⚡Book Review⚡

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVE Ann Cleeves! Her mysteries are some of my favorites and this book did not disappoint. This is the third book in the Matt Venn series, but I think it reads like a standalone. This story is fast paced, and I really enjoyed it the whole way through including the ending. It really kept me turning the pages.

If you like crime fiction, unreliable witnesses, and clues to unravel, then you will enjoy this book.

Publication date: September 5, 2023

On a stormy night, in a small pub in North Devon, Jem Rosco blows in as if he never left. He visits the pub regularly-- until he doesn't.

Rosco was the youngest person to sail around the world single-handed. His adventures seemed to be on TV all the time. These days he's not forgotten exactly , just not thought of very often. Suddenly, he's dead.

Inspector Matthew Venn is a quiet, efficient man who likes to get to the bottom of a mystery. His parents raised him within a strict religious sect, one in which Matthew no longer participates.

Ann Cleeves' characters generally seem like people from any small town-- believable and troubled by problems that real people would have.

In this case though, one of them-- at least-- has a secret. Inspector Venn can't imagine which of them is angry enough to kill.

This is the third volume in the Matthew Venn series and I've enjoyed each one. Thank you to Net Galley for letting me read this Advance Reader's Copy.

I decided to push through and finish this novel, and I am sure glad I did. Although I had initially felt the book was slow paced, I was proved wrong with Cleeves' ability to mix blend an atmosphere of mystery and profound imagery. I could envision every setting with her clear descriptions and loved her use of "describe not tell" the reader what was happening. This book was a winner if you have read the other parts of the series, and if not, I suggest you catch up quick.

Another home run from Cleeves. I enjoy the quiet, reserved character of Matthew Venn and his relationships with the police team and suspects.

Review of The Raging Storm, by Ann Cleeves

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

Ann Cleeves has done it again! Her third novel with her newest police detective, Matthew Venn, is a clever, complex, yet compassionate exploration of crime in an ordinary setting. From his location in Southwest England, Venn joins Cleeves’ other long series featuring Vera Stanhope, in Northwest England, and Jimmy Perez, in the Shetlands, all working in isolated and insular communities, where newcomers arrive, but old bonds remain and old wounds fester.

Matthew Venn is a quiet but complicated man. Brought up in a Christian community called the Barum Brethren, he has left the rigid religious percepts of that group, where his mother still is involved. As a gay man, he has found some happiness with his husband, but the limited experiences of his childhood and his guilt about abandoning the Brethren, together with his still not readily accepted sexuality, have made him distant and unsure in his relationships with his colleagues.

The current mystery revolves around the murder of a sailing celebrity, who unexpectedly returns to his small village after many years, and is killed a few weeks later. Venn must dig into the victim’s shadowed past, and deal with the current lives of those who knew him. Vulnerable to his own preconceptions and assumptions about people, he almost misses important connections that finally lead to a suspenseful and successful conclusion.

This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but it benefits from having the background and insight that come from its earlier companions in the “Two River Series,” beginning with The Long Call and The Heron’s Cry. This novel ends with a hint of future issues to be explored in Matthew’s life, and I look forward to more in this absorbing series.

Once again Ann Cleeves weaves her magic in a book that grips the reader from the beginning and holds them throughout, capturing the natural beauty of the Devon coast at its deadly best.

The quiet village of Greystone is abuzz when the sailing legend Jem Rosco shows up and tells everyone he is there to meet someone, but he won't say who that someone is--adding to the gossip surrounding him. When Rosco's naked body is later found in a dinghy anchored in a cove during a raging storm, Matthew Venn and his team are called in to solve the mysterious death.

Just as Rosco had ties to the area, so does Matthew Venn. Greystone has a large contingent of the religious cult he was raised in and he has old connections to some of the residents as well. Viewed suspiciously by the residents and coldly by the cult, Venn works to establish trust with both factions to try and solve this case. When another death occurs that is deemed suspicious, the race is on to find the killer.

I admit that Cleeves' old Shetland Island series and her current Vera Stanhope series are among my favorite reads. I also admit that I wasn't completely sold on her Matthew Venn series when it first started, but I'm happy to find that Matthew is growing on me. In this outing, we get more background on Venn and the circumstances of his upbringing. Having renounced the religious cult and then being thrown back into it to solve the murders shows how adept Venn is at dealing with all sorts of people.

The plot and characters in this book are complex and the writing is excellent with enough twists and red herrings to keep the reader engaged. Once again, another engrossing police procedural by Cleeves.

Although this is the third book in the Mtthew Venn series, it reads like a standalone. The story takes place in North Devon, England, an area known for its dramatic coastline. This is Matthew Venn's hometown. Called to investigate the murder of a famous sailor and adventurer, Venn interacts with many of the town's residents, some of whom are members of a strict religious community, The Brethren. Matthew had been a member of this group in his youth. Truth, lies, and superstition make Venn's investigation difficult.

This is an intricately plotted, character-driven police procedural. The atmosphere drew me in at the beginning of the book and I was captivated until the surprising end. I just purchased the first book in this series so I can read more of Matthew Venn and his team.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book. The comments expressed are my own.

The body of a famous adventurer and sailor is discovered in an anchored boat in Scully Cove off the North Devon coast of Greystone. Found by the local lifeboat crew after receiving an anonymous call during a raging storm, it looks like the murder of returned local hero Jem Rosco was staged, but for what reason? And for whose benefit? Det. Matthew Venn and his team are called in to investigate the death, but with a sense of foreboding as the storm worsens, they find themselves trapped in the gloomy village full of possible suspects, none seemingly too keen to help with their investigation. The Raging Storm is a very atmospheric yet character driven novel. In this book, as in the previous ones in the Venn series, we learn more about the main character Matthew Venn, his inner thoughts and insecurities, his relationships with his partner Jonathan, his mother and his subordinates, Jen and Ross. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I would like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's/Minotaur for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
I thoroughly enjoy Ann Cleeves' mysteries and this one is no exception. If it's been a year or more between the last book and the next in a series, I often forget how the last one ended, so although this is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone without getting lost. You really have to pay attention with this one. It's more thoughtful rather than action driven. You can almost see the wheels turning in Matthew Venn's mind as the story unwinds. The setting is its own character here - which I love - and the descriptions make you feel like you're there with them. I like the direction this series is taking. Highly recommend.

Jem Roscoe is a celebrity of sorts, so when he comes to this small town, the town he grew up in, named Greystone and is eventually found dead, it is a monumental happening. Scully Cove, the place where Jem was found, has a reputation as well, so when Jen's body is found there in a dinghy it sets the town ablaze with rumor and innuendo.

Detective Inspector Matthew Venn, is on the case, a returnee to the town that holds superstitions and secrets. A second body is found and Venn realizes that in this mysterious town, no one is safe.

Teaming up with his partner they try to solve the case while handling a crew of mysterious people including a religious group called The Brethren. With the atmosphere of the sea, it all blends into a very mysterious and somewhat eerie background.

Ann Cleeves gives much definition to her characters, the setting, and of course inspires us with great details, but you have to pay attention, careful to witness the clues she lets trickle out.

I enjoyed this atmospheric, murder mystery, and wish to thank Ann Cleeves, Macmillan Audio, narration by Jack Holden, and NetGalley for the ability to listen to this tale due out this September. I was able to listen and read this story.

This is probably my favorite in this series! It was such a pleasure to come back to this cast of characters, and to meet new faces that were just as interesting and well-fleshed out as the ones introduced in earlier books. This was another well-plotted, well-paced, engaging mystery, which I read all in one big greedy gulp. Kudos to Ann Cleeves for another fantastic tale.

I enjoyed "The Raging Storm," by Ann Cleeves--the third in her "Two Rivers" series but the first that I have read. DI Matthew Venn finds himself drawn back to Devon and the religious community he grew up in when the stabbed-to-death body of a famous sailor and adventurer, Jem Rosco, turns up in a dinghy anchored off the town of Greystone. As a storm howls around them, Matthew and his team--Jen Rafferty and Ross May--try to piece together Rosco's past and his movements in Greystone, an insular village whose guarded residents are not keen to be embroiled in an investigation. When another body is discovered, however, Venn and his team must race against the clock to solve the crimes before the murderer strikes again.

Matthew Venn is not a character that I immediately warmed to, but he certainly intrigued me, and although "The Raging Storm" works perfectly well as a stand alone title, it did make me want to go back and get to know Matthew Venn and his team better through the earlier books. As she did with both her Shetland and Vera Stanhope series, Cleeves makes the rugged Devon seaside setting of "The Raging Storm" come alive not only with skillful descriptions of the natural surroundings and the tides, but also with thumbnail portraits of the townsfolk and of the village pub and houses--she has a real eye for a telling detail. I'm sure I'll be on board for the next Matthew Venn book.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in return for my honest review.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Ann Cleeves' 'The Raging Storm.'

I very much enjoyed the 'Shetland' TV series based on Ann Cleves' Jimmy Perez character but had never actually read one of her books before receiving the ARC of 'The Raging Storm.'

She's clearly a very fine storyteller with the ability to bring the reader along with the twists and turns of this murder-mystery set in a less salubrious part of England's North Devon coast. Local lad made good returns home on a mysterious mission when his body turns up dead. Uptight ex-Christian fundamentalist cult member has to face former cult-mates (is that a word), childhood memories, and locals in trying to uncover the mysteries of this small, closed village.

I didn't realize it was part of the 'Detective Matthew Venn Series' but I don't think you miss too much in not knowing the full back story of the recurring characters though I don't know if it will have spoiled by reading of the earlier installments.

Vivid descriptions of the village, sea and landscapes, and well done characters make this an enjoyable read.

