What do you think?
Rate this book
Washington Poe #4.5
The Cutting Season
Poe's just hanging around on a Saturday afternoon...
Dangling from a hook in a meat packing plant isn't how Detective Sergeant Washington Poe wants to spend his weekend. He's been punched and kicked and threatened, and when a contract killer arrives it seems things are about to go from bad to worse. He goes by the name of the Pale Man and he and his straight-edged razor have been feared all over London for twenty years.
But Poe knows two things the Pale Man doesn't. Although it might seem like a hopeless situation, Poe has planned to be here all along. More importantly, a nerdy, computer whizz-kid called Tilly Bradshaw is watching his back. And now things are about to get interesting . . .
Dangling from a hook in a meat packing plant isn't how Detective Sergeant Washington Poe wants to spend his weekend. He's been punched and kicked and threatened, and when a contract killer arrives it seems things are about to go from bad to worse. He goes by the name of the Pale Man and he and his straight-edged razor have been feared all over London for twenty years.
But Poe knows two things the Pale Man doesn't. Although it might seem like a hopeless situation, Poe has planned to be here all along. More importantly, a nerdy, computer whizz-kid called Tilly Bradshaw is watching his back. And now things are about to get interesting . . .
131 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2022
131 people are currently reading
1480 people want to read
About the author
M.W. Craven
48 books2,823 followersM. W. Craven was born in Carlisle but grew up in Newcastle, running away to join the army at the tender age of sixteen. He spent the next ten years travelling the world having fun, leaving in 1995 to complete a degree in social work with specialisms in criminology and substance misuse. Thirty-one years after leaving Cumbria, he returned to take up a probation officer position in Whitehaven, eventually working his way up to chief officer grade. Sixteen years later he took the plunge, accepted redundancy and became a full-time author. He now has entirely different motivations for trying to get inside the minds of criminals . . .
M. W. Craven is married and lives in Carlisle with his wife, Joanne. When he isn’t out with his springer spaniel, or talking nonsense in the pub, he can usually be found at punk gigs and writing festivals up and down the country.
M. W. Craven is married and lives in Carlisle with his wife, Joanne. When he isn’t out with his springer spaniel, or talking nonsense in the pub, he can usually be found at punk gigs and writing festivals up and down the country.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
April 17, 2022
4.5 stars This short 105-page novella marks the most welcome return of the gruff, obnoxious loner, Detective Sergeant Washington Poe and the nerdy, socially awkward, highly skillful computer genius, Tilly Bradshaw. They have a unique friendship and work for the Serious Crime Analysis branch (SCAS) of the National Crime Agency (NCA), and their department usually investigates complex serial killer cases. This short story contains a complete plot with all the humour, gore, and witty dialogue found in Craven's longer novels. As chief investigator with SCAS, Poe is in conflict with the Organized Crime Department. They feel he is intruding into their territory.
Members of the criminal Hole in the Wall gang have beaten Poe and have him hanging from a meathook in a sausage factory. He has been threatened with being made into sausage and fed to pigs.
Of course, he is concerned with his predicament, but he knows brilliant hacker, Tilly, has his back. But is it enough? Poe doesn't know that the police department is using him to draw out an elusive contract killer, The Pale Man, who tortures and kills victims with a sharp razor. The NCA also hoped Poe could elicit information about a mole in their midst.
This was a short but effective filler to help pass the time while waiting for the next Poe/Tilly full-length thriller, The Botanist, scheduled for publication on June 2.
Members of the criminal Hole in the Wall gang have beaten Poe and have him hanging from a meathook in a sausage factory. He has been threatened with being made into sausage and fed to pigs.
Of course, he is concerned with his predicament, but he knows brilliant hacker, Tilly, has his back. But is it enough? Poe doesn't know that the police department is using him to draw out an elusive contract killer, The Pale Man, who tortures and kills victims with a sharp razor. The NCA also hoped Poe could elicit information about a mole in their midst.
This was a short but effective filler to help pass the time while waiting for the next Poe/Tilly full-length thriller, The Botanist, scheduled for publication on June 2.
October 12, 2024
This was a VERY good read.
