Ann Cleeves
The Killing Stones
Ann Cleeves
The Orkney Islands is a collection of more than 70 islands and islets, only about 20 are inhabited. In The Killing Stones Jimmy Perez has moved from Shetland to Orkney with his partner Willow Reeves. Willow is his supervisor in Police Scotland and pregnant with the couple’s second child. They have one son, James, and are looking forward to welcoming another child.
In the lead up to Christmas Archie Stout is murdered on the island of Westray. Archie Stout leaves behind a wife and two sons. He was one of the islands active characters. A man who loved life and participated in all facets of island life. He was also one of Perez’s oldest friends. This makes the hunt for the killer personal.
The killer used one of the island’s Story Stones to commit the murder. The Neolithic stones are so called because they are carved with Viking era notes or graffiti and they are part of the island’s heritage and culture. Cleeves’ always integrates local customs, beliefs and archaeological treasures in her narratives.
Willow and Perez have a very comfortable relationship. This dynamic translates well into their professional roles. Willow is the boss and she leads with a steady hand and compassion. It is wonderful to see their different styles bear fruit as they interview the many suspects and thrash out theories of the crime. The many interviews they conduct tease out the history of the island and the individuals who have gathered on it before Christmas.
Cleeves’ writing style is very natural and very easy to follow but her plots are intricate. She loves the natural environment that embraces her characters. To read a Cleeves’ novel is to be transported to the islands. She writes believable, interesting dialogue that differentiates every character. Murder, history, unforgiving nature and a host of suspects; mysteries don’t come much better.
Barking Books 