As an avid reader with a well-established reading routine, I recently stumbled upon a literary gem that has left a profound impact on me. "The Mystery Writer" by Sulari Gentill possesses qualities reminiscent of the brilliant works of Agatha Christie, and I found myself utterly captivated from start to finish.

What struck me most about this book was the clever interplay of a familiar "deja-vu" feeling, as the plot brilliantly weaves contemporary issues of violence into its narrative. Sulari Gentill displays an exceptional talent for crafting a storyline that not only keeps the reader on the edge of their seat but also prompts introspection about present-day challenges.

The suspense in "The Mystery Writer" is masterfully constructed, creating a sense of urgency that intensifies with each turn of the page. The author expertly weaves a web of intrigue that draws ever tighter around the main characters, leaving readers both enthralled and eager to unravel the mysteries entwined in the tale.

I sincerely hope that Sulari Gentill will consider sharing her expertise on plot development in a conference. I would be genuinely interested in attending such an event to gain insights from a mind that has woven such a compelling and engaging narrative.

While "The Mystery Writer" is presented as a standalone, I cannot help but hope for a follow-up. This novel has earned me the title of a true fan, a description I seldom use, but this time, I wear it proudly. I am keen on following Sulari Gentill's future works and will wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking exceptional storytelling.

In a world where understanding and questioning current events are crucial, authors like Sulari Gentill play a vital role. "The Mystery Writer" serves as an exceptional vehicle for fostering communication, exploring the realm of fiction, and highlighting the significance of intricate plot development.

I want to clarify that all opinions expressed here are solely my own, and I take pride in recommending "The Mystery Writer" as a captivating and thought-provoking read. Thank you to Sulari Gentill for this remarkable piece of literature that has left a lasting impact on me as a reader.#TheRagingStorm #NetGalley

One of the more interesting aspects of the Cleeves’ new protagonist, Matthew Venn, is his religious upbringing that he is continually forced to face when he moves back to his home area. In this latest book, the murder Matthew is investigating takes place in a town dominated by the Brethren group and one he had fond memories from visits during his childhood. In fact, these memories turn out to be a major clue. The closeness of the community and the trouble this brings for in-comers is as atmospheric as the storms on the sea.

The Raging Storm by Anna Cleeves
A Matthew Venn mystery
A bleak area of the English coastline seems to breed a hardy but bleak town. A body has been found in a dinghy off the coast - he is the local celebrity/prodigal son who has been in town for about a month. The crime scene is his rental home so why did they transport him off the coast? But didn’t throw the murder weapon in the sea so it was easily found - very strange. Matthew and his team have their work cut out for them to find the killer.
A very well written mystery, the characters really come to life. Matthew seems rather morose but you can’t help but like him and hope he succeeds. Look forward to reading more of this series.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

If you love a deviously complicated mystery set in an atmospheric English village on a remote coast, this is the book for you. Ann Cleeve's remarkable new series stars police detective Matthew Vera who travels to an uncomfortably familiar town on the coast of Devon. Vera thought he'd left the village of Greystone behind after spending his childhood in the home of the Brethern, the religious community where he was raised, Now he's drawn back by the grisley murder of a local celebrity, Jem Rosco, whose come back from his worldwide travels for a mysterious rendezvous only to turn up murdered in the midst of a raging storm after a false SOS brings out the local emergency recue team. In the course of his investigation, Vera is reunited with a number of the town's interesting characters as he strives to find out who killed Rosco. Nothing is as it seems in the small village that time seems to have forgotten. The final solution reveals twists and turns that keep Vera -- and the reader -- guessing all along.

This is third in the Matthew Venn series. It is difficult to read a book without reading the other books in the series. The back stories of the main characters are referred to …but is difficult to fill in the missing pieces with out knowing their previous stories. That being said, I felt the story development plodding and slow. I may have appreciated the book more if I had read the other books. Thanks to net galley for providing me with this arc for an honest review.

Matthew Venn and his team are summoned to a remote coastal village where the body of a once famous sailor is found. The village is a tightknit community and no one is giving up information. Clouding Venn's thoughts are memories of attending a wonderful picnic there as a child, happy and carefree. But now the area is wracked by storms, a miasma of sadness, and all Venn and his team want to do is solve the murder and leave. Why was the victim there and who had it in for him? This is a delectable mystery that reinforces the idea that the past is never past.

I’ve read the three books in Ann Cleeves Two River series and while this isn’t my favorite — that would be The Heron’s Cry — I did enjoy this very much.

I think mysteries are either plot-focused or location-focused and this one is definitely the latter. I can really picture the setting and the locals which really paints the picture of the mystery. I also enjoy how you get a glimpse of the interior life of each character, from the slightly tightly wound Detective Venn, to the the ambition Ross May and the slightly out of sync Jen.

There are lots of characters of keep track of solid shoe leather detective work. I had no idea who the killer was and enjoyed the reveal and explanation at the end. If you’re looking for a cozy, slow burn mystery with good character development this is for you.