Anne Cleeves is a legendary crime fiction writer, the stories never dry, the plot never lacks, the twists and turns are unexpected and the characters feel so natural. Every story reels you in, in unexpected ways, and leaves you with such realistic and raw understandings of people and characters. There is a way Cleeves writes that not only pays great attention to the surroundings but great attention to all people, to the good, bad, the ugly. They feel so effortless on the page, their reactions, the way they respond- their motivations and who they are feels so clear- but with such little effort. The way they dress, the way they walk, the things they say, their nights in and the things they think about the suspects. It’s all so simple, yet complicated and conflicting.

This clear cut way of writing, especially from the eyes of the detectives. Leads to a clear cut but slowly unravelling story where secrets are the priced possession of all who hear them. This mystery introduces a new series: the two river, a new detective and a new team. Which I absolutely ADORE. Matthew is an amazing detective and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading, deep, thoughtful, tactful. His past and history is incredibly intriguing, difficult and also so naturally integrated into the tale as he understands himself in the new age. Not the mention how excited I was to see him with a male partner! Finally! Some queer rep (via a detective) in prominent and well-read crime fiction literature. I really enjoyed this series and it was perhaps my favourite so far, I just found it so easy to read and so digestible. With such complex narrative that felt like a road in discovery.

This is perhaps some of Anne Cleeves best work as she is furthering her craft as she has come into her own in her first few novels and now, honing her amazement and skill. I really recommend for anyone wanting to start some good crime fiction to begin with Vera but to find their way to two rivers. It was a fantastic novel and it also comes with a tv series, which is always a lot of fun to watch and compare!