Wow - what can I say but thank you MW Craven for another 5 star offering in the Poe and Tilly series. The opening pages - I thought No, No, OH, OH , really …. woah bring it on.!!!!!!This book never lets up from the opening page to the last. MW Craven has it down to a fine art where he draws the reader into his stories , grabs them by the scruff of the neck and never lets you go until after the book is finished. Even then the story stays with you. This book has everything you would want in a cracking good read. A roller coaster of a ride through a horror house. Tilly really came into her own during this story - she is a superhero!!! and I loved every single page of it. Well done MW Craven for a belter of a story. 5 stars all the way . Bring on the next one.
Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Publishing Group for this advance copy

The Washington Poe series is rapidly becoming one of the best in contemporary crime fiction. The combination of the loner Poe, who lives in the wilds of Cumbria, and Tilly, the computer genius who lacks the niceties of polite society but without whom the police would be struggling, works perfectly. This latest case is initially baffling as three pairs of fingers are found in three different locations, and Poe, together with his heavily pregnant boss Stephanie Flynn, must solve it without delay. Gripping from start to finish, this is a tremendous novel!

Oh wow and wow again this was stunning !!
So here we are with another outstanding 5 star read from the fabulous Mike Craven featuring two of my favourite characters of all time Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw. The rapport, charisma and laugh of loud exchanges between the both of them just makes for such a wonderful read and then of top of that we have a brilliant murder mystery and how can you fault this combination, well you can’t ... each book in this series has been a 5 star read but I have to say this one deserves more than that it was an amazing read that has everything you want from a book it’s funny, complex, clever, twisty and wonderfully written.
I’m not going to rehash the plot it really is too good for that, it’s the best in the series so far but then I said that with the last book and I have no doubt that when book 4 is out I shall be saying the same words. A tremendous series don’t miss it and many many thanks to Mr Craven you are a genius and I need the next book please asap!!
My thanks also to NetGalley and Little,Brown Book Group, Constable for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading.
There is something addictive about Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw as characters, in this crime series by M W Craven, that as a reader you have to devour the book as soon as you have it in your possession. I requested it yesterday and fortunately was able to download it almost straightaway and start reading.
The Curator by MW Craven is an amazing read, the storyline is so complex and incredible, that you just don’t want to stop reading in case you miss something in the story. The writer is a storyteller who can weave complex themes and intrigue into a plot and make them believable.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to other readers.

Oh this book was fantastic and creepy and dark. Another smash hit for this author. Brilliant as always x

This really is an exdellent series. So gory and gruesome but so ultimately compelling. Love the random finds of fingers, the rural setting with visits to some strange places in and around Cumbria. The best bit? The humour, the wit and the banter between Poe and Tilly.

There's so much to love here. - a great addition to the series and i'm already waiting for the next one!

Another great book, Really Love Tilly and Poe, a gripping story from start to finish.. Literally! Highly recommended.

Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are back with another thrilling case in Craven's new novel The Curator.
.
This is the follow up to The Puppet Show and Black Summer which were two of my top reads last year, so when I got my hands on an advanced copy from Netgalley, I was thrilled.

Poe, Bradshaw and Flynn are back and this time they are investigating what they suspect to be a serial murder case, but something is off. The clues seem to lead them perfectly to The Curator, but what if that's what The Curator wants?

This book is another great read, I devoured it in a day. Poe and Tilly's partnership is fantastic, with their antics giving me a laugh, but it wasnt only their friendship that had me laughing but Flynn too in this book.

I love how the characters are developing into some of my fictional favourites and I cant wait to get my hands on Craven's next book!
.