The book tells us about Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw solving a murder case in a very illegal way, but very effective. The story is full of humour and interesting facts.
It was published under the Quick Reeds Reading Agency agenda. It is not a very short story, but has only 105 pages and is BRILLIANT.
If you are looking for a good thriller and some fun, this is the right book for you.
The book tells us about Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw solving a murder case in a very illegal way, but very effective. The story is full of humour and interesting facts.
It was published under the Quick Reeds Reading Agency agenda. It is not a very short story, but has only 105 pages and is BRILLIANT.
If you are looking for a good thriller and some fun, this is the right book for you.
April 21, 2022
Detective Sargeant Washington Poe is being held by members of the Hole in the Wall Gang, not just held but hanging from a meat hook in a sausage factory and assaulted by one of the gang members. Of course the story is much more convoluted than that.
This novella featuring Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw is very entertaining but includes some violence and gore as well as humour, similar to what I remember from the one book that I read in the Washington Poe series. As promised, it was a "quick read" and my one gripe would be that the dialogue seemed quite stilted where people talked without using contractions which always bothers me since it sounds so unnatural, like "I have seen worse ..." and "It is somewhere to start.". However, reading this has spurred me into getting back to the series! Also, I don't understand the title and its connection to the story but once again I'm impressed by the titling of each chapter, short as they are!
I purchased a copy of this Quick Read for my Kindle at amazon.ca.
This novella featuring Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw is very entertaining but includes some violence and gore as well as humour, similar to what I remember from the one book that I read in the Washington Poe series. As promised, it was a "quick read" and my one gripe would be that the dialogue seemed quite stilted where people talked without using contractions which always bothers me since it sounds so unnatural, like "I have seen worse ..." and "It is somewhere to start.". However, reading this has spurred me into getting back to the series! Also, I don't understand the title and its connection to the story but once again I'm impressed by the titling of each chapter, short as they are!
I purchased a copy of this Quick Read for my Kindle at amazon.ca.
August 22, 2025
Português
É fascinante mergulhar nas aventuras de Poe e Tilly. Corajosos e incansáveis, enfrentam o perigo sem hesitar, movidos por um único propósito: alcançar a justiça. À medida que esta breve narrativa se desenrola, fui tomada por um turbilhão de emoções — um conflito interno inevitável.
English
It’s such a thrill to dive into the stories of Poe and Tilly. Fearless in the face of danger, they pursue only one thing: justice. As this short tale unfolded, I found myself torn—conflicted in ways I hadn’t expected.
É fascinante mergulhar nas aventuras de Poe e Tilly. Corajosos e incansáveis, enfrentam o perigo sem hesitar, movidos por um único propósito: alcançar a justiça. À medida que esta breve narrativa se desenrola, fui tomada por um turbilhão de emoções — um conflito interno inevitável.
English
It’s such a thrill to dive into the stories of Poe and Tilly. Fearless in the face of danger, they pursue only one thing: justice. As this short tale unfolded, I found myself torn—conflicted in ways I hadn’t expected.
April 25, 2022
A long-time fan of M.W. Craven and all that he has written, I was drawn to this novella that serves as a series teaser before the next full-length book arrives. Craven’s Washington Poe series is addictive and alluring, which makes reading anything with this cast of characters just as great. This short piece does not have the same pizzazz as the rest of the series, but does well to remind readers of the two main protagonists and how well they work together; those being Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw. One, a DS in the National Crime Agency; the other, a quirky, tech-savvy woman who appears able to help in the oddest ways.
DS Washington Poe enjoys his team within the National Crime Agency, particularly when they can help chase down some of England’s worst serial killers. Working alongside Poe is a civilian who has been contracted to help, one Tilly Bradshaw. Tilly is very... unique, yet her skills are some of the best in the world. Her factoid knowledge is amazing and she always seems to have different ways to squeeze answers out of people, which makes Poe’s job a lot smoother.
When they body of a man is found tied to a chair, with only superficial injuries, it baffles Poe and his team, However, the ‘pound of flesh’ is soon revealed to have been part of a piece of retribution related to another crime. An apparent suicide by train may be more than it first seems, leading Poe and Bradshaw to dig a little deeper.
