see how she works out in future books.
The book moves along at a steady pace. This, like the other books, always felt very real with easy to envision scenes. The setting was divine - I loved the countryside, the bothy and the Dark Wives. At times, Vera keeping ideas from her team felt a little forced. In real life that wouldn’t happen, but Cleeves is determined to keep the reader in the dark. The other problem was that individuals suffer physical injuries but then go on acting like there’s no problem. <spoiler> my mother fell down the stairs and injured her neck and back. It took her months of recovery and she was never fully the same. So, the idea that someone would be up and active within an hour rubbed me the wrong way.</spoiler> I’m still rating this a four because of the wonderful characters.
I could determine the why behind the murder but not the who. In truth, the book doesn’t provide the reader much to go on to figure out the solution.
Readers should not read this before reading the previous book, The Rising Tide, as it will give a major twist from that book. Otherwise, these books do tend to work as stand-alones.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

Though she is in continual self doubt mode, Vera never fails. Nor does the way Cleves connects the reader so intimately with locations, characters and stories.

The Dark Wives rock formations placed hauntingly nearby the critical points of action offer up a sinister atmosphere in perfect linkage to a deserted seaside cottage and a buried woodland hideaway. A perfect Autumn read!

Cleves masterfully lets us in on the sensitive and compassionate aspects of a Vera that only her closest associates know. This detective is worn down by her own personal life, yet somehow can open herself to the interior motivation and consequences of not only the suspects but the victim(s) as well.

As is always the case in books from this long standing series, it’s comforting to meet old friends from her staff and be introduced to new ones. The Northumbrian setting continues to work for its quirkiness, ancient origins and changing landscape.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s and of course Anne Cleeves for the opportunity to read this review copy.

In THE DARK WIVES Vera Stanhope, a Detective Inspector, and her team work to find Chloe Spence, a fourteen-year-old girl. Chloe has been a resident at Rosebank, a home for troubled teens in Longwater, and leaves a diary that hopefully will help Vera find her. Chloe has a history of wandering and being a loner, but she seems to work well with Josh. Josh Woodbury, a staff member on a temporary contract at Rosebank, is found dead on a path outside Rosebank. Will Vera and her team find Chloe? Is Chloe responsible for Josh’s death? The mystery is set, and I need to find answers.

I like that this is a straightforward mystery. Vera Stanhope is an interesting, well-developed character. She may appear rough around the edges but cares a great deal about others. I like the way she uses the term "pet" when referring to a character. The biggest difference I see between the book and the Vera television episodes is that Vera's thoughts are exposed in the book (set in italics) but are implied in the television dramas. The plot is quite involved, and I appreciate the inclusion of the explanatory narrative that ties up all the loose ends. While this book can be read as a standalone, I think reading the series in order would be even better. This is the eleventh book in the Vera Stanhope series but the first one I have read. I look forward to reading past and future Vera books. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review and advance reader copy of THE DARK WIVES.

Ann Cleeves is one of those writers I drop everything to pick up. She is managing to create two series each intriguing in its own way in its approach to the crimes perpetuated, the investigators cracking the code, and, most importantly, the role the UK landscape plays in the proceedings. We are back in Northumberland with Vera Stanhope, familiar to those addicted to the BBC series starring Brenda Blethyn who embodies her to perfection, her no nonsense style, filthy Land Rover, piercing intelligence. Cleeves makes use of news sources for inspiration, in this case the treatment of unwanted kids in a halfway house and the complications of their care.

I am a huge Anne Cleves fan. I have loved all of her different series, but I think that Vera is my favorite. This story fell into place as it was told. Not that it was unexpected but that it felt like the only way it could have been told. Loved the characters and the setting. Loved the climax in Gillstead with the Witch Hunt.
I think the fact that I have been a fan of the series on television made this even more enjoyable. I was able to visualize the main characters and setting. I could also hear some of them with the dialogue.
If you love British mysteries and have never read Anne Cleves, now is the time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy. I look forward to reading more.

I will be posting a review on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble as soon as it is released. I will also be posting my personal book blog review on Blind Date with a Book at Virginia-Gruver.com. I do always use social media to promote my blog as well.

Ann Cleeves does it again! In this installment of the Vera Stanhope series, we get the typically do-it-yourself Vera, but with a new vulnerability plus a heightened awareness of individuals on her team, including the new one whose continued development I'm anticipating. With just the right number of red herrings and an ending you might not predict, this is a fast, absorbing read that will captivate longstanding Vera fans and newcomers alike.

