Ann Cleeves Quotes

Powerful Ann Cleeves for Daily Growth

About Ann Cleeves

Ann Cleeves is a renowned British crime writer, best known for her intriguingly plotted novels set in the starkly beautiful landscapes of Northern England. Born on October 16, 1954, in Hexham, Northumberland, Cleeves spent much of her childhood in this picturesque region, which later became the backdrop for many of her novels. After graduating from the University of Liverpool with a degree in English and Philosophy, Cleeves embarked on a diverse career that included stints as a probation officer, teacher, and librarian before finally finding her calling in writing. Her debut novel, Raven Black, was published in 2006 and marked the beginning of the Shetland series, which includes seven novels and has been adapted into a successful BBC television series. Cleeves' work is characterized by her deep understanding of human nature, her keen eye for detail, and her ability to weave complex narratives around the unique settings she depicts. Her characters are often ordinary people grappling with extraordinary circumstances, providing readers with relatable figures amidst the suspenseful plots. In addition to the Shetland series, Cleeves has also written the Vera Stanhope series, which is set in Northumberland and features a strong female detective, reflecting Cleeves' commitment to empowering women in her writing. The series consists of eleven novels as of 2021. Cleeves' work has garnered numerous awards, including the CWA Gold Dagger for best crime novel (for Raven Black and Blue Lightning) and the Duncan Lawrie Dagger (for Silverdollar). Her writing continues to captivate readers worldwide with its intricate plots, rich character development, and evocative portrayal of the British countryside.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The sea is a powerful force and it has a life of its own."

This quote by Ann Cleeves underscores the independence and might of the sea. It suggests that the ocean, like living organisms, possesses an inherent vitality and autonomy, beyond human control or comprehension. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection between humanity and nature, emphasizing the need for respect, understanding, and humility when dealing with such a powerful and life-giving entity.


"Crime doesn't pay, but justice does."

This quote suggests that criminal activities do not offer any long-term benefits or rewards, as they are often accompanied by negative consequences such as imprisonment or social ostracization. On the other hand, justice, which is the pursuit of fairness, reparation, and accountability for wrongdoings, provides a sense of balance and restores order in society. In essence, this quote encourages adherence to ethical principles and the law, as they ultimately lead to greater personal and societal well-being than engaging in illegal activities.


"Everyone has a story to tell, and sometimes the most ordinary lives can hide the darkest secrets."

This quote by Ann Cleeves emphasizes that even seemingly ordinary people harbor complex and potentially mysterious aspects in their lives. It suggests that beneath the surface of our day-to-day existence lies a depth and perhaps darkness that might not be immediately apparent. These hidden secrets can provide intrigue, challenge our perceptions, or even serve as catalysts for significant change. In essence, this quote underscores the value in understanding others' stories to appreciate their full complexity and humanity.


"There are some things you just have to feel your way through."

This quote by Ann Cleeves suggests that there are certain situations in life where logic, reasoning, or prior knowledge may not be enough; instead, one must rely on their intuition, feelings, or experiences to navigate the situation successfully. In other words, sometimes we need to "feel our way" through challenges, trusting our instincts and emotions as guides. This is especially true in complex, ambiguous, or unpredictable circumstances where traditional problem-solving methods may fail. It's a reminder that emotional intelligence plays an essential role in understanding and coping with the world around us.


"The more I learn about people, the more I realize that we are all complicated creatures, capable of great kindness and great cruelty."

This quote highlights the complex nature of human beings. It suggests that while individuals can exhibit remarkable acts of kindness, they also have the potential for harm or cruelty. It underscores the idea that people are multifaceted entities, capable of a broad range of emotions, actions, and behaviors. The quote serves as a reminder to be understanding and empathetic towards others, acknowledging that their actions may not always reflect their true nature or intentions.


Shetland is the most remote place in the U.K. It's a part our country, but completely unique. It might be British, but it's closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and it feels very different from the mainland.

- Ann Cleeves

Country, Very, Feels, Norway

My work is less violent because we tend to write what we want to read... and I'm not that interested in gruesome books. Any violence, to fit in well with a crime novel, has to have compassion.

- Ann Cleeves

Work, Violent, Read, Gruesome

A writer loses possession of her work as soon as it's reaches its audience. Each reader brings his own experience and prejudice and imagination to the work. Television adaptation just goes one step further, and the novelist has to learn to let go.

- Ann Cleeves

Own, Possession, Reader, Novelist

Shetland has always been a place of sanctuary for me. I visited when I dropped out of university, and I just loved it from the minute I got there. It's a bleak but very beautiful place.

- Ann Cleeves

Always, Been, Very, Bleak

'Shetland' is adapted from the novel 'Red Bones.' The book is based around an archaeological dig, and the mystery starts with the murder of the elderly woman who crofts the land where the dig is happening.

- Ann Cleeves

Woman, Dig, Based, Adapted

I'm aware families sit around the telly to watch 'Vera', which is making entertainment out of murder. But I don't enjoy reading about people's pain. I tend to put myself in that position, and it's not somewhere I want to be.

- Ann Cleeves

Enjoy, Entertainment, About, Telly

I write traditional drama, and the small enclosed communities work well with this form. I enjoy exploring secrets. On small islands, privacy is important, and there are secrets that everyone can guess but nobody talks about.

- Ann Cleeves

Small, Everyone, I Write, Communities

Shetland's influences are far more Scandinavian than Celtic.

- Ann Cleeves

More, Scandinavian, Far, Celtic

You must never call it the Shetlands. Islanders are proud and can be prickly about the name: it's either Shetland or the Shetland Islands.

- Ann Cleeves

Proud, Call, About, Islands

I especially don't like the graphic violence against women and children often depicted in novels such as 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' and others. I'm not sure if it's being done just to entertain or whether it really is necessary for the characters involved.

- Ann Cleeves

Dragon, Against, Entertain, Depicted

I lived in Shetland for a short while in the seventies and have been visiting ever since, so I have lots of useful contacts!

- Ann Cleeves

Seventies, Been, Visiting, Useful

Television is much more collaborative in many ways than prose.

- Ann Cleeves

Television, Prose, Ways, Collaborative

The best place for puffin watching is Sumburgh Head, at the south end of the Shetland mainland. There used to be a lighthouse there, but it's now a visitor centre and gallery; they run a webcam, so you can check on the puffins in advance.

- Ann Cleeves

Lighthouse, South, Centre, Gallery

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