Raven Black cover art

Raven Black

The First Novel to Feature Detective Jimmy Perez in Ann Cleeves' Bestselling Shetland Series

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Raven Black

By: Ann Cleeves
Narrated by: Kenny Blyth
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About this listen

From the bestselling author of the Vera Stanhope series.

Introducing Inspector Jimmy Perez. Raven Black is the first book in Ann Cleeves's bestselling Shetland series – now a major BBC One drama starring Douglas Henshall.


A remote community with a killer in their midst . . .

On New Year’s Day, Shetland lies buried beneath a deep layer of snow. Trudging home, Fran Hunter's eye is drawn to a vivid splash of colour on the white ground, ravens circling above. It is the strangled body of her teenage neighbour. As Fran opens her mouth to scream, the ravens continue their deadly dance . . .

The body is found close to the home of a lonely outcast and local suspicion falls firmly on him. But when Inspector Jimmy Perez insists on broadening the search for suspects, a veil of distrust and fear is thrown over the entire community. As the case develops, Perez finds himself peering deeper into the past of the Shetland Islands than anyone wants to go.

The case files of Jimmy Perez continue in White Nights, the thrilling second Shetland novel.

Praise for the gripping and atmospheric Shetland series:

‘Cleeves’ setting is beautifully evoked . . . this is as finely crafted and satisfying as a well-made piece of furniture – just look at the workmanship’ – The Times

‘Like a smoky Shetland peat fire, this elegantly written, slow-burning intrigue shrouds you in mystery and crackles with inner heat’ – Peter James, author of the bestselling Roy Grace series

‘A most satisfying mystery set in an isolated and intriguing location. Jimmy Perez is a fine creation’ – Peter Robinson, author of the DCI Banks series

Crime Thrillers Fiction Genre Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Small Town & Rural Thriller & Suspense Thriller Crime Exciting Suspense

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Critic reviews

Rarely has a sense of place been so evocatively conveyed in a crime novel
A very good writer
All stars
Most relevant
The story and characters are a bit different from the TV series which makes the book more interesting. Well written and crafted story and excellent narration.

Very enjoyable

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Fantastic character building, both the professional profile and the personal. Story line had twists and included compassionate understanding of vulnerability and the tenacity of those in authority to protect them.

Gripping Tale.

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I enjoyed this one, a well written mystery that keeps you guessing. I’ll be getting the next one in the series!

Recommended

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I enjoyed listening to this book, it painted pictures of the Scottish isles but the main story was intriguing and I was completely thrown by the ending.

Northwest listener

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If you enjoyed the TV series you’ll love the books.
Entertaining and captivating tale that will keep you hooked till the very end. And make you want to travel to Lerwick and Shetland to see the islands for yourself.

Entertaining tale from the Northern Isles

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