Series
Genres
Publication
Macmillan (2021), 400 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. HTML: 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. AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!"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… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member SandyAMcPherson
The first third or so of the book show-cased Ann Cleeves’ talent for character development. A couple of vivid pieces included Lucy (a central character in the first novel) and character sketches of Ross, the newbie detective constable. He was a great foil for Jen Rafferty, DCI Venn’s
There was a great opening line for the novel (Jen had drunk too much), and set the scene for the ramifications of not having pursued finding out why a guest had approached her (in her professional role as a police officer ) at a party. Nevertheless, the chronicle of Jen’s alcohol consumption and hangovers didn’t need retelling on several occasions. Just as tiresome, was Ross’ultimately irrelevant marital agonizing . Suspense in the murder investigation was interrupted by reading about these domestic matters and leads the reader astray from the main points. It’s understandable that an author wants to conceal the clues and spring a surprising reveal on the reader, but in this novel, these asides detracted from an effective impact.
The accepted rules of police procedural, which the author's previous novels demonstrated, were less evident in this book. Aside from producing a rather foolish amount of bumbling and pointless speculation during the investigation, the plot lost its professionalism. DCI Venn’s guilt-ridden emotions and the tensions between him and his spouse, Jonathan tended to dominate the narrative when one wants to see competency.
Ultimately, Cleeves’ intrigue was muddled with too much unproductive activity which led nowhere and did not contribute to a smooth story arc. When the police interviewed troubled characters with little plausible reason, I was thoroughly disengaged by then and didn’t care much about what happened. Book 2 of the Two Rivers series was simply not as satisfying a murder mystery as The Long Call.
Despite the plotting and character development issues, some really important healthcare messages were brought forward in this Ann Cleeves book. The mystery evolves around difficulties in underfunded mental health support especially for suicidal young people with severe depression. Cleeves’ handling of this scenario as well as writing of the very real danger of unregulated internet chat rooms was splendid.
She wove these points very adroitly into the story and illustrated how important that professional staff be available for families. An author’s afterword about her research into this background plus some specific information would have been an excellent place to position factual federal/provincial/county/state resources, depending where the publisher of different editions was located.
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second-in-command. Unfortunately, the story then melted down into repetitive angst. There was a great opening line for the novel (Jen had drunk too much), and set the scene for the ramifications of not having pursued finding out why a guest had approached her (in her professional role as a police officer ) at a party. Nevertheless, the chronicle of Jen’s alcohol consumption and hangovers didn’t need retelling on several occasions. Just as tiresome, was Ross’
The accepted rules of police procedural, which the author's previous novels demonstrated, were less evident in this book. Aside from producing a rather foolish amount of bumbling and pointless speculation during the investigation, the plot lost its professionalism. DCI Venn’s guilt-ridden emotions and the tensions between him and his spouse, Jonathan tended to dominate the narrative when one wants to see competency.
Ultimately, Cleeves’ intrigue was muddled with too much unproductive activity which led nowhere and did not contribute to a smooth story arc. When the police interviewed troubled characters with little plausible reason, I was thoroughly disengaged by then and didn’t care much about what happened. Book 2 of the Two Rivers series was simply not as satisfying a murder mystery as The Long Call.
Despite the plotting and character development issues, some really important healthcare messages were brought forward in this Ann Cleeves book. The mystery evolves around difficulties in underfunded mental health support especially for suicidal young people with severe depression. Cleeves’ handling of this scenario as well as writing of the very real danger of unregulated internet chat rooms was splendid.
She wove these points very adroitly into the story and illustrated how important that professional staff be available for families. An author’s afterword about her research into this background plus some specific information would have been an excellent place to position factual federal/provincial/county/state resources, depending where the publisher of different editions was located.
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LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
Inspector Jen Rafferty is approached at a party by a man who wished to talk to her about something that was clearly bothering her. Unfortunately, Jen had been clearly imbibing a bit too much and so he left without revealing what it was he wished to say. The next morning, the man is found dead at
The Heron’s Cry is the second book in author Ann Cleeves’ Two Rivers series and it makes for a very compelling and, dare I say, brilliant, read. There are plenty of possible suspects as well as red herrings and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
But it is the main characters who are well-drawn and complex as well as likeable that keep the story moving as well as Cllevees’ empathetic treatment of suicide and its aftermath that makes this one of the best mysteries I have read so far this year. A definite high recommendation from me.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
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his daughter’s apartment in an artists’ colony. Detective Inspector Matthew Venn and his team are called in to investigate and, as they dig deeper into the man’s recent actions, it leads them to an online suicide group that may be, not only helping people deal with suicidal thoughts but actively encouraging them to kill themselves.The Heron’s Cry is the second book in author Ann Cleeves’ Two Rivers series and it makes for a very compelling and, dare I say, brilliant, read. There are plenty of possible suspects as well as red herrings and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
But it is the main characters who are well-drawn and complex as well as likeable that keep the story moving as well as Cllevees’ empathetic treatment of suicide and its aftermath that makes this one of the best mysteries I have read so far this year. A definite high recommendation from me.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
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LibraryThing member nancyadair
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
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.
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member Beamis12
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
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
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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
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LibraryThing member kimkimkim
I usually enjoy Ann Cleeves’ mysteries but must admit that several days out I often have trouble remembering the plot. Having said that I enjoyed the latest addition to the Two Rivers Series. Detective Matthew Venn is an odd but efficient character, always thinking, weighing the possibilities and
The murder and subsequent mystery of who did what to whom and when is a slow unwind that is worth pursuing. Cleeves captures the reader’s attention with her character definitions even though the cast is large. Her attention to the same sex marriage of her primary character as well as the careful treatment of a character who is challenged is brilliant and adds to the story.
Masterful attention to detail, thoughtful, compassionate - Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s / Minotaur for a copy.
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probabilities. His husband Jonathan is given a larger, more pronounced and vocal part in this story. I loved that Cleeves gave us a police presence in the character of Ross May, to dislike while making him a perfect foil for DS Jen Rafferty who is doing much of the investigative work, heavy lifting and deep thinking.The murder and subsequent mystery of who did what to whom and when is a slow unwind that is worth pursuing. Cleeves captures the reader’s attention with her character definitions even though the cast is large. Her attention to the same sex marriage of her primary character as well as the careful treatment of a character who is challenged is brilliant and adds to the story.
Masterful attention to detail, thoughtful, compassionate - Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s / Minotaur for a copy.
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LibraryThing member FirstReader
This is the second book in the Two Rivers series by Anne Cleeves, author of the Vera Stanhope and Shetland series. In this outing, the uptight and rigid Detective Matthew Venn is called to the scene of the murder of a well-respected doctor at his daughter’s art studio. There’s not much
This is a well-written slow-moving police procedural. The main character, Matthew Venn, is well-drawn and the reader can feel the rigidity of the man in the way he speaks and dresses and interacts with others. The secondary characters are less complex and not as well drawn, but nevertheless readers will get a feel for them as well. The storyline has unexpected twists and turns that will keep the reader reading – not at a breakneck speed but steadily progressing much as the author’s plot does.
If you are looking for a fast-paced read that will keep you up past your bedtime, this is not the book for you. But if you enjoy character-driven stories with unexpected twists, this is a book you’ll enjoy.
My thanks to Minotaur and Edelweiss for an eARC.
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forensics at the scene so Venn must find a motive for the killing. One of Venn’s team members had spoken with the victim the night before when he told her he needed to speak to her about a matter, but since she was drunk, he changed his mind. It doesn’t take long before another murder victim is found and Venn’s team must up their game to find the killer.This is a well-written slow-moving police procedural. The main character, Matthew Venn, is well-drawn and the reader can feel the rigidity of the man in the way he speaks and dresses and interacts with others. The secondary characters are less complex and not as well drawn, but nevertheless readers will get a feel for them as well. The storyline has unexpected twists and turns that will keep the reader reading – not at a breakneck speed but steadily progressing much as the author’s plot does.
If you are looking for a fast-paced read that will keep you up past your bedtime, this is not the book for you. But if you enjoy character-driven stories with unexpected twists, this is a book you’ll enjoy.
My thanks to Minotaur and Edelweiss for an eARC.
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LibraryThing member cathyskye
The Heron's Cry, the second book in the Two Rivers series, shines a spotlight on what Ann Cleeves does best: describe a landscape so well that we readers can place ourselves in it, create multi-faceted characters that feel like people we all know, and wrap it all up in a mystery that keeps us
The mystery is centered on a group of craft workshops on the grounds of a big house called Westacombe which is owned by Frank Ley, a millionaire who likes to use his money to regenerate ailing villages and small businesses. Dr. Yeo, whose body was found in his daughter's workshop, was investigating allegations that the NHS was failing in its duty of care-- especially in regards to those suffering some form of mental illness. Cleeves shows us this heartbreaking situation through her characters. When budgets are cut, what can the NHS do? Should they continue to focus on those who are ill yet have family members who can support them? Or should they focus instead on those who have no support group at all? The money will only go so far.
