Northumberland centered books

Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series is set in Northumberland. I read a couple of the books before I traveled to Northern England last May. I was particularly interested in the one set on Lindesfarne which I visited.

Pam beat me to it. The TV series “Vera” is also a great intro to Northumberland. On my list for a walking trip someday!

The Northumbrians by Dan Jackson is a great history of the area. Northumberland is a fantastic place to visit. I’d recommend going to Newcastle as well to get a full impression of the culture of the area.

Oh Laurel…the short coastal walks I did were awesome!

My small tour group was walking from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle. Mark mentioned a WWII pillbox north of the castle so I walked past the ruins. From there looking out to sea I could imagine Viking raiders in 793 headed to Lindesfarne, looked to the right and could see the medieval ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle started in 1313, continue looking around to the right and could see the modern day links golf course and finished my circle facing the WWII pillbox. All this while local dogs walked their people on a sunny Sunday afternoon! Deep, deep layers of history!

Thank you! Before I dive in, do you all think I need to start with the first book in the Vera Stanhope series, or can one pick and choose? I’ve already got The Northumbrians in my cart 😊

do you all think I need to start with the first book in the Vera Stanhope series, or can one pick and choose?

No need to read in order. Just pick and choose any that sound good.

One of my favourite books based in Northumberland is 'The Ivy Tree' by Mary Stewart. The book was originally published in 1961 so attitudes do seem very old fashioned now, although the story is still well worth reading and draws you into it. It repays rereading as there are hidden depths. It is available on Kindle from Amazon.com or you can buy the book on Amazon.co.uk.

The description on Amazon reads

'Whitescar is a beautiful old house and farm situated in Roman Wall country. It will make a rich inheritance for its heirs, but in order to secure it, they enlist the help of a young woman named Mary who bears remarkable resemblance to missing Whitescar heiress, Annabel Winslow. Their deception will spark a powder-keg of ambition, obsession and long-dead love.'

Ooh! My list is growing! Thank you all so far for these suggestions! I need Christmas to get here bc I just shot my wad from my birthday Amazon gift card from my kids! 😂

I can second wasley's recommendation for "The Ivy Tree." I read that many decades ago and loved it.

Of course, every time I read one of Mary Stewart's books, I immediately want to travel to the location it is set in. Her books, "My Brother Michael" and "The Moonspinners" were the reason I traveled to Greece in the late 90's and "This Rough Magic" keeps calling me to Corfu. One day I will make it there. And I really wanted to go to the Isle of Skye after reading "Wildfire at Midnight." I finally made it this year but it wasn't quite the same as it was in the 1950's. 😊

I'm glad you are a convert too Mardee. Her books really are good and although of their time, have stood up well. I always enjoy rereading them. Touch Not the Cat was another favourite.

wasleys, I remember Touch Not the Cat. Thornyhold was another favorite of mine. I just love all of her books! Have you ever read any of Susanna Kearsley’s books? She’s a Canadian author, but many of her books take place in England and Scotland. They are historical fiction with a bit of fantasy. She reminds me of Mary Stewart in her descriptions of the scenery and the locales. In fact, she’s the main reason I went to Scotland earlier this year.

Mustlovedogs, I started watching Vera and now I’m hooked. I’m on season three and the scenery is breathtaking! Very good storylines, too and great acting.

Ok, I’m hooked! 😊 in the past week I’ve just finished “Rural”, just started “The Ivy Tree” and tonight just watched my first episode of Vera!

Mardee, I found it on Prime, started with a 7 day trial, but them it seems the monthly subscription is the best deal if I want to continue. Is that right?

I really appreciate all the suggestions. My only problem now is I have to figure out how to budget my time with all of these newfound UK literary and film indulgences! So good, though!

“Vera” is on BritBox for, I think, $6.99 per month. Lots of other great shows there, too.

LJ Ross has mystery books based in Northumberland settings.

Looks like BritBox is currently $8.99.month. You can access ALL the seasons of Vera on there as well as Shetland (which is another Ann Cleeves mystery).

For a while my local PBS station had the latest season of Vera but that has disappeared now.

Wow, haven't thought about Touch Not the Cat in decades. Just put The Ivy Tree on hold at my local library. Remember there are other places to get books besides Amazon, says the retired library tech. ;-)

Remember there are other places to get books besides Amazon, says the retired library tech. ;-)

Ha ha, Leslie, I practically live in the Libby app! I’m on there multiple times a day. I just bought my grandson a Kindle for his birthday, and the first thing I showed him was the Libby app. Even before the Kindle app, lol!

Mustlovedogs, yes, as Pam said, it’s on Britbox for $8.99 a month. I think it’s worth it. And as she said, Shetland is on there too. Even if you’re not going there, Shetland is worth watching. A wonderful show. And speaking of trying to work everything in with the books and the reading, welcome to my world! That’s what I’m trying to do now. Also, keep in mind with Britbox, you can cancel it after one month. So if you don’t feel you can get everything in, just watch what you want for a month and then cancel it. You can always come back. I do that with several channels.

Carol nr, thanks for the book recommendation! I know this isn’t my thread, but I will still check it out. :-)

Thanks for teh head up about Susanna Kearsley’s books Mardee. Our local library does have some so will try and get them next time I go to the library.

In honor of the Percy Family a fine noble Northumberland family how about the Ballad of Chevy Chase?

https://www.exclassics.com/ballads/chevy.htm

Keep your eye on BritBox (and Acorn TV) during holidays. Over July 4th I signed up for both for 99c per month for 2 months through Amazon Prime. I'm sure they'll have another sale in Nov./Dec.

I agree! Happiness is finding the books you want either at the local library or your favorite second hand book shop! I got lucky with a couple amazon purchases being from used (online) book stores. Tried locally but no dice. Maybe I will be more successful with some of the recent suggestions.

Thanks for all the info about BritBox, too. With this SAG aftra strike I’m finding and enjoying so many older gems!

Thanks for the head up about Susanna Kearsley’s books Mardee. Our local library does have some so will try and get them next time I go to the library.

wasleys, if you go to her website, you can read the first chapters of many of her books for free: https://susannakearsley.com/books

One of my favorites is The Winter Sea, which takes place in Cruden Bay and Slains Castle. Another favorite is The Rose Garden, which is located in Cornwall (I think the village is based on Polperro).

Keep your eye on BritBox (and Acorn TV) during holidays. Over July 4th I signed up for both for 99c per month for 2 months through Amazon Prime. I'm sure they'll have another sale in Nov./Dec.

Mary, good to know. I will keep checking. I can always cancel my account, and have my daughter sign up for the cheap version. :-)

I've managed to get The Rose Graden from the libvray this morning!

We both were in luck today wasleys! I was able to put a hold on your recommended Touch Not the Cat when someone turns it back in to another county library next month. Happy reading!