Ann Cleeves Books in Order

On Gillibry Island, a routine weekend visit by the Gillibry Bird Observatory Trust takes a dark turn when owner Charlie Todd announces he will sell the island, threatening the future of the observatory. Tensions rise among the members, especially after a suspicious fire destroys Charlie's cottage. The next day, during a fierce storm, Charlie is found dead in a bird hide, strangled by a net. George Palmer-Jones, an amateur detective, begins to investigate, questioning the committee members who all have motives. As he navigates the stormy weather and rising tides that isolate the island, he faces challenges in uncovering the truth amidst distrust and suspicion. The local police's initial conclusions complicate matters further, as they seem set on arresting the wrong suspect.

On the Scottish island of Kinness, newlyweds Jim and Sarah return home to a festive celebration attended by the entire community. During the lively evening, Jim's younger sister, Mary, tragically falls from a cliff to the rocks below. George Palmer-Jones, a retired birdwatcher and amateur detective, suspects foul play rather than an accident. He faces challenges as islanders refuse to speak out, fearing disruption to their close-knit relationships. With Sarah's help, George investigates the circumstances surrounding Mary's death, uncovering secrets that some islanders desperately want to keep hidden.

George Palmer-Jones, an ornithologist and amateur detective, visits a family-run hotel with his wife Molly, where they meet Eleanor Masefield, a charming widow. During their stay, George is shocked to discover Eleanor's lifeless body, brutally attacked by a hawk. As the local police investigate, George collaborates with them while leaving Molly to explore the hotel. Molly suspects that Eleanor's manipulative nature may have led to her demise and begins her own inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder. Tensions rise as they face challenges from the hotel staff and uncover hidden rivalries among guests.

Ursula Ottway, living in her cottage overlooking Crow Water reservoir, discovers that poisoned bait on her landlord Marcus Grenville's land has killed her two cats and a rare bird. Outraged, she storms to Grenville's house during a dinner party and threatens him with exposure. The next morning, her niece Molly finds Ursula's body slumped on the sofa. Shocked, Molly and her husband George begin investigating Ursula's last days. They uncover that many people on the estate had motives for wanting Ursula dead, revealing a web of deceit and danger surrounding them.

George Palmer-Jones joins a bird-watching trip aboard the Jessie Ellen off the coast of Cornwall, where excitement peaks when the crew spots a rare sea bird. Amidst the thrill, they fail to notice the absence of Greg Franks, a passionate birder. Later, his body is discovered floating in the sea, bludgeoned to death. George, hired by Greg's worried parents to bring him home, now faces the challenge of investigating his murder. He navigates tensions among the crew members, including a competitive birdwatcher and a hard-drinking wife, who all seem to harbor resentment towards Greg. As George delves deeper into the mystery, he confronts the reality that almost everyone on board had a motive for murder.

In a coastal village, Meg Morrissey investigates her husband James's suspicious death, believing he did not commit suicide. She enlists amateur sleuths George and Molly Palmer-Jones to uncover the truth. They explore the Morrissey home, finding tensions between Meg and James's ex-wife Cathy, who reveals their strained relationship. As they delve deeper, they discover that James had completed an autobiography that has gone missing, raising questions about its contents. George and Molly face challenges as they confront hostile family members and search for clues in the local library. Their investigation leads them to question whether someone wanted to silence James permanently.

In the vibrant setting of High Island, Texas, during the spring avian migration, old friends Rob, Mick, and Oliver reunite for a birdwatching trip. Their celebration turns tragic when Mick is found murdered in their rented cottage, sending shockwaves through the group. The local police suspect Rob, who frantically seeks help from his friend George Palmer-Jones in England. George arrives to investigate and quickly realizes that the murder is linked to a fraudulent environmental group Mick was involved with. As George delves deeper, he faces challenges from the tight-knit community and uncovers a second body, intensifying the urgency of his inquiry.

Alice Parry, a well-respected widow in the village of Heppleburn, confronts local developer Henshaw about buying back her land, which he plans to develop into luxury homes. After their heated discussion, Alice is later found dead in her backyard, stabbed in the back. Inspector Stephen Ramsay arrives to investigate the murder, facing challenges as he navigates the tight-knit community where everyone claims to have loved Alice. He interviews her two nephews and their families, who are visiting for a few days, but they seem evasive and uncooperative. As Ramsay digs deeper, he uncovers tensions related to the land sale and discovers that some villagers harbored resentment towards Alice for her role in the development dispute. The investigation intensifies when another body is discovered, complicating Ramsay's search for the truth.

In the small town of Otterbridge, as preparations for the summer carnival unfold, Inspector Stephen Ramsay investigates the murder of Dorothea Cassidy, the vicar's wife. He interviews various townspeople, including a sick old woman and a troubled adolescent, to piece together Dorothea's final hours. As he delves deeper, he uncovers contradictions in their statements and realizes that many are hiding secrets. Meanwhile, Ramsay struggles to locate Dorothea's missing car, which complicates the investigation. The tension escalates when a second body is discovered, prompting Ramsay to reassess the motives of those closest to Dorothea as dusk descends on the town.

In a small provincial theatre in Hallowgate, Gabriella Paston, the female lead of a youth theatre production, is found dead in the boot of director Gus Lynch's car. Detective Inspector Stephen Ramsay and Sergeant Gordon Hunter arrive to investigate her murder while also dealing with a surge of joyriding incidents in the nearby Starling Farm Estate. As they trace Gabriella's last movements, they discover she left school for a lunch appointment but never arrived. Tensions rise as they uncover connections between her death and local violence, leading to a second murder that complicates their investigation. The detectives face the challenge of piecing together a web of motives among the theatre's cast and crew amidst escalating chaos in the community.

In a quiet Northumbrian village, Detective Inspector Stephen Ramsay investigates the strangling of Ernie Bowles, a disliked farmer found dead in his kitchen. Ramsay and his partner, Detective Sergeant Gordon Hunter, face challenges as they interview locals, many of whom are reluctant to share information about Bowles. The investigation leads them to the Alternative Therapy Centre, where the three owners have solid alibis but seem to know more than they reveal. As Ramsay delves deeper, he uncovers a second strangulation, that of a woman with no apparent connection to Bowles, complicating the case further. The detectives must navigate the villagers' secrets and the growing tension surrounding the murders while racing against time to prevent another death.

Fifteen-year-old Marilyn Howe arrives at Inspector Ramsay's home, terrified because her mother, Kathleen, has not returned from an outing. Ramsay takes Marilyn back to their home in the isolated coastal community of the Headland, where they find Kathleen safe but behaving oddly in their dark and cluttered kitchen. Six months later, Ramsay is preoccupied with a series of child abductions when he learns that Kathleen has gone missing again. As he investigates, a woman's body washes ashore nearby, prompting Ramsay to delve into the complex relationships among the families in the area. The investigation reveals connections between the Howes and other local residents, including a children's entertainer and a nanny, raising questions about their involvement in the unfolding mystery.

In the village of Elvet, Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope is called to investigate the ten-year-old murder of Abigail Mantel, whose body was discovered by her friend Emma Bennett. The case reopens when new evidence emerges that Jeanie Long, convicted of the crime, was actually innocent and has recently committed suicide in prison. As Vera interviews locals, she faces hostility from the Yorkshire police and must navigate the tight-knit community's reluctance to revisit painful memories. Emma struggles with her recollections of that fateful day while dealing with her own family tensions and her husband's secrets. Tensions rise when another murder occurs, indicating that the original killer may still be at large, forcing Vera to confront both the past and present dangers in her pursuit of justice.

