British crime writer Ann Cleeves has revealed how she continues to come up with new ideas for the Vera series.

Ms Cleeves is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn who can be found on television in ITV’s Vera, BBC One’s Shetland and ITV’s The Long Call respectively.

The TV series and books have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide.

The author told Deborah Knight the Vera character changes over time but still stays true to herself with new displays of innovation and skill.

“I give the readers a bit more of her background and a bit more of herself, she’s more sympathetic now.

“People understand her better because they know her [backstory] better.”

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