The Heron's Cry

A USA Today Bestseller!

One of AARP's 26 Works of Fiction to Read this Season

"[A] well-plotted novel of unremitting suspense."--Wall Street Journal

In her follow-up to The Long Call (2019), Cleeves provides a complex mystery full of surprises. This character-driven exploration of people's darkest flaws is a sterling example of Cleeves' formidable talents.--Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

Well-crafted... intricate plotting, complex characters, and rich atmosphere... new and existing fans will be pleased.--Publishers Weekly

A wonderfully engrossing, by-the-book police procedural lush with Agatha Christie-esque atmosphere and intrigue.--Booklist

"The vivid setting in The Heron's Cry casts the terrifying specter of violent death against the backdrop of carefree summer sunshine with maximum effect. The multi-dimensional lead characters have edges and scars--they're not always likable but are ultimately intriguing. A powerful cast of secondary characters are treated with the same compassionate insight."--Shelf Awareness

Praise for The Long Call:

An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
Winner of the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel
A People Magazine Best Book of Fall 2019
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller!
A Library Journal Best Book of 2019
A September 2019 LibraryReads pick!
A St. Louis Post Dispatch Best Book of 2019
One of Aunt Agatha's Best Books of 2019

Cleeves's true strength lies in her descriptions of the natural world, gorgeously captured.--New York Times Book Review

Cleeves' acclaimed Shetland series may be history, but her newest detective--buttoned-up, gay, married, ex-evangelical Matthew Venn--is a righteous successor.--People

The plotting is complex and intriguing, the location comes alive, and the resolution satisfies... fans of Cleeves lamenting the end of the 'Shetland' series will find much to love in her new characters and setting.--Library Journal (starred)

Fans missing detective Jimmy Perez (Wild Fire, 2018, etc.) will find a worthy successor in the equally complex Venn, who presides over an excellent mystery in this series kickoff.--Kirkus

Cleeves makes good use of Devon local color and populates this subtle, expertly paced mystery with distinctive supporting characters.--Publishers Weekly

As usual with this talented author, the key is relationships, and the murder is an occasion to examine them and then, finally, to expose what rips them apart.--Booklist

Cleeves' new series is as nuanced, compassionate and compelling as her bestsellers starring two other gifted cops, Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez.--Seattle Times

Cleeves shows her usual mastery at creating fully fleshed characters, as well as a plot that keeps readers rapt, and ready for the next installment.--Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Long Call . . . is driven by strong characters who are deep, likeable and presented in great detail. Cleeves is also adept in providing a good sense of place. Although the story is rife with twists and surprises, the end comes together nicely.--The Missourian

Matthew is immediately engaging. So, especially, is Jonathan, and so are Matthew's two sidekicks, colorful single mother Jen and straitlaced and ambitious Ross.--St. Louis Post-Dispatch

As a huge fan of both the Shetland and Vera series of books, I had high expectations for Cleeves' latest. She easily exceeded those expectations with The Long Call. Matthew Venn is a keeper. A stunning debut for Cleeves' latest crimefighter.--David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author