On a hot summer night in Northumberland, Julie Armstrong returns home from a night out to find her teenage son, Luke, dead in the bathtub, strangled and covered with wildflowers. In shock, she wakes her daughter and calls the police, leading to the arrival of Inspector Vera Stanhope, who begins her investigation into the staged murder scene. As Vera delves deeper, she discovers a second victim, Lily Marsh, a student teacher found in a rock pool nearby, also covered in flowers. The investigation reveals connections between the two murders and the group of birdwatchers who discovered Lily's body. Vera faces challenges in extracting information from reluctant witnesses while navigating the complexities of the victims' relationships. The coastal setting adds tension as she races against time to uncover the truth behind these artistic yet sinister killings.

DI Vera Stanhope visits the Willows Health Club to improve her fitness and finds the body of Jenny Lister, a social worker, strangled in the sauna. As Vera investigates, she learns that Jenny had been involved in a controversial case leading to a child's tragic death, which caused significant backlash against her colleague, Connie Masters. Vera interviews gym staff and villagers, uncovering a web of rivalries and secrets within the community. Tensions rise when another murder occurs, forcing Vera to navigate complex relationships while racing against time to prevent further violence. The investigation is complicated by local gossip and the pressure from Jenny's daughter, Hannah, who is struggling to cope with her mother's death.

DI Vera Stanhope investigates the disappearance of her neighbor Joanna, who has left a note claiming she needs a break. Vera tracks Joanna to the Writer's House, a secluded retreat for aspiring writers in coastal Northumberland. Upon her arrival, she discovers the body of Professor Tony Ferdinand, stabbed to death in the glass room, with Joanna found nearby holding a bloody knife. Despite the evidence against Joanna, Vera remains skeptical and begins questioning the other residents, including Miranda, the owner, and her son Alex. As she delves deeper, she faces challenges from the tight-knit group who are reluctant to share information about their relationships with the victim. Vera must navigate the complexities of the investigation while managing her connection to Joanna, who is now a prime suspect.

On a crowded Metro train in Northumberland, Detective Joe Ashworth and his daughter Jessie discover an elderly woman, Margaret Krukowski, stabbed to death. The train halts due to bad weather, forcing passengers to exit, but Jessie notices Margaret slumped in her seat and goes back to wake her. As Joe waits for Inspector Vera Stanhope to arrive, he learns that Margaret lived in a guest house on Harbour Street and had connections to a local women's shelter. Shortly after the investigation begins, another woman is murdered, revealing a link between the two victims. Vera and her team face the challenge of uncovering secrets from the tight-lipped residents of Harbour Street as they delve deeper into the lives of the deceased women.

In the quiet community of Valley Farm, a young ecologist named Patrick Randle is found dead by the side of a lonely lane, discovered by Percy Douglas who stops for a call of nature. Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope arrives at the scene with her team, only to find a second body in Patrick's attic apartment. The second victim, Martin Benton, shares a common interest in moth collecting with Patrick. As Vera investigates, she learns that the residents of Valley Farm harbor secrets; Annie and Sam's daughter is about to be released from prison, and Nigel watches silently from his window. The investigation reveals that both victims were killed in different ways, presenting a challenge to Vera as she navigates the complexities of the case and the community's hidden tensions.

"The Seagull" by Ann Cleeves, published in 2017, is a gripping mystery that is part of the Vera Stanhope series, featuring the tenacious detective inspector Vera. Set against the backdrop of the Northumberland coast, the story unfolds as Vera investigates a complex case involving a body found on a remote beach, which leads her into the tangled lives of the local community. Cleeves masterfully weaves themes of loss, betrayal, and the impact of the past on the present, creating a rich tapestry of character-driven storytelling. As Vera delves deeper into the investigation, she confronts her own vulnerabilities and the shadows of her past, adding depth to her character. With its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, "The Seagull" captivates readers, making it a compelling addition to the beloved series.

In the small town of Corbridge, Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope enjoys a rare day off, exploring the local bookshop. While there, she discovers a hidden baptismal chamber containing the skeleton of a girl who went missing years ago, identified as Jenny Summerhill. Vera immediately recognizes the significance of the find and begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jenny's disappearance. As winter weather complicates her efforts, Vera faces challenges from the town's residents who are reluctant to discuss the past. She collaborates with her team to uncover leads while navigating the tight-knit community's secrets. The investigation intensifies as Vera works against time to piece together the mystery before it goes cold again.

