‘ITV

During this heatwave we're looking for anything we can to distract us and right now at the top of our list of distractions is a gripping crime drama, and ITV has a seriously underrated thriller drama you may have missed - The Long Call.

Based on Vera writer Ann Cleeves' novel of the same, The Long Call follows detective Matthew Venn who returns to his hometown and finds himself investigating a murder. We all know Ann Cleeves is the undisputed queen of thriller writing and so when we discovered The Long Call it went straight to the top of our watch-list.

Here's everything you need to know about it.

The Long Call is a four-part mini-series based on Ann Cleeves novel of the same name and was released on ITV1 in 2021.

It's led by Matthew Venn (Ben Aldridge) who returns with his husband to his hometown in Devon for the funeral of his religious father. However, when a body is discovered on a beach Matthew finds himself involved in investigating the case that has no witnesses, no forensics and seemingly no motive.

Over the course of the four episodes you can expect sweeping Devon scenery, a haunting soundtrack and lots of small town secrets.

Leading the cast of The Long Call is Ben Aldridge as Matthew Venn, Aldridge is best known for starring in the dramas Our Girl, Fleabag and Pennyworth.

All four episodes of The Long Call are currently streaming for free on ITVX.