The Moth Catcher

A Vera Stanhope Mystery

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Janine Birkett

Life seems perfect in the quiet community of Valley Farm. Then a shocking discovery shatters the silence. The owners of a big country house have employed a house sitter, a young ecologist, to look after the place while they're away. But his dead body is found by the side of the lane - a lonely place to die.

When DI Vera Stanhope arrives on the scene, she finds the body of a second man. What the two victims seem to have in common is a fascination with studying moths - and with catching these beautiful, intriguing creatures.

The others who live in Valley Farm have secrets, too: Lorraine's calm demeanor belies a more complex personality; Annie and Sam's daughter, Lizzie, is due to be released from prison; and Nigel watches silently, every day, from his window. As Vera is drawn into the claustrophobic world of this increasingly strange community, she realizes that there may be many deadly secrets trapped there.

©2015 Ann Cleeves (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

A Compelling Story

Why I Liked it: great characters, compelling plot, beautiful setting, good narrator. This could stand alone but it's one book in a first rate series.

Great book with great characters!

I have to say that I don’t put in a full review and feel almost embarrassed to say that I had to giggle at the way Vera is described by other characters in the book. She is a great detective and keeps my interest. The way she is described should not make me giggle but make me sad for her. I feel unable to do this which makes me feel the need for a great review for all these books. Thank you!

Love Vera novels

Exciting as always, and I never figured it out until vera explained. Look forward to watching the TV series again.

Vera still on top of her game

The narrator’s voice for Joe is cringe worthy! She manages the local accent for her other characters, including Vera and male characters. But Joe sounds absolutely inconsequential and daft.

Kept me guessing up to the end.

Would you listen to The Moth Catcher again? Why?

Yes, the twists and turns in the plot were very good. When I hunt through my library at a later date for a title to listen to again, I am sure I won't be able to recall the whole plot. So it will be worth another listen.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Vera Stanhope isn't Jack Reacher, so on the edge of your seat doesn't typically describe the plot for one of Ann Cleeves/ Vera Stanhope books. But I was concerned about one of the main characters for a while.

Have you listened to any of Janine Birkett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to Charlie Hardwick's narration before Janine Birkett. Personally I liked Charlie Hardwick's narration better. I had difficulty at times distinguishing between characters during Janine Birkett's narration.

Any additional comments?

Vera Stanhope may be an acquired taste, or listen. I enjoy the series.