In doing so, Poe puts himself out there to get answers and winds up in the hands of a criminal enterprise, trying to convince them to reveal the truth behind the murder and apparent suicide. What follows is a quirky (yet to be expected) roll out of events at the hands of M.W. Craven’s brilliant mind.
While I usually go on for a few paragraphs about a book, I wanted to be brief, as Craven was with this story. The premise is great and I enjoyed a little teaser when it comes to waiting for a full novel. The short chapters had me reading this in one evening and I do not regret it. I did feel, however, as though Craven did not put the full effort into the depth and delivery of this piece. It seemed almost rushed and superficial, as though it was penned by a middle schooler who wanted to tell a lot without giving too much detail. While I enjoyed it, for sure, I hoped for more in the same number of pages. Great writing, wonderful characters, and a lot going on... but give me the depth Craven does in full novels (not length, but grip me by the collar and chill me to the bone)!
Kudos, Mr. Craven, on reminding me why Poe and Bradshaw make such a great pair!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
DS Washington Poe enjoys his team within the National Crime Agency, particularly when they can help chase down some of England’s worst serial killers. Working alongside Poe is a civilian who has been contracted to help, one Tilly Bradshaw. Tilly is very... unique, yet her skills are some of the best in the world. Her factoid knowledge is amazing and she always seems to have different ways to squeeze answers out of people, which makes Poe’s job a lot smoother.
When they body of a man is found tied to a chair, with only superficial injuries, it baffles Poe and his team, However, the ‘pound of flesh’ is soon revealed to have been part of a piece of retribution related to another crime. An apparent suicide by train may be more than it first seems, leading Poe and Bradshaw to dig a little deeper.
In doing so, Poe puts himself out there to get answers and winds up in the hands of a criminal enterprise, trying to convince them to reveal the truth behind the murder and apparent suicide. What follows is a quirky (yet to be expected) roll out of events at the hands of M.W. Craven’s brilliant mind.
While I usually go on for a few paragraphs about a book, I wanted to be brief, as Craven was with this story. The premise is great and I enjoyed a little teaser when it comes to waiting for a full novel. The short chapters had me reading this in one evening and I do not regret it. I did feel, however, as though Craven did not put the full effort into the depth and delivery of this piece. It seemed almost rushed and superficial, as though it was penned by a middle schooler who wanted to tell a lot without giving too much detail. While I enjoyed it, for sure, I hoped for more in the same number of pages. Great writing, wonderful characters, and a lot going on... but give me the depth Craven does in full novels (not length, but grip me by the collar and chill me to the bone)!
Kudos, Mr. Craven, on reminding me why Poe and Bradshaw make such a great pair!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 23, 2022
This is a short read in the Washington Poe series by author M.W Craven. I love this series and it is impossible for the author to keep up with my desire to read more of Washington Poe. A Goodread friend recommended this series to me a while ago and what an excellent suggestion that was, the characters of Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are compulsive reading.
The strength of these two characters together with clever plots make this series a must read for me. Washington Poe is a disgraced policeman who doesn’t hold back and with the socially inept Tilly Bradshaw form a fascinating partnership. Tilly is a genius has lived a very sheltered life and along with the the uncompromising Poe form not only a great crime duo but also really enjoyable reads.
Washington Poe finds himself dangling from a meat hook in a meat packing plant. A contract killer known as the Pale Man has Washington Poe in an uncompromising position and his life severely threatened. What seems like an hopeless might be saved by the fact that Poe had this exact situation planned all along. Washington Poe’s trusty partner Tilly Bradshaw is watching his back and his life is in her hands.
Great read as always but I want more.
The strength of these two characters together with clever plots make this series a must read for me. Washington Poe is a disgraced policeman who doesn’t hold back and with the socially inept Tilly Bradshaw form a fascinating partnership. Tilly is a genius has lived a very sheltered life and along with the the uncompromising Poe form not only a great crime duo but also really enjoyable reads.
Washington Poe finds himself dangling from a meat hook in a meat packing plant. A contract killer known as the Pale Man has Washington Poe in an uncompromising position and his life severely threatened. What seems like an hopeless might be saved by the fact that Poe had this exact situation planned all along. Washington Poe’s trusty partner Tilly Bradshaw is watching his back and his life is in her hands.
