Cleeves' first new series in twenty years promises to be just as good as her other long-running series. DI Matthew Venn emerges as a unique character, and like Jimmy and Vera, he is an excellent detective.
Raised in a strict evangelical church, Venn left the church and his family when his doubts became too much. His rejection of their beliefs resulted in rejection by his family, but Matthew still feels the tentacles of the church and his past.
He never expected to return to North Devon, but his husband Jonathan is committed to the community center he manages. Matthew's marriage to another man creates another black mark against him for the fundamentalist community in which he was raised.
The book opens with Matthew outside the church where his father's funeral is taking place; he knows his presence would not be appreciated. As he is leaving, he receives a call about a body on the beach. As you may expect, the murder may have connections to the church.
A full complement of interesting characters and a complex plot that illustrates the destructive path a cover-up to protect a reputation can take.
An excellent beginning to Cleeves' new series.
Read in April; blog review scheduled for Aug. 18.
NetGalley/St. Martin's Press
Police Procedural. Sept. 3, 2019. Print length: 384 pages.
I've not read any of her series; and this new one sounds very promising. :)
ReplyDeleteI like all of Ann Cleeves' books! And while I will miss the Jimmy Perez series, I look forward to more Vera Stanhope and Matthew Venn.
DeleteAnd I got your postcard yesterday!
I've got this one on my list to read before long. Love the fact that she will have a new series. I've read all the Vera books and not even one of the Jimmy Perez series. However, I've watched several seasons of the TV adaptation. This new character and storyline sound winning. I look forward to it.
ReplyDeleteIs it hot enough for you these days? We've just returned from a trip to the NM mountains - they were cool and lovely - Central Texas is boiling. Have a good week!
I haven't watched any of the TV adaptations of Vera or Jimmy Perez, but love both book series. I love curmudgeonly Vera and hope for more of Matthew Venn. :)
DeleteIt is too hot! We've had higher temperatures in the past, but the excessive humidity has made the heat index temps hotter than ever before. I know you enjoyed the relief of the NM mountains! :)
I've fallen behind on the Jimmy Perez series and still haven't checked out Vera's books. Now another series! Looking forward to this one and actually am going to recommend this to my book group!
ReplyDeleteThe last Jimmy Perez was very good, but it was sad to know there would be no more. Vera is quite a character and the plots are excellent. Hope you like the new series, Iliana!
DeleteAnn Cleeves is one of those names I've seen in bookstores so often that I always feel surprised when I realize that I've never actually read one of her books. Sounds like I need finally to do something about that.
ReplyDeleteOh, she's good, Sam. You should give Vera or Jimmy Perez a try. You won't have to wait for the next installment on either--always nice to have a series where you don't have to wait a year for each new book.
DeleteAh, sounds good, lucky you :) I wanted this one but didn't receive it. I read the first 3 of the Jimmy Perez series. Haven't read the Vera books but will look for this title when I can get it. The region she writes about in her books makes you feel like you are there.
ReplyDeleteCleeves does have a talent for making her settings and characters feel genuine. Vera--older, overweight, unattractive, bossy, sarcastic, drinks too much--is one of the characters who might be hard to get along with in real life, but who you can't help but admire for her intelligence, intuition, and courage.
DeleteI've read the first four in the Jimmy Perez series and while it is sad to see a favorite go, I am actually glad Cleeves is doing it and going out on top. I think that is better than letting the series run on too long and as a reader, seeing the quality sometimes diminish as a result.
ReplyDeleteTrue. It may be sad to say goodbye to a favorite series, but sometimes it is best.
DeleteI just finished reading this last week and really liked it. I love the way she describes the landscapes in all her books and makes them integral parts of her stories.
ReplyDeleteShe's taken a bit of a different approach in this new series, and I'm looking forward to the next one. Jimmy Perez, Vera Stanhope, and now Matthew Venn--all have something about them that sets them apart and the locations are all more than just backdrop.
DeleteI haven't yet read her stuff., but I'd like to start I think.
ReplyDeleteCleeves has a talent for creating vivid characters and her plots are excellent!
DeleteI am glad Ann Cleeves new series has gotten off to a good start.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I enjoy all of her characters and the way the secondary characters add to the MC's personality. :)
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