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l_heart's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Murder
staceyinthesticks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
drannieg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Pregnancy
gmamartha's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Suicide and Murder
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Gore, Homophobia, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
minniepauline's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, and Murder
magpi3's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Religious bigotry and Toxic friendship
quollologist'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? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
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