Great read as always but I want more.
September 23, 2022
Another ingenious instalment of Poe & Tilly, by this brilliant author.
This short story was fun and very entertaining.
I loved the humour and the plot.
I can hardly wait for the sixth book of this series.
This short story was fun and very entertaining.
I loved the humour and the plot.
I can hardly wait for the sixth book of this series.
May 1, 2022
A novella of approximately 100 pages around the Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw team. I love the full novels but was not very impressed with the previous short stories and extremely disappointed with this. The quirky relationship between the two main characters is the icing on the cake of the longer novels, but seems to be presented as the cake itself here. The plot line, too, is a little absurd. The twosome prove that Tilly could easily wipe out the whole of organized crime unless they do something, and that deal seems totally ridiculous. Sad! I recommend waiting for the next full length novel.
February 5, 2024
Always happy to read a Poe adventure. This novella although short was extremely good, complex and satisfying. We know and loved the characters so when they investigate a brutal murder I immediately knew Poe was going to find out who did it in an unconventional way of course always involving Tilly. Not only Craven gave us a very intricate plot, he also presented us with a subplot that this reader was not expecting. Great novella!
September 19, 2024
This is a short novella of 130 pages introducing Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw in the quick read format. I love this series and duo, and yes, the story was not as multi layered as normal, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. It serves its purpose to get reluctant readers reading, and if it introduces readers to the joy of Poe and Tilly so much, the better. To short a story to talk about the plot without spoilers so I'll just say they get involved with a contract killer called Pale Man. A very quick, easy read.
July 1, 2022
The Cutting Season is a short novella from the Tilly & Poe series, labelled as number 4.5, but could take place anywhere after The Puppet Show if you haven’t read the full books (what are you waiting for? They’re brilliant!) It could also work as an introduction to the series although you’d miss most of the in-jokes. I don’t read many novellas or short stories but I like them when I already know the characters. I finished this in about an hour and enjoyed it but feel it was not as polished a the full-length novels.
DS Washington Poe of the UK’s National Crime Agency finds himself hanging from a meat hook in the company of some rather unpleasant individuals, but he’s not worried, because as ever, Tilly has his back…
Poe and Tilly are a unique crime-fighting duo, and what sets this series apart from the rest is the sardonic humour and the fiercely protective sibling-like bond between the two. This has them investigating an unusual crime, where for once they know whodunnit, and even why, but they need the evidence to put them away, so pick a decidedly dodgy way of going about it…
While the story here was as clever as we have come to expect, the writing and dialogue were rather immature and clunky - it feels like it could’ve done with more editing. Members of the UK Crime Book Club Facebook group will recognise several names in unexpected cameo roles - I’m not sure what David did to deserve his 😹 As ever there are amusing factoids, the sort of thing you never thought about before but won’t ever forget - like the origin of the word Bluetooth, and some hilarious one-liners. If you love this series, it’s worth checking out.
DS Washington Poe of the UK’s National Crime Agency finds himself hanging from a meat hook in the company of some rather unpleasant individuals, but he’s not worried, because as ever, Tilly has his back…
Poe and Tilly are a unique crime-fighting duo, and what sets this series apart from the rest is the sardonic humour and the fiercely protective sibling-like bond between the two. This has them investigating an unusual crime, where for once they know whodunnit, and even why, but they need the evidence to put them away, so pick a decidedly dodgy way of going about it…
While the story here was as clever as we have come to expect, the writing and dialogue were rather immature and clunky - it feels like it could’ve done with more editing. Members of the UK Crime Book Club Facebook group will recognise several names in unexpected cameo roles - I’m not sure what David did to deserve his 😹 As ever there are amusing factoids, the sort of thing you never thought about before but won’t ever forget - like the origin of the word Bluetooth, and some hilarious one-liners. If you love this series, it’s worth checking out.
June 8, 2025
I love Poe and Tilly. They're the best crime fighting duo out there.
Gory and yet oddly humorous The Cutting Season is a great addition to the series. Although it's a novella but it packs a punch and it's definitely worth a read.
