Murder in My Backyard

Perceptive, convincing, quietly compellingCleeves is quietly carving out a reputation as the new Queen of CrimeAnn Cleeves is a skilful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fictionNobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann CleevesAnn Cleeves has an enviable talent . . . I love these booksMurder, mystery and a great new cast of characters mean you won’t be able to put this one down!Ann Cleeves is a phenomenal talent. With unfailing skill, gorgeous setting, flawless plot and seamless voice, she brilliantly conjures new worlds in crime fictionThe second novel in the Inspector Ramsay series by Sunday Times bestselling author Ann Cleeves. Alice Parry is seemingly beloved by all – until she's murdered in her own backyard. But beneath the cheery façade, Inspector Ramsay discovers a wealth of ugly truths, as her killer runs rampage . . .

Murder in My Backyard is the second mystery novel in the Inspector Ramsay series by Ann Cleeves, author of the Shetland and Vera Stanhope crime series.

No one in Heppleburn has a bad word to say about Alice Parry . . . but here she is, murdered in her own backyard on a bitter St. David’s Eve.

When detective Stephen Ramsay starts asking questions in the village, a more ambiguous picture begins to emerge. Yes, old Mrs. Parry was loved by everyone, but sometimes her kindness had caused trouble. Yes, her two nephews were devoted to her, but they didn’t really want her interfering in their rather complicated personal lives. Even among her neighbours, Alice Parry’s helpfulness had sometimes misfired; and after her death, tension tight as a clenched fist grips the uneasy village.

Meanwhile, the suspects keep rolling in, and Heppleburn’s friendly neighbourhood killer continues his nasty piece of work . . .

Ann Cleeves Classic Crime - engaging mysteries to savour, beloved characters to meet again

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 supporting access to books and advocating for reading to improve health and wellbeing. In 2021 her Reading for Wellbeing project launched with local authorities across the North East. She lives in Northumberland where the Vera books are set.

Set in rural Northumberland, Ann Cleeves’ second series of crime novels follows Inspector Stephen Ramsey unravel sinister small town mysteries from who murdered the headmaster to missing people and gruesome mass murder. This six-part murder mystery series – beginning with A Lesson in Dying – is from the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of the Vera Stanhope and Shetland series, which have become hit television detective dramas.