The Darkest Evening cover art

The Darkest Evening

Vera Stanhope, Book 9

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The Darkest Evening

By: Ann Cleeves
Narrated by: Janine Birkett
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About this listen

Christmas is coming – and death is at the door. DCI Vera Stanhope returns in The Darkest Evening, the ninth novel in number one Sunday Times bestseller Ann Cleeves’s phenomenally popular crime series.

The darkest nights can hide the deadliest secrets . . .

Driving home during a swirling blizzard, Vera Stanhope’s only thought is to get there quickly.

But with the snow driving down heavily, she becomes disorientated and loses her way, eventually stumbling on another car abandoned on the road. With the driver’s door open, Vera assumes the driver has sought shelter but is shocked to find a young toddler strapped in the back seat.

Afraid they will freeze, Vera takes the child and drives on, arriving at Brockburn, a run-down stately home she immediately recognizes as the house her father Hector grew up in.

Inside Brockburn a party is in full swing, with music and laughter to herald the coming Christmas. But outside in the snow, a young woman lies dead and Vera has a new case. Could she be the child’s mother and, if she is, what happened to her?

'A thoroughly engrossing thriller' – Mail on Sunday

 Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedurals Women Sleuths

Critic Reviews

A thoroughly engrossing thriller
Cleeves’s Northumberland novels are strong on atmosphere, combining old-fashioned detective work with a modern take on class
Brilliantly written, with more twists and turns you can shake one of Vera’s hats at
A gripping read
Fans will enjoy matching wits with Cleeves’s eccentric sleuth right up to the dangerous surprise in her denouement
Cleeves has a fine time constructing a clockwork murder plot
Superb . . . This page-turner is must reading for fans as well as newcomers (Publishers Weekly (starred review))
This ninth instalment will keep you guessing until the end
Well-paced and plotted, with its evocative Northumberland village setting and excellent characterisation, this is a great winter read
A touch of the Agatha Christie house-party murder (Book of the Week, Country Life)
Award-winning crime author Ann Cleeves makes a welcome return with the ninth book in her popular Vera series
All stars
Most relevant
Classic Vera. Wonderfully written with in a delightful rural setting. Good to sell Holly moving towards the centre of the action.

A more mellow Vera?

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I just loved this book, the narrator was perfect. The plot had me guessing till the end. Well read, great to listen to.

An excellent book

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It totally holds your attention, the story and reading just wonderful. Well done to the author and the reading.

Top novel!

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Ann Cleaved never disappoints. couldn't stop listening. Thrilling with so many twists. can't wait for the next one.

Another thrilling ride with Vera and her team.

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I really enjoyed this..
I love all her books but this one was Ace!
Looking forward to more.

One of her best ever

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