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A review by booksbybindu
The Heron's Cry by Ann Cleeves
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.