The Killing Stones
07 October 2025Synopsis
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves sees the return of Detective Jimmy Perez
When a violent storm descends upon Orkney, the body of Archie Stout is left in its wake. An unusual murder weapon, a Neolithic stone bearing ancient inscriptions, is found discarded nearby. Archie was a popular, larger-than-life character, and his death is a shocking blow to the community.
Detective Jimmy Perez, no stranger to the complexity of human nature and the darkness it can harbour, is soon on the scene. He counted Archie as a childhood friend, so this case is more personal than most. Now living in Orkney with his partner, Willow, and their son, Perez is soon drawn into the lives of the islanders, many of whom hold secrets. Dark secrets, which could have led to the man’s murder.
Here, in these ancient lands where history runs deep, Perez must discern the truth from legend before a desperate killer strikes again . . .
****
'Ann Cleeves is one of our secret chroniclers, charting – under cover of a series of expertly plotted and mesmerizing crime novels' - Mick Herron, bestselling author of Slow Horses
'Reading a new Jimmy Perez novel is like snuggling up with dear friends around a crackling fire . . . a complex mystery, beloved characters, and a setting so vivid you can feel the chill of wind and rain on your face' - Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Guests
'An excellent series' - The Guardian
'Cleeves’ setting is beautifully evoked . . . this is as finely crafted and satisfying as a well-made piece of furniture – just look at the workmanship’ – The Times
'Jimmy Perez is a fine creation’ – Peter Robinson, author of the DCI Banks series
Details
07 October 2025
9781035043095Reviews
Like Rendell and James before her, like McDermid and Rankin today, Ann Cleeves is one of our secret chroniclers, charting – under cover of a series of expertly plotted and mesmerizing crime novels – how we live nowMick Herron, bestselling author of Slow Horses
Reading a new Jimmy Perez novel is like snuggling up with dear friends around a crackling fire. The Killing Stones is classic Ann Cleeves: a complex mystery, beloved characters, and a setting so vivid you can feel the chill of wind and rain on your faceTess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Guests
An excellent seriesThe Guardian
Cleeves’ setting is beautifully evoked . . . this is as finely crafted and satisfying as a well-made piece of furniture – just look at the workmanshipThe Times
