"The Long Call" by Ann Cleeves is an mystery story that kept me turning pages until a satisfying ending. As a big fan of a good cozy mystery book, I was pleased at the change of pace this more serious story. It kept me engaged throughout and at the last, unable to put it down until the murder was solved.
There are many characters that Ms. Cleeves draws upon to make up the tapestry of the story, the place was one of those characters. It is both beautiful and desolate on the beach England where a stranger has been murdered. The search for a killer introduces us to the strange mix of people that you would find in any community anywhere. There are artists, retirees, religious zealots, those of privilege, and those who work hard or live on the fringes of the norm. Somehow, all of these people are connected by a man they don't even know, by his life and his death.
There are many twists and turns on they way to discovery of the killer. With characters that you don't normally encounter in a mystery tale their intersections are curious and interesting. I have to disclose that the people and place in the story are not often happy with their lot, everyone has something going on under cover just as happens in real life. Still, the book gives some sense of hope and surprise.
I recommend this read. It's especially fitting for a snowy day in front of the fire.
(Book received as a preview copy courtesy of Net Galley (netgalley.com))