This is the third book in the Poe and Bradshaw series. I read the previous two in the wrong order after getting a review copy of number two and then buying The Puppet Show (Book 1) as I loved the book and particularly the characters so much and was keen to know about how they started off.
The Curator is a great edge of your seat thriller with many twists and turns. Poe and Bradshaw have to use all their combined investigative talents to unpeel the layers of the investigation and find the Curator, a serial killer like no other.
When several sets of human fingers are found around Christmas time in Cumbria, Poe, Bradshaw and their boss, heavily pregnant Stephanie Flynn, are called in to aid the investigation.
The problem at first is that there are no bodies and limited clues. Gradually different layers of the investigation are revealed and a strange psychological game, set up by The Curator is uncovered.
This book was so carefully written that even when we reached the climax of the book and I thought I knew who was behind the murders I was still wrong! Even the climax was not that and more excitement and revelations awaited me.
I have enjoyed following Poe and Tilly’s relationship in the three books and this is one of the aspects
that has drawn me to this series. The author’s character development is excellent.
Poe is ever the policeman trying to solve the crime using regular means but he relies a lot on Tilly and her huge intelligence to crack the computer and technological aspects of the case.
Tilly is naive , trusting and fiercely loyal to her comrades and these traits are incredibly charming and make her seem so real. She is definitely a person I’d like to meet in real life!
Poe is extremely protective of Tilly but in this book she really has to come out from behind her computer and help Poe when it is a matter of life or death.
If you haven’t read this series you have a real treat in store. Start on the first two and preorder this for when it is published in June.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, a fantastic 5 ⭐️ Read from Mr Craven. This series has to be my favourite, with Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw two of the best characters. I love the way they bounce verbally off each other, and how their friendship has developed over the three books. Each one protective of the other in their own ways. Tilly with her endless supply of information, not always said to the right person or at the right time, but if you have read the first two books you will know this is what makes Tilly unique, she says things as they are. Poe is the grouch, but a likeable grouch.

Who is The Curator? It’s Christmas, six fingers are found, two in each location, the first two are in the middle of a secret Santa gift, the second two have been left in a church font, and the the third two have been left in between the sausages and black pudding on a deli counter in a food hall. The only other sign that links the 6 fingers is the lettering #BSC6 but no one has a clue what that means. The hunt is now on to find out who the fingers belonged to, Estelle Doyle the Pathologist another unique character, who enjoys making Poe blush, is called in to look at the fingers and determines they were all removed with different tools. A short time later a body is found, despite working out who the other fingers belonged to, there is no sign of the bodies. Poe, Tilly and the team have their work cut out. Just when they thing they have caught the killer, Poe gets a call from an FBI agent with some information which may be linked to his crimes, unfortunately, she isn’t having a great deal of luck getting people to believe her on her side of the ocean. But Poe looks into what she has to say. The tension builds throughout the story, each time Poe and Tilly think they are on top of things something else comes along to throw them, then Poe realises something he has missed and the race is on to catch the Curator and stop him. But who has hired him?

Set in Cumbria, this a gripping, engrossing, fantastic read, I found myself reading into the early hours of the morning desperate to finish the book, only problem now is I have another year to wait until book 4. If you haven’t read the first two books in this series, like a good serial killer thriller, with some light humour and absolutely great characters, grab them now. The Puppet Show is book one, and Black Summer book two followed by this one. Get to know Poe and Tilly from the start. I hope this is a series that will just keep going for a long time yet. Absolutely brilliant.

I would like to thank #netgalley and #LittleBrown for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.

I can really write my review using only three words: Read. This. Book.
Actually, I can expand a little to also encourage latecomers to the series to read The Puppet Show and Black Summer first. I know I always bang on about reading a series in order but, as this is my all time, number one series, well.. you get the picture.
So... what has the author in store for Tilly & Poe this time? Another serial killer who leaves body parts all over Cumbria. Obviously the NCA is bound to be brought in to investigate in their own inimitable way. But there are differences in the remains that don't make sense. Looks like Tilly & Poe have their work cut out for them. They are just starting to get to grips with things a little when Poe gets a call from the FBI...
Oh My Days. I am usually quite good with my TBR but when I get my hands on a book such as this, one I have been waiting (not at all) patiently for over a year for, well... At least I did the decent thing and finished my current read before diving in. I'm not a complete monster!
I read a lot of this genre book. It's my bread and butter... And, as with the majority of books, I try and get ahead, second guess, work it all out. Yeah... not with this series. OK so I guessed one plot point a little (couple pages) ahead of the game, but it was so minor to almost be inconsequential in the bigger picture. As for the rest of it, hang on, I'm standing up for this ovation to the author. Yeah, you got me...!
Everything I want and need to make a good book a great read is present as always. Plot, pacing, banter, lack of waffle, as well as quite a lot of, often deliciously dark, humour. Which reminds me - don't stop reading at the end of the story. Please do read the acknowledgements - you can thank me later.
All in all, I am just going to repeat my earlier instruction. Read. This. Book.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

How dare it end like that?! I need more...

