07/31/2017
A prison outreach leads to a meeting between Vera Stanhope and John Brace, a now-incarcerated corrupt former police superintendent, in Diamond Dagger Award–winner Cleeves’s engrossing eighth mystery featuring the Northumbrian detective inspector (after 2016’s The Moth Catcher). Brace, part of the criminal Gang of Four led by Vera’s father, Hector, asks her to help his troubled daughter, Patty, and in return promises to disclose the burial site of another Gang of Four member who’s been missing for two decades. When Vera’s team investigates, they find a second skeleton—that of a young woman who might be Patty’s birth mother. Their search for her identity reaches back to the 1990s, when an elegant club called the Seagull dominated the waterfront in northern Whitley Bay, England, and the Gang of Four graduated from the illegal animal trade to human trafficking and murder. Details about Hector’s crimes and dismissiveness toward his daughter provide insight into Vera’s formative years. This nuanced, adroitly paced tale should satisfy both series fans and new readers. Agent: Sarah Menguc, Sarah Menguc Literary Agent (U.K.). (Sept.)

Praise for The Seagull:

"Engrossing...This nuanced, adroitly paced tale should satisfy both series fans and new readers."—Publishers Weekly

"Cleeves [has an] unmistakable talent for combining deft plotting, a moody atmosphere and totally believable dialogue...a sure-fire formula for literary success. The eighth in a series that has already won the hearts of countless readers and a television audience to boot, The Seagull only adds to the lustre of this accomplished writer."—Reviewing the Evidence

"Stanhope will become the barmy-but-brilliant auntie we all wish we had."—Booklist

"Readers will enjoy Vera’s relentless quest for the truth in this astutely observed, atmospheric crime novel."—Express

Praise for the Vera Stanhope series:

"Fans of the Vera Stanhope novels already available in the U.S., as well as the TV series Vera, will welcome Cleeves’s intricate series opener. The Columbo-esque Vera, who hides a fierce intelligence and razor sharp instincts under garish clothing, uses every tool at her disposal to solve the crime."—Publishers Weekly on The Crow Trap

This first installment in Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series, now published in the U.S. for the first time, offers abundant evidence why the police-detective heroine, physically unattractive but extremely clever, and her meticulously plotted adventures (The Moth Catcher, 2016, etc.) have made such a splash in bookstores and in the TV series Vera.”—Kirkus Reviews on The Crow Trap

"It would be foolish to discount Vera because she doesn't dress smartly—she can outfox even the wiliest of criminals, while wearing whatever she pleases, and readers will delight in getting the chance to see how such a quirky character evolved."—Library Journal on The Crow Trap

“Winning. It is Stanhope herself—a homely, overweight spinster with blotchy skin, a fondness for alcohol, and a toxic personality—who, using intuition and subtle intimidation, brings all the disorganization to an illogical but satisfying conclusion.”—Publishers Weekly on Silent Voices

“Readers devoted to Cleeves’ tales of Jimmy Perez (Blue Lightning, 2010, etc.) will want to give Vera a try.”—Kirkus Reviews on Silent Voices

“Cleeves expertly draws Vera’s complex relations with her fellow detectives as well as the hidden springs of tension in the circle affected by the crime, touching on class relations, the ennui of middle age, and the deceits, frailties, and tenderness of long marriage.”—Publishers Weekly on The Moth Catcher

“Characteristically well plotted, with plenty of complex characters to enjoy.”—Kirkus Reviews on The Moth Catcher

“From the inside, Vera is somewhat self-hating, but she also possesses an endearing “what the hell” attitude. It’s a delight to watch her exceed people’s expectations and to watch as the tiny details she notices add up to the big revelation.”—Booklist on The Moth Catcher

“Even though you may wish you could prod Cleeves (Dead Water, 2014, etc.) to pick up the leisurely pace, the complexities of the people and plot make the wait worthwhile.”—Kirkus Reviews on Harbour Street

“Cleeves offers up evocative settings and flawed characters with depth, making her mysteries wonderfully addictive. Her latest is no exception.”—Library Journal (starred) on Harbour Street


Praise for the Shetland Island series:

“Nothing short of riveting." —Louise Penny

"Creates a dark enough mood to keep you straining to see what will come to light next.—People

"Gripping from start to finish."—Booklist

"In true Christie fashion, Cleeves once more pulls the wool over our eyes with cunning and conviction." —Colin Dexter

"Chilling...enough to freeze the blood." —Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

"Cleeve's taut, atmospheric thriller will keep readers guessing until the last page....Chilling."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Cleeves once again proves herself a master of mystery, with fine writing, a broodingly atmospheric setting, a twist-filled plot, and a shocker of an ending."—Booklist

"Intricate and engrossing...offers readers the pleasures of the traditional locked room/isolated island mystery." —The Washington Post Book World

09/01/2017
In her eighth outing (after The Moth Catcher), DI Vera Stanhope investigates a cold case linked to her father based on information provided by John Brace, a now incarcerated ex-detective superintendent. Vera must face her own prejudices and unwelcome memories to solve the investigation.—ACT

Janine Birkett’s marvelous narration enhances this riveting mystery, part of the Vera Stanhope series, set on the majestic northeast coast of England. Detective Inspector Stanhope is well rendered, as are the story’s secondary characters. Descriptions of the locale are equally appealing. When Stanhope presents a talk at the local prison, she’s waylaid by crooked ex-cop John Brace. His raspy voice sounds genuine as he promises her information about a long-unsolved murder if she helps his troubled daughter. Listeners will appreciate Birkett’s handling of the dry humor, particularly Stanhope’s. Birkett’s portrayal of the strong personality of elderly Mrs. Marshall intensifies the story’s conclusion. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine