by Ann Cleeves

Welcome back, Jimmy Perez and Willow Reeves!

Ann Cleeves is the author of many wonderful mystery series. She is, perhaps, best known for Vera but my favorites are the Jimmy Perez titles. Note that there are also series featuring the bird watchers named Palmer, and the Inspector Ramsays which were earlier and the more recent Matthew Venn books.

When Wild Fire was published, I thought that was the last time that I would read about Jimmy. I was sad about that so imagine how thrilled I was when I heard about this new title. When I received it from NetGalley, I was ecstatic.

Readers do not have to have read the other books to enjoy this one but whether the earlier entries are read before or after this one, they will offer readers a lot of pleasure. I recommend them all.

The story picks up with Jimmy and pregnant Willow who are now living and working in Orkney, whereas they had earlier been in Shetland. This gives them a fresh start but they will feel very much the same to fans of the books who will enjoy catching up with the couple and their young son.

This time, there is a lot of history about Orkney and an archaeological dig is an important setting in the story. When the first murder occurs, it is very personal to Jimmy as the victim is someone with whom he grew up. Jimmy is challenged to maintain his objectivity while also mourning. He needs to interview Archie’s wife Vaila and her parents among others. The killings do not stop at one murder. Readers can trust that Jimmy and Willow will work very hard to restore peace and order.

The settings in this book are beautifully brought to life. The important artifacts in the story are made vivid in the reader’s imagination. The characters are equally well described and are plentiful.

This book offers everything that a mystery lover of traditional stories could want. Those who already follow this series will be delighted and there may be new fans for Cleeves here.

Kirkus Reviews states: “A first-rate mystery full of historical detail and descriptions of a beautiful place.” I concur.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 September 2025

Some others in this series:

Note that there are reviews on my site for the author’s other series featuring Vera Stanhope and the one with Matthew Venn.

Almost good-bye to Jimmy Perez: Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves

Farewell to Fair Isle and Shetland: Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves

Note:

Those who enjoy this book may also want to look at Stig Abell’s latest. It is somewhat similar and also very good.

The Burial Place by Stig Abell

From the Publisher