A slow start, but since it is Cleeves writing her latest in her Vera Stanhope series, long time readers know it’s going to get much better. And of course, it did. A missing child from a home for the most recalcitrant of children, a dead volunteer from the same house and Vera and her team take charge of the case. First priority though, is to find the child. Is she victim or killer.

A new addition to the team, Rosie, a younger go getter, tries to find her place in the long running team of Joe and Vera. So far, so good, but later episodes will tell.

Although the narrators voice was pleasant enough, it was hard, at times to know who was talking. Reading the book is the way to go, imho, with this one.

“The Dark Wives” by Ann Cleeves, the eleventh in the Vera Stanhope series, is an engaging mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. With a disappearance of a teenage girl from a care home along with the murder of two young men associated with the home, Cleeves also delves into the care home system and troubles with that industry. “The Dark Wives” is set in a beautiful rural area of the Northumberland coast. Readers are also introduced to a new team member of Vera’s named Rosie Bell, a compelling new character. This book works well as a standalone or for readers of the series. Great narration by Janine Birkett. Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

Seen a few episodes of the series VERA, so dived into the book and i must say a very solid police procedural set in the UK. Not only do we follow along with the case, we also get a glimpse into the personal lives of the team.

A 14 year old girl goes missing from a care home for troubled teens in the wake of a murder of one of its caretakers. We learn more about both pasts of the missing and the dead and discover a connection.
Vera now has to find this missing teen before she winds up dead!

Solid 4 stars!

Thanks NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for this ARC! Beyond humbled! 🙏🏾
The Dark Wives out Aug 27th

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this ALC. while I typically prefer audio books so I can listen while driving or doing other things, I struggled to get into this one. I believe the accents were the deterrent, but I listened to it in entirety. I found the premise of this novel to be intriguing, the suspense, speculation, all made for a great story.

This is another installation following Vera Stanhope as she visits a home for troubled kids. Staff member, Josh, is murdered and the prime suspect, Chloe, is missing. It’s hard to believe that she’s responsible since Chloe was madly in love with Josh. Vera, Joe, and Rosie Bell work together to unravel the twisted stories behind this case and discover secrets that some would do anything to keep quiet.

*The Dark Wives* by Ann Cleeves is an addition to the Vera Stanhope series, but it stands on its own really well. For those that go in blind like I do, the dark wives are a statue; this book is not about wives with dark tendencies.

The novel masterfully intertwines a modern murder mystery with Northumberland folklore, creating an eerie atmosphere that keeps you on edge. Vera’s investigation into the death of a staff member at a home for troubled teens takes unexpected turns, especially with the involvement of a missing girl and a second body near a haunting local monument. The pacing is solid, and the character dynamics—especially with the introduction of Rosie Bell—add fresh layers to the story. Though the plot occasionally meanders, the suspense and the well-drawn setting make it a compelling read.

Thank you Ann Cleeves, MacMillan Audio, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for the advanced copies!

Confession: I have seen an episode from the Vera series before I read a book from the Vera series.

So thoughts: I felt that seeing it made me imagine Brenda Blethyn as Vera as I was reading and even the narrator’s “Vera” echoed it as well, which I think enhanced it. (kudos to Brenda Blethyn in her portrayal that it was so memorable in a positive way). I loved the setting of the North Yorkshire and Northumbrian moors (which on a visit there is how I happened upon a “Vera” episode). Its wildness is a full part of the story.

Let’s just say I give it a resounding 4 stars (it would have gotten 4 1/2 but I was getting mixed up by the characters and this was very important at the end) and I’m going to search for Vera on streaming and watch for more upcoming books.

@netgalley
#netgalley
#readmorebooks
#readmorebooksbywomen
#readersofinstagram
#bookstagram
#bookstagrammer
#bookish
#mybookishlife
#wearebookish
#lovereading
#alwaysreading
#readinggoals
#2024reads
#goodreads
#audiobook

It is a well-paced, twisty mystery with a girl missing from a group home, one of the staff murdered, and then one of the other kids murdered, it has a feeling of urgency to solve both the murders and to find the missing girl. Vera is such a magnificent character, so complex and layered, every book I find myself both aching for her and cheering her on for different reasons. I also love Joe, so to see him a little competitive and insecure around the new girl, Rosie, is fun to watch unfold. So, in addition to the compelling mystery, there is the rich character development that Ann Cleeves does so well. May she write many more books and I shall devour them all.

I was excited to get this book as an ARC reader and it was a good read. I enjoyed how it started but I feel it lost my attention like 25% into the story. I still finished it and it was ok just not my regular kind of read

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for the free audiobook for review.

A captivating whodunnit that oozes atmospheric charm. As I delved into the audiobook, narrated flawlessly by Janine Birkett, I found myself effortlessly drawn into the story. Birkett's masterful handling of accents adds an extra layer of authenticity, bringing the characters to life in a way that enhances the overall experience.

