Murder in My Backyard

Perceptive, convincing, quietly compelling * The Sunday Times * Cleeves is quietly carving out a reputation as the new Queen of Crime * Sunday Mirror * Ann Cleeves is a skilful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction * Daily Express * Nobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann Cleeves -- Val McDermid Ann Cleeves has an enviable talent . . . I love these books * CrimeSquad * Murder, mystery and a great new cast of characters mean you wont be able to put this one down! -- <i>My Weekly</i> on <i>The Long Call</i> Ann Cleeves is a phenomenal talent. With unfailing skill, gorgeous setting, flawless plot and seamless voice, she brilliantly conjures new worlds in crime fiction -- Hank Phillippi Ryan on <i>The Long Call</i>

Ann Cleeves is the author of more than thirty-five critically acclaimed novels, and in 2017 was awarded the highest accolade in crime writing, the CWA Diamond Dagger. She is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who can be found on television in ITVs Vera, BBC Ones Shetland and ITVs The Long Call respectively. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide. Ann worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook and auxiliary coastguard before she started writing. She is a member of Murder Squad, working with other British northern writers to promote crime fiction. Ann also spends her time supporting access to books and advocating for reading to improve health and wellbeing. In 2021 her Reading for Wellbeing project launched with local authorities across the North East. She lives in Northumberland where the Vera books are set.