Before reading this, I’d only watched the TV shows based on Ann Cleeves’ books, so I came in curious how the written version would compare. It delivered exactly what I hoped: a comfort British mystery told from the perspective of the detectives working the case.

Just like the shows, I enjoyed the comfortable pacing — intelligent but easy to follow, with the mystery unfolding in a satisfying, steady way. The characters are enjoyable to spend time with, and the story wraps up in a way that leaves you content.

If you love a cozy, well-crafted British detective mystery, this one’s a treat.

Another excellent read from Ann Cleeves. Main Character Matthew Venn is complex and the story line is well developed and believable. Ann Cleeves’ novels are always captivating and draw the reader into both the story line and the character development. This one does not disappoint. If readers have not jumped on board with the Matthew Vine series, they need to! Enjoy.

The author keeps the reader on their toes with trying to identify who is responsible for deaths of two young teenager girls. A small seaside summer community is dealing with these deaths . An assortment of characters and events all have some insight on why these two girls have died . An anxious but patient detective with his rookie assistants manage to solve these crimes through questioning and understanding that patience and due diligence will produce results. The book is mundane but the author’s ability is she is able to create an interesting cast of characters who all may be the culprits in this crime. A shocking and sad ending .

I could not stop reading this book, I love the characters and could imagine the scenic countryside near the water. I was surprised by the ending, Matthew Venn is a berry smart detective as is Ann Cleeves!! Well done!! Thank you for this arc, I really enjoyed reading this book!!

Two teen aged girls on the verge of the rest of their lives are dead. One drowned in a pool and the other struck down by a rock. One the daughter of an up and coming MP. The other a bright but spoiled nepo baby. When Matthew is called to the scene, Hannah’s parents have just arrived at their vacation home to find the body of her friend Lottie in the pool. He must first sort through all the moving parts including a music festival both attended and the local folk with whom they interacted before the tragedies.

On the sidelines is an American couple whom, at first, appear to be unrelated to any of the investigation. Matthew and his team soon learn they may be at the heart of it if not the perpetrators. The three families share a sad tale. Until they are all willing to reveal their part of the mystery, the deaths will be unsolved.

I so enjoy Ann Cleeves because while there is a lot going on in the major plot of the book, there is also a whole lot going on behind the scenes. This time one subplot involves Matthew’s husband’s search for his birth mother. Venn is torn between his dedication to his professional duty and his personal duty to the man he loves. As usual, the blend of stories makes for a more satisfying and compelling read. The book could be a standalone but I find the richness of the characters is enhanced when you have followed them throughout other stories.

Five purrs and two paws up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Dying Light", [Two Rivers #4], the latest Matthew Venn mystery by Ann Cleeves. I really do love this series, and I enjoy all of the regular characters.

DI Matthew Venn and his team are called in when the body of a young girl is found in the swimming pool of a luxury holiday home owned by a noted politician. Is this merely an accident, or murder? And then, a second body is found, and it becomes more clear that this is something out of the ordinary.

One girl, the politician's daughter; one girl, a wannabe social media influencer. And secrets. Secrets abound. And it's up to the detectives to unravel just what happened to end these young lives.

And at the same time, Matthew's husband, Jonathan, has decided to seek out and contact his birth mother - with surprising results.

Love this series, as I said, and highly recommend. You don't have to have read the other three books in the series, but do yourselves a favour.