Wild Fire

Wild Fire, the eighth and final book in the Shetland series by Ann Cleeves, is largely about disfunctional families and relationships as well as a study of the attitude of islanders to incomers. 

When a family from England moves to Shetland to live in a house they have purchased and renovated the locals are not impressed. When the body of the original owner of the house is found hanging in the byre on the property some local residents increase their hostility, even though the death was declared suicide. Consequently when the body of a nanny who looks after the children of the local doctor is found dead in the same location consternation from some community members increases.

As Jimmy Perez, Willow Reeves and Sandy Wilson investigate the case we learn of tensions that exist between members of the two families - adults and children - most involved in the case as well as issues in other families. Gossip concerning events in this small isolated community has a tendency to spread like wild fire, often making the investigation of the case more difficult. 

When Willow arrives in Shetland she also has news for Jimmy that causes him to reevaluate what he wants from life. Sandy also makes an important decision. The environment of the Shetland islands once again forms a major feature of the book.