The Heron's Cry: A Detective Matthew Venn Novel

The Heron's Cry: A Detective Matthew Venn Novel

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  • Create Date:2021-07-26 11:21:32
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
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  • Author:Ann Cleeves
  • ISBN:1250818133
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Summary

New York Times bestseller Ann Cleeves returns with The Heron's Cry, the extraordinary follow-up to The Long Call, soon to be a major TV series, alongside her two hit TV shows Shetland and Vera

“In Matthew Venn, Ann has created a complex, daring, subtle character。” —Louise Penny

"A complex mystery full of surprises 。 。 。 this character-driven exploration of people's darkest flaws is a sterling example of Cleeves' formidable talents。" Kirkus Reviews

North Devon is enjoying a rare hot summer with tourists flocking to its coastline。 Detective Matthew Venn is called out to a rural crime scene at the home of a group of artists。 What he finds is an elaborately staged murder--Dr Nigel Yeo has been fatally stabbed with a shard of one of his glassblower daughter's broken vases。

Dr。 Yeo seems an unlikely murder victim。 He's a good man, a public servant, beloved by his daughter。 Matthew is unnerved, though, to find that she is a close friend of Jonathan, his husband。

Then another body is found--killed in a similar way。 Matthew soon finds himself treading carefully through the lies that fester at the heart of his community and a case that is dangerously close to home。

DI Matthew Venn returns in The Heron's Cry, in Ann Cleeves powerful next novel, proving once again that she is a master of her craft。

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

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Reviews

Eadie

The Two Rivers Series, Book 2 Detective Matthew Venn is called out to a rural crime scene at the home of a group of artists。 Dr Nigel Yeo has been fatally stabbed with a shard of one of his glassblower daughter's broken vases。 Then another body is found--killed in a similar way。 Matthew needs to find the killer before they strike again。 Complex characters drive this plot。 This is a mystery full of surprises and Ann Cleeves is at the top of her game as she holds her cards close to her chest and t The Two Rivers Series, Book 2 Detective Matthew Venn is called out to a rural crime scene at the home of a group of artists。 Dr Nigel Yeo has been fatally stabbed with a shard of one of his glassblower daughter's broken vases。 Then another body is found--killed in a similar way。 Matthew needs to find the killer before they strike again。 Complex characters drive this plot。 This is a mystery full of surprises and Ann Cleeves is at the top of her game as she holds her cards close to her chest and the murderer is hard to figure out until the very end。 Set in North Devon, this series is soon to be a TV series along with Shetland and Vera。 If you like mysteries that are hard to solve, then you should read this series。 I would like to thank NetGalley and St。 Martin's Press for a free copy for an honest review。 。。。more

Robin Price

Ann Cleeves leaves behind Vera's Northumberland and the windswept Shetland Isles in her new series。 Now, she takes one to the small coastal towns and villages around the two rivers - the Torridge and the Taw - which were once, during gentler times, the stomping ground of Tarka the Otter。Along with the pungent evocation of place which her characters inhabit, the author uses compassion and empathy to produce a well-rounded cast to lead one through the gothic horrors of her plot, touching on issues Ann Cleeves leaves behind Vera's Northumberland and the windswept Shetland Isles in her new series。 Now, she takes one to the small coastal towns and villages around the two rivers - the Torridge and the Taw - which were once, during gentler times, the stomping ground of Tarka the Otter。Along with the pungent evocation of place which her characters inhabit, the author uses compassion and empathy to produce a well-rounded cast to lead one through the gothic horrors of her plot, touching on issues of society that are highly relevant today。 As always she expresses pithy insights into human nature。An absolute must-read。 。。。more

Jill Westerman

Ann Cleeves is a good writer and this second in the Two Rivers series doesn't disappoint。 In some ways the characters and themes are familiar - the intelligent and talented detective who has his own demons; the sidekicks each with their own issues - single parent chaotic Jenn and hyper ambitious and slightly insensitive Ross within the classic police procedural with a strong setting and sense of place。 But Cleeves weaves these into something gripping and original and the readers feels empathy an Ann Cleeves is a good writer and this second in the Two Rivers series doesn't disappoint。 In some ways the characters and themes are familiar - the intelligent and talented detective who has his own demons; the sidekicks each with their own issues - single parent chaotic Jenn and hyper ambitious and slightly insensitive Ross within the classic police procedural with a strong setting and sense of place。 But Cleeves weaves these into something gripping and original and the readers feels empathy and understanding for each of these different characters and is drawn into a gripping plot。 No spoilers, just a recommendation to read this very good novel。 With thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy。 。。。more

