Reviews
Fans of the Vera Stanhope novels already available in the U.S., as well as the TV series Vera, will welcome Cleeves's intricate series opener. The Columbo-esque Vera, who hides a fierce intelligence and razor sharp instincts under garish clothing, uses every tool at her disposal to solve the crime."-- Publishers Weekly "Trauma, obsession, and murder entwine in a suspense-packed crime story that puts Ms. Cleeves in the Rendell class." -- Peterborough Evening Telegraph "It's a dark, interesting novel with considerable emotional force behind it." -- The Spectator "Cleeves's softly, softly approach delivers a powerful punch." -- The Observer "I do love Vera!" --Val McDermid "Nothing short of riveting." --Louise Penny "Creates a dark enough mood to keep you straining to see what will come to light next." -- People "Gripping from start to finish." -- Booklist "In true Christie fashion, Cleeves once more pulls the wool over our eyes with cunning and conviction." --Colin Dexter "Cleeves' taut, atmospheric thriller will keep readers guessing until the last page . . . Chilling." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Intricate and engrossing . . . offers readers the pleasures of the traditional locked room/isolated island mystery." -- Washington Post Book World "Ann Cleeves is a skillful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction." -- Sunday Express (UK) If you're a fan of Frances Fyfield, Minette Walters, or Val McDermid, get to know Cleeves. -- Globe and Mail (Canada), "Fans of the Vera Stanhope novels already available in the U.S., as well as the TV series Vera, will welcome Cleeves's intricate series opener. The Columbo-esque Vera, who hides a fierce intelligence and razor sharp instincts under garish clothing, uses every tool at her disposal to solve the crime."-- Publishers Weekly "Trauma, obsession, and murder entwine in a suspense-packed crime story that puts Ms. Cleeves in the Rendell class." -- Peterborough Evening Telegraph "It's a dark, interesting novel with considerable emotional force behind it." -- The Spectator "Cleeves's softly, softly approach delivers a powerful punch." -- The Observer "I do love Vera!" --Val McDermid "Nothing short of riveting." --Louise Penny "Creates a dark enough mood to keep you straining to see what will come to light next." -- People "Gripping from start to finish." -- Booklist "In true Christie fashion, Cleeves once more pulls the wool over our eyes with cunning and conviction." --Colin Dexter "Cleeves' taut, atmospheric thriller will keep readers guessing until the last page . . . Chilling." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Intricate and engrossing . . . offers readers the pleasures of the traditional locked room/isolated island mystery." -- Washington Post Book World "Ann Cleeves is a skillful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction." -- Sunday Express (UK) If you're a fan of Frances Fyfield, Minette Walters, or Val McDermid, get to know Cleeves. -- Globe and Mail (Canada), "Trauma, obsession, and murder entwine in a suspense-packed crime story that puts Ms. Cleeves in the Rendell class." -- Peterborough Evening Telegraph "It's a dark, interesting novel with considerable emotional force behind it." -- The Spectator "Cleeves's softly, softly approach delivers a powerful punch." -- The Observer "I do love Vera!" --Val McDermid "Nothing short of riveting." --Louise Penny "Creates a dark enough mood to keep you straining to see what will come to light next." -- People "Gripping from start to finish." -- Booklist "In true Christie fashion, Cleeves once more pulls the wool over our eyes with cunning and conviction." --Colin Dexter "Cleeves' taut, atmospheric thriller will keep readers guessing until the last page . . . Chilling." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Intricate and engrossing . . . offers readers the pleasures of the traditional locked room/isolated island mystery." -- Washington Post Book World "Ann Cleeves is a skillful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction." -- Sunday Express (UK) If you're a fan of Frances Fyfield, Minette Walters, or Val McDermid, get to know Cleeves. -- Globe and Mail (Canada)