I didn't think this book could surpass the excellent debut of The Puppet Show. It however proved me wrong. The affectionate friendship between Poe and Bradshaw grows from strength to strength. for me they are the best duo since Val Mcdermid's Tony Hill and Carol Jordan books. We learn more about Flynn which is equally as interesting and endearing. The writing and story are gripping and thrilling from the start. I highly recommend this book and happily give it 5 stars. Roll on book 3.

So weirdly, I don't actually want to write this review.  I don't want to write this review because once I do, that's it.  My time with Black Summer has come to an end and I have to live with the fact that it's going to be another year (I mean, c'mon!  A year??) before I can get my mitts on book 3 in the series, The Curator.  A whole YEAR without Tilly and Poe.

Anyway, I digress.  Black Summer is the second book in M.W. Craven's Washington Poe series and it's published in hardcover and eBook today.  Wishing the author and Constable, the publisher, a very happy publication day!  I received a free eARC of Black Summer but this has in no way influenced my review.

Oh.My.Goodness.  I have been waiting some time (...a year, maybe?) for this second Washington Poe novel and it was absolutely outstanding!  I would even go as far as saying it's better than the brilliant The Puppet Show, which is no mean feat!  I couldn't put it down, nor did I want to.  Every spare moment, no matter how small, was dedicated to reading this utterly marvellous book.  I am addicted to Tilly and Poe.  You'd be crazy to not get yourself a copy of this book, which can be read as a standalone, but why would you buy just one when you can also immerse yourself in the superb The Puppet Show as well!

The first standout thing about Black Summer is that it's set within the culinary world and features a notorious three-Michelin starred celebrity chef, Jared Keaton.  I could be completely wrong but this felt like a fresh, new approach to me.  Something a bit different from the norm, which I loved. Keaton was found guilty of murdering his 18-year-old daughter, Elizabeth after Poe took the original investigation in a different direction.  With no body, very little evidence and a hastily washed away puddle of blood which was deemed 'incompatible with life' in the Bullace & Sloe kitchens, it came down to Poe's testimony to put Keaton away for the murder.  But now Keaton's 'dead' daughter has walked into Cumbria's Alston library and sought out the local police officer.  With the evidence confirming beyond a shadow of a doubt that the woman is Elizabeth and an irrefutable chain of evidence, it's down to Poe to prove against all odds that his gut was right all those years ago. Jared Keaton is a psychopath.

I love, love, loved Black Summer!  Can't fault it.  This is exactly the type of crime fiction I want to read; clever, addictive and completely memorable.  Something that sucks you in from start to finish and then leaves you in mourning because it's over and you want more!  I savoured every single word of this book and I can't recommend it highly enough.  So much so that it is destined to be part of my 'top books of 2019' list and certainly a strong contender for the top spot!

Tilly and Poe go from strength to strength and their relationship (in the platonic sense - thank goodness!) has moved on since The Puppet Show.  They're getting comfortable in each others company and it shows.  Tilly is less socially awkward but still a bright shining star in these wonderful books.  Poe is still, well...Poe - which I'm very glad about!  There are lots of brilliantly funny moments in Black Summer which I relished.  Little unexpected comments here and there which really added to my enjoyment of the novel.  Personally, I couldn't see how Tilly and Poe were going to dig themselves out of this one (and I'm not saying they do, by the way) but it helps to have an uber-intelligent geek at the helm, right?

Would I recommend this book? Ha! You have to ask? Absolutely.  This and The Puppet Show.  Both are absolutely brilliant pieces of crime fiction which readers of the genre cannot afford to miss!  Thrilling from start to finish, I am still suffering from a book hangover a couple of weeks after finishing this one.  Believe the hype, people.  It really is THAT good.  Impossible to put down, totally unmissable and head and shoulders above nearly everything else in the same genre.  Craven has created something incredibly special here and I cannot wait for more from Tilly and Poe.

I chose to read and review an eARC of Black Summer.  The above review is my own, very enthusiastic, unbiased opinion.

