DNF @ 32%
The premise of this novel really intrigued me. I had not ever read a book by Cleeves, despite knowing she is a very popular author, I was excited to give this one a go.

The book started strong, diving immediately into the mystery, however, I read till 32% and there had been no real developments with the case in that time. It felt like a long time to not have any significant updates with the missing girl and the murder and it lost my interest.

Having not read any of her other books, I did feel I was missing a lot of the back story of the main characters, though that is of no fault to Cleeves. This lack of connection was another reason I decided to put the book down.

Overall, an interesting premise but a very slow burn that didn't hold my attention. I do think that I will try reading one of the first novels though.

This new-to-me author surprised me with her taut police procedural. I wondered about coming into the series at #11, but I didn’t feel I was missing too much. A friend filled me in after the fact about an important piece of information from #10 that helped. So, yes, this can be read as a standalone. I loved that I got to meet DC Rosie Bell at the same time as longtime readers of this series. I’m sure everyone else noticed that DC Bell was eager to please and this slightly irked Vera. It’ll be interesting to see how she fits in with this established team. The new kid on the block always has to work the hardest!

I felt the tension in the scramble to find the missing teen and unravel the motive and means alongside the web of secrets before it was too late. The setting made this the perfect backdrop to highlight witchcraft. The Northumberland countryside is atmospheric! I’ll admit Googling the three standing stones, Northumberland’s own Stonehenge and getting caught up in the folklore attached to the title.

I’m looking forward to meeting this author at the fall book festival.

I was gifted this copy by Pan Macmillan and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I have read. many of Ann Cleaves' Vera Stanhope novels and I always find them very engaging. Did not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley aan the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves is the 11th in the riveting Vera Stanhope series. DI Vera is called to investigate the murder of a young man, Josh, in atmospheric Northumberland where folklore is part of the cultural tapestry. Josh had connections to a home for troubled teens, as does Chloe who has gone missing. Vera feels Chloe is the key to the mystery and finding her will unravel the layers. But is she even alive? A second body turns up, intensifying the tension and suspense.

Detective Rosie is thrown into the thick of things on her first day at her new job. She is vastly different from Vera but the two are complementary, ultimately making a great team. I appreciate their humanness and individual interviewing and deducting techniques as they encounter the Dark Wives.

The setting is what appeals to me most about this particular installment. I adore Northumberland and Cleeves whisked me away instantly. She also deftly and sensitively writes about mental health issues, especially in teens. Her dark story bits are just unsettling enough without being horrifying or gory and her writing is gorgeously rich.

My husband thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this engrossing novel.