Join crime writer Ann Cleeves OBE, in conversation with Vic Watson as they discuss The Dark Wives, the 11th novel in the Vera Stanhope series.   

A man’s body is found in the early morning light by a local dog walker on the common outside Rosebank, a care home for troubled teens. When DCI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate the death, Vera discovers that the dark secrets in the community may be far more dangerous than she could ever have believed possible.  

In 2021, Ann’s Reading for Wellbeing project launched with local authorities across the North East. In 2022, she was awarded an OBE for her services to reading and libraries and in May 2025 she was the recipient of the inaugural Public Library Champion award by Libraries Connected.  

She lives in Northumberland, which is also the setting for the Vera books. 

Vic Watson is a Creative Writing tutor, event organiser and host of events including Noir at the Bar.   

Included in the ticket prices is a free signed copy of The Dark Wives.

There will be an audience Q&A after the interval.