Although this is a fairly hefty book, it’s a thoroughly absorbing and thrilling read that kept me on edge all the way through. Three very different women come together at an isolated cottage on the. The Crow Trap is the first book in Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series which is now a major ITV detective drama starring Brenda Blethyn, Vera. Set in the North Pennines, the author’s talent for description really comes into its own, and her portrayal of the landscape is a delight – vibrant and colourful, conjuring the area around Black Law into a character in itself, as much a part of the story as the human element. Introducing Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope. The Crow Trap Ann Cleeves 3.86 21,771 ratings2,093 reviews Vera Stanhope's first appearance was in The Crow Trap, published in 1999 and now available in a new edition it forms the third episode of the TV series Vera, adapted by Stephen Brady. Though the inspector doesn’t show her face until a good way through the book, once she’s there, she makes her presence felt. Three very different women come together at isolated Baikie's Cottage on the North Pennines, to complete an environmental survey. As the stories of each character are revealed we gradually see a picture of secrets and deception that widens to include the whole community. The Crow Trap is the first book in Ann Cleeves' Vera Stanhope series - which is now a major TV detective drama starring Brenda Blethyn as Vera. This is the first book in the Vera Stanhope series and unusually for Ann Cleeves, it’s a bit of a long haul. Amid the initial investigation of what looks like suicide, the women begin their work, but all three are hiding secrets and when another death occurs, Inspector Vera Stanhope turns up to dig into the lives and backgrounds of everyone concerned. Three women who each know the meaning of betrayal. Three very different women come together at isolated Baikies Cottage on the North Pennines, to complete an environmental survey.

On her arrival, the first of the three makes a gruesome discovery. The Crow Trap is the first book in Ann Cleeves Vera Stanhope series - which is now a major TV detective drama starring Brenda Blethyn as Vera.

At an isolated cottage, three women meet to carry out an environmental survey.

The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves