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thebooktrail
, September 22, 2015
(view all comments by thebooktrail)
Vera investigates the murders two Moth enthusiasts in a quiet Northumberland community. Nothing ever happens in Valley Farm/Gilswick does it?
In a secluded rural Northumberland community, life seems good. Valley Farm is a small and quiet place tucked in the rolling countryside " a lovely country estate at its heart. Its owners have gone on holiday and have employed a house sitter to take care of things whilst they are away. For Patrick, a young ecologist, it’s the perfect rural retreat..for a while.
For Patrick is found dead in the lane beside the house. Vera comes to investigate but neither she nor Joe is prepared for what they find next. A second body. The two victims seemed to have been entomologists " particularly interested in moths.
As Vera goes about digging for the truth in her own indomitable style, she finds that Valley Farm is hiding rather a lot of secrets and that like a moth to a flame, getting too close to the truth could prove fateful.
Ann Cleeves is a superb writer for creating something out of nothing like a word wizard in which a small and insignificant community like Valley Farm and Gilswick could be such a menacing and secretive place. And Moths? Bbbr even when I read the title, it made me shiver. Not a fan of bugs of any description and this gave me the chills as visions of dark places, insects and murder came into my mind.
And what lies behind those curtains of those picture postcard stone cottages? Roaring fires, cosy interiors or something a bit more hedonistic and wild? It’s always the quiet ones you’ve got to look out for. I was intrigued to see what Vera would make of it all with her no nonsense attitude. From the way she tackled the claustrophobic nature of Harbour Street, I had every faith in her, and she didn’t disappoint.
More character development here too with Vera, Joe and Holly and also interestingly Vera’s father.
Just found out this is going to be televised on ITV in the UK in 2016 - it’s going to be episode 3 of the new series and I for one can’t wait.
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