Raven Black

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What to expect

From the bestselling author of the Vera Stanhope series.

Introducing Inspector Jimmy Perez. Raven Black is the first book in Ann Cleeves's bestselling Shetland series – now a major BBC One drama starring Douglas Henshall.


A remote community with a killer in their midst . . .

On New Year’s Day, Shetland lies buried beneath a deep layer of snow. Trudging home, Fran Hunter's eye is drawn to a vivid splash of colour on the white ground, ravens circling above. It is the strangled body of her teenage neighbour. As Fran opens her mouth to scream, the ravens continue their deadly dance . . .

The body is found close to the home of a lonely outcast and local suspicion falls firmly on him. But when Inspector Jimmy Perez insists on broadening the search for suspects, a veil of distrust and fear is thrown over the entire community. As the case develops, Perez finds himself peering deeper into the past of the Shetland Islands than anyone wants to go.

The case files of Jimmy Perez continue in White Nights, the thrilling second Shetland novel.

Praise for the gripping and atmospheric Shetland series:

‘Cleeves’ setting is beautifully evoked . . . this is as finely crafted and satisfying as a well-made piece of furniture – just look at the workmanship’ – The Times

‘Like a smoky Shetland peat fire, this elegantly written, slow-burning intrigue shrouds you in mystery and crackles with inner heat’ – Peter James, author of the bestselling Roy Grace series

‘A most satisfying mystery set in an isolated and intriguing location. Jimmy Perez is a fine creation’ – Peter Robinson, author of the DCI Banks series

Critics Review

Rarely has a sense of place been so evocatively conveyed in a crime novel
Daily Express
A very good writer
The Times

User Reviews

Book 4.6
Narration 5.0
5.0
5.0
Excellent book. I loved the TV series, bought this on the strength of that and was not disappointed. Excellent plot, good characters and lovely twist at the end. Well read too.
RussG 15/10/2025
5.0
5.0
Great story and excellent narration. This was my first book by Ann Cleeves and fortunately I haven't seen the TV adaptation yet. I always think these fall short of the actual novel. I will be listening to more of her books now. So good to find a new author who writes so well.
Jane B 10/09/2025
5.0
5.0
Brilliant narration of a great story with Anne Cleeves usual rounded characters, psychological insight, intriguing mystery and vividly drawn environment. This one keeps you guessing until a shocking revelation at the end. Will now work my way through the rest of the series!
jackdor 20/07/2025
4.0
5.0
Very good! The accents were very good, particularly the Sean Bean like Yorkshire accent!
Macito 02/01/2025
4.0
5.0
acs 05/12/2024

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