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A review by what_heather_loves
The Heron's Cry by Ann Cleeves
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Jonathan nodded towards the heron. 'Those birds always remind me of you. So patient. Just willing to wait. Entirely focused on their prey.' A pause. 'I wish I could be more like that. But I jump in, all splash and nose.'
'I've never heard one call', Matthew said.
'That's like you too then. Silent. I' m never quite sure what you're thinking.'
Matthew didn't know what to say. He wanted to tell Jonathan that he lived him just the way he was, but it would have sounded trite..."
Back in North Devon for book 2 of the Three Rivers DI Matthew Venn series sees more rural drama. The brutal death of a popular man, an unlikely victim, sees Venn and his team digging into local suicides, fraught relationships and the benefits and disbenefits of incomers. Living on a commune of sorts with a farming family and creatives, the plot explores how a controversial local businessman and philanthropist chooses to spend his money and whether it's viewed as benevolent paternalism or controlling gentrification. All handled calmly by considered and reliable Venn, who is very likeable. His outgoing husband Jonathan and detectives Ross and Jen are recurring characters whose home lives are also explored.
Solidly set in its rural location, the coastal nature, it's wildlife, language, customs and culture, along with its summer time-frame, make for a relaxing read. A 'traditional mystery of the best sort' (The Guardian), it reminds me how much I enjoy series novels, as opposed to thrillers: a well-set, rural police procedural with equally well-drawn recurring and new characters. It's not gruesome, but neither is it cosy, with plenty of secrets and mystery - it feels familarily and reassuringly British and, most importantly, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Will be loved by fans of the author, as well as fans of Elly Griffiths and LJ Ross.
'I've never heard one call', Matthew said.
'That's like you too then. Silent. I' m never quite sure what you're thinking.'
Matthew didn't know what to say. He wanted to tell Jonathan that he lived him just the way he was, but it would have sounded trite..."
Back in North Devon for book 2 of the Three Rivers DI Matthew Venn series sees more rural drama. The brutal death of a popular man, an unlikely victim, sees Venn and his team digging into local suicides, fraught relationships and the benefits and disbenefits of incomers. Living on a commune of sorts with a farming family and creatives, the plot explores how a controversial local businessman and philanthropist chooses to spend his money and whether it's viewed as benevolent paternalism or controlling gentrification. All handled calmly by considered and reliable Venn, who is very likeable. His outgoing husband Jonathan and detectives Ross and Jen are recurring characters whose home lives are also explored.
Solidly set in its rural location, the coastal nature, it's wildlife, language, customs and culture, along with its summer time-frame, make for a relaxing read. A 'traditional mystery of the best sort' (The Guardian), it reminds me how much I enjoy series novels, as opposed to thrillers: a well-set, rural police procedural with equally well-drawn recurring and new characters. It's not gruesome, but neither is it cosy, with plenty of secrets and mystery - it feels familarily and reassuringly British and, most importantly, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Will be loved by fans of the author, as well as fans of Elly Griffiths and LJ Ross.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Murder