about the woman in my life . . .

 VERA here's a good mix of town and country and coast and it's beautiful, Area l worked in began to call it home,suppose not still sure why returned southwards.
You pick up atmosphere of rural Northumberland, (That actually means North of the river Humber).
Soon collect in your mind an air of sadness, touch weariness, which in part due to the grimness of the crimes, devastated lives, human failings, there is here captured the poverty,plus daily grind endured by the characters. Production standards are high. Vera, story and character moves around a lot - urban life blends with the sheep-nibbled field with run-down stone cottage,Coastal with the blowy moor, 
imagine you are there.
Also if not been to North of the Humber, as tourist may want to visit.
You feel are there. Good writing delivers strong stories,as story unfolds, interesting twists (some of them very unexpected), along with moving 'quiet' scenes and high drama.