Paula

The Heron’s Cry is Ann Cleeves follow-up to her book, The Long Call, which is the start to a new mystery series set in North Devon and very well done。 DI Matthew Venn and his team return when a murder takes place at the artist community that his husband, Jonathan, runs。 The characters are very likable。 Cleeves spends a lot of time discussing the backgrounds of the characters and their relationships。 Of interest is the difference in personality of Matthew and his partner, Jonathan。 One being on t The Heron’s Cry is Ann Cleeves follow-up to her book, The Long Call, which is the start to a new mystery series set in North Devon and very well done。 DI Matthew Venn and his team return when a murder takes place at the artist community that his husband, Jonathan, runs。 The characters are very likable。 Cleeves spends a lot of time discussing the backgrounds of the characters and their relationships。 Of interest is the difference in personality of Matthew and his partner, Jonathan。 One being on the straight and narrow and the latter more relaxed。I am a big fan of Ann Cleeves。 Her Shetland and Vera series are well written and very enjoyable。 Good news is that her newest series will also be brought to television。4 out of 5 starsMany thanks to NetGalley, St。 Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the ARC of THE HERON’S CRY in exchange for an honest review。Publication date - September 7, 2021Review posted to Goodreads on 7/25/21 。。。more

Jen

If you are looking for a crime series that combines great characters and real mystery as well as atmospheric and vividly imagined setting then the Two Rivers series from Ann Cleeves is definitely one you should think about picking up。 I really enjoyed the first book in the series, The Long Call, and although this is。 far from the fast paced and darker side of crime fiction that I love, the characters and storyline kept me completely engaged and I quickly found myself settling into the slightly u If you are looking for a crime series that combines great characters and real mystery as well as atmospheric and vividly imagined setting then the Two Rivers series from Ann Cleeves is definitely one you should think about picking up。 I really enjoyed the first book in the series, The Long Call, and although this is。 far from the fast paced and darker side of crime fiction that I love, the characters and storyline kept me completely engaged and I quickly found myself settling into the slightly unexpected world of Matthew Venn and his team, based around the North Devon town of Barnstaple。 Now anyone who has been there on holidays will probably think that the town and its residents can't possibly be harbouring many dark secrets, but you'd be wrong as Ann Cleeves has proven once again in The Heron's Cry。This time around the team are called to the scene of a bloody murder, a man who has been dispatched shortly after telling DS Jen Rafferty that he would like to speak to her on a potentially business related matter。 Always an ominous sign right at the start of a story, especially if said conversation cannot happen straight away。 Whilst that got my spidey senses tingling straight away, what I wasn't expecting was the complex and emotionally driven investigation that DI Matthew Venn and his team find themselves caught up in。 Once again, there are blurred lines between the professional and the personal as friendships, and indeed marriages, are put to the test as the Detectives strive to get to the bottom of the murder。 The body count does increase and the case does become very complicated with a whole host of potential motives and suspects brought to the fore over the course of the book。 The guilty party is hidden in plain sight, the truth of the story far more surprising than anyone expected, me included。I really do like the little world that Ann Cleeves has built up in and around Barnstaple。 The characters are a very varied team, from the stoic and level headed but delicately scarred Matthew Venn, to slightly more straight talking, single mother of two Jen Rafferty。 Alongside them is the super ambitious and rather impatient Ross May, and whilst they may be as diverse a bunch as you could find, and perhaps not always working in complete harmony, they do fit together well, each one offering something that one of the others lacks。 Yes, there are times where Ross can be frustrating, and sometimes Venn's inner demons threaten to derail his logic and his anxiety may surface, but it serves to make them all feel real, human, and I really have grown to like them very quickly。As for the setting, whilst the author may have taken some liberties with the landscape surrounding the town, she has captured the essence of the area perfectly, a magic of blend of coastal, rural and urban geography that is typical of this part of Devon。 She has chosen each location carefully, allowing for a certain amount of mystery and suspense as the remote nature of some of the scenes make the possibilities endless。 You get a real sense of place and I could picture the scene perfectly。 Pacing is pitched perfectly for this kind of story, emphasising the frustrations of the Detectives as well as the occasional urgency, but also reflecting the very sensitive nature of the investigation - all questions and very few answers。 Bit then this isn't a story that should be rushed, part of the story set in the world of mental illness and depression, subjects which are handled carefully by the author, but in which the darker side of the matter is still explored。Another excellent addition to the series and I really looked forward to reading more about Venn and the team。 Definitely recommended。 。。。more

Steve Streeter

Heron’s Cry is the second of the Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves set in North Devon featuring Detective Matthew Venn。 Reading this excellent second instalment ( and there are crossover characters from the first book) A sense of nostalgia took over- this is not to say the book is dated in any manner。 Certainly, the committed crimes are by no means easy。 But reading this book and the Vera and。 Shetland series Ann Cleeves weaves echoes of Ruth Rendell ( the English queen of crimes during the 70s-9 Heron’s Cry is the second of the Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves set in North Devon featuring Detective Matthew Venn。 Reading this excellent second instalment ( and there are crossover characters from the first book) A sense of nostalgia took over- this is not to say the book is dated in any manner。 Certainly, the committed crimes are by no means easy。 But reading this book and the Vera and。 Shetland series Ann Cleeves weaves echoes of Ruth Rendell ( the English queen of crimes during the 70s-90s) within her books。 It is the attention to the everyday in people’s lives ;their relationships; their frailties ; their routines; their desires…that make this story and others so relatable ( not that we encounter crime and murders)。Everyone has secrets and without the they are fully exposed。 (Reminiscent of Inspector Wexford) Ann Cleeves has created a new vulnerable and sometimes personally isolated lead Detective but also the strong but equally vulnerable Jen Rafferty as his “ sidekick” and the idealistic and often naive DC Ross Pritchard。 This story involves murder at a farm/ art workshops and twisted revenge when lives are knocked off course by past tragedies。 Another winner and a tv production is in the making! 。。。more

Kid Ferrous

I have read and enjoyed many other books by Ann Cleeves in her Vera and Shetland series, but Matthew Venn was new to me。 This is the second book in this series, and while it displays the author’s usual skill in creating a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, I found these detectives to be somewhat unlikeable, at times almost boring。 They are very modern - for example, Venn is married to a man, but in my eyes these factors don’t really add anything to the story and just seem to be a I have read and enjoyed many other books by Ann Cleeves in her Vera and Shetland series, but Matthew Venn was new to me。 This is the second book in this series, and while it displays the author’s usual skill in creating a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, I found these detectives to be somewhat unlikeable, at times almost boring。 They are very modern - for example, Venn is married to a man, but in my eyes these factors don’t really add anything to the story and just seem to be a case of diversity for its own sake。 The supporting characters/suspects are mostly interesting; they all live in the same small community which makes for great conflict and tension, and the ending is surprising。 It’s a well-written crime novel, as you’d expect, but is just let down by slightly flat and boring protagonists who are not as interesting as Cleeves’ other detectives。 I probably won’t be reading other books in this series but I am interested in seeing what the upcoming television version makes of them。 。。。more

Cindy

The Heron's Cry is the second book in this series, The story follows Detective Matthew Venn and his team as they investigate murders in community。 Venn and his team were introduced in The Long Call and while this book stands alone, it is a great second in the series。 A local doctor is killed in his daughter's workshop with a piece of her glass work, another murder follows rather quickly leaving the constables trying to uncover the cause, including investigating old suicides。 There is a mental he The Heron's Cry is the second book in this series, The story follows Detective Matthew Venn and his team as they investigate murders in community。 Venn and his team were introduced in The Long Call and while this book stands alone, it is a great second in the series。 A local doctor is killed in his daughter's workshop with a piece of her glass work, another murder follows rather quickly leaving the constables trying to uncover the cause, including investigating old suicides。 There is a mental health component that is so current, the issue of encouraging young people to commit suicide。 A book is great if I never saw the twist at the end coming。 This is a series I'll keep reading。 Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for my advanced reader copy。 。。。more

Judy

This is the second book in the Two Rivers series, and I enjoyed the first one and liked the detectives so I wanted to read this one。 It is set in North Devon and Detective Matthew Venn and his crew are called to the scene of a murder at the home of a group of artists。 The man who died, Dr。 Nigel Yeo, had been stabbed with a piece of glass from a vase made by the resident glass blower, his daughter, Eve。 I like Matthew Venn as a character for his strong work ethic and interrogation skills。 His hu This is the second book in the Two Rivers series, and I enjoyed the first one and liked the detectives so I wanted to read this one。 It is set in North Devon and Detective Matthew Venn and his crew are called to the scene of a murder at the home of a group of artists。 The man who died, Dr。 Nigel Yeo, had been stabbed with a piece of glass from a vase made by the resident glass blower, his daughter, Eve。 I like Matthew Venn as a character for his strong work ethic and interrogation skills。 His husband, Jonathan, is an interesting guy and is artistic, calm, and caring - and he cooks too which is nice。 Both Jenn and Ross are back in this book too。 Jenn is a hard-working, single mom with great intuitive skills; and Ross is an ambitious brown-noser, but has good skills as well (and I liked the way he thinks of his wife, Mel)。 There are several murders in this book and the investigation is both interesting and surprising。 I couldn't guess correctly who the real threat was, and I liked that。 Thanks to St。 Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy。 This will be published on September 7, 2021。 。。。more

