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Washington Poe #1
দ্য পাপেট শো
রীতিমতো যেনো বহ্নুৎসব শুরু করে দিয়েছে লোকটা। এই বিভৎস, একের পর এক "নরবলির" কারণে। সসংবাদমাধ্যম তার নাম দিয়েছে "বলিমানব". নারকীয় হত্যাযজ্ঞ চালিয়ে যাচ্ছে সে ইংল্যান্ডের কিছু স্টোন সার্কেলে। কে সে? কী তার মোটিভ? তার পরবর্তী শিকার কোন লোকটা? পুলিশ নিরুত্তর।
ক্লু পাওয়া গেল, যখন টিলি ব্র্যাডশ নামের এক মেয়ে বলিমানিবের এক শিকারের বুকে আবিষ্কার করলো বিশেষ একটা নাম। ওয়াশিংটন পো। বরখাস্ত করা হয়েছিল পুলিশের এই ডিটেকটিভকে, কিন্তু ফিরিয়ে আনতে বাধ্য হলেন বড় কর্তারাই।
ওর বিশেষত্বঃ সিরিয়াল কিলিং
ব্র্যাডশ'কে সঙ্গে নিয়ে প্রায় অসম্ভব এক কেসের দায়িত্ব কাঁধে নিল সে। সময় কি ফুরিয়ে যাচ্ছে?
বলিমানবের মুখোশ উন্মোচনের আগে তার শেষ শিকারে পরিণত হবে পো নিজেই? যদি তা না হয়, ওর নাম কেন বিশেষ এক কায়দায় উল্লেখ করল ভয়ংকর সেই খুনী? কেন ওর ক্রম বলে দেয়া হলো ৫?
ক্লু পাওয়া গেল, যখন টিলি ব্র্যাডশ নামের এক মেয়ে বলিমানিবের এক শিকারের বুকে আবিষ্কার করলো বিশেষ একটা নাম। ওয়াশিংটন পো। বরখাস্ত করা হয়েছিল পুলিশের এই ডিটেকটিভকে, কিন্তু ফিরিয়ে আনতে বাধ্য হলেন বড় কর্তারাই।
ওর বিশেষত্বঃ সিরিয়াল কিলিং
ব্র্যাডশ'কে সঙ্গে নিয়ে প্রায় অসম্ভব এক কেসের দায়িত্ব কাঁধে নিল সে। সময় কি ফুরিয়ে যাচ্ছে?
বলিমানবের মুখোশ উন্মোচনের আগে তার শেষ শিকারে পরিণত হবে পো নিজেই? যদি তা না হয়, ওর নাম কেন বিশেষ এক কায়দায় উল্লেখ করল ভয়ংকর সেই খুনী? কেন ওর ক্রম বলে দেয়া হলো ৫?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2018
1489 people are currently reading
22991 people want to read
About the author
M.W. Craven
48 books2,789 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,040 reviews
May 18, 2018
You can always tell if a piece of crime fiction is special and MW Craven's debut marks the arrival of a gifted and natural crime writer with a bright future ahead of him. Set in the sparsely populated Cumbria with its numerous stone circles, Washington Poe, has settled into and fixing up his recently acquired croft, suspended as a DI in the National Crime Agency after being mired in scandal in his last case. He has no intention of returning to his job, but his name has been found carved in the burnt body of the latest victim of the serial killer dubbed 'The Immolation Man' by the media along with the number 5. DI Stephanie Flynn, the woman who replaced him, and the NCA want him back working the case. Overcoming his initial reluctance, he cannot resist trying to find out why the killer is targeting him, and returns to the NCA. He is demoted to DS, working under Flynn, and partnered with SCAS crime analyst, Tilly Bradshaw.
One of the main highlights of the novel is Tilly, an Asperger's afflicted young woman, the best analyst in the NCA. She has 2 PhDs from Oxford, with remarkable abilities when it comes to statistics, data, computer skills and programming, pattern recognition and more. She is naive, innocent, having been sheltered from the world, takes everything literally, has problems adapting to situations and is targeted by bullies. Tilly is shunned, obsessive, a gaming aficionado, has the habit of saying the unexpected, unaware it may be unacceptable, breaking social norms and expectations on a continual basis. Watching her relationship develop with Poe is a true joy, both poignant and comic, she becomes considerably more resilient, coming out of her shell as she and Poe bond. Poe is unmanageable from the point of view of his superiors, relentless as he pursues the killer, ignoring the obstacles and people standing in his way in his search for the truth. He has some very dark corners within his personality that make him a compelling and charismatic central character.
This is a novel that takes in the worst that humanity can do, a killer that has spent years planning his revenge on those complicit in not only destroying his life, but those of others. You cannot help but feel for the killer, facing insurmountable problems when it comes to getting redress through the corrupt judicial system and up against powerful forces intent on preventing the truth emerging. Poe is shocked to discover just how personally close to him the case emerges to be. Everything about the novel is brilliant, the twists, the plotting is exceptional and I am hoping we see the return of Poe and Tilly as soon as possible. This is a superb, entertaining, full of twists and tension, an utterly mesmerising thriller that I recommend highly! You will be missing out if you do not read this. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
One of the main highlights of the novel is Tilly, an Asperger's afflicted young woman, the best analyst in the NCA. She has 2 PhDs from Oxford, with remarkable abilities when it comes to statistics, data, computer skills and programming, pattern recognition and more. She is naive, innocent, having been sheltered from the world, takes everything literally, has problems adapting to situations and is targeted by bullies. Tilly is shunned, obsessive, a gaming aficionado, has the habit of saying the unexpected, unaware it may be unacceptable, breaking social norms and expectations on a continual basis. Watching her relationship develop with Poe is a true joy, both poignant and comic, she becomes considerably more resilient, coming out of her shell as she and Poe bond. Poe is unmanageable from the point of view of his superiors, relentless as he pursues the killer, ignoring the obstacles and people standing in his way in his search for the truth. He has some very dark corners within his personality that make him a compelling and charismatic central character.
This is a novel that takes in the worst that humanity can do, a killer that has spent years planning his revenge on those complicit in not only destroying his life, but those of others. You cannot help but feel for the killer, facing insurmountable problems when it comes to getting redress through the corrupt judicial system and up against powerful forces intent on preventing the truth emerging. Poe is shocked to discover just how personally close to him the case emerges to be. Everything about the novel is brilliant, the twists, the plotting is exceptional and I am hoping we see the return of Poe and Tilly as soon as possible. This is a superb, entertaining, full of twists and tension, an utterly mesmerising thriller that I recommend highly! You will be missing out if you do not read this. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
April 11, 2022
Of course five burning stars!
What an amazing, twisted, fast, dark ride! I enjoyed every second of it!
Meet with Washington Poe! A brilliant, smart investigator who never plays by the book and he is straightforward, fast thinker but most importantly he only believes in real justice ( a kind of justice beyond the laws)
And his partner in crime ( also his first real friend) genius Tilly Bradshaw( one of the best heroines we could ever read), social awkward, introvert, also straightforward ( because she doesn’t know any other way to communicate), sincere, kind hearted.
Both of them have difficulties to connect with people, both of them are isolated because of their life circumstances which made them closer and good friends. They really understand each other and they are brave enough to do whatever it takes to bring the justice which make them a great team!
I loved the end. But I’m not happy now because I need to read more! I want to know the mystery of Poe’s past and see more these two characters on the action! Now I have to wait till June for second book! It’s not fair!!!
What an amazing, twisted, fast, dark ride! I enjoyed every second of it!
Meet with Washington Poe! A brilliant, smart investigator who never plays by the book and he is straightforward, fast thinker but most importantly he only believes in real justice ( a kind of justice beyond the laws)
And his partner in crime ( also his first real friend) genius Tilly Bradshaw( one of the best heroines we could ever read), social awkward, introvert, also straightforward ( because she doesn’t know any other way to communicate), sincere, kind hearted.
Both of them have difficulties to connect with people, both of them are isolated because of their life circumstances which made them closer and good friends. They really understand each other and they are brave enough to do whatever it takes to bring the justice which make them a great team!
I loved the end. But I’m not happy now because I need to read more! I want to know the mystery of Poe’s past and see more these two characters on the action! Now I have to wait till June for second book! It’s not fair!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
Vengeance
The Puppet Show is a fascinatingly dark serial killer hunt that is packed with intrigue, subterfuge, vengeance, and characters that provide such enthralling dynamics that make this a truly outstanding thriller. A brilliant read.
Washington Poe is an ex-Detective Inspector with the Serious Crime Unit and is currently serving a suspension pending an enquiry into how he let confidential police documents fall into the hands of a victim’s family enabling them to take their own revenge. Poe is a highly driven person with an acute radar for injustice and often unreserved in how he would dispense retribution. There is a dark streak in his personality and he will forcefully jump to the defence of an abused colleague and be intolerant with those he disrespects or gets in his road, regardless of position. I read a post online suggesting that if it went to TV the perfect actor to play his part would be Idris Elba – I totally agree.
Tilly Bradshaw works for the NCA as a data analyst and is quite the genius with numbers and data patterns. She lives with a personality disorder on the autism spectrum, and Mike Craven has drawn this wonderful innocent character that we really care for. In her own way, she is very determined and strong willed but appears fragile with her naive and soft demeanour.
DI Stephanie Flynn has temporarily replaced Poe within the NCA and is performing as a capable, methodical and reliable boss that knows how to maintain police protocol. This is the important balance against the undisciplined activities of Poe and as a DI provides a much better stabilising and cohesive influence on the team.
The latest victim of the ‘Immolation Man’ has Poe’s name carved onto his chest, thereby pressuring the NCA to return Poe to the force and assist in solving the murders. Each victim of the Immolation Man is found burned to death within a stone circle in the Cumbria region. There is a modus operandi: a significance of the stone circles, a method of murder, a disfiguration, and they are all elderly men. The victims don’t seem to be selected at random but who is seeking revenge and for what. To find the connection requires Tilly and Poe to utilise their unique talents, especially in the face of a plot that is full of surprises and a revealing link to a set of crimes from the past. Poe is reminded of the Chinese proverb
Mike Craven is a very talented writer that has created a debut novel and start of a series, with extremely appealing characters that readers will thoroughly invest in. His craft of the plot is captivating with layers of mystery and suspense that are totally engrossing. The additional elements of humour and colleague conflict are very entertaining but not overplayed, and the remote landscapes of Cumbria are vividly drawn.
I do feel fortunate that I've picked up on this series from the beginning. I would rate the book very highly and would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone that enjoys the murder/crime/mystery/thriller genre. I would like to thank Little Brown Book Group for a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
The Puppet Show is a fascinatingly dark serial killer hunt that is packed with intrigue, subterfuge, vengeance, and characters that provide such enthralling dynamics that make this a truly outstanding thriller. A brilliant read.
Washington Poe is an ex-Detective Inspector with the Serious Crime Unit and is currently serving a suspension pending an enquiry into how he let confidential police documents fall into the hands of a victim’s family enabling them to take their own revenge. Poe is a highly driven person with an acute radar for injustice and often unreserved in how he would dispense retribution. There is a dark streak in his personality and he will forcefully jump to the defence of an abused colleague and be intolerant with those he disrespects or gets in his road, regardless of position. I read a post online suggesting that if it went to TV the perfect actor to play his part would be Idris Elba – I totally agree.
Tilly Bradshaw works for the NCA as a data analyst and is quite the genius with numbers and data patterns. She lives with a personality disorder on the autism spectrum, and Mike Craven has drawn this wonderful innocent character that we really care for. In her own way, she is very determined and strong willed but appears fragile with her naive and soft demeanour.
DI Stephanie Flynn has temporarily replaced Poe within the NCA and is performing as a capable, methodical and reliable boss that knows how to maintain police protocol. This is the important balance against the undisciplined activities of Poe and as a DI provides a much better stabilising and cohesive influence on the team.
The latest victim of the ‘Immolation Man’ has Poe’s name carved onto his chest, thereby pressuring the NCA to return Poe to the force and assist in solving the murders. Each victim of the Immolation Man is found burned to death within a stone circle in the Cumbria region. There is a modus operandi: a significance of the stone circles, a method of murder, a disfiguration, and they are all elderly men. The victims don’t seem to be selected at random but who is seeking revenge and for what. To find the connection requires Tilly and Poe to utilise their unique talents, especially in the face of a plot that is full of surprises and a revealing link to a set of crimes from the past. Poe is reminded of the Chinese proverb
“He who seeks vengeance must dig two graves: one for his enemy and one for himself.”
Mike Craven is a very talented writer that has created a debut novel and start of a series, with extremely appealing characters that readers will thoroughly invest in. His craft of the plot is captivating with layers of mystery and suspense that are totally engrossing. The additional elements of humour and colleague conflict are very entertaining but not overplayed, and the remote landscapes of Cumbria are vividly drawn.
I do feel fortunate that I've picked up on this series from the beginning. I would rate the book very highly and would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone that enjoys the murder/crime/mystery/thriller genre. I would like to thank Little Brown Book Group for a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
January 24, 2019
Washington Poe!
Remember his name!
Tilly Bradshaw
Remember her name!
These are the lead characters in this superb thriller, I have to admit it took me a few chapters to ‘get’ them both but when I did I REALLY did
Washington is a at times a reckless cop with a past and Tilly a phenomenal data analyst ( who speaks and answers literally as she thinks but is bullied at her police job for it )
Together they embark on finding out who is literally burning men to death in Cumbria, there is no motive, no clues and nothing to go on....until this pair get started...... and what a team they make, non conformist and determined they have to fight to get to the truth
I loved the way they worked together, Washington’s brashness and Tilly’s innocence worked fabulously together, the other characters fitted in and round them both but they, to me, were the draw
The story itself is brutal, upsetting, at times graphic yet emotional and a whole host of issues are dealt with, with honesty, vigour and ( hard to explain ) but a gentleness that at times made a book about a serial killer quite moving, I know, I know but once you have read it you will understand!
The descriptions of Cumbria are majestic and created a perfect mindset of images for the story and the police procedural aspects detailed yet fascinating
The conclusion was great then got even better and then better again!!!
I am really pleased this is Book 1 in the series and genuinely look forward to Book 2 and what the author does with Washington
A book that will stay with you, guaranteed, its one you will want to tell someone about and get them to read it so you can share your thoughts etc
Loved it!
Has to be 10/10 5 Stars.
Remember his name!
Tilly Bradshaw
Remember her name!
These are the lead characters in this superb thriller, I have to admit it took me a few chapters to ‘get’ them both but when I did I REALLY did
Washington is a at times a reckless cop with a past and Tilly a phenomenal data analyst ( who speaks and answers literally as she thinks but is bullied at her police job for it )
Together they embark on finding out who is literally burning men to death in Cumbria, there is no motive, no clues and nothing to go on....until this pair get started...... and what a team they make, non conformist and determined they have to fight to get to the truth
I loved the way they worked together, Washington’s brashness and Tilly’s innocence worked fabulously together, the other characters fitted in and round them both but they, to me, were the draw
The story itself is brutal, upsetting, at times graphic yet emotional and a whole host of issues are dealt with, with honesty, vigour and ( hard to explain ) but a gentleness that at times made a book about a serial killer quite moving, I know, I know but once you have read it you will understand!
The descriptions of Cumbria are majestic and created a perfect mindset of images for the story and the police procedural aspects detailed yet fascinating
The conclusion was great then got even better and then better again!!!
I am really pleased this is Book 1 in the series and genuinely look forward to Book 2 and what the author does with Washington
A book that will stay with you, guaranteed, its one you will want to tell someone about and get them to read it so you can share your thoughts etc
Loved it!
Has to be 10/10 5 Stars.
September 5, 2021
Cuando vi la portada del libro y la sinopsis, pensé “¡Bah, esta novela no me atrae, y, además, el argumento está ya muy manido!”. Luego, leyendo algunas reseñas en GR, pensé “quizás merezca la pena empezarla, y si no me engancha enseguida, la dejo”.
Pues heme aquí que la cogí, la empecé…. y ya no he podido parar hasta el final. Y ha sido una lectura muy grata. El binomio Poe-Bradshaw ha conseguido engancharme de forma brutal. Y la forma de escribir de Craven, dotando al protagonista de un magnífico sentido del humor me han enamorado. ¿Y qué decir del entorno, esa región de Cumbria, que no conozco pero que ardo en deseos de conocer? Y sus círculos de piedra tampoco los conocía.
La trama, sin ser para tirar cohetes, está bien hilvanada, con su parte de crítica social, aunque esta ya esté un poco saturada. Sus cortos capítulos ayudan a poderla leer casi de un tirón. Nada que objetar a los diálogos tampoco.
Creo que el personaje de Poe puede dar lugar a una buena serie, a poco que el autor se esmere. Esos paisajes desolados, la oscuridad del propio protagonista, pueden dar mucho juego. De momento, esta primera entrega me ha dejado con ganas de más.
Pues heme aquí que la cogí, la empecé…. y ya no he podido parar hasta el final. Y ha sido una lectura muy grata. El binomio Poe-Bradshaw ha conseguido engancharme de forma brutal. Y la forma de escribir de Craven, dotando al protagonista de un magnífico sentido del humor me han enamorado. ¿Y qué decir del entorno, esa región de Cumbria, que no conozco pero que ardo en deseos de conocer? Y sus círculos de piedra tampoco los conocía.
La trama, sin ser para tirar cohetes, está bien hilvanada, con su parte de crítica social, aunque esta ya esté un poco saturada. Sus cortos capítulos ayudan a poderla leer casi de un tirón. Nada que objetar a los diálogos tampoco.
Creo que el personaje de Poe puede dar lugar a una buena serie, a poco que el autor se esmere. Esos paisajes desolados, la oscuridad del propio protagonista, pueden dar mucho juego. De momento, esta primera entrega me ha dejado con ganas de más.
August 8, 2023
I just realised I never reviewed this fabulous book. An amazing crime / thriller, and a book that got me back into reading again a few years ago.
This was an unpredictable, edge of your seat type thriller that was fast paced and superbly plotted. One of my favourites and one I still remember vividly. Now that’s what I call thrilling!!!
RTC
This was an unpredictable, edge of your seat type thriller that was fast paced and superbly plotted. One of my favourites and one I still remember vividly. Now that’s what I call thrilling!!!
RTC
January 16, 2025
O.M.G. I am utterly blown away by what I just finished reading as well as shocked by the fact that haven’t discovered M.W. Craven until now. After all, I’m a massive fan of all things crime fiction and this one was easily one of the absolute best. The first book in the Washington Poe series, The Puppet Show demonstrated what only a truly gifted police procedural/crime thriller author can muster: an original premise, dynamite characters, and a deep dive into the darker side of humanity. But that, of course, was only the beginning of where this novel struck true, unequivocal gold.
Unlike many other crime fiction novels, this riveting plot kept the suspense level high and the action at full steam. Yes, there was some of the expected interviewing and evidence collecting, but for the most part that was broken up superbly with endearing relationships and plenty of giggle-worthy humor. And then there were the twists. From smaller ones that I definitely didn’t see coming to the one gigantic, jaw-dropping reveal that had me whispering “No f***ing way!” as I slapped the book to my chest in unadulterated glee.
The characters were the biggest win of all, however, in this definite home run. Between the naïve, brilliant analyst named Tilly and the brash, take-no-prisoners Detective Sergeant Poe, I quickly came to realize that I had just met two of my all-time favorite characters. But it was the interplay between them that made the duo shine even brighter. An unlikely pair, they made my heart sing as I laughed along with their hilarious and heartwarming chatter. Even better, however, they felt 100% realistic and easily won me over hook, line, and sinker.
All in all, I’m already plotting out how soon I can read the next book in the series. Dark, gritty, and yet undeniably compelling, the story resonated all while also making me mildly uneasy due to the serious themes. Have no fear, for the most part it never felt particularly graphic, although the prologue certainly got my attention. From there, though, the rising tension and edge-of-your-seat plotting kept me thoroughly enthralled. So as long as you love eccentric yet deep characters and a phenomenal cliffhanger ending, you’ll agree that this witty, complex plot was beyond good—it was damn near perfection. Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A serial killer is burning people alive in the Lake District's prehistoric stone circles. He leaves no clues and the police are helpless.
When his name is found carved into the charred remains of the third victim, disgraced detective Washington Poe is brought back from suspension and into an investigation he wants no part of.
Reluctantly partnered with the brilliant but socially awkward civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, the mismatched pair uncover a trail that only he is meant to see. The elusive killer has a plan and for some reason Poe is part of it.
As the body count rises, Poe discovers he has far more invested in the case than he could have possibly imagined. And in a shocking finale that will shatter everything he's ever believed about himself, Poe will learn that there are things far worse than being burned alive...
Trigger warning: immolation, drugging, mention of: crimes against children, kidnapping, rape
Unlike many other crime fiction novels, this riveting plot kept the suspense level high and the action at full steam. Yes, there was some of the expected interviewing and evidence collecting, but for the most part that was broken up superbly with endearing relationships and plenty of giggle-worthy humor. And then there were the twists. From smaller ones that I definitely didn’t see coming to the one gigantic, jaw-dropping reveal that had me whispering “No f***ing way!” as I slapped the book to my chest in unadulterated glee.
The characters were the biggest win of all, however, in this definite home run. Between the naïve, brilliant analyst named Tilly and the brash, take-no-prisoners Detective Sergeant Poe, I quickly came to realize that I had just met two of my all-time favorite characters. But it was the interplay between them that made the duo shine even brighter. An unlikely pair, they made my heart sing as I laughed along with their hilarious and heartwarming chatter. Even better, however, they felt 100% realistic and easily won me over hook, line, and sinker.
All in all, I’m already plotting out how soon I can read the next book in the series. Dark, gritty, and yet undeniably compelling, the story resonated all while also making me mildly uneasy due to the serious themes. Have no fear, for the most part it never felt particularly graphic, although the prologue certainly got my attention. From there, though, the rising tension and edge-of-your-seat plotting kept me thoroughly enthralled. So as long as you love eccentric yet deep characters and a phenomenal cliffhanger ending, you’ll agree that this witty, complex plot was beyond good—it was damn near perfection. Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A serial killer is burning people alive in the Lake District's prehistoric stone circles. He leaves no clues and the police are helpless.
When his name is found carved into the charred remains of the third victim, disgraced detective Washington Poe is brought back from suspension and into an investigation he wants no part of.
Reluctantly partnered with the brilliant but socially awkward civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, the mismatched pair uncover a trail that only he is meant to see. The elusive killer has a plan and for some reason Poe is part of it.
As the body count rises, Poe discovers he has far more invested in the case than he could have possibly imagined. And in a shocking finale that will shatter everything he's ever believed about himself, Poe will learn that there are things far worse than being burned alive...
Trigger warning: immolation, drugging, mention of: crimes against children, kidnapping, rape
April 27, 2023
Tysm to my OG Goodreads/IRL friend Karly for the bday present! You're the best 💗
TRIGGER WARNING: pedophilia, rape of a minor
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5
SYNOPSIS
Disgraced detective Washington Poe is teamed up with Tilly Bradshaw, a quirky civil analyst, to hunt down a serial killer responsible for burning people alive.
MY OPINION
Without a doubt, police procedurals are my bread and butter. And here with have anotha one *dj khaled voice*. Yes, we have my least fave type of male detective – disgruntled cop who thinks being an asshole is a rite of passage, BUT he's not too insufferable. I absolutely LOVED Tilly's character. She was so genuine and unintentionally funny, and it warmed my lil fidget heart to see Poe stick up for her when she's being bullied. I wish there was MORE Tilly in this book, but Karly promised me she gets more "airtime" in the rest of the series.
This was an interesting case that requires you to pay attention. For that reason, I don't think audio is the way to go. It goes in a direction that I was like ????? and that was me reading every single word with this (albeit poor) eyes. If I was listening on audio, I surely would've been more lost. It does get pretty dark though so know thy triggers.
Ya'll know I struggle with finding a good ending so boy oh boy was I RELIEVED when I finished this one. It all made sense but left a couple of questions for the next book. Perfect cliffhanger to motivate you to pick up book #2. I'll definitely be returning.
My rich homie qualm was the constant mentions of food. It seemed like every 4 pages Washington Poe was breaking down his menu for the day. Bro I don't care and tbh you aren't even eating anything that appetizing. No shade, but I don't think Britain is known for it's delicious cuisine, so why do I have to endure you eating boiled eggs every other page????
Anyways. A solid police procedural IF you're a fan of this genre. If you're more a thriller thot, stay over there. This is very much "we solvin crimes using forensics and logics" vs "me, a civilian, is free ballin."
PROS AND CONS
Pros: interesting and complex case, gritty, LOVED Tilly and the platonic relationship between her and Poe, solid ending, funny
Cons: too many mentions of food that no ONE, not even a possum, is craving
TRIGGER WARNING: pedophilia, rape of a minor
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5
SYNOPSIS
Disgraced detective Washington Poe is teamed up with Tilly Bradshaw, a quirky civil analyst, to hunt down a serial killer responsible for burning people alive.
MY OPINION
Without a doubt, police procedurals are my bread and butter. And here with have anotha one *dj khaled voice*. Yes, we have my least fave type of male detective – disgruntled cop who thinks being an asshole is a rite of passage, BUT he's not too insufferable. I absolutely LOVED Tilly's character. She was so genuine and unintentionally funny, and it warmed my lil fidget heart to see Poe stick up for her when she's being bullied. I wish there was MORE Tilly in this book, but Karly promised me she gets more "airtime" in the rest of the series.
This was an interesting case that requires you to pay attention. For that reason, I don't think audio is the way to go. It goes in a direction that I was like ????? and that was me reading every single word with this (albeit poor) eyes. If I was listening on audio, I surely would've been more lost. It does get pretty dark though so know thy triggers.
Ya'll know I struggle with finding a good ending so boy oh boy was I RELIEVED when I finished this one. It all made sense but left a couple of questions for the next book. Perfect cliffhanger to motivate you to pick up book #2. I'll definitely be returning.
My rich homie qualm was the constant mentions of food. It seemed like every 4 pages Washington Poe was breaking down his menu for the day. Bro I don't care and tbh you aren't even eating anything that appetizing. No shade, but I don't think Britain is known for it's delicious cuisine, so why do I have to endure you eating boiled eggs every other page????
Anyways. A solid police procedural IF you're a fan of this genre. If you're more a thriller thot, stay over there. This is very much "we solvin crimes using forensics and logics" vs "me, a civilian, is free ballin."
PROS AND CONS
Pros: interesting and complex case, gritty, LOVED Tilly and the platonic relationship between her and Poe, solid ending, funny
Cons: too many mentions of food that no ONE, not even a possum, is craving
May 3, 2020
Outstanding. DS Washington Poe returns to work for the NCA under a cloud having been suspended for a year following a mistake which led to a mans death. He’s been living in rural isolation in Cumbria. He returns to work to help the unit identity the Immolation Man who burns his victims. Washington is linked in some way to the killer. He works alongside DI Stephanie Flynn and Tilly Bradshaw of the Serious Crimes Analysis Section and what unfolds is gritty and gripping.
There’s so much to admire in this book. It’s very well written, the plot is excellent, it’s fast paced and full of surprises right to the very end. The setting in Cumbria is brilliant and the plot covers an area I know well which I like! However, it’s the characters that give this book the edge. Washington Poe is fascinating. He has a very strong sense of right and he doesn’t always go about this in the way you would expect, he’s very clever and intuitive and can rub the powers that be the wrong way but gets results. Tilly Bradshaw is fantastic and Poe really sees her and understands her many gifts. They made an unusual and compelling duo. Flynn is a great character too.
Overall, I’m hooked and immediately going to read the follow up!
Many thanks to my friend Paromjit for drawing my attention to this fantastic series.
There’s so much to admire in this book. It’s very well written, the plot is excellent, it’s fast paced and full of surprises right to the very end. The setting in Cumbria is brilliant and the plot covers an area I know well which I like! However, it’s the characters that give this book the edge. Washington Poe is fascinating. He has a very strong sense of right and he doesn’t always go about this in the way you would expect, he’s very clever and intuitive and can rub the powers that be the wrong way but gets results. Tilly Bradshaw is fantastic and Poe really sees her and understands her many gifts. They made an unusual and compelling duo. Flynn is a great character too.
Overall, I’m hooked and immediately going to read the follow up!
Many thanks to my friend Paromjit for drawing my attention to this fantastic series.
February 6, 2024
Uwielbiam książki, w których tytuły nabierają sensu po skończeniu.
March 3, 2020
I was completely delighted and enthralled with this gritty, witty and complex police procedural. It is brilliantly plotted, and the characters have depth. It is set in the Lake District of Cumbria with its many stone circles. The award-winning book has gained high praise and did not disappoint.
Washington Poe has been suspended from his position as DI after some confidential information about the identity of a man who murdered a young woman was in a file Poe handed to her father. He is in disgrace and unpopular with most officers in the Serious Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency. He has been a relentless, intuitive detective with a reputation of being unmanageable. He has a history of breaking police rules and defying directives in his pursuit of criminals. He has an anger management problem which shows in some aggressive violence and in subverting police policy.
Someone is burning victims within the stone circles. The first man was cruelly tortured and mutilated before being set afire. After a second was burned to death, and then a third whose body was beyond recognition, it was apparent a serial killer was about. Scientific analysis determined that Washington Poe’s name had been carved into the third victim’s chest along with the numeral 5. This causes Poe to think he may be doomed to be the 5th victim. The NCA is compelled to return Poe to the force to help solve the murders. There seems to be no connection between the murder victims, except they were all elderly men and wealthy. Poe has been content restoring an old Croft and living a solitary country life with his dog but reluctantly returns to work.
Poe is working in partnership with Tilly Bradshaw, a highly educated(2 PHDs from Oxford) young woman with extraordinary skills in computer programming, statistics, and pattern analysis. She is highly functioning intellectually and has Asperger Syndrome. She lives a sheltered life with her mother, only leaving home to go to work. She is a literal thinker, has problems reading emotions, sarcasm and social cues. She lacks a filter for her thoughts, expressing whatever comes to mind. Tilly is frequently bullied.
Poe has one friend, Reid, a colleague and an old childhood buddy. He feels a bond and compassion for this police officer. Poe becomes Tilly’s protector when she is faced with harassment. She shows fortitude and resilience. They become friends, and their bond is enjoyable to read. Their partnership is compelling. To solve this case they find a decades-old connection. Poe disregards police protocol and is even dismissed again, but manipulates his way back into the investigation, and is assisted with his two friends, Tilly and Reid.
This was a cleverly constructed plot, with many twists and unexpected revelations. The characters are wonderfully developed. I have already ordered the next book in the series and can’t wait to meet Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw again soon.
Washington Poe has been suspended from his position as DI after some confidential information about the identity of a man who murdered a young woman was in a file Poe handed to her father. He is in disgrace and unpopular with most officers in the Serious Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency. He has been a relentless, intuitive detective with a reputation of being unmanageable. He has a history of breaking police rules and defying directives in his pursuit of criminals. He has an anger management problem which shows in some aggressive violence and in subverting police policy.
Someone is burning victims within the stone circles. The first man was cruelly tortured and mutilated before being set afire. After a second was burned to death, and then a third whose body was beyond recognition, it was apparent a serial killer was about. Scientific analysis determined that Washington Poe’s name had been carved into the third victim’s chest along with the numeral 5. This causes Poe to think he may be doomed to be the 5th victim. The NCA is compelled to return Poe to the force to help solve the murders. There seems to be no connection between the murder victims, except they were all elderly men and wealthy. Poe has been content restoring an old Croft and living a solitary country life with his dog but reluctantly returns to work.
Poe is working in partnership with Tilly Bradshaw, a highly educated(2 PHDs from Oxford) young woman with extraordinary skills in computer programming, statistics, and pattern analysis. She is highly functioning intellectually and has Asperger Syndrome. She lives a sheltered life with her mother, only leaving home to go to work. She is a literal thinker, has problems reading emotions, sarcasm and social cues. She lacks a filter for her thoughts, expressing whatever comes to mind. Tilly is frequently bullied.
Poe has one friend, Reid, a colleague and an old childhood buddy. He feels a bond and compassion for this police officer. Poe becomes Tilly’s protector when she is faced with harassment. She shows fortitude and resilience. They become friends, and their bond is enjoyable to read. Their partnership is compelling. To solve this case they find a decades-old connection. Poe disregards police protocol and is even dismissed again, but manipulates his way back into the investigation, and is assisted with his two friends, Tilly and Reid.
This was a cleverly constructed plot, with many twists and unexpected revelations. The characters are wonderfully developed. I have already ordered the next book in the series and can’t wait to meet Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw again soon.
December 22, 2018
THIS Ladies and Gentlemen, is how you write a good procedural thriller! WOW! I purchased The Puppet Show when I randomly saw it in Big W. I loved the cover. It wasn't until I got home and looked up the goodreads reviews that I began to get excited! Every one of my friends rated it a 4 or higher so I knew I was going to read something awesome. Absolutely the best police procedural I have read this year! In fact, I would put it as my second favourite start to a police thriller series of all time! Just behind Lacey Flint.
Poe is brought back from suspension when a serial killer leaves his name carved into one of his victims chests. What a welcome back! Teamed up with socially awkward analyst Tilly, Poe has to find this serial killer, and discover why the killer used his name. Is he the next victim? Or is it something different? What does the killer want from him.
WOWEE! When it started I thought "Yeah this will be ok", but then as I kept reading and getting immersed in the story and characters I began to really enjoy it and upped it to "Yeah this is going to be really good"... And then the action started, and there was twist after twist after twist! AMAZING!!!
Yes I guessed who did it! Yes I am awesome! (or just read too many thrillers), but IT DIDNT MATTER!! Usually it does and I deduct stars because I enjoy being surprised. But even though I got it right THERE WERE STILL MORE TWISTS! I LOVE THAT! Just when you get cocky BAM there is another spanner in the works!
And the characters! Loved all of them! Tilly and Poe just WORKED together! What a team!
There was something really great about the writing and the atmosphere the author creates in this book. Although it sounds like it will be just another thriller, something about it makes it stand out. Maybe it is in the way the storyline moves, or the characters, I can't quite put my finger on it. It is just a really fabulous read!
Would I recommend The Puppet Show?
YES! If you enjoy thrillers pick this one up - it was great! I have no idea when he is going to write the next one, but I AM THERE!!!!
I purchased The Puppet Show on a whim, at my own expense.
For more reviews check out my:
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Poe is brought back from suspension when a serial killer leaves his name carved into one of his victims chests. What a welcome back! Teamed up with socially awkward analyst Tilly, Poe has to find this serial killer, and discover why the killer used his name. Is he the next victim? Or is it something different? What does the killer want from him.
WOWEE! When it started I thought "Yeah this will be ok", but then as I kept reading and getting immersed in the story and characters I began to really enjoy it and upped it to "Yeah this is going to be really good"... And then the action started, and there was twist after twist after twist! AMAZING!!!
Yes I guessed who did it! Yes I am awesome! (or just read too many thrillers), but IT DIDNT MATTER!! Usually it does and I deduct stars because I enjoy being surprised. But even though I got it right THERE WERE STILL MORE TWISTS! I LOVE THAT! Just when you get cocky BAM there is another spanner in the works!
And the characters! Loved all of them! Tilly and Poe just WORKED together! What a team!
There was something really great about the writing and the atmosphere the author creates in this book. Although it sounds like it will be just another thriller, something about it makes it stand out. Maybe it is in the way the storyline moves, or the characters, I can't quite put my finger on it. It is just a really fabulous read!
Would I recommend The Puppet Show?
YES! If you enjoy thrillers pick this one up - it was great! I have no idea when he is going to write the next one, but I AM THERE!!!!
I purchased The Puppet Show on a whim, at my own expense.
For more reviews check out my:
Blog
November 30, 2021
Tengo una suegra lectora y estoy encantado con ella. Jamás pensé comenzar una reseña con esa frase, pero lo he hecho porque gracias a ella llegué a El show de las marionetas.
Le suelo dejar libros (cuatro o cinco a la vez) y ella, que lee a buen ritmo, me los va devolviendo uno a uno. El caso es que de vez en cuando me compra alguno. “Que de verdad que no hace falta, que yo te los dejo de mil amores” le digo, pero a ella le hace ilusión... Me compró Verano negro de M.W. Craven sin saber que se trataba del segundo de la saga del detective Washington Poe.
Comida familiar. ¿Cómo llevas Verano negro? Aún no lo he empezado. Mientras tanto apunté El show de las marionetas en mi wish list para un amigo invisible a distancia de libros que haré con unos amigos en Navidades.
Siguiente comida familiar. ¿Has empezado ya Verano negro? Y ahí confesé que estoy esperando a conseguir El show de las marionetas porque es el primero de la saga.
Siguiente comida familiar. Me regaló El show de las marionetas. Detallazo.
En la siguiente comida familiar le diré que El show de las marionetas me ha gustado muchísimo, que no tiene altibajos y el interés se mantiene en todo momento, que plantea algunos dilemas morales con los que reflexionar, que me sentí una marioneta en manos del autor y de “el hombre inmolación” porque el final no lo vi venir y que la historia tiene dos grandes protagonistas: el carismático Washington Poe y Tily Bradshaw. Hay que querer a Tily Bradshaw…
Le dejaré El show de las marionetas a mi suegra, cruzaré los dedos para que en el amigo invisible no me llegue, leeré Verano negro y os contaré por aquí qué tal. Qué tal con el libro… porque con mi suegra ya sabéis que es lectora y que estoy encantado con ella.
Le suelo dejar libros (cuatro o cinco a la vez) y ella, que lee a buen ritmo, me los va devolviendo uno a uno. El caso es que de vez en cuando me compra alguno. “Que de verdad que no hace falta, que yo te los dejo de mil amores” le digo, pero a ella le hace ilusión... Me compró Verano negro de M.W. Craven sin saber que se trataba del segundo de la saga del detective Washington Poe.
Comida familiar. ¿Cómo llevas Verano negro? Aún no lo he empezado. Mientras tanto apunté El show de las marionetas en mi wish list para un amigo invisible a distancia de libros que haré con unos amigos en Navidades.
Siguiente comida familiar. ¿Has empezado ya Verano negro? Y ahí confesé que estoy esperando a conseguir El show de las marionetas porque es el primero de la saga.
Siguiente comida familiar. Me regaló El show de las marionetas. Detallazo.
En la siguiente comida familiar le diré que El show de las marionetas me ha gustado muchísimo, que no tiene altibajos y el interés se mantiene en todo momento, que plantea algunos dilemas morales con los que reflexionar, que me sentí una marioneta en manos del autor y de “el hombre inmolación” porque el final no lo vi venir y que la historia tiene dos grandes protagonistas: el carismático Washington Poe y Tily Bradshaw. Hay que querer a Tily Bradshaw…
Le dejaré El show de las marionetas a mi suegra, cruzaré los dedos para que en el amigo invisible no me llegue, leeré Verano negro y os contaré por aquí qué tal. Qué tal con el libro… porque con mi suegra ya sabéis que es lectora y que estoy encantado con ella.
March 20, 2024
داستان اینطوری شروع میشه که یه قاتل قربانیاش رو میبره توی میدونهای سنگی انگلیس و آتیششون میزنه
موضوع اصلی داستانش واقعاً دردناک بود و از اون بدتر اینکه این جنایات توی دنیای واقعی هم انجام میشه و یه جاهایی منم همراه کارآگاه اصلی بغض کردم
در موردش چیزی نمیگم چون بخش مهمی از کتاب رو لو میده
در هر صورت به عنوان کتاب اول یه مجموعه چند جلدی خیلی خوب بود
دوتا شخصیت اصلی عالی بودن. خود پو که یه کارآگاه 38 سالهی کلهخراب تعلیق شدهس و از اون بهتر تیلی بردشا، دستیارش که یه نابغهی نرد هست با آیکیوی نزدیک دویست که به خاطر همین نابغه بودنش توی محیط محدود شده بزرگ شده و روابط اجتماعیش زیر خط فقره و با یه معصومیت دوست داشتنی یهو اومده توی دنیای واقعی
با وجود فرسنگها فاصله بین ویژگیهای دوتا شخصیت، شیمیشون فوقالعاده جذاب شده و به خاطر همین دوتا مشتاقم جلد بعدی رو هم بخونم
فقط این نکته رو باید بگم که کتاب واقعا جنایی کارآگاهیه و بیشتر مواقع در حال بررسی مدارک و بازجویی میگذره و بزن بزن و تعقیب و گریز نداره
موضوع اصلی داستانش واقعاً دردناک بود و از اون بدتر اینکه این جنایات توی دنیای واقعی هم انجام میشه و یه جاهایی منم همراه کارآگاه اصلی بغض کردم
در موردش چیزی نمیگم چون بخش مهمی از کتاب رو لو میده
در هر صورت به عنوان کتاب اول یه مجموعه چند جلدی خیلی خوب بود
دوتا شخصیت اصلی عالی بودن. خود پو که یه کارآگاه 38 سالهی کلهخراب تعلیق شدهس و از اون بهتر تیلی بردشا، دستیارش که یه نابغهی نرد هست با آیکیوی نزدیک دویست که به خاطر همین نابغه بودنش توی محیط محدود شده بزرگ شده و روابط اجتماعیش زیر خط فقره و با یه معصومیت دوست داشتنی یهو اومده توی دنیای واقعی
با وجود فرسنگها فاصله بین ویژگیهای دوتا شخصیت، شیمیشون فوقالعاده جذاب شده و به خاطر همین دوتا مشتاقم جلد بعدی رو هم بخونم
فقط این نکته رو باید بگم که کتاب واقعا جنایی کارآگاهیه و بیشتر مواقع در حال بررسی مدارک و بازجویی میگذره و بزن بزن و تعقیب و گریز نداره
July 10, 2020
Though I have read more than my fair share of crime fiction, I have never truly enjoyed vanilla police procedurals or serial killer stories. The former is too dour, the latter tries too hard to shock. So I often need a further hook like the stories being character driven for me to be interested in a by the numbers procedural. This time I disregarded my own rule and bought into the hype and read The Puppet Show. Huge mistake. This has to be the worst Golden Dagger award winner (the highest award a crime book can get in UK) I have ever read.