Gory and yet oddly humorous The Cutting Season is a great addition to the series. Although it's a novella but it packs a punch and it's definitely worth a read.
August 17, 2022
The Cutting Season is a short read spin off to the Washinhton Poe series by M W Craven. This is the first book by this author I've read so far but it has definitely hooked me to try the main series this is a short read from. I really enjoyed the short, quick paced plot and characters. Poe and Tilly are a formidable team and I'd love to have a friend like Tilly!
After investogating the murder of a man, detective Poe finds himself hanging from a meat hook in a factory surrounded by old time gangsters. He wants a meet up with The Pale Man and these gangsters are just the ones he needs to make that happen. They might think they have the upper hand on Poe, but they don't have a colleague like Tilly on their side.
After investogating the murder of a man, detective Poe finds himself hanging from a meat hook in a factory surrounded by old time gangsters. He wants a meet up with The Pale Man and these gangsters are just the ones he needs to make that happen. They might think they have the upper hand on Poe, but they don't have a colleague like Tilly on their side.
May 6, 2022
A short story featuring two of my favourite crime fiction characters was always going to be welcome. In this outing for Tilly & Poe, they are dealing with a particularly nasty murder in Bristol, and Poe finds himself on the wrong side of a crime gang.
Whether you are new to this series or are familiar with the characters from the previous books, the enjoyment can be the same. There is enough character information within the story to ensure that new readers are not left behind but for those awaiting their next fix with this fantastic duo, The Cutting Season is another well executed and entertaining read - with characters named 'Fatty Scraps' and 'Pop 'n' Chips' I expected nothing less. There are parts that may have you thinking that couldn't possibly happen but with Tilly's computer wizardry ......! Also 'Bluetooth' - I didn't know that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I appreciate that short stories are not the easiest thing to write and this was a quality fully fleshed story that left me feeling satisfied and looking forward to their next adventure.
Whether you are new to this series or are familiar with the characters from the previous books, the enjoyment can be the same. There is enough character information within the story to ensure that new readers are not left behind but for those awaiting their next fix with this fantastic duo, The Cutting Season is another well executed and entertaining read - with characters named 'Fatty Scraps' and 'Pop 'n' Chips' I expected nothing less. There are parts that may have you thinking that couldn't possibly happen but with Tilly's computer wizardry ......! Also 'Bluetooth' - I didn't know that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I appreciate that short stories are not the easiest thing to write and this was a quality fully fleshed story that left me feeling satisfied and looking forward to their next adventure.
July 31, 2022
A body is found, with a pound of flesh cut out of him. The police think it’s the work of a cannibal but detective Washington Poe thinks someone was trying to send a message. He investigates the case with his partner by throwing himself head-first into danger and quickly finds himself in a precarious position, dangling from a meat hook and held captive by a gang.
What I really like is that there’s just enough time spent in the beginning to properly introduce us to the protagonists. The writer not only tells us who they are but also briefly shows us the core of their personalities and the potential for greatness they posses. Poe’s partner feels a bit too perfect at times but their banter does make up for it and really makes their friendship come to life.
The plot is really solid and has a bit more meat to it than what you’d expect from such a short story. The plot shows some flashes of brilliance, which makes me a bit curious about what would have happened had there been a few more pages.
This is my first experience with the Washington Poe detective series and I have to say, if this novella is any indication, this is quite an interesting series. A very solid detective mystery story and a perfect introduction to the series.
What I really like is that there’s just enough time spent in the beginning to properly introduce us to the protagonists. The writer not only tells us who they are but also briefly shows us the core of their personalities and the potential for greatness they posses. Poe’s partner feels a bit too perfect at times but their banter does make up for it and really makes their friendship come to life.
The plot is really solid and has a bit more meat to it than what you’d expect from such a short story. The plot shows some flashes of brilliance, which makes me a bit curious about what would have happened had there been a few more pages.
This is my first experience with the Washington Poe detective series and I have to say, if this novella is any indication, this is quite an interesting series. A very solid detective mystery story and a perfect introduction to the series.
June 15, 2022
I thought I would use the quick reads as an introduction to M.W. Cravens books but this was awful so I guess the read served it's purpose as I won't be picking up any of his others.
