Read Ann Cleeves Shetland Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 26, 2026

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Ann Cleeves’ Shetland series has captivated readers worldwide with its intricate plots, vivid landscapes, and memorable characters. Set against the stark beauty of the Shetland Islands, this series combines the atmospheric tension of a crime thriller with the human complexity of a deep character study. Cleeves, a master of suspense and subtle emotion, has woven a narrative tapestry in which each story explores not only murder and mystery but also the shadows of isolation, tradition, and the sometimes unforgiving landscape of the islands.

What makes the Shetland series so compelling is the way it integrates the remote and rugged environment of the islands into the very fabric of its mysteries. The desolate landscapes serve as more than just a backdrop; they reflect the emotional isolation and internal struggles of the characters, particularly Detective Jimmy Perez, the central figure of the books. With its atmospheric writing and thoughtful exploration of crime, family, and community, Cleeves’ work offers readers a unique window into a world that is both haunting and beautiful.

This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the Shetland series, covering its origins, the best way to approach the books, and what makes them worth reading. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the reading order and an appreciation for the literary richness Cleeves brings to this acclaimed series.

List Of Ann Cleeves Shetland Books In Order

More On Ann Cleeves Shetland Books In Chronological Order

1. Raven Black (2006)

The first book in the Shetland series introduces us to Detective Jimmy Perez, a man with a complex past and a deep connection to the Shetland Islands. When the body of a young woman is found, Perez is called to investigate. What starts as a simple murder case soon unravels into something much darker, with secrets that have been buried for decades coming to light. The setting of Shetland, with its harsh, beautiful landscape, plays a pivotal role in this atmospheric mystery.

2. White Nights (2008)

In *White Nights*, we return to the windswept Shetland Islands, where the long days of summer are haunted by a new mystery. Jimmy Perez is again at the center of a case involving a dead artist who had recently moved to the area. As the investigation unfolds, the line between art, obsession, and jealousy becomes disturbingly blurred. Cleeves really takes her time to flesh out the complexities of the characters, and the slow-burn suspense makes it a page-turner.

3. Red Bones (2009)

The third entry in the series, *Red Bones*, brings Perez face to face with a shocking crime in a small village. When a woman is found shot in the back of the head, the case initially appears straightforward. But as Perez delves deeper, he uncovers layers of tension and resentment between the local inhabitants. Cleeves does an excellent job of illustrating the isolation and tight-knit nature of the Shetland communities, where everyone has secrets.

4. Blue Lightning (2010)

In *Blue Lightning*, the isolated landscape of Shetland is more than just a backdrop-it’s a character in itself. Jimmy Perez is called to investigate when a body is found at a remote family estate. As always, the isolation of Shetland serves to both help and hinder the investigation. With beautifully written descriptions of the island’s rugged terrain and its tough, passionate inhabitants, this book elevates the Shetland series to even greater heights. The crime at the heart of this novel is deep, layered, and chilling.

5. Dead Water (2013)

The fifth book in the Shetland series, *Dead Water*, once again showcases Ann Cleeves’ remarkable ability to capture the eerie quiet of island life. When a journalist is found dead in a remote part of the island, Perez finds himself dealing with a web of lies and deception, all tangled up in the island’s complex history. The investigation takes Perez to places he’s never been before, and the stakes feel higher than ever as he uncovers a tangled mess of secrets.

6. Thin Air (2016)

In *Thin Air*, the sixth book in the series, Jimmy Perez is faced with another mystery that digs deep into the emotional and psychological lives of its characters. The disappearance of a woman who was once a part of the local community turns into a case that will shake the very foundation of Shetland itself. The pacing in this one is spot-on, and Cleeves’ writing keeps you hooked as the plot twists and turns through both breathtaking landscapes and the haunted corners of the characters’ hearts.

7. Cold Earth (2018)

*Cold Earth* introduces yet another compelling case for Detective Jimmy Perez. This time, Perez is investigating the murder of a woman whose body is found in a snow-covered field. The weather mirrors the emotional chill of the case as it spirals into personal territory for Perez. Cleeves’ atmospheric writing and slow-burn reveals make this a gripping read, and as always, Shetland’s stunning yet forbidding landscape plays a vital role in the overall tone of the story.

8. The Long Call (2019)

Though technically the first book in Cleeves’ new *Two Rivers* series, *The Long Call* is often tied to the Shetland books because it introduces a new detective in a similar setting. The story centers around Detective Matthew Venn, who is called to investigate a murder that seems tied to the local community. It’s less isolated than the Shetland Islands but still filled with its own secrets and dark undertones. While not strictly Shetland, fans of Cleeves’ writing will find this book to be a fitting new chapter.

Background On Ann Cleeves Shetland Books

Ann Cleeves, an English author best known for her crime fiction, is celebrated for her sharp insights into the human psyche, deft plotting, and vivid descriptions of locations. Her Shetland series, which debuted in 2006 with Raven Black, is one of her most beloved works, capturing the distinct, windswept environment of the Shetland Islands-a remote archipelago in the northernmost part of the United Kingdom.

Shetland, while geographically a part of Scotland, has a unique culture, language, and history that provides a rich tapestry for Cleeves’ narratives. The series is primarily centered around Detective Jimmy Perez, a complex and introspective character, who has a deep connection to the islands. His character is defined by his quiet demeanor, thoughtful approach to solving crimes, and the personal challenges he faces in both his professional and private life.

