Thursday, March 21, 2024

The Dark Wives

 


The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves

 

When a young man's body is found outside a care home, Vera is concerned not just with the murder, but with the disappearance of a fourteen-year-old girl at the same time. Reading from the girl's journal, Vera resists the opinion that the girl is responsible, but knows that finding Chloe Spence is of utmost importance whether or not Chloe is guilty. Then another death escalates the suspense and confusion.

The team is undergoing a transition (and some guilt) after Holly's death, and Rosie Bell, the new team member has to find a way in. Rosie has a surprising empathy with families of victims which gives her a contrast with Holly. Her determination is evident, and I like her addition to the team.

Vera is much less curmudgeonly than in earlier novels, but she continues holding on to her opinions before sharing with her team, which is not always in everyone's best interest.

As always, Ann Cleeves draws the reader in with both great plotting and character development. I also appreciated the focus on care homes for profit at the expense of the young people who need help, which is a matter of concern in both the UK and the US.

The conclusion was... broader than expected and evidence of the author's ability to throw in the unanticipated. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

6 comments:

  1. Jenclair! Nice to see a post by you here. And I'm looking forward to this new Vera book and am glad to hear your thoughts on it. Hope all is well for you and your family. Take care!

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    1. Hi, Kay! I always love Ann Cleeves and was happy to get the chance on this one! I wasn't sure I'd get back to this blog, but I'm going to try. Thanks for the good thoughts!

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  2. I’m currently watching Vera while browsing blogs :) thanks for sharing your thoughts on this instalment.

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    1. :) Vera always keeps my interest, and maybe one day I'll watch the series, but I started with the books so long ago, I can't quite make the transition yet.

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  3. Good to see you, Jenclair! I'm really looking forward to this one myself.

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    1. Hey, Cathy! Ann Cleeves never grows old for me. Funny how those favorite authors keep up the good work, year after year.

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