Red Bones

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What to expect

When a woman's death finds Inspector Jimmy Perez out of his depth, he must dig up long-buried secrets to uncover the truth in Red Bones, the third Shetland mystery from Ann Cleeves.

Now a major BBC One drama, Shetland, starring Douglas Henshall.


After a young archaeologist uncovers a set of human remains, the island settlers are intrigued. Is it an ancient find – or a more contemporary mystery?

Then, in the middle of the night, an elderly woman is shot dead. It appears to be a tragic accident, but Jimmy Perez is called to investigate.

The sparse landscape and the emptiness of the sea have bred a fierce and secretive people. As Jimmy looks to the islanders for answers, he finds instead two feuding families whose envy, greed and bitterness have lasted generations. To solve the crime – and prevent further bloodshed – Perez must ask questions that some on the island do not want to be asked . . .

Continue the atmospheric crime series with Blue Lightning.

Critics Review

One of Britain’s best crime writers
Daily Express
Like a smoky Shetland peat fire, this elegantly written . . . intrigue . . . crackles with inner heat
Peter James, author of the Roy Grace novels

User Reviews

Book 4.7
Narration 5.0
4.0
5.0
It was a good book but with so many characters it was hard to keep up with them all and the stories within stories. I will be listening to more in the series though as it is a very enjoyable series.
Jane B 23/09/2025
5.0
5.0
Another satisfying, atmospheric mystery by Ann Cleeves. I could listen to those Shetland accents all day! As usual, the reader is captivated but perplexed until the surprise ending which I, for one, never see coming. Then everything falls into place. Wonderful characters, wonderful narration.
jackdor 23/08/2025
5.0
5.0
acs 29/12/2024

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