Ann Cleeves

Ann Cleeves is a British author known for her crime fiction novels, particularly the Vera Stanhope and Shetland Island series. Her works have been adapted into successful television series.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Blue Lightning

    A Shetland Mystery

    This book is a gripping crime novel set on the remote Shetland Islands, where Detective Jimmy Perez returns home with his fiancée, only to be caught in a murder investigation when a renowned scientist is found dead. As a storm isolates the island from the outside world, Perez must navigate through a close-knit community full of secrets and lies to uncover the murderer. The harsh and beautiful landscape of the Shetlands, along with the complex relationships and tensions within the small community, provide a compelling backdrop to this mystery, testing Perez's detective skills and understanding of human nature to the limits.

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  2. 2. The Crow Trap

    In a remote area of Northumberland, three women are brought together for an environmental survey, each with her own secrets and personal struggles. As tensions rise and relationships become strained, the discovery of a body turns their secluded project into a murder investigation. The arrival of a shrewd and determined detective, who must unravel the complex web of lies and hidden motives, adds to the intrigue. The story intricately weaves themes of trust, betrayal, and the impact of past traumas, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

  3. 3. The Long Call

    In a small North Devon community, Detective Matthew Venn is drawn back to the place he once called home to solve a perplexing murder case. The body of a man with a tattoo of an albatross on his neck is discovered on the beach, leading Venn to navigate a web of secrets and lies that intertwine the lives of the locals. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Venn must confront his own past and the estranged relationships he left behind, all while unraveling the complex dynamics of a close-knit community where everyone seems to have something to hide.

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  4. 4. The Darkest Evening

    Set against the backdrop of a snow-covered Northumberland, this gripping mystery follows Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope as she stumbles upon an abandoned car during a blizzard, with a toddler left inside. Her investigation leads her to a nearby stately home, where a lavish party is underway, and soon uncovers a murder that intertwines with her own family's past. As Vera delves deeper, she must navigate a web of secrets and lies, confronting both the chilling present and the shadows of her own history to uncover the truth.

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  5. 5. Cold Earth

    In a remote Scottish village, a landslide uncovers a hidden body, setting off a chain of events that intertwine the lives of the local community. As Detective Jimmy Perez investigates, he delves into the secrets and tensions simmering beneath the surface of this close-knit society. The investigation reveals a tapestry of personal histories, rivalries, and hidden motives, challenging Perez to unravel the truth amidst the cold and unforgiving landscape. The story explores themes of isolation, community, and the haunting impact of past actions on the present.

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  6. 6. Dead Water

    In this gripping mystery set against the stark backdrop of the Shetland Islands, the discovery of a journalist's body in a small boat sets off a chain of events that unravels the tightly-knit community. As Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez returns from leave to assist in the investigation, he finds himself navigating a web of secrets, lies, and long-standing grudges. With the help of his colleague, Detective Inspector Willow Reeves, Perez must untangle the complex relationships and hidden motives that threaten to tear the community apart, all while confronting his own personal demons.

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  7. 7. Red Bones

    Set against the stark and atmospheric backdrop of the Shetland Islands, this gripping mystery unfolds when an elderly woman is found dead, seemingly the victim of a tragic accident. However, as Detective Jimmy Perez delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that have long been buried in the close-knit community. As tensions rise and suspicions grow, Perez must navigate the complex relationships and hidden histories of the islanders to uncover the truth, revealing that the past can cast long shadows over the present.

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  8. 8. White Nights

    Set against the haunting backdrop of the Shetland Islands during the endless summer nights, this gripping mystery follows Detective Jimmy Perez as he investigates a perplexing case of a man found hanged in a local artist's gallery. Initially deemed a suicide, the investigation takes a darker turn when it becomes clear that the victim's identity is shrouded in mystery, and his presence in the tight-knit community raises more questions than answers. As Perez delves deeper into the lives of the islanders, he uncovers secrets and lies that threaten to unravel the fabric of the community, leading to a chilling climax where the truth is finally revealed.

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  9. 9. Raven Black

    Set against the stark and atmospheric backdrop of the Shetland Islands, this gripping mystery unfolds with the discovery of a young woman's body on a cold January morning. As Detective Jimmy Perez delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that bind the tight-knit community. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of the island's residents, revealing hidden tensions and past grievances. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, the story explores themes of isolation, trust, and the haunting power of past events.

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  11. 11. The Raging Storm

    When celebrity adventurer Jem Rosco reappears in the remote North Devon village of Greystone, his sudden death—found in a dinghy during a fierce storm—draws Detective Matthew Venn into a community knotted with secrets. As Venn and his team probe the lifeboat crew’s loyalties, coastal folklore, and old resentments, a second death deepens the mystery. With the village closing ranks and the weather turning treacherous, Venn must sift truth from rumor to expose a killer hidden behind carefully guarded pasts.

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