Cindy

The Heron's Cry is the second book in the new Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves。 The story follows Detective Matthew Venn and his team as they investigate murders in the local artist community。 The investigation includes looking into past suicides and the discovery of an unsavory online community。 The mental health aspect of this story is heartbreakingly real。 The book begins at a slow pace。 We are still getting to know Venn and his new team of investigators。 Character development is a strength o The Heron's Cry is the second book in the new Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves。 The story follows Detective Matthew Venn and his team as they investigate murders in the local artist community。 The investigation includes looking into past suicides and the discovery of an unsavory online community。 The mental health aspect of this story is heartbreakingly real。 The book begins at a slow pace。 We are still getting to know Venn and his new team of investigators。 Character development is a strength of this author, so be prepared to look for those little clues about Matthew, Jonathan, Jenn and Ross。 I very much look forward to seeing this crew in future books, and would definitely recommend this series to fellow readers。 Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur books and St。 Martin's press for the ARC of this book in exchange for a review。 。。。more

Sharon Pederson

Enjoyed reading this book。 It was an easy read, and I enjoyed the fact that I didn’t figure out the ending!

Stacey

3。5 stars (3 for the mystery, 4 for the characters)The Heron’s Cry was a good, but not great, follow up to The Long Call, the first book in the new "Two Rivers" series by Ann Cleeves。 I really enjoyed The Long Call and was hopeful for the second book but unfortunately it didn’t quite live up to the first for me。 Despite this, I will still read the next in the series because the cast of characters has woven their way into my heart。 What I appreciate most about this series is that Ann Cleeves has 3。5 stars (3 for the mystery, 4 for the characters)The Heron’s Cry was a good, but not great, follow up to The Long Call, the first book in the new "Two Rivers" series by Ann Cleeves。 I really enjoyed The Long Call and was hopeful for the second book but unfortunately it didn’t quite live up to the first for me。 Despite this, I will still read the next in the series because the cast of characters has woven their way into my heart。 What I appreciate most about this series is that Ann Cleeves has introduced a slightly more diverse set of characters without resorting to stereotypes。 The main detective, Matthew Venn, is gay, and while that’s of course a part of who he is, it doesn’t define him in the book。 Cleeves has created a complex, quiet and very human character, who shows both weakness and strength。 His relationship with his husband, who is lovely, has its troubles and irritations and beauty just like any relationship。 Normalizing a homosexual relationship (nothing to see here, folks!) in mainstream fiction is important and it was refreshing to see。 The other character I must mention is a young woman named Lucy who played a central role in both books。 She is my favorite character in fiction right now and I only wish she had a bigger profile。 Cleeves has introduced a character with Down Syndrome who is not only a functioning member of society (imagine that! note sarcasm) but is instrumental in solving the cases due to her sharp observation skills and excellent memory。 I cringed a little when Cleeves introduced characters with “learning disabilities” in the first book。 I worried that they would be portrayed condescendingly, as is often the case。 However, Cleeves focused on highlighting Lucy’s abilities, not her “disabilities” (by who's definition, I ask) and made her a well-rounded character with hopes and dreams and feelings just like everyone else。 My only complaint in this book is that in every single scene Lucy was in, it was mentioned that she had “learning disabilities” or “Down Syndrome”。 I mean…come on, we get it, let’s move on。 Where this book fell apart for me was in the mystery itself。 Not much seemed to happen, we witnessed the same interviews with the same people over and over until Eureka! someone figured it out。 And then when we find out who the villain is, they go full sociopath in their explanation of why they did it。 I find this a somewhat lazy way to end a mystery…it’s a little too convenient and overused。 But I will forgive the author for this because in spite of it, an ok book by Ann Cleeves is still better than many others and I will be first in line for the next installment。 Thanks to Pan Macmillan for an advance copy via NetGalley。 。。。more

