308 reviews for:

The Darkest Evening: A Vera Stanhope Novel

Ann Cleeves

4.04 AVERAGE

unevendays's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous

goldfishtish's review against another edition

3.0

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A very solid mystery, with a good cast of characters and a great lead in Vera. I didn't even realize until the end that this wasn't the first is the series (it's the only ebook my library has from the series) so I probably will read more of them, but I don't expect a huge amount of continuity/character development!

amber_h's review against another edition

3.75

mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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A strong volume in the Stanhope series with a villain that was difficult to guess and an enjoyable lead-up to the whodunnit reveal. These books are so much more than the solving of a crime, and the real joy for me is the comfort in being back in Vera's world. This book stays true to the characterisation of Vera and Joe while advancing the character of Holly. I usually dislike books that alternate the point of view many times, especially in ways that are not consistent (for example, we hardly spend much time with Joe unless it advances the plot), but this approach does work for the Stanhope series overall and for this book. The only criticism I have was that I would've loved to have learned more of how it felt to live in this community, and to learn the villagers' responses to and views of Connie Brown earlier on. I'd also have liked a bit more connection to the place from Vera through flashbacks to childhood visits and memories with the estranged Stanhopes. However, fans and close readers of the series will likely already know this information. Overall a pacy and rewarding read.

danibear's review against another edition

3.0

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

felicitydisco's review against another edition

4.5

dark mysterious reflective tense 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

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Another nice grim Christmas mystery!

deedee63's review against another edition

4.0

mysterious medium-paced

diznypixie's review against another edition

4.5

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

cmyers99's review against another edition

3.0

mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

lucy_a's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

lori_89's review against another edition

4.0

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: N/A

Diverse cast of characters: Yes