Vera I | Knowledge Network

British Series

In an earlier post, I wrote how disappointed I was that we don't have more British programming here in Quebec. Well, it turns out I was looking at the wrong channels. BC Knowledge Network does show more interesting programming. I had the pleasure of watching the first episode of Vera: Hidden Depths last Saturday. The main character, DCI Vera Stanhope was created by Ann Cleeves. I've already read the books and watching actress Brenda Blethyn play Vera adds to the experience. I will now check the programming on this network more often.

  Vera I | Knowledge Network

Vera

Ann Cleeves

I have now read all five DCI Vera Stanhope murder mysteries by Ann Cleeves.
It did take more than one book for me to warm up to this character.
Too bad the series is not showing here in Canada.
According to the author's website, the producer, Elaine Collins, discovered Ann Cleeve's books in an Oxfam bookshop.
Odd how things turn up sometimes.

Vera is played by  award winning actress Brenda Blethyn and from the short clips, I've seen, she appeared to be a perfect choice for the part.
Let's hope that Netflix will wise up and add the series to their line up.


I'm including a short clip I found on YouTube.
Maybe you'll become a fan too.





 

White Nights

Ann Cleeves

When stories become predictable, I lose interest in the author.
Two chapters in White Nights and I thought I could guess the ending.
When the murderer was revealed, I was pleasantly surprised.
The hints are peppered throughout the story.
Ann Cleeves keeps you speculating until the last chapter.

Next Telling Tales a DI Vera Stanhope mystery

Shetland Quartet

Ann Cleeves

Right now, I am reading the second of Ann Cleeves Shetland Quartet, White Nights .
I enjoyed The Crow Trap featuring DI Vera Stanhope and decided to check another series.
In the Shetland Quartet, the hero is detective Jimmy Perez.
Halfway through the story I found it harder to turn off my Kobo.

With Ann Cleeves we got a bit more variety.
Having more characters to write about is probably how the author stays interesting.

The Crow Trap

Vera Stanhope Mystery
 
I'm just about finished reading the first Ann Cleeves book featuring DI Vera Stanhope.
I can understand why it was turned into a TV series in the UK.

The Crow Trap is a clever psychological suspense story.
Set in Northern England it includes plenty of characters (mostly females) but remains easy to follow.

Too bad Amazon Instant Video is not available to Canadians.
They rent each episode for about the price of a paperback.

Next I intend to check out Case Histories by Kate Atkinson.

Read about the BBC series: Case Histories starring Jason Isaacs.