The Heron's Cry

As a huge fan of both the Shetland and Vera series of books, I had high expectations for Cleeves’ latest. Matthew Venn is a keeper. A stunning debut for Cleeves’ latest crimefighter – David Baldacci, author of The 6:20 Man, on The Long CallHad me hooked — a promising beginning to another fine chapter in the Ann Cleeves story – The Times on The Long CallClever, compassionate and atmospheric, with a great cast of new characters to love. I am already a Matthew Venn fan – Elly Griffiths, author of the Ruth Galloway series, on The Long CallA triumph that cements Cleeves’ status as one of Britain’s best crime writers - Daily Express – Daily Express on The Long CallBrilliant, thoughtful and deeply engaging – Sara Paretsky, New York Times bestselling author of the V.I. Warshawski series, on The Long CallAnn Cleeves’ new series gets off to a terrific start with The Long Call – her native Devon is wonderfully evoked, and Matthew Venn is a very appealing new detective. Another sure-fire hit - – Martin Edwards, author of Gallows Court, on The Long CallCleeves combines a flair for evoking sense of place with a thoughtful, complex plot - – Mail on Sunday on The Long CallThe troubled Venn is a great protagonist, and Cleeves may well have created her next top TV cop – Heat Magazine on The Long CallA traditional mystery of the best sort – The Guardian on The Long CallEvocative and gripping – an absolute triumph – Daily Mirror on The Long Call

Ann Cleeves is the author of more than thirty-five critically acclaimed novels, and in 2017 was awarded the highest accolade in crime writing, the CWA Diamond Dagger. She is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who can be found on television in ITV’s Vera, BBC One’s Shetland and ITV’s The Long Call respectively. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide.

Ann worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook and auxiliary coastguard before she started writing. She is a member of ‘Murder Squad’, working with other British northern writers to promote crime fiction. Ann also spends her time advocating for reading to improve health and wellbeing and supporting access to books. In 2021 her Reading for Wellbeing project launched with local authorities across the North East. She lives in Northumberland where the Vera books are set.