Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

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Introducing Inspector Jimmy Perez. Raven Black is the first book in Ann Cleeves’s bestselling Shetland series, adapted into a major BBC One drama starring Douglas Henshall.

A remote community with a killer in their midst . . .

On New Year’s Day, Shetland lies buried beneath a deep layer of snow. Trudging home, Fran Hunter’s eye is drawn to a vivid splash of colour on the white ground, ravens circling above. It is the strangled body of her teenage neighbour. As Fran opens her mouth to scream, the ravens continue their deadly dance . . .

The body is found close to the home of a lonely outcast and local suspicion falls firmly on him. But when Inspector Jimmy Perez insists on broadening the search for suspects, a veil of distrust and fear is thrown over the entire community. As the case develops, Perez finds himself peering deeper into the past of the Shetland Islands than anyone wants to go.

The case files of Jimmy Perez continue in White Nights, the thrilling second Shetland novel.

Praise for the gripping and atmospheric Shetland series:

‘Cleeves’ setting is beautifully evoked . . . this is as finely crafted and satisfying as a well-made piece of furniture – just look at the workmanship’ – The Times

‘Like a smoky Shetland peat fire, this elegantly written, slow-burning intrigue shrouds you in mystery and crackles with inner heat’ – Peter James, author of the bestselling Roy Grace series

‘A most satisfying mystery set in an isolated and intriguing location. Jimmy Perez is a fine creation’ – Peter Robinson, author of the DCI Banks series

Raven Black is the first book in the Shetland series from Ann Cleeves, the number one bestselling author and creator of Vera and the Two Rivers series. When a woman is found dead in the snow, Inspector Jimmy Perez must fight suspicion and rumours to uncover the truth . . .

About the Author: Ann Cleeves is the author of more than thirty-five critically acclaimed novels, and in 2017 was awarded the highest accolade in crime writing, the CWA Diamond Dagger. She is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who can be found on television in ITV’s Vera, BBC One’s Shetland and ITV’s The Long Call respectively. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide.

Ann worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook and auxiliary coastguard before she started writing. She is a member of ‘Murder Squad’, working with other British northern writers to promote crime fiction. Ann also spends her time advocating for reading to improve health and wellbeing and supporting access to books. In 2021, her Reading for Wellbeing project launched with local authorities across the North East. She lives in Northumberland where the Vera books are set.

19 Jun 2025
 

Raven Black by Ann Cleeves ISBN 9781035072781