The Long Call (Two Rivers #1) by Ann Cleeves

The Long Call

(Two Rivers #1)

by Ann Cleeves

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published September 3rd 2019 by Minotaur Books

Goodreads synopsis:

For the first time in 20 years, Ann Cleeves—international bestselling and award-winning author of the Vera and Shetland series, both of which are hit TV shows—embarks on a gripping new series.

In North Devon, where two rivers converge and run into the sea, Detective Matthew Venn stands outside the church as his father’s funeral takes place. Once loved and cherished, the day Matthew left the strict evangelical community he grew up in, he lost his family too.

Now, as he turns and walks away again, he receives a call from one of his team. A body has been found on the beach nearby: a man with a tattoo of an albatross on his neck, stabbed to death.

The case calls Matthew back into the community he thought he had left behind, as deadly secrets hidden at its heart are revealed, and his past and present collide.

An astonishing new novel told with compassion and searing insight, The Long Call will captivate fans of Vera and Shetland, as well as new readers.

***

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the Two Rivers series by Ann Cleeves.

This book is surprisingly complex in not only plot but characterization. The characters are unique and not the type you usually see in detective fiction. I found that refreshing. The main character was a complex man with a troubled past. His most current case led him back to his hometown and forced him to interact with a mother who didn’t approve of his lifestyle. Detective Matthew Venn was married to a man who runs a program where a couple of gals with Downs Syndrome disappear during the course of the book.

I was just as intrigued with the mystery and whodunit as I was with Detective Matthew Venn himself. He was compassionate and had a great deal of morals. He is not the person you expect in the beginning. He is not the stereotypical detective. I felt for him as he was shunned by his mother who was an extremely religious woman. The faith she so clung to would be tested during this book. I am always amazed when religious people turn other people away from the faith. It seems to be the exact opposite of what they should do and stand for.

This is the beginning of a new series and I foresee that Cleeves will have much success with it. I have not read other books by her but she was definitely be on my must read list from now on.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.