#thedarkestevening

[whatthebook-reviews]

I received an advanced reader copy of The Darkest Evening from Minotaur Books via NetGalley, in return for my honest opinion. The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves is a story about forgiveness, trust and family. On her way home, during a snow storm, Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope discovers an abandoned car with a toddler inside. The cell reception is very spotty, so Vera brings the child to the closest home – Brockburn, a large estate where her father grew up. Vera hasn’t been to Brockburn since she was a child but knows that her father’s family still lives there. As Vera tries to find the child’s parents, long buried Stanhope family secrets begin to reveal themselves. This was a fast, easy read, that I did not love- I didn’t like most of the characters which made it hard to see this book thru to the end. The Darkest Evenings is available today, Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Goodreads Rating: 2/5 stars #anncleeves #thedarkestevening #netgalley #arcs #advancedreadercopy #mystery #mysterybooks #readin2020 #minotaurbooks #whatthebook #bookreviews #readersofinstagram #bookaholic @netgalley @minotaur_books https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5TckJg982/?igshid=ddzetn76gh7h

[solitaryfossil]

Book Review

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.

#TheDarkestEvening #NetGalley