Shared Read: Ann Cleeves’ Shetland Series

Ann Cleeves is the author of the popular Shetland series featuring detective Jimmy Perez. The books were adapted into a television series, which has now moved beyond the original source material. Jimmy himself has also moved on.

But wait! Cleeves recently announced the launch of a new novel, The Killing Stones, to be published in October 2025. This book marks the return of Jimmy Perez, now living in Orkney. Now is a good time to get (re)acquainted with Jimmy Perez so you can fully enjoy the new book.

This thread is for anyone interested in reading (or re-reading) the Shetland series, which is made up of 8 novels published between 2006 and 2018:
* Raven Black
* White Nights
* Red Bones
* Blue Lightning
* Dead Water
* Thin Air
* Cold Earth
* Wild Fire

There’s no schedule, just read at your own pace. You don't even have to start at the beginning or read the books in order! Post comments, questions, and related chat on this thread. Please make sure to use spoiler tags.

Here are some of the folks who expressed interest in this project, and how many books they've read so far (I’ll do my best to keep this up-to-date):
* @benitastrnad (Benita)
* @Crazymamie (Mamie)
* @msf59 (Mark)
* @SandDune (Rhian)
* @Tess_W (Tess)
* @Whisper1 (Linda) - 1
* @katiekrug (Katie) - 3
* @ffortsa (Judy) - 3
* @Carmenere (Lynda) - 4
* @laytonwoman3rd (Linda) - 4
* @alcottacre (Stasia) - 6
* @LizzieD (Peggy) - 6
* @Donna828 (Donna) - 7
* @lauralkeet (Laura) - 8
* @klobrien2 (Karen) - 8

Welcome! I'll start. I read Raven Black in January and am planning to read one book per month. Here’s my review:




I’m a fan of the Shetland television series, but have never read the books … until now. Raven Black introduces Jimmy Perez, who grew up on Fair Isle but moved to Shetland to pursue a career as a detective. He’s new to the job and not entirely sure of himself or his life choices, when suddenly he finds himself leading a murder investigation. 17-year-old Catherine Ross was found near the home of Magnus Tait, a recluse who was linked to the disappearance of a young girl several years earlier. The locals immediately suspect Magnus, but Jimmy is determined to conduct a full investigation. It turns out there are several others who might have been involved or had a motive. There are plenty of twists along the way to keep readers guessing; even the final reveal includes a misdirect.

I enjoyed this book both for the well-crafted plot and the fun of comparing the book to the television series. And of course I’ll continue reading.

FYI, I've added this thread to the Group Wiki.

>3 drneutron: Thanks a million, Jim!

I am currently listening to Raven Black.

I am up to Dead Water in the series. Can I still participate even though I read the books in a very haphazard manner and am ahead in the series?

I am in! I’ll be starting Raven Black when (1) my library request is filled, or (2) my Abebooks copy gets to me.

Looking forward to the reads!

Karen O

>5 Carmenere: welcome, Lynda!

>6 alcottacre: Absolutely, Stasia! I just updated my opening post to clarify that.

>7 klobrien2: I'm glad you're here, Karen!

I'm in. Currently rereading Raven Black. I have read the first six books in the series before, but I was wanting to do a reread this year and then get to that last one I haven't read yet. So perfect timing for this. And I am VERY excited for the new book coming our in October because I thought she was done with the series.

>8 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura!

Dammit, Laura! I've swapped out my planned mystery for February with Raven Black.... *grumble grumble*

>11 katiekrug: *rubs hands together*
My evil plan worked! Welcome Katie!

>8 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura!

I managed to land Raven Black from the library today, so I'm all set to read this ASAP.

Judy, count me in on reading the Shetland series. I checked my LT book list and found I own three of the books. I'll track them down and start as soon as I find even one of them, which should the propel me to find the remaining ones I own.

I would also like to read this series, so will start. But like others, I have to track down my copies. I know what box they are in but I am not sure where the box is.

>14 ffortsa: That's great, Judy.

>15 Whisper1:, >16 benitastrnad: Welcome Linda and Benita! Join in whenever you can.

It looks like I will join all the lovely women up there and read White Nights. I liked Raven Black which I read last year.

>18 msf59: Woo hoo! Welcome to the party, Mark.

This morning, I finished Raven Black on audio. I have requested #2 in the series from the library but it'll will take a couple of weeks to arrive.

>11 katiekrug: That's me, Katie. *grin*

I've started, and I realize that I had started it before. Something about the beginning put me off. I think I was afraid that Magnus was going to be the victim - and he may still be one. Anyway, I now have Perez on the scene, so I'm hopeful.

>20 Carmenere: Hi Linda. I just started #2, White Nights, last night.

>21 LizzieD: Hi Peggy! I was familiar with the Magnus storyline from the TV series but still didn't remember how everything played out. Without going into detail, I'll just encourage you to stick with it.

My cousin came over on Sunday night and we moved some of the big wardrobe boxes out of the way so that I could get to some book boxes, but Monday morning the wind turned and the temperature steadily dropped. Then it clouded up and the lighting is poor in the carport. The result is that I didn't get out there to dig around for the box in which the Ann Cleeves books are stored. Maybe today - even though the wind is still blowing and the temperature is cold. At least the sun is out, so the lighting will be better. I might find them today!

I will attempt to participate. I want to commit to a book per month, but also participating in the Emile Zola read, so may not get a book a month!

>23 benitastrnad: Good luck with that Benita.

>24 Tess_W: Welcome Tess!

I was able to obtain Blue Water and Red Bones from my library today. I'll start reading one of them tomorrow.

I'm excited about this adventure.

My copy of Raven Black came in the mail today, so I’ll be jumping in tonight. Looking forward to the reading and chatting!

Karen O

I've read all eight of the books in this series but I'm leaving a star anyway just to tag along with the conversation. Enjoy!

>26 Whisper1:, >27 klobrien2: That's great!

>28 EBT1002: Lurkers are most welcome, Ellen!

Finished my reread of Raven Black last night - liked it just as much as the first time around. I plan on rereading White Nights later this month.

I haven't read much more, but not having watched the series, I had no idea what Up Helly Aa is.

Use Laura's link below to the YouTube 2025 Up Helly Aa. Mine was wonky. I'll watch it as I learn more about the town.

Oh that's a good point, Peggy. Up Helly Aa figures so prominently in this novel that it helps to know what the heck is going on. I had some trouble with your link but I went to YouTube and I think I found it: Up Helly Aa: Lerwick, 2025.

And here's Wikipedia's entry which discusses its origins and the modern day event:
Up Helly Aa

>32 lauralkeet: Loved that U-Tube video! Those Scots know how to celebrate their history! I have read the first four books in the Shetland Series and look forward to reading the rest of them along with this group. I am a big Jimmy fan!

>33 Donna828: Welcome Donna!

I finished White Nights yesterday. I really enjoyed it and liked the way the Shetland landscape was almost a character in itself. Here's my review.

A couple of observations:
* I figured out "whodunit" (unusual for me), but there was still a twist in terms of how this was revealed, that kept things interesting. I figured it out not because of any clues, but because of how Cleeves structured the narrative. Find the person who appears to have no involvement whatsoever and you have the murderer. Come to think of it, the first book played out in a similar fashion. Hmmm.
* On gender, click ONLY if you've read both Raven Black and White Nights: It's interesting that in both novels a woman committed the crime. I'm not sure what to make of that. Is Cleeves challenging the reader's bias towards expecting men to be the perpetrators of violent crime? Or is it a narrative misdirect i.e., "bet you didn't see that coming"! I hope the third book is different in this respect, otherwise things could become predictable.

>32 lauralkeet: How odd! I tested that link before I left the post, Laura, and it worked fine. It doesn't anymore, so thank you for reposting!

My most recent installment of books from Thriftbooks.com arrived this afternoon. I'm excited about the inclusion of Raven Black. I started Blue Lightening and Red Bones and couldn't get into them just yet. Many the new book will rope me in.

>35 lauralkeet: I finished White Nights today, and it was certainly a page-turner. I like Jimmy Perez. As usual with Cleeves, both in the books and in the Vera series on TV, the detectives seem to arrive at a solution by a flash of inspiration, more often than by putting clues together, at least where the reader can see 'em. And I totally agree with your first spoiler above---my husband and I usually have an ongoing conversation along those lines when watching Vera. So far, it hasn't interfered with the the entertaining quality of the show.

I started to read Raven Black this afternoon. Blue Lightening and Red Bones didn't hold my interest as much as Raven Black. I'll come back to the others after reading the current one.

>39 Whisper1: I'm still reading *Raven* too, Linda. I suspect that this is a series you need to read in order, and *RB* is the first one. I'm interested to see if I can figure out Laura's first spoiler even if I can't spot the killer.

Oh, and I finally looked up "voe"="an inlet" --- from a Norwegian word, I think.

Peggy, way back as a child who spent many, many hours in the library reading, I always took along a tablet and pencil to write down words I did not know. Back then, we didn't have computers, but I did have a beat up dictionary. Thanks for expanding my vocabulary -- one word at a time.

>38 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, I agree with your spoiler comment. In both of the first two books I first thought I might have missed clues that helped Perez identify the murderer, but I didn't have the energy to go looking for them. I think you're right that it's just a characteristic of Cleeves' writing.

>39 Whisper1:, >40 LizzieD: I recommend reading the books in order if you can. The mysteries aren't linked (at least not so far), but the characters' lives can play a role in the story and these develop over time.

>40 LizzieD:, >41 Whisper1: Thanks for looking up "voe," Peggy. I kept meaning to do so, and forgetting. I should keep notes like Linda.

Well, I've finished my reread of Raven Black, which as it turns out I read only last year! I recalled some of it, but not the identity of the murderer, which is really strange. But I'm primed to read the next one as soon as I read some of the other titles I've recklessly borrowed from the library.

I am 1/3 of the way through Black Raven, as Judy noted above, this is the first book in the series. Ann Cleeves is a good writer. I'm frustrated because I'm enjoying the book, but had to have an immediate root canal because of severe pain in one of my upper front teeth.

While I hoped the root canal would take away the pain, sadly, I'm feeling a lot of pain in that tooth. I called the dentist, and if I'm not better tomorrow I'll hope to find someone to take me to get to see him. Sadly, I'm not able to concentrate to the text, but what I've been able to understand leads me to believe I will very much like this series.

Many thanks to Judy for starting this group!!!

I finished Raven Black yesterday and will try to put together some comments today. One thing that drove me nuts (not a spoiler) was how often Perez was "Jimmy Perez" when describing what he was doing. I feel like once we've met him and know he's the central figure, we just need "Perez" or "Jimmy." A minor quibble, but I found it very irritating :)

Also, Just Watch tells me that season 1 of "Shetland" is only two episodes, and that season 2 starts with the RB story. Does this sound right to those of you who have watched the series?

>44 Whisper1: - Credit where credit is due - Laura initiated the project and started this dedicated thread :)

>45 katiekrug: That's interesting. I can't remember now whether that continued in the second book.

>44 Whisper1:, >45 katiekrug: Thanks Katie! *takes a bow*

>45 katiekrug: Katie that is correct about the Shetland tv series - for whatever reason, they started with book 3 Red Bones.

>46 lauralkeet: - I don't know why I found it so annoying, but here we are :)

>47 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie! I have a vague recollection of watching at least the first episode of season 1. I'll probably just skip to season 2...

Yep - that'll work. TV Perez does not match the book's description at all, but I love who they got to play him because he captures the essence of Perez perfectly, I think. And Cassie is much older...I'll be interested what you think of the show vs the book.

I posted this on Katie's thread but it probably belongs here:

I was well into the TV series before I realized there were books, and at the time it felt like duplication of effort to read them, if that makes sense. I thought the TV series was really well done. The landscape is a character in and of itself and there's some excellent character development over the seasons, both Jimmy and members of his team. I'm mostly enjoying making book-to-TV comparisons because there are some significant differences so far.

Am not seeing anyway to work this in,,,,,,,,,,but trying!

White Nights on audio just became available to me through Libby. I'll be listening while puzzling this frigid and snowy weekend.

>50 lauralkeet: - I just watched the two episodes baded on Raven Black and was interested in the changes. I may have to go back and watch the first ever episodes because the whole Cassie is his daughter in the show and is older and is also some other guy's daughter threw me for a loop.

>53 katiekrug: I know what you mean Katie. Mamie had mentioned to me that Cassie is younger in the books than the episodes. But there are other differences between books and video:

* In both the books and TV series, Cassie is Duncan and Fran's biological daughter.
* In the TV series, Jimmy is a widower; he was married to Fran, so he is Cassie's step-dad. The relationship between Jimmy and Duncan, and the way they care for Cassie, is an ongoing part of the series. This is explained early on in the TV series but I put it behind spoiler tags in case it's a spoiler for the books.

ETA:
>53 katiekrug: I may have to go back and watch the first ever episodes because ...
The first season (2 episodes) is called Red Bones, so I assume it's based on the third book in the series.

All this is very interesting, and I am slapping my hands to avoid clicking on all the spoilers. I did finish, but I can't remember whether I reacted here since I reacted on other threads.

>45 katiekrug: That's an interesting thing to notice, Katie. Around here, and I thought it was universal, there are just some people whom everybody refers to by both names. It seems to denote a little distance from the individual. I wonder whether Cleeves is tapping into that vibe, consciously or unconsciously. Otoh, my friend refers to her "brother James" or her "sister Emily". She has only one of each, and all of us grew up together. Drives me a little nuts. That feels like "Jimmy Perez".

I liked *RB* well enough to continue to read but not so well that I'm eager to jump right into #2. My friend who supplies me with books will send me *White* for reading in March. The characters haven't really grabbed me yet in the way that Ruth Galloway and Nelson, for example, did. I was taken right in and surprised that there were two murderers, and thought that introducing Mary in that capacity wasn't very well-supported. I had also picked out Sally's mother as the villain. Friends tell me that the series improves, so I'm happy to join you in March!

>55 LizzieD: - That's an interesting point, Peggy, about it being meant to indicate distance. I'll be interested to see if it changes or evolves with the second book.

I'm a little late to this but I may well join in. I really enjoy the TV series. When we were in Shetland on our cruise in 2023 we saw Jimmy Perez's house.

>57 SandDune: Welcome Rhian, glad to see you here! Thanks for posting your photo. It's fun to have images like this in your head while you're reading.

I love the TV series SHETLAND...I bought the DVDs for my multi-regional DVD player but...I thought the book was better. More "story"....characters, interaction, local "color" if you will...the book was a lot "deeper" than the TV episode but I guess that's to be expected...who wants a lot of depth on TV???....4 good stars on the book

>59 JudeNoZero: I thought the book was better
Are you referring to Raven Black, the first book in the series? Or have you read one of the others? Do you plan to read more?

>60 lauralkeet: I meant to post Raven Black by Ann Cleaves at the top, but forgot. I only have the first two books in the series...I'm still sorry I can't figure out how get this right

Is the "TV series" referencing Netflix? I'll check to see if it is on Netflix and watch it when I finish Black Raven. I'm currently 3/4 of the way finished. It is slow go, so I hope the tv episode is more interesting.

>62 Whisper1: Linda, the Shetland TV series is on Britbox.

I finished Raven Black. I have mixed feelings about it. On the positive side, I thought the description of Shetland set the tone for the book. But, I thought it took a lot of pages of character development to understand their role in the book.

I started to read the next book in the series.

I'm about a third of the way into White Nights. I feel much more at ease in it because Cleeves seems in much better control of her material. I hope that holds true. I was afraid that we were going to be exposed to a lot of mooning - Jimmy over Fran and Fran over Jimmy like Strike and Robin - but that isn't the case so far. (I can take a little mooning.)

I just finished White Nights, and here's what I thought and posted on my thread, a little in reaction to Mamie's naming this her least favorite of the series.

