The Puppet Show by M W Craven - what a brilliant book! I was hooked straight away - gruesome murders, a disgraced cop and great writing - what's not to love!!

There is a serial killer in the Lake District - and he is burning his victims alive. When the 3rd victim is discovered with the name of Washington Poe on his chest, the suspended cop is returned to duty to work the case. Is it personal - who is doing this and is he next? He is teamed up with Tilly Bradshaw, a socially awkward but brilliant civilian analyst as his former partner has his job.

I loved the partnership of Poe and Bradshaw, they made me laugh and they work so well together being so different. I really hope that we see more of them in future books. The ending really surprised me, so many twists and red herrings!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

After a body turned up with Washington Poe carved in it. Cumbria Police knew they needed extra help. This was the 3rd body to turn up. Brining in the NCA, they needed one man. The problem was he had left under a cloud and living in isolation.
Washington Poe was not a typical police officer. Not one for lip service he was not afraid to ruffle feathers to get the job done, usually resulting in angering the higher ranking officers. He had high regards for justice and would always fight for the little man. He would follow the clues and his ability to think outside the box got the results.
DI Flynn was your typical officer trying to do her best in a man’s world. She did let Washington a free rein as she knew how it worked. As a boss, she was fair and was always the one to try and keep the peace.
My favourite character throughout the book was Tilly Bradshaw. The technology whizz kid with an analytical mind.. Whilst it was not mentioned I had the impression that she had autism. It was so refreshing to read about a character who did not think what people thought about her. She was blunt and straight to the point and not afraid to speak the truth. Having lived a sheltered life, everything she did in the field was new and she reminded me of a kid at Christmas.
From the beginning of this story, you are hit with a gruesome killing and you knew what to expect. The story was fast paced whilst you follow the investigation. As the story progressed you get to find out about Poe’s previous case and you soon realise what sort of man he is. The story is well plotted and even though I tried to guess I had not got a clue who the serial killer was. The reasons behind the killings was tragic. The harrowing scenes were broken up with some witty moments, thanks to Bradshaw. This thriller was fast pacing as there was always something going on.
This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely look out for more in this series. A must read for thriller lovers.

I love a good crime thriller and this did not disappoint me one bit! Think James Patterson and Kathy Reichs and you have an idea of how well written this book is!

The story opens with a gruesome murder in the quiet area of Cumbria and the SCAS come in to help the Police Investigation.

5 gruesome murders but with the help of DA Washington Poe and the crime technician Matilda ‘Tilly’ you will keep on the edge of your seat and learn how far DS Poe will go to get his killer!

A gripping crime thriller with a shocker of a twist at the end that I did not see coming until the end!

A very well written, fast paced book that I couldn’t put down!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Washington Poe is a disgraced DI existing in the Cumbrian fells with his dog for company. His old DS Steph Flynn now has his job within the NCA and a body has Poe’s name on it so it’s time to come back to the job! Someone is killing men and setting their bodies on fire can Washington stop them before it’s too late? Within the NCA is a wonderful crime technician, Tilly Bradshaw, a child prodigy and a whizz at everything IT and data related she wants to prove herself that she is more than a geek!

This was such a brilliant read. I’m in love with Poe and the friendship he has with Tilly is wonderful. The backstory should have been a prequel as it was so intriguing! I can’t wait for the next book to see where the characters are going to go!

Oh wow! This book grabbed me from the first page and it was a roller coaster to the end. Very well written and thought out, plenty of twists and turns. Washington Poe is an intriguing character and we gain some insight into him through out the book. He takes the shy Tilly Bradshaw under his wing after forcing her out into the field and then there is acting DI Steph Fynn, she makes a pretty good boss. A nice little SCAS team from the National Crime Agency goes and do what they best at - treading on toes but solving crimes!

This book ticks all the boxes for me and is definitely 5 stars, I will be looking out for more books from this author.

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.