Lorraine

This is the second in the Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves and the first one I've read。 Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy。Matthew Venn is the Inspector for homicides in this area of North Devon。 He and his team of detectives are called to an unexplained death at a craft workshop。 There they find a middle aged man dead from a shard of glass in his neck。 His daughter had made the vase the glass came from and she had found his body。 One of the detectives, Jenn, had met the dead man at a This is the second in the Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves and the first one I've read。 Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy。Matthew Venn is the Inspector for homicides in this area of North Devon。 He and his team of detectives are called to an unexplained death at a craft workshop。 There they find a middle aged man dead from a shard of glass in his neck。 His daughter had made the vase the glass came from and she had found his body。 One of the detectives, Jenn, had met the dead man at a party she'd attended the night before, but had been too drunk to really get to know him。 A couple of days later, another man is killed, again with a shard of glass in his neck。 The team interviews everyone involved and we learn a lot about depression and the geography of the area。This was a slow book to start because of the great number of people interviewed, but the ending picked up the pace。 I look forward to reading the first book in the series。 。。。more

Barbara Schultz

3。5 StarsThis is second in the Two Rivers series。 I read “The Long Call” which was the first in the Matthew Venn Two Rivers series。 In that story Ms。 Cleeves introduced us to a new character ~ Senior Detective Matthew Venn。 I enjoyed it and have been looking forward to the next story in the series。This is only my seventh Ann Cleeve story。 I am new on this train but I am enjoying the ride!Senior Detective Matthew Venn grew-up in a strict evangelical church but left the church many years ago。 Alth 3。5 StarsThis is second in the Two Rivers series。 I read “The Long Call” which was the first in the Matthew Venn Two Rivers series。 In that story Ms。 Cleeves introduced us to a new character ~ Senior Detective Matthew Venn。 I enjoyed it and have been looking forward to the next story in the series。This is only my seventh Ann Cleeve story。 I am new on this train but I am enjoying the ride!Senior Detective Matthew Venn grew-up in a strict evangelical church but left the church many years ago。 Although he is happy in his relationship with Jonathan, he is still trying to make peace with his mother。 This story starts with investigating an early morning murder at a farmhouse in the art studio。 Eve had asked her father Dr。 Nigel Yeo to meet her early to help with a glass blowing project。 She arrives at the studio early thinking she will get there before her father。 However, she finds he is already there and has had been murdered by one of her glass vases。To add to this, Jenn, Matthew’s partner was actually at a party the evening before hosted by her friend Cynthia and she spoke to Nigel Yeo and he asks if he may contact her later。 She agrees however not sure if it is personal or business related。 She had a bit too much to drink so can’t remember everything but does remember meeting Will who took her back to his attic apartment which just happens to be in this same farmhouse。 When the investigation begins, it is a bit slow in gathering back ground information ~ establishing the characters and their relationship to each other。 Although interesting ~ I am saying hurry up ~ ask the hard questions!!! The murder has me curious。 I love to try to figure out whodunit Yikes! There was so much going on I had to use my Kindle highlight feature so that I could remember。 Awww I was totally clueless ~ certainly had my attention!Want to thank NetGalley and St。 Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur for this eGalley。 This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review。 Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 7, 2021 。。。more

Tiffani

I read a lot of mystery novels and this was a great modern mystery story written by Ann Cleeves。 This mystery has a lot of twist and turns but the story line was easy to follow and the characters were easy to keep apart because they all had different personalities and characteristics。 In the end, the reader will go "aha"。 I found Matthew Venn, the main character, very likable so since this is the second mystery in the series I plan on going back and reading the first Venn mystery by Cleeves。 I l I read a lot of mystery novels and this was a great modern mystery story written by Ann Cleeves。 This mystery has a lot of twist and turns but the story line was easy to follow and the characters were easy to keep apart because they all had different personalities and characteristics。 In the end, the reader will go "aha"。 I found Matthew Venn, the main character, very likable so since this is the second mystery in the series I plan on going back and reading the first Venn mystery by Cleeves。 I like the fact that you get several of the characters points of view instead of just Venn's。 This is a pretty long mystery since the book is 382 pages so it did take me over a week to read。 Cleeves leaves you guessing who the murderer(s) are until the end of the story , which I like。 The descriptive wording used give the reader a picture of the settings is fabulous。 。。。more

