The Dark Wives: A Vera Stanhope Novel By Ann Cleeves

In The Dark Secrets of Longwater, Ann Cleeves delivers the eleventh gripping installment in the Vera Stanhope series. The tranquil coastal village of Longwater is jolted by the discovery of Josh’s body, a staff member at Rosebank, a home for troubled teens. Found by a local dog walker in the park, Josh was supposed to be on duty the previous night but never arrived.

Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope is summoned to investigate the murder. With no immediate suspects and a crucial clue in the form of a missing fourteen-year-old resident, Chloe Spence, Vera faces a challenging case. Despite her instincts, Vera struggles to believe that a teenager could be responsible for such a crime, but the possibility cannot be ignored.

As Vera, her trusted colleague Joe, and new team member Rosie Bell delve into the investigation, their search takes a darker turn when a second body is discovered near the Three Dark Wives monument in the Northumberland countryside. Here, local superstitions and ancient folklore intertwine with the facts of the case, complicating the investigation.

To uncover the truth, Vera must find Chloe and unravel the web of secrets hidden within the community. As the investigation deepens, Vera confronts a darker side of Longwater, revealing dangers and deceptions that could be more perilous than she ever imagined.

The Dark Secrets of Longwater combines intricate plotting with Cleeves’s signature atmospheric tension, offering a compelling mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. 📚❤️