The mystery keeps readers moving between the people in the Westacombe craft shops, Frank Ley, and the Woodyard, a collection of shops, a restaurant, and an adult care center overseen by Matthew Venn's husband, Jonathan. This keeps us armchair sleuths hopping, but it also made me want to go there and spend money in all those places. Cleeves has to be doing more than her fair share to promote a UK tourism boom.
As good as the mystery is and as palpable as the setting is, The Heron's Cry wouldn't be a winner without its cast. Matthew Venn is not your typical detective inspector. He listens a lot more than he talks, having found that silence is both ally and weapon. He also likes to show up early to get the room ready for a meeting and to get the coffee machine ready. With his dark suits, grey hair, and quiet demeanor, he reminds his husband Jonathan of a heron. Jonathan himself is very much a people person, and one of the delights of this series is watching how the relationship between the two men matures. I haven't even mentioned Jen and Ross, the prime movers on Venn's team. They're like chalk and cheese, and I like watching how each of them approaches an investigation.
Any Ann Cleeves fan is going to need very little (if any) prodding to read these Two Rivers mysteries. The author has already shown what she can do with her Shetland and Vera series. Matthew Venn is proving to be every bit as interesting as Jimmy Perez and Vera Stanhope, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he does next. As for those of you who have yet to read a mystery written by Ann Cleeves, all I can say is that if you love atmospheric, character-driven mysteries, you have a feast ready and waiting for you. Dive right in.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
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armchair sleuths guessing.The mystery is centered on a group of craft workshops on the grounds of a big house called Westacombe which is owned by Frank Ley, a millionaire who likes to use his money to regenerate ailing villages and small businesses. Dr. Yeo, whose body was found in his daughter's workshop, was investigating allegations that the NHS was failing in its duty of care-- especially in regards to those suffering some form of mental illness. Cleeves shows us this heartbreaking situation through her characters. When budgets are cut, what can the NHS do? Should they continue to focus on those who are ill yet have family members who can support them? Or should they focus instead on those who have no support group at all? The money will only go so far.
The mystery keeps readers moving between the people in the Westacombe craft shops, Frank Ley, and the Woodyard, a collection of shops, a restaurant, and an adult care center overseen by Matthew Venn's husband, Jonathan. This keeps us armchair sleuths hopping, but it also made me want to go there and spend money in all those places. Cleeves has to be doing more than her fair share to promote a UK tourism boom.
As good as the mystery is and as palpable as the setting is, The Heron's Cry wouldn't be a winner without its cast. Matthew Venn is not your typical detective inspector. He listens a lot more than he talks, having found that silence is both ally and weapon. He also likes to show up early to get the room ready for a meeting and to get the coffee machine ready. With his dark suits, grey hair, and quiet demeanor, he reminds his husband Jonathan of a heron. Jonathan himself is very much a people person, and one of the delights of this series is watching how the relationship between the two men matures. I haven't even mentioned Jen and Ross, the prime movers on Venn's team. They're like chalk and cheese, and I like watching how each of them approaches an investigation.
Any Ann Cleeves fan is going to need very little (if any) prodding to read these Two Rivers mysteries. The author has already shown what she can do with her Shetland and Vera series. Matthew Venn is proving to be every bit as interesting as Jimmy Perez and Vera Stanhope, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he does next. As for those of you who have yet to read a mystery written by Ann Cleeves, all I can say is that if you love atmospheric, character-driven mysteries, you have a feast ready and waiting for you. Dive right in.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
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LibraryThing member jetangen4571
thriller, law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, family-dynamics, friendship, british-detective
DI Matthew Venn is complex, often brooding and with a lot of personal baggage in a job that could break a less driven man. The diligence is good, the investigation is somewhat divergent, and there
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you
DI Matthew Venn is complex, often brooding and with a lot of personal baggage in a job that could break a less driven man. The diligence is good, the investigation is somewhat divergent, and there
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are more than enough twists and red herrings. All of the characters have depth and a sense of presence to them. Very well done.I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you
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LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Loving this series!
Once more trouble comes to the Two Rivers area (where the Taw meets the Torridge) in North Devon.
Detective Inspector Matthew Venn continues to be revealed both on the personal and work level.
A bizarre murder has occurred at an artists’ commune. The surprising thing is that
The property consisted of a house with seperate faults and workshops. The tenants had come together under the patronage of a rather strange benefactor Francis Ley, a well known but somewhat reclusive, eccentric economist.
When another murder occurs Matthew has a strange road to travel in order to unravel what’s happening, along with his team, Jen and the reluctant Ross.
It turns out the victim ‘Nigel [had]worked for North Devon Patients Together, NDPT. It represents patients’ views to the [health] trusts… [Nigel had] widened the brief to look into anomalies, and to explore patients’ complaints.’ Nigel had been looking into a complaint about a suicide.
A starting point for Venn!
Matthew’s husband Jonathan ‘managed the Woodyard, a large and successful community arts centre.’ So further connections are drawn. On the home front we see more of Matthew and Jonathan’s relationship, circling not only Matthew’s compartmentalisation of work and home, but also his troubled rapport with his mother.
I loved the juxtaposition between Jonathan’s analogy about Matthew’s focus on the elements of cases, and Matthew’s view of himself. From just this short scene we learn so much more.
Matthew: ‘There was the silhouette of a heron, tall and stately, dark grey against the paler grey of the water. It stood quite alone.’
Jonathan: ‘Those birds always remind me of you. So patient. Just willing to wait. Entirely focused on their prey…Silent. [and then] I never know what you’re thinking.’
Put these reflections together with the title, The Heron’s Cry, and there’s so much more one could unpack here.
Another complex and saturated mystery from Cleeves.
A St. Martins Press ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
Once more trouble comes to the Two Rivers area (where the Taw meets the Torridge) in North Devon.
Detective Inspector Matthew Venn continues to be revealed both on the personal and work level.
A bizarre murder has occurred at an artists’ commune. The surprising thing is that
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Venn’s colleague Jen Rafferty had met the victim, Nigel Yeo, the previous evening at a party. He had wanted to talk to her about some matter. The property consisted of a house with seperate faults and workshops. The tenants had come together under the patronage of a rather strange benefactor Francis Ley, a well known but somewhat reclusive, eccentric economist.
When another murder occurs Matthew has a strange road to travel in order to unravel what’s happening, along with his team, Jen and the reluctant Ross.
It turns out the victim ‘Nigel [had]worked for North Devon Patients Together, NDPT. It represents patients’ views to the [health] trusts… [Nigel had] widened the brief to look into anomalies, and to explore patients’ complaints.’ Nigel had been looking into a complaint about a suicide.
A starting point for Venn!
Matthew’s husband Jonathan ‘managed the Woodyard, a large and successful community arts centre.’ So further connections are drawn. On the home front we see more of Matthew and Jonathan’s relationship, circling not only Matthew’s compartmentalisation of work and home, but also his troubled rapport with his mother.
I loved the juxtaposition between Jonathan’s analogy about Matthew’s focus on the elements of cases, and Matthew’s view of himself. From just this short scene we learn so much more.
Matthew: ‘There was the silhouette of a heron, tall and stately, dark grey against the paler grey of the water. It stood quite alone.’
Jonathan: ‘Those birds always remind me of you. So patient. Just willing to wait. Entirely focused on their prey…Silent. [and then] I never know what you’re thinking.’
Put these reflections together with the title, The Heron’s Cry, and there’s so much more one could unpack here.
Another complex and saturated mystery from Cleeves.
A St. Martins Press ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
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LibraryThing member richardderus
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: While I'm a fan of Author Cleeves's writing, I'm also a fan of her mystery chops...the way a story comes together from the bits and bobs she makes it out of. In this entry into the Two Rivers series, DI Venn has murders and
Oh, and his husband invited the Gorgon who gave birth to him, then rejected him for being queer, round to theirs for her birthday. Sunday roast, yorkie puds, cream-embellished birthday cake...champagne even!
How he didn't pass out from the stress I do not know.
But family drama is always good for a mystery. Put three families under stress and, well...it multiplies. In this book, in most approved Cleevesian fashion, we see Lucy and Maurice from the book before; we visit several beauty spots marred by tragedy; Jonathan goes whole-hearted and unthinking into best-friend mode when he should stop and think a minute; Matthew, well, he thinks himself into many corners and gets out when Jen and Ross need him to fix things for them.
And, in the end, when the deaths are finally apportioned to their causal agents, he's there to be thanked by those who have lived and cursed by those whose guilt was narrowly revealed. Jen, god bless her cotton socks, is a good friend. And Ross, a seriously bratty entitled goofball, might be salvageable yet. A bit like Sandy in the Shetland mysteries, it's not like he's a bad person just bad at self-control and self-reflection.
