The Heron's Cry: Now a major ITV series starring Ben Aldridge as Detective Matthew Venn

The Long Call is a popular ITV series starring Ben Aldridge, while The Herons Cry is the second novel in Ann Cleeves Two Rivers series. It follows Detective Matthew Venn, who is called out to a rural crime scene at the home of a group of artists, where he finds an elaborately staged murder. The novel is praised for its clever, compassionate, and atmospheric plot and for Cleeves' ability to evoke a sense of place.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Now a major ITV series, The Long Call, starring Ben Aldridge, is a thrilling crime drama that has captivated audiences nationwide. The series, based on the best-selling novel by Ann Cleeves, follows Detective Matthew Venn, a brilliant and dedicated officer who is called out to investigate a series of murders that take place in a picturesque coastal town in North Devon.

The first murder victim is Dr. Nigel Yeo, a beloved public servant and father of a young daughter named Eve. The murder weapon is a shard of one of Eve's broken vases, which adds an element of intrigue to the case. However, as Matthew delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers that Dr. Yeo was not the only victim, and another body is found killed in a similar manner.

What makes this case particularly challenging for Matthew is the fact that Eve is a close friend of his husband, Jonathan. As he unravels the lies that fester at the heart of his community, Matthew finds himself treading carefully through a case that is dangerously close to home. The atmosphere in the town is tense, and the locals are reluctant to cooperate with the police, making Matthew's job even more difficult.

As the investigation progresses, Matthew discovers that there are many suspects and motives behind the murders. He must navigate through a web of lies, secrets, and betrayals to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. Along the way, Matthew forms an unlikely alliance with a local artist named Sophie, who has her own secrets and motivations.

The Long Call is a masterfully crafted crime drama that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and drama. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intricate and compelling. The series is shot in stunning locations, and the cinematography adds to the overall atmosphere of the show.

One of the standout features of The Long Call is the character of Detective Matthew Venn. Ben Aldridge brings depth and complexity to the role, making Matthew a relatable and compelling protagonist. Aldridge's performance is nuanced and layered, and he brings a sense of authenticity to the character that makes him a standout among the cast.

Another notable aspect of the series is the writing. Ann Cleeves is a master of crime fiction, and her writing is masterful and evocative. The series combines a flair for evoking sense of place with a thoughtful, complex plot that keeps the audience engaged and guessing until the very end.

The Long Call has received critical acclaim since its premiere. The series has been praised for its well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and stunning cinematography. It has been compared to other classic crime dramas such as Inspector Morse and The Sopranos, and has been praised for its ability to keep the audience guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, The Long Call is a must-watch for fans of crime drama. The series is a thrilling and compelling exploration of mystery, suspense, and drama, and it features a standout performance by Ben Aldridge as Detective Matthew Venn. With its well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and stunning cinematography, The Long Call is sure to captivate audiences nationwide.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509889709