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rebeccai's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Suicide, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
lisaarnsdorf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Murder
what_heather_loves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'I've never heard one call', Matthew said.
'That's like you too then. Silent. I' m never quite sure what you're thinking.'
Matthew didn't know what to say. He wanted to tell Jonathan that he lived him just the way he was, but it would have sounded trite..."
Back in North Devon for book 2 of the Three Rivers DI Matthew Venn series sees more rural drama. The brutal death of a popular man, an unlikely victim, sees Venn and his team digging into local suicides, fraught relationships and the benefits and disbenefits of incomers. Living on a commune of sorts with a farming family and creatives, the plot explores how a controversial local businessman and philanthropist chooses to spend his money and whether it's viewed as benevolent paternalism or controlling gentrification. All handled calmly by considered and reliable Venn, who is very likeable. His outgoing husband Jonathan and detectives Ross and Jen are recurring characters whose home lives are also explored.
Solidly set in its rural location, the coastal nature, it's wildlife, language, customs and culture, along with its summer time-frame, make for a relaxing read. A 'traditional mystery of the best sort' (The Guardian), it reminds me how much I enjoy series novels, as opposed to thrillers: a well-set, rural police procedural with equally well-drawn recurring and new characters. It's not gruesome, but neither is it cosy, with plenty of secrets and mystery - it feels familarily and reassuringly British and, most importantly, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Will be loved by fans of the author, as well as fans of Elly Griffiths and LJ Ross.
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
edilund's review against another edition
Graphic: Suicide and Murder
ellie_remlap's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
katewhite77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Great disability and queer representation gripping story diverse cast of characters great sense of place but save it for when you are feeling good as dark topics around mental illness are explored here.
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Minor: Addiction
linguisticali's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Suicide and Murder
ellipalmer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Herons Cry was nothing groundbreaking but it was engaging and got me out of an audiobook slump so it served it's purpose well.
Graphic: Suicide
bibliofilens_boghjoerne's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Suicide
angelfireeast24's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, and Classism
Minor: Cursing