The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves
5 Stars
489 Pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Date: 1999
Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Police Procedural, British, Detective
This is the first book in the Vera Stanhope series. Three nature conservationists, Rachel, Anne, and Grace, are conducting a wildlife survey before a decision would be made to approve the building of a quarry. Close to their location is Black Law Farm, owned by Dougie and Bella Furness. One evening Rachel has plans to meet Bella but finds her hanging in the barn. Her death is declared a suicide. Months into the survey and another death brings DCI Vera Stanhope to the investigation. She begins looking into the cast of characters and questioning everyone. She is not what people think of when they think of a Detective Chief Inspector. Before she can close the investigation, another body is discovered which sheds new light on events.
The book has a fast pace, the characters are well developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. I love the Vera television adaptation, but this book brings the character to life. I learned so much about why Vera is the way she is by reading this book. The landscape is described well so the reader can get a feel for the place. If you like British police procedurals, you will enjoy reading this book.
