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cecile87's review against another edition
3.0
I thought the story plodded a bit, but overall it was an interesting police procedural. Along the way, it personalized groups of people that are typically stereotyped and made inhuman or subhuman. The only group that was perhaps more harshly treated were the members of the religious cult.
I’ve no sympathies for that group, however; judgmental, scornful, hypocritical, unforgiving. Doesn’t sound like what Jesus would practice to me. Why have so many interpreted what I call Mesopotamian folktales in such punitive ways towards others? I guess to control.
Some reviews didn’t like the attitude towards religious types and perceived a political agenda. Why is it political when they happen to disagree? Why is it an agenda when they happen to disagree?
I appreciated the avoidance of gratuitous victimization of the protagonist, which other mysteries can’t seem to avoid.
Anyway, I would have liked to find out if the protagonist’s mom would accept the mentioned invitation to visit that was proposes at the end.
I’ve no sympathies for that group, however; judgmental, scornful, hypocritical, unforgiving. Doesn’t sound like what Jesus would practice to me. Why have so many interpreted what I call Mesopotamian folktales in such punitive ways towards others? I guess to control.
Some reviews didn’t like the attitude towards religious types and perceived a political agenda. Why is it political when they happen to disagree? Why is it an agenda when they happen to disagree?
I appreciated the avoidance of gratuitous victimization of the protagonist, which other mysteries can’t seem to avoid.
Anyway, I would have liked to find out if the protagonist’s mom would accept the mentioned invitation to visit that was proposes at the end.
karenhillwood22's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Detective Matthew Venn working with colleagues Jen & golden boy Ross look into who murdered a man found on the beach. Abduction, abuse, secrets and lies unfold. A good 'who done it' detective novel.
katiegilley's review against another edition
4.0
Since finishing the Shetland series by Ann Cleeves, I was looking forward to meeting her new detective, Matthew Venn. And what a lovely and thoughtful man he is! I enjoyed meeting his partner, Jonathan, and their cozy home. And I'm so intrigued about Matthew's upbringing and hope that Cleeves revisits it in her upcoming novels. This mystery kept me on my toes - I couldn't guess the killer or motive until the very end. Exactly as it should be!
brettcarl's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Typical mass-market crime-thriller thar lacks depth, nuance, insightful, but most importantly, intrigue and entertainment. What a shame.
gmamartha's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
3.0
Graphic: Mental illness, Homophobia, Murder, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Emotional abuse, and Rape
bookish_emily's review against another edition
4.0
One morning in a quiet town in southern England, a woman walking her dog discovers a man's body on the beach. At first thought an accident, it is then discovered that the man was stabbed to death. DI Matthew Venn, recently returned to his hometown, is placed in charge of the case. As the investigation continues, it seems to revolve more and more around The Woodyard, an arts center for the community and a place for learning-disabled adults to receive care during the day. Unfortunately for Matthew, his husband Jonathan is one of the chief administrators there. When one of the adults with Downs syndrome goes missing, Matthew must put aside his personal attachments and rely on his team to solve the case before it's too late.
The Long Call is the start of a new series from acclaimed mystery writer Ann Cleeves. It is well-plotted and has interesting characters. At times it is very obvious that the book is setting up for a series, rather than focusing on the individual storyline of the novel, but that isn't too much of a detractor. It's a good read for fans of atmospheric mysteries.
The Long Call is the start of a new series from acclaimed mystery writer Ann Cleeves. It is well-plotted and has interesting characters. At times it is very obvious that the book is setting up for a series, rather than focusing on the individual storyline of the novel, but that isn't too much of a detractor. It's a good read for fans of atmospheric mysteries.
bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
A really well-done mystery that kept me guessing until almost the end. The characters are well-drawn and complex, and the setting was very vivid. This is my first book by Cleeves and I can see why she's such a popular author. This was a great example of a well-drawn British mystery that relies on human nature and human foibles rather than convoluted plot twists to create an engaging, page-turning mystery. I'll definitely be back for more.
kmunroob's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
fionagerman's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
nictans_001's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0