But possibly the most grim and revolting parts of this death-fest are not to be spoiled. I want y'all to experience the, to me at least, appalling and nauseating manner in which some people choose to conduct themselves without any prior warning. When you come across the information I'm referring to, you will know immediately. To my disgust, this is not something Author Cleeves dreamt up. It is a very real thing. It just...words can not do justice to the *fury* it inspires in me. I had to research the reality of it, and then re-write my review several times before I realized I can't say anything at all about it.
I hope it goes without saying that you are never, ever alone if you need help with suicidal ideation or emotional crisis. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 1-800-273-8255. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline fields calls 24/7 for anyone with suicidal thoughts or who are in crisis. You could also get US help by texting "HEAL" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Web searches for other countries return the same kind of information in seconds. Take that action before taking any other actions. Please. It can not be said often enough: That investment of mere seconds can do you no harm.
I'm sure there are many out there who, like me, very much appreciate the severity of the mental health crisis in the world today. This story is one that will cause a goodly number of its readers to think about issues that they might not wish to think deeply about...but really very much should. I hope the way the story is told will help you, if you're simply unaware of it, to process the delicacy of the hold many people maintain on their relationship to life. Please, even if you think you know, check on the reality of those in your orbit who strike you as troubled.
(And Ross gets off too easily in the end!)
My Review: While I'm a fan of Author Cleeves's writing, I'm also a fan of her mystery chops...the way a story comes together from the bits and bobs she makes it out of. In this entry into the Two Rivers series, DI Venn has murders and
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suicides and some extremely upsetting issues to deal with.Oh, and his husband invited the Gorgon who gave birth to him, then rejected him for being queer, round to theirs for her birthday. Sunday roast, yorkie puds, cream-embellished birthday cake...champagne even!
How he didn't pass out from the stress I do not know.
But family drama is always good for a mystery. Put three families under stress and, well...it multiplies. In this book, in most approved Cleevesian fashion, we see Lucy and Maurice from the book before; we visit several beauty spots marred by tragedy; Jonathan goes whole-hearted and unthinking into best-friend mode when he should stop and think a minute; Matthew, well, he thinks himself into many corners and gets out when Jen and Ross need him to fix things for them.
And, in the end, when the deaths are finally apportioned to their causal agents, he's there to be thanked by those who have lived and cursed by those whose guilt was narrowly revealed. Jen, god bless her cotton socks, is a good friend. And Ross, a seriously bratty entitled goofball, might be salvageable yet. A bit like Sandy in the Shetland mysteries, it's not like he's a bad person just bad at self-control and self-reflection.
But possibly the most grim and revolting parts of this death-fest are not to be spoiled. I want y'all to experience the, to me at least, appalling and nauseating manner in which some people choose to conduct themselves without any prior warning. When you come across the information I'm referring to, you will know immediately. To my disgust, this is not something Author Cleeves dreamt up. It is a very real thing. It just...words can not do justice to the *fury* it inspires in me. I had to research the reality of it, and then re-write my review several times before I realized I can't say anything at all about it.
I hope it goes without saying that you are never, ever alone if you need help with suicidal ideation or emotional crisis. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 1-800-273-8255. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline fields calls 24/7 for anyone with suicidal thoughts or who are in crisis. You could also get US help by texting "HEAL" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Web searches for other countries return the same kind of information in seconds. Take that action before taking any other actions. Please. It can not be said often enough: That investment of mere seconds can do you no harm.
I'm sure there are many out there who, like me, very much appreciate the severity of the mental health crisis in the world today. This story is one that will cause a goodly number of its readers to think about issues that they might not wish to think deeply about...but really very much should. I hope the way the story is told will help you, if you're simply unaware of it, to process the delicacy of the hold many people maintain on their relationship to life. Please, even if you think you know, check on the reality of those in your orbit who strike you as troubled.
(And Ross gets off too easily in the end!)
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LibraryThing member diana.hauser
THE HERON’S CRY is written by Ann Cleeves. It is the 2nd title in her new ‘Two Rivers’ series. The ‘Two Rivers’ series introduces Matthew Venn, a detective in England’s North Devon area.
Ann Cleeves needs no introduction. She is a brilliant, award-winning, best-selling author, best known
The title is rich in very interesting and complex characters, intertwining plot points and a tremendous sense of place. (I love the map at the beginning of the book.)
“ 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.”
I would recommend this and any title of Ms. Cleeves for an excellent reading experience.
Five Stars *****
Ann Cleeves needs no introduction. She is a brilliant, award-winning, best-selling author, best known
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for her Vera Stanhope series and the Shetland (Islands) mystery series featuring Jimmy Perez.The title is rich in very interesting and complex characters, intertwining plot points and a tremendous sense of place. (I love the map at the beginning of the book.)
