Raven Black

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Introducing Inspector Jimmy Perez. Raven Black is the first book in Ann Cleeves's bestselling Shetland series, adapted into a major BBC One drama starring Douglas Henshall.

A remote community with a killer in their midst . . .

On New Year’s Day, Shetland lies buried beneath a deep layer of snow. Trudging home, Fran Hunter's eye is drawn to a vivid splash of colour on the white ground, ravens circling above. It is the strangled body of her teenage neighbour. As Fran opens her mouth to scream, the ravens continue their deadly dance . . .

The body is found close to the home of a lonely outcast and local suspicion falls firmly on him. But when Inspector Jimmy Perez insists on broadening the search for suspects, a veil of distrust and fear is thrown over the entire community. As the case develops, Perez finds himself peering deeper into the past of the Shetland Islands than anyone wants to go.

The case files of Jimmy Perez continue in White Nights, the thrilling second Shetland novel.

Praise for the gripping and atmospheric Shetland series:

‘Cleeves’ setting is beautifully evoked . . . this is as finely crafted and satisfying as a well-made piece of furniture – just look at the workmanship’ – The Times

‘Like a smoky Shetland peat fire, this elegantly written, slow-burning intrigue shrouds you in mystery and crackles with inner heat’ – Peter James, author of the bestselling Roy Grace series

‘A most satisfying mystery set in an isolated and intriguing location. Jimmy Perez is a fine creation’ – Peter Robinson, author of the DCI Banks series

Winner of CWA Goldsboro Gold Dagger 2006 (UK)

Rarely has a sense of place been so evocatively conveyed in a crime novel Daily Express
A very good writer The Times
Cleeves weaves an absorbingly cunning mystery Daily Mail
An excellent series Guardian
A fine writer Sunday Telegraph

Ann Cleeves is the author of over thirty critically acclaimed novels, and in 2017 was awarded the highest accolade in crime writing, the CWA Diamond Dagger. She is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez, who can now be found on television in ITV’s Vera and BBC One’s Shetland. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide.

Before she started writing, Ann worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook and auxiliary coastguard. She is a member of ‘Murder Squad’, working with other northern British writers to promote crime fiction. Ann is also a passionate champion for libraries and was a National Libraries Day Ambassador. Ann lives in North Tyneside, near where the Vera books are set.

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