The Seagull (Vera Stanhope, #8)

by Ann Cleeves

The Seagull is Ann Cleeves’ searing eighth novel in the bestselling Vera Stanhope series, about corruption deep in the heart of a community, and about fragile, and fracturing, family relationships.

Shrewd. Smart. Challenging. Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope is on the case.

When prison inmate and former police officer John Brace says he's willing to give up information about a long-dead wheeler dealer in return for protection for his family, Vera knows that she has to look into his claims.

But opening up this cold case strikes much closer to home than Vera anticipates as her investigation takes her back in time to The Seagull, a once decadent and now derelict nightclub where her deceased father and his friends used to congregate.

As Vera's past collides dangerously with the present, she will have to confront her unwanted memories and face the possibility that her father was involved in what happened. The truth is about to come out but is Vera ready for what it will reveal?

• ISBN10: 1447278348
• ISBN13: 9781447278344
• Publish Date: 7 September 2017 (first published 5 September 2017)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 4 March 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Imprint: Macmillan
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 416
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

There are relatively few authors whose work I know I will be seeking out no matter what. Ann Cleeves is one of a handful on my list. I especially love her Vera Stanhope books (as well as the wonderful TV series based on the characters). I had pretty high expectations going into this book but never expected to be blown away.

What a great reading experience! There's an almost nostalgic vibe as the plot reveals events and crimes from the late 1990s surrounding an expensive nightclub called the Seagull. In addition to the extremely well written narrative, there are murders (multiple) and cover-ups and corrupt police and organized crime.

The book also fills out Vera's back-story with more information about her father, Hector, and his bird-watching and poaching associates. I really love the development of Vera and the people on her team. From the first book (The Crow Trap), Vera and crew were well fleshed out and believable, and the plots have been solid and well crafted. This book is so well written and clearly Ms. Cleeves has hit her (masterful) stride. In my opinion, it's the best and most intricate one yet in the series.

There are plot twists and reveals right up to the very end and a really shocking denouement. I sat in my reading chair with my mouth (literally) hanging open.

Beautifully well written and completely compelling. Seriously.. five stars doesn't come close to being enough.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.