Ann Cleeves

"A riveting read."

Ann Cleeves is the author behind ITV's Vera and BBC One's Shetland.

She has written over twenty-five novels, and is the creator of detectives Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez - characters loved both on screen and in print. Her books have now sold over 1 million copies worldwide.

In 2006 Ann was awarded the Duncan Lawrie Dagger (CWA Gold Dagger) for Best Crime Novel, for Raven Black, the first book in her Shetland series. In 2012 she was inducted into the CWA Crime Thriller Awards Hall of Fame. Ann lives in North Tyneside.

What genre does Ann Cleeves write?

She primarily writes crime and detective fiction, often with atmospheric, coastal British settings (notably Shetland and Northumberland).

What are Ann Cleeves' main series and recurring detectives?

Her best-known series feature detectives Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez (Shetland). She has also written Inspector Ramsay novels, the George and Molly Palmer-Jones books, and entries in the Two Rivers sequence, plus standalone crime novels.

Where should I start reading her series?

Start each series from its first book: Raven Black is the first Shetland novel, and The Crow Trap is the first Vera Stanhope mystery. For her other series, follow the publication/series order; many titles are listed together on her author pages to help with sequence.

Has Ann Cleeves won any major awards?

Yes. Raven Black won the Duncan Lawrie Dagger (CWA Gold Dagger) for Best Crime Novel in 2006, and she was inducted into the CWA Crime Thriller Awards Hall of Fame in 2012. Her books have sold over one million copies worldwide.

Have any of her books been adapted for television?

Yes. Her Vera Stanhope novels were adapted for ITV's Vera, and her Shetland novels were adapted for BBC One's Shetland.