The Dark Wives

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves is a gripping and atmospheric mystery that delves deep into the ancient folklore and hidden secrets of the Northumbrian countryside. The eleventh novel in the acclaimed Vera Stanhope series, this captivating tale sees the return of DI Vera Stanhope, the shrewd and determined detective beloved by millions through ITV's popular series, Vera. As always, Cleeves crafts an intricate plot filled with suspense and unexpected twists, ensuring that readers are on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

A body is discovered by an early morning dog walker on the common outside Rosebank, a care home for troubled teens. The victim, Josh, a dedicated staff member, had mysteriously failed to report to work. DI Vera Stanhope, with her keen intuition and relentless determination, is called in to investigate the perplexing murder. Her only immediate clue is the sudden disappearance of Chloe, a fourteen-year-old resident of the care home.

Although Vera finds it hard to believe that a teenager could be behind such a heinous crime, she cannot completely eliminate the possibility. As she delves deeper, with the support of her trusted colleague Joe Ashworth and new team member Rosie, the investigation soon reveals a tangled web of secrets and lies.

Things take a darker turn when a second body is found near the Three Dark Wives standing stones, an eerie and ancient site nestled in the wilds of Northumbria. The setting, steeped in local myths and legends, becomes a crucial puzzle piece in unravelling the truth. As folklore begins to intertwine with fact, Vera recognises that uncovering Chloe's whereabouts could be the key to solving the mystery. Yet, she soon realises that the dark secrets buried within the community are more sinister and dangerous than she could have ever imagined.

Cleeves masterfully blends an enthralling mystery with richly drawn characters and evocative landscapes. The Dark Wives is not just a story of pursuit and justice but a poignant exploration of human vulnerabilities, resilience, and the hidden darkness within us all. Fans of the series and new readers alike will find themselves ensnared by this brilliantly crafted novel.