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When it comes to atmospheric crime fiction, few do it better than Ann Cleeves. In The Killing Stones, she returns to the haunting beauty of Orkney – a landscape rich with myth, history and secrets – and brings back one of her most beloved characters, DI Jimmy Perez.
The novel opens with a discovery that feels almost timeless: a body found among the ancient standing stones, the kind of scene that immediately evokes both awe and unease. Cleeves builds the mystery slowly and deliberately, weaving in the rhythms of island life, the pull of community, and the quiet menace of isolation.
What makes her writing so distinctive isn’t just the intricate plotting – it’s her deep empathy for her characters. Even the smallest moments are grounded in humanity and emotional truth. In The Killing Stones, grief, guilt and belonging all linger beneath the surface, making this far more than a straightforward whodunnit.
Fans of Shetland and Vera will feel instantly at home here, but The Killing Stones also stands on its own as a beautifully crafted story about connection, history and the weight of the past. It’s a reminder that no one writes about the Scottish landscape – or the secrets it keeps – quite like Ann Cleeves.
If you enjoy crime fiction with atmosphere, heart and a strong sense of place, this one’s for you.
📖 The Killing Stones is available now at Daydreams Bookshop – including a few special signed indie editions while stocks last.
[Buy in-store or contact us to reserve a copy.]
The next magical adventure in Skye McKenna’s Hedgewitch series is here – Stonewitch whisks readers to the Scottish Highlands for a spellbinding tale of friendship, courage, and faerie magic.
A celebration of Scotland’s landscapes, flavours, and resilience – this book blends recipes, storytelling and whisky pairings in the most soulful way.
Perfect for readers who love food, travel, and a good dram.
