This is the first Vera Stanhope mystery I have read, and I confess to never having seen the series 'Vera' that is based on the books. I felt that I was in the hands of a really good mystery writer. There is a good balance between the revelation of the details that lead to the solving of the mystery and the quirkiness of the team of detectives. Vera Stanhope is a force of nature in the Northumberland & City Police. She is canny, annoying, intuitive, and relentless. The vast and lonely Northumbrian countryside is a key ingredient in the story.
When two violent deaths occur in a quiet valley, Vera and her team are called in. The residents of the valley, a trio of retired couples, seem at first to be unconnected to the murders, but they all have secrets of their own. An interest in moths appears to be the only connection between the two dead men, but when a third person is killed, other links are revealed.
There is nothing flashy or amazing about this mystery, but it is an excellent example of a well-plotted, enjoyable piece of crime fiction. I will seek out more in this series. Recommended.