The Long Call

DI Matthew Venn has been called out to the beach where a body has been found by a dog walker.  The police constable first on the scene discovered that the man had been stabbed.  Waiting for him at the scene are DS Jen Rafferty and DC Ross May.

A couple of days later a woman with Down syndrome is reported missing.  Venn is sure that there is a possible connection to the missing man.  He now has two investigations on his hands.

Jen has a key handed to her that belonged to the dead man.  Ross is able to find an address where had previously lived.  Along with Venn, they go to the address, only to discover that it has been turned over by someone in search of something.  Could it have been money the man supposedly had?

Speaking to a lawyer who the dead man had consulted, Venn learns that he had sent them a massive cheque for safe keeping.  Why would he have done that?  Are more vulnerable women going to be in danger?

Author Ann Cleeves has begun an new series with Venn and his team.  The first murder mystery is compelling and concludes with a few surprises.  A very good read from this prolific author.