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This is the first time I've read a Vera Stanhope novel although I've been a long admirer of the series that stars Brenda Belthyn. I enjoyed it very much. After seeing the series, the reader will most likely envision Blethyn as they are reading. In "The Darkest Evening", Stanhope takes a wrong turn in a snowstorm and comes across a car accident in which a young woman is found murdered. The victim's child, a baby, is alive and still in the vehicle. Nearby, a party is going on in a manor home that belongs to one of Vera's distant relatives. An investigation follows which focuses on two close-knit families and the small community where the girl lived. Vera is aided by Holly and Joe, both as interesting characters as Vera herself. Nicely paced with tight chapters and well developed characters. I will definitely seek out more of Ann Cleeves books.
This is the second Ann Cleeves book that I've read, each in a different series, and I think it's safe to say she is just not the author for me. This is a police procedural so I expect a good deal of time to be spent on procedure - investigating the crime, interviewing suspects, that sort of thing. The problem is what could have been a reasonably interesting investigation gets lost in overly wordy descriptions that seem to do little more than fill pages. Then there's Vera. Now, I'll admit that this is the first Vera Stanhope book I've read, so maybe I would've learned something in those earlier books to change my mind, but I did not like Vera at all. She comes across as rude more often than not, which makes it hard to warm up to her, so even if I had liked the story, that lack of connection with Vera wouldn't bode well for me reading any other books in this series.
mysterious
medium-paced
Just like a bag of your favorite chips. Dig in, consume, be very satisfied.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Atmospheric entry in the British police procedural series adapted as the popular TV show Vera. We delve a bit into the solitary detective's family background when she finds a baby in an abandoned car on a wintry night outside a manor house owned by her black sheep father's posh relations. A murder investigation ensues encompassing the tenant farms and local village, where shades of the feudal system linger. Vera is a great character, but I was especially rooting for the overlooked Holly, who had a few moments to shine in this one.
A satisfying Vera read. They’re not great literature, but Cleeves writes competently and tells a good story. Every character is three dimensional. I think that’s unusual for cop lit.
This was my very first Vera Stanhope novel. and it was a great introduction to this series. But be warned if you're looking for a fast-paced thriller this is not it. This novel takes you through the meticulous steps of investigating what happened to a young woman who was found dead in the snow.
On a snowy night as Vera Stanhope heads home, she misses a turn and becomes lost. She comes upon a car that has skidded off the road, its front door open and no driver visible. As she investigates she hears a cry from the car and discovers a toddler still strapped in the back seat.
With no cell signal, she travels to the nearest home which just happens to be Brockburn. The estate where her father once called home. Inside there's a dinner party taking place and while Vera waits for the blizzard to pass and more information on the vehicle left in the road. The body of a young woman is discovered outside in the snow.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.
Review coming soon later
On a snowy night as Vera Stanhope heads home, she misses a turn and becomes lost. She comes upon a car that has skidded off the road, its front door open and no driver visible. As she investigates she hears a cry from the car and discovers a toddler still strapped in the back seat.
With no cell signal, she travels to the nearest home which just happens to be Brockburn. The estate where her father once called home. Inside there's a dinner party taking place and while Vera waits for the blizzard to pass and more information on the vehicle left in the road. The body of a young woman is discovered outside in the snow.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.
Review coming soon later
I'm a big fan of Brenda Blethyn's portrayal of Vera Stanhope. Fun to read a Vera that hasn't been made into a TV show.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No