Read Ann Cleeves Matthew Venn Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 18, 2026

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Ann Cleeves has long been celebrated as one of the foremost voices in contemporary crime fiction, renowned for her sharp characterization, atmospheric settings, and intricate plotting. Among her diverse array of series, the Matthew Venn novels stand out as a particularly compelling exploration of crime, morality, and the human condition. Set in the windswept, often stark landscapes of the North of England, these books follow Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Venn, a deeply complex protagonist who navigates the murky boundaries between justice and personal ethics. Unlike procedural crime novels that focus solely on the mechanics of investigation, Cleeves’ Matthew Venn series delves into the psychological, social, and moral textures of crime, creating a reading experience that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.

List Of Ann Cleeves Matthew Venn Books In Order

More On Ann Cleeves Matthew Venn Books In Chronological Order

1. The Long Call (2019)

In *The Long Call*, we meet Matthew Venn, a detective who’s just returned to his hometown of Barum after leaving the evangelical community he grew up in. Venn is still processing his past while trying to prove himself in the present, and when a man is found murdered near a secluded coastal retreat, Venn is pulled into an investigation full of hidden secrets. The case is complicated by the tight-knit community, and Matthew’s own personal struggles with his relationships, his past, and his identity. The atmosphere is chilling, and Cleeves does an amazing job blending personal dilemmas with a gripping mystery.

2. The Heron’s Cry (2021)

In *The Heron’s Cry*, Matthew Venn is back in action, and this time, things are a bit more complicated. The book opens with the death of a renowned artist, and Venn must untangle the web of relationships surrounding the victim. As the case progresses, secrets of the local community are revealed, and once again, Matthew is forced to confront his own personal demons. This book deepens our understanding of Venn as a character, showing more of his vulnerabilities and complexities, while still delivering a solid, twisting mystery. The interactions between Venn and his team add layers to the plot and bring in a bit of humanity among the darker moments.

3. The Raging Storm (2022)

Now, with *The Raging Storm*, the tension is really turned up! A murder at a luxury hotel during a stormy weekend throws Matthew Venn into a whirlwind of drama and secrets. The hotel’s guests are all suspects, each one with a connection to the crime, and as Matthew digs deeper, he uncovers buried truths about the lives they’ve been trying to keep hidden. This is a tense, atmospheric novel that really keeps you on the edge of your seat, with plenty of twists that will leave you guessing until the very end. And of course, we see more of Venn’s team as they navigate not only the case, but also the personal challenges they’re facing.

Background On Ann Cleeves Matthew Venn Books

The Matthew Venn series is a relatively recent addition to Ann Cleeves’ body of work, which includes the globally acclaimed Shetland and Vera series. While those earlier series focus on specific communities-the isolated Shetland Islands and the industrial landscapes of Northumberland, respectively-Matthew Venn is characterized by a more personal, introspective approach to crime storytelling. Venn himself is not just a detective; he is a character wrestling with existential questions, familial tensions, and the weight of his own moral compass.

Cleeves’ choice to anchor the series in Northern England provides a richly textured backdrop for the stories. The region’s rugged landscapes, industrial towns, and tight-knit communities are not just settings-they are active participants in the narrative, shaping the crimes, the investigation, and the lives of the people involved. Themes of loyalty, secrecy, and the long shadows of past events recur throughout the books, creating a series that feels both realistic and hauntingly immersive.

Reading Order Explained

For new readers, understanding the reading order of the Matthew Venn series is essential to fully appreciate the development of character arcs and narrative threads. While each book features a standalone case, recurring characters and ongoing personal storylines make it highly rewarding to read the series in publication order. Starting with the first book allows readers to witness Venn’s evolution as a detective and as a human being navigating his moral dilemmas. Subsequent novels build on prior events, revealing deeper layers of Venn’s psyche, his relationships with colleagues, and the cumulative effect of confronting crime over time.

Publication order is as follows (as of the latest releases):

1. The Long Call – Introduces Matthew Venn, exploring his methods, motivations, and the personal history that shapes his approach to policing.
2. The Heron’s Cry – Expands on Venn’s character while presenting a case that challenges both his investigative skills and ethical boundaries.
3. The Travel Writer – Explores new thematic territory while continuing to develop long-term character relationships.
4. The Locked Room – Brings greater intensity and stakes, intertwining past and present narratives in a complex but rewarding story structure.

While readers can technically pick up any book, following the sequence above ensures that character development and thematic subtleties are fully appreciated.

What I Like About The Series?

What makes the Matthew Venn series particularly compelling is its careful balance between intricate plotting and deep character exploration. Matthew Venn is a detective who feels real-flawed, introspective, and at times morally ambiguous. Cleeves’ writing captures not just the procedural aspects of crime-solving but also the psychological weight of the work. You don’t just follow Venn solving crimes; you experience the tension, the ethical dilemmas, and the quiet moments of reflection that make him human.

Cleeves’ prose is another highlight. Her descriptions of the Northern English setting are vivid without being overwrought, evoking mood and atmosphere with subtle elegance. She also excels at constructing suspense, weaving multiple narrative threads that converge in ways that feel both surprising and inevitable. Unlike formulaic crime novels, these books challenge the reader to consider broader questions about justice, guilt, and the impact of societal pressures on individual choices.

Should You Read Ann Cleeves Matthew Venn Books In Order?

Yes, reading the Matthew Venn books in order is highly recommended. While each story can stand alone in terms of its central mystery, the character development, thematic resonance, and narrative continuity are most satisfying when experienced sequentially. Reading out of order risks missing the gradual evolution of Venn’s relationships, the subtle recurring motifs, and the layered storytelling that builds across the series. Furthermore, certain plot points and character decisions carry more emotional weight when you understand the context of previous events, making the reading experience richer and more immersive.