Ann Cleeves' New Mystery: Secrets in The Dying Light

British mystery author Ann Cleeves is releasing her latest Matthew Venn detective novel, The Dying Light, on September 29. Set in Devon, England, this installment follows Detective Inspector Venn as he investigates the suspicious death of a young woman during a severe heatwave. The case involves a missing friend, a disruptive folk music festival, and incendiary social media posts, all within the context of a wealthy family and a rising political star.

The novel is inspired by a striking image of a body in a swimming pool and delves into themes of wealth, privilege, and the corrosive effects of power. Cleeves herself considers it her favorite Venn book, highlighting the evolving relationship between Matthew and his husband, Jonathan. The book is already receiving praise from fellow mystery writers, with Richard Osman calling Cleeves' work incredible. Cleeves' previous works have inspired successful television series such as Shetland and Vera.