Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for this advanced copy of the latest Poe and Tilly outing. WOW.. what can I say about this book that probably hasn't been said before. This is the second book to feature two characters who are fast becoming my favourite crime fighting duo!!. This book is an absolute cracker of a read. A real page turner of a story. The book grips you from the first page to the last, a white knuckle of a ride, so strap yourself in and be prepared to go on a fast ride through Cumbria and the sick and twisted minds of the perpetrators. The book is also full of classic Tillyisms , lost count of how many times I burst out laughing. The Puppet Show was one of my favourite reads of last year but Black Summer is without a doubt my favourite read of this year so far. Roll on 2020 when we next see Poe and Tilly out and about. They are truly special. Wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. MW Craven is in a league of his own. Just brilliant.

Quick book review of “Black Summer” by M W Craven = 10+/10

Read “The Puppet Show”? Good! Now read this, it’s absolutely brilliant.

I have been lucky enough to get my mitts on this fabulous book as pre-release, thanks to @netgalley @littlebrownuk and of course @mwcraven

This is no typical follow-up to a brilliant first detective book and from the first chapter you realise that you are going to be taken on quite a journey. It’s a book about secrets and what is hidden, delivered in a taught character-led twist of a story. If you haven’t pre-ordered this, you need to try to forgive yourself and order it now. The day it’s published will be a very quiet one, as everyone focuses on these glorious pages and what lies ahead for Washington & Tilly.

What did you think?

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Well what can I say? M.W Craven smashes it again! The next instalment of Poe and Tilly is as unputdownable as the first one! I would love to know how someone can come up with a plot like this. It had me fully immersed, so much so I could actually picture the landscapes and characters.
I don’t want to give anything away but suggest if you read one book this year, it’s this one!

I was very late to the party reading “The Puppet Show” (the first in the Washington Poe series) and after thoroughly enjoying it, I was very excited to be able to read the follow up “Black Summer” immediately after. Although either book works well as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading in order as it does benefit you to learn how all the working relationships link together.
The story starts with a prologue that was attention grabbing, a first chapter that was like something out of a Hannibal Lecter movie, which then rolled smoothly straight into the second chapter that was truly intriguing, instantly captivating me, ready for the rest of the book. What more could you want from a crime thriller?!
Although the first chapter is rather grisly and involves the fine dining of a bird called the Ortolan Bunting, I was so intrigued I actually researched this subject and found it to be very interesting, if not shocking and upsetting.
I wholeheartedly love the characters the author M.W. Craven has created. Washington Poe is a troubled man but not a one that brings his issues front and centre of the story but subtly in the background and his relationship with Tilly his analyst sidekick is really quite endearing. I also liked the introduction of the forensic pathologist Estelle Doyle and thought she was another quirky character to add to the fantastically created list of characters. This made for very enjoyable reading and a definite desire for me to continue this fabulous series further again in the future.
What really made the story for me was that it wasn’t just any police procedural but a one based on departments you don’t normally hear of - the NCA (National Crime Agency) and SACS (Serious Crime Analysis Section). It’s nice to read about unknown departments in the police force and learn how the different officers all work together to fight crime. It also combines a character driven novel with action, intrigue and good old fashioned police work with the addition of a computer expert that truly knows her stuff.
I love discovering new authors and when I initially read “The Puppet Show” I knew this was going to be a series I would be addicted to and being a local author to me, it was nice to be able to relate to places mentioned in the story. I do hope one day to meet M.W. Craven at a local bookstore and chat about Washington Poe and Tilly’s relationship!
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either of these books. They’re excellently plotted, well thought out, instantly addictive and wholly absorbing.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Black Summer” and rate this five star read as an absolute must read for 2019!

5 stars

To say I liked this book is a massive understatement. I thought The Puppet Show was good but Black Summer completely blew me away. It was one of the most unputdownable, intelligent and interesting books I have ever had the pleasure to read and I completely devoured it like a humongous chocolate bar. ‘Meeting up with Poe and Tilly again was like seeing old friends. The storyline was fresh and different and I am so jealous of anyone who has yet to read this truly exceptional book. Highly, highly recommended.

Black Summer has it all. Thrills, unexpected but plausible twists and very importantly Poe and Bradshaw, an excellent and unusual pairing. This was my introduction to the team so I now have the pleasure of reading the previous novel.My favourite crime thriller this year. Thankyou to Little Brown and NetGalley for providing me with the free ARC, even though it meant a very late night as I had to keep reading to find out what happened, it was well worth it!

