Vera Stanhope · #9.5
The Woman on the Island
A rare day off from policing leads DCI Vera Stanhope across the tidal causeway to Holy Island, the lure of crab sandwiches there too hard to resist.
While on the island, she is reminded of the day decades before when, as a teenager, she went with her father Hector on another day trip. The day she watched him meet with a mystery woman on the beach...
Vera already knew then that Hector kept secrets, but this time the fledging investigator was determined to find the truth of why he was meeting the woman on the island, never realizing it would mean taking her first step onto a path to becoming a detective...
In this wonderful short story, Ann Cleeves shows us the origins of Vera as a detective, and showcases the setting for her next novel, The Rising Tide.
The series
In the windswept, hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Northumberland, where fog rolls in from the sea and secrets are hidden just beneath the surface, Vera Stanhope takes readers on a gripping journey through the darker corners of the human soul. Led by the sharp-witted and fiercely determined Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, this series is more than just a collection of mysteries—it’s an exploration of the complexities of justice, morality, and the quiet, hidden lives of those living in the shadows.
Read full series description
Vera, a character both sharp and shrewd, yet deeply human, is an enigma herself. Her unorthodox methods and no-nonsense demeanor make her a formidable force in the small communities she serves, where the lines between right and wrong often blur. With her keen eye for detail and an uncanny ability to see through the facades people put up, Vera dives deep into cases that unearth long-buried secrets and hidden truths. Yet, it’s her vulnerability, her sense of loneliness, and her unsentimental but compassionate heart that give her a rare authenticity, making her a character readers return to time and time again.
The series, set in the rugged and often isolated landscapes of Northumberland, uses its setting not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the story. The desolate beauty of the region, with its dark forests, craggy hills, and remote villages, adds an atmospheric weight to the mysteries Vera investigates. As Vera works her way through complex and intricate cases, the stories also explore themes of loss, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Whether it’s the haunting disappearance of a young woman, a murder with an unlikely suspect, or the intricate dynamics of a long-forgotten crime, each novel in the Vera Stanhope series challenges the reader to think deeply about the nature of justice and human frailty. With each twist and turn, Ann Cleeves' writing brings to life a world where every character is hiding something—and Vera is there to uncover it.
The Vera Stanhope series is not just for fans of thrilling crime novels; it’s for those who enjoy deep character studies, atmospheric settings, and complex, unpredictable plots. It’s a world where the unexpected lurks just beneath the surface, waiting to be revealed. If you’re drawn to stories that mix a sharp mystery with a keen understanding of the human heart, Vera Stanhope’s world will pull you in—and you’ll be reluctant to leave.
#1 · 1999The Crow Trap 
#2 · 2004Telling Tales 
#3 · 2007Hidden Depths 
#4 · 2011Silent Voices 
#5 · 2012The Glass Room 
#6 · 2014Harbour Street 
#7 · 2015The Moth Catcher 
#8 · 2017Seagull 
#8.5 · 2020Frozen 
#9 · 2020The Darkest Evening 
#9.5 · 2022The Woman on the Island 
#10 · 2022The Rising Tide 
#11 · 2024The Dark Wives 
#12 · 2027The Final Vera Be the first reviewer
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