The Long Call - (Matthew Venn) by Ann Cleeves (Paperback)

About the Book

"In North Devon, where two rivers converge and run into the sea, Detective Matthew Venn stands outside the church as his estranged father's funeral takes place. On 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 to the people and places of his past, as deadly secrets hidden at their hearts are revealed, and his new life is forced into a collision course with the world he thought he'd left behind."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
NOW A BRITBOX SERIOUS STARRING BEN ALDRIDGE AND PEARL MACKIE

The Long Call from Ann Cleeves--bestselling and award-winning author of the Vera and Shetland series, both of which are hit TV shows--introduces the first in a gripping new series, told with deep compassion and searing insight.

"In Matthew Venn, Ann has created a complex, daring, subtle character." --Louise Penny

"Matthew Venn is a keeper. A stunning debut for Cleeves' latest crimefighter."--David Baldacci

In North Devon, where two rivers converge and run into the sea, Detective Matthew Venn stands outside the church as his estranged father's funeral takes place. On 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 to the people and places of his past, as deadly secrets hidden at their hearts are revealed, and his new life is forced into a collision course with the world he thought he'd left behind.

Review Quotes

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

"Brilliant, thoughtful and deeply engaging."--Sara Paretsky, New York Times bestselling author of the V.I. Warshawski series

"Ann Cleeves is a phenomenal talent. With unfailing skill, gorgeous setting, flawless plot and seamless voice, she brilliantly conjures new worlds in crime fiction. Her instantly iconic Detective Matthew Venn is a treasure--and we will all follow him anywhere."--Hank Phillippi Ryan, Nationally bestselling and award-winning author of The Murder List

About the Author

ANN CLEEVES is the multi-million copy bestselling author behind three hit television series--Shetland, starring Douglas Henshall, Vera, starring Academy Award Nominee Brenda Blethyn, and The Long Call, starring Ben Aldridge--all of which are watched and loved in the United States. All three are available on BritBox.

The first Shetland novel, Raven Black, won the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger for best crime novel, and Ann was awarded the CWA Diamond Dagger in 2017. She was awarded the OBE in 2022 for services to reading and libraries. Ann lives in the United Kingdom.