The Rising Tide: A Vera Stanhope Novel

Written by Ann Cleeves

Narrated by Janine Birkett

"Janine Birkett's captivating narration does full justice to Ann Cleeves's masterful storytelling in the latest installment of this mystery series."-AudioFile Magazine on The Rising Tide

From Ann Cleeves—New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of the Vera and Shetland series, both of which are hit TV shows—comes the stunning tenth Vera Stanhope audiobook, The Rising Tide, a powerful story about guilt, betrayal, and the longheld secrets people keep.

"Ann Cleeves is one of my favorite mystery writers."—Louise Penny

For fifty years a group of friends have been meeting regularly for reunions on Holy Island, celebrating the school trip where they met, and the friend that they lost to the rising causeway tide five years later. Now, when one of them is found hanged, Vera is called in. Learning that the dead man had recently been fired after misconduct allegations, Vera knows she must discover what the friends are hiding, and whether the events of many years before could have led to murder then, and now . . .

But with the tide rising, secrets long-hidden are finding their way to the surface, and Vera and the team may find themselves in more danger than they could have believed possible . . .

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Sep 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781250866950

Ann Cleeves

Ann Cleeves is the author of more than thirty-five critically acclaimed novels, and in 2017 was awarded the highest accolade in crime writing, the CWA Diamond Dagger. She is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who can be found on television in ITV’s Vera, BBC One’s Shetland and ITV's The Long Call respectively. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide. Ann worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook and auxiliary coastguard before she started writing. She is a member of ‘Murder Squad’, working with other British northern writers to promote crime fiction. Ann also spends her time advocating for reading to improve health and wellbeing and supporting access to books. In 2021 her Reading for Wellbeing project launched with local authorities across the North East. She lives in North Tyneside where the Vera books are set.

Reviews for The Rising Tide

[Heidi Florence · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Gripping till the end!!!
Worth the 6 month wait, on pre order!!
Vera Stanhope at her best.

[Star Gater · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for accepting my request to audibly read and review The Rising Tide.

Author: Ann Cleeves
Published: 09/06/22
Narrator: Janine Birkett
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

My first Ann Cleeves book. I am an avid watcher of Vera on Masterpiece Theatre.

As Birkett performed I visualized the character Vera, and I appreciated the narration of the story. I did have uncomfortable moments with characters like Joe, as well as other smaller roles. The lack of variations slowed the pace. Once Vera took a more active role, the story seemed less cringe-worthy.

This may be one of just a couple books where I would prefer the physical copy. The majority of the narration did not work for me.

With regards to the story, I was able to visualize the scenes with my interpretations around 50-60% of the book. At this point, I relaxed and enjoyed the ride. Without spoiling, there is a murder, a group of friends, a secluded place, and one with fame and wealth.

The ending left me teary-eyed. I thought Cleeves wrote beautifully the last few chapters. I could feel so many emotions through her words. Likewise with Vera, I could feel her thoughts.

I look forward to seeking more books by Cleeves.

I would gift this to true book loving readers. This is not a novel to be zoomed through on speed 2-4. This is a book to be appreciated with a glass of wine. This is real art.