At the heart of this gripping tale lies the fascinating dynamic between Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope and her team, Joe and Rosie. Vera, a seasoned detective with an unorthodox approach, stands at the helm of the investigation. Her character is a compelling mix of brilliance and stubbornness, keeping her cards close to her chest in a way that both intrigues and frustrates those around her. Joe, her long-suffering right-hand man, grapples with Vera's methods while maintaining a deep respect for her investigative prowess. Rosie, the newcomer, brings fresh energy to the team but finds herself questioning her place within this complex dynamic.

As the trio works to solve a perplexing murder and locate a missing girl, their individual approaches to the case reveal much about their characters. Vera's intuition and experience clash with Joe's by-the-book methods, while Rosie's eagerness to prove herself adds an interesting dimension to their interactions. Despite their differences, there's an underlying synergy that becomes apparent as the investigation unfolds, showcasing the strength of their collective efforts.

The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of red herrings and unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end. The narrative demands attention to detail, rewarding the astute reader with subtle clues scattered throughout. This old-school investigative procedural approach not only propels the plot forward but also allows for a deep exploration of the supporting characters, the town, and its rich folklore. The result is a vividly realized world that feels genuine and lived-in, despite its fictional nature.

Beyond the surface-level murder mystery, the story delves into the complexities of the Children's Care system. This added layer of social commentary provides depth to the narrative, highlighting the vulnerabilities within a system designed to protect but often falling short. It's a poignant reminder of the real-world implications that can lurk behind fictional crimes.

This book offers more than just a thrilling mystery. It's a character-driven journey through a richly detailed world, where the investigation serves as a vehicle for exploring human nature, societal issues, and the intricate relationships between those sworn to protect and serve.

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves AUDIO is a Vera Stanhope police procedural. The team is not functioning at 100% after Holly’s death. They have a new inspector, Rosie, who is as different as possible to what they have known. It was fun to watch her become part of the team. A young man was killed outside a home for juvenile delinquents. He was a new staff member and really, an artist. The first mystery to solve is why he was working there. His parents didn’t seem aware of his new job. The second concerning thing was that a fourteen-year-old female resident of the home was missing. There were a lot of moving parts, to this one, although that is probably not unusual, and a lot of relationships to be explored. They started off with theories and eliminated them one by one.

Vera, as always, is her curmudgeonly, independent self. She is a hard character not to like, once the hard shell is broken and one can see inside. That doesn’t happen often. Her mates, Joe, Charlie, and Rosie are all in different stages of their development, which is due to the excellent efforts of the author. Their interactions range from humorous to mind-numbing. This is a sad story of mistakes and misunderstandings and Cleeves handles it well. She writes amazing and interesting characters who work together but don’t quite meld. The mystery was interesting and took some time to unravel. As always, it is Vera Stanhope and that says it all.

The narrator was Janine Birkett and she did a credible job, taking on many personalities, but most importantly that of Vera Stanhope. She allowed the gravitas of the situation to speak for itself.

I was invited to read The Dark Wives by St Martin’s Press and listen by MacMillan Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #MacmillanAudio #StMartinsPress #AnnCleeves #JanineBirkett #TheDarkWives

I know…I know…
I’m in the minority here.

Sorry to say that this was almost a DNF for me.
I had a really hard time finishing this one…even when I was at the end. Guess I should’ve stopped early on…

Starts off strong with a dead body found near the premises of a home for hard to manage kids.
As the death is investigated, he is found to be someone who is known and loved from that home…and, one of the kids is missing!

That was the highlight!

From there I felt like this book went on F O R E V E R.
Way too many characters to follow. Lots of fluff (that I felt did not add to the storyline at all)

Sorry, I’m not usually this critical, but this one just didn’t do anything for me.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. (Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.)
The book releases in a few days, for those who love this series! (8/27/24)

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves. Narrated by Janine Birkett.

2 ⭐️⭐️ for me.

And, since I didn’t care for it, I’m going to leave my review here only… (Goodreads)

Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, and click ‘LIKE’ below!! 📚⭐️

"The Dark Wives" is a gripping thriller that unfolds within the eerie confines of a children's home, where a murder has occurred, and one of the residents has mysteriously vanished. As time runs out, a dedicated team of detectives must work together to unmask the killer and prevent further disappearances—or worse, more deaths. Ann Cleeves masterfully weaves this suspenseful tale, which can be enjoyed as a standalone novel or as part of the larger Vera Stanhope series. Crime drama and thriller enthusiasts will discover a new must-read within these pages.

This book was a flop for me! To it's defense, I did not realize it was part of a series until I was 60% in. I do not believe this story would have been better for me if I had read the others. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was difficult to follow and want to listen. I found myself back tracking a lot.

Couldn't get into this because of the narrator. Very hard to understand. Please change narrators. Could be a great read. Unsure.