“ 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.”
I would recommend this and any title of Ms. Cleeves for an excellent reading experience.
Five Stars *****
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LibraryThing member brangwinn
Although this is the second book in the Detective Matthew Venn series, my favorite character is Detective sergeant Jen Rafferty, a single mom who enjoys the more than occasional drink. She’s been invited to a party where she meets Nigel Yeo, a physician who is the director of a patient advocacy
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group. He’s currently looking into the suicide of a young local man. Jen is so drunk, she brushes off the doctor’s questions and feels guilty when he is found dead the next day. Her superior officer is Matthew Venn and they are assigned to the case and another death is added to their case load when a local man is found dead. The investigation leads them to suicide advocacy groups, an unexpected advocate of death by suicide and eventually to the murderer. The characters are complex and while the plot seems a little farfetched, it was an enjoyable mystery. The audio version was well-narrated with voice changes for different characters which really helped. Show Less
LibraryThing member SquirrelHead
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 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.
The story starts with a party in Barnstaple hosted by Jenn's friend Cynthia. The detective
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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.
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This was a great book for the first 85%, but the ending let it down. Various characters were familiar from the first instalment, and they were well-developed here, although I continue to feel it is a good thing that the author tells
Still, I thought this was stronger than the first instalment and look forward to the next.
This was a great book for the first 85%, but the ending let it down. Various characters were familiar from the first instalment, and they were well-developed here, although I continue to feel it is a good thing that the author tells
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us how much Matthew loves Jonathan, since his actions never really show this. The plot was fast-paced and logical until the denouement, which required the murderer to have used incredibly complicated methods. I felt the motivation for the later murders was a little unconvincing.Still, I thought this was stronger than the first instalment and look forward to the next.
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LibraryThing member quondame
Good characters, well paced and with a good sense of place. There was too large a string of red herrings for my taste and a bit too much involvement with one of the detectives with the witness/suspect pool, but that always ups the drama, so it's the done thing these days. But the people are
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generally pretty interesting to read about whether we're inside their heads or not. Show Less
LibraryThing member ccayne
I was disappointed. I'm a fan of Cleeves but I found this book bloated - too much happening and no real focus. I also felt that there was no glimmer of insight which would have led to the ending.
LibraryThing member thornton37814
Following a party at which DS Jen Rafferty had been present, Nigel Yeo, a man who wanted to meet Jen but never approached her at the party, is found dead with a piece of his daughter's glass protruding from his neck. DCI Matthew Venn leads the investigation with the assistance of Jen and the
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immature DC Ross May. The investigation focuses on a circle of Venn's husband Jonathan's artsy friends and acquaintances from the Woodyard. Before solving the case, additional persons become victims. We learn a lot about North Devon Patients Together, the local health trust, an online suicide group, an artist commune in Westacombe, and about the Woodyard. Although Venn is the head of the unit, Jen seems to be the most capable investigator. This installment seemed to lack cohesiveness in its telling. Its flow made it easy to put down. I don't feel the series measures up to the author's Shetland and Vera Stanhope series. I think this installment was probably the author's attempt to draw attention to the need for mental health care reform. Show Less
LibraryThing member Figgles
I'm a great fan of the TV adaptations of Anne Cleves' work (though I can't keep awake through an episode of Vera), and I've read one of her previous books which didn't impress (can't remember which one), so I came to The Heron's Cry with mixed expectations. I found it an enjoyable and interesting
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mystery, with emphasis on character (both police and civilian) and a strong sense of location. Whilst I was engaged with the characters, the resolution of the plot didn't quite convince me, however I enjoyed this enough to seek out "The Long Call" (first book in this series). Show Less
LibraryThing member Carol420
I have read every book in Ann Cleeve's "Vera" series and her "Shetland Island" series more than once and bought all the DVDs in both series. I always thought it would be impossible that anything she wrote would be less than the quality of these two series. I was excited when book #1, The Long Call,
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the first book in the new Two River's series, first came out. New series, new characters to become acquainted with and learn all their little quirks, short comings and likes and dislikes. The book was okay, but the character of Detective Mathew Venn who was supposed to be this series "Vera" was hard to like. He came across as moody and dull...but I was patient with him. He seemed like a bit of a "know it all' and sometimes gave the impression that he was the only capable one on his team. I did like his husband, Jonathan though, and hoped that maybe Jonathan would mellow him. Now we have book #2 in the series. The murder victim and the murder itself was interesting...but, poor Matthew still doesn't have an interesting bone in his body. Perhaps Ms. Cleeves is starting him out slow and plans to develop him more fully as the series goes along. Vera wasn't always the most understanding or likeable character either, but she had personality...and hunky Jimmy Perez was...well he just WAS. I will try book #3 and hope I will be able to hang on long enough for Matthew to "develop". Maybe "interesting" Jonathan can get his own series or join Matthew's team, or better yet take over and let Matthew man the home fires and make the tea. Show Less
LibraryThing member Dokfintong
Good enough and I like Matthew Venn but the plot seems overly contrived.
