The Killing Stones

The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves sees the return of Detective Jimmy Perez
'Fantastic. Ann Cleeves is a stone cold genius' - Marian Keyes, Sunday Times bestselling author of My Favorite Mistake
When a violent storm descends upon Orkney, the body of Archie Stout is left in its wake. An unusual murder weapon, a Neolithic stone bearing ancient inscriptions, is found discarded nearby. Archie was a popular, larger-than-life character, and his death is a shocking blow to the community.
Detective Jimmy Perez, no stranger to the complexity of human nature and the darkness it can harbour, is soon on the scene. He counted Archie as a childhood friend, so this case is more personal than most. Now living in Orkney with his partner, Willow, and their son, Perez is soon drawn into the lives of the islanders, many of whom hold secrets. Dark secrets, which could have led to the man's murder.
Here, in these ancient lands where history runs deep, Perez must discern the truth from legend before a desperate killer strikes again . . .
'Expertly plotted and mesmerizing" - Mick Herron, author of Slow Horses
'Bold and dramatic, with a restless love of landscape' - Val McDermid, author of Past Lying
'Like snuggling up with dear friends . . . a complex mystery with vivid setting and beloved characters' - Tess Gerritsen, author of The Summer Guests
'A masterpiece in character and location. Welcome back, Jimmy Perez!' - M. W. Craven, author of Nobody's Hero
'Unmatched elegance, ingenious plots, and deep characters. Worth every minute' - David Baldacci, author of The 6:20 Man
'Jimmy Perez is a fine creation' - Peter Robinson, author of the DCI Banks series

Ann Cleeves is the author of more than thirty-five critically acclaimed novels, and in 2017 was awarded the highest accolade in crime writing, the CWA Diamond Dagger. She is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who can be found on television in ITV's Vera, BBC One's Shetland and ITV's The Long Call respectively. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide.
Ann worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook and auxiliary coastguard before she started writing. She is a member of 'Murder Squad', working with other British northern writers to promote crime fiction. Ann also spends her time advocating for reading to improve health and wellbeing and supporting access to books. In 2021, her Reading for Wellbeing project launched with local authorities across the North East. She lives in Northumberland where the Vera books are set.