Six years ago, celebrity chef Jared Keaton was jailed for the murder of his teenage daughter Elizabeth. Her body was never found. Now, she's turned up alive and Washington Poe is in trouble. He led the investigation which resulted in Keaton's conviction, regarding him as a psychopath - the most evil man he's ever met. Now, Keaton is set to turn the tables. Shortly after a police interview, Elizabeth Keaton disappears again and Poe becomes a suspect in her abduction and possible murder.
Aided by his colleagues, computer, science and maths genius, Tilly Bradshaw and Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Flynn, Poe is in a race against time to prove his innocence and that Keaton did indeed murder his daughter.
As Tilly takes to the Internet to dig up various information about Keaton and people he might have met in prison, Poe is convinced something was wrong about the young woman who turned up claiming to be the dead girl. But how could she have passed a blood test which proved she was the missing girl? It's scientifically impossible to have the blood of another person running through your veins. While Poe tracks down various leads, Tilly works her wizardry on her laptop, scouring hundreds of databases for evidence to prove Poe's theories. Despite the dark nature of this tale, there are many moments which will raise a smile - especially those involving the socially awkward Tilly.
Although there are some references to an earlier investigation by Poe and Tilly, this can easily be read as a stand alone. This is the 2nd in the Washington Poe series and in my opinion it's even better than the first.
My thanks to the publisher, Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

To into hiding right now to read this book, they just keep getting better and better can't wait for more of series.
Poe is in trouble and he needs Tilly to help him out and she doesn't disappoint him.
You feel like you have just turned the tv into your favourite show. You can't call in love with Poe and Tilly not forgetting Edgar who is just as important. Fast paced the twists and turns hit you out of nowhere then you think your safe to breath...nope your of again. Amazing book as always.

Black Summer is the second book in the Washington Poe series and can easily be read as a stand alone but I really do urge you to read the previous book as it’s just as fabulous as this one.

I have been dying to be re united with Poe and Tilly and boy has it been worth the wait. This book was everything I hoped for and more. From the first jaw dropping chapter, the author well and truly had my attention.

Everything about this book is just first class. From the very clever story line, to the best characters, I just loved everything about it. Tilly’s quirkiness has been tamed slightly but there is still enough there to make her a lovable and highly enjoyable character to read about. Poe is still his usual self of which I wouldn’t have him any other way. Am sure I said this about the last book but will say it again, these two characters really are the making of these books and just blast other crime series out of the water.

I felt so much frustration due to the case Poe and Tilly are working on. Poe is getting hit from all angles and he knows in his gut that something isn’t right but he’s struggling to find any evidence to prove it. It really does make for a race against time and I wasn’t sure if this was one case that even this dynamic duo would struggle to solve.

Black Summer was an absolute belter of a read. The case is nothing I have ever come across before and was just so cleverly done. It made it even more gripping and fresh as well as keeping the reader on their toes. I could waffle on for ages about this book but doubt I could do it the justice it deserves. Just buy it. It’s brilliant and would give it 100 stars if I could.

WoW..................When you open a book from this author..........You have to turn your mobile phone off etc and shut the door to everything around you!
When, You start this book, you will want to find out what happens next..................But, then You don't want the book to finish!

The Puppet Show was the first book by M.W. Craven. So when Black Summer came available, I could not wait to find a corner in my farmhouse, and get comfortable in my snuggle chair. Then open my Kindle. Only to find out what happens Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw. I just love these characters.
So six years after Washington Poe helps to convict a celebrity chef Jared Keaton for the murder of his daughter Elizabeth Keaton, however no body was ever found!
Elizabeth Keaton suddenly turn up and claims she is the daughter of Jared Keaton then suddenly disappears again.

Is she who she says she is and where has she been for the last six years?

Where has she gone?

Has Poe convicted Jared Keaton and he never murdered his only daughter?

The clock is ticking for Poe and Tilly.................as Jared Keaton is about to be released from Prison.

Are they going to do it? Well, you will need to read Black Summer.

Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are my new favourite crime-fighting duo,

So Looking forward to book 3. No pressure Mike!

I wold Highly recommend The Puppet Show and Black Summer.
These are absolutely superb books!

