Ann Cleeves to discuss new Vera Stanhope mystery at Wrexham event

Queen of crime fiction Ann Cleeves is set to visit Wrexham this month to talk about her latest thrilling mystery “The Dark Wives”.

The No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author will appear at the William Aston Hall on Thursday, 26 September for an evening of intrigue and dark drama.

The event will see Ann Cleeves and special guest, forensic pathologist Professor James Grieve talk to TV presenter Steph McGovern live on stage about the latest gripping instalment of the acclaimed Vera Stanhope detective series – the much-loved character immortalised on screen by Brenda Blethyn.

Organised by independent retailers Linghams Booksellers and Booka Bookshop, every ticket includes a signed copy of the new novel but also an exclusive previously unpublished short story, Stranded, which is based on Hilbre Island off the Wirral peninsula where Cleeves lived for four years as a young woman.

In The Dark Wives, an early morning dog walker finds a body on the common outside Rosebank, a care home for troubled teens.

The victim is Josh, a staff member who failed to show up for work.

DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate. Her only clue is the disappearance of 14-year-old resident Chloe.

Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility.

Vera, Joe and new team member Rosie are soon embroiled in the case, but when a second body is found near the Three Dark Wives standing stones in the wilds of the Northumbrian countryside, folklore and fact begin to collide.

The doggedly determined detective knows she must find Chloe to get to the truth, but it seems the dark secrets of their community may be far more dangerous than she can ever have believed.

Ann Cleeves is one of Britain’s best loved and most successful mystery writers.

The author of more than 40 books including 37 critically acclaimed novels, she began writing while living on Hilbre Island in the Dee Estuary from 1977 to 1981, where her late husband Tim was the warden of its nature reserve. Her work has been translated into more than 20 languages and has sold millions of copies.

Along with the 11 Vera Stanhope mysteries, Cleeves is also the creator of popular detectives Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who have also been transported from the page to the screen in BBC One’s Shetland and ITV’s The Long Call respectively.

Professor James Grieve, one of Scotland’s most respected pathologists, was the forensic pathologist for Shetland and one of the few real-life characters to appear in Cleeves’ Shetland book series.

After working behind the scenes as a well-respected producer on the Today programme and BBC News, journalist and TV show host Steph McGovern made her name on camera as the business presenter on BBC Breakfast

Ann Cleeves says: “I’m so looking forward to chatting to my friends James and Steph in Wrexham.

“Two hugely talented people who wear their knowledge lightly. They can make us laugh and think at the same time. You’re in for a treat!”

Sue Porter of Linghams Booksellers says: “Ann Cleeves is one of Britain’s most prolific and talented authors and in DI Vera Stanhope, she has created one of literature’s most compelling characters.

“It’s a real treat to be able to welcome her to this very special event at the William Aston Hall. I can guarantee it’s going to be a fascinating evening.”

Carrie Morris of Booka Bookshop adds: “Fans of mystery and detective fiction won’t want to miss the chance to hear directly from one of the true stars of the genre.

“I’m also really pleased we’re being joined in Wrexham by Professor James Grieve, whose work proved so inspirational to Ann that she featured him in her Shetland series, and by Steph McGovern whom I know will guide the conversation with the energy and natural warmth that have made her a television favourite.”

Tickets cost £30 including a copy of The Dark Wives and can be booked here.