Raven Black

As a fan of the Shetland television program I decided it was time to read the first volume in the series of books on which the TV series is based. Black Raven by Ann Cleeves was first published in 2006. There are eight titles in the series. Events from Black Raven feature in the second series of the television program.

When the body of a teenage girl is found covered in snow Inspector Jimmy Perez and a team from the mainland, led by Roy Taylor, investigate. In this close knit community the chief suspect is Magnus Tait who lives alone in a house near the murder scene, particularly as he had been the prime suspect when Catriona Bruce disappeared eight years earlier. The investigation into Catherine's death reveals many community secrets that the locals would prefer hidden. A major theme throughout the novel is the attempt of outsiders arriving in a closed community to find acceptance in their new environment.

We are also introduced to characters who are pivotal in the television series including Duncan and Cassie. The sense of place is an important aspect of the book, not just the landscape and the weather but also the sense of community and interaction among the locals.

Once I started reading this book I found it difficult to put down. A good holiday read.