The Rising Tide

Vera Stanhope, Book 10

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Janine Birkett

Vera Stanhope, star of ITV’s Vera, returns in the tenth novel in number one bestseller Ann Cleeves’s acclaimed series.

Fifty years ago, a group of teenagers spent a weekend on Holy Island, forging a bond that has lasted a lifetime. Now, they still return every five years to celebrate their friendship, and remember the friend they lost to the rising waters of the causeway at the first reunion.

Now, when one of them is found hanged, Vera is called in. Learning that the dead man had recently been fired after misconduct allegations, Vera knows she must discover what the friends are hiding, and whether the events of many years before could have led to murder then, and now . . .

But with the tide rising, secrets long-hidden are finding their way to the surface, and Vera and the team may find themselves in more danger than they could have believed possible . . .

Critic reviews

Ann Cleeves is on top form in this atmospheric mystery that gradually expands to include more shifty characters on the mainland, and, on her tenth outing, you feel the pain beneath Vera’s blowsy bravado. The Rising Tide is exactly the sort of novel she likes — it provides escape and 'the joy of loose ends tied up'.

A thoroughly engrossing thriller

Who doesn’t love ‘large and shabby’ Vera Stanhope, the blunt detective in Ann Cleeves’s Northumberland police procedurals? She is already one of the genre immortals. Cleeves delivers some choice Vera moments in The Darkest Evening

Cleeves’s Northumberland novels are strong on atmosphere, combining old-fashioned detective work with a modern take on class

It is a joy to watch a writer as skilful as Cleeves lay out her version of a locked room mystery. As ever, Cleeves goes deeper, examining the precarious nature of life and what it is to age and face your own mortality

A thrilling tale with an ending that catches you by surprise, it’s a story both newbies to Vera and diehard fans will enjoy

In a world where celebrities debut on bestseller charts, Cleeves is an old-school crime writer in every sense, working her way up the list over years, building a readership while honing her craft (Brian McGilloway on The Rising Tide)

A brilliant read

Another evocative mystery

This instalment oozes atmosphere and tension

Masterful characterisation and pacey writing

Ann crafts her Shetland, Vera and, now, Matthew Venn novels, all with such specific and distinct geographical settings from which her characters emerge.

A character-driven puzzler that ends in a painful denouement.

Birkett is superb at creating voices for the diverse cast of relatable characters who are imbued with unique accents and distinct personalities. Her engaging narrative style sweeps the listener along, generating suspense and a thoroughly compelling listen.

Gripping story

Another superb story from Ann Cleeves in the unusual setting of Holy Island. The characters & setting provide a dramatic setting for a compelling story of lost love, revenge , greed which results in murder from within the group of friends who first met 50 years ago at this location.
The subsequent lives & circumstances of the participants lead to the dramatic murders which Vera & her team most solve, through revisiting the past & uncovering long hidden secrets.
An excellent story , well read .

Still trying to get my pulse down…

I am a massive fan of Ann Cleeves writing and love Vera Stanhope and her team. And this book is a nerve wracking ride. Hold on to your hat and coat!

Ann Cleeves at her best

I am a big fan of the Vera Stanhope series generally, but this has been one of the best. I enjoyed it over a few evenings and, without spoiling it for those who have not read it, all I can say is WOW! Great character development and excellent plot. Highly recommended.