Read about how Ann Cleeves conceived of her famous character, Vera Stanhope, and then make sure you're signed in and comment below for a chance to win Season 1 of the hit series Vera on DVD!
Vera Stanhope arrived fully formed into a book that was never planned to include a detective. The Crow Trap was meant to be a stand-alone novel about three women conducting an environmental survey in the Northumberland National Park, but somehow, Vera forced her way in, demanding to be recognized. I loved her from the minute she arrived, looking more like a bag lady than a senior police officer. I loved her independence and the fact that she didn’t care at all what she looked like. I knew immediately that I’d want to write about her again.
Later, I tried to unpick Vera’s origins. I was born in the mid-fifties, and growing up in rural England, I met formidable spinsters who might well have been the model for Vera. They were strong women who’d either lost sweethearts during the war or had been allowed to take responsibilities that would never have been allowed to them before the conflict. They worked as hospital matrons or teachers; they were librarians or taught Sunday school. Like Vera, they knew they were competent; they didn’t need a man to tell them so; and they didn’t need smart clothes to give them confidence.
Brenda Blethyn has become my Vera on television, and I’m delighted that she agreed to take on the role. How many writers have a double-Oscar nominee speaking their words? Brenda might be more elegant than my Vera, but she inhabits the character absolutely, understanding her background. The compassion and the refusal to be patronized or to patronize comes directly from the books. When the production team comes north to Northumberland to film, it feels as if I’m being reunited with a group of old friends. 2016 marks my 30th year of publication. I still enjoy every minute and feel that I’m the luckiest writer in the world.
Read a review of Ann Cleeve's latest Vera Stanhope Mystery, The Moth Catcher!
Comment below for a chance to win a DVD copy of Season 1 of the hit series Vera!
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Vera Comment Sweepstakes: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of 50 United States, D.C., and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years or older as of the date of entry. To enter, complete the “Post a Comment” entry at https://www.criminalelement.com/blogs/2016/10/the-origins-of-vera-stanhope-comment-sweepstakes beginning at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) October 24, 2016. Sweepstakes ends 4:59 p.m. ET November 7, 2016. Void outside the United States and Canada and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules here. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
To order a copy of Ann's latest Vera Stanhope Mystery, The Moth Catcher, visit:
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Ann Cleeves was the Malice Domestic Honored International Visitor in 2015. In 2016, she was a Left Coast Crime International Guest of Honor. Ann is reader-in-residence for the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival and was twice shortlisted for the Dagger Award before winning the first Duncan Lawrie Dagger Award for Raven Black. Vera, the television show based on the Vera Stanhope series, is available on Netflix. Ann Cleeves lives in England.
A wonderful series with excellent acting, scripts and cinematography. What’s not to love…
One of the few series where I enjoy both the TV show and the books.
Would love to win!
It’s cold outside, so TV is awaiting..I would be grateful to win…
Great series both in print and on tv.
Yes, please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks!
I found Vera on Netflix and binge-watched – it was wonderful. What a great character and the perfect actor to play her!
I so rarely watch TV (because there isn’t much I want to watch), but this definitely has me intrigued.
I love British mysteries , and Vera is one of the top shows .
This is a fine series. I’d be happy to be able to share it with someone else on dvd.
Well, this is a new series to me, both on TV and in books. I think I might enjoy it.
so wanna see this
Wow, how have I not heard of this series before? I would love to win. Puh-lease!!!!
This is a series I have not seen before. Thanks for the info.
Love, love, love the Vera series on TV and Brenda Blethyn. I love her raggedy old raincoat and her kind of “I cut it myself, so there!” haircut.
I’ve seen five of the six seasons of Vera that have been aired and am looking forward to viewing the sixth, and seventh, which is scheduled for broadcast in 2017. Really love this series, and would be pleased to have the opportunity to revisit Season 1 on DVD at my leisure. The term ‘authentic’ seems so overused, but Brenda Blethyn’s performance couldn’t be more authentic, in the best possible way!
I love how you came up with the character.
I was so glad to hear Ann Cleeves’ description of Vera’s origin. It certainly suits her…so amusing!
Interesting to see where Vera began. Terrific series, great acting and setting.
I would love to win this. It sounds very interesting.
I read the books before I saw the series on TV, but I recognized immediately that Brenda was the perfect Vera.
I love this series!!
I think Vera sounds like an awesome show. I am going to find it and start watching.
Love Vera Stanhope on TV (great casting) and the printed page. I would love to win,
I love to read boks or watch movies or TV shows set in Great Britain.
I always want more stories like this. Thank you!
looks like a fun one
I have just begun to read the books and view the series on my library’s dvds. Both formats intriguing!!
I have just begun to read the books and view the series on my library’s dvds. Both formats intriguing!!
Great series, interesting origin. Thanks!
I love Vera. Watch the episodes on PBS. Can’t get enough of her. Keep them coming. I’ll definitely have to read the books.
Looking forward to this new series!
I love British mystery series and this one sounds really good.
I’m intrigued, I want to read the novels and watch the show!
looks interesting
I haven’t seen this series, but it sounds good. Wish me luck!
Best series on television, the story lines, the actors, everything!
keeps me guessing right to the end. Love it!
Thanks for excellent program. :0)
Such a great actress.
Smashing show…can’t wait to read the books!
love the adaption
I adore this series and the great, great actress Brenda Blethyn. I am so glad that it is continuing. Out here in the wilds of the shabby suburbs of LA I think I am the only person who has heard of it. Fortunately I can go online and find like minds.
We are always looking for DVDs that have new ideas. I’ve seen publicity about this series, but haven’t watched it. Thanks…
Vera! Yes!
I love Vera! She reminds me of a female Columbo with her rumpled raincoat.
win
awesome
Count me in!
Enter me thanks.
Great giveaway!!
I love, love, love Brenda Blethlyn!!!
I love the character and Brenda Blethlyn is perfect in the role. I enjoy her complicated relationship with her deceased father. I makes me want to know more about it.
Very fun show!
Thanks so much for the chance 🙂
One of the best British series going.
sounds great sign me up
thank you for the chance to win
would love to win – sounds great
Sounds great!! Would love to win this!!!
I would like this
Want!
This looks intriguing.
this sounds like a series i would love!
Very interesting, definitely on my reading list. Count me please.
Great series, thanks for the chance
I would love to see this show, it sounds awesome.
[b]Vera would NOT vote for Donald Trump !![/b]
I would love to see this!
The Origins of Vera Stanhope is an excellent Sweepstakes and the book well worth reading very soon. Thank you for giving us all the chance to win.
Great giveaway!
It sounds like a great series. Thanks.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Wow I would LOVE to win!
I’ve never seen this show – looks like it’s interesting
I’d really like to see this, it looks good!