I felt much more secure in Cleeves's hands in this offering. The first one was a bit loose for me, and I realize now that I resented not knowing
Jimmy Perez better. I knew some about him but got no real feeling for his character. My early fear about his relationship with Fran was entirely unjustified, and I'm happy about that. I also realize that a lot of what Cleeves reveals about Jimmy comes through Roy Taylor, not the most reliable observer.
I found Taylor more interesting in this book too. He's sort of a mess, and I wish him more control of himself when he goes home. I assume that he won't figure in future investigations.
I spotted the murderer (some hints could have been misleading, but I chose to believe them), but I wasn't clear on the earliest motive. (That's not exactly accurate, but I don't want to spoil it). I kept saying to myself, "NOT Kenny!" and then I had to add, "NOT Edith either, for Kenny's sake"! Oh well.
I'll look forward to *Red* in April.

I finished White Nights. What's the next in the series?

>66 LizzieD: Hi Peggy, thanks for sharing your comments on White Nights! I'm glad Jimmy Perez is starting to grow on you.

>67 Carmenere: The third book in the series is Red Bones.
You can see the whole series here: Shetland

I started Red Bones yesterday. I'm not far in, but something about it feels more solid. Maybe that's why this book was the basis for season 1 of the TV series and Raven Black was used in season 3. As far as I can tell, White Nights was not adapted for television which also says something about the book, I think.

I finished Red Bones yesterday, and really enjoyed it.

I finished book 5 in the Shetland series, Dead Water, today. My comments: "This is the fifth book in Cleeves' Shetland series and, to my mind anyway, the best thus far. Perez suffers a devastating loss in the last book and in this book the reader learns exactly who and what he is. He helps with the investigation of two murders, all the while taking care of a child, trying to repair his fragile mental state, and having to deal with a new 'boss.' "

Looking forward to reading Thin Air!

>70 alcottacre: Uh oh, Stasia. I'm not into devastating loss........ Anyway, I don't have to deal with it for Jimmy Perez yet, and you've just about told me who is gone. I have started Red Bones since it's a new month. I do like archaeological settings.

Wow, this one hit me hard.

I just finished the third book, Laura, and you and Stasia make me glad that I can put off #4 until next month.

That said, I did like Red Bones a lot more than the first two. I always want more Jimmy, but I was happy to see Sandy have something of a breakthrough as he realized that he really does love his job and can do it.

>73 LizzieD: That was the best part of Red Bones for me, too, Peggy.

I finished Red Bones last week. I liked the archaeological angle but, in my opinion, it wasn't enough. Still would give it a 3/5.

I started listening to Blue Lightning while taking a walk this evening. So far, so good.

I’m waking up this thread to post that I finally finished the first book, Raven Black! It took me a while to get into it, and I had so many other books clamoring to be read, but once I got a hundred pages in, I wanted to keep reading. I love that feeling!

I’ve got the second book, White Nights, queued up and it will be in the rotation for sure.

Karen O

>76 klobrien2: I'm glad you enjoyed the first book. And you've reminded me that I need to request my next book (#5) from the library. When I requested book 4, I had to wait for someone else to return their copy which hadn't happened with books 1-3.

I just finished Blue Lightning. Oh my, I didn't see that coming.

>78 Carmenere: you and me both. I was floored.

I just put a hold on the 5th in the series Dead Water .

>80 Carmenere: so did I!

>81 lauralkeet: Enjoy!

>75 Carmenere: As someone who’s just finished the first book, I wonder if you could edit this post—mark the bit about the gender of the killers—as a spoiler? That will prevent those of us (maybe it’s just me 🥴) from learning too much about the earlier books. I’m hoping to forget your comment as I read the second and third books.

Probably something to remember in a thread like this, where reading is proceeding at different rates.

Thanks!

Karen O

>83 klobrien2: So sorry, Karen. I'm usually a quiet person ..... until I'm not. I'll fix it. Thanks

>83 klobrien2: Probably something to remember in a thread like this, where reading is proceeding at different rates.
This is a great reminder, Karen, to use spoiler tags when discussing the books.

I went back over this thread to get a sense of how people are progressing through the series, and then added that information to >1 lauralkeet:. Several people reported finishing the first book, and Stasia has finished 5 (of course she has, lol). I'll try to keep this up to date as people check in here, and if I've missed any updates please let me know.

I'm not trying to start a competition, just hoping this is useful information for the group.

