Telling Tales

Vera Stanhope Returns in a Rich, Unforgettable Crime Novel from the Sunday Times Bestselling Author.

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Telling Tales

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Janine Birkett

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About this listen

Telling Tales is the second audiobook in Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series – now a major ITV detective drama starring Brenda Blethyn as Vera.

They thought she was a murderer. But now she’s a victim . . .

Ten years ago fifteen-year-old Abigail Mantel was murdered, her cold body discovered lying in a ditch. Her father’s girlfriend was found guilty of the crime. Now, evidence has emerged that proves her innocence and means that Abigail’s killer still roams free.

Abigail’s best friend at the time of the murder has now returned to the East Yorkshire village of Elvet to raise her young family. Shocked by the new revelations, she begins to realize that she didn’t know her friend as well as she thought . . .

Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope is tasked with uncovering the truth and, as her new inquiries stoke up past secrets the villagers will lie to protect, she must find out which lies will bring her to the killer.

Enjoy more of Vera Stanhope's investigations with The Crow Trap, Hidden Depths and Silent Voices.

Crime

Crime Fiction

Detective

Fiction

Murder

Mystery

Police Procedural

Women Sleuths

Women's Fiction

Village

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Critic reviews

A riveting read (Val McDermid)

Millions will be familiar with Brenda Blethyn’s portrayal of Vera in the television series of the same name but Cleeves’ engaging prose provides a much deeper, subtler insight into an intriguing and likeable character

Most relevant

Each character is skilfully drawn and dissected. Unlike other Ann Cleeves’ books, I did not find any of them likeable. Only Vera held centre stage. Each of the others was slightly like a psychology textbook character study and, unlike her other books, I really did not truly empathise with any of them.

However, the plot is clever and keeps you wanting to know the truth. I did not guess the identity of the murderer. My money was on a completely different character.

The reader’s voice is easy on the ear and it differentiated individual characters clearly and in a sustained way.