5 fat Stars for this Fantastic Book

Massive Thank you to the Mike Craven, Little, Brown and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I started my review site in early January 2019 and one of my first reviews was the 2018 release of M.W Craven’s The puppet show ... http://www.alexjbooks.com/review/the-puppet-show-by-m-w-craven-washington-poe-1/ In that book we were introduced to Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw, and just from that book it’s like I’ve grown an affinity to the duo

Thanks to the joys of social media I’ve been following the author M.W.Craven and after badgering him pretty much daily I was granted an arc of this highly anticipated follow up to The Puppet Show.

As with its superb predecessor , you are instantly drawn in by Craven’s addictive writing style, it’s almost infectious. it strikes me again that he writes how “normal “ people talk. There is no pretence in his words at all.

Hooked from the first, disturbing page, the story follows Poe as he is called back to Cumbria, a murder he solved 6 years ago has raised it’s ugly head, the victim, Elizabeth Keaton, believed to have been killed by her father, world renowned chef, Jared Keaton, who was never found, has turned up , handing herself over to the local police.

With the finger now firmly pointing at him and facing a race against time, before the Sadistic Keaton is released from prison, Poe calls on his partner and best friend, the indomitable Tilly Bradshaw, to come up and help out with the case and together with trusty dog Edgar, they set off looking into this latest, very personal case with Poe’s own freedom in the balance.

Straight away the odd couple are back to their best , the banter flows, but also the way they care about each other, The relationship is blossoming.

The characters are evolving, Poe now he has found out about his Mother is almost loosening up a bit , and Tilly, is becoming, or at least trying to be more socially aware and now has her own team to look after. DI Flynn returns though with her own troubles this time.

Very different from the 1st book in the series , this is more police procedural with massive detail into the scientific side of police work and Tilly with her gadgets and computers.

The research into this book must have been a lot of work , especially the research into the birds....

Though only the 2nd in the series, Craven’s book almost feels like he’s a kid in a sweet shop, he’s having so much fun, I can only imagine what else he has got coming , it’s funny, it’s captivating, it’s just great stuff, he clearly has a very devious mischievous mind and the man is an absolute joy to read. His prose is on point, it’s sharp, it’s witty, it’s very funny at times and it’s honest. He’s just getting better.

I loved the previous book The Puppet show , but for me Black Summer is somehow even better, there isn’t as much gore, though a particular scene involving a bird....😱..it’s just a smashing , very clever crime tale with an ending that is simply pushing on genius

Pre-order it now!

5 massive burning 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Washington Poe and Tilly are fast becoming a VERY popular duo! I love them and from what I hear so does everyone else! This is set in Cumbria, where I live and I really love knowing the areas that are being described. I don’t know why but Washington reminds me of Frost in ways! This story was really well written and some parts of it have already stuck in my mind forever (mum of 7 my brain is like a sieve so that’s a good thing when something sticks) I loved it! And now can’t wait for the next one.

Oh wow! Having read book 1 so I was looking forward to another case with Poe and Tilly and this was just fabulous. I have been struggling a bit with books not grabbing my full attention but I was hooked from the start here. I had a few instances of cartoon like jaw dropping and there was no chance of me working out the who and how here. A great follow up to The Puppet Show and ideally it should be read first. Highly recommended and then some.

Having thoroughly enjoyed The Puppet Show I was very much looking forward to Black Summer, and my expectations were exceeded! Washington Poe is a superb creation, and the group of cops he works with all have interesting characters and back stories. I was hooked from the very beginning, a seemingly bizarre situation in which Poe finds himself. The story is ingenious and the twists and turns are breathtaking. Brilliant!

I’m not sure which pulls me in most, a character-driven or a plot-driven story. With this series, which began with The Puppet Show, we have both. It can’t fail! This book hangs on the reappearance of a girl six years after she was supposed murdered. Her father is serving a sentence for killing her. Poe put him away – yet he has to be released as she’s obviously still alive. This gave rise to a sublimely good plot and the strange friendship between Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw once again comes into play - the old-fashioned detective and the seriously nerdy young woman with no ‘discretion setting’ on her tongue. It played out to an exciting and satisfying ending. I hope there’ll be more books to come with this duo. I’ll be waiting in line for them.




(I will put this review on Goodreads and Amazon (as Ignite) and my blog closer to publication date)

Where to start with this brilliant, brilliant book? I loved The Puppet Show, and ever since devouring it I have been waiting impatiently for the next one in the series.

Black Summer did not disappoint. It is an excellent cat and mouse crime thriller, with jaded but seriously attractive (does anyone else find him attractive?) cop Washington Poe at its centre. A celebrity chef, Jared Keaton, convicted for the brutal murder of his daughter suddenly seems to be in the clear when the supposedly dead daughter turns up after six years. But Washington Poe was the arresting officer, and he knows Keaton is bad news.

