TELLING TALES is the second book that I have read of Ann Cleeves´ ‘Vera Stanhope Series’. I started with The Crow Trap, thoroughly enjoyed the journey of being carried along by the characters from London northwards.
Vera on TV tells the story very nicely with Brenda Blethyn in the role but for me in Telling Tales there is a plethora of interesting characters that engaged me. The uncertainty of life is spelt out together, with all its anxieties, as bits of the characters are revealed. The setting is on the Humber, not in her usual stomping ground of Northumberland. The excellent storytelling lets us visualise, even smell it.
The murder of an adolescent allows ‘The Ole’ Bill’ to exhibit flaws in character and behaviour that make me want to slap them. A feeling of injustice is created.
This is the story of a re-investigation by Vera and her side-kick Joe – he’s along for the ride only – as she scratches her eczema, as she gets irritated by the characters that drive this story along. (Her asides in italics are wonderful) There is more detail on the back cover but what more do you need to know before you read it.
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