BRENDA BLETHYN is Vera Stanhope, a sharp detective with a messy life "Blethyn is wonderful." —The Times (U.K.) "A first-rate mystery series" —Library Journal "Captivating" —Library Bookwatch "Classy crime drama" —The Daily Telegraph (U.K.) Two-time Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn (Pride & Prejudice, Secrets & Lies) returns as Vera Stanhope—a police detective with a disheveled exterior, a sharp tongue, and an uncanny ability to solve crimes. Tough, dedicated, and more than a little irreverent, DCI Stanhope is assisted by her long-suffering sergeant, Joe Ashworth (David Leon, RocknRolla); DC Kenny Lockhart (Jon Morrison, High Times); and forensic pathologist Billy Cartwright (Paul Ritter, The Eagle). Inspired by Ann Cleeves’s bestselling mysteries, Vera is set in the Northumberland of the original books. In four new feature-length dramas, Stanhope delves into a world of shadows and suppressed passions where everyone has something to hide. Guest stars include Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones), Julie Graham (Bonekickers), Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), and Judy Parfitt (Girl with a Pearl Earring).