Disgraced, iconoclastic NCA (British version of FBI) cop Washington Poe returns to the fold after the latest big ticket serial killer - The Immolation Man had carved Poe's name into the chest of one of his victims. As the name suggests the big bad burns his victims and mutilates them in suitably shocking ways. And as norms dictate, the serial killer is also a genius. Luckily Poe is a genius detective and he has new recruit Tilly Bradshaw, a maths and computer genius to help him catch his genius nemesis. Frankly Craven must think the only idiots here are the ones who have paid for this drivel. (If you are wondering why I read it - I was vacationing on a tropical island where internet was non existent. And this was the only ebook I had with me.)
Poe is a man's man. He loves outdoor activities, does not care about what he wears, is anti-establishment, will do anything for justice and if you remember any other cliches kindly mail it to Craven. He will surely include it in the next installment though you won't get the royalties. Every character in every form of fiction can be reduced to generalities. However a good author builds on them to write a three dimensional character, goes without saying Craven does not even approach doing something like that.
Bradshaw is even more problematic. She is supposed to cute but I found her cringeworthy. She is a female version of Dustin Hoffman's character from Rain Man. Genius IQ but socially awkward due to obvious behavioral issues. Craven shies away from calling it Autism or Asperger's. Instead he describes her as sheltered. Unless she was sheltered with molemen living under the cities, nothing she does can be chalked away as a result of simply insular upbringing. The trouble is by the end of the book she has started moving away from being female Forrest Gump. Craven thinks this qualifies as character development. So either hanging out with Poe cures Autism or the character was initially written as a complete fool for no good reason. Plus the big break she provides to the case is by suggesting the cops check which cars are common to all three points the killer was known to visit. Good suggestion? Surely. Genius move? Not really. Craven keeps insisting no one else could have come up with the break. So he tells, not shows and then what he tells is incompatible with the reader's inferences. Bad writing all around.
There are equally egregious problems with the plot. For example the serial killer conveniently stops protecting his closely guarded identity and goes into hiding just when Poe figures out who he is though he has no idea of Poe's discovery. Every part of the plot is stupid and one strand is even left hanging. The killer's whole reason behind involving Poe is outright retarded. Let's use an analogy to explain it. How do you scratch your back? Craven: Well obviously you chop off a couple of your limbs, sew them together and use it as a stick. It encapsulates all the problems with the reveals at the end. They are possible but completely illogical and the least apt method to accomplish the objective.
On the positive side, this is fast and taut. But that should not be enough to be one of the highest rated crime books on Goodreads or win one of the most prestigious awards in crime fiction. If you think I am being too harsh, read some of the better winners. Sunset Limited by James Lee Burke or Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem and the difference in level of prose will be obvious. Rating - 2/5.
Disgraced, iconoclastic NCA (British version of FBI) cop Washington Poe returns to the fold after the latest big ticket serial killer - The Immolation Man had carved Poe's name into the chest of one of his victims. As the name suggests the big bad burns his victims and mutilates them in suitably shocking ways. And as norms dictate, the serial killer is also a genius. Luckily Poe is a genius detective and he has new recruit Tilly Bradshaw, a maths and computer genius to help him catch his genius nemesis. Frankly Craven must think the only idiots here are the ones who have paid for this drivel. (If you are wondering why I read it - I was vacationing on a tropical island where internet was non existent. And this was the only ebook I had with me.)
Poe is a man's man. He loves outdoor activities, does not care about what he wears, is anti-establishment, will do anything for justice and if you remember any other cliches kindly mail it to Craven. He will surely include it in the next installment though you won't get the royalties. Every character in every form of fiction can be reduced to generalities. However a good author builds on them to write a three dimensional character, goes without saying Craven does not even approach doing something like that.
Bradshaw is even more problematic. She is supposed to cute but I found her cringeworthy. She is a female version of Dustin Hoffman's character from Rain Man. Genius IQ but socially awkward due to obvious behavioral issues. Craven shies away from calling it Autism or Asperger's. Instead he describes her as sheltered. Unless she was sheltered with molemen living under the cities, nothing she does can be chalked away as a result of simply insular upbringing. The trouble is by the end of the book she has started moving away from being female Forrest Gump. Craven thinks this qualifies as character development. So either hanging out with Poe cures Autism or the character was initially written as a complete fool for no good reason. Plus the big break she provides to the case is by suggesting the cops check which cars are common to all three points the killer was known to visit. Good suggestion? Surely. Genius move? Not really. Craven keeps insisting no one else could have come up with the break. So he tells, not shows and then what he tells is incompatible with the reader's inferences. Bad writing all around.
There are equally egregious problems with the plot. For example the serial killer conveniently stops protecting his closely guarded identity and goes into hiding just when Poe figures out who he is though he has no idea of Poe's discovery. Every part of the plot is stupid and one strand is even left hanging. The killer's whole reason behind involving Poe is outright retarded. Let's use an analogy to explain it. How do you scratch your back? Craven: Well obviously you chop off a couple of your limbs, sew them together and use it as a stick. It encapsulates all the problems with the reveals at the end. They are possible but completely illogical and the least apt method to accomplish the objective.
On the positive side, this is fast and taut. But that should not be enough to be one of the highest rated crime books on Goodreads or win one of the most prestigious awards in crime fiction. If you think I am being too harsh, read some of the better winners. Sunset Limited by James Lee Burke or Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem and the difference in level of prose will be obvious. Rating - 2/5.
June 2, 2018
There are three reasons why I requested this - firstly, the endorsements of Peter James and A.A. Dhand, both authors I love. Secondly, the cover, and finally, the synopsis appealed to me as it sounded pretty dark and gruesome. Everything about this book screamed that it was going to be a fantabulous rollercoaster ride!
I appreciated the setting, the Lake District is not very far from my home. I know it can be a very desolate place, so it's ideal for a serial killer to use as his stalking ground, so to speak. I am so pleased that this is a series opener, meaning there is much more to come from M. W. Craven, I will be following this series through to its conclusion if the rest are as amazing as this was.
The 'Immolation Man' is a serial killer that burns his victims alive inside the stone circles of the Lake District. Washington Poe and his team are the ones tasked at stopping him claiming any more victims, but can they identify and locate him before he strikes again?
Books that are gory and dark seem to call out to me, and this, my first read by Craven, certainly didn't disappoint. Craven's writing is fantastic and draws you into the story from the first couple of chapters, once it's got you, it refuses to let you go! The friendship between Tilly Bradshaw and Poe warmed my heart. I look forward to their relationship and characters developing throughout the series.
I would like to thank M. W. Craven, Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciated the setting, the Lake District is not very far from my home. I know it can be a very desolate place, so it's ideal for a serial killer to use as his stalking ground, so to speak. I am so pleased that this is a series opener, meaning there is much more to come from M. W. Craven, I will be following this series through to its conclusion if the rest are as amazing as this was.
The 'Immolation Man' is a serial killer that burns his victims alive inside the stone circles of the Lake District. Washington Poe and his team are the ones tasked at stopping him claiming any more victims, but can they identify and locate him before he strikes again?
Books that are gory and dark seem to call out to me, and this, my first read by Craven, certainly didn't disappoint. Craven's writing is fantastic and draws you into the story from the first couple of chapters, once it's got you, it refuses to let you go! The friendship between Tilly Bradshaw and Poe warmed my heart. I look forward to their relationship and characters developing throughout the series.
I would like to thank M. W. Craven, Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2020
4.5 STARS!
Washington Poe is a brilliant investigator who returns to the police to work on a case of a serial killer known as the "Immolation Man" after his name was found engraved on one of the victims. Poe works with an excellent but lacking in social skills data analyst, named Tilly Bradshaw, who was more accustomed to work in her office than in a crime scenes - she has Asperger's Syndrome and the most intriguing female character I read about in thriller books.
Both Tilly and Poe are isolated because of the circumstances of their lives - and so they become close friends, which made them a great team! 👏💥💣
It's a dark Suspenseful thriller (not a horror book in my opinion), written from Poe's point of view and it has lots of twists that will leave you with your jaw on the floor - but also lots of amusing and thought-provoking moments about the injustices and corruptions that happen in the real world.
I really enjoyed the plot - but mostly the audio! The narration was just AWESOME!!! ❤😍👑
***This is NOT a novel, this is a mystery suspense crime book.
• I listened to the AUDIO version. 🎧
• Get your copy HERE.
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July 23, 2025
This is how a Police Procedural should be done!
Immolation
[im-uh-ley-shuh-n]
1. To kill as a religious sacrifice.
2. To kill, especially by fire.
There’s a serial murderer loose in North West England – dubbed the Immolation Man, he burns his victims alive, choosing one of Cumbria’s many stone circle monuments as his kill site. When a suspended, subject of an internal investigation, ex-Detective Inspector’s name, is discovered carved into the charred remains of the third victim’s chest, Washington Poe is reluctantly recalled to duty. With the clock ticking, and the body count rising, it’s a race against time to identify, and catch the killer.
Holy crap, this one really broke the mould, and I couldn’t be more impressed. I’m not sure what wowed me more – the plot, characters, setting, dialogue, relationships – everything just gelled. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop, and the last 150 pages saw me staying up until 2am to finish! With shocks and surprises at every turn there was no way I couldn’t.
The two main characters, while complex and captivating, were admittedly somewhat clichéd. We have the disgraced, undisciplined ex-cop using unorthodox policing to solve the crime (Washington Poe) partnered with the extremely socially awkward, off-the-charts IQ, introverted, crime computer analyst (Tilly Bradshaw). Having said that, they are tropes that I’m all for, so no complaints here. By the end of the novel both had shown unique sides to their personalities to make them fresh and different.
I also liked the fact that both Poe and Bradshaw displayed genuine sympathy and anguish towards the victims, and weren’t afraid to show it – they were shocked, saddened, angry, and even cried on a couple of occasions, making them all the more real, human and vulnerable.
The developing friendship the two characters formed was another highlight – the way Poe and Bradshaw protected and looked out for each other, and the way they worked seamlessly together, was a delight to read unfold.
Prologue aside, which I will talk about in a moment, and the first chapter, which is voiced by Bradshaw, the remainder of the story is told via Poe. All viewpoints are in the third person. Chapters are short, 2-4 pages, but that doesn’t matter, as I mentioned, you won’t be able to put the book down.
