The Dark Wives: A Vera Stanhope Novel BY Ann Cleeves

In The Hidden Depths, the eleventh installment of Ann Cleeves's acclaimed Vera series, DI Vera Stanhope faces a chilling case that threatens to unravel the fabric of a small coastal village. The morning light reveals a body in the park outside Rosebank, a home for troubled teens. The victim is Josh, a staff member who failed to report for his shift the previous night. His death is a mystery with deep implications, and Vera is called to investigate.

The only clue in the case is the disappearance of fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence, a resident of Rosebank. Despite her instincts telling her otherwise, Vera cannot completely rule out the possibility that Chloe might be involved in the murder. As Vera, her trusted colleague Joe, and new team member Rosie Bell delve deeper, the investigation leads them to the discovery of a second body found near the eerie Three Dark Wives monument in Northumberland’s rugged countryside.

As the team digs into the dark underbelly of their community, they encounter a web of secrets and superstitions that seem to merge with the facts of the case. Vera is driven by a relentless need to find Chloe and uncover the truth behind the deaths, even as she grapples with the unsettling possibility that the dangers lurking in their village are more profound than she imagined.

The Hidden Depths is a gripping addition to the Vera series, blending intricate mystery with atmospheric tension and the rich, haunting lore of the Northumberland landscape.