I finished White Nights yesterday and really enjoyed it! Jumping right into Red Bones. When I finish it, I get to watch the first season of the TV show (since that season is based on that book).

* Raven Black
* White Nights
* Red Bones
* Blue Lightning
* Dead Water
* Thin Air
* Cold Earth
* Wild Fire

Karen O

Just picked up Red Bones from the library. I have a nice afternoon ahead of me...

>86 klobrien2:, >87 laytonwoman3rd: yay!
I'm nearing the end of Dead Water. I remember some of it from the TV series but not how things resolved and whodunnit. It's a good one.

Another good one!

I finished Red Bones today and really enjoyed it! Now I get to watch the first season of the TV show (since that season is based on that book). Woohoo! I've got Blue Lightning from the library, so I'll jump right into that one.

* Raven Black
* White Nights
* Red Bones
* Blue Lightning
* Dead Water
* Thin Air
* Cold Earth
* Wild Fire

Karen O

>90 klobrien2: Nice! I just requested book 6 from the library. I understand the TV series includes only books 1, 3, 4, and 5 so I'll be entering into new territory.

GR has The Killing Stones (Shetland, #9) for a giveaway I saw today and ends today (May 21).

>92 mnleona: The Killing Stones is a brand-new, stand-alone Jimmy Perez! Doesn’t look like it’s part of the Shetland series though. Thanks for bringing it to our attention, and for the heads-up on the giveaway!

Karen O

>91 lauralkeet: I did a little charting of the books/TV episodes so I can avoid watching-before-reading:

Season 1 — Episodes 1 and 2 are both based on Red Bones (Shetland #3)

Season 2 — Episodes 1 and 2 based on Raven Black (Shetland #1)
— Episodes 3 and 4 based on Dead Water (Shetland #5)
— Episodes 5 and 6 based on Blue Lightning (Shetland #4)

All further seasons NOT based on the books, written just for TV

They sure jumped around there!

Karen O

>92 mnleona: >93 klobrien2: Karen O is correct and as far as I can tell the book hasn't been released yet. The US and UK release dates are September 30 and October 7, respectively. I guess it could be an advance copy.

>94 klobrien2: They sure did! I have a theory as to why they did that, but will wait until you've read Blue Lightning to talk about it (and even then, will put it behind spoiler tags).

>95 lauralkeet: Thanks. I have not read any of her books yet.

I just finished Blue Lightning, the fourth book in the series, and loved it. It grabbed my attention from the start, and in no way did I figure out who the killer was before we were suddenly at the end of the book. I was fascinated by the Fair Isle location, its remoteness, and the birding folk who are frequent visitors.

I was trying to puzzle out the meaning of the title--Blue Lightning. I googled the phrase, and found this:

"In a spiritual context, "blue lightning" often signifies a profound connection to divine energy, guidance, and transformation. it can represent a sudden awakening, a shift in perspective, or the unveiling of hidden truth."

Well, I can see how that particular title fits this book

I've got the next book, Dead Water, coming from the library tomorrow.

Karen O

Can anyone explain LT's strange numbering of this series? If you look at the Shetland series list, Red Bones is the third title, but numbered (4); Blue Lightning comes next in the list, but is numbered (3). ?

>99 laytonwoman3rd: I think I fixed it Linda. Can you please confirm?

>100 lauralkeet: You did, indeed! All's right with the world again!

>101 laytonwoman3rd: Great, thanks. I was on my phone and wasn't 100% sure.

Book #6! I enjoyed the more complex plot in this one.

I finished Book #5, Dead Water, this afternoon.

Another great read in Ann Cleeves's Shetland Island Mysteries. This one dealt with (abundance of caution spoiler warning) the murders of two men who are connected by their involvement with one woman. Jimmy Perez eases back into his role with the Shetland police. Much more about Shetland's economy and dependence on the ocean's natural resources come into play

A couple of passages that I just loved:

"Shetland didn't do pretty. It did wild and bleak and dramatic but pretty would have been out of place."

"Jimmy Perez, not quite himself and a little bit mad, was better than no Jimmy Perez at all."

And words that I love: "soothmoother" = "incomer", i.e. "not from around here"; "peerie" means "small" and is often used to describe children.

