Ann Cleeves Books in Order: The Complete Reading Guide

There’s something quietly electrifying about an Ann Cleeves novel. Maybe it’s the brooding landscapes that seem to absorb every secret. Or her detectives—complex, weathered, and quietly carrying their own mysteries—who move through these landscapes with careful, deliberate steps.

From the windswept Shetland Islands to the grey edges of Northumberland, Cleeves creates crime fiction where silence is suspicious and nothing is ever quite what it seems. With bestselling series like Vera Stanhope, Shetland, and the newer Two Rivers, she has become one of the most influential modern British crime writers.

If you’re wondering where to start—or how to read her series in the best order—this guide breaks down every Ann Cleeves book in order, including publication order, series descriptions, and key titles to begin with.

Ann Cleeves Detective Series Overview

Ann Cleeves has written several award-winning detective series, each driven by strong characters, atmospheric settings, and slow-burning suspense.

Her major series include:

• Vera Stanhope series – gritty, character-driven police procedurals set in Northumberland
• Shetland Island series – atmospheric crime mysteries featuring detective Jimmy Perez
• Inspector Ramsay series – early Northumberland mysteries with classic whodunnit structure
• Palmer-Jones series – cosy crime meets birdwatching sleuthing
• Two Rivers series – modern crime novels featuring DI Matthew Venn in North Devon

Below is the full breakdown of each series in order.

Vera Stanhope Books in Order – A Gritty Female Detective

Ann Cleeves’s beloved Vera Stanhope series introduces one of crime fiction’s most memorable detectives: sharp, stubborn, intuitive, and unapologetically herself. The books are known for their rich atmosphere, layered characters, and slow, deliberate tension.

Publication Order of Vera Stanhope Books

1. The Crow Trap (1999)
2. Telling Tales (2005)
3. Hidden Depths (2007)
4. Silent Voices (2011)
5. The Glass Room (2012)
6. Harbour Street (2014)
7. The Moth Catcher (2015)
8. The Seagull (2017)
9. The Darkest Evening (2020)
10. The Rising Tide (2022)
11. The Woman on the Island (2022, novella)

Why Read the Vera Books in Order?

Reading chronologically lets you follow Vera’s evolution—from the moment she appears in The Crow Trap to the deeper personal revelations in The Seagull and The Rising Tide. Each book peels back another layer of her guarded personality while delivering tightly plotted mysteries.

Key Titles:

The Crow Trap – Where Vera’s Story Begins

Set in the North Pennines, The Crow Trap opens with the suspicious death of Bella Furness and quickly spirals into a web of lies, hidden motives, and psychological tension. It’s a striking introduction to Vera—brilliant, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore.

The Seagull – Dark Secrets Surface

In The Seagull, Vera confronts long-buried connections to her own past. This installment blends personal history with a modern investigation, creating one of the most emotionally complex books in the series.

Shetland Island Series – Atmospheric Scottish Crime Fiction

Perhaps Cleeves’s most atmospheric work, the Shetland Island series immerses readers in the stark beauty and isolation of the Scottish isles. Detective Jimmy Perez is steady, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in his community—even as murder fractures its calm surface.

Shetland Books in Order

1. Raven Black (2006)
2. White Nights (2008)
3. Red Bones (2009)
4. Blue Lightning (2010)
5. Dead Water (2013)
6. Thin Air (2014)
7. Cold Earth (2016)
8. Wild Fire (2018)

Where to Start

Begin with Raven Black, a haunting winter mystery that introduces Jimmy Perez and sets the tone for the series: quiet menace, emotional depth, and stunning landscapes with secrets of their own.

Inspector Ramsay Books – Ann Cleeves’ Early Crime Fiction

Before Vera and Shetland, Cleeves wrote the Inspector Stephen Ramsay series—classic British police procedurals set in rural Northumberland.

Inspector Ramsay Books in Order

1. A Lesson in Dying (1990)
2. Murder in My Backyard (1991)
3. A Day in the Death of Dorothea Cassidy (1992)
4. Killjoy (1993)
5. The Healers (1995)
6. The Baby Snatcher (1997)

A Lesson in Dying – Inspector Ramsay’s Introduction

This is where it all begins. A Lesson in Dying introduces readers to Inspector Stephen Ramsay—a thoughtful, introspective detective operating in a tightly knit rural community. When a school headmaster is found hanged under suspicious circumstances, Ramsay is pulled into a web of secrets, grudges, and hidden motives.

It’s a classic “whodunnit” with modern psychological depth and the perfect starting point for anyone exploring Cleeves’ early work. The novel also establishes the tone and pacing that sets this series apart from faster, more procedural mysteries.

Palmer-Jones Books – Birdwatching Meets Sleuthing

The Palmer-Jones books blend the quiet observation of bird watching with the keen eye needed for sleuthing. This unique book series features the investigative duo of George and Molly Palmer-Jones, who employ their birding knowledge to solve crimes that baffle local authorities.

Each novel reveals the couple’s knack for uncovering the truth behind seemingly innocuous clues, demonstrating Cleeves’ versatility and creativity in crafting engaging mysteries.

Palmer-Jones Books in Order

1. A Bird in the Hand (1986)
2. Come Death and High Water (1987)
3. Murder in Paradise (1988)
4. A Prey to Murder (1989)
5. Sea Fever (1991)
6. Another Man’s Poison (1992)
7. The Mill on the Shore (1994)
8. High Island Blues (1996)

Each book works as a standalone mystery, but reading them in order allows you to appreciate the evolving dynamic between George and Molly and the subtle developments in their personal lives. It’s a great series for fans of classic British mysteries with a rural twist.