When a staff member at a home for troubled teens is found murdered and a fourteen year old female resident of the home disappears, Vera and her team are drawn to the countryside of Northumberland to investigate.

I really enjoy Ann Cleeves’ writing, having read her Two Rivers series.  This book is the eleventh of the Vera Stanhope series (there are also some short stories); it is the second I have read. Some may recognize the name Vera Stanhope from the very successful TV series based on these stories starring Blenda Blethyn and available on a number of streaming platforms.

Vera is a bit overweight and unkempt, very forthright, and no fashion plate. She isn’t always a team player. She is, however, a stellar detective.

Cleeves is an excellent writer.  All of her books that I have read have been engrossing, well plotted, with good character development.  Her atmospheric, descriptive, detailed language draws the reader into the scenes.  

I did like the new addition to the team, Rosie Bell. She is also quite the character! Although the main players’ stories progress with successive books, each one can be read as a stand alone.

Ann Cleeves is recommended for fans of British police procedurals and other mystery lovers.

The institution of privately owned care homes for troubled teens in England is controversial. Running them should be a noble mission, but without sufficient state control, it can evolve into a business like any other, subject to negligence. Additionally, for the residents of such houses, their temporary homes and proximity to other teens like themselves can become either a rescue or a stepping stone into more serious conflicts with the law.

Chloe is a fourteen-year-old living in such a place but is now missing. At the same time, when she disappeared, her only friend, a university student and a volunteer staff member, was found dead. Vera and her team come to investigate. Soon, they discovered that the small community had dark secrets. Some of Chloe's peers consider her and two of her friends to be involved in some witchcraft practices. There is also a strange ceremony planned in the village, based on the witch hunt, and the local attraction includes the Three Dark Wives monument in the Northumberland countryside. Someone might want to take advantage of the local dark folklore tradition and use it as a cover for another murder. Chloe is undoubtedly in danger. Or is she a danger?

Even with such a dark background, coming back to another book in the Vera Stanhope series feels like meeting old friends. There is a new member of Vera's team, Rosie, a young woman who is bright, energetic, and unafraid to question Vera's methods. Joe, caught between two strong women, is simultaneously warm, logical, and vulnerable. It's such fun to watch the dynamics between these three!

The ending was a bit unexpected for me, as this time Vera was even more than usual secretive, although she had a good reason – she wanted to make sure that Chloe was back safe and sound, and sometimes it was hard to say who was a friend and who was a foe. The people interviewed by the team are often not even aware that they are being interviewed. The conversations sound like friendly but inquisitive chats, and the plot moves forward, never losing sight of its purpose: finding Chloe, finding the murderer. "The Dark Wives" is another excellent book by Ann Cleeves, who quickly became one of my favorite mystery writers.

3 stars!

The premise of this book was very intriguing and it was. However, it was a slower pace than I would personally prefer, but it did keep me guessing and reading until the end.

It was interesting to learn a bit about the issues involving privately owned "troubled" teen homes. It was also fun to learn British terms that I've never heard before.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

You cannot go wrong with anything written by Ann Cleeves, and so I always approach the chance to read a new book of hers with alacrity.

The Dark Wives definitely kept me trying to guess "who dunnit" (I never did figure it out), but perhaps there were a few too many twists and turns. Even Vera seemed to be having more trouble than usual solving the case.

I did very much like the folklore and sense of place in The Dark Wives (the standing stones at the center of the mystery). Along with too many (for me) plot twists, maybe also there were a few too many characters to keep track of.

And I always love Vera.

The night was as still as stone. Much like the image of The Three Dark Wives perched high on the fell surrounded by pasteurs and grazing sheep. M'ladies will have quite the tale to tell.

Ann Cleeves gifts us with another delightful addition to her DI Vera Stanhope Series. Although it's numbered at #11 in the series, it reads perfectly as a standalone with all the backstories filled in nicely. Vera ponders retirement, but retirement isn't ready for Vera.

Now add to this the reality that a new team member is a must. Take a bow Rosie Bell. Quirky, over ambitious and with an inquisitive nature, Rosie seems to be a self-starter........not always in the direction that Vera has in mind. DS Joe Ashworth is not sure about Rosie. We readers, with boxes to check, will be observing if Rosie is a good fit for the team ourselves.

Vera is contacted that there is a dead body and a missing girl at Rosebank Home. Rosebank is a facility for troubled teens. The victim is a young man volunteer and the girl is Chloe Spence, a fourteen year old constantly in Goth garb. Chloe has abandonment issues and doesn't trust anyone. She's always seen with her journal in hand. Did Chloe see something that she wasn't suppose to see?

