My Thoughts on Ann Cleevs’ Silent Voices
Silent Voices by Ann Cleeves is a gripping and suspenseful crime novel, and from the beginning, holds the reader in suspense. The novel is the fourth in the Vera Stanhope novels and offers an intriguing murder mystery in characteristic Vera style. Ann Cleeves offers a suspenseful, taut thriller replete with deceit, hidden secrets, and unexpected turns.
Silent Voices Book Summary – A Murder in the Sauna
The story begins on a day where Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope chooses to take time for herself and visit a local gym to unwind. But, in a twist, peace is disrupted for her by encountering the dead body of Jenny Lister, who is a social worker, in the sauna. The woman is strangled, and Vera quickly recognizes that this is no natural death—it’s murder.
As Vera and team begin their investigation, they strip away layers of mystery in Jenny’s professional and personal life. Did murder have something to do with an old case she handled? Did enemies want to shut her up? Or is something no one’s ever suspected?
Through interviews, observation, and keen sleuthing instincts, Vera pieces together facts, unpicking a web of deceit, old vendettas, and surprise revelations.
Pacing of Silent Voices – Steady, Suspenseful Build
Ann Cleeves manages to maintain pace effectively, keeping readers on tenterhooks in the novel. The plot is developed gradually, and adequate time is taken to develop characters, but suspense is never compromised. The slow revealing of clues creates suspense but never turns hectic and overwhelming.
Characters in Silent Voices – Powerful and Intricate Cast
One of the highlights of Silent Voices is strong character development.
Vera Stanhope – Vera is a fine, no-nonsense sleuth. She is sharp-eyed and perceptive and knows humans, and therefore is capable of solving even the most challenging of crimes. She is tough and sensitive, and therefore is an unexpected protagonist for crime novels.
Joe Ashworth – As a consistent and loyal partner to Vera, Joe presents contrast to Vera’s direct approach. Both his seriousness towards his job and his interactions with Vera make their cooperation interesting.
Jenny Lister – The murder victim, Jenny Lister, is herself an intriguing figure. As a respected and professional social worker, her murder raises questions in regard to both her former case load and personal life.
The Suspects – Ann Cleeves is perfect in describing each suspect in such a manner that, in several places in the novel, they seem to be guilty, keeping readers in suspense until the last minute.
Writing Style of Silent Voices – Engrossing and Suspenseful
Ann Cleeves’ writing is atmospheric and descriptive. The landscape is virtually a character in and of itself, and such is Ann’s description of Northumberland. The style is uncomplicated and straightforward, and the dialogue is realistic and natural, so readers who specialize in crime and casual readers alike may keep up.
Themes in Silent Voices – More Than a Mystery
Silent Voices deals with several deeper themes aside from the murder mystery:
Justice and Morality – The novel raises questions whether justice is ever possible and whether law enforcement officials and social workers have to take tough decisions.
Secrets and lies – Secrets galore in the novel, and in probing deeper, facts are revealed by Vera to shock even the most senior investigators.
Social Issues – The novel touches on the struggles of social workers, life in small towns, and how traumatic events in the past affect current behavior.
Silent Voices Book Rating – Must-Read Crime Novel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Silent Voices is beautifully woven, gripping crime fiction equally good on mystery, atmosphere, and characters. Ann Cleeves’ writing is so effortless, it is possible to lose yourself in the novel, and Vera Stanhope is no average detective. If you’re hooked on crime novels, this is an obligatory read.
About Ann Cleves
The Mastermind behind Silent Voices Ann Cleeves is world-renowned for being a British crime author, whose novels have made their way onto TV in such successful dramatizations as Vera, where title role actor Brenda Blethyn played. Ann’s gripping writing and ability to craft atmospheric, suspenseful mysteries have earned her a massive following around the globe.