Package Deals – Vera’s Northumberland

Vera – that no nonsense DCI from North East England is back on our screens this Easter Sunday for an adventure not in any of the books.

We can’t tell you how excited we are to have this great drama series back on the television since it showcases both the writing talents of Ann Cleeves, the scriptwriters who come up with even more drama and witty one liners for Vera, and the whole crew working to promote the North East as a good location for crime fiction fans.

The Vera line up –

These books are not only a great set of mysteries, police procedurals and great crime stories, they also showcase the North East of England where they are set in a very interesting light. Most of the locations in the books are real and if not they are based on real places or are inspired by places you can visit for real.

Take the first Vera adventure for example –

The Crow Trap

Set in the stunning North Pennines which becomes a landscape of murder and hidden secrets when placed in the very capable hands of Ann Cleeves.

Locations featured – Newcastle, Craster, Kimmerton and the North Pennines of course which can be visited here –
North Pennines – The main setting for the novel and the landscape of the environmental study. Baikie’s cottage is here too.

Cauldron Snout – Could this be Hope Crag as it made us think of it when we saw it

Kimmerston – Kimmerston is central to the novel and is where Bella has connections

Craster – Anne seems to have a friend in the Craster smokery who kept her well supplied

Newcastle – Farnons is sadly no more but you can still visit M&S and Bainbridges although the latter is now John Lewis

So who will be watching the new series of Vera this weekend? We will! Great to see places you know and discover ones you didn’t. Maybe even discover a new book in the Vera series while you’re at it.

Harbour Street

Set mainly in Newcastle and Northumberland. Mardle and Partington may be fictional names but the places they represent on the map are Amble and the Northumberland coast  –
Amble Harbour – Where Harbour street is said to be located near to.

Cliff House, Amble – The building which appears on the HB and PB editions of the book

Alnmouth – Some of the filming for the TV show took place here

Newcastle Fenwicks – Where Vera is unexpectedly found shopping

Newcastle Lit and Phil  – The Lit and Phil library?.. It’s where book -lovers hang out’

Next time you’re in the North East of England, let wor Vera show you around. We guarantee you will not be disappointed!