The prologue, in the third victims POV as he’s about to be set alight, is pretty gruesome and horrible, and there’s also some pretty graphic descriptions of atrocities committed in other parts of the book, so it’s certainly not a cosy crime novel. The cover description is pretty much a given – ‘He pulls their strings. He watches them burn. Welcome to The Puppet Show’. If you’ve read any of the following authors – Karin Slaughter, Tami Hoag, Lisa Gardner, Karen Rose or Tess Gerritsen – then you will be fine. Same goes for those who are regular reader of crime, horror, or fantasy.
I’m very excited for the next instalment – not only because I can’t wait to revisit Poe and Bradshaw, but also because the last few chapters introduced a subplot, as well as opened a can of worms, that has me dying to find out what happens next. Book 2, Black Summer, is scheduled for release June 20, 2019. I will be counting down the days!
Author has also published novels under the name Mike Craven, so I will definitely be checking out those books as well.
Immolation
[im-uh-ley-shuh-n]
1. To kill as a religious sacrifice.
2. To kill, especially by fire.
There’s a serial murderer loose in North West England – dubbed the Immolation Man, he burns his victims alive, choosing one of Cumbria’s many stone circle monuments as his kill site. When a suspended, subject of an internal investigation, ex-Detective Inspector’s name, is discovered carved into the charred remains of the third victim’s chest, Washington Poe is reluctantly recalled to duty. With the clock ticking, and the body count rising, it’s a race against time to identify, and catch the killer.
Holy crap, this one really broke the mould, and I couldn’t be more impressed. I’m not sure what wowed me more – the plot, characters, setting, dialogue, relationships – everything just gelled. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop, and the last 150 pages saw me staying up until 2am to finish! With shocks and surprises at every turn there was no way I couldn’t.
The two main characters, while complex and captivating, were admittedly somewhat clichéd. We have the disgraced, undisciplined ex-cop using unorthodox policing to solve the crime (Washington Poe) partnered with the extremely socially awkward, off-the-charts IQ, introverted, crime computer analyst (Tilly Bradshaw). Having said that, they are tropes that I’m all for, so no complaints here. By the end of the novel both had shown unique sides to their personalities to make them fresh and different.
I also liked the fact that both Poe and Bradshaw displayed genuine sympathy and anguish towards the victims, and weren’t afraid to show it – they were shocked, saddened, angry, and even cried on a couple of occasions, making them all the more real, human and vulnerable.
The developing friendship the two characters formed was another highlight – the way Poe and Bradshaw protected and looked out for each other, and the way they worked seamlessly together, was a delight to read unfold.
Prologue aside, which I will talk about in a moment, and the first chapter, which is voiced by Bradshaw, the remainder of the story is told via Poe. All viewpoints are in the third person. Chapters are short, 2-4 pages, but that doesn’t matter, as I mentioned, you won’t be able to put the book down.
The prologue, in the third victims POV as he’s about to be set alight, is pretty gruesome and horrible, and there’s also some pretty graphic descriptions of atrocities committed in other parts of the book, so it’s certainly not a cosy crime novel. The cover description is pretty much a given – ‘He pulls their strings. He watches them burn. Welcome to The Puppet Show’. If you’ve read any of the following authors – Karin Slaughter, Tami Hoag, Lisa Gardner, Karen Rose or Tess Gerritsen – then you will be fine. Same goes for those who are regular reader of crime, horror, or fantasy.
I’m very excited for the next instalment – not only because I can’t wait to revisit Poe and Bradshaw, but also because the last few chapters introduced a subplot, as well as opened a can of worms, that has me dying to find out what happens next. Book 2, Black Summer, is scheduled for release June 20, 2019. I will be counting down the days!
Author has also published novels under the name Mike Craven, so I will definitely be checking out those books as well.
September 1, 2022
Primera novela de la serie policíaca Washington Poe, un thriller con una trama absorbente y bien hilada en una ambientación muy atractiva.
Sus personajes resultan equilibrados; lo mejor de la novela es el dúo protagonista, carismáticos y con una química tremenda.
Adictiva y muy entretenida.
Sus personajes resultan equilibrados; lo mejor de la novela es el dúo protagonista, carismáticos y con una química tremenda.
Adictiva y muy entretenida.
August 5, 2025
My first Craven novel and I am now craving more Craven! What a different crime thriller this is. Our lead character is Washington Poe who was a DI but due to some serious controversy he is now off the job and has been for some time. He resides in Cumbria which seems like the moorlands to me. A nice peaceful out of the way and isolated area.
Poe had worked for the National Crime Agency and further a division known as the Serious Crime Analysis Section. The NCA was heavily involved in a case termed the Immolation man and that word and its definition is how the book opens. Immolation 1. To kill as a religious sacrifice. 2. To kill, especially by fire.
So the Immolation man has struck three times and we are treated by the author to one of these stunningly deviant crimes off the get go. Burning to death has to be the worst way to go and if you ever witnessed it you will totally agree. When the NCA discover that Washington Poe's name has been carved into the third victims chest with a #5 beside it they feel that Poe and his distinct abilities may be of value. He is invited back onto the team and designated as two victims away from his own number being called, the hunt for the Immolation man begins.
So when Poe goes back he realizes the need for someone who can process data. That's where we meet his to be sidekick Tilly Bradshaw. She is the very odd pairing that distinguishes this series from everything else I've read in this genre. When Poe discovers she does not leave HQ and has never been on the road he pegs her as one of those. Sadly ask any officer in North America and apparently perhaps the world over there are many such officers who feign illness and PTSD issues and the like and are confined to what are termed "light duties". They man what used to be senior officer positions and or made up bs positions to have them do something for their nice pay cheque which is equal to an able bodied officer. If I sound condescending towards them it is because I am and so are all their peers. I loved the dig that Craven via Poe got in on this ever growing sad sack of individuals. It was morally rewarding. Yet Bradshaw is a serious genius and has been scholastically fast tracked in life having attended universities and such at too young an age and just has been sheltered her whole life and honestly just does not know how to acclimate with others. Slowly but surely Poe brings her along out of her shell and she becomes quite the asset and the sidekick to him.
I have to admit that this book has a lot of twists and turns and a lot of it you just don't see coming. I think many will catch on as I did as to why the Immolation man is doing what he is doing. Again, in a way, you will be pulling for the serial killer to finish his mission as it is a very noble one. Justice needs to be done and these mothers deserve to burn alive. What I don't think many will see is who the serial killer really is, specifically who, which is definitely a positive.
I have to say that the ending here is spectacular. Once the reasons for the kill are revealed the higher ups in the region want the case closed. Yet Poe was told by the killer as to the details of what was behind all these crimes. Poe even told his superiors the details but the high society members are very influential and want the case done with. Does Poe risk pushing for the truth to be known? The whole story should in fact be told and others held accountable.
Just an excellent well written police procedural. Lots of twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. To watch Tilly Bradshaw grow right in front of your eyes was at times so funny and always entertaining. Such an unusually different relationship between Poe and Bradshaw. An easy five stars and I can't wait to get to the next one :)
Poe had worked for the National Crime Agency and further a division known as the Serious Crime Analysis Section. The NCA was heavily involved in a case termed the Immolation man and that word and its definition is how the book opens. Immolation 1. To kill as a religious sacrifice. 2. To kill, especially by fire.
So the Immolation man has struck three times and we are treated by the author to one of these stunningly deviant crimes off the get go. Burning to death has to be the worst way to go and if you ever witnessed it you will totally agree. When the NCA discover that Washington Poe's name has been carved into the third victims chest with a #5 beside it they feel that Poe and his distinct abilities may be of value. He is invited back onto the team and designated as two victims away from his own number being called, the hunt for the Immolation man begins.
So when Poe goes back he realizes the need for someone who can process data. That's where we meet his to be sidekick Tilly Bradshaw. She is the very odd pairing that distinguishes this series from everything else I've read in this genre. When Poe discovers she does not leave HQ and has never been on the road he pegs her as one of those. Sadly ask any officer in North America and apparently perhaps the world over there are many such officers who feign illness and PTSD issues and the like and are confined to what are termed "light duties". They man what used to be senior officer positions and or made up bs positions to have them do something for their nice pay cheque which is equal to an able bodied officer. If I sound condescending towards them it is because I am and so are all their peers. I loved the dig that Craven via Poe got in on this ever growing sad sack of individuals. It was morally rewarding. Yet Bradshaw is a serious genius and has been scholastically fast tracked in life having attended universities and such at too young an age and just has been sheltered her whole life and honestly just does not know how to acclimate with others. Slowly but surely Poe brings her along out of her shell and she becomes quite the asset and the sidekick to him.
I have to admit that this book has a lot of twists and turns and a lot of it you just don't see coming. I think many will catch on as I did as to why the Immolation man is doing what he is doing. Again, in a way, you will be pulling for the serial killer to finish his mission as it is a very noble one. Justice needs to be done and these mothers deserve to burn alive. What I don't think many will see is who the serial killer really is, specifically who, which is definitely a positive.
I have to say that the ending here is spectacular. Once the reasons for the kill are revealed the higher ups in the region want the case closed. Yet Poe was told by the killer as to the details of what was behind all these crimes. Poe even told his superiors the details but the high society members are very influential and want the case done with. Does Poe risk pushing for the truth to be known? The whole story should in fact be told and others held accountable.
Just an excellent well written police procedural. Lots of twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. To watch Tilly Bradshaw grow right in front of your eyes was at times so funny and always entertaining. Such an unusually different relationship between Poe and Bradshaw. An easy five stars and I can't wait to get to the next one :)
February 7, 2019
The Puppet Show by M.W. Craven Is the first book in the Washington Poe series and what a fantastic start it is .
It's an addictive read which you won't want to put down, It's fast,dark, twisted with an ending you would never of guessed but will still keep you questioning after you've finished. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments especially when Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are on the same page (I think we all need a Tilly Bradshaw for a friend 😉) it's also so very heartbreaking.
For it not being your normal police thriller but based on a specialist unit your not swamped with to much information about what the unit does but given just enough to understand which I found kept the story flowing easily.
This book is a great first of a series which I would highly recommend.
It's an addictive read which you won't want to put down, It's fast,dark, twisted with an ending you would never of guessed but will still keep you questioning after you've finished. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments especially when Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are on the same page (I think we all need a Tilly Bradshaw for a friend 😉) it's also so very heartbreaking.
For it not being your normal police thriller but based on a specialist unit your not swamped with to much information about what the unit does but given just enough to understand which I found kept the story flowing easily.
This book is a great first of a series which I would highly recommend.
February 12, 2023
Quizás tenga un pequeño spoiler, pero si sois lectores de thriller no os va a pillar por sorpresa.