The writing is terrible it felt like I was reading something from a high school student the story is daft the main character comes across as a total plonker.
Nope not for me complete garbage only saving grace it took me less than an hour to finish.
not worth your time or hard earned cash even if it's only a Pound.
The writing is terrible it felt like I was reading something from a high school student the story is daft the main character comes across as a total plonker.
Nope not for me complete garbage only saving grace it took me less than an hour to finish.
not worth your time or hard earned cash even if it's only a Pound.
April 15, 2022
Washington Poe & Tilly Bradshaw take on more villains in this fast paced short story from MW Craven. There's witty dialogue, violence & plenty of twists & turns along the way. It obviously doesn't have the depth of characterisation that a full length Poe novel does, but it's a lot of fun & a nice interlude until Craven's new novel (The Botanist) is published in June.
April 19, 2022
Having just enjoyed Dead Ground from this author I jumped on opportunity to read this short book for 99cents from Amazon. Poe and Tilly shake down the house.
June 6, 2022
Brilliant instalment in the Poe and Tilly series.
Read
April 12, 2022The Cutting Season an @m.w.craven Poe and Tilly novella, my favourite crime fighting duo with a new crime to figure out.
I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this one.
However I had a dilemma.
I was already in the process of reading two books.
So what do you do ?? Finish the books you’re already invested in, or cheat on them.
Well, as I only had 100ish pages left in the one I decided to finish that one first and start The Cutting Season the day after I received it.
This novella is listed as a Quick Read. And that’s exactly what it was, with only 131 pages.
It may have being a ‘short story’ but I didn’t find it lacking in anything that I’ve come to expect from Craven.
I’ve always enjoyed a Washington Poe book and this one was no different.
What I loved about this short story was how it immediately starts with the sense of humour that you’ve come to expect within a Poe and Tilly story. And I found this one the perfect stop gap whilst waiting for the next instalment⏳
I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this one.
However I had a dilemma.
I was already in the process of reading two books.
So what do you do ?? Finish the books you’re already invested in, or cheat on them.
Well, as I only had 100ish pages left in the one I decided to finish that one first and start The Cutting Season the day after I received it.
This novella is listed as a Quick Read. And that’s exactly what it was, with only 131 pages.
It may have being a ‘short story’ but I didn’t find it lacking in anything that I’ve come to expect from Craven.
I’ve always enjoyed a Washington Poe book and this one was no different.
What I loved about this short story was how it immediately starts with the sense of humour that you’ve come to expect within a Poe and Tilly story. And I found this one the perfect stop gap whilst waiting for the next instalment⏳
August 3, 2025
#4.5
A Washington Poe short story.
A Washington Poe short story.
April 19, 2022
I am not the biggest fan of short stories but I am a big fan of this author and his Washington Poe series, having read and enjoyed all released to date and also needed a fix to tide me over until June when the new book is out.
Usually I find that shorts lack something - maybe plot, character development, connection to what I am reading, and often leave me unsatisfied and wanting more. But a short that links to an already established series is very different. Not that you need to read the series to enjoy what is herein, but hopefully, if you haven't already done so, this book might well nudge you in that direction.
I loved this story so much. The way you read something a bit confused and then the author (characters) explain it in hindsight and you get that wonderful jaw dropping aha moment, as you also kick yourself for not having worked it out yourself. And this book delivers just that, again and again... But I am not going to say anything about the plot at all. It's such a short book that anything I say will have the potential to ruin things.
Just trust me what I say that Poe really does get himself into and out of a right pickle herein, able assisted by Tilly... simply wonderful...
All in all, a quick and easy read that I recommend to everyone no matter how much, or little, you usually read...
Usually I find that shorts lack something - maybe plot, character development, connection to what I am reading, and often leave me unsatisfied and wanting more. But a short that links to an already established series is very different. Not that you need to read the series to enjoy what is herein, but hopefully, if you haven't already done so, this book might well nudge you in that direction.
I loved this story so much. The way you read something a bit confused and then the author (characters) explain it in hindsight and you get that wonderful jaw dropping aha moment, as you also kick yourself for not having worked it out yourself. And this book delivers just that, again and again... But I am not going to say anything about the plot at all. It's such a short book that anything I say will have the potential to ruin things.