Vera Stanhope drives through a fierce snowstorm and discovers a car abandoned on the side of the road, with only a toddler inside. She takes the child, Thomas, to the nearby Brockburn estate, where her estranged relatives are hosting a Christmas party. As she tries to contact the boy's mother, Lorna Falstone, a local farmer bursts in with news of a woman's body found outside. The victim is identified as Lorna, who has been bludgeoned to death. Vera's investigation begins amidst family tensions and the challenges posed by the storm, as she navigates the complex relationships within her family and the secrets surrounding Lorna's life.

On a remote island, a woman named Sarah finds herself trapped in a storm while searching for her missing friend. As she navigates the rugged cliffs and treacherous paths, she encounters a reclusive local who warns her about the dangers lurking in the shadows. Sarah discovers a hidden cabin filled with unsettling artifacts and hears whispers of a long-buried secret. When she stumbles upon a body washed ashore, she realizes that her search has drawn the attention of someone who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. With the storm intensifying, Sarah must find a way to escape the island before she becomes the next victim.

On Holy Island, a group of friends gathers for their fifty-year reunion, reminiscing about their past and the tragic drowning of their friend Isobel. During the celebration, Rick Kelsall announces plans for a book about their shared history, but the next morning, he is found hanged in his room, initially thought to be a suicide. Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope arrives to investigate, quickly suspecting foul play as she learns about Rick's recent firing due to misconduct allegations. As Vera interviews the remaining friends—Philip, Ken, Annie, and Charlotte—she discovers tensions and secrets among them. The rising tide isolates the island, complicating the investigation as Vera races against time to uncover the truth behind Rick's death before another tragedy strikes. The atmosphere is thick with fog and unease as Vera navigates both the physical and emotional barriers posed by the group's complicated history.

In the coastal village of Longwater, a local dog walker discovers the body of Josh Woodburn, a staff member at Rosebank Home for troubled teens, early one morning. Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope is called to investigate, with her only lead being the disappearance of fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence, a resident at the home. As Vera and her team, including Joe and new recruit Rosie Bell, delve into the case, they uncover that Josh was last seen on the night of his murder. Tensions rise when a second body is found near the ancient Three Dark Wives standing stones in Northumberland, complicating their investigation amidst a local witch festival. The team faces challenges as they navigate the community's secrets and the implications of Chloe's connection to both victims. With time running out, Vera must locate Chloe to prevent further violence in the area.

In the Shetland Islands during the surreal white nights, artist Bella Sinclair hosts an art exhibition at The Herring House. The lively atmosphere shifts when a distraught Englishman disrupts the event, claiming amnesia and collapsing in front of a painting. Before Detective Jimmy Perez can assist him, the man vanishes into the night. The following morning, Perez discovers the man hanging from a rafter in a nearby shed, his face obscured by a clown mask. As Perez investigates, he learns that the man had been seen distributing flyers announcing a cancellation of the exhibition due to a 'death in the family.' Tensions rise when another body, that of Bella's nephew Roddy, is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, prompting Perez to delve deeper into the community's secrets.

On the small Shetland island of Whalsay, a young archaeologist named Hattie discovers human remains during a dig on land owned by Mima Wilson, an elderly woman living alone. The discovery raises questions among the tight-knit community, especially when Mima is accidentally shot by her neighbor Ronald Clouston while he is out hunting in the fog. Detective Jimmy Perez, called to investigate by his colleague Sandy Wilson, Mima's grandson, begins to unravel the complex relationships and tensions among the islanders. As he interviews locals, he faces challenges from two feuding families whose long-standing grievances complicate the investigation. The sparse landscape and misty weather create an eerie atmosphere, intensifying the sense of secrecy surrounding the events. Just as Perez starts to piece together the clues, another death occurs, deepening the mystery and urgency of his investigation.

Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez arrives on Fair Isle with his fiancée Fran to introduce her to his family, but their visit quickly turns grim when a woman's body is found at the bird observatory, adorned with feathers in her hair. As fierce autumn storms isolate the island, tensions rise among the residents, who fear for their safety. Jimmy begins his investigation using limited resources, interviewing locals who reveal their complex relationships with the victim. As he navigates through conflicting accounts, he faces the challenge of identifying a killer among a tight-knit community where everyone is a potential suspect. With another murder looming and no way off the island, Jimmy races against time to solve the case before the storm passes and the murderer can escape.

In the Shetland Isles, journalist Jerry Markham's body is discovered in a boat by Procurator Fiscal Rhona Laing, sparking an investigation led by Detective Inspector Willow Reeves. As she collaborates with local detectives Jimmy Perez and Sandy Wilson, they face resistance from the community, which is unsettled by the murder. The investigation reveals that Markham may have been probing into a controversial tidal energy project, raising tensions among island residents. Willow suspects Rhona knows more than she admits, complicating their search for answers. The detectives sift through witness statements and evidence while navigating the intricacies of local loyalties and long-held grudges. Their pursuit of the truth leads them to confront hidden motives and past scandals that threaten to unravel the fabric of their tight-knit community.

A group of university friends travels from London to Unst, Shetland's northernmost island, to celebrate a wedding. During the festivities, Eleanor mysteriously disappears, leaving behind an email that suggests she will not be found alive. The next day, her body is discovered in a small loch near a cliff. Detectives Jimmy Perez and Willow Reeves arrive to investigate, uncovering conflicting alibis among the wedding guests. They sift through phone records and witness statements, revealing tensions and hidden motives within the group. As they delve deeper, they confront the challenges of local legends and the community's secrets.

In the quiet village of Stonebridge, young teacher Anna Blackwell is found dead in her home, prompting local police to rule it a suicide or accident. Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez arrives from Shetland after his ex-wife Sarah requests his help, suspecting that her new husband Tom may have been involved in Anna's death due to rumors of an affair. As Perez investigates, he navigates the tight-knit community's gossip and discovers that Anna had been a beloved teacher who seemed content before her death. He questions local residents and examines the circumstances surrounding Anna's life, while also facing resistance from the local police who dismiss his concerns. Tension escalates when Perez realizes someone is watching him closely, hinting at deeper secrets within the village. The investigation reveals layers of deceit and challenges Perez to uncover the truth behind Anna's tragic end.

In the bleak winter of the Shetland Islands, Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez attends the funeral of his friend Magnus Tait when a torrential rain triggers a landslide that demolishes a nearby croft house. Amid the chaos, Jimmy discovers the body of a woman in a striking red silk dress, prompting immediate questions about her identity. As he investigates, he learns that she had been strangled before the landslide occurred. With limited clues, including two photographs and a mysterious letter addressed to 'Alis,' Jimmy enlists the help of Sergeant Sandy Wilson and Chief Inspector Willow Reeves to unravel the mystery. They face challenges from uncooperative locals who claim ignorance about the woman, complicating their search for answers. The investigation deepens as they uncover connections between the victim and various island residents, raising suspicions and revealing hidden secrets.

In the remote Shetland Islands, the Fleming family moves into an old farmhouse, hoping for a fresh start. Soon after, they discover the body of Emma Shearer, a nanny, hanging in their barn, the same place where the previous owner had died. As Inspector Jimmy Perez investigates, he faces hostility from locals who resent the incomers and rumors swirl about Emma's alleged affair with Daniel Fleming. Helena Fleming receives ominous drawings of gallows, escalating tensions within the community. The investigation intensifies when another body is found, complicating Perez's efforts to uncover the truth amidst rising suspicion and fear.

