I have always loved mysteries that you think you’ve figured out, but BAM – you weren’t even close! My favourite books growing up were The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and of course the cartoon featuring The Mystery Machine with Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Fred and Daphne! I eventually discovered Ann Cleeves in late high school and absolutely fell in love with her various characters but none more so than DCI Vera Stanhope!

Vera travels all over Northumberland solving crimes that always seem to have another side to them. Smart and clever, she’s always thinking about every possibility – which tends to lead her to figuring things out before anyone else who works for her. She’s a bit gruff, disheveled and somewhere deep within, she does have a heart that only a few get to see.

I was ecstatic when it became a series! Brenda Blethyn was the absolute right choice for Vera! This, in my opinion, is the character that she will forever be remembered for in her career! Currently, all 14 seasons are available on Britbox and also on Prime Video. You have to subscribe to Britbox — it’s worth it because there are a lot of great British shows streaming there as well!

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