Hidden Depths

More about the book

On a scorching summer in Northumberland, Julie Armstrong returns home to find her son Luke murdered, his body strangled and arranged in a bath of water adorned with wildflowers. This artistic murder scene captivates Inspector Vera Stanhope and her team. The situation escalates when a second victim, young teacher Lily Marsh, is discovered in a rock pool, similarly decorated with flowers. Vera must act swiftly to catch the killer, who is turning death into a macabre form of art. As she investigates, Vera encounters a group of friends who found Lily's body, raising questions about their true nature and trustworthiness. While local residents reveal their private lives, dark secrets begin to surface, and the killer lurks nearby, poised to create another haunting scene. The narrative intricately weaves the perspectives of various characters, but it is the overweight, socially awkward Vera, unaware of her team's fear of her, who stands out in this expertly crafted mystery. Ann Cleeves, acclaimed for her previous work, delivers a nuanced tale filled with compassion for her characters and a vivid portrayal of the Northumberland landscape, making Vera a compelling central figure in this gripping crime novel.