I absolutely loved this book! I instantly felt a connection with the two main characters Poe and Tilley and found their bond very endearing. Tilley was a fab character and I enjoyed having her in the story, I warmed to her instantly and I felt she brought a lot extra to the story.
Poe was a great main character, with a dark past, which I felt gave his character good depth. I look forward to more with the two of them working together again.
The plot was gripping and tense and full of twists and turns. It kept me wanting to read on at the end of every chapter. I enjoyed the ritualistic feel to the story at the beginning.
I also appreciated the setting of the book, not in your normal busy city, but set in the Lake District. I enjoy books set in a scene I am a somewhat familiar with.
I look forward to more from Craven, this book was right up my street!
I would like to thank M. W. Craven, Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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.

This book is the first in a new series of crime thrillers by M.W. Craven and is the story of the 'Immolation Man' a serial killer that burns his victims alive inside the stones circles of the Lake District.  What is his motive and will Poe and the team catch him before he claims another one?

This is the first I've read by this author and, WOW, what a book to start with!  Dark, gripping, gory, suspenseful - all of these things rolled together and thrown at the reader to digest in this amazing series debut.

I was gripped by this book from the very beginning, it's written so incredibly well and kept me on the edge of my seat every time I picked it up, it was very hard to have to put it down and carry on with the real world.  I instantly loved Tilly Bradshaw, the way she took everything anyone said to her so literally made her all the more loveable and the friendship she built up with Poe was beautiful.  What a double act!! I can't wait to see more of these two in action.  A sensational 5 star read from start to finish.

I'd like to thank Little Brown Book Group for the auto approval and will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

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 gifted 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 this one 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

Really enjoyed this one, evident from the fact that I read it all today. A proper crime thriller with a really great detective. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for book 2! Guessed the who quite early on but the way it was done was fantastic and kept me reading!

Excellent. Just loved it. The Puppet Show is really good storytelling married with strong and coherent plotting and a couple of protagonists who really engage both your heart and your brain.

MW Craven’s novel is set amidst the Cumbrian Moors. Our protagonist D. I. Washington Poe has been on suspension from his job in the National Crime Agency for several months, accused of making a catastrophic error of judgement. He’s moved back to Cumbria and has been spending his time living frugally and learning dry stone dyking and other useful manual skills.

He’s not expecting to be asked back any time soon, and if he’s honest, he doesn’t really want to go back. Washington Poe is not a man who likes or enjoys the restrictions of command, and he’s utterly intolerant of politicking and grandstanding, so he’s not popular with the brass.

DI Stephanie Flynn, his former D.S. has been promoted to his role, and she turns up unannounced one day to ask him to come back to the Crime Agency to deal with a specific case involving a serial killer the red tops have named ‘Immolation Man’, due to the gruesome way he kills his victims. It seems that Poe has been targeted by this killer, but no-one knows why. Though he doesn’t want to return, he knows that he will have to if he is to get to the bottom of why he should be a target.

Working as D.S. to Flynn, he brings on board the brightest analyst the NCA has, Tilly Bradshaw. I adored Tilly’s character and the way that she and Poe work together. The pairing produces genuine moments of levity in an otherwise dark, often grotesque and twisted story and Tilly’s social conformity (she’s like a young Saga Noren only with added naïvety) coupled with Poe’s utter lack of respect for authority makes for fascinating character development on both sides.

All the characters, including our duo, are really well drawn. The plot is terrific and has both pace and tension with some great twisty moments. I was engrossed all the way through and just loved the explosive ending.

I cannot recommend this too highly. It is an exciting, vivid, technicolour read with great characters, brilliant plotting and lots of action.

Seriously, you need to read this. Then you need to put your name down for the next one, but you’ll be behind me in the queue.

This was an excellent foray into a new crime partnership. I am praying to all my gods that Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw go on to be THE new crime fighting duo. I loved the interaction between them, actually I loved Tilly's interaction with every other character. It provided a much needed lighter shade to the darkness of the crimes, and the perpetrators back story. A very clever concept by Mr Craven, without it, the tale could well have been too bleak, too demoralising. Wonderfully descriptive scenery, which was most enjoyable. I can't wait to read the next Poe and Bradshaw book.

Call me a psychic! A five star psychic! I predicted that The Puppet Show was going to be brilliant, and I was bloody right! I knew it! I just knew it!

It gave me those vibes, you know what I mean? You pick up or hear about a book, feeling all attracted to the cover. Come on, we ALL love a bit of sinister looking cover art don't we? The synopsis gives you that 'oooh, this could be juicy' feeling. And it gets put right to the top of that enormous TBR, winking at you, beckoning you to pick it up. This one went straight to the top of mine and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.