Ann Cleeves was inspired to write the Shetland series after a visit to the islands in the late 1990s, where she was struck by the isolation and distinctive culture. This sense of place became a key element in her writing, with the islands themselves often playing as important a role as the characters. Over the years, the Shetland books have become a hallmark of contemporary British crime fiction, with each novel delving deeper into the nuances of life in this isolated community, exploring themes of loss, loyalty, and the unspoken burdens of life in a small town.

Cleeves’ writing is known for its slow-burn storytelling, where suspense builds gradually rather than through overt action or twists. The emotional and psychological depth of her characters is what truly drives the series forward, making each installment feel not just like a whodunit but also a reflective exploration of the people and places that make up the islands.

Reading Order Explained

The Shetland series spans multiple novels, with each one telling a standalone story while also contributing to the larger narrative of the character development and overarching plot arcs. If you’re new to the series, you may be wondering about the best way to approach the books. While it’s possible to jump into the series at any point, reading them in order offers a fuller understanding of the characters and the development of the Shetland Islands setting.

Below is the recommended reading order for the Shetland books:

1. Raven Black (2006)

   The series opens with the discovery of a young woman’s body in the remote village of Raven Black, setting the stage for the arrival of Detective Jimmy Perez. As he investigates, Perez must navigate the complex social dynamics of the tight-knit community, revealing the undercurrents of resentment and long-held grudges.

2. White Nights (2008)

   In the second book, Perez is once again called to a murder case, this time involving the death of a local artist. This novel explores the themes of isolation and identity, and offers readers a deeper look into Perez’s character as he faces his own personal demons.

3. Red Bones (2009)

   A disturbing discovery on an isolated island leads Perez into a case that ties the present to the past. The investigation reveals how long-buried secrets can resurface and reshape the lives of those living in small communities.

4. Blue Lightning (2010)

   In this gripping tale, a murder in a remote lighthouse challenges Perez in both personal and professional ways. The novel delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the ties that bind people together, despite the pull of darkness in their lives.

5. Dead Water (2013)

   As Perez’s life becomes more complicated, this novel explores the complexities of family relationships and how they intersect with crime. In a town surrounded by water, a drowning becomes a symbol for the suffocating weight of secrets.

6. Thin Air (2016)

   The latest installment in the series pushes Perez to confront his own mortality, while also solving a case that digs deep into the secrets of a troubled family. This novel explores themes of memory and the passage of time, making it an emotionally resonant entry.

While there is a certain chronology to the events and character arcs, the novels are largely standalone in terms of the cases Perez investigates. The books can be enjoyed independently, but reading them in order allows you to appreciate the evolution of both the characters and the overarching narrative.

What I Like About The Series?

There are several aspects of the Shetland books that make them so appealing. One of the primary reasons I find them compelling is Cleeves’ exceptional ability to create a sense of place. The Shetland Islands are as much a character in the series as the people, with Cleeves’ detailed descriptions of the rugged landscape, the weather, and the isolation providing a mood that permeates each novel. The stark beauty of the islands-the vast seas, the windswept moors, and the ever-present skies-acts as a perfect backdrop for the dark, brooding nature of the crimes that Perez must investigate.

Another thing I love about the series is the slow pace at which the mysteries unfold. There is a deliberate, almost meditative quality to Cleeves’ writing. Instead of relying on fast-paced action, she builds tension through subtle psychological drama, gradually peeling back layers of the characters’ motivations, fears, and desires. This makes the moments of revelation feel all the more impactful because they are earned, not rushed.

Jimmy Perez himself is another standout element of the series. He is an introspective and deeply empathetic detective, and his emotional journey is just as important as the mysteries he unravels. His struggles with loss, his relationships with colleagues, and his sense of duty make him a complex and relatable character. It’s this emotional depth, combined with the tense, atmospheric plots, that keeps me coming back for more.

Finally, the intricate and believable character dynamics make the Shetland books stand out. The people of Shetland are not mere backdrops to the crimes; they are fully realized individuals with their own histories, motivations, and flaws. Their interactions and relationships add layers of complexity to each story, making the resolution of each case feel like the resolution of a deeper human puzzle.

Should You Read Ann Cleeves Shetland Books In Order?

While it’s not absolutely necessary to read the Shetland books in order, doing so will enrich your experience. Each novel builds upon the last, offering deeper insight into the characters, especially Jimmy Perez, whose personal life and relationships evolve throughout the series. Reading in order gives you a more complete understanding of Perez’s character arc and the overarching developments in the community of Shetland. It allows you to appreciate how the character dynamics shift, how relationships change, and how certain plot points in earlier books pay off in later ones.

Moreover, the progression of the series allows you to experience the gradual deepening of the mysteries and the mounting emotional stakes. The plotlines surrounding the islands’ residents are complex and carry emotional weight that can only be fully appreciated if you’ve followed the journey from the beginning.

That said, if you’re interested in a one-off mystery or simply want to dip your toe into the series, you can certainly start with any book. The cases are self-contained enough that you won’t feel lost, though you might miss out on some of the emotional depth that comes from following the characters’ development over time.