Raven Black cover art

Raven Black

Shetland, Book 1

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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

©2009 Ann Cleeves (P)2018 Isis Publishing Ltd
Crime Thrillers Fiction Genre Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Small Town & Rural Thriller & Suspense Thriller Crime Exciting Suspense

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All stars
Most relevant  
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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Enjoyed it all a real who done it with great characters and kept you guessing

The narrator made it feel real

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it was a little slow during the middle section. Character development a little ponderous. Preferred storyline generally more than TV series but rated actors in TV series especially Douglas Henshall.

story/TV series

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All the elements of a good mystery with a perpetrator that I only half guessed. Beautifully read. Highly recommended.

Really interesting scary story

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Loved the story and twist at the end. Will be reading the next instalment. Very enjoyable listen. Would highly recommend.

Great story & narration.

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Loved it. Well written suspense thriller. Perez is a lonely but driven detective. Excellent narration.

Brilliant

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Strong characters , each of whom could have been involved, but a good twist at the end.
Enjoyable and easy listening.

Kept me guessing

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kept me thinking till the end plot twists evocative narrative pace description humour and mood

plot

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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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Really enjoyed the listen. It was a clever and well thought out plot with a plausible ending.

Very well narrated. Good story

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