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Ann Cleeves

Michael Berkeley's guest is the best-selling crime writer Ann Cleeves, whose books have been adapted into the popular TV drama series Vera and Shetland.

Ann Cleeves is one of Britain’s most successful and prolific crime writers, reaching millions of readers around the world.

She’s reached millions of television viewers too, with series including Vera and Shetland, adapted from her books.

She has written on average a book a year for almost four decades, but success was anything but instant. She was 32 when her first title was published, and she only became a full-time writer in her early fifties. In 2017 she was awarded the Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers’ Association, the highest honour in British crime writing, and in 2022 received an OBE for services to reading and libraries.

Her choices include music by Britten and Elgar, a film score by Patrick Doyle and fiddle music from the Shetland Islands.

Presenter Michael Berkeley
Producer Clare Walker

14 days left to listen

1 hour, 26 minutes

Last on

Sun 24 Aug 2025 12:00

Music Played

  • Trad.

    Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Welsh National Anthem)

    Choir: Rhos Male Voice Choir. Choir: Rhos Male Voice Choir.
    • Moochin About.
  • Benjamin Britten

    4 Sea interludes [from 'Peter Grimes'] Op.33a [concert version]: 1: Dawn

    Orchestra: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • CHANDOS.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Symphony No. 6 in F Major "Pastoral" (5th mvt)

    Orchestra: Malmö SymfoniOrkester. Conductor: Robert Treviño.
    • Ondine.
  • Traditional Shetland

    Da Day Dawn/Greenland Man's Tune

    Performer: Chris Stout. Performer: Catriona McKay.
    • GREENTRAX.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    The Lark Ascending

    Performer: Sarah Chang. Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Bernard Haitink.
    • Warner Classics.
  • Patrick Doyle

    Non Nobis Domine (Henry V)

    Singer: Patrick Doyle. Choir: Stephen Hill Singers. Orchestra: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle.
    • EMI.
  • Edward Elgar

    Cello concerto in E minor, Op 85

    Performer: Jacqueline du Pré. Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Barbirolli.
    • Warner Classics.
  • Antonio Vivaldi

    Vieni, Vieni o mio Diletto

    Performer: Miguel Zanetti. Singer: Montserrat Caballé.
    • Forlane.
  • Peter Maxwell Davies

    Farewell to Stromness (The Yellow Cake Revue)

    Performer: Peter Maxwell Davies.
    • Unicorn-Kanchana.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 15 Sep 2024 12:00
  • Sun 24 Aug 2025 12:00

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