The Heron's Cry: A Detective Matthew Venn Novel: 2

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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 Eve is a close friend of Jonathan, his husband. 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. In this second book in 'The Two Rivers' series, Detective Inspector Matthew Venn investigates murders in an artsy community in North Devon. The book can be read as a standalone. Another sweltering month in Charlotte, another boatload of mysteries past and present for overworked, overstressed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. A vicious murderer is out there to haunt the peace of small town. Matthew and his team has long way to connect the dots and make sure bring the safety to his community.

DI Matthew Venn and his entire team have a difficult task ahead trying to solve these murders and unearthing the lies in the community. This is a case that presents problems personally as Matthews husband, Jonathan, is good friends with Dr. Yeo’s daughter. I want to thank the publisher "St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone! She shrugged. ‘That’s what I thought he meant. But it was a party. I’d had a few drinks. You know what it’s like…’ Yeah,’ Jen said. ‘Sure.’ She thought he might be suggesting a date and was flattered, almost excited, but it seemed he had something more formal in mind.His daughter, Eve, is in the kitchen. If you’ve been here before, you’ll know where it is. Go and take an initial statement, while things are still fresh in her mind.’

MY THOUGHTS: It has been said that Ann Cleeves is a master of her craft, and I am not going to disagree. She paints fluent pictures of her characters and their environs, drawing the reader into their dramas. He wanted to talk to you professionally?’ The workshop door was still open and they were standing just inside. Matthew had turned towards Jen. Matthew and Ross were standing in the yard, suited and booted like the CSIs, but recognizable, even in their paper suits and masks. Matthew was upright, almost military in stature, and his eyes were as grey as granite. Ross May was as skinny as a whippet and fidgeted like a child. She joined them, took a suit for herself, and while she was climbing into it, spoke to Venn. Cleeves paints not only vivid pictures of the actual residents of North Devon, she also gives the reader insights into their feelings and fears.

and a married couple named Sarah and John Grieve, who manage Ley's farm and run a small dairy. Ley is friendly with his tenants, and occasionally invites them to his home for drinks. Cleeves makes good use of Devon local color and populates this subtle, expertly paced mystery with distinctive supporting characters."— Publishers Weekly I enjoyed see Matthew’s fight to separate his personal life with his job, trying to make peace with his past, tolerating her mother, learning to forgive her as Jenn struggle to form her personal life, friendships, paying more attention to her kids and ass-kisser Ross chasing the opportunities to climb the career ladder by being more irritating at each chapter. Had me hooked . . . a promising beginning to another fine chapter in the Ann Cleeves’ story’ – The Times