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livres_de_bloss's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
I’m not connecting with this series as much as Vera. I really struggle to care for the cast and have found the book to suffers a bit from pacing issues.
I was looking forward to reading this after early reviews said we get to know Matthew a bit better in this book but I didn’t find that was the case. We spend more time in his headspace but it sure doesn’t help his likability or make him feel any more flushed out as character. Matthew and Jonathan’s relationship really bothers me… they don’t feel like they can approach/communicate with each other. They’re awkward together and they don’t say what’s on their minds. How can you have a marriage where you’re afraid to be open with your partner?
Ditto for Ross and Mel.
These characters don’t have the personality that made Vera so wonderful nor the same community feel of Shetland. While the Devon area is a character unto itself, it’s not compelling enough to outweigh the rather flat characters, formulaic plot, and slow pace of the story.
I’m not connecting with this series as much as Vera. I really struggle to care for the cast and have found the book to suffers a bit from pacing issues.
I was looking forward to reading this after early reviews said we get to know Matthew a bit better in this book but I didn’t find that was the case. We spend more time in his headspace but it sure doesn’t help his likability or make him feel any more flushed out as character. Matthew and Jonathan’s relationship really bothers me… they don’t feel like they can approach/communicate with each other. They’re awkward together and they don’t say what’s on their minds. How can you have a marriage where you’re afraid to be open with your partner?
Ditto for Ross and Mel.
These characters don’t have the personality that made Vera so wonderful nor the same community feel of Shetland. While the Devon area is a character unto itself, it’s not compelling enough to outweigh the rather flat characters, formulaic plot, and slow pace of the story.
krobart's review
3.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022/08/01/review-2001-the-herons-cry/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022/08/01/review-2001-the-herons-cry/
antiopelle's review
5.0
Okay, so, let's be clear: Vera will always be my top detective. She is my bestie, she tops Poirot, Sherlock or Miss Marple easily in my books, period. Later, as a pensioner, I will drive around in my Range Rover, wearing waterproofs and a silly hat. There, I've said it !
But detective Venn surely is a very fine addition to the literary policeman and Two Rivers is a series based on character development, rather than being action and fast paced storytelling, and I love Ann Cleeves for that. The background of the Brethren, where Venn comes from was intriguing in book 1, and is now lightly touched upon but it stays a very interesting point of view.
Are you looking for a perfect fall read? Don't hesitate and start with [b:The Long Call|43263552|The Long Call (Two Rivers, #1)|Ann Cleeves|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1551047656l/43263552._SY75_.jpg|67142367] if you haven't already.
But detective Venn surely is a very fine addition to the literary policeman and Two Rivers is a series based on character development, rather than being action and fast paced storytelling, and I love Ann Cleeves for that. The background of the Brethren, where Venn comes from was intriguing in book 1, and is now lightly touched upon but it stays a very interesting point of view.
Are you looking for a perfect fall read? Don't hesitate and start with [b:The Long Call|43263552|The Long Call (Two Rivers, #1)|Ann Cleeves|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1551047656l/43263552._SY75_.jpg|67142367] if you haven't already.
tracyjw66's review
3.0
I’m giving it 5 for the writing, 2 for the plot - not as interesting as the first in the series, so I was pretty disappointed.
pattiillbee11's review
3.0
3 1/2. Something about this series doesn't quite work for me. I think the main character is a little bit stiff.