Just trust me what I say that Poe really does get himself into and out of a right pickle herein, able assisted by Tilly... simply wonderful...
All in all, a quick and easy read that I recommend to everyone no matter how much, or little, you usually read...
May 10, 2024
What links the suicide of an old lady & the death of a charity fundraising manager? That question (& more) is puzzling Det Sgt Washington Poe & analyst Tilly Bradshaw & their investigation leads to Poe being literally on the hook, at a meat packing plant.
Yet another good book in this series. There's not really much more I can say without giving anything away, except that the only thing wrong with this novella is that the reader doesn't get to spend enough time with Poe & Bradshaw in such a short book.
Yet another good book in this series. There's not really much more I can say without giving anything away, except that the only thing wrong with this novella is that the reader doesn't get to spend enough time with Poe & Bradshaw in such a short book.
May 5, 2022
I LOVED this short story!!! Any day of the week you can usually entice me with a Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw story and this was no different.
Was it a masterpiece - No - but entertaining absolutely!!! I Never seem to be let down by Poe and Tilley. Their friendship is so pure and innocent that it makes you want more.
The way Tilly is so protective of Poe and how dumb and dopey he can be. Vice Versa the way Poe is fiercely loyal and complimentary to Tilly and her ‘nerd’ (nerd in the best possible way) skills.
I am not going to go into synopsis details as this is really truly only a short one - if you love Poe and Tilley read it, if you don’t know them… get acquainted and what better way than a very short intro into the humour, the action and the fun they have. You can jump in with this short tidbit - and figure out if you like the gang there is enough backstory to figure out who’s who in the zoo.
I can’t compliment MW Craven enough for these impossibly fun stories - 100 pages or 500 pages I am here for more of the Poe and Tilly show!!
Let me say it again for those of you in the back - GET YOURSELF SOME OF THIS DUO - and if you are disappointed well… sorry about that but I love them!!!🙊🤣🙊🤣
Was it a masterpiece - No - but entertaining absolutely!!! I Never seem to be let down by Poe and Tilley. Their friendship is so pure and innocent that it makes you want more.
The way Tilly is so protective of Poe and how dumb and dopey he can be. Vice Versa the way Poe is fiercely loyal and complimentary to Tilly and her ‘nerd’ (nerd in the best possible way) skills.
I am not going to go into synopsis details as this is really truly only a short one - if you love Poe and Tilley read it, if you don’t know them… get acquainted and what better way than a very short intro into the humour, the action and the fun they have. You can jump in with this short tidbit - and figure out if you like the gang there is enough backstory to figure out who’s who in the zoo.
I can’t compliment MW Craven enough for these impossibly fun stories - 100 pages or 500 pages I am here for more of the Poe and Tilly show!!
Let me say it again for those of you in the back - GET YOURSELF SOME OF THIS DUO - and if you are disappointed well… sorry about that but I love them!!!🙊🤣🙊🤣
April 23, 2022
Short stories are a notoriously difficult genre to master and more often than not I find them a disappointment but The Cutting Season was a refreshing blast of fun with a twist. Even though the story sees two established series characters in action it works as a stand-alone and doesn’t presume any prior knowledge of the inimitable pairing. DS Washington Poe and socially awkward but super intelligent civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, are part of the National Crime Agency and called to Bristol to consult on a bizarre murder scene. Someone appears to have extracted a pound of flesh from a local fundraising hero and Poe, a maverick copper who doesn’t always play by the usual police rules, and data whizz Tilly are determined to find out just whom is behind it. It’s far from simple however and given that the entire story is packed into 130 pages of large print it’s satisfying convoluted and cleverly done. Fast-moving and all rather tongue in cheek, there are some great exchanges between literal to a fault Tilly and unsuspecting third parties and some terrific moments of comedy as things get far worse for Washington Poe before they get better!
A fun short story featuring an unconventional duo that kept me happily turning the pages.
A fun short story featuring an unconventional duo that kept me happily turning the pages.
February 24, 2024
Im in the minority here. I wasnt too keen on this sadly. This book was this month's bookclub pick with my local library so it will be interesting to see what my fellow members think.
