13. Ann Cleeves in Conversation: The Alma Lee Opening Night Event

Vera Stanhope, the shabby and sharp Northumberland police detective, has been hailed as a “genre immortal” by The New York Times. And no wonder: Ann Cleeves’ series is internationally bestselling, was developed into a hugely popular UK TV drama, and—11 books in—continues to offer mesmerizing crime novels that are as riveting as they are insightful. In this highly anticipated evening with the author behind the detective sensation, Cleeves will share more about her latest novel in the series, The Dark Wives, in which DI Stanhope is called to investigate the death of a local care worker and the disappearance of troubled teen, Chloe. What drives such prolific creation? How does she weave a page-turning plot with such deft social commentary? Learn about this and more, in this fascinating evening with one of the world’s most successful writers. Moderated by Robert J. Wiersema.

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Event Participants:

Ann Cleeves

ANN CLEEVES is the bestselling author of the beloved detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn. Ann’s work has been adapted into the TV sensations Vera, Shetland and The Long Call. In 2017, she received the prestigious CWA Diamond Dagger for her contributions to crime writing. Ann resides in Northumberland, UK.

Robert J. Wiersema

ROBERT J. WIERSEMA is the author of three novels, a novella, a collection of short stories, and a book of nonfiction. He is one of Canada’s most recognized and respected book reviewers, with his work appearing regularly in The Toronto Star, Quill & Quire, The Globe and Mail, National Post, and numerous other publications. Wiersema lives in Victoria where he is a professor of creative writing at Vancouver Island University. (BRITISH COLUMBIA)