Our December book:
In The Long Call, Ann Cleeves introduces us to Detective Matthew Venn, a thoughtful and introspective investigator who returns to his roots in North Devon. Matthew grew up in a conservative religious community from which he has long felt estranged, a community that shunned him after he questioned his faith and chose to live openly as a gay man. Now, he’s back in Barnstaple with his husband, Jonathan, who works at the local Woodyard center—a hub for arts and social services where people from all walks of life gather.
The story kicks off with the discovery of a body on the beach near Matthew’s home. The victim, Simon Walden, is found with a stab wound to his neck, and no apparent motive or suspects initially arise. As Venn dives deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a complex web of secrets and connections within the community that challenge his sense of loyalty and belonging.
The case is tied closely to the Woodyard, linking various characters, including a troubled artist, vulnerable adults, and individuals with ties to Matthew’s past. One of the central figures is Lucy Braddick, a young woman with Down syndrome who attends programs at the Woodyard and who seems to be hiding something critical to the investigation. Her caregiver, Maurice, is also mysteriously involved, complicating matters as Matthew and his team work to understand everyone’s role in the crime.
Cleeves expertly explores themes of identity, belonging, and redemption through her characters, especially Matthew. He’s a unique protagonist in the detective genre—reserved, sensitive, and haunted by his complex family history. The relationships Matthew forms and the struggles he faces in reconnecting with his estranged family highlight the cost of personal convictions and the desire to forge a life of authenticity.
The setting of North Devon itself is almost a character, with its rugged coastline and quiet towns. Cleeves uses the landscape to underscore the emotional distance and isolation felt by many characters, including Matthew, who finds himself torn between his past and present. The atmosphere is rich, enhancing the story’s melancholy undertones and creating a sense of quiet tension.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the murder has layers far beyond a straightforward crime. The journey to uncover Simon’s killer takes Matthew through his past, forcing him to confront painful memories and unresolved issues from his former life in the church. The resolution of the case brings shocking revelations, and Matthew finds himself re-evaluating both his relationships and his role within the community.
In The Long Call, Cleeves sets up a promising series featuring Matthew Venn, a complex detective whose inner life and past trauma make him a compelling character in the British crime genre. The book is both a procedural and a character-driven novel, with its themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and resilience providing plenty of material for discussion.
We are always looking for new members for our monthly book club. If you would like to join Books and Bakes then why not pop along to our next meeting. If you have read this book, add your comment below.