I couldnt really get into it. I finished this and with it being so short that was ok but the story was rather lacking and the sentence construction was driving me crazy lol. I would have left it at page 40 if not for the fact others would be discussing it and it would be rude not to join in😬. Short, sharp and less punchy than i was expecting from the title and cover picture.
Reading this was almost like it was targeted for a young audience. I felt lead through with all the basics at hand. There are pleanty of these Quick reads so i will look into this. Sure i will find another that i would enjoy more. Dont let it put you off as you may enjoy it like others have. Its a little bit harmless fun to read for an hour or so for sure😊.
I couldnt really get into it. I finished this and with it being so short that was ok but the story was rather lacking and the sentence construction was driving me crazy lol. I would have left it at page 40 if not for the fact others would be discussing it and it would be rude not to join in😬. Short, sharp and less punchy than i was expecting from the title and cover picture.
Reading this was almost like it was targeted for a young audience. I felt lead through with all the basics at hand. There are pleanty of these Quick reads so i will look into this. Sure i will find another that i would enjoy more. Dont let it put you off as you may enjoy it like others have. Its a little bit harmless fun to read for an hour or so for sure😊.
July 18, 2022
Dangling from a hook in a meat packing plant isn't how Detective Sergeant Washington Poe wants to spend his weekend but he needs to find the contract killer known as The Pale Man. Luckily, a nerdy, computer whizz-kid called Tilly Bradshaw is watching his back. And now things are about to get interesting..
I generally like the Quick Reads series (short-ish stories by established authors designed for reluctant readers but open to everyone) and I liked the previous Poe/Bradshaw I read, but this one didn’t really work for me. There’s a LOT of dialogue and it feels like most of it could have been trimmed down and the story itself is very slight, even if the dynamics - and the gang - are well done. A real mixed bag but I certainly wouldn’t use this to introduce people to Craven’s series of novels.
I generally like the Quick Reads series (short-ish stories by established authors designed for reluctant readers but open to everyone) and I liked the previous Poe/Bradshaw I read, but this one didn’t really work for me. There’s a LOT of dialogue and it feels like most of it could have been trimmed down and the story itself is very slight, even if the dynamics - and the gang - are well done. A real mixed bag but I certainly wouldn’t use this to introduce people to Craven’s series of novels.
November 19, 2022
Finished reading: November 18th 2022
'Fine', she said. 'Tilly can go inside the house. But if this comes back on me, I am going to buy a Sergeant Poe voodoo doll and I will stick pins in it tonight.'
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 26, 2022
I absolutely love Craven’s Washington Poe series so was hoping to enjoy this quick read, a novella of just over 100 pages. I wasn’t disappointed. You’ve got to accept it for what it is, a short story written to encourage non-readers and those who find reading more difficult, this nailed it. It was never going to compare with one of the longer novels as the complexity just couldn’t be there, the narrative isn’t long enough for all the twists and turns you normally expect from the series. However, I thought it was brilliantly written and maintained the wonderful Poe and Tilly vibes with all the trademark humour and wit I love.
Briefly, after a particularly nasty murder takes place in Bristol Poe is looking for a contract killer who goes by the name the Pale Man. Setting himself up to be taken by a criminal gang he is beaten up and hung from a meat hook. But IT expert Tilly is listening to everything and Poe is about to reveal all.
As always you need to expect there will be some gore and violence in a Craven book but that’s not overly gruesome this time. For me this was a really quick read and taking into account the reason this was written it was a satisfying ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
Briefly, after a particularly nasty murder takes place in Bristol Poe is looking for a contract killer who goes by the name the Pale Man. Setting himself up to be taken by a criminal gang he is beaten up and hung from a meat hook. But IT expert Tilly is listening to everything and Poe is about to reveal all.
As always you need to expect there will be some gore and violence in a Craven book but that’s not overly gruesome this time. For me this was a really quick read and taking into account the reason this was written it was a satisfying ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
December 16, 2022
This may be really short, but it's certainly worth reading. More of a Tilly story, though Poe is also very well written. The chapter where Dumb and Dumber try to get into the crime scene is hilariously funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews