Read Ann Cleeves Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on May 20, 2026
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Ann Cleeves, an internationally acclaimed British author, has become a household name in the realm of crime fiction. Renowned for her atmospheric settings, intricate plotting, and complex characters, her works have captivated readers across the globe. Cleeves is perhaps best known for creating two major detective series: the Vera Stanhope series and the Shetland series, both of which have been adapted into highly successful television shows. Her ability to weave suspenseful narratives, rich with local color and psychological depth, has made her a favorite among mystery lovers. But with multiple series and standalone novels to her name, it’s crucial for both new and seasoned readers to understand the best way to approach her extensive bibliography.
Contents
List Of Ann Cleeves Books In Order
| Raven Black (2006) | Details |
| White Nights (2008) | Details |
| Red Bones (2009) | Details |
| Dead Water (2010) | Details |
| Blue Lightning (2012) | Details |
| Broken Harbour (2012) | Details |
| Cold Earth (2013) | Details |
| Vera series – The Crow Trap (1999) | Details |
| Telling Tales (2005) | Details |
| Hidden Depths (2007) | Details |
| The Glass Room (2010) | Details |
| The Seagull (2011) | Details |
| The Moth Catcher (2012) | Details |
| The Sleeping and the Dead (2013) | Details |
| Cold Granite (2005) | Details |
More On Ann Cleeves Books In Chronological Order
1. Raven Black (2006)
Oh, where to start with ’Raven Black’! This is the very first book in the Shetland series, and it’s chilling in the best way. Set on the remote, windswept Shetland Islands, it introduces Detective Jimmy Perez and throws you into a mysterious murder that shakes the small community to its core. The atmosphere is so vivid you can almost hear the wind whipping across the cliffs, and the characters feel incredibly real. It’s the kind of book that grabs you and doesn’t let go.
2. White Nights (2008)
Next up, ’White Nights’-the follow-up in the Shetland series. Here, Jimmy Perez faces a new mystery when the body of a missing girl washes up on the shore, bringing secrets and suspicion to the surface. It’s darker and a bit more psychological, and you really start to feel the isolation of the islands creeping into your bones. Cleeves is brilliant at weaving the landscape into the story-it’s almost like the setting is a character itself.
3. Red Bones (2009)
’Red Bones’ takes things deeper. Jimmy Perez is now grappling with personal dilemmas while investigating a discovery that unearths secrets from the past. It’s a mix of history, mystery, and raw human emotion. Cleeves’ writing here is so immersive that you end up caring not just about solving the crime, but about the lives of everyone involved. The tension builds gradually, and by the end, you’re completely hooked.
4. Dead Water (2010)
In ’Dead Water’, things get even more tense. Jimmy Perez is back and this time, a death on a ferry sends him chasing clues in a chillingly isolated setting. There’s suspense, community dynamics, and a creeping sense of dread that makes you want to keep the lights on while reading. Cleeves has this knack for blending the beauty of the Shetlands with really gripping, sometimes heartbreaking crime.
5. Blue Lightning (2012)
’Blue Lightning’ is a fantastic entry in the Shetland series. When a murder occurs and a missing person case resurfaces, Jimmy Perez must dig into layers of hidden history. The story is filled with twists, atmospheric tension, and that slow-burn suspense Cleeves does so well. Plus, you’ll be fascinated by the island life-harsh, beautiful, and full of secrets.
6. Broken Harbour (2012)
Okay, this one is a bit different-it’s part of Cleeves’ standalone novels. ’Broken Harbour’ is dark, intense, and emotionally gripping. Set in a seemingly quiet town, the plot delves into family trauma and hidden despair. Cleeves doesn’t just throw a puzzle at you; she really makes you feel the weight of every character’s struggles. It’s a slow-burn psychological thriller that sticks with you.
7. Cold Earth (2013)
’Cold Earth’ brings Jimmy Perez back, and the stakes feel higher than ever. A plane crash leads to a series of deaths, and Perez has to untangle a web of secrets in the frozen Shetland landscape. The writing is both stark and beautiful, and the isolation of the islands becomes almost a character in itself. You’ll find yourself caught between wanting to solve the mystery and soaking in the vivid setting.
