Ann Cleeves Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Ann Cleeves books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Ann Cleeves is one of the most beloved names in British crime fiction. But her journey to becoming a bestselling author wasn’t straightforward or planned—it was shaped by real-life experience, unexpected turns, and the quiet beauty of remote landscapes. Her life story reads almost like one of her novels: full of small details that lead to something much bigger. And just like in her books, it’s often the ordinary that becomes extraordinary.

Born in 1954 in the English countryside, Ann spent her early years in Herefordshire. Later, her family moved to North Devon, where she continued to enjoy a calm and simple childhood. Her father was a schoolteacher, and although her background was modest, it was filled with warmth and curiosity. Ann grew up surrounded by nature, quiet villages, and local characters—all of which would later find their way into her writing.

Unlike many writers who follow an academic path, Ann Cleeves took a different route. She began university but left shortly after, feeling it wasn’t the right place for her at that time. Instead, she took on a variety of jobs—childcare officer, women’s refuge leader, and even a cook at a bird observatory. These roles weren’t glamorous, and she herself has called them temporary and unremarkable. But one of them changed her life in a surprising way.

While working at the bird observatory, Ann met Tim—her future husband. In her usual witty way, she once said it wasn’t Tim’s appearance that caught her eye, but rather the bottle of whisky in his rucksack. That unexpected meeting turned into a lifelong partnership. The couple married quickly, despite not knowing each other for long, and their bond remained strong over the years.

After their wedding, Tim took a job as a nature warden on Hilbre Island, a small and isolated nature reserve. The island was peaceful but remote, with few visitors and even fewer distractions. Ann was not particularly interested in birds like her husband was, but the solitude of island life gave her something else: space and silence. And it was there, on this tiny island, that Ann Cleeves began to write.

This moment—far away from the mainland and surrounded by nothing but sea and sky—became the start of something truly special. She discovered not just a hobby but a passion. Writing became her way of exploring human nature, solving puzzles, and connecting with the world beyond that small island.

By 1987, Ann and Tim had moved to Northumberland, where they raised their two daughters. Northumberland, with its wild moors, coastal villages, and quiet towns, left a deep impression on her. Many of her novels are set there, and it’s easy to see why. Her stories reflect the spirit of the region: mysterious, beautiful, and often full of hidden secrets. In 2006, the family finally settled in the northeast of England, a dream they had shared for many years. Both daughters later married men from Newcastle, firmly rooting the Cleeves family in the region that had given so much inspiration.

Ann Cleeves wrote her first novel, A Bird in the Hand, in 1986. Since then, her talent for crafting compelling mysteries has earned her a loyal fanbase around the world. Whether it’s the Inspector Ramsey series, the Shetland books, or the much-loved Vera Stanhope novels, her stories are always rich with character, setting, and suspense. Each book is more than just a mystery—it’s an invitation into a world that feels as real as our own.

Her characters aren’t superheroes. They’re thoughtful, sometimes flawed, and always deeply human. Vera Stanhope, for example, is one of her most iconic creations. Vera is not your typical detective—she’s older, tough, and deeply intuitive. But it’s exactly this that makes her so memorable. The success of the Vera television series, with Brenda Blethyn in the leading role, has only brought Ann’s work to an even wider audience.

Despite her fame, Ann Cleeves remains grounded and connected to her roots. She often speaks of the importance of libraries, community, and the power of storytelling. Her writing doesn’t just entertain—it brings people together, offers comfort, and sparks curiosity.

Today, Ann continues to write, inspire, and captivate readers worldwide. Her journey—from a quiet child in Devon to an award-winning author with multiple series adapted for television—is a reminder that sometimes the best stories come from unexpected places. And with each new book, she invites us back into her world—a place where mysteries unfold slowly, characters linger in your heart, and every setting feels like somewhere you’ve been before.