Ann Cleeves writes this series as a solid police procedural. We're privy to the back and forth dialogue as the team members toss out ideas and possibilities. Vera is always one step ahead of them which drives them crazy. Her impulsiveness does have a rhyme and a reason. And the countdown is running sand at a fast pace through the hour glass. The hope of finding Chloe is dimming.

Cleeves takes us to the countryside in The Dark Wives where folks are not always upfront and verbal in response. The expanse of untapped land is enormous to filter through. Cleeves inserts a bit of witchcraft, folklore, and moonless nights into the mix. A novel rich in its intrigue and questionable characters. It's due to publish 8/27/24.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to the talented Ann Cleeves for the opportunity.

In The Dark Wives, Vera and her team is called to a children’s home for troubled teens when a worker is killed and a girl has gone missing. Chloe, the missing girl, has had a difficult life, but Vera doesn’t believe she is the killer and is worried about her. Could she be a potential victim? Why was the worker killed? When another victim is killed, the picture gets even murkier. Adding to the team dynamics, Holly was recently killed and her replacement has now been hired. Rosie Bell is the opposite of the quiet, serious Holly and how is she going to fit into the team?
The mystery was complex and the characters are very real to life. Holly’s death has shaken Vera’s confidence a bit and even though she is trying to be more open, she is finding that difficult. As always, Ann Cleeve’s Vera series is a pleasure to read, and I especially liked the story of the dark wives stones.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves
This is the first book I've read by this author and I wanted to like it more than I did
I felt the story needed to move along a little faster, the plot was decent and the characters were ok. The author describes people and places well enough and this gives us a good visual when reading. But I just didn't connect with this story unfortunately

Love it! Vera is one of the truly believable strong women in literature. Frustrating, demanding, impatient but also principled, dogged in pursuit of truth and justice plus someone you want in your corner. Very little disappoints the reader, only that the story has to end! Bravo.

Chloe is a fifteen year old living in a home for adolescents after her mother was admitted to hospital and she had nowhere else to go. She was befriended by Josh, a volunteer at the home. After Josh was found murdered near the home, Chloe disappeared. Vera and her team were called in to investigate the murder and Chloe's disappearance. The search led the team to various places, some of which held signs of Chloe having been there. A village festival known as the Witch Hunt was immanent and Vera decided to use it as a venue to find the murderer and bring Chloe in to safety.
Cleeves uses the characters of Vera, Joe, Charlie, and Rosie to carry out the activities of the investigation but the geography is just as much a character as are the people. She makes me feel the cold and the dampness along with the openness and isolation of the moors. The action moves along at a good pace. I found the unmasking of the murderer and the collaboraters a bit of a let down because of the secrecy with which Vera gave information to her team. But it ended on a satisfactory note. I will read any book Ann Cleeves writes; she is a superior author in my opinion. I would give this book 4.75 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book; the opinions are all mine.

I had only read the first book in the Vera series, but I had no trouble reading The Dark Wives as a standalone. This is another well-paced police procedural in which Vera and her team work to solve a murder. Strong local culture added to my enjoyment of this book

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this well-written book.

Another winner in the Vera Stanhope series! In the Dark Wives, a young counselor at a home for trouble teens is murdered - and one of the residents, a young woman named Chloe Spence, is missing. Vera, Joe, and new team member Rosie Bell begin investigating the case and trying to locate the missing teen. When a second resident is found murdered in the area of "The Dark Wives" a stone monument in Northumberland, connections to Chloe's past have to be considered, including her family. A well-crafted mystery that kept me reading! Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader copy.

Another fantastic Vera Stanhope mystery! As always, the characters themselves are fascinating, and Ann Cleeves changes narrators seamlessly throughout the book. The diary entries at the beginning of some chapters were a great addition to the mystery and suspense. Rosie, the new team member, added a new level of depth to the characters and the dynamic of the team. I love these mysteries and this lives up to every expectation.
I highly recommend this and the whole Vera series!

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

I am fortunate to have received “The Dark Wives” via NetGalley. I have not been a reader of the Vera Stanhope Mystery series by Ann Cleeves. My wife and I have avidly watched the “Vera” series on the telly lo thes many past years. We love the irascible character Vera and her team of detectives. We also have loved the emotional depth of the mysteries although most of the stories are resolved where we feel the tragedy underlying the characters - both the good guys and often even the bad guy (or gal.)..
This story is no different. The plot follows a couple of deaths (of course!) and the search for a troubled teen missing that may have had something to do with the murders. And that’s all I shall give away. If you are a fan of Vera you will enjoy “The Dark Wives.” I am…and I did.