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.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I was so excited to see this one appear on my shelf. The Two Rivera series was my first foray into Ann Cleeves’ work and each one has been a delight. I love the world she’s created here and how the focus isn’t really on only one detective, although I do love Matthew Venn and his reserved demeanor, trying to figure out how to be part of a community. Parts of this mystery were convoluted but overall this was another solid addition to the series!

The Raging Storm

About 4 years I decided to try a book by Ann Cleeves based liking the Shetland TV series which was based on a series of her books. The book I tried was the first of her Two Rivers series featuring Detective Matthew Venn. Since then, I have read the second of this series as well as several from the Shetland and Vera novels.

This is the third of the Two Rivers series and is titled “The Raging Storm”. I thank Netgalley for the chance to read this before publication.

Based on my experience, when you read an Ann Cleeves novel, you can be sure it will be a great mystery, the characters will be well developed, and you will feel a strong sense of the location. In this book the sense of place was very strong. It takes place in a remote sea-side village inhabited by many Brethren, a religious community which Venn fled many years ago

I think that although the author gives sufficient background to understand the characters from previous books, the reader may have a better appreciation of some key characters if they had read earlier books in the series (especially “The Long Call”).

That said, I have sometimes read a book in the later part of a series which I enjoy and then had the pleasure of reading earlier books and seeing how the main characters developed.

I liked this book a lot and highly recommend it. The book is scheduled to be released on September 5 so you have a while to look forward to it and maybe read the earlier books.

Enjoyable mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed the characters and scenery. Highly recommend this series.

#TheRagingStorm #NetGalley #AnnCleeves #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPress
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''COMING SEPTEMBER 5,2023""""""""""""""""""""""""
How exciting to receive an advanced reader's copy of this book from NetGalley and #St. Martin'sPress, that I requested! I am never disappointed in an Ann Cleeves novel and this one is not an exception.
The third in the Two Rivers series, The Raging Storm, is a character driven book with some who are intense, others who are self-possessed and secure in the knowledge they are better than almost anyone else, and some who are hopeful...but a murderer lurks within this eclectic group. Dark, dramatic characters in a cold, and forbidding setting ramp up the suspense in this atmospheric tale as only Ann Cleeves can do. Slowly the threads are wound until all is revealed. I loved the journey and wish it was autumn already as that weather perfectly suits this read.
When friends are reunited after a long absence, some with fortunes , some now without---truths are revealed, and lives are changed forever. I recommend this book and series to all who enjoy British mystery/suspense, beautiful prose, and human psychological disorders.
Thank you for a chance to read this, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

I always eagerly await the Ann Cleeves novel, because I know I'm in for a compelling tale, with richly drawn characters. But my favorite aspect of her writing has to be her description of place--no one does a better job of describing the landscape so that you feel like you are right there with the characters.

Her latest book, The Raging Storm, does not disappoint! The latest entry in her series featuring Detective Inspector Matthew Venn takes us to an isolated village that Venn visited as a child. He is called in to investigate the murder of a former resident who's now a famous adventurer, and who returned to the village under mysterious circumstances.

Although I wouldn't describe the book as a page-turner, the suspense is cleverly drawn out, and the characters are fascinating and multi-dimensional. One of the most fascinating aspects of Venn's character is his relationship to the religious sect he grew up in, and that is featured here, as several members of the village are members of the group. Definitely recommend to fans of Cleeves' previous work as well as Louise Penny fans and anyone who enjoys a well-written and thoughtful mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A solid mystery, but the Two Rivers series still lacks strong characters. It's hard not to compare it [unfavorably] to the Vera Stanhope series which moves at a noticeably faster pace featuring unique strong reoccurring characters. Matthew Venn and his team seem so flat and impersonal that I found myself far more invested in the victims and suspects. Detective Venn is a very insular character and I can see his personality in glimpses but he still comes across as... well... as boring.

As in previous books, this a mystery with SO MANY different people interacting - it's easy to confuse who's who as the plot gets twisting about. And it is a lovely twisty mystery with loads of clues, red herrings, and suspects! Even the location feels like a character in its own right. The isolation, the violent rain, even the chill to the weather, added so much texture to the plot. I was pleasantly surprised at the reveal (always happy when I can't figure it out 'who-dun-it') yet the solution made sense and fit in with the story. Ann Cleeves is truly gifted in devising puzzling mysteries and The Raging Storm is no exception.

The Raging Storm, by Ann Cleeves is murder mystery set in the small rural town of Graystone.
Where the epicenter of the village revolves around the local Maiden’s Prayer bar and the local yacht club.
The multiple characters are all well written and mostly engaging. There is little to no profanity used in the telling of the story.
Which is something I appreciate. There are no sexual scenes, just innuendo, which is refreshing.
I got impatient with the storyline dragging on too long with discussions of who done it and how.
The Raging Storm gives us the whole thought process of finding out what, who, and how in this storm of chaos.
I had guessed the ending before the finish of book, but the thought process of the guilty parties in the why they did it was enlightening.
The Raging Storm gets 3 stars from me, because I could never get involved in the storyline and care about the characters.

#TheRagingStorm
#AnnCleeves
#NetGalley

Thank you to #StMartinsPress, #MinotaurBooks, and #NetGalley for providing this #ARC Advance Reading Copy. Expected publication date is September 5, 2023.

This is the third in the Cleeve’s Two Rivers series. I wish I had read first two so they are now firmly planted in my TBR list. The good folk of Greystone, Devon, are thrilled to welcome famous adventurer, Jem Rosco, into their mists. A ferocious gale arrives on the same evening as Rosco and the next day his dead body is found in a dinghy, moored off Scully Cove. Enter Detective Inspector Matthew Venn and company.