Shetland

When reading and enjoying the eight books in the Shetland series by Ann Cleeves I also borrowed from the library this illustrated non-fiction book by Ann Cleeves describing the islands of Shetland and how they influenced her novels. Shetland was written after the completion of the first six novels in the series.

The first four books in the series - Raven Black, White Nights, Red Bones and Blue Lightning - were written as the Four Seasons Quartet. The next four - Dead Water, Thin Air, Cold Earth and Wild Fire - formed the Four Elements Quartet.

The weather is a dominant feature of the islands so each section of the book involves one of the seasons. As well as descriptions of the physical features of the islands, photographs show us the beauty of the landscape and the wildlife who inhabit the different islands at various times of the year. We also learn about the families living in Shetland (often for many generations) how they live, customs, occupations old and new plus festivals and other entertainment.

The author often provides background information about incidents relating specifically to Shetland that feature in the novels. If you enjoy reading the books you will enjoy this guide to the islands that feature so prominently in each novel.

Ann Cleeves - the Shetland murders