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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This is one in the series of Detective Vera Stanhope novels written by Cleeves. In this one, Detective Stanhope is driving on her way home through the countryside as snow is falling. She misses a turn and comes across a stalled car. The driver is nowhere to be found, but there is a toddler in the backseat. Vera takes the child to the nearest house to call for help. That house turns out to be the rundown manor of her aunt and uncle. Soon enough a body, that of the toddler’s mother, is found and a murder investigation is underway. Who is the toddler’s father? Why was the mother out when the weather was turning bad? And how did the mother wind up dead some distance away from the car and the toddler? This is a well-written story in the style popularized by Agatha Christie of “And Then There Were None” and “Murder On The Orient Express”.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Absolutey Amazing as always Ann Cleeves has done it again!! Was hooked from the first page, could not put it down, the suspense was held through out the story
The characters felt so real and although I was the reader it felt like I was there.
The characters felt so real and although I was the reader it felt like I was there.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
I have not read the previous books in this series but the plot sounded interesting so I thought I would give this a try. I was able to quickly get into the story. It was fast paced and the main character was well developed. However, I felt that I was missing out on something. I would like to go back and read the series from the beginning.
This was a solid Ann Cleeves installment, and one that I enjoyed quite a bit. Atmospheric as always, if a bit skimpy on character development (perhaps there was one too many suspects?).
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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:
Complicated
“The Darkest Evening” is number nine in the Vera Stanhope series written by Ann Cleeves. Those who have not read previous books can jump right into this one without any problem. Characters are quickly introduced, and previous relationships fold easily into current scenarios.
The story unfolds during the Christmas season in rural, almost feudal, Northumberland. Vera Stanhope is driving cautiously through a blizzard that is extreme even for the northernmost part of England when she spots a car that has skidded off the highway. Upon investigation, she finds a toddler in the back seat clad in a red snow suit and matching small red boots. Searching for refuge for both herself and the child, she spots a big house decorated with hundreds of fairy lights, all white, all twinkling. It is a house she recognizes, the home of her estranged family, relatives she has not seen since she was a teenager. Thus begins a complex and surprising story about families, what holds them together and what rips them apart. The setting is straight out of an Agatha Christie novel with Christmas in the country manor house, but the case is not like that at all.
The narrative unfolds in two perspectives, from the mansion, Brockburn house, its guests and residents, and their conversations, as well from Vera Stanhope, her team, and their investigations. Stanhope quickly finds that this is a complicated case, one of the strangest cases she has ever worked. There are just too many people, too many connections, too many suspects, and too little real evidence. Everyone expects her to solve the mystery immediately because after all, “You must know, darling. It’s what you do for a living.”
Intricate, detailed descriptions immerse readers in the place and atmosphere. The language, vocabulary, and conversation have the gentle rural lilt of the Northumberland hills. The title is also important, easily overlooked, but an important marker in the story beyond just the opening event at the Brockburn estate.
“The Darkest Evening” has great characters, a compelling plot, and a classic setting, not to mention family trauma and a some crazy idea of revenge. I received a review copy of “The Darkest Evening” from Ann Cleeves, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Publishing. I recommend the entire Vera Stanhope Series. Every book is captivating, professional, and enjoyable page after page.
The story unfolds during the Christmas season in rural, almost feudal, Northumberland. Vera Stanhope is driving cautiously through a blizzard that is extreme even for the northernmost part of England when she spots a car that has skidded off the highway. Upon investigation, she finds a toddler in the back seat clad in a red snow suit and matching small red boots. Searching for refuge for both herself and the child, she spots a big house decorated with hundreds of fairy lights, all white, all twinkling. It is a house she recognizes, the home of her estranged family, relatives she has not seen since she was a teenager. Thus begins a complex and surprising story about families, what holds them together and what rips them apart. The setting is straight out of an Agatha Christie novel with Christmas in the country manor house, but the case is not like that at all.
The narrative unfolds in two perspectives, from the mansion, Brockburn house, its guests and residents, and their conversations, as well from Vera Stanhope, her team, and their investigations. Stanhope quickly finds that this is a complicated case, one of the strangest cases she has ever worked. There are just too many people, too many connections, too many suspects, and too little real evidence. Everyone expects her to solve the mystery immediately because after all, “You must know, darling. It’s what you do for a living.”
Intricate, detailed descriptions immerse readers in the place and atmosphere. The language, vocabulary, and conversation have the gentle rural lilt of the Northumberland hills. The title is also important, easily overlooked, but an important marker in the story beyond just the opening event at the Brockburn estate.
“The Darkest Evening” has great characters, a compelling plot, and a classic setting, not to mention family trauma and a some crazy idea of revenge. I received a review copy of “The Darkest Evening” from Ann Cleeves, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Publishing. I recommend the entire Vera Stanhope Series. Every book is captivating, professional, and enjoyable page after page.
reflective
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:
No
Another good one in the Stanhope Series.