LibraryThing member celticlady53
I am a fan of Vera and Shetland yet I have not read any of Ann Cleeves' novels, until now. The Heron's Cry is the followup to The Long Call, the Two Rivers series, with Detective Matthew Venn who is tasked with solving the death of Dr. Nigel Yeo. The murder was elaborately staged with the murder
Detective Venn's co-workers DS Jen Rafferty and DC Ross May are pivotal to the solving of the case. Just when you think that you know who did it, another body turns up. The man, Wesley Curnow, also lives at the place where Dr.Yeo's daughter lives and works. He was also stabbed with a glass shard from a work of Eve's.
Dr.Yeo was a director at North Devon Patients Together organization, he was investigating the suicide death of a young man. Could he have gotten too far in his investigation and known why the young man, Alexander 'Mack' Mackenzie supposedly killed himself? As the clues lead the detectives in one direction, more clues come up that send them off in another direction.
Lots of characters and suspects in this story, Eve Yeo, and Jen who spent some time the night before Dr.Yeo was murdered. He had wanted to talk in-depth with Jen but didn't really say what he wanted to talk about. Ross who has some issues of his own at home and Detective Venn, his husband, artsy Jonathan. Then there is Frank Ley, who owns the complex for the artists, a rich philanthropist. On the land is also a farm that John and Sarah and their children live on and run.
There is a Suicide Club that encourages troubled people to commit suicide. Venn and his team must also investigate how this club has to do with his suicide of Mack. How does all this become involved with the murders of Dr.Yeo and Wes?
This second in the series is well written, not a fast read but well worth it. Like I said a lot of characters to keep track of and their motives. North Devon is a small community where everyone knows everyone else but they keep to themselves. So it is a difficult thing to try to solve a series of murders, which Detective Venn and his team have to do and do it fast before there are more deaths.
I do intend to read more by Ann Cleeves, I love how the British tell a murder story! I highly recommend reading this series and anything else you can get your hands on by this author.
I give it 5 stars.
I received a copy for review purposes only.
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weapon being a shard of glass. The glass was from a vase that his daughter, Eve, who is a glassblower had made. Detective Venn's co-workers DS Jen Rafferty and DC Ross May are pivotal to the solving of the case. Just when you think that you know who did it, another body turns up. The man, Wesley Curnow, also lives at the place where Dr.Yeo's daughter lives and works. He was also stabbed with a glass shard from a work of Eve's.
Dr.Yeo was a director at North Devon Patients Together organization, he was investigating the suicide death of a young man. Could he have gotten too far in his investigation and known why the young man, Alexander 'Mack' Mackenzie supposedly killed himself? As the clues lead the detectives in one direction, more clues come up that send them off in another direction.
Lots of characters and suspects in this story, Eve Yeo, and Jen who spent some time the night before Dr.Yeo was murdered. He had wanted to talk in-depth with Jen but didn't really say what he wanted to talk about. Ross who has some issues of his own at home and Detective Venn, his husband, artsy Jonathan. Then there is Frank Ley, who owns the complex for the artists, a rich philanthropist. On the land is also a farm that John and Sarah and their children live on and run.
There is a Suicide Club that encourages troubled people to commit suicide. Venn and his team must also investigate how this club has to do with his suicide of Mack. How does all this become involved with the murders of Dr.Yeo and Wes?
This second in the series is well written, not a fast read but well worth it. Like I said a lot of characters to keep track of and their motives. North Devon is a small community where everyone knows everyone else but they keep to themselves. So it is a difficult thing to try to solve a series of murders, which Detective Venn and his team have to do and do it fast before there are more deaths.
I do intend to read more by Ann Cleeves, I love how the British tell a murder story! I highly recommend reading this series and anything else you can get your hands on by this author.
I give it 5 stars.
I received a copy for review purposes only.
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LibraryThing member gypsysmom
I listened to this book which was well narrated by Jack Holden. This is book two in Cleeves' Two Rivers series which is set in North Devon and stars Matthew Venn as the DI for the area. I like the character of Venn but I would love to know more of his back story about how he met his husband.