Marilee

I received an early ARC copy of this book, so thank you to Netgalley for the sneak peak。 I'm a long time Ann Cleeves fan。 I've read all her books, so was thrilled to have a new one。 Unfortunately, I'd give this a 3 and half if I could。 First off, and this is important to many, one of the recurring themes of this book is suicide。 It's pervasive and disturbing, as it's meant to be。 This book may trigger some people and it's unfortunate that early descriptions of the book haven't mentioned this par I received an early ARC copy of this book, so thank you to Netgalley for the sneak peak。 I'm a long time Ann Cleeves fan。 I've read all her books, so was thrilled to have a new one。 Unfortunately, I'd give this a 3 and half if I could。 First off, and this is important to many, one of the recurring themes of this book is suicide。 It's pervasive and disturbing, as it's meant to be。 This book may trigger some people and it's unfortunate that early descriptions of the book haven't mentioned this part of the plot。 Of course, this is a murder mystery and murders we have, as only Cleeves can write about them。 Mixed in, are suicides。 Which is which? This is book two of her new Two Rivers series, featuring Matthew Venn, whom I still don't have much of a handle on。 He's pretty bland and I think Cleeves realizes this, so has given us some more interesting side kicks and characters。 In this story, we become well acquainted with Jen, his DS。 She's competent, flawed and interesting。 We learn more about Venn's husband Jonathon, as well, as he assumes more of a role than he had in The Long Call。 I find him more interesting than Venn and wonder why he's attached himself to such a mild mannered fella。 The chemistry seems missing。 As for the denouement, uh, uh, no spoilers, but I'll admit I was surprised。 。。。more

Deborah Maki

This was another amazing read from Ann Cleeves。 As with each of her characters, Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez, she has deftly created another with Matthew Venn。 Each is different, yet the same, in that they possess the drive, the humanity, and integrity for the truth。 I've always been one to read a series in the order in which it was created。 That being said, this can certainly be read as a stand-alone, but there are some nuances of information that are helpful from the first。 Ann creates experi This was another amazing read from Ann Cleeves。 As with each of her characters, Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez, she has deftly created another with Matthew Venn。 Each is different, yet the same, in that they possess the drive, the humanity, and integrity for the truth。 I've always been one to read a series in the order in which it was created。 That being said, this can certainly be read as a stand-alone, but there are some nuances of information that are helpful from the first。 Ann creates experiences for us, that make her books like fine dining rather than fast food。 Instead of writing "Matthew entered the house。。。", she creates an atmosphere, telling us what the floor felt like, the smells in the air, the temperature, so that we are there, too。 For me, reading an entire book that envelopes me, the reader, like this, is the best that it can get。 i don't want to give you any spoilers, but rest assured, this story will have you hooked from the very start。 I'm really looking forward to the next one! Thank you Goodreads for this ARC。 It was a dream。 。。。more

Diane S ☔

3。5 Second installment in Cleaves newest series, and yes I'm still bummed that the Shetland series has ended。 A little slower to grab me, I do admit I'm beginning to like this series more and more。 The location of South Devon and all the artsy elements are proving to be of interest。 Matthew, the lead, is still working through his insecurities but he's showing more improvement, awareness。 His partner Jonathan, is my favorite, calm, artsy, plus he cooks。 A good indicator one is becoming involved i 3。5 Second installment in Cleaves newest series, and yes I'm still bummed that the Shetland series has ended。 A little slower to grab me, I do admit I'm beginning to like this series more and more。 The location of South Devon and all the artsy elements are proving to be of interest。 Matthew, the lead, is still working through his insecurities but he's showing more improvement, awareness。 His partner Jonathan, is my favorite, calm, artsy, plus he cooks。 A good indicator one is becoming involved in a storyline is when one finds themselves mentally offering advice, a warning, to a character。 So more deaths, a few repeating characters from book one, and some new ones, red herrings, and more than one thread。 Didn't guess the who in the who done it, was quite surprised, which was welcome。 On a personal note, a peace offering on a personal matter and a possible chance for a new beginning。ARC from Edelweiss 。。。more

Lars Stuyts

As always Ann Cleeves woos us with her combination of strong characters and intriguing mystery。 The Heron’s Call, is the second of the Two River’s mysteries and continues our journey to get to know her latest creations。 DI Matthew Venn and his team come together to sort out a series of murders as well as the complex relationships they all live through。

Sheryle

This is the second book in the Two Rivers series。 While the same main characters from the first book return, they seem to be missing the spark they had before。 In a character driven book such as this one, it is important they continue to charm the reader。 The double mystery of the investigation of a previous suicide and the current murder of a man stabbed with a glass shard blown by his own daughter was intriguing。 An enjoyable British police procedural。 My copy of this book was provided by the This is the second book in the Two Rivers series。 While the same main characters from the first book return, they seem to be missing the spark they had before。 In a character driven book such as this one, it is important they continue to charm the reader。 The double mystery of the investigation of a previous suicide and the current murder of a man stabbed with a glass shard blown by his own daughter was intriguing。 An enjoyable British police procedural。 My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。 My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it。 。。。more