Now I am on the prowl for a recipe for oatcakes; the Shetlanders are often eating oatcakes, and they sound pretty tasty.

Loved this book! I got to within a hundred pages of the end and couldn't pull myself away. Got the next one, Thin Air, all set to go.

Karen O

My hold on Blue Lightning is ready--and very timely, as I have just finished a Longmire and am ready to switch gears from Wyoming to the Shetland Isles, without the necessity of air travel!

>104 klobrien2: I enjoyed reading your comments, Karen. As I got into it, fragments of the TV adaptation flitted about in my imagination. It wasn't enough to solve the mystery, and in a weird way actually enhanced my reading experience.

>105 laytonwoman3rd: Excellent, Linda. I love the idea of armchair travel.

Well, I'm back on the one-a-month Shetlander train. I just finished Blue Lightning, and I'm as unhappy as I expected to be, but it was a good mystery. I'm curious to see whether I can figure out why Cleeves thought that particular climax was necessary for the series. I do believe that she had to be thinking in terms of a series at this point.
Dead Water will be up next, I guess.

7 down, one more to go!

PSA: the first 4 Shetland books are currently are currently $2.99 on Kindle!

Sorry not to have posted yet. I've read the first three Shetland books, and enjoyed them very much. Really hard to put down. I thought the resolution of the third book was very clever. Since both my book groups are reading the same novel this cycle, I will have time to read the fourth! All library books, all on Kindle to be kind to my eyes.

Well, that's a wrap, I finished the final book the other day. I really enjoyed the series even though the Jimmy Perez in the novel is not at all like Doug Henshall's Perez in the dramatization. Once I realized and accepted that, I could step back and enjoy the books for what they are. And the last one did not disappoint!

I approached from the opposite angle: I read the books and then didn't watch the TV versions because Doug Henshall wasn't like Jimmy Perez!

I don't watch the TV series either, but I have started book 5, having mistakenly read about 30 pp of a later one by mistake. I knew from the start that it really couldn't be the very next one after #4, but I was stubborn. Oh well. Onward!

I finished the sixth book, Thin Air.

"There was a young girl dancing on the beach. She was all in white, a kind of old-fashioned party dress. She seemed a bit young to be on her own, but when I went out to talk to her, she'd disappeared. Into thin air."

This sixth Shetland mystery from Ann Cleeves was intriguing and spooky. From the book's website: "A group of old university friends leave the bright lights of London and travel to Unst, Shetland's most northerly island, to celebrate the marriage of one of their friends to a Shetlander. It's mid-summer, a time of light nights and unexpected mists. But late on the night of the wedding party, one of them, Eleanor, disappears - apparently into thin air....Ann Cleeves' striking new Shetland novel explores the tensions between tradition and modernity that lie deep at the heart of a community, and how events from the past can have devastating effects on the present."

I really enjoyed this read and could barely put the book down for the last hundred pages. I had no idea of the identity of the killer prior to the ending, but it made real sense.

New Shetland terminology from this book: "hamefaring": bring new spouse home to meet everyone.

Next book up in the series is Cold Earth (it's waiting at my library for me).

>114 klobrien2: that was a real page-turner!

I've forgotten to drop by and say that I very much enjoyed Dead Water, number 5. Jimmy is a well-drawn character, and I now feel deep affection for him. I expect it will soon be love.

I had, btw, guessed correctly about the identity of the murderer, but I hadn't come up with a completely convincing motive.

I'm back and apparently all alone! Oh well. I just finished Thin Air, number 6, and here's what I thought.

I really had a good time with this Shetland offering, and I'm not sure why since I disliked several things very much.
1. I spotted murderer and motive the first time Perez had a conversation with the person. I almost never do that.
2. Although Jimmy was present and solved the mystery, I missed him all the way through the book. In fact, I didn't get much of Sandy and Willow either. Cass didn't show up much, but when she did, I felt her developing character, so that was good.
3. I wasn't best pleased with the Peerie Lizzie thread.
4. The simmer dim and fog made for atmospheric reading, and maybe that's what I liked. Otoh, because of the weather, I had occasional trouble telling what time it was. (((("Simmer dim" is the effect of the sun closest to the northernmost point of Scotland - not quite a midnight sun.))))
5. BIG I didn't quite get why Polly was potentially the next victim. Maybe Grusche was on a roll??? I'd welcome an explanation.
So --- 4 stars instead of 4½

Hi Peggy! Congratulations on finishing Thin Air and correctly guessing the murderer and motive. Although like you, I am always a bit disappointed when I do that. Thank goodness it's a rarity. I thought Sandy's character evolved nicely and he is now able to work more independently vs. always following orders.

