Three very different women come together at isolated Baikies Cottage on the North Pennines, to complete an environmental survey. Three women who each know the meaning of betrayal... Rachael, the team leader, is still reeling after a double betrayal by her lover and boss, Peter Kemp. Anne, a botanist, sees the survey as a chance to indulge in a little deception of her own. And then there is Grace, a strange, uncommunicative young woman, hiding plenty of her own secrets. Rachael is the first to arrive at the cottage, where she discovers the body of her friend, Bella Furness. Bella, it appears, has committed suicide, a verdict Rachael refuses to accept. When another death occurs, a fourth woman enters the picture; the unconventional Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope...
Ann Cleeves
Ann Cleeves is a British author known for her crime fiction novels, particularly the Vera Stanhope and Shetland series. Her works are characterized by intricate plots, well-developed characters, and vivid descriptions of the natural landscapes of Northumberland and the Shetland Islands. Cleeves has made significant contributions to the genre of British detective fiction, drawing praise for her ability to create compelling mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very end. Her most famous work is "The Crow Trap," the first book in the Vera Stanhope series, which was later adapted into a popular television series. Cleeves' writing has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following of fans worldwide.