Venn
Venn's husband Jonathon seems like a real catch. He gardens, he cooks, he runs a community centre that has theatre and art and yoga and a restaurant. Like I said, I'd really love to know more about how Matthew and Jonathon met and married.
Venn
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and his team are called out to a farm that serves as an artists' colony as well as a working farm. It is owned by Francis Ley who made a fortune in the London financial world and then returned to his parents' home. He rents out rooms and studio space to two artists, Eve Yeo and Wes Curnow. Eve discovered the body of her father, Nigel, in her studio killed by a shard of glass from one of Eve's own works. Nigel Yeo had tried to speak to Venn's sidekick, Jen Rafferty, the night before at a party but Jen was too drunk to hold a serious conversation. Nigel Yeo was a doctor who worked for a watchdog organization and he had been looking into the circumstances behind the death of a young man who was mentally troubled but who had been released by the hospital because they didn't have room and didn't think he was a risk. Could this have been what led to Nigel's death? While still investigating that death Wes Curnow is found murdered in a similar fashion, also by Eve Yeo. On top of this financier Ley commits suicide and his suicide note bears surprising similarities to the suicide Nigel Yeo was investigating. It appears that there is a website group that is encouraging deeply depressed people to commit suicide and perhaps this is connected to the murders. When Eve Yeo goes missing Venn is determined that there will be no more deaths on his watch. Venn's husband Jonathon seems like a real catch. He gardens, he cooks, he runs a community centre that has theatre and art and yoga and a restaurant. Like I said, I'd really love to know more about how Matthew and Jonathon met and married.
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LibraryThing member triscuit
Interesting characters and great evocation of the setting in Devon.
LibraryThing member BarbaraRogers
I thoroughly enjoyed this English Police Procedural with its team of quirky, talented police investigators. There is Detective Inspector Matthew Venn who heads the team and was raised as part of a religious cult. Jen Rafferty, his colleague, is divorced, has two children, and often parties much too
The team is called to the scene of a murder where the victim’s daughter discovered him with a very large piece of art glass through him. The glass was handmade by his daughter. The victim, Mr. Nigel Yeo was a gentle, caring man. So, who would want to murder him? Could it have something to do with his employment in the healthcare system?
It seems the victim had tried to speak with Jen at a party the previous night, but since she had overindulged, he decided not to do so. Was he going to tell her something that led to his murder? It seems they’ll never know.
With more victims, the team becomes more and more perplexed. What are they missing? What has it to do with old suicides?
The case will perplex you and it will keep you guessing throughout. There are many false trails and red herrings to keep you wondering.
One thing I enjoyed was learning more and more about who each member of the team was – especially with straight-laced, uptight Matthew Venn who was raised within the confines of a religious cult before he left as a young man. Matthew firmly compartmentalizes his life between work and personal, but in this book, those lines crossed several times when a number of witnesses and victims were acquainted with his husband Jonathan.
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hard. Ross May, the third member of the team, is married and is the golden boy of their Detective Chief Inspector. They all manage to work and solve crimes together despite their disparate personalities. If you enjoy J.L. Ross’s books, you’ll probably enjoy this series.The team is called to the scene of a murder where the victim’s daughter discovered him with a very large piece of art glass through him. The glass was handmade by his daughter. The victim, Mr. Nigel Yeo was a gentle, caring man. So, who would want to murder him? Could it have something to do with his employment in the healthcare system?
It seems the victim had tried to speak with Jen at a party the previous night, but since she had overindulged, he decided not to do so. Was he going to tell her something that led to his murder? It seems they’ll never know.
With more victims, the team becomes more and more perplexed. What are they missing? What has it to do with old suicides?
The case will perplex you and it will keep you guessing throughout. There are many false trails and red herrings to keep you wondering.
One thing I enjoyed was learning more and more about who each member of the team was – especially with straight-laced, uptight Matthew Venn who was raised within the confines of a religious cult before he left as a young man. Matthew firmly compartmentalizes his life between work and personal, but in this book, those lines crossed several times when a number of witnesses and victims were acquainted with his husband Jonathan.
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LibraryThing member sleahey
The team of Matt, Jen, and Ross try to uncover who and what led to the murder at an artist colony. What makes this enjoyable is the behind the scenes look at Matt's relationships with his husband and mother, Jen's social life, and Ross's work home balance. The second in a series, this stands alone
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effectively. Show Less
Awards
Theakstons Old Peculier Prize (Longlist — 2022)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2021-09-07
ISBN
1509889671 / 9781509889679