As for your BIG spoilery question, my memory is failing me. If my record-keeping is correct, it looks like there are a few others who have finished this book: Karen (@klobrien2), Stasia (@alcottacre), and Donna (@Donna828). I've tagged them in hopes of luring them over here to comment. Just a friendly reminder to please use spoiler tags when discussing plot points!

>118 lauralkeet: Thin Air was a good one! Peggy, I don’t have any insight into your spoiler question, sorry! If you do a search on “Polly, “Thin Air,” and “Cleeves,” you might find something that answers your question. Maybe something to do with her strong belief in the “Peerie Lizzie” myth?

I’m ramping up my Cold Earth reading, and I think it will be a good read, too.

Karen O

Thanks, Karen. I'll likely be lazy and see whether Stasia or Donna can help.

Oh dear, Laura. Did I spoil something? I honestly didn't/don't think so. Anyway, I'm sorry if I did.

>119 klobrien2: Thanks Karen!

>120 LizzieD: No Peggy, you didn't spoil a thing! Your question was behind a spoiler tag, so it's all good. I just wanted to remind anyone responding to do the same. Like Karen O did!

Whew! Thanks, Laura!

Just finished Cold Earth (Shetland Island Mysteries #7) by Ann Cleeves.

The seventh Shetland mystery from Ann Cleeves. As were the other books in the series, it's very atmospheric and moody, and my reading brought me feeling ever closer to being "in the know" about Shetland people and culture.

One new "Shetland-ism" I grabbed from this book was the concept of "knapping"--when Shetlanders adjust their accent to accommodate communication with "soothmoothers," or non-Shetlanders.

I really enjoyed this read and could barely put the book down for the last hundred pages. Again, I had no idea of the identity of the killer prior to the ending (Cleeves used a few red herrings!). Satisfying conclusion.

Next book up in the series, the last one to be Shetland-based, is Wild Fire. I'm really looking forward to this one, especially in seeing how the relationships of Jimmie, Willow, and Sandy develop.

Karen O

My quest for finding “bannocks” and “oatcakes” (both frequently mentioned in the Shetland books) has led me to try “Effie’s Homemade” biscuits, “oatcake” variety. They are so good! This is not a commercial, tho’ it may sound like one!

It looks like Effie’s is a Massachusetts company, and their recipe, according to their website, is from Nova Scotia. So not Shetland, but getting closer.

Oatcake biscuits with cheese for supper! While reading Wild Fire.☺️

Karen O

Wild Fire (Shetland Island Mysteries #8) by Ann Cleeves

I've finished Wild Fire, eighth Shetland Island Mystery (and the last one...sob!) from Ann Cleeves, and one of my favorites.

One new "Shetland-ism" I grabbed from this book was the word "nebby,""--which means "nosy, meddlesome, or inquisitive". The word is in use in Western PA!, as well as in Scottish dialects (like in Shetland). Imagine that! I read that it's the Scots-Irish influence in the New World.

I really enjoyed this book and could barely put the book down for the last fifty pages. I just love that feeling of, "I just have to know what happens next! Why can't I read faster??" Again, I had no idea of the identity of the killer prior to the ending. Satisfying, but bittersweet conclusion. I am itching to get at the new Jimmy Perez book, but I've got a long wait at the library for it. I might be getting my own copy of The Killing Stones. 8>)

So grateful to laurelkeet for setting up this group read of Ann Cleeves' Shetland Mysteries! It has been so much fun!

>125 klobrien2: Congratulations! I'm glad you enjoyed the series -- I did, too. I'm currently reading The Killing Stones and it's nice to reconnect with Jimmy and Willow, this time on Orkney.