Lo único que hace que no le de las 5 estrellas es que el caso está demasiado relacionado con Poe -el policía protagonista-, y ese tipo de historias están ya, quizás, demasiado vistas.
Por lo demás es un thriller excelente. Me gusta que el poli no sea el más bueno, y que el malo no sea el más malo. Los grises brillan en esta novela.
El ritmo de la novela no para en ningún momento.
Lo único que hace que no le de las 5 estrellas es que el caso está demasiado relacionado con Poe -el policía protagonista-, y ese tipo de historias están ya, quizás, demasiado vistas.
Por lo demás es un thriller excelente. Me gusta que el poli no sea el más bueno, y que el malo no sea el más malo. Los grises brillan en esta novela.
El ritmo de la novela no para en ningún momento.
July 17, 2019
Seeking a high-impact thriller, I was told to explore M.W. Craven’s new series, involving a rogue police detective with a penchant for finding the truth in all crimes. I am pleased that I did, for this series debut left me astounded and wanting to learn a little more about DS Washington Poe. The burning of a number of bodies would have been enough to alert the National Crime Agency (NCA) to a problem, but when one victim had the name of former Detective Inspector Washington Poe etched into the torso, the higher-ups knew they’d have to seek some assistance. Poe, on suspension for a major gaffe, is hesitant to assist, though his help with this serial killer is essential. Reinstated with a number of limitations, including a demotion to Detective Sergeant, Poe is put on the case and makes his way back up to Cumbria, where he cut his teeth on police work. Not only has the killer—dubbed Immolation Man—set fire to his male victims, but he has also castrated them and left them to burn in stone circles. Utilising a socially inept analyst, Poe and the rest of the team travel to the region and try tracing any connection between the victims. It is slow going, but certain clues point to events decades in the past. Might the Immolation Man have been plotting for all this time, seeking certain men who are pillars of the community? As Poe pushes, he irks many of those in the chain of command, earning him repeated scoldings, though he is more focussed on the case than any social niceties. When a connection does emerge, it opens a new and equally sadistic narrative that could turn the case on its head. How does Washington Poe play into all of this and will the killer strike again, before the authorities can intercept him and stop the burnings? Craven stuns readers with this compact thriller that refuses to slow down until the final page turn. Recommended for those who enjoy a detailed thriller and readers who need more than light and airy when reading a police procedural.
While I had not read anything by M.W. Craven before, I will certainly change that in the coming months. Craven not only presents a wonderful story, but puts the reader in the middle of things, enveloping them in the darker sides of procedurals and making the narrative seem all the more detailed. Washington Poe is by no means a lighthearted character, though his grit and determination is offset by a desire to be sociable. He knows what needs doing and, at times and can extract all the information he needs by currying favour with those around him, though he is not against ignoring direct orders when it suits him. Poe may not have a significant backstory outside of work, but his dedication to the job and compassion for victims and their families is noted throughout the book. Craven does add an interesting explanation about the source of Poe’s name, which the attentive reader will discover. The other members of the National Crime Agency prove able to complement Poe and contrast nicely with all he does. The various personalities work well to keep the reader involved, without feeling that all work in unison in crime fighting. I can only hope at least a few characters return for Craven’s sequel in this series, as I do want to learn more about them and how they function as a ragtag group. The story was stellar, with strong plot lines and well-established characters to keep the reader interested. Layering criminal acts and retribution throughout the novel allows the reader to see a slow release of information that keeps the story from going stale at any point. I lost myself in the detail and found in all-encompassing at times, which left me wanting more. Thankfully, there is another novel in the series to keep me company, as I want nothing more than to dive right in and see what else Washington Poe has in store for the reader.
Kudos, Mr. Craven, for this strong debut. I will be rushing to get my hands on the second book and eagerly awaiting the third, due in 2020.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
While I had not read anything by M.W. Craven before, I will certainly change that in the coming months. Craven not only presents a wonderful story, but puts the reader in the middle of things, enveloping them in the darker sides of procedurals and making the narrative seem all the more detailed. Washington Poe is by no means a lighthearted character, though his grit and determination is offset by a desire to be sociable. He knows what needs doing and, at times and can extract all the information he needs by currying favour with those around him, though he is not against ignoring direct orders when it suits him. Poe may not have a significant backstory outside of work, but his dedication to the job and compassion for victims and their families is noted throughout the book. Craven does add an interesting explanation about the source of Poe’s name, which the attentive reader will discover. The other members of the National Crime Agency prove able to complement Poe and contrast nicely with all he does. The various personalities work well to keep the reader involved, without feeling that all work in unison in crime fighting. I can only hope at least a few characters return for Craven’s sequel in this series, as I do want to learn more about them and how they function as a ragtag group. The story was stellar, with strong plot lines and well-established characters to keep the reader interested. Layering criminal acts and retribution throughout the novel allows the reader to see a slow release of information that keeps the story from going stale at any point. I lost myself in the detail and found in all-encompassing at times, which left me wanting more. Thankfully, there is another novel in the series to keep me company, as I want nothing more than to dive right in and see what else Washington Poe has in store for the reader.
Kudos, Mr. Craven, for this strong debut. I will be rushing to get my hands on the second book and eagerly awaiting the third, due in 2020.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 30, 2018
There is nothing more satisfying than coming across a new crime series that sets the pulse racing. I read so many crime thrillers that I find it’s getting more difficult to find one that really excites me, but hells bells The Puppet Show by the very talented M.W. Craven blew my socks off! What a fabulous start to a “must read series”.I knew from the shocker of an opening chapter The Puppet Show was going to be an exhilarating and thrilling read, I loved this novel for so many reasons, with a gripping storyline and fabulous characters The Puppet Show has “best seller” written all over it.
Dark and gruesome are my favourite kind of crime thrillers, (make of that what you will!) and The Puppet Show fits the bill perfectly. As serial killers go this ones pretty terrifying, burning people alive, carving into theit charred remains, the author certainly has a vivid imagination, and his descriptive writing help you to visualise the gruesome scenes. With no clues the police are helpless, and enlist the most unlikely pairing I’ve come across in crime fiction, Washington Poe (love this name for a detective, not one you will forget in a hurry) and socially awkward civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw.
The stars of this book are definitely the characters, oh how I loved them, Tilly was like a breath of fresh air, her naivety and innocence contrast beautifully with Poe’s cynical views, their budding relationship was endearing, and the dialogue between the two offered lots of humour in what could have become a dark and depressing read (due to the difficult subject matter). M.W. Craven has created characters who are unique and engaging, and I would go as far to say they are probably two of the most exciting characters I’ve come across in a crime thriller for a long time.
Rather like the investigation team the reader has no idea who the serial killer is, when the killer was revealed I’m sure my jaw hit the floor, I can honestly say “I didn’t even come close” to working out the killers identify. The author taunts the reader by throwing in titbits of Poe’s past, which I’m desperately hoping will be the focus of one of the books in the series, very intriguing to say the least. You may have noticed my review is vague but I’m hoping it’s piqued your interest, my advice? Just buy it, if you are a fan of crime thrillers then this is definitely one book you don’t want to miss. I’m already desperate to read the next book in the series, and have everything crossed that I don’t have to wait long. Highly recommended
All my reviews can be found at http:;/thebookreviewcafe.com
Dark and gruesome are my favourite kind of crime thrillers, (make of that what you will!) and The Puppet Show fits the bill perfectly. As serial killers go this ones pretty terrifying, burning people alive, carving into theit charred remains, the author certainly has a vivid imagination, and his descriptive writing help you to visualise the gruesome scenes. With no clues the police are helpless, and enlist the most unlikely pairing I’ve come across in crime fiction, Washington Poe (love this name for a detective, not one you will forget in a hurry) and socially awkward civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw.
The stars of this book are definitely the characters, oh how I loved them, Tilly was like a breath of fresh air, her naivety and innocence contrast beautifully with Poe’s cynical views, their budding relationship was endearing, and the dialogue between the two offered lots of humour in what could have become a dark and depressing read (due to the difficult subject matter). M.W. Craven has created characters who are unique and engaging, and I would go as far to say they are probably two of the most exciting characters I’ve come across in a crime thriller for a long time.
Rather like the investigation team the reader has no idea who the serial killer is, when the killer was revealed I’m sure my jaw hit the floor, I can honestly say “I didn’t even come close” to working out the killers identify. The author taunts the reader by throwing in titbits of Poe’s past, which I’m desperately hoping will be the focus of one of the books in the series, very intriguing to say the least. You may have noticed my review is vague but I’m hoping it’s piqued your interest, my advice? Just buy it, if you are a fan of crime thrillers then this is definitely one book you don’t want to miss. I’m already desperate to read the next book in the series, and have everything crossed that I don’t have to wait long. Highly recommended
All my reviews can be found at http:;/thebookreviewcafe.com
June 7, 2018
I'm so very pleased to say that The Puppet Show is a fabulous book! I had high hopes, and you know high hopes high falls, so I'm especially glad when I realized not only is the book engrossing to read, it features two new favorite characters Detective Washington Poe and very socially awkward civilian analyst Tilly Bradshaw. Oh, their working relationship makes me think of Ash Henderson and Alice McDonald in Stuart Mcbride's series about Ash Henderson. Poe and Tilly just click, and there are so many wonderful moments, both funny and more serious.
Anyhow, this is a crime novel so of course, there is crime happening. In this case, brutal murders, with the emphasis on brutal. Yes, being a man reading about the mutilations must be hard. I love the setting of the story, I really get a rugged landscape before my eyes and those stone circles that have been there so long time that no one knows what they are for. Now they are used for human sacrifices and Poe has to figure out who is killing these men and why and the investigation starts to reveal hints that the answers lie in the past...
The ending is great, I started to have my suspicions towards a certain person towards the end and I was one the right course. It was such a fabulous ending, at one moment I was afraid it would end with a cliffhanger, and in a way it did, but in a good way. The book ended with me feeling satisfied and eagerly awaiting the next book!
I want to thank Little, Brown Book Group for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Anyhow, this is a crime novel so of course, there is crime happening. In this case, brutal murders, with the emphasis on brutal. Yes, being a man reading about the mutilations must be hard. I love the setting of the story, I really get a rugged landscape before my eyes and those stone circles that have been there so long time that no one knows what they are for. Now they are used for human sacrifices and Poe has to figure out who is killing these men and why and the investigation starts to reveal hints that the answers lie in the past...
The ending is great, I started to have my suspicions towards a certain person towards the end and I was one the right course. It was such a fabulous ending, at one moment I was afraid it would end with a cliffhanger, and in a way it did, but in a good way. The book ended with me feeling satisfied and eagerly awaiting the next book!