M W Craven never Ceases to amaze me. He draws me in, and continues to blow my mind with every revelation.

I can’t describe the amount of love I have for Tilly. She is my favourite fictional character, I want to be her friend.

It’s dark, gory and thrilling, keeps you reading and wanting more.

Officially on the countdown for book 4 in the series

Thank you Netgalley

Craven has done it again,a fast paced tension filled book with two of the best characters around.
Tilly surprises you once again with her sheer wealth of knowledge and ability to do things we mere mortals would get confused at,then has some of the best lines in the book.
Poe is still someone you'd want on your side,he will go to any lengths to see justice is done.
This one was all sorts of twisty and turney,and had a finale that almost had my jaw hitting the floor.
Thoroughly enjoyable.

MW Craven is one of the hottest and most thrilling crime fiction authors around, his latest addition is stupendous, outrageously twisted, and such an exciting outing for our intrepid crime fighters, Washington and the extraordinarily gifted data analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, of the National Crime Agency. It all begins with a baby shower being given for the none too happy and irritable pregnant DI Stephanie Flynn, a baby shower Poe had not wanted to attend, but intense pressure from Tilly meant he had no choice. The party comes to an end as Flynn gets a call that sends them racing to Cumbria. There has been the macabre discovery of three pairs of fingers in three different locations, two female and one male, with the strange #BSC6 left by the serial killer at each of the crime scenes.

DI Flynn, despite being heavily pregnant, refuses to not be involved as the NCA are tasked to operate as a separate independent team investigation by Detective Superintendent Jo Nightingale who needs Poe and his reputation for following the evidence no matter what and his special talent for upsetting the police hierarchy. The three victims, Howard Teasdale, a sex offender, Rebecca Pridmore, a MOD contracts manager, and Amanda Simpson, a retail assistant, have nothing in common as the police flounder in their search for the perpetrator and motive. When they do find evidence and suspects, all is not as it seems, with light beginning to be shed on the case when Poe receives a phone call from a disgraced FBI special agent, Melody Lee, from whom he learns of the terrifying existence of The Curator. And whenever you think you have got a handle on the case, you know The Curator has you right where he wants you.

Craven has a winning combination in the creation of his protagonists Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw, an outstanding partnership, both of whom I have come to adore, particularly the loyal and courageous Tilly. Tilly still comes out with some hilarious unfiltered comments, although she has improved in much of her social interactions, and her confidence has grown considerably since we first met her, she now runs her own team of nerds, aka the 'Mole People'. Poe is continuing his search for his rapist of a father, the only information he has is that he was present at a Washington DC diplomatic party. Just when you think Craven couldn't possibly get better, he confounds by giving us another ingeniously plotted and witty crime story. If you have yet to acquaint yourself with Poe and Tilly, I strongly urge you to do so, you have such a treat awaiting you. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.

Woohoo Poe and Tilly are back in one of my most anticipated reads of 2020, The Curator. This has to be one of my favourite British crime series EVER! The Curator opens with a macabre murder scene, it’s gruesome and shocking, but the perfect opening to what I think is the best book in the series so far. Don’t get me wrong each book has been a fantastic read, but the authors writing goes from strength to strength making each book an exciting read. The plot lines are a work of a genius, they lure you in and keep you gripped until the very last sentence of this compelling series.

Called in to investigate, the National Crime Agency’s Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are faced with their most challenging case yet, it’s one that throws up more questions than answers, more suspects than victims. Why is a serial killer is leaving displayed body parts all over Cumbria? Why were some victims anaesthetised, while others died in appalling agony? The investigation is such a complex one, that it tests Poe and Tilly investigation skills to the limit. I could rattle on all day about the plot, but in doing so I would giveaway spoilers, so all I will say it’s a cracking plot, modern and fast paced, and seriously twisted!