This was my first introduction of Cravens writing and it will surely not be my last. Where to start, well maybe the opening scene of intricately describing eating a small bird delicacy certainly had me drawn it that’s for sure. To be then followed up with an intriguing story of a psychopathic chef with such an egotistical opinion of himself you just have an instant dislike and repulsion for him, and to add to this he is serving time at our majesty’s service for brutally killing his daughter. Cue our lovely detective sergeant Poe (Washington) a likeable character and his partner in crime or shall we say partner in crime stopping, Tilly Bradshaw. For me the fantastic relationship/friendship between Poe and Bradshaw was integral to the whole story, for people to do absolutely anything to help, defend and protect that relationship just made me smile. I also loved Tilly’s “isms” her plain speaking and lack of filter on what comes out of her mouth made me chuckle. Overall the storyline, characters and plot of the story totally had me hooked, the story never let up and kept me interested for more, wanting to get to the bottom of the plot and seeing if my suspicions were correct or incorrect as it turned out. This was a great book and as a great book should left me wanting to keep reading (regardless of the fact I need to go do mundane things like go to work hahaha). Fantastically written well done M W Craven I will eagerly await for my next Poe/Bradshaw fix.

The eagerly awaited follow up to the huge hit novel The Puppet Show, this book was an absolute pleasure to read and review. Washington Poe, back to DS after a temporary stint as DI, is still working for the SCAS (Serious Crime Analysis Section) at the National Crime Agency in Hampshire, as is Tilly Bradshaw who is a profiler now in charge of her own section. Their colleague Stephanie Flynn is now a DI. Poe still has his home in Cumbria which he escapes to when he can and his spaniel Edgar stops at a neighbouring farm with a friend, Thomas Hume. Poe is just about recovered from the Immolation Man case and coming to terms with the truth about his parentage when he receives a call from Major Crimes Supt Gamble in Cumbria. And that can only spell trouble. Jared Keaton, the complete manifestation of evil according to Poe, was a celebrity chef convicted and serving life for the brutal murder of his daughter Elizabeth, although her body was never found and the conviction rested largely on Poe's testimony. The man was charming and a complete psychopath, and Poe had always been convinced of his guilt. So when Elizabeth Keaton suddenly appears at a remote police desk one day with all the evidence pointing to her being the genuine article, Poe is headed for a serious investigation and the strangest case he has ever been involved in. There is only one person he trusts to have his back in all this and the old team are reunited to uncover the real truth. And since Elizabeth has very quickly gone missing again, that is something that will take all they have. I loved the main characters and the interaction between Poe and Bradshaw was beautifully written, the "Tillyisms" giving some real laugh out loud moments in an otherwise gruesome tale. This is a partnership that demonstrates absolute trust and loyalty and is a joy, with Stephanie Flynn making a great third party. This book is everything I hoped for, with brilliant characters and a devilishly clever plot, and is perfect for those who enjoy a well crafted police procedural with a darker side.

I was late to the MW Craven party, having only read The Puppet Show a few weeks ago, after hearing about it for months. Well I wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice, so was very pleased to see this available from NetGalley - even if it meant going through the UK site. I’m pleased to report that this second Washington Poe book is even more fiendishly twisty than the first, and just as well written.

Six years earlier, Poe arrested a callous psychopath, celebrity chef Jared Keaton, for the murder of his daughter, despite her body never being found. When a young woman stumbles into a police office, claiming she’s been held in captivity and that her name is Elizabeth Keaton, it seems a grave miscarriage of justice has occurred, but Poe knows Keaton is not innocent - and realises that he is being set up when she disappears again. Fortunately, Poe has a secret weapon - the brilliant Tilly Bradshaw!

Both these books stand out from the crowded field of modern British detective fiction by having not only wonderful central characters, but also a complex but watertight plot, and lots of interesting information on very random but fascinating topics (although I am traumatised by the description of the culinary monstrosity described in the first pages, and really wish I had not googled it to discover that it is actually real, and what it looks like.)

Tilly is even more adorable here, and I loved how she has grown in confidence so that their friendship and working relationship is now much more equally balanced. Poe is dealing with the revelations from the end of Puppet Show, we get to know DI Stephanie Flynn a bit better too, and the ending leads us nicely into the next book. I also respect the way he did not spoil The Puppet Show for anyone who hasn’t read it yet. I would still recommend reading them in order for everything to make sense.

I do like books which are howdunnits rather than the usual who, for a change, it’s a different kind of suspense but very effective - I didn’t have a clue how or why the crime was achieved. I also felt the backdrop of the gathering storm was a great way of building tension. The ending was perfect - our trio revealing their devious side to beat the killer at his own game. Hopefully there won’t be too long a wait for the next one!

My thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Black Summer is published on June 20th 2019.

I couldn’t wait to read Black Summer which I devoured in a couple of days. It was so good to be back in the world of Washington Poe and Tilly. The book could be read as a standalone but I’d highly recommend The Puppet Show for getting a feel for and getting to know the characters.

Celebrity Chef Jared Keaton was jailed for the murder of his teenage daughter, Elizabeth whose body has never been found. Unexpectedly and unbelievably she’s turned up alive. Washington Poe can’t understand it as he was so sure. After she’s interviewed and medically examined by the police she disappears…..

The local police want to question Poe and basically put him in the frame but things don’t stack up. Poe calls on friend and colleague, the very brilliant and analytically minded Tilly Bradshaw to come and help him out with the blessing of DCI Stephanie Flynn.

Poe is in a race against time to prove his innocence. He also calls upon the help of Forensic Pathologist, Estelle Doyle, a quirky character whom I enjoyed meeting. It’s often tense with the moment lightened by Tilly and Edgar of course! It seems however that Keaton is playing with Poe and they need to find the connections which prove he should be behind bars still.

An absolute edge of the seat, one more chapter kind of read which I absolutely adored! The opening chapter made me go OMG and I knew what was to come would be more than amazing. Roll on book #3.

This time last year I reviewed Mike Craven’s The Puppet Show, I loved it so much that I was determined to get an early look at the sequel. Now it is here and I can confidently assert that Black Summer is everything I look for in a crime novel.
Craven has smashed this one out of the park. Washington Poe and his on the spectrum assistant, Tilly Poe, are back and this novel puts them through their paces in an expertly plotted, beautifully written and thrilling crime novel that has instantly leapt into my top books of the year list.
Poe is still getting used to the revelations of The Puppet Show, but there is to be no respite for him. An old case rises from the ashes, pausing only to put a noose over his neck and pull it tight as he becomes the hunted in a police investigation that threatens everything he holds dear.
Like MasterChef on acid, Black Summer is a five star tale of murder in a three Michelin starred celebrity kitchen. Craven has researched and conceived a chilling and wholly enthralling story that holds the attention and utterly mesmerisises.
Years ago, Poe put celebrity chef Jared Keaton in prison for the murder of his daughter, Elizabeth. Without a body, it was forensic evidence that convicted Keaton; that and a compelling case crafted by Poe.
Now Elizabeth has reappeared and suddenly it is Poe who is in the spotlight, and not in a good way.
I picked up Black Summer meaning to read a few chapters and was so engrossed I couldn’t stop. Craven has given us a menu of options fit for a crime gourmand and the individual dishes are rich, complex, well spiced and deeply flavoured.
With Poe and the truly genius Tilly Bradshaw, who puts the real science into this clever forensic concoction, Craven sweetens a rich dark chocolate pot of complex undernotes with the warmth of chilli and a surprising layered finish that nourishes the soul and lingers in the mind. This is a dish you won’t easily forget and there’s no doubt that I’ll be back for more
Craven’s characterisation is strong; each of Poe’s colleagues stands out as a recognisable individual and some, like forensic pathologist Esther Doyle, you know you want to meet again. Jared Keaton is the epitome of a cruel psychopath; clever, charming and utterly ruthless.
But the stars of this book are Poe himself and the wonderful Tilly Bradshaw. Theirs is a relationship that is based on mutual admiration. Poe is a loner; dark and cynical. Bradshaw is intensely forensic, a brilliant technologist with endless academic qualifications who can’t boil an egg. Slow to trust, she is devoted to Poe.
The wild Cumbrian landscape adds richness and texture to this dark and atmospheric crime brew, leavened with a sprinkling of dry humour and rich wit.
You can read this as a stand-alone, but I would seriously recommend reading The Puppet Show first. This series is so good, you don’t want to miss anything.
Verdict: A banquet of delights that leaves a lasting taste of satisfied pleasure and yet a longing for more. Craven has smashed this one out of the park and if it doesn’t top the crime fiction charts there’s no justice in this world.

After reading the first book in this fantastic series The Puppet Show which blew me away and left me wanting more I just had to review their latest adventure.
Phone switched off, takeaway ordered now open the first page. I am now in the zone. The storyline is dark and twisted.Poe and Tilly the mismatched main characters are wonderful. I can't put this book down. I am in reading heaven. An easy five stars no make that ten and can't wait to read more about Poe and Tilly just hope that I don't have to wait too long. ANOTHER fantastic author to add to my MUST READ LIST!!!!!
I would like to thank the author, Little Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

Black Summer is the 2nd in the Washington Poe series, and I admit I am late starting this series as I only read The puppet Show before I read this one and WOW what a book that was so I was excited to get my hands on Black Summer.
Celebrity Chef Jared Keaton was convicted of murdering his daughter Elizabeth Keaton 6 years ago. Washington Poe is the man that got him convicted. But one stormy night, Elizabeth turns up alive in the Police drop in centre at a local library. Is it really her?
Poe now under suspicion, with the help of his boss and the rest of the team re open the case. Not only to find out what happened to Elizabeth Keaton but, also stop Jared going free.
This is another cracking instalment of these series. I love the characters of Poe and Tilly and the rest of the team. The story different and more complex then The puppet show but, still expertly written and the race against time to discover what really happened to Elizabeth Keaton before the police got to Poe, even made it more gripping. I loved the descriptions of the scenery of Cumbria. It made me think of visiting there one day.
Thank you NetGalley and Little brown for a copy of this book. Another 5 star read

Black Summer is the second book in the Washington Poe series and I loved the storyline.
Poe needs to revisit an old case where someone was jailed for murder, even though a body has never been found. Poe and Tilly Bradshaw need to find the evidence supporting that he is a murderer, but are struggling to solve the case.
A well written book with wonderful characters that come to life, great touches of humour throughout. A complex and well thought out plot. I love the descriptive writing about the Cumbrian landscape, you feel as though you are there. A well deserved 5 stars, I highly recommend this book.

I have read this book in one day, I literally couldn’t put it down! It was fast paced with many twist and turns and a shock I wasn’t expecting. Its completely believable and as a visitor to Cumbria very exact.

I love the relationship Washington Poe has will Tilly Bradshaw they are so different yet fit together very well... not sure who looks after who.

I can’t wait for book 3.

🚨 Call the police!! 🚨 Surely it is an offence to write a novel this bloody brilliant!! We’re back in Cumbria where retribution, manipulation, fear, (in)justice, morality, cunning, mistrust, and absolute mayhem hit the pages in Mike Craven’s latest masterpiece – BLACK SUMMER.

Ok then…..OMFG! Craven has once again NAILED IT with a fantastically chilling opening that left me absolutely breathless! The storyline was intriguing and had my synapses popping a mile a minute as I raced through the pages. Intrigue and suspense littered the pages and MW Craven’s knowledge of the criminal justice system made this novel drip with authenticity and realism. It was woven flawlessly throughout the narrative – I absolutely loved it! Throw in an atmospheric and vivid setting with just the right dose of description and you have what simply is a superb read! I was absolutely delighted when I solved the case before it was revealed – well, part of it anyway – I won’t tell you though as it is a CRACKING revelation.

And HOLY SH*TBALLS – I absolutely LOVE Washington Poe! We learn something about him in The Puppet Show which I won’t reveal (no spoilers!) but it’s brought up in the novel and you definitely get a better understanding of who he is and why. Poor Poe is having to wrestle with the thought that he may have sent the wrong man to prison, but the evidence as it comes together leaves Poe open to having the finger pointed at HIM. WTAF?! This was absolutely nail-biting reading, peeps! Poe is determined, a bit of a rogue and a character that you are just drawn to. And YAY for Edgar. I was so happy when Poe’s pooch was reunited with his master – I definitely have a soft spot for Edgar.

Tilly ….woohoo! Absolutely love her and I especially loved the dynamics between Tilly and Poe in this book. Their friendship and bond is strong – and each time they are together you can tell that either would go to the ends of the earth to protect one another. AMAZING. My favourite line from Tilly in this novel was when Poe called and asked her to come up to Cumbria and she says, ‘You didn’t bring me up here for my people skills, Poe’ – I burst out laughing. Tilly may be socially awkward but she is one clever woman and Poe brings out the best in her, while she does the same for him. If the author does anything to ever harm Tilly…I will have to have words!! #TeamTilly
But I’ll tell you what, MW Craven snuck in another character who I am hoping to see more of in future novels – Estelle Doyle. I BLOODY LOVE HER! She is dark, inappropriate, funny – but absolutely stellar at her job. And could there be a spark between her and Poe…oh I do hope so, I think she could give him a run for his money!

Another character that caught my attention in this novel was Andrew Rigg – I liked the conflict between him and Poe; it added some great tension throughout. Poe however noted how much Rigg reminded him of himself – which I also found interesting. I never knew whether to trust him or not…and I won’t tell you if I do now either…you’ll have to read the novel to see!