I want to thank Little, Brown Book Group for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
January 10, 2025
It is such an excellent crime/police thriller. The first in the Washington Poe series, and I will be reading more. A fast ride with loveable characters. Poe is suspended from his DCI role, and he is forced out of retirement when a Serial Killer carves his name in his latest victim, and he comes back demoted to a DI. Tilly Bradshaw, a computer geek analyst, supports him and is a fabulous neurodiversive loveable character. His previous DI, Stephanie Flynn, is now his superior. Twisty, gritty, dark, clever, and an utterly brilliant page Turner of a read. Superb
EDIT. I read this book a second time as it was a selection for a book club, and other than re-reading books of my youth, I rarely re-read as my to be read list is so long. However, as I loved this book so much the first time, I decided to give re-reading a go. I was not disappointed and still loved the book, and it was great to go back and read from the beginning. I found tit bits that I had missed on first reading. It's so very clever and utterly brilliant, I can't shut up about how solid and superb that both this book and the series is. Fantastic.
EDIT. I read this book a second time as it was a selection for a book club, and other than re-reading books of my youth, I rarely re-read as my to be read list is so long. However, as I loved this book so much the first time, I decided to give re-reading a go. I was not disappointed and still loved the book, and it was great to go back and read from the beginning. I found tit bits that I had missed on first reading. It's so very clever and utterly brilliant, I can't shut up about how solid and superb that both this book and the series is. Fantastic.
December 3, 2021
Me ha gustado, pero... Ha habido una parte que se me ha hecho lenta por eso no le doy 5 estrellas.
A partir de esa parte el ritmo va en ascenso, terminando de manera correcta siendo una sorpresa quien era el culpable.
Me han gustado la pareja que han formado Poe y Tilly, son la noche y el dia pero encanjan con sus peculiaridades.
Seguiré la serie seguro.
8/10
# Reto novela policial, negra, misterio y thriller 2021. 8. Un best seller
A partir de esa parte el ritmo va en ascenso, terminando de manera correcta siendo una sorpresa quien era el culpable.
Me han gustado la pareja que han formado Poe y Tilly, son la noche y el dia pero encanjan con sus peculiaridades.
Seguiré la serie seguro.
8/10
# Reto novela policial, negra, misterio y thriller 2021. 8. Un best seller
May 16, 2021
Nos adentramos en esta novela con un brutal asesinato, el primero de una serie que traerá de calle a nuestra pareja de investigadores, una pareja que se complementa y funciona a la perfección.
Washington Poe es un detective con un sexto sentido, que no soporta que se metan con los más débiles. Tilly Bradshaw es una brillante analista a la que le cuesta relacionarse.
Y como telón de fondo el paisaje agreste de Cumbria, ideal para el desarrollo de esta entretenida trama, cuyo final nos deja con un regusto agrio y algún que otro interrogante:
¿Conocemos realmente a nuestros amigos? ¿Se merecían las víctimas el castigo recibido?
Washington Poe es un detective con un sexto sentido, que no soporta que se metan con los más débiles. Tilly Bradshaw es una brillante analista a la que le cuesta relacionarse.
Y como telón de fondo el paisaje agreste de Cumbria, ideal para el desarrollo de esta entretenida trama, cuyo final nos deja con un regusto agrio y algún que otro interrogante:
¿Conocemos realmente a nuestros amigos? ¿Se merecían las víctimas el castigo recibido?
September 3, 2019
Wow what a start!! You certainly got my attention. A man is set on fire to after first being tortured!!
Washington Poe has been reinstated with the police to work on a case of finding the “Immolation Man” a serial killer that burns his victims inside stone circles at the Lake District. Washington is working with Tilly Bradshaw a data analyst, more used to being at her desk than a crime scenes. She is innocent and seems to be on the spectrum of being Autistic, lacking social skills but hardworking and very determined.
Washington and Tilly make a formidable team. This is going to be an amazing series I am so pleased that I’ve discovered this at book 1.
A dark thriller with twists that will keep you well and truly hooked. Looking forward to the return of Poe and Tilly.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Washington Poe has been reinstated with the police to work on a case of finding the “Immolation Man” a serial killer that burns his victims inside stone circles at the Lake District. Washington is working with Tilly Bradshaw a data analyst, more used to being at her desk than a crime scenes. She is innocent and seems to be on the spectrum of being Autistic, lacking social skills but hardworking and very determined.
Washington and Tilly make a formidable team. This is going to be an amazing series I am so pleased that I’ve discovered this at book 1.
A dark thriller with twists that will keep you well and truly hooked. Looking forward to the return of Poe and Tilly.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
January 28, 2019
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Washington Poe was the Detective Inspector of the National Crime Agency (NCA) until a mistake saw him put on suspension whilst an investigation began into his conduct. He headed home to Cumbria and bought a small house in the middle of a field with no neighbours. He was happily leading a quiet life with just himself and his dog Edgar for company.
That was until acting Detective Inspector Stephanie Flynn showed up with an Osman warning (a police warning that his life was in danger) regarding a serious case that was ongoing. She also wanted Poe’s help with the case so offered him the job as Detective Sergeant until the case was solved.
The case in hand was that there had been multiple men found tortured, their private parts had been removed and then they had been burned to death in stone circles around Cumbria. The latest body, number three, had also been found with something cut into his skin – the words Washington Poe and what looked like the number five. Giving the reason for the police believing that Poe was in danger and the targets fifth victim.
With a target on his head, Poe has to return to work and help solve the case before he becomes a victim. But Poe isn’t a man who follows the rule book and it’s not long before he finds himself following his gut rather than the evidence, much to the annoyance of DI Flynn and her bosses. If there is one man you want on your team to find the sadistic killer it’s Poe, but can he find the killer before losing his job, again?
The Puppet Show is an absolutely perfect crime thriller following the police, especially Poe and Criminal Analyst Tilly Bradshaw as they work closely together to uncover the ‘Immolation Man’, what the papers have dubbed the serial killer.
The book took a different route to what I was expecting. I was expecting the book to be one that would keep me awake at night having nightmares, hence when I began the book I did so during the day opting for something different to read the night before. However, the book is more about Poe and his team trying to find the killer and less about the killer him/herself. This type of book is perfect for me as I love police procedural novels.
Poe is an aging detective who has been on the job long enough to know that you can’t always follow the paper trail, sometimes you have to do what you think is right and if that means having to make a few tough decisions that go against his bosses then so be it. He knows it could backfire on him. He also knows that nine out of ten times his hunches are right.
Tilly is an absolutely remarkable character. From the description of her and her actions, you get the feeling that she has Asperger’s. She is exceptionally clever and talented but doesn’t understand humour, emotions and takes everything that people say to her literally. I have a teenage son with this condition so I could understand Tilly perfectly. You can’t help smiling at the girl as she comes more and more out of her shell and is vital to the investigation.
The book had me engrossed from the very beginning. M. W. Craven’s writing has a natural flow to it and he knows how to write superb characters that have their flaws but are exceptionally likeable and intriguing to read about. They are also perfectly realistic. He also knows how to send you up the wrong path with his many twists and turns, definitely keeping you on your toes.
As serial killer/detective books go, this has to be in my opinion one of the best. As the killer’s victims mount up you start to wonder how is this person ever going to be stopped and how are they choosing their next victim as everything seems to be very calculated and they certainly know the Cumbria area in detail as nothing is left to chance. As Poe starts to close in the tempo of the book seemed to pick up and I did feel like I was sat on the edge of my seat at times.
I now can’t wait to see where M. W. Craven takes Washington Poe next in the series and I do hope that Tilly is still by his side. If you love thrillers/crime books, you need to read this one.
Washington Poe was the Detective Inspector of the National Crime Agency (NCA) until a mistake saw him put on suspension whilst an investigation began into his conduct. He headed home to Cumbria and bought a small house in the middle of a field with no neighbours. He was happily leading a quiet life with just himself and his dog Edgar for company.
That was until acting Detective Inspector Stephanie Flynn showed up with an Osman warning (a police warning that his life was in danger) regarding a serious case that was ongoing. She also wanted Poe’s help with the case so offered him the job as Detective Sergeant until the case was solved.
The case in hand was that there had been multiple men found tortured, their private parts had been removed and then they had been burned to death in stone circles around Cumbria. The latest body, number three, had also been found with something cut into his skin – the words Washington Poe and what looked like the number five. Giving the reason for the police believing that Poe was in danger and the targets fifth victim.
With a target on his head, Poe has to return to work and help solve the case before he becomes a victim. But Poe isn’t a man who follows the rule book and it’s not long before he finds himself following his gut rather than the evidence, much to the annoyance of DI Flynn and her bosses. If there is one man you want on your team to find the sadistic killer it’s Poe, but can he find the killer before losing his job, again?
The Puppet Show is an absolutely perfect crime thriller following the police, especially Poe and Criminal Analyst Tilly Bradshaw as they work closely together to uncover the ‘Immolation Man’, what the papers have dubbed the serial killer.
The book took a different route to what I was expecting. I was expecting the book to be one that would keep me awake at night having nightmares, hence when I began the book I did so during the day opting for something different to read the night before. However, the book is more about Poe and his team trying to find the killer and less about the killer him/herself. This type of book is perfect for me as I love police procedural novels.
Poe is an aging detective who has been on the job long enough to know that you can’t always follow the paper trail, sometimes you have to do what you think is right and if that means having to make a few tough decisions that go against his bosses then so be it. He knows it could backfire on him. He also knows that nine out of ten times his hunches are right.
Tilly is an absolutely remarkable character. From the description of her and her actions, you get the feeling that she has Asperger’s. She is exceptionally clever and talented but doesn’t understand humour, emotions and takes everything that people say to her literally. I have a teenage son with this condition so I could understand Tilly perfectly. You can’t help smiling at the girl as she comes more and more out of her shell and is vital to the investigation.
The book had me engrossed from the very beginning. M. W. Craven’s writing has a natural flow to it and he knows how to write superb characters that have their flaws but are exceptionally likeable and intriguing to read about. They are also perfectly realistic. He also knows how to send you up the wrong path with his many twists and turns, definitely keeping you on your toes.
As serial killer/detective books go, this has to be in my opinion one of the best. As the killer’s victims mount up you start to wonder how is this person ever going to be stopped and how are they choosing their next victim as everything seems to be very calculated and they certainly know the Cumbria area in detail as nothing is left to chance. As Poe starts to close in the tempo of the book seemed to pick up and I did feel like I was sat on the edge of my seat at times.
I now can’t wait to see where M. W. Craven takes Washington Poe next in the series and I do hope that Tilly is still by his side. If you love thrillers/crime books, you need to read this one.
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