Ann Cleeves

Ann Cleeves is a highly regarded mystery writer, celebrated for her atmospheric storytelling and vivid character development. Her works often take readers to remote and evocative settings, where tightly woven plots unravel amidst intertwined secrets and emotions. Her mysteries are as much about human relationships as they are about solving crimes.

Main Series Characters

• Vera Stanhope - Vera is a fiercely intelligent and somewhat gruff detective, known for her no-nonsense attitude and unrelenting determination to solve crimes, wearing a trademark scruffy raincoat. Vera's cases are set in the rural and rugged landscapes of Northumberland. (Basis for the "Vera" TV series).
  
  
• Jimmy Perez - Jimmy Perez is the compassionate and introspective protagonist of the Shetland series. A native of the Shetland Islands, Perez investigates crimes that take place in the stark, often haunting beauty of this isolated archipelago. (Basis for the "Shetland" TV series.)
  
  
• Matthew Venn - The lead in the Two Rivers series, Matthew Venn is a reserved and rational detective whose cases are set against the picturesque yet turbulent backdrop of North Devon, exploring themes of identity, community, and belonging. (Basis for "The Long Call" TV series.)
  
  
• Inspector Ramsay - Quietly determined and observant, Inspector Ramsay navigates the mysteries of rural Northumberland, solving crimes amidst its serene landscapes and close-knit communities. With a keen intuition that uncovers secrets hidden in the mundane, Ramsay brings a subtle yet compelling edge to every investigation.
  
  
• Palmer-Jones - Elderly yet sharp-witted, George Palmer-Jones is a retired civil servant turned amateur sleuth. Alongside his equally astute wife, Molly, he unravels mysteries steeped in the natural world, particularly among birdwatching circles, blending gentle humor with the thrill of discovery.

Key Standalone Mystery Novels

• The Sleeping and the Dead – A chilling exploration of old secrets brought to light when a skeleton is uncovered in a lake.
  
  
• Burial of Ghosts – A standalone psychological thriller uncovering buried truths from the protagonist's past.

Contributions to the Mystery Genre

Ann Cleeves has enriched the mystery genre with her knack for blending strong character dynamics with atmospheric settings. Her mysteries often explore themes of isolation, community, and psychological depth, bringing a fresh and contemporary perspective to classic whodunit structures. Additionally, her series have inspired acclaimed television adaptations, such as Vera and Shetland, expanding the reach of her work to an international audience.

Why You May Like to Read Her Mysteries

If you enjoy atmospheric settings that become characters of their own, coupled with deeply human and flawed protagonists, Ann Cleeves' mysteries are a perfect choice. Her books provide deeply engaging reads for those who appreciate intricate plotting, rich descriptions, and a touch of emotional introspection.

Start with "Raven Black" 

Raven Black is an excellent start to Ann Cleeves' work, particularly for those interested in the Shetland series. This novel introduces Jimmy Perez and sets the tone with its moody, brooding atmosphere amidst the icy landscape of the Shetland Islands. The story is a perfect blend of psychological depth and suspense, drawing readers into a tightly-knit community where everyone has something to hide.

Similar Mystery Writers

• Tana French – Known for her deeply psychological mysteries and lush prose, especially in the Dublin Murder Squad series.
  
  
• Louise Penny – Famed for her insightful and character-driven Armand Gamache series set in the picturesque village of Three Pines.
  
  
• Peter May – Celebrated for his atmospheric mysteries, particularly the Lewis Trilogy, set in the remote Scottish Outer Hebrides.

The Full List of the 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time

You can see the full list of the 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time in this article. 

But even better ...  do you want the full list of the Best Mystery Writers of All Time, with entries for each of the best mystery writers all in one convenient document? 

Check out this link to get the FREE download: "The 100 Best Mystery Writers of All Time".

It's a 233-page reference that you can read on a computer, tablet, upload to your Kindle or other favorite e-book reader, or even print a hardcopy if that's your preference.  

Before You Leave ... Are You a Writer? 

Do you want to join the ranks of the best mystery writers?

Do you want to write fiction faster, while practicing your craft and your writing process to consistently get better? 

Check out this link to the "Write Fiction Faster ... and better" course with 23 bite-sized video lessons, 4 worksheets, a guide, and a workbook.