I’ll admit it. I was lured in by the price tag. BookBub dangled The Dark Wives in front of me for $1.99, and with a solid-sounding synopsis, I figured, why not? I’ve never read Ann Cleeves before, but I’m not immune to a good crime fiction bargain.
This one features DI Vera Stanhope, and I liked her straightaway. She’s no-nonsense, believable, and gets the job done without needing to be flashy or tortured or clever for clever’s sake. Just a solid, grounded detective doing her job.
The story centers on Chloe, a teenager on the run and in hiding, and once it was clear she was alive, I was completely in her corner. Her backstory gave the book emotional weight, and I found myself hoping she'd get more than just survival. She deserved a little peace.
The setting, Newcastle upon Tyne and its surrounding landscape, was atmospheric and gritty, and the old legend of the “dark wives” lent a haunting layer that gave the mystery some added depth. It worked well as a backdrop for tracking down some very real-world villains.
Because let’s talk about that crime: a financial scheme exploiting children’s homes. Honestly, it felt too believable to be fiction. I think there are absolutely people out there getting rich off the backs of the downtrodden, and it offends me to my core. No one should profit from innocent children in unfortunate circumstances.
The pacing was decent, though I wouldn’t have complained if it picked up the pace now and then. The big twist was Chris Woodburn's character, and it genuinely shocked me. I can’t imagine the horror of finding out you played a role in your child’s death, even if you are guilty as sin in other aspects.
All in all, The Dark Wives was an average read. Not a waste of time, but not something I’d revisit or recommend enthusiastically. I don’t plan to dive into more of Ann Cleeves’ work, but I also don’t regret spending the afternoon with this one. Solid crime fiction with a strong sense of place and a few memorable moments. And hey. $1.99.
