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It is a cold January morning and Shetland lies beneath a deep layer of snow. Trudging home, Fran Hunter's eye is drawn to a splash of colour on the frozen ground, ravens circling above. It is the body of her teenage neighbour Catherine Ross. As Fran opens her mouth to scream, the ravens continue their deadly dance. The locals on the quiet island stubbornly focus their gaze on one man - loner and simpleton Magnus Tait. But when detective Jimmy Perez and his colleagues from the mainland insist on opening out the investigation, a veil of suspicion and fear is thrown over the entire community. For the first time in years, Catherine's neighbours nervously lock their doors, whilst a killer lives on in their midst...

That's the bumph from the back of the book but to me it doesn't quite match the story. This is the first book in the Shetland series. I have enjoyed the TV programme but it’s good to get a bit of background. For me, the book wasn’t spoiled by having watched the TV programme because I can’t actually remember this one. Sadly, for me, the main characters are characterless and lacking any depth at the moment, hopefully it improves as the series goes on. It is confident but understated, nothing too exciting and consequently nothing special. Near the end, the book suddenly meandered and struggled for the finishing line, delivering an implausible and second-rate finish. It is still a good read but not an excellent one.

Taking to Bloody Scotland where Ann Cleeves and Douglas Henshaw are speaking.