I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for and advance copy of The Puppet Show, a police procedural set in Cumbria, featuring DS Washington Poe of the National Crime Agency.

When Tilly Bradshaw, a civilian analyst with the NCA, discovers Washington Poe's name etched into the burned corpse of the third victim of The Immolation Man he is recalled to duty from suspension and together he, Tilly and DI Stephanie Flynn travel to Cumbria to support the local investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Puppet Show which is a very assured and well crafted début. It centres around the hunt for the Immolation Man who is killing seemingly random rich, elderly men so Poe and his colleagues are starting with a wide open field which they gradually reduce as more evidence and facts become apparent. I like this kind of novel with a single point of view where the reader knows what they know and no more. I identified the killer early on through gut feel rather than any smart reading of the clues so had no idea of motive or means. It didn't spoil my enjoyment of the novel in the slightest as he is well organised and cunning and has so many twists and so much misdirection in his repertoire that I was turning the pages furiously. I also like the planning and pacing of the novel where little by little the bigger picture emerges. I was very struck by the crispness of the writing and the use of technology in the opening chapters but while the technology stays the crisp sharp lines of the narrative get subsumed by the plot as the excitement ramps up.

The plotting is complemented by strong characterisation with Poe, Flynn and Bradshaw making a formidable team. Poe is the maverick, instinctual ideas man, Flynn the manager who reins Poe in and gives him something to kick against and Bradshaw, the naïve, socially inept but brilliant analyst, obviously on the spectrum because nobody else could have her personality. She provides the humour although I'm not sure how realistic her personality is. The novel revolves around Poe from his ability to see past the obvious to his doggedness and desire for justice. For the reader he is very likeable but his disregard for regulations and unerring ability to upset every copper he comes in contact with make him a very unpopular character with his colleagues.

The Puppet Show is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

THE PUPPET SHOW by Mike Craven

I really don’t know what to say about this book, except it was absolutely fabulous. The twists and turns were like being at Belle Vue on their rollercoaster.

I read a lot of crime, and some of it just leaves me cold, but mike seems to do his research so thoroughly and with such depth that you feel like you’re there with the characters. The scenery and the settings are almost haunting, I’ve been to the Lake District many times as a child and can remember its beauty vividly.

Without spoiling the story I was so pleased with the end, he left nothing undone and I was so thrilled. I do hope mike continues with these characters, I just love Tilly and how she’s opened up throughout the book and Flynn.

Washington Poe is an unusual name. Washington Poe is an unusual character. Washington Poe is a new name in crime fiction

The Puppet Show by M W Craven is the first book in the new Washington Poe series and is an excellent page turning crime thriller.

The twists and turns keep coming as the story moves along at a rapid but enjoyable pace.

The main characters of Poe, his assistant Tilly and his boss Steph are well formed but you can see how they have room to grow in future stories.

This is one series that I will be looking to follow

Washington Poe is definitely one to follow

OMG,,, What a book.!!!
The Puppet Show is a thrilling murder mystery that will most definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the very end.
Absolutely loved the central characters, especially Tilly. And you can't help but love how Washington stands up for her. I had to devour this book in one sitting, and found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion.
Will definitely be reading more from this author.
Thankyou to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK for allowing me the opportunity to read this wonderful novel and a huge thankyou to M W Craven for writing what would have to now be one of my favourite books.

Good Lord , Detective Poe is an interesting character isn't he?

This was a great read, full of twists and turns and a very frightening killer. Detective Poe is amazing, a well developed character who I am eager to read more of!

"The Puppet Show" is a skillful, dark and gripping murder mystery by M.W. Craven set in in and around the ancient moorlands and stone circles of Cumbria. A serial killer is setting people alight, alive in the stones circles, he leaves only one clue on the third victim, he carved the name of Washington Poe onto his victim, who is currently on suspension from the NCA, with no other options, they have no choice but to bring him in on the case. Steph Flynn, Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are sent to Cumbria to set up base to investigate and offer help to the local police. With the body count rising and no closer to figuring it out, Poe and Tilly (who is a socially awkward super brain analyst... loved her!) set about uncovering clues that only Washington is meant to see and interpret.

Just when you think you are getting closer to the truth and figuring it out, BAM another twist to completely throw you out, wonderfully written and well thought out, what you guess will certainly be wrong!!! I know I was!!

When the mystery surrounding the serial killer is solved and in an unbelievable shocking twist, it leaves Poe with more questions about his own personal life, his family, everything he thought he knew.

I really enjoyed the friendship that built up with Poe & Tilly, she really came out of her shell with him to guide her and although completely different worked brilliant together.

Word to the wise: DO NOT READ THE OPENING PARAGRAPH IF ABOUT TO EAT!!! #notforthefainthearted!!!

I really look forward to reading more about Poe and what lies in store for the future!

Many thanks to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and of course M.W. Craven for an advanced preview of this spectacular book in exchange for my honest opinion.