Ann Cleeves, the highly regarded author responsible for the acclaimed TV series has thrilled her followers with a tantalising teaser. The fictional DI Jimmy Perez is set to make a comeback in her upcoming thriller, The Killing Stones.
According to the , we’ll catch up with the novel’s protagonist a few years after trading his native Shetland for Orkney’s rugged landscapes. The author took to social media this week to reveal the book cover, set for release later this year.
The unveiled cover depicts DI Perez gazing out at the ocean from the shore, turning his back to the onlooker, while seagulls wheel above him. Ann introduced the revelation with the enthusiastic words: “Here’s the cover of the new Jimmy Perez!”
Fans were quick to express their excitement beneath the post, with some fervently hoping for another adaptation. One fan eagerly enquired: “Please, please tell me have picked it up and Douglas Henshall has said yes!”
Shetland,Generic Portraits,DI Jimmy Perez (DOUGLAS HENSHALL),ITV Studios,Mark Mainz (Image: BBC/Silverprint Pictures/Mark Mainz)
Another avid reader speculated: “Will it be on TV???!!!!” and fellow enthusiasts echoed this sentiment, with comments like: “Hoping this will be filmed??”
Someone else wrote: “Oh my! Can’t wait to get a hold of this!” While another said: “Wait, what? I thought his story was finished. Whoop, can’t wait for more!”
The reveal also sparked nostalgia, with remarks like “Great news! Miss him on telly though.” Another fan said: “Looking forward to being reunited with #JimmyPerez.”
Douglas Henshall left the BBC show in 2022 (Image: BBC)
Douglas Henshall brought DI Jimmy Perez to life in the beloved crime drama from 2013 until bidding farewell in 2022, closing the chapter on his seven-year portrayal, reports
Reflecting on his departure from the beloved series at the time, he shared: “It’s been one of the privileges of my career to play Jimmy Perez for almost 10 years and to work with so many wonderful people both in front of and behind the camera and also to spend so much time in Shetland.”
He went on to express his deep connection with the setting, stating: “The isles were so much a part of our show and of Perez himself. I’ll miss him and the place. It was time to find a resolution to Perez’s private life.”
Ashley Jenson joined the show after Douglas’ exit (Image: BBC)
Even after his notable departure, the crime drama Shetland has sustained its allure with DI Ruth Calder, portrayed by Ashley Jensen, at the helm.
Fans can look forward to more, as the confirmed that Shetland will return for an impressive 10th series, anticipated to hit screens in 2025.
Shetland is available to watch on iPlayer.