An interview with writer Ann Cleeves

Hello, and welcome to Episode 12, and the last in this first series of the Shetland with Laurie podcast.

Today's guest needs absolutely no introduction - author of over 30 critically acclaimed novels, international worldwide bestseller, the creator of popular TV detectives Vera Stanhope and Shetland’s very own Jimmy Perez - I am so excited to welcome the hugely talented Ann Cleeves to the show!

In today's show, we speak about Ann's new book, the latest in the popular Vera series, The Darkest Evening, and her inspiration behind the Vera and Shetland series and about her time in Shetland and Fair Isle.

We discuss her writing routine and how she feels particularly drawn to Shetland as a place that she has been visiting for over 40 years.

Buy Ann Cleeves’ books and support local booksellers.

The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves.

Ann talks about Eve Eunson’s latest exhibition of Fair Isle chairs in Shetland Museum & Archives - this is the link to that exhibition.

Ann is a patron of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Appeal. The Observatory is a key part of the Fair Isle community and was lost to fire in 2019. Fundraising efforts are underway to reinstate this research and holiday facility and donations are gratefully received.

You can book a trip to Fair Isle by visiting the Shetland Islands Inter-Island Air Service page or Inter-Island Ferry page.

Mareel is Scotland’s most northerly arts and music venue which Ann recommends to get a taste of the local culture. You can find out more about what’s on, here.

Get a taste of a few of Shetland’s many festivals here.

Ann also recommends a visit to Eshaness in Shetland’s north-west corner. This is where some of the filming for the TV series was done and you can read more about Eshaness here.

Take a look at my Shetland TV Series tours.