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Vera Stanhope Books in Order.

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The Crow Trap (1999)

Start with The Crow Trap (1999), which is book 1, and read in publication order.

Quick Answer

Start with The Crow Trap (1999), which is book 1, and read in publication order. Each novel follows Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope of Northumberland and Durham through a new case.

The complete reading order for the Vera Stanhope series by Ann Cleeves. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Where to start

Start with The Crow Trap (1999), which is book 1, and read in publication order. Each novel follows Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope of Northumberland and Durham through a new case.

  • •There is a long gap between The Crow Trap (1999) and Telling Tales (2005); the novels are numbered in publication order.
  • •The Dark Wives (2024) is the latest book in the series.

Publication Reading Order11 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

The Crow Trap

Pub: 1999
2

Telling Tales

Pub: 2005

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Crow Trap".

3

Hidden Depths

Pub: 2007

Plot details hidden until you finish "Telling Tales".

4

Silent Voices

Pub: 2011

Plot details hidden until you finish "Hidden Depths".

5

The Glass Room

Pub: 2012

Plot details hidden until you finish "Silent Voices".

6

Harbour Street

Pub: 2014

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Glass Room".

7

The Moth Catcher

Pub: 2015

Plot details hidden until you finish "Harbour Street".

8

The Seagull

Pub: 2017

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Moth Catcher".

9

The Darkest Evening

Pub: 2020

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Seagull".

10

The Rising Tide

Pub: 2022

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Darkest Evening".

11

The Dark Wives

Pub: 2024

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Rising Tide".

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Vera Stanhope in?

Start with The Crow Trap (1999), which is book 1, and read in publication order. Each novel follows Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope of Northumberland and Durham through a new case.

How many books are in Vera Stanhope?

11 main books, published 1999–2024.

Can I read Vera Stanhope out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.