Amy Sunshine

Thank you @StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for a digital ARC of #TheHeron'sCry。 The opinions expressed here are entirely my own。Always nice to see another book in a series by an author you really enjoy。 While this book continues the story of North Devon DI Matthew Venn, the supporting characters of his husband Jonathan and his two deputies, Jen and Ross, are rounded out a bit more。 I expect that as the series grows, the characters begin to feel like friends or neighbors just like the characters in Thank you @StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for a digital ARC of #TheHeron'sCry。 The opinions expressed here are entirely my own。Always nice to see another book in a series by an author you really enjoy。 While this book continues the story of North Devon DI Matthew Venn, the supporting characters of his husband Jonathan and his two deputies, Jen and Ross, are rounded out a bit more。 I expect that as the series grows, the characters begin to feel like friends or neighbors just like the characters in her other books。 The crime/mystery in #TheHeron'sCry was unique and kept me guessing until the end。Looking forward to reading more in this series! 。。。more

Marianne Kaplan

This is the first book of Ann Cleeves that I have read。 Mysteries are not my normal genre。 I enjoyed the read, looking forward to each time I could pick it up。 Not my particular style。 I prefer books about deep relationships with great character development。 I think I could read a couple more of Ann's though。 This is the first book of Ann Cleeves that I have read。 Mysteries are not my normal genre。 I enjoyed the read, looking forward to each time I could pick it up。 Not my particular style。 I prefer books about deep relationships with great character development。 I think I could read a couple more of Ann's though。 。。。more

Nancy

The second novel in the DI Matthew Venn series which began with The Long Call returns us to the seacoast of Devon in The Heron’s Cry。Frank Ley’s investment abilities made him uncomfortably rich。 He has been buying up failing properties and businesses to improve the lives of individuals and their communities。 He rents out workshops to artists, two of whom live in the upper story of his home。 His niece and family run the dairy and farm。Frank is not approved of by all。 Some think that ‘rural gentri The second novel in the DI Matthew Venn series which began with The Long Call returns us to the seacoast of Devon in The Heron’s Cry。Frank Ley’s investment abilities made him uncomfortably rich。 He has been buying up failing properties and businesses to improve the lives of individuals and their communities。 He rents out workshops to artists, two of whom live in the upper story of his home。 His niece and family run the dairy and farm。Frank is not approved of by all。 Some think that ‘rural gentrification’ is not an improvement。Policewoman Jen is invited to one of Frank’s informal parties where she meets Nigel Yeo who wants to talk to her, but Jen had too much to drink that night。It was the last time Nigel was seen alive。 The next morning, he was found dead in his daughter’s workshop on Ley’s property。 Matthew and his team of Jen and Ross spend the next week chasing down the murderer, dealing with two more deaths along the way。 To complicate matters, people involved include close friends of Matthew’s husband Jonathan。My favorite part of the series are the characters and the portrait of the entire community which includes the privileged to struggling farmers and shop owners, and hippie, artsy folk。 The village is deluged with tourists during the summer months, escaping the heat and attracted by the beauty of the seaside。Matthew was raised in a religious community called The Brethren; he retains the quiet sobriety of the community。 As a gay man he was no longer accepted, and it caused a breach with his family。 His husband reaches out by inviting Matthew’s widowed mum to dinner on her birthday。 Jenn is a harried single mom of two, and Ross has never warmed to Matthew, plus he has ambitions–and a troubled marriage。Cleeves is a master of her craft, her characters beautifully drawn, and the convoluted turn of events kept my interest。I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley。 My review is fair and unbiased。 。。。more

Celeste McGoogan

I was fortunate to receive this advance readers' edition of Ann Cleeves's The Heron's Cry from Goodreads and Minotaur Books。 I have read the Shetland and Vera series, and I was pleased to read this second book featuring Detective Matthew Venn in Cleeves's new series, Two Rivers。 Cleeves has created another complex, well-developed detective in Venn。The plot and the mystery it holds is well-crafted and original, and all takes place in coastal North Devon。 From the beautiful, but wild and dangerous I was fortunate to receive this advance readers' edition of Ann Cleeves's The Heron's Cry from Goodreads and Minotaur Books。 I have read the Shetland and Vera series, and I was pleased to read this second book featuring Detective Matthew Venn in Cleeves's new series, Two Rivers。 Cleeves has created another complex, well-developed detective in Venn。The plot and the mystery it holds is well-crafted and original, and all takes place in coastal North Devon。 From the beautiful, but wild and dangerous, setting to the intricate personal relationships of the characters, The Heron's Cry is a great read。 。。。more

Story

Another enjoyable Anne Cleeves story in the new "Two Rivers" series featuring DI Matthew Venn and his team。 I enjoyed this one just as much as "The Longest Call" and continue to love the characters and settings Cleeves creates。 Can't wait for book 3 in this series。My thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair review。 Another enjoyable Anne Cleeves story in the new "Two Rivers" series featuring DI Matthew Venn and his team。 I enjoyed this one just as much as "The Longest Call" and continue to love the characters and settings Cleeves creates。 Can't wait for book 3 in this series。My thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair review。 。。。more