Detective Matthew Venn arrives at a rural crime scene in Westacombe, North Devon, where he discovers the body of Dr. Nigel Yeo, stabbed with a shard from a broken vase in his daughter's glass studio. The setting is a hot summer day, with tourists flocking to the coastline, contrasting sharply with the grim discovery. Venn learns that Yeo was investigating local mental health services before his death, raising questions about his connections to the community. As Venn and his team begin their investigation, they encounter various suspects, including Yeo's daughter Eve and local artists, who all had access to the crime scene. Tensions rise when another body is found, similarly murdered, forcing Venn to navigate the intricate relationships within this close-knit community. The investigation is complicated by personal ties, as Venn's husband knows the victim's daughter, adding pressure to uncover the truth before more lives are lost.

On a cold winter's day, Detective Inspector Matthew Venn stands by his kitchen window and notices two young girls, Olivia and Imogen, alone on the beach, holding hands and staring into the distance. Concerned about their unsupervised presence on a school day, he approaches them to inquire about their situation. The sisters reveal they are searching for their mother, prompting Matthew to call his colleague, Jenn, to stay with them while he investigates further. As he walks along the beach, he faces the challenge of locating their mother in the desolate winter landscape. The setting is stark, with the cold air and low tide creating an atmosphere of urgency as he navigates the quiet yet unsettling environment.

In the coastal village of Greystone, Devon, a fierce autumn gale rages as Jem Rosco, a celebrated sailor, arrives, captivating the locals with tales of adventure. However, after a night of drinking at the Maiden's Prayer pub, he mysteriously vanishes. His lifeless body is later discovered in a dinghy off Scully Cove, prompting Detective Inspector Matthew Venn and his team to investigate. As they delve into the case, they face challenges such as being stranded in the storm and dealing with uncooperative locals. Tensions rise when another body is found, complicating the investigation further. Venn's connection to the village adds to his difficulties as he navigates old rivalries and dark secrets that threaten to cloud his judgment.

Lizzie Bartholomew, a 25-year-old social worker, is on holiday in Morocco when she meets Philip, a fellow tourist. After a brief affair, she returns to Northumberland only to receive a letter from Philip's lawyer informing her of his death from cancer. The letter reveals that Philip has left her a legacy of £15,000 with the condition that she must locate Thomas Mariner, whom she believes is Philip's illegitimate son. Lizzie faces the challenge of tracking down Thomas, which leads her to his apartment where she discovers his lifeless body. As she navigates this unsettling situation, Lizzie must confront the implications of her connection to Philip and the secrets that arise from her past.

In a small coastal town, librarian Susan is determined to find a missing book that holds sentimental value. She searches through the cluttered aisles of the local library, where she encounters various patrons and their peculiar habits. As she investigates, she discovers that the library's funding is threatened due to budget cuts, forcing her to rally support from the community. Meanwhile, she faces opposition from the town council, who are more interested in commercial development than preserving the library. During a heated council meeting, Susan presents her case but is met with skepticism and indifference from the officials. As tensions rise, she must navigate the challenges of community politics while trying to save the beloved library.

In a small coastal village, a local fisherman discovers a body washed ashore, prompting Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope to investigate. As she examines the scene, she uncovers evidence suggesting the victim was involved in illegal activities. Vera interviews the victim's friends and family, revealing tensions and secrets among them. A storm complicates the investigation, causing power outages and isolating the village. With limited resources and time, Vera must piece together the victim's last movements while facing resistance from the tight-knit community. Her determination leads her to confront a suspect who has a hidden agenda.

In a remote Welsh village, a group of locals gathers at the dilapidated Evans farm, where Piper, recently fired from her job, becomes inexplicably drawn to the eerie property. Jared, her partner, grows increasingly concerned as he hears unsettling tales from the villagers about the farm's dark history. As they explore the overgrown grounds, they encounter strange occurrences that hint at a haunting presence. The couple faces tension in their relationship as Jared attempts to pull Piper away from the site, while she insists on returning despite his warnings. The atmosphere thickens with unease as they uncover hidden relics from the past, leading to a confrontation that leaves them questioning their safety and sanity.

