Praise for Ann Cleeves:

" Hidden Depths is a subtle, nuanced book, and Cleeves draws her characters with care and compassion. The landscape of rural Northumberland is vividly evoked and Inspector Stanhope--overweight, fallible, and driven by personal demons--is a terrific central character."
         -- Tribune

" Hidden Depths is another classic, traditional crime novel in a contemporary setting by Ann Cleeves, winner of last year's Duncan Lawrie Dagger... The story follows each of the main characters in turn, but it is fat, lonely Vera, awkward with her staff and unaware that they are frightened of her, who makes the biggest impression in this skilfully crafted mystery"-- Sunday Telegraph

"Cleeves sets a good scene, this time in Northumberland during a heatwave, and she brings a large cast to life, shifting points of view between bereaved relatives, victims, and suspects in a straightforward, satisfyingly traditional detective novel."
         -- Jessica Mann, The Literary Review

"It's a dark, interesting novel with considerable emotional force behind it."
         -- Andrew Taylor, The Spectator

"Cleeves's softly, softly approach delivers a powerful punch."
         -- Peter Guttridge, The Observer

"I do love Vera!"
         -- Val McDermid

"Nothing short of riveting."
         -- Louise Penny