The Curator like everyone other book in this series is as much about the characters as the plot. The relationship between the dynamic duo Poe and Tilly is stronger than ever, their unique personalities compliment each other perfectly. Poe is complex, charismatic, whereas the wonderful Tilly is naïve, painfully honest and just as complex. The dialogue between the couple is endearing, charming and funny, but it’s these moments that add light to the darkness of the plot. They are both such fabulous depicted, compelling characters they are one of the reasons this series is a must read for me. 

M. W. Craven has written another fabulous addition to this series, throughout The Curator the plot is complex, clever and engrossing, just as you think the dynamic duo have the serial killer in their grips, the author throws in a twist that propels the story in a very different direction. One of the things I enjoy the most in a crime thriller is when the author can write a story that not only keeps you engrossed but one that also keeps you constantly guessing, never revealing too much in one go to spoil the read. For me this crime series has it all fabulous characters, exceptional writing, twisted plots, gory crime scenes,and the most evil killers. The Curator is now firmly my favourite book in the series until the next book anyway! Highly Recommend 

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

Published on June 4, the third book in the block busting series starring the stubborn down to earth DS Washington Poe and his completely awkward analyst, Tilly Bradshaw is another cracker.

When 3 sets of fingers are found, distributed around Cumbria, Poe, the master of hunting down the weirdest of killers is again on the case.

With the help of his affable yet tricky sidekick Tilly, they attempt to unravel the most intricate of crimes yet.

Somewhat more slowly paced than its predecessors, this 3rd book is a fantastic police procedural written with verve and a complex plot. It’s extremely intelligent writing from an author who continues to go from strength to strength.

Craven’s trademark humour is prevalent throughout as he cuts his serious and dark themes with some hilarious one liners and cutting remarks. Poe as ever is dry and to the point and Tilly as usual has no idea where boundaries are and when she’s stepped over them and kept on going...

A story that involves DI Stephanie Flynn, who adds her own sparking wit to the show, this tale again sparkles. It’s a slow build for maybe the first half of the book, but as Craven starts to tie plot lines together and ramps up the entertainment, he fires out another cracker.

With only a few hints toward Poe’s past; this book is there to be picked up as a standalone though I would whole heartedly suggest you read the first 2 if you haven’t before this.

The plotting is intricate, clever and extremely intelligent and the premise is very well thought out, thought-provoking and very current.

M.W Craven again writes with possibly the most inviting style of any current author, the words he puts on the page always sound and feel real. Never any pretension. Just an author who seems to love what he’s doing.

Another masterful 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 from M.W Craven and his comically brilliant duo,

Highly Recommended

If you think you know what's happening next, you're where he wants you to be . . .

It's Christmas and a serial killer is leaving displayed body parts all over Cumbria. A strange message is left at each scene: #BSC6
Called in to investigate, the National Crime Agency's Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are faced with a case that makes no sense. Why were some victims anaesthetized, while others died in appalling agony? Why is their only suspect denying what they can irrefutably prove but admitting to things they weren't even aware of? And why did the victims all take the same two weeks off work three years earlier?
And when a disgraced FBI agent gets in touch things take an even darker turn. Because she doesn't think Poe is dealing with a serial killer at all; she thinks he's dealing with someone far, far worse - a man who calls himself the Curator.
And nothing will ever be the same again . . 

My thoughts about this brilliant dark twisted police thriller was brilliant loved its the third book in the blockbusting washington poe and tilly series award winning writer M.W.CRAVEN has taken The Curator to the next level a race against time to find the killer was brilliant loved each and every character Mike has written a powerful story that will stay with as for ever this is even better than The Puppet Show and Black Summer The Curator will take you on a journey that will change you forever and nothing will ever be the same again all in all a outstanding police thirller that definitely packs a punch Washington Poe and Tilly what a team highly recommended I would like to say thank you to Mike Craven Beth Wright and Netgalley for giving me an opportunity to read and review this brilliant thirller 💥💥💥💥💥
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