1 / 4The Dying Light: Two Rivers Book 4 by Ann Cleeves
Book Cleeves: The Dying Light is the fourth Two Rivers novel, bringing Detective Matthew Venn back to investigate a young woman’s death at a North Devon holiday home and the disappearance of her friend. The mystery centres on a politically connected family, a music festival and secrets within a tense local community.
At a glance
- Detective Matthew Venn investigates a death at Tide House, a holiday property in North Devon.
- The missing friend, a music festival and scrutiny of a rising political family feed into the case.
- The listing identifies this as the fourth book in the Two Rivers series.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The premise combines a puzzling death with a missing-person case and a community setting full of secrets.
- At 400 pages, the listing gives buyers a clear indication of the book’s stated print length.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Series and volume | Two Rivers Book 4 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Macmillan |
| Publication date | 20 October 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 400 pages |
| Reading age | 18 years and up |
| ISBN-10 | 1529077796 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1529077797 |
| Weight listed | 600 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.2 x 3.5 x 24.5 cm |
What to know before buying
- The listed publication date is 20 October 2026. Confirm the release timing and edition details before ordering if these are important to you. The supplied details do not specify a format.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers following Detective Matthew Venn and the Two Rivers series.
- Crime-fiction readers drawn to community mysteries, missing-person cases and politically connected characters.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a standalone story without series context. This is identified as Book 4.

Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
64% 64% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights the writing, character development and an engrossing plot that readers say keeps them guessing. For readers considering this fourth Matthew Venn mystery, those reported strengths may suit a preference for character-led crime fiction, though the feedback does not establish how this specific plot will land for every reader.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as well-written and engrossing.
- Feedback praises the plot and character development.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Dying Light part of a series?
Yes. The listing identifies it as Two Rivers Book 4, featuring Detective Matthew Venn.
What is the mystery about?
Venn investigates a young woman found dead in the pool of a North Devon holiday home while her best friend is missing. The case draws attention to the property’s politically prominent owners and a nearby music festival.
How long is the listed book?
The listing gives a print length of 400 pages.
When is the listed publication date?
The product details give 20 October 2026. Check the selected edition’s listing for current release information.

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