Ann Cleeves can’t seem to quit Jimmy Perez and that is music to the ears of her legion of fans. The original Shetland series was intended to be a quartet of novels, each with a different color in their title. The final book in that sequence left Jimmy Perez at a bit of a crossroads, so Ann Cleeves decided to write another quartet of novels, the title of each containing one of the four classical elements. During this time, the Shetland television series premiered, bringing a whole new fanbase to Jimmy Perez, so it’s little surprise that Ann Cleeves can’t let him go. With The Killing Stones, she launches a new Jimmy Perez series, this time with Jimmy relocating to Orkney. Lest anyone think Ann Cleeves is just riding on her previous successes, rest assured that The Killing Stones is one of the best books she has ever written. Here we have an author—Ann Cleeves—working at new career heights and exploring within her creative prime, while featuring a beloved character—Jimmy Perez—who ranks among crime fiction’s greatest creations. Who could ask for anything more?
As stated above, The Killing Stones finds Jimmy Perez relocating to Orkney to begin a new life with his professional colleague (aka boss) and romantic partner, Willow Reeves. Willow is pregnant with their first child, and they are looking forward to spending the Christmas holiday together when suddenly a new case presents itself. Jimmy’s long-time friend, Archie Stout, is found dead, bludgeoned with an ancient stone artifact stolen from a local museum.
In a choice that helps this new series launch stand out from the other eight books in the larger sequence, The Killing Stones—while still very much a Jimmy Perez novel—elevates Willow to co-main character status and allows the mystery to unfold from multiple perspectives. Furthermore, as with all her writings, Ann Cleeves is a master at linking the location to story. Readers know when picking up one of her novels, the setting is sure to come alive on the page and will no doubt play a significant role in the proceedings that follow. Fans who feel they will miss the Shetland Islands (it’s ok, we all do), rest assured that Orkney is both equally captivating and utterly unique.
The criminal investigation that follows allows for the reveal of Orkney’s historical past. A seasonal weather event prevents outside investigators from arriving, leaving the case in the hands of Jimmy and Willow. Populating the remote location is a host of instantly fascinating characters—more than enough of them to keep this series running indefinitely.
The Killing Stones can be read as a standalone and works quite well as such, but fans of Jimmy Perez will be rewarded with their ability to witness his evolution. In many ways, his changes echo those that are happening in his surroundings—Jimmy is going from a truly isolated place to somewhere that is slightly more robust, without losing its moodiness. His personality is sure to be affected by both the developments in this latest mystery and his evolving relationship with Willow.
Thankfully—for both fans and newcomers—it doesn’t look like Ann Cleeves is going to allow Jimmy Perez to go away anywhere anytime soon. Welcome to Orkney, old friend, we are all looking forward to spending more time with you!
BUY LINKS: The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Disclaimer: A print galley of this title was provided to BOLO Books by the publisher. No promotion was promised and the above is an unbiased review of the novel.
