The Heron's Cry (Detective Matthew Venn Novel #2)

by Ann Cleeves Narrated by Jack Holden

Overview

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

"Jack Holden demonstrates his full talents in this mystery, bringing the extensive cast of characters in this small and close-knit community in Devon to life with his strong narration." -Audiofile

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

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A USA Today Bestseller!

One of AARP's "26 Works of Fiction to Read this Season"

“[A] well-plotted novel of unremitting suspense.”—Wall Street Journal

"In her follow-up to The Long Call (2019), Cleeves provides 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 (Starred Review)

"Well-crafted... intricate plotting, complex characters, and rich atmosphere... new and existing fans will be pleased."—Publishers Weekly

"A wonderfully engrossing, by-the-book police procedural lush with Agatha Christie-esque atmosphere and intrigue."—Booklist

“The vivid setting in The Heron's Cry casts the terrifying specter of violent death against the backdrop of carefree summer sunshine with maximum effect. The multi-dimensional lead characters have edges and scars—they're not always likable but are ultimately intriguing. A powerful cast of secondary characters are treated with the same compassionate insight.”—Shelf Awareness

Praise for The Long Call:

An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
Winner of the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel
A People Magazine Best Book of Fall 2019
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller!
A Library Journal Best Book of 2019
A September 2019 LibraryReads pick!
A St. Louis Post Dispatch Best Book of 2019
One of Aunt Agatha's Best Books of 2019

"Cleeves's true strength lies in her descriptions of the natural world, gorgeously captured."—New York Times Book Review

"Cleeves' acclaimed Shetland series may be history, but her newest detective—buttoned-up, gay, married, ex-evangelical Matthew Venn—is a righteous successor."—People

"The plotting is complex and intriguing, the location comes alive, and the resolution satisfies... fans of Cleeves lamenting the end of the 'Shetland' series will find much to love in her new characters and setting."—Library Journal (starred)

"Fans missing detective Jimmy Perez (Wild Fire, 2018, etc.) will find a worthy successor in the equally complex Venn, who presides over an excellent mystery in this series kickoff."—Kirkus

"Cleeves makes good use of Devon local color and populates this subtle, expertly paced mystery with distinctive supporting characters."—Publishers Weekly

"As usual with this talented author, the key is relationships, and the murder is an occasion to examine them and then, finally, to expose what rips them apart."—Booklist

"Cleeves' new series is as nuanced, compassionate and compelling as her bestsellers starring two other gifted cops, Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez."—Seattle Times

"Cleeves shows her usual mastery at creating fully fleshed characters, as well as a plot that keeps readers rapt, and ready for the next installment."—Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Long Call . . . is driven by strong characters who are deep, likeable and presented in great detail. Cleeves is also adept in providing a good sense of place. Although the story is rife with twists and surprises, the end comes together nicely."—The Missourian

"Matthew is immediately engaging. So, especially, is Jonathan, and so are Matthew's two sidekicks, colorful single mother Jen and straitlaced and ambitious Ross."—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"As a huge fan of both the Shetland and Vera series of books, I had high expectations for Cleeves’ latest. She easily exceeded those expectations with The Long Call. Matthew Venn is a keeper. A stunning debut for Cleeves’ latest crimefighter."—David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author

SEPTEMBER 2021 - AudioFile

The violent murder of an all-round good citizen brings DI Matthew Venn and his team in to investigate, and soon they have two murders on their hands. Jack Holden demonstrates his full talents in this mystery, bringing the extensive cast of characters in this small and close-knit community in Devon to life with his strong narration. This is particularly apparent as he seamlessly moves between a variety of British regional accents in many of the dialogue scenes. Holden’s characterizations of both the male and female characters are strong, and he creates a likable and believable pair in the DI and his husband. His spot-on timing helps keep the story moving toward its surprising end, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable listen. K.J.P. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173277503
Publisher:	Macmillan Audio
Publication date:	09/07/2021
Series:	Matthew Venn Series , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	662,113

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