Vera and Shetland crime writer Ann Cleeves to visit The Word in South Shields

The author of ITV’s Vera and BBC One’s Shetland, will discuss the eighth and final book in the Shetland series at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word.

The book, Wild Fire, will focus on the island’s detective Jimmy Perez, this time facing the most disturbing investigation of his career.

The story centres on an English family who move to Shetland in the hope of giving their autistic son a better life.

But when a young nanny’s body is found hanging in the barn of their home, rumours of her affair with the husband begin to spread like wild fire.

With suspicion raining down on the family, DI Jimmy Perez – played in the television version by Douglas Henshall - is called in to investigate, knowing it will mean the return to the islands of his on-off lover and boss Willow Reeves, who will run the case.

Ann is heading to The Word as part of National Library Week.

Tania Robinson, head of marketing and culture at The Word, said her visit will herald the start of a packed schedule of autumn events at the venue.

“Ann is not only one of Britain’s most successful crime writers, but she’s taken the North East well and truly to her heart and her love of it shines through her work,” she said.

“She is also a great supporter of libraries and so we are delighted to welcome her to The Word for what will be a fascinating evening and a great start to our autumn programme of events.”

These will include an audience with Julian Norton – The Yorkshire Vet – on Thursday October 18; a new exhibition, South Tyneside Remembers WW1; half term events for families and some festive additions to the hugely popular Monsters! exhibition.

The Audience with Ann Cleeves will take place from 6.30pm to 8pm – doors open at 6pm - and tickets can be bought at The Shop@The Word or via www.theworduk.org for £3.

Copies of Wild Fire will be available to buy – and be signed by Ann – on the night.