Ann Cleeves is an award-winning author of international best sellers. For fans of Vera and Jimmy Perez this will be a ‘must read’. In The Long Call she introduces us to a different setting and a new lead detective, Mathew Venn. As with her other novels, the setting becomes part of, and integral to, the story.

We heard Ann Cleeves speak in Penarth, at a Griffin Books Literary event, and felt privileged to be among the first audience groups to learn about the first story of her new series. As with her other works, the location is a vibrant and essential element, deeply affecting characters and plot. She told us how, for this series, she drew on childhood memories of growing up in Devon.

The Long Call begins with a body on the beach and introduces us to Matthew Venn. Matthew has been ostracised from his family and community of the Brethren. His husband, Jonathan, runs the Woodyard Centre which is connected, in some way, to many of the characters and the dead man. Matthew has to tread a fine line as his personal interests could lead his investigation into jeopardy.

With red herrings and numerous twists and turns, this story will keep you reading and thinking into the early hours. It brings the various threads together as it races towards an unexpected conclusion.

The Long Call is published by Pan Macmillan. Ann Cleeves has written over thirty crime novels, as well as works in other genres, notably ghost stories.