Finally, I have to mention Jared Keaton…what a friggin slimeball. This guy made my skin crawl but was written so wonderfully to evoke those feelings. Nasty – whether guilty or innocent, this narcissistic piece of **** was just so *shakes head* incredibly awful…Well done, Mr Craven. I absolutely detested him! ha ha

Soooo…do I recommend this read? Hells Bloody Bells – you bet your sweet arse I do! A brilliantly crafted piece of writing that is compelling, creepy, intense and sinister – with each book in this series, MW Craven is drawing the reader in – and blowing our friggin minds! Absolutely recommend you read Black Summer – it definitely can be read as a standalone, but you’ll miss out on the greatness if you don’t read The Puppet Show too! Can’t wait to see what evil Mr Craven has up his sleeve for the next one! #TOPREAD2019 – out June 20th 2019!

I loved this book. Poe and Tilly are fantastic characters. The author describes Poes cottage brilliantly and it’s easy to picture in my head. Storyline flowed along really well

I didn't think Black Summer could be as good as The Puppet Show.. How wrong I was, in fact I enjoyed it more! Once again Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw use their skills to solve a complex case. Black Summer has a fantastic plot and I had no idea how it was going to unravel. The characters, the location and the brilliant writing makes this a great series. A definite 5 star read!

I was really happy to receive an advance copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review as I had seen so many positive reviews for the previous novel, The Puppet Show. But I hadn't read The Puppet Show, so I read that first and put this one on hold for a couple of weeks. I'm glad I did. The Puppet Show is the first in the series and sets all the background for the characters; DS Washington Poe, Tilly Bradshaw and DI Stephanie Flynn. Reading the second book is like reading any other series, you know the characters and can absorb yourself in the story.

In Black Summer, Poe returns to Cumbria as there is new evidence in a case he was previously involved with. Elizabeth Keaton, believed to have been murdered by her father 6 years ago, has turned up. Or has she?

This storyline is so twisted, dark and compelling that it is difficult to put the book down. It's not predictable, it is complicated and yet it is written in such a way that it isn't difficult to follow. I loved it! I equally love the fact that several threads have been left hanging to be picked up in the next installment!

Another reviewer has described Washington Poe as the UK version of Harry Bosch. I seriously hope this is the case as the latest Bosch novel is number 21 in the series - roll on 19 more Poe novels!

This was an easy 5 star rating for me. Highly recommended.

Washington Poe, my absolute favourite rebel of a Detective, and Tilly Bradshaw the amazing, tech whizz, how could I not like this! A brilliant follow on from The Puppet Show - Next instalment please?

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy of Black Summer, the second novel set in Cumbria to feature DS Washington Poe of the National Crime Agency.

Poe gets called to Cumbria for unexplained reasons. When he arrives he is quizzed about his last case in Cumbria before joining the NCA, the no body murder conviction of celebrity chef, Jared Keaton, in the death of his daughter, Elizabeth. Poe himself is now under suspicion as Elizabeth has reappeared after six years to vindicate her father and promptly disappeared again.

Wow! What a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed Black Summer and read it in one sitting, unable to put it down. It is told entirely from Poe’s point of view so the reader is able to get absorbed without distraction and just go with the flow. It makes the reading easy although this should not be confused with lightweight as the novel has considerable depth. The plotting is amazing, obviously well thought out and detailed. The author leads the reader bit by bit through all the clues, gradually building to an ingenious solution but at the same time leaving one major stumbling block to everything unrevealed until near the end. I puzzled over this stumbling block endlessly and never found a solution and yet I should have guessed having watched documentaries about it. Not born to be a detective, then.

I enjoy the interplay between the characters, the sensible boss, DI Stephanie Flynn, the clever but unpredictable DS Washington Poe and the brilliant but socially inept analyst Tilly Bradshaw. Each bring their own strengths and together they are a formidable team but more importantly their friendship brings a warmth to the read the subject matter can’t.

Black Summer is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Just finished this brilliant read! Poe & Tilly amazing once again!! Gripped from the very start, a true page turner that kept you guessing how it would all transpire and quite frankly it was clever, well paced and extremely enjoyable! The author, M W Craven is a firm favourite of mine now and his Poe & Tilly books make me put down others just to read them! 100% recommend this fantastic read!

Another excellent storyline by M W Craven.
Poe is his usual self, making his own decisions and upsetting others!
Tilly is going from strength to strength and her character is really growing. She is still gauche at times but always endearing to the reader.
The book kept me enthralled and the detail was excellent.

I have just finished Black Summer by MW craven and omg the author has done even better then The puppet Show. A nail biting breathtaking story with simply amazing characters. Love love love Tilly . Cant wait for more