Jacob B. Butler

A sharp detective with a messy life, DCI Vera Stanhope patrols her “patch” of northeast England, pursuing the truth in cases of murder, kidnapping, and blackmail. Vera is obsessive about her work and faces the world with caustic wit, guile and courage.

For single dad, and veterinarian, Martin, Christmas is all about upholding regular family traditions to keep the memory of his late wife alive. But when an ailing pet chicken arrives at his home-run animal sanctuary, the family’s festive plans, and entire world, are turned upside down, as new love blossoms and spreads its wings!

A sharp detective with a messy life, DCI Vera Stanhope patrols her “patch” of northeast England, pursuing the truth in cases of murder, kidnapping, and blackmail. Vera is obsessive about her work and faces the world with caustic wit, guile and courage.