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antiopelle's review against another edition
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.
meldav23's review against another edition
4.0
I always love these mysteries, but her endings are really predictable.
tracyjw66's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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