In a coastal town, a series of mysterious murders disrupts the quiet community. Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope investigates the strangled body of a young man found in a bath of water, surrounded by wildflowers. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a second victim, a teacher, also discovered in a similar artistic arrangement. Vera faces challenges in extracting information from the tight-lipped locals who seem to be hiding secrets. The investigation reveals connections between the victims and a group of friends who may not be as innocent as they appear. With time running out, Vera must piece together the clues before another life is lost.

In the CWA Anthology of Short Stories: Mystery Tour, various crime writers embark on a journey through diverse settings, facing unique challenges. A character navigates a treacherous cruise to French Polynesia, where they confront a mysterious disappearance among the passengers. Meanwhile, another story unfolds in South Africa, where a group encounters a deadly wildlife encounter during a hiking trip. In Ukraine, a train ride turns deadly when an unexpected murder disrupts their travel plans. Back in Glasgow, detectives investigate a series of bodies found in the backstreets, complicating their efforts to maintain order amidst chaos.

In a small town in New Hampshire, Shorty Fleck and Patty Sundstrom arrive at a motel after their car breaks down while on their way to sell comic books. The motel, owned by Mark Reacher, is run by four men who trap the couple in their room, preventing their escape. Meanwhile, Jack Reacher finds himself barred from returning to town after getting into fights with local thugs. As Shorty and Patty attempt to flee, they face psychological manipulation and threats from the motel's owners, who are preparing for a deadly human bowhunting contest. Reacher, determined to help them, confronts the corrupt locals and uncovers their sinister plans while navigating the escalating violence around him.

In a small Scottish village, a local dog walker discovers a body in the park near a care home for troubled teens. The victim, Josh, a staff member at the home, was supposed to work the night before but never arrived. DI Vera Stanhope is called to investigate and quickly learns about the mysterious disappearance of Chloe Spence, a fourteen-year-old resident. As Vera searches for clues, she faces challenges from the uncooperative staff and the tight-knit community that is reluctant to share information. The investigation intensifies when another body is found nearby, raising questions about the connection between the two deaths. Vera must navigate through local secrets and suspicions to uncover the truth behind these grim events.

In a coastal town, DCI Vera Stanhope investigates a suspicious death that occurs during a dawn swim, where the victim is found floating lifelessly in the water. Meanwhile, two bored cell-mates engage in a chilling game that escalates dangerously, leading to unexpected consequences. At an isolated cottage, a hen party turns deadly when one of the guests is murdered, prompting Inspector Jonah Westerman to delve into the secrets of the attendees. Simultaneously, a train traveler encounters a mysterious package that teaches a valuable lesson about reading labels, while a woman at the seaside faces hostility from locals during a storm. As these events unfold, each character confronts tangible threats that challenge their safety and unravel their lives.

In a bustling London café, a seasoned hitman named Victor receives an unexpected job offer from a mysterious client who demands a high-profile assassination. As Victor prepares for the mission, he navigates the crowded streets filled with tourists and locals, all while keeping a low profile. He faces immediate challenges when he discovers that the target is heavily guarded, requiring him to devise an elaborate plan to bypass security measures. Meanwhile, a rival assassin lurks in the shadows, complicating Victor's approach as he attempts to outsmart both the target's protection and his competitor. Tension escalates when Victor's cover is nearly blown during a chance encounter with an undercover officer, forcing him to improvise quickly to maintain his anonymity.

In San Diego, a series of mysterious events unfold as a group of friends gather for a weekend getaway. They explore the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, where they stumble upon a hidden speakeasy that hosts a clandestine poker game. During the game, a heated argument erupts, leading to the sudden disappearance of one player. As the friends investigate, they uncover a web of deceit involving counterfeit chips and an underground crime ring. Their challenge intensifies when they realize they are being watched by unknown assailants determined to keep their secrets hidden.