#thedarkestevening

Ann Cleeves: The Darkest Evening. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Crime Fiction, Mystery, UK Literature. Expected publication: September 8th 2020 by Minotaur Books

Blurb: On the first snowy night of winter, Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope sets off for her home in the hills. Though the road is familiar, she misses a turning and soon becomes lost and disorientated. A car has skidded off the narrow road in front of her, its door left open, and she stops to help. There is no driver to be seen, so Vera assumes that the owner has gone to find help. But a cry calls her back: a toddler is strapped in the back seat.

Vera takes the child and, driving on, she arrives at a place she knows well. Brockburn is a large, grand house in the wilds of Northumberland, now a little shabby and run down. It’s also where her father, Hector, grew up. Inside, there’s a party in full swing: music, Christmas lights and laughter. Outside, unbeknownst to the revelers, a woman lies dead in the snow.

My review: An enjoyable police procedural set in a place I love reading about: the Northumberland countryside, with an intriguing plot/mystery, good solid character writing, and a satisfying ending. Another good read from Ann Cleeves, recommended. Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.