You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“The Darkest Evening” is the ninth Vera Stanhope book, but the first full-length novel in the series that I have read. I had recently read one prior short story and have seen a few episodes of the television series and I had no trouble getting to know Vera and her team. I immediately saw the caring person and excellent detective beneath Vera’s gruff exterior. The main two people on her team that are active in the investigation are Sergeant Joe Ashworth and DC Holly Jackman. Joe is very likable and works very well with Vera. It took a little longer for Holly to grow on me since she seemed like a know-it-all at first, but proves herself to be a very efficient detective. Together they make a great team and although Joe and Holly rightfully get frustrated with Vera at times, they both respect her as a detective and a boss.
This book got my attention right away with an intriguing plot and great setting. The story takes place in Northern England and Vera is driving home during a blizzard. She comes across a car that is stuck in the snow. Vera discovers a young toddler in the back seat, but the driver is gone. Vera finds refuge for herself and the baby in an unexpected place. When a body is found outside this home in the snow, Vera leads an investigation in the murder and uncovers many secrets along the way.
I read a lot of mysteries, but this is one of my favorites for the year. The book has intricate plotting and interesting characters who come alive. I was kept guessing until the end as to who had committed the murder and was moved by Vera’s low-key way of showing how much she cares for some of the other characters in the story. I was invested to see how the case would be resolved, but also was hoping Vera would find success on a personal lever. I am eager to see if she is able to maintain the connections she makes with some of the characters in the story. While waiting for the next book to come out, I will definitely be going back to read prior books in the series. I highly recommend this gem of a book to readers who are already fans of Vera, through the novels or the television show, or to those who enjoy books by Peter Robinson or Deborah Crombie.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Minotaur Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This book got my attention right away with an intriguing plot and great setting. The story takes place in Northern England and Vera is driving home during a blizzard. She comes across a car that is stuck in the snow. Vera discovers a young toddler in the back seat, but the driver is gone. Vera finds refuge for herself and the baby in an unexpected place. When a body is found outside this home in the snow, Vera leads an investigation in the murder and uncovers many secrets along the way.
I read a lot of mysteries, but this is one of my favorites for the year. The book has intricate plotting and interesting characters who come alive. I was kept guessing until the end as to who had committed the murder and was moved by Vera’s low-key way of showing how much she cares for some of the other characters in the story. I was invested to see how the case would be resolved, but also was hoping Vera would find success on a personal lever. I am eager to see if she is able to maintain the connections she makes with some of the characters in the story. While waiting for the next book to come out, I will definitely be going back to read prior books in the series. I highly recommend this gem of a book to readers who are already fans of Vera, through the novels or the television show, or to those who enjoy books by Peter Robinson or Deborah Crombie.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Minotaur Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh Vera. Who knew that your family history would come back to haunt you, or that you'd be hesitant to claim it? Readers of the series know what a derelict father Hector was, how neglectful of Vera and how barely skirting the law he lived. But to learn that he was the ne'er-do-well son of the local gentry? Or that Vera knows them (albeit very slightly and only in her youth)?
Of course, being Vera, she never lets that get in the way of an investigation. As per usual, she calls Joe out at all hours and tries in some ways to mentor Holly (who, also as per, is both jealous of Joe and concerned about her personal life). Her though process about the "who" is not always easy to follow, and only by really carefully reading will it become as clear to readers as does to her and her team. The final answer surprised me, which is always a nice thing to have happen.
If you've watched the series you might be surprised to see Joe and Holly here - Joe leaves after four seasons, and Holly only lasts one - but that's the beauty of a book series, not being beholden to actors careers and cast changes. Another real difference is that the tv Vera doesn't really grow, while in the books you can see her changing (slowly, but it's there).
The biggest problem getting an early copy is that there's that much longer to wait for the next book to arrive...
eARC provided by publisher.
Of course, being Vera, she never lets that get in the way of an investigation. As per usual, she calls Joe out at all hours and tries in some ways to mentor Holly (who, also as per, is both jealous of Joe and concerned about her personal life). Her though process about the "who" is not always easy to follow, and only by really carefully reading will it become as clear to readers as does to her and her team. The final answer surprised me, which is always a nice thing to have happen.
If you've watched the series you might be surprised to see Joe and Holly here - Joe leaves after four seasons, and Holly only lasts one - but that's the beauty of a book series, not being beholden to actors careers and cast changes. Another real difference is that the tv Vera doesn't really grow, while in the books you can see her changing (slowly, but it's there).
The biggest problem getting an early copy is that there's that much longer to wait for the next book to arrive...
eARC provided by publisher.