8. Vera series – The Crow Trap (1999)
Now, jumping to Vera Stanhope territory, ’The Crow Trap’ is the first book where we meet the brilliant, no-nonsense Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. She’s sharp, perceptive, and often underestimated because of her looks and demeanor-classic Cleeves, making us love a detective who’s refreshingly human. This case involves a missing girl, family secrets, and the small-town intricacies that Vera handles with her trademark mix of patience and steeliness.
9. Telling Tales (2005)
In ’Telling Tales’, Vera is back and facing a case that’s part psychological puzzle, part social commentary. It’s a clever, layered story with multiple threads, and Cleeves gives Vera the chance to shine through her intellect, dogged determination, and slightly curmudgeonly personality. You’ll find yourself chuckling at Vera’s quirks while being genuinely impressed by her investigative skills.
10. Hidden Depths (2007)
’Hidden Depths’ is another strong Vera installment. Here, she deals with a death at a boarding house, and as usual, nothing is as simple as it seems. Cleeves excels at portraying small communities with all their secrets and social pressures, and Vera’s insights into human nature are as sharp as ever. It’s suspenseful, thoughtful, and full of that rich Cleeves atmosphere.
11. The Glass Room (2010)
’The Glass Room’ continues Vera’s saga, taking her into the intricate dynamics of a family and a suspicious death. The plot is both elegant and twisty, and Vera’s empathy and intelligence make her an unforgettable detective. Cleeves’ ability to weave suspense with human emotion shines here, and the mystery will keep you guessing until the very last page.
12. The Seagull (2011)
’The Seagull’ throws Vera into a coastal setting where a local girl’s disappearance reveals dark undercurrents. The seaside setting adds both charm and menace, and Vera’s relentless pursuit of truth contrasts beautifully with the community’s resistance. It’s a tense, absorbing read with Cleeves’ signature attention to character and place.
13. The Moth Catcher (2012)
In ’The Moth Catcher’, Vera investigates a cold case involving a young boy’s death, decades earlier. The narrative weaves between past and present, and Cleeves’ exploration of grief, justice, and memory is fascinating. Vera’s human touch makes her an ideal lens through which to view the tangled emotions of everyone involved.
14. The Sleeping and the Dead (2013)
Here, Vera is drawn into the murder of a young woman, but the story is layered with multiple perspectives and motives. It’s dark, thoughtful, and deeply atmospheric. Cleeves has a gift for making the procedural elements feel real while also exploring psychological and emotional depths. Vera’s persistence and insight are central, and you’ll admire her more with each twist.
15. Cold Granite (2005)
Before the Vera and Shetland series really took off, Cleeves gave us ’Cold Granite’, the first book in the Jimmy Perez universe (technically part of Shetland). It’s a brilliant introduction to the stark landscapes, the chilly atmospheric tension, and the intricate community dynamics. You get a sense of how Cleeves builds her mysteries around place as much as plot, and Jimmy Perez emerges as someone both methodical and deeply empathetic.
Background On Ann Cleeves Books
Ann Cleeves’ writing career began in the 1990s, though she had a varied professional background that included working as a library assistant and as a cook. However, it was her passion for writing crime fiction that led her to create the unforgettable characters and stories that have defined her career.
Cleeves’ first series, The Vera Stanhope Mysteries, introduced readers to the tough, intuitive, and often misunderstood detective Vera Stanhope, whose northern English grit and sharp mind cut through the fog of complex cases. Set in Northumberland, the Vera books evoke a strong sense of place, with Cleeves often using the bleak and remote landscapes of the region to mirror the inner lives of her characters. Vera is both a relatable and deeply mysterious character, balancing her personal insecurities with her dogged determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
The second major series, The Shetland Series, takes place in the far-off, windswept islands of the Shetland archipelago, located off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Detective Jimmy Perez is the central figure in this series, a man whose calm, introverted nature and deep connection to the island make him an ideal guide for readers through the isolated, yet richly atmospheric world of Shetland. Just as with Vera, Cleeves uses the environment as a powerful tool to enhance the mood of her novels, capturing both the beauty and darkness of the landscape.
Aside from these two central series, Ann Cleeves has authored several standalone novels and short stories, all marked by her distinctive writing style: clear, concise prose, vivid depictions of settings, and characters whose flaws make them feel all the more real. Her focus is on the relationships between individuals, the tensions in communities, and the intricate webs of lies that often surround murder investigations.
