The Dark Wives BY Ann Cleeves

In Ann Cleeves’s eleventh book in the beloved Vera series, the coastal village of Longwater is rocked by the mysterious death of Josh, a staff member at Rosebank, a home for troubled teens. The body is discovered early one morning by a local dog walker in the park adjacent to the facility. Josh was scheduled to work the previous night but failed to show up, raising immediate questions about his death.

Detective Vera Stanhope is called in to unravel the web of secrets surrounding Josh’s life and death. As she delves into the complexities of his relationships with the troubled teens and the staff at Rosebank, Vera uncovers a tapestry of hidden motives and simmering tensions. The investigation reveals that Josh's death is entangled with the lives of those at Rosebank, each holding their own secrets and personal struggles.

As Vera navigates through layers of deception, she must piece together the clues to uncover the truth behind the young man’s tragic end. This gripping installment promises to captivate fans of the series with its intricate plot and the keen insights of Detective Vera Stanhope.