Alewis

I have been looking forward to this book since reading the first in the Two Rivers series。 I was "into" this book right from the beginning。 Solid characters and good plot。 What more do you need for an enjoyable read? I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series。Thank you for the ARC。 I have been looking forward to this book since reading the first in the Two Rivers series。 I was "into" this book right from the beginning。 Solid characters and good plot。 What more do you need for an enjoyable read? I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series。Thank you for the ARC。 。。。more

S。 Smith

English detective Matthew Venn is back in the second volume of the Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves。 A murder in a local glassblower's studio plunges Matthew into an investigation that may become as personal as it is professional。 With well-constructed mystery plotting, cast of interesting characters, and beautifully depicted North Devon settings, this new series promises to live up to the author's achievements with her successful Vera and Shetland novels。 Thanks to the publisher for supplying a English detective Matthew Venn is back in the second volume of the Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves。 A murder in a local glassblower's studio plunges Matthew into an investigation that may become as personal as it is professional。 With well-constructed mystery plotting, cast of interesting characters, and beautifully depicted North Devon settings, this new series promises to live up to the author's achievements with her successful Vera and Shetland novels。 Thanks to the publisher for supplying an advance reading copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review。 。。。more

Ms。 Sethi

I am really enjoying this new series from Ann Cleeves! She's created a new detective who I keep learning more about as I read。 It is hard to wait for the next book! I also really enjoy the character development of the other members of the team and the internal politics in the department, as they make everything seem more plausible and the characters feel more real。 The mystery itself was a surprise to me until the end reveal, but not in a way that felt unfair or as if I could never have figured I am really enjoying this new series from Ann Cleeves! She's created a new detective who I keep learning more about as I read。 It is hard to wait for the next book! I also really enjoy the character development of the other members of the team and the internal politics in the department, as they make everything seem more plausible and the characters feel more real。 The mystery itself was a surprise to me until the end reveal, but not in a way that felt unfair or as if I could never have figured it out without inside information。 。。。more

Tina

I had been focusing on the Vera Stanhope series and was happy to know Ann Cleeves is developing yet another detective series called Two Rivers。 Matthew Ven is the starring detective and the setting is Devon。The story starts with a party in Barnstaple hosted by Jenn's friend Cynthia。 The detective Jenn is newly single and we learn about the ups and downs of her new life as she adjusts。 Jenn is getting into her cups when she meets a nice man at the party, Dr。 Nigel Yeo。 He expresses an interest in I had been focusing on the Vera Stanhope series and was happy to know Ann Cleeves is developing yet another detective series called Two Rivers。 Matthew Ven is the starring detective and the setting is Devon。The story starts with a party in Barnstaple hosted by Jenn's friend Cynthia。 The detective Jenn is newly single and we learn about the ups and downs of her new life as she adjusts。 Jenn is getting into her cups when she meets a nice man at the party, Dr。 Nigel Yeo。 He expresses an interest in contacting her later in the week。 Is it to ask for a date or is it related to business? Jenn won't find out as she awakens very hung over and called to a murder scene。 Nigel's daughter Eve has discovered him in his studio, dead with a shard of glass embedded in his neck。In addition to the murder there is a suicide and the connections slowly form as you read on。 The ending was surprising。I mostly liked the characters but I couldn't get invested in this series even though I can see this series developing into a cohesive team。 It just does not grab me as the Shetland or Vera series does。 Certainly I am in the minority about this new series as I see many people love it。 The writing is well done as always - I am simply not connecting with the characters or their personal lives as I did with Cleeves' other series/detectives。Publication date September 7, 2021 by St。 Martin's Press。 Genre: Mystery and Thrillers。 。。。more

G。

In Ann Cleeves "The Heron's Cry" North Devon Detective Matthew Venn investigates the murder of Dr。 Nigel Yeo。 Dr。 Yeo's daughter is a glassblower and shares a home with other artists。 A piece of glass from one of her pieces was used to stab her father。 Another murder soon follows。I enjoyed the story with so many twists and turns。 In Ann Cleeves "The Heron's Cry" North Devon Detective Matthew Venn investigates the murder of Dr。 Nigel Yeo。 Dr。 Yeo's daughter is a glassblower and shares a home with other artists。 A piece of glass from one of her pieces was used to stab her father。 Another murder soon follows。I enjoyed the story with so many twists and turns。 。。。more