Reading Order Explained
For newcomers to Cleeves’ work, the question of whether to read her books in order can be somewhat complicated due to the existence of multiple series and standalone novels. However, there is an advantage to following the reading order for each series, as the development of key characters-particularly Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez-is gradual, with each book building on their past experiences and relationships.
The Vera Stanhope Series
The Vera Stanhope series began with The Crow Trap (1999), which introduces the unorthodox detective. It is crucial to start with this book if you wish to track Vera’s personal evolution throughout the series. The first few books in the series establish Vera’s core characteristics and relationships with her team, and while the individual cases are self-contained, Vera’s backstory and ongoing development as a character are explored across multiple installments.
The following is the suggested reading order for the Vera books:
- The Crow Trap (1999)
- Telling Tales (2005)
- Hidden Depths (2007)
- The Glass Room (2009)
- The Moth Catcher (2016)
- The Seagull (2018)
- The Darkest Evening (2020)
You can follow the full list, but each book functions as a standalone mystery, so even reading out of order will not spoil individual cases.
The Shetland Series
The Shetland series introduces us to the quiet, often brooding Detective Jimmy Perez, and the remote, atmospheric islands of Shetland. Starting with Red Bones (2008), this series also evolves across its installments, focusing on Perez’s personal life, as well as his professional investigations.
Here is the recommended order:
- Red Bones (2008)
- White Nights (2009)
- Blue Lightning (2010)
- Dead Water (2013)
- Thin Air (2015)
- Cold Earth (2017)
- Wild Fire (2019)
Just as with Vera, starting from the beginning helps you understand the character development of Jimmy Perez and his relationship with the people around him. These books offer more than just a detective story-they provide an insight into how one man grapples with isolation and loss while trying to maintain connections to his island community.
Standalone Novels
Cleeves’ standalone novels include The Long Call (2019), which kicks off the Two Rivers series, set in a coastal town in England. This book introduces Detective Matthew Venn, a character who is notably more sensitive and introspective than Vera or Perez. While this series is new, it still exhibits Cleeves’ trademark strengths: atmospheric settings, tight plotting, and richly layered characters.
What I Like About The Series?
Ann Cleeves’ books shine for many reasons, chief among them her ability to create a compelling sense of place. Her novels are deeply tied to their settings, whether it’s the haunting, windswept coastlines of Shetland or the misty, rugged moors of Northumberland. These environments are not mere backdrops-they serve as characters in themselves, subtly influencing the mood and tension of the narrative.
Another notable feature is Cleeves’ writing style, which is straightforward but evocative. She doesn’t rely on excessive descriptions or overly complicated plots; instead, she focuses on crafting tight, well-paced stories that leave room for the subtle psychological dynamics of her characters. There’s also a remarkable attention to detail in how she builds the personal histories of her protagonists, giving them depth and allowing the reader to become invested in their lives, both professionally and personally.
In addition, the mysteries themselves are always intriguing, with twists that feel earned rather than forced. Cleeves doesn’t just deliver surprise endings-she layers the story in such a way that the solution is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Lastly, there’s a richness in the themes explored in Cleeves’ books. Her stories often delve into human nature, community dynamics, and the complex relationships that people have with one another. The victims, suspects, and detectives alike are all deeply shaped by their environments and histories, which makes the books resonate beyond the confines of a traditional mystery.
Should You Read Ann Cleeves Books In Order?
The question of whether to read Ann Cleeves’ books in order largely depends on what you’re looking to get from her works. If you’re interested in the ongoing development of key characters like Vera Stanhope or Jimmy Perez, reading the books in order is essential. The growth of these characters is carefully chronicled, and earlier books provide the foundation for later developments, particularly in terms of relationships, personal challenges, and professional growth.
That said, each book in the Vera Stanhope and Shetland series can be read as a standalone mystery. The cases are resolved within each individual novel, and while there are references to events from previous books, the mysteries themselves don’t require prior knowledge to enjoy or understand. If you’re looking for a quick entry point into the world of Ann Cleeves, you could technically begin with any book in either series, but starting from the beginning would offer a deeper, more satisfying experience overall.