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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.
caseysilk's review
4.0
I am loving this mystery series. Great setting, great characters - hope the next one comes soon!!
jo_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second novel in the Matthew Venn series from renowned author.
Can be read without having read the first, The Long Call but then why deprive yourself of such good storytelling. You will also get the background of the characters and the previous case which through witnesses does filter into this story.
DI Matthew Venn, uptight and determined to maintain a level response to what he sees in his work is back alongside his DS Jen Rafferty and ever eager DC Ross May. Jen is at a party when another guest, Dr Nigel Yeo approaches her to ask for her help. Jen, not fully sober, brushes him off.
The next day that man is found dead, stabbed with a piece of glass from his daughters glass blowing workshop. He seems such an unlikely victim and when his daughter turns out to be a friend of Matthew’s husband Jonathan, it seems this crime is always going to involve that Matthew knows.
When another body turns up, with a similar killing method. Matthew and his team dig deeper into these people and what Dr Nigel Yeo really wanted to tell Jen at that party. However the truth is sometimes hidden away amongst those in the community and are they all closing ranks as the police get to the truth.
This book is not a fast paced thriller, if that is what you are looking for then this is not the book for you. It is a book which develops as you turn the pages, the characters and their background build. The past is filled in and as the clues lead you to think that perhaps the answer is all so clear, the metaphorical rug is pulled out and you are turned to face the truth. Of course it was obvious – wasn’t it?
More is filled in about Matthew and the past life he has escaped as he tries to come to terms with the life he is leading now. We learn more about Ross May and his relationship with his wife. Jen is still coming to terms with living in a smaller town than the large city she left behind. All three of them seem unlikely work colleagues but somehow it works and the author uses the small team, the community, the setting to weave a great murder mystery tale.
If you want modern day crime fiction in the vein of those golden ages then always start with Ann Cleeves and you will enjoy every page, every book and every detective created.
Can be read without having read the first, The Long Call but then why deprive yourself of such good storytelling. You will also get the background of the characters and the previous case which through witnesses does filter into this story.
DI Matthew Venn, uptight and determined to maintain a level response to what he sees in his work is back alongside his DS Jen Rafferty and ever eager DC Ross May. Jen is at a party when another guest, Dr Nigel Yeo approaches her to ask for her help. Jen, not fully sober, brushes him off.
The next day that man is found dead, stabbed with a piece of glass from his daughters glass blowing workshop. He seems such an unlikely victim and when his daughter turns out to be a friend of Matthew’s husband Jonathan, it seems this crime is always going to involve that Matthew knows.
When another body turns up, with a similar killing method. Matthew and his team dig deeper into these people and what Dr Nigel Yeo really wanted to tell Jen at that party. However the truth is sometimes hidden away amongst those in the community and are they all closing ranks as the police get to the truth.
This book is not a fast paced thriller, if that is what you are looking for then this is not the book for you. It is a book which develops as you turn the pages, the characters and their background build. The past is filled in and as the clues lead you to think that perhaps the answer is all so clear, the metaphorical rug is pulled out and you are turned to face the truth. Of course it was obvious – wasn’t it?
More is filled in about Matthew and the past life he has escaped as he tries to come to terms with the life he is leading now. We learn more about Ross May and his relationship with his wife. Jen is still coming to terms with living in a smaller town than the large city she left behind. All three of them seem unlikely work colleagues but somehow it works and the author uses the small team, the community, the setting to weave a great murder mystery tale.
If you want modern day crime fiction in the vein of those golden ages then always start with Ann Cleeves and you will enjoy every page, every book and every detective created.
phil_davis's review
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
magpi3's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Toxic friendship and Religious bigotry
yellagal57's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
ngalbani's review
5.0
I was happy to receive this ARC copy of the newest novel by Ann Cleeves. This the second novel of the Two Rivers series and I was delighted to read a new adventure with Detective Venn.
The plot is quite complex like the first novel, and I really enjoyed reading it. It is not full of action novel, but I loved following the development of the investigation, how the different investigators contribute to solving the murders. And what a surprise ending!
I am looking forward to the next novel in this series. I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The plot is quite complex like the first novel, and I really enjoyed reading it. It is not full of action novel, but I loved following the development of the investigation, how the different investigators contribute to solving the murders. And what a surprise ending!
I am looking forward to the next novel in this series. I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
booksbybindu's review
5.0
‘The Heron’s Cry’ is the second of the Two Rivers books and I found it particularly joyful to return to their world! I am a huge Ann Cleeves fan and I have to say I love this series. It’s definitely once again a character based series - Venn and his desire to always look put together, Jen trying her best to juggle single parenthood with the job and Ross who is determined to prove himself in the job he loves. But these are characters you can instantly relate to. They seem normal - with normal desires and lives. Yes, they might have weird small quirks but you can see these people in any workplace round the country. Ann manages once again to create characters that captivate the reader, are nuanced and wonderful!
The location itself, North Devon, is a character of its own and Ann has made it instantly recognisable. I have only visited as a child but I recognised the landscape, people, windy roads and now the influx of tourists straight away.
Jen is at a party hosted by her friend Cynthia and is slightly tipsy and feeling slightly alone in the world. When Nigel Yeo approaches her she thinks he might want more but it becomes clear he wants to talk to her in a professional capacity. She gives him her number so he can get in touch, however, the next day she is dragged to Westacombe Farm as he has been found murdered in his daughter’s studio. The weapon of course - one of her glass works jammed into his neck.
It is clear from the details in the writing that Ann has spent a lot of time researching the mental health aspects of this case. The bit where a characters sister talks about getting irrational angry with those who suffer these problems certainly rang true for me. It was superbly written in this sense.
I loved this book, pure and simple and I can’t wait to see this world on TV. But in the meantime read the books! Also can I please live in Venn and Jonathan’s house - it sounds like bliss.
The location itself, North Devon, is a character of its own and Ann has made it instantly recognisable. I have only visited as a child but I recognised the landscape, people, windy roads and now the influx of tourists straight away.
Jen is at a party hosted by her friend Cynthia and is slightly tipsy and feeling slightly alone in the world. When Nigel Yeo approaches her she thinks he might want more but it becomes clear he wants to talk to her in a professional capacity. She gives him her number so he can get in touch, however, the next day she is dragged to Westacombe Farm as he has been found murdered in his daughter’s studio. The weapon of course - one of her glass works jammed into his neck.
It is clear from the details in the writing that Ann has spent a lot of time researching the mental health aspects of this case. The bit where a characters sister talks about getting irrational angry with those who suffer these problems certainly rang true for me. It was superbly written in this sense.
I loved this book, pure and simple and I can’t wait to see this world on TV. But in the meantime read the books! Also can I please live in Venn and Jonathan’s house - it sounds like bliss.