The twists and turns of this book are so brilliant, some of them so completely unfathomable, that it is super hard to put it down. But what I love even more than the crazy-good plotting are the characters, especially Poe and Tilly Bradshaw, and the atmospheric, beautiful but brutal Cumbrian setting. Black Summer is sharp, funny, touching and gripping.

Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are my new favourite crime-fighting duo, and I CANNOT WAIT for book 3.

Cracking read. Wish I could curl up and read the whole collection in a week... can’t wait for the next one. I can just imagine Poe and Bradshaw, with Flynn on the outer, on a gritty northern drama airing on ITV. Well written, lots of twists and turns, just what you want from a detective novel.
Thank you for letting me read and review.

Oh wow. WOW. What an absolutely superb book!

It's dark, it's twisted and full of edge of your seat cliff hangers.

It grabs hold of you from the very first page and does not let go til the very end. I read it in two sittings as I did not want to put it down.

I cannot recommend this highly enough. 5 stars only because I can't give it more.

My favourite crime fighting team, Tilly & Poe are back.

The Puppet Show is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year so I had high hopes for the sequel and it did not disappoint. It is compelling, intriguing, dark with a element of humour thrown it.

There is less gore than there is in the puppet show, but it doesn’t take away from the quality of the book.

The descriptions are so vivid you can picture it. I spent the whole of the book working out the blood anomaly and for the life of me I couldn’t figure it out. The unraveling was perfect, you think it’s all going wrong for Poe, and another twist hits.

M.W.Craven has done it again. 5 ⭐️

Now comes the long wait for the next instalment of Tilly & Poe.

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group & M.W.Craven for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.








M.W.Craven has done it again.

I was delight to be given the chance to give an unbiased review of this new book Black Summer by MW Craven

Having recently read the first book in this series The Puppet Show I was already familiar with some of the characters. Washington Poe, Matilda Bradshaw (Tilly) and Stephanie Flynn.

This book can be read as a stand-alone novel although there a few references to the first book but this doesn’t affect the reading of this book. I personally prefer to read books in order so that I get to know the characters but that is just a personal preference.

The story begins with a pretty descriptive scene of a special bird being cooked in a specific way and then eaten whole although at first we don’t know who is sitting eating the bird and who is watching until a few minutes later police officers enter and arrest Washington Poe on the charge of murder. The story then goes back 14 days and we gradually find out what the plot is. A top chef with 3 Michelin stars and an ego to match has spent 6 years in prison for the murder of his daughter although a body was never found. Poe had been the one who had instigated the arrest on the evidence found and on profiling Keaton and finding him to be a psychopath.

Until one day a young woman walks into a library in a small town in the Lake District on the one day that there happens to be a police officer there as what they call a problem solver it’s a job the police officer has to do every forth Wednesday of the month this is due to there no longer being a local Bobby in every town and a shortage of police officers across such a wide area of The Lake District. The woman claims to be Elizabeth Keaton the daughter of chef Jared Keaton. She told the officers she had been kidnapped 6 years previously and had been held in a cellar and drugged. This leads to the investigation being opened and the possibility of Poe having been wrong all those years ago and Jared Keaton being released if the information is correct.

The story progresses as Poe doubts himself as to whether he had got it wrong. He visits Keaton in prison and gets the impression something else is going on and he suspects that something is going to get him into trouble. This is when he texts Tilly to ask for help.

The writing flows as does the plot there are twists and turns some red herrings some not and you are left guessing until the end how things are going to go. There was one bit that I picked up on and knew it was going to come up later but besides that one thing I was left guessing.

The thing I liked about this is that sometimes you read a book and they catch the person responsible and it ends so fast but with this book it’s not rushed it’s guided beautifully to a neat ending everything is tied up well.

This also isn’t your usual police station crime story as Poe,Bradshaw and Flynn all work for NCA the National Crime Agency and SACS serious Analysis Crime Analysis Section.

I loved the first book in this series and I love the second one as well as the drama involved and a few gruesome descriptive scenes there is also some humour throughout especially with Bradshaw who still has not learned full social skills although she has improved slightly from book one but this makes her endearing.

I’m sure there are more things to learn about the characters and I hope this series goes on but I probably have a wait for book number 3. Well done M.W.Craven you have become another of my favourite authors.

There is nothing I can criticise about this book it is so well thought out and written and certainly deserves 5 stars in my view