A Bird in the Hand – Where It All Began

With “A Bird in the Hand,” Ann Cleeves sets the stage for the Palmer-Jones series. In this initial installment, readers meet George Palmer-Jones and a cast of characters surrounding the suspicious death of young Tom French, found lying in a marsh.

The investigation takes George to the marsh on the Norfolk coast, where he must unravel the mystery behind Tom’s untimely demise, setting the tone for the intriguing series to follow.

Two Rivers (Matthew Venn) Series – Modern Crime in North Devon

The Two Rivers series marks a new chapter in Ann Cleeves’ repertoire, featuring the introspective Detective Matthew Venn. Set against the backdrop of North Devon, this series captures the essence of a small community caught up in the wake of serious crimes, all while a raging storm of emotions and secrets threatens to surface.

Two Rivers Books in Order

1. The Long Call (2019)
2. The Heron’s Cry (2021)
3. The Raging Storm (2023)

Reading in order is essential here, as each book deepens your understanding of Venn’s background, his complicated relationship with his religious upbringing, and the people in his orbit—from husband Jonathan to his close-knit investigative team.

If you’re craving intelligent, slow-burning crime fiction with emotional depth, this is a series to watch—literally, too, as it has been adapted for TV.

The Long Call – Meeting Detective Venn

“The Long Call” is the compelling opener to Ann Cleeves’ Two Rivers series, where readers first encounter Detective Matthew Venn. This novel sets the scene with a body found on the beach, and as Venn digs deeper, he exposes the hidden layers of his hometown. The story masterfully intertwines personal history with a thrilling investigation, providing a rich narrative that hooks readers from the start.

Standalone Novels and Short Stories

Ann Cleeves extends her literary prowess beyond her renowned series with standalone novels and short stories. These works showcase her versatility, offering readers haunting tales and thrilling mysteries not confined to ongoing series or recurring characters. Each standalone piece is a testament to Cleeves’ ability to craft compelling narratives within a single volume or short form.

The Sleeping and the Dead – A Standalone Haunting Tale

“The Sleeping and the Dead” is a standalone novel where Detective Peter Porteous faces the chilling task of solving a cold case. The body of a teenager has been discovered, and as Porteous delves into the past, he crosses paths with Hannah Morton. Ann Cleeves has written a haunting narrative that weaves together the threads of a long-silent mystery, challenging the detective to confront the echoes of long-forgotten crimes.

Burial of Ghosts – A Thriller Outside Series Work

“Burial of Ghosts” is a gripping thriller that stands apart from Ann Cleeves’ series work. Readers are introduced to Lizzie Bartholomew, a character with a complex past and an uncertain future. The novel dives into the heart of human psychology, delivering a story that is as much about personal discovery as it is about suspense and intrigue.

Short Stories and Novellas – Bite-Sized Mystery

For those who relish bite-sized mystery, Ann Cleeves’ short stories and novellas offer thrilling narratives that can be enjoyed in one sitting. These condensed works provide the same level of suspense and satisfaction as her full-length novels, making them perfect for fans who crave a quick dose of Cleeves’ masterful storytelling.

Here’s a selection of her notable short-form works:

• The Plater (1987) – One of her earliest stories, blending suspense and psychological intrigue.
• The Harmless Pursuits (2002) – A novella featuring George and Molly Palmer-Jones, her birdwatching sleuths.
• The Soothmoothers (2015) – Part of The Starlings and Other Stories anthology, this tale explores the dark side of a small community.
• The Habit of Silence (2018) – A short Vera Stanhope story featured in Ten Year Stretch, an anthology celebrating a decade of CrimeFest.
• Frozen (2018) – Included in The CWA Anthology of Short Stories: Mystery Tour, this novella is a chilling standalone mystery.
• The Woman on the Island (2022) – A prequel novella to the Two Rivers series, offering valuable background on DI Matthew Venn and his partner Jonathan.
• The Library Book – Contributions by Ann Cleeves

In “The Library Book,” Ann Cleeves joins other renowned authors in celebrating libraries and the joy of reading. Her contribution to this anthology reflects her storytelling prowess, as she crafts narratives that honor the spirit of community and the enduring power of stories. Readers will find themselves lost in the pages, reminded of the importance of these treasured institutions.

Shetland Island Mysteries – From Page to BBC One

Ann Cleeves’ Shetland novels didn’t just captivate readers—they made the leap from page to screen with remarkable success. The BBC One adaptation, Shetland, brought Detective Jimmy Perez to life, played with quiet intensity by Douglas Henshall.

While the TV series takes inspiration from the books, it also branches into original plots after the first few seasons, meaning there are key differences in storyline and character arcs.

The show’s early episodes closely follow novels like Raven Black, White Nights, and Red Bones, capturing the bleak beauty of the Shetland landscape and the slow-burn tension that Cleeves is known for. However, as the series progresses, it diverges into fresh territory, making it a companion piece rather than a direct retelling.

Reading the books adds emotional layers and context for TV show fans that the screen can’t fully convey. And for readers discovering the novels first, the adaptation offers a visual treat that stays true to the spirit of the series, even when it strays from the text.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Ann Cleeves’ Mystery Novels

The allure of Ann Cleeves’ novels endures as readers are captivated by her intricate plots and compelling characters. One such character, a young woman named Alice Parry, a dedicated women’s refuge leader, reflects Cleeves’ talent for creating strong, relatable protagonists who navigate through suspenseful narratives. If you enjoy this blend of suspense and romance, you might also like exploring this list of mystery romance books, which showcases more titles that keep readers hooked with both intrigue and heart. And for readers who love following long-running detective series with sharp twists and evolving character arcs, you may also enjoy diving into Stuart Woods books in order—another iconic name in modern crime fiction.