Bestselling author Ann Cleeves has confirmed that the final novel in her Vera Stanhope detective series will not see the character’s death, providing reassurance to fans of the long-running franchise. Writing her 12th and as yet untitled Vera novel, Cleeves revealed during an appearance at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, Yorkshire, that she has completed the book, which is scheduled for publication next year.
Cleeves, 71, appeared alongside Brenda Blethyn, 80, who has portrayed the titular detective in the television adaptation. In their only joint interview before their festival event on Sunday, the author emphasized she aimed to bring the series to a “fitting” close. When asked if Vera would be killed off, Cleeves firmly stated she would not, with Blethyn expressing relief that the character will “still be there floating about.”
The Vera TV series, based on Cleeves’ novels, aired on ITV from May 2011 until January 2025, spanning 14 series and 56 episodes. The show significantly impacted popular culture, helping to boost tourism in the north-east of England and popularizing Vera’s iconic bucket hat. The character first appeared in Cleeves’ 1999 novel The Crow Trap, which introduced Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope midway through the story.
Initially, Cleeves was not intending to create a detective series, in part due to early editorial advice that police procedurals were out of favor. However, a change in editorial direction allowed her to continue developing Vera as a central figure. The series’ television adaptation came about after producer Elaine Collins discovered The Crow Trap in a London charity shop and sought a female detective lead for ITV’s Sunday night drama slot.
Cleeves noted she was initially anxious about Brenda Blethyn’s casting, given the actress’s distinguished film background, including Oscar nominations for Secrets & Lies and Little Voice. Blethyn herself acknowledged that the role was atypical for her usual parts, describing Vera as a strong, independent woman leading a team of men—a contrast to previous characters she had portrayed.
Following her casting, Blethyn quickly familiarized herself with the books and embraced the role. She suggested Vera’s appeal lies in her departure from conventional female detective portrayals, which often featured younger, glamorized characters such as Helen Mirren’s DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect. According to Blethyn, Vera stands out as a woman of a certain age who commands attention and respect through her presence and personality rather than appearance.
The final novel will bring closure to the Vera Stanhope series, concluding a body of work that has not only defined Cleeves’ career but also left a lasting legacy in both literature and television.