The Writers’ House is designed to be a sanctuary. Within its walls, those who long for literary achievement and eventual recognition can work in a peaceful setting, receive helpful suggestions from fellow aspirants, and be instructed and encouraged by guest writers acting as as tutors and exemplars. There’s a casserole I made a couple of days ago when I was feeling domestic. I get the urge sometimes, but it soon passes.’ Don't let my musings put you off! Ann Cleeves is an excellent writer; she does not aim for a 'literary' approach, but if - as I would argue - the real measure of writing skill lies in the ability to communicate, she is at the top of her profession. Devouring her novels is an effortless pleasure - not that she doesn't make you think, but she has the skill to lead and direct the reader without appearing to do so.

Vera’s relationships with people, particularly Joe, are fascinating. She reads them well and knows just how to manipulate them, but never in a malicious way. With her team, she knows how to get the best out of them. The way in which she conjectures about other people’s lives makes one realize that many may do the same.The Glass Room is the fifth book in Ann Cleeves' Vera Stanhope series - now the major ITV detective drama Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn. Enjoy more of Vera Stanhope’s investigations with Harbour Street, The Moth Catcher, The Seagull and The Darkest Evening. I'm currently reading Telling Tales which I saw dramatized as one of the TV episodes. Even though I know who the killer is, I'm enjoying the writing and the characters. And the difference in the perspective of the book (a lot of which takes place before Vera arrives on the scene) is interesting. The premise of The Glass Room is murder at a writers' retreat house. (One room is of course made of glass, hence the name). The plot is complicated enough that it took my full attention to follow and made it harder to name the culprit and the solution was satisfying. I did find the final scene a little predictable and therefore less exciting than it was supposed to be but even guessing how it would turn out, i was engaged.

There’s nothing better than a good plot twist. One dealing with the forensics of the murder is even more clever. There is, however, one significant problem; the author/editor couldn’t seem to decide on the manner by which the first victim died. This could rather throw one out of the flow of the story. Still, the plot twists are well spaced and very well done. As should be, one doesn’t see them coming, but they are very effective when they do. There is very good drama and suspense. In the end, all the questions are answered. Forget about solving all these crimes; the signal triumph here is (spoiler) the heroine’s survival. First Sentence: Vera Stanhope climbed out of Hector’s ancient Land Rover and felt the inevitable strain on her knees.

I love this series. I'm about to branch off into another of Cleeves' series (the Shetland series) because she's so wonderful. But it may just be that I love Vera Stanhope. I'm obsessed with the series and it's faithful to the spirit of the book (even though although Brenda Blethyn manages to look dowdy as Vera she's certainly a lot more attractive than the Vera in the book!). VERA is filmed at locations from across Northumberland and Tyneside: if the scenery gives you an urge to visit Northumberland, you can read what Ann has to say about the county here. The Guardian also published Ann's short guide to Vera's Northumberland. As always, Vera is an engaging character. This is how she invites Joe over for dinner at her house: