Fans of the Vera Stanhope series were left in disbelief when bestselling author Ann Cleeves announced at the Bath Literature Festival that the upcoming 12th book would mark the end of the iconic detective’s story. Speaking to an eager audience at the Bath Guildhall, Ann confirmed that her next Vera novel would be the last.
The popular series, which inspired the long-running ITV drama starring Brenda Blethyn, has captured crime lovers since the first book’s release in 1999. “There will only be one more Vera novel,” Cleeves revealed, sparking gasps from the crowd, before reassuring them with a smile, “But I probably won’t kill her off!” She added with a grin, “Well, that was a bombshell, wasn’t it!”
The latest release, The Dark Wives, is the 11th installment and is available now. Vera Stanhope, made famous on television for her signature battered hat and unassuming coat, recently retired to the Northumberland countryside in the series finale aired this past January.
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Ann also shared insights into her close working relationship with Brenda Blethyn, noting that Brenda frequently reviewed early drafts to ensure Vera’s character remained authentic. “Brenda used to send scripts back if she didn’t think they reflected what Vera would do or say,” she said.
Though Vera’s journey is ending, Ann Cleeves’ literary world remains vast. Her popular Shetland series featuring detective Jimmy Perez and the Two Rivers novels with Devon-based detective Matthew Venn continue to engage readers.
The Bath Literature Festival continues to celebrate literary excellence, featuring speakers such as Jeremy Vine, who will discuss his seaside-set mystery, Murder on Line One, and actress/writer Ruth Jones, known for Gavin and Stacey, who will talk about her latest book, By Your Side.