I love my crime fiction and adore British murder mysteries. I think I have watched almost every single one available from Father Brown to Shetland, and of course Vera too.

So when I found out Vera was a book series, I of course wanted to embark on the journey- and read, for the very first time, the books behind my favourite shows. This is the first British crime fiction I have read, and the first that I have read that’s part of a gigantic legacy and isn’t YA. I can definitely say, that after giving both telling tales and darkest evening a read (I know I did it out of order, don’t sue me it was just whatever was in the second hand bookstores at the time) I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and following up with the tv episodes later.

Is it the best I have ever read? Gripping and mind numbing and filled with complicated connections and spiralling motives and the stuff that makes you sit on the edge of your seat? I would probably say…a hesitant, no. But I don’t think that every crime fiction book has to be the same, or that ever book has to be something that makes you sit nervously, turning the page as your heart beats faster and you just can’t seem to read the words fast enough.

I appreciate Vera, and Ann Cleeves novels, for what they are; homage to the surroundings, to the quiet still countryside, and the people. A homage to the people of these towns and their rich histories and their bureaucratic nonsense and just the normal lives they supposedly lead. I appreciate it for the mystery that it is, how, even with everything that one may know, a town, city and community will still have all their life changing secrets hidden away.

The books feel just like the episodes, a gentle plot that almost carry’s you away like the waves in the ocean. Lulling and calming you (into an impending doom) while always keeping you pushing ahead. Each page is willing you to the next, as you learn about these characters lives, their wants, their needs and all the crazy shit they may have got themselves into. In the end, I read these books more for the feeling, for the enjoyment and the characters. They are so well-rounded and well-written that I just want to know what will happen to them, I want to know how they died (if that happens to be the side of the story they are on).

The mysteries are always solved in the last few chapters, so expect a lot of world (or community) building and character development, which I really enjoy. Again, it feels like the pulling in of the tide, and not a roller coaster these novels. But, that doesn’t mean I recommend them any less.

Three stars seems harsh, but I have to have room for the life changing novels I have read, for the ones I love (because five stars is too much of a definitive scale). However, I would recommend these novels to ANYONE who has a love of crime fiction, they are very enjoyable (especially when paired with watching the corresponding episode of the show); and I am glad to be able to read the literature written by such an iconic woman, and to be able to say that I have read these novels.

I will continue to read every book in this series and have a fantastic time, so if you love your British murder mysteries I definitely would recommend you do the same.