Unpopular opinion, it was so much of a slow burn that I was truly bored throughout it all unfortunately. I had a hard time pushing through and staying fully concentrated. It just was not the book for me.

A very big thank you to Macmillan Audio, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for the advanced audiobook of The Dark Wives. I've recently started listening to Ann Cleeve's books via the library and jumped at the chance to get an advanced copy of The Dark Wives.

This is the 11th book in the Vera Stanhope series, but this was my first one and everything made sense to me. I'm sure there is some backstory that allows things to flow, but for a first-time reader of the series, the story ran smoothly and I was not confused at all.

Our story starts with an excerpt from Chloe's diary. She's currently living in Rosebank, a group home for troubled teens. She's clearly not like the other kids in the home, as she attends a prestigious school, and has generally stayed out of trouble. She has no one to talk to or trust, except for Josh Woodburn, who is a temporary staff member. When Josh is murdered. Chloe goes missing and no one knows if she's a victim or a suspect.

Janine Birkett is the narrator and does a great job being the voice for the wide array of characters. This story is a slow-burn and mystery (vs thriller), but her narration kept me engaged the entire time, and I kept coming back, wanting just a little bit more. I also think that's a testament to Ann Cleeves, as well. The author does a nice job at balancing the action, without crossing into cheesy twists, one after another.

The ending of this story definitely surprised me. It caught me completely off-guard, as it was not where my mind was going at all. Again, I think this is a great skill of the author because this story almost lulls you into being calm since it's not brimming with constant action and jump-scares. As soon as I got to the end, I was able to reflect back and see how the resolution worked out.

I would recommend this book if you're already a fan of the Vera Stanhope series, but also if you're a reader who enjoys a solid story with well-developed characters. Another aspect I enjoyed about this story is that because it's not as intense, it's easier to recommend to people, as it's easily appropriate for teenagers and adults and you don't have to worry about reading something that may be overly grotesque.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacMillanAudio for the book #TheDarkWives by #AnnCleeves. Josh, a staff worker at Rosebank, a home for troubled teens, is found dead and a 14 year old, Chloe is missing. Could Chloe be responsible for Josh’s death? Or is she hiding from someone? And now a second body has been found dead. Who is responsible?

This was my first book by Ann Cleeves and I loved it! I’m eager to dig into her backlist, especially the previous novels in the Vera Stanhope series. Vera is an incredible detective and I look forward to learning more about her. I read this as a stand alone with no problems though and thoroughly enjoyed it. Kids in the care system always tug hard at my heartstrings so that angle made this audiobook especially interesting. The Northumberland setting was perfect for this mystery that kept me guessing until the end and learning the significance of the title was an added bonus. The narrator was wonderful and made the story even more enjoyable.

This is mystery thriller that will keep you guessing till the end. I thought I knew who was responsible for the murders but I was wrong. Which I love when I’m wrong because this means this is a great mystery thriller that will keep you guessing till the end.
This story focuses on Chloe a young teenage girl who dresses like a goth who disappears. Chloe is in a home for troubled youth and she attends a very prestigious charter school in the small community. Chloe may have witnessed the murder of one of the workers at the youth home, and she considered him to be a friend. After the police discover the young college students body they discover that Chloe has disappeared.
Soon Detective Vera and her team of Joe and Rosie come to the town and try to figure out all the a cast of characters in this small community. Each person has there own issues and some have major secrets they wish to keep hidden. I enjoy
Yes following Vera’s team as they followed the clues to try to discover Chloe before the killer does.
I highly recommend this book for fans of a mystery thrillers.
Thank you Net galley and Macmillan audio for the opportunity to review this book.
I give it four stars ⭐️.

Okay, it's Vera, so 4 stars, and the narrator Janine Birkett is top notch, so 5 stars, but to be brutally honest, this 11th Vera Stanhope is not the strongest of the very good series, so 3 stars.

The story standard murder mystery: a body, a missing youngster in a care home, and then a second body connected to a care home. Vera, the shrewd, grumpy, heart-of-gold detective inspector who has been working this beat her whole career is working with a new team member after a recent loss. Set in the UK, Northumberland, where the sacred trust of a social safety net: caseworkers, caseworkers, youth care homes, socialized medicine and socialized mental health help—is assumed. So the failure of the society to care for youngsters is enough to make Vera's blood boil. And with the best of intentions to share the work of solving the case, Vera again, mostly solo, makes the mental jumps to connect the evidence and catch the killer(s).

The narrator Janine Burkett does a great job presenting the story, and while I felt the plot itself unfolded with an uneven jerky-jerky mechanical hitch (<I> would </I> that guy have done that violence for the reason given? and <I>would</I> the runner have been found under those circumstances? Really?), I enjoyed it, and look forward to Vera's next case.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my unfettered opinion.