Much to my delight there's murder and fire and stone circles and a copper who's got the DRIEST sense of humour ever. And there's a REALLY COOL CHICK too, who wears band tees and happens to be a mathematical genius. I'd also like to mention that there's a Spaniel called Edgar.

That gives you a basic rambling idea of the two main characters, but I'm going to cast my mind back to my last read for a moment, Murder at the Mill (I'll call it MATM for short) by M B Shaw. Why am I mentioning my previous read I hear you cry?! Particularly in another book review as well! Shocking! Let me explain.

Similies. Descriptions. Creative writing in general. It has to be good. Clever. Funny. Emotional. Flowy. I could go on. I'm a tough reader to please. MATM is a perfect example of how NOT to do it. In contrast, The Puppet Show is a perfect example of how it SHOULD be done. It's creative, witty, well planned and brilliantly researched. Craven's similes are CLASS. After my last read I was so relieved that this author can write. He can write gooooood.

'The chief constable walked like a man badly in need of a stool softener.'

'He had a drinker’s nose and his upturned chin resembled a jester’s boot.'

If there's one thing I enjoy when I'm reading, it has to be when characters' personalities shine through and they become so real.

'Poe pointed at the BPhil after Francis Sharples’s name and asked, ‘You know what that means, Tilly? ‘Bachelor of Philosophy, Poe.’ Poe shook his head. ‘It means he’s a cock.’

Dry, British humour always gets a thumbs up from me, particularly if there's some cracking insults in the mix.

The Puppet Show is one hell of a ride, I read it in just under two weeks but I wanted to read it in one sitting. Life got right in the way, and I found myself drifting off thinking about it when I should of been concentrating on work. I really wanted to cancel a family occasion as well because I just wanted to read. I love how a great book can make me feel so unsociable and selfish.

I've always been a fan of crime fiction, especially when it's about a serial killer, my first being Silence of the Lambs twenty-odd years ago. I have also recently discovered Robert Bryndza and J D Barker for new reading in this genre. M W Craven is now up there for me as a go-to author as I just love the Britishness he injects into his story.

I cannot fault The Puppet Show in any way, I highly recommend it. It is pretty graphic in places and there's a bit of sweary dialogue, but it all fits a treat. For a debut novel, this is exciting and gripping from start to finish. And I'm pleased to say that the author is currently writing #2. I will undoubtedly read the next instalment of Poe and Bradshaw solving gruesome murders in their quirky and entertaining way.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and M.W. Craven for an advanced copy of this awesome book in exchange for an honest review. The pleasure was all mine.

When i read the prologue it sounded like it would be amazing. Along the lines of Chris Carter. However at 35% i was struggling to keep going. I think i expected more. However it did get better and i found it more enjoyable. It is was like that from thr start it would havr been a 4 but it lacked a bit for me so its a 3. Am looking forward to the next one to see where the author goes.

Oh My Goodness Me! Having read a couple of the authors other books, I knew I would be in for a good reading experience, I hadn't been prepared to be totally blown away though as this book isn't just good, it's brilliant!

There are so many detective books out there that I think it can be hard for an author to make their's stand out. M.W. Craven has well and truly gone for gold with his new series. Poe and Bradshaw have got to be the most amazing characters I have ever come across and it has left me absolute desperate for more.

Poe is your typical main protagonist who has issues but what makes him stand out is how he takes Bradshaw under his wings. Their unlikely friendship was something that instantly appealed to me and they are going to be one sought after crime duo.

Tilly Bradshaw is going to win new fans over in droves. Craven has uncovered an absolute diamond with this character and if someone doesn't snap this series up for television then there is something seriously wrong. You really need to read this book for yourself to understand the appeal of Bradshaw. I can't put into words just how fantastic a character she is and I really urge all crime fans to read it.

Not only is there an amazing cast of characters, there really is one gripping case the team find themselves working on also. With a shocking and horrifying opening to the story, the reader not only gets drawn in instantly, it also gives them a taster of just what they can look forward to in the rest of the novel.

The Puppet Show is this years must read. It just had everything I could have hoped for from a crime book and more. Brilliant, just brilliant. I now have to go through the agonising wait for the next one in the series.

First of all thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for this advance copy of one of the best books I have read so far this year. The story is of a serial killer who is burning his victims around various stone sites in the Lake District. The main character of Washington Poe is brilliant. He has his standards and his views of right and wrong and not always do they fall on the right side of the law. The character of Tilly is so lovable and the interactions between her , Poe and DI Stephanie Flynn are just pure class. MW Craven is one sick puppy but by god he is great. The descriptions of the killings are some of the best I have read (I love my crime books to be a bit gruesome. !!!) I think this would make a great film. I cant wait to read more in this series. Fantastic stuff.

Netgalley I always love you but some times I could give you a high five and thank the lucky stars for that day I was persuaded to buy a kindle. This book is grim but brilliantly so and what a cracking story. Not to mention a crime duo as odd and unsuited as Punch and Judy themselves but who I now can't imagine without! What can I say though without giving the story away? Lots of burned bodies being found in and around the Lake District. And that's just the start. Recommended from me. But can't imagine this being one on the tourist trail although there are some really nice stone circles for real in the area! Bring me more please and I'll plan reading it during the day when I've slept for two days straight to make up for the time I spend awake with these books haha.

Review to go online in early June

There is so much I want to say about "The Puppet Show" but I can't as I do not want to give anything away! Let's just say that burnt bodies are not the only horror that Washington Poe uncovers in his investigations! Twisted and dark, this novel will throw you off your guard over and over again. Just when you think you have sussed it all out Mike Craven takes your head and messes it up just a little bit more!

The Puppet Show introduces Mike Craven's latest character, Detective Washington Poe, a name that you will never forget! Washington is called back to duty for what will turn out to be one of the darkest cases he will investigate and this one is personal. Uh oh, I've found myself a new #CharacterCrush here! He is everything you want from a fictional detective, flawed but determined and not scared to throw the rule books out of the window when needed. However, when he teams up with Tilly Bradshaw, Civilian Analsyst, then that's when you know Washington Poe is the one man that you most definitely want on your side! And Tilly, well she melted my heart so she did! Through her character we see some of the worst elements of human nature through the actions of others and she evoked such strong feelings in me. I do hope that she features in future books with Poe! This one had me experience all the emotions, I laughed, cried and raged as the story unfolded. By the end I was a damn mess I can tell you!

If you haven't read any of Mike Craven's books then you are seriously missing out; this author has a raw talent and pens some of the most thought provoking writing in crime fiction. Effortlessly combining character and plot, it is impossible not to engage with his characters or not to lose yourself in the storyline. It provides a fascinating insight into the skills and resources utilised in modern day policing but does so without reading like a police manual. It is terrifyingly realistic and unbelievable at the same time, The Puppet Show, set against the atmospheric Cumbrian landscape will have you engrossed from beginning to end. It will keep you up way past your bedtime and leave you torn between reading it fast to finish it and slowing right down to savour every moment. It's dark and it's chilling, this is defintely one show you DO NOT want to miss!
My review will be on my blog https://chapterinmylife.wordpress.com/ on publication day

An absolutely fascinating and harrowing mystery thriller. Someone is kidnapping men, torturing them and setting them on fire while they're still alive. Their charred bodies are left at the sites of ancient stone circles in Cumbria - home to the Lake District and one of the most sparsely populated counties in the United Kingdom.

The media call this twisted killer "The Immolation Man" and former Detective Inspector Washington Poe is brought back from suspension, despite the disaster of his previous case which resulted in the torture and murder of the prime suspect. Although he's not afraid to bend or even break the rules, his police superiors realise they need his brilliant investigative skills to solve this case.
Now reinstated as a Detective Sergeant, Poe is aided by civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, a computer and maths genius with a staggeringly high IQ. But Tilly has led a very sheltered life and is socially awkward. Poe becomes her knight in shining armour when, on two separate occasions he physically defends her, first hurting a policeman who calls her a "retard" and having him sacked and later, crushing broken glass into the hand of a drunk who has tried to molest her.

Meanwhile, the devious killer, who leaves no forensic clues, has a plan to draw Poe deeper into his murderous actions. He carves the detective's name into one of the bodies and Poe slowly realises there are clues which only he is meant to see.
With the aid of Tilly's terrific computer skills - for example, she adds her own programmes to existing police computer software - the unlikely partners gradually discover the killer's twisted plans.

Their inquiries lead them to a former children's home and the realisation that the murder victims - previously seen as "pillars of the community" - were involved in horrific acts of child abuse. The author, M. W. Craven, who has a background in social work and the probation service, pulls no punches in detailing how these children suffered. The sense of a terrible injustice is palpable.

All the while, the murderer stays one step ahead, pulling the strings as he guides the police investigation where he wants it to go.
But, by dint of solid police work and the brilliance of Poe and Tilly, the truth about the serial killer's motives is uncovered.
This dark, riveting tale ends with a shattering confrontation in the wilds of Cumbria, itself almost a separate character in the story. The decades old motive for these torture killings will be revealed as will Poe's own childhood trauma.

This is a terrific crime novel and heralds the start of a series featuring the "odd couple" of Tilly Bradshaw and Washington Poe. Highly recommended.

My thanks go to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Blimey, where do I start with The Puppet Show?! How about FAVOURITE NEW SERIES!! My friends, you think that cover is hot, wait till you get inside this book, it’s on fire from beginning to end!

Centred around The ‘Immolation Man’ – a killer who looks to be taking random, old, wealthy men, and brutally burning them in the stone circles of The Lake District. Washington Poe is currently on suspension from the NCA and has no desire to return to his job. That is until, Civilian Analyst, Tilly Bradshaw uses a special technique to look at the body of the third victim and finds a message carved in his chest -Washington Poe! Under the supervision of DI Stephanie Flynn, Poe and Bradshaw head to Cumbria to investigate.

The Lake District setting is the perfect backdrop for this novel, the wide open space and isolated feel provides a kind of almost gothic feel to the story. Whilst you are constantly wanting to know who is committing the crimes, the reason why is what starts to intrigue you more. As the author drips in little clues and information you realise that there are many hidden layers to this crime and which go back much further than ever expected. I love a crime novel that plays with my emotions, and this did that, when everything started coming to light and revealing itself I felt a great deal of empathy towards the killer and not hate!

Don’t get me wrong, the whole of this novel is fantastic, but it’s the characters that absolutely stole the show for me. I have a favourite literacy duo, but I now have two favourite literacy duos! Washington Poe, as the book goes on, you find that he’s a real interesting character. Whilst he’s clearly very clever, seeing things that others can’t in his line of work, he’s someone who bends the rules, will knock anyone out of his way to get what he needs and says it straight to people, yet everything he does is actually for the right reasons and underneath I found him rather charismatic. Tilly Bradshaw, well, Tilly is just one of the most awesome and loveable characters I’ve ever come across, if not THE most awesome and loveable! One minute she had every single one of my heartstrings tugging, the next she had me crippled over in fits of laughter! She’s socially awkward, nerdy and says things EXACTLY how they are, which provides some rather comical moments. Yet, give her statistics, numbers and a computer and she’s the most intelligent analyst out there! You also start to realise that underneath she’s incredibly strong, and if she trusts you enough to be her friend, fiercely loyal! I loved Poe’s protectiveness over Tilly, I loved that she started to come out of her shell with him, but not so much that it became unbelievable. I take my hat off to the author because it was honestly just an utter joy watching this friendship grow, and something that I wouldn’t usually say in a crime novel, but was incredibly heart-warming. I think there’s a lot more to learn about both these characters, and plenty of room for the relationship to develop – I’m looking forward to joining them on many more adventures!

The ending of this novel is cleverly written. Whilst it is all wrapped up and left me satisfied, the author hooked me by just leaving a few little things and questions there for me to think about and mull over and DESPERATELY needing to the read the next book NOW!! I really can’t wait to see where the author goes next with this series and hope we don’t have too long a wait…

Washington Poe, is a name to watch out for.

Tilly Bradshaw, is a name to watch out for.

And, most importantly, M.W. Craven is a name to watch out for…

The Puppet Show is just simply sensational!

It would be a major crime to let this one pass you by…

Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for my honest thoughts.