st as DS Washington Poe can count on one hand the number of friends he has, so I can count on one hand the number of authors whose books I will read without a) seeing the blurb or b) seeing the cover - M. W. Craven is one such author and a new Poe and Tilly mystery is the highlight of my year. The Botanist, which has been on my book radar for several months, is now finally published so I can share my thoughts about book number five in the Poe and Tilly series of crime mysteries.

There are two cleverly constructed threads running through the story, namely that of the eponymous botanist who is seemingly picking off high profile celebrities, a perpetrator who carries out the crimes with such ingenuous methods of disposal that for once Poe is stumped as to how this modus operandi is being carried out. The second thread is rather more personal for Poe as it involves one of his closest friends, of whom we know he doesn't have many, so when pathologist, Estelle Doyle is arrested for murder, Poe is determined to prove her innocence.

The Botanist is one of the most complicated locked room thrillers I've read, darkly, suspenseful with more twists and turns than a Cumbrian country lane and yet thanks to the skillful manipulation of the narrative it's so easy to devour the pages in short, sharp bursts, rather like the chapters themselves which are sometime just a page or two long. The attention to detail is, as always, meticulous, combining science, technology, and the masterpiece that is Tilly Bradshaw, whose serious explanations of the unexplainable, and her joyous faux pas, form such a crucial part of the story.

Whilst this latest story forms an integral part of the series, it is perfectly possible to read the book as a standalone, but why deprive yourself of a superb crime series, start at the beginning and wallow in the dream team that is Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw and be taken into the minds of some of the darkest, fictional killers. The stories are not for the faint hearted but each are written with such talent and skillful attention to even the smallest detail that the pages turn themselves.

Each year the latest Poe and Tilly story makes it onto my reads of the year list - The Botanist is no exception. In fact, as I also say every year, this is my favourite, especially as, this year, my home town gets a little mention 😊

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Botanist by MW Craven. I hadn't read the rest of the series, so was worried I would be a bit lost , but it is definitely possible to read as a stand alone book

I am a huge fan of this series and of M.W. Craven’s writing. You can read The Botanist as a stand-alone novel, but do yourself a favour and start at the beginning, because Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are an awesome team and their journey together is well worth following from the outset.

First, a word about the narration. This is a single person narration from John Banks and it is so good, I forgot I was listening to just one voice. Perfect intonation, nicely modulated tones and good, light use of accents made for an excellent listen. I’d listen to more of his audiobooks on this basis.

So what makes The Botanist so good? It’s a beautifully crafted mystery within a mystery set around Washington Poe, an unorthodox and grumpy detective working for the NCA and his fabulous technically brilliant and on the spectrum team-mate, analyst Tilly Bradshaw. What makes this series stand out is the brilliant, scathing sarcasm of Poe and the contrasting wide eyed unworldly innocence of the brilliant Tilly Bradshaw whose tendency to open her mouth and say, completely unfiltered, exactly what she is thinking makes for some fantastically funny moments. That and Poe’s ability to think the unthinkable makes for a great team.

This time our awesome duo have a devious killer to find and at the same time Poe has to make sure that one of his very few friends is not sent down for the murder of her father. Poe’s attention needs to be in two places at once and he needs his boss DI Stephanie Flynn watching his back as he works both cases.

Someone is selecting some of the UK’s more objectionable characters and poisoning them. How they are doing it is a mystery in itself but because our murderer is choosing the corrupt; the ignorant loud-mouthed incels and the social media influencers without a moral scruple; the public is barely stopping short of applause as he does so.

Each prospective victim is warned by the delivery of a pressed flower and a bad poem, but for all the warnings, and whatever security is put in place, our killer, The Botanist still gets to his victims.

Craven clearly enjoys playing with the convention of the locked room mystery and he does so with intelligent aplomb. This is such a great combination of good writing, wit, clever plotting and current social themes and it works beautifully.

The team’s banter, even in tense situations, is a joy to listen to and Craven’s pacing is excellent. There’s the usual great observational humour around food and in this book, some nice wardrobe choices that all adds to authentic interplay between our team members.

I also enjoy trying to guess what’s going on as the action proceeds. I guessed the password to the safe just before Poe (though admittedly I’d been handed all the clues on a plate) but completely failed to foresee that final awesome chapter.

Verdict: This is a must read series and The Botanist is an excellent addition. I absolutely loved this twisty, thrilling, devious, funny book and its brilliant characters. The Botanist is a book for everyone who enjoys first class crime fiction.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Botanist but that has in no way influenced my review.

Oh my goodness, it's my absolute favourite time of the year! You may think that's because it's FINALLY summer (although there's been little evidence of that so far!) but it's not that. You may think it's because I'm a secret royalist, patiently counting down the days to Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee (yes, I know it was last week ). It's not that either. You may think I'm champing at the bit, waiting for Wimbledon to start. As if It's my favourite time of the year because of one thing and one thing alone. Historically, June is when the latest Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw adventure by master crime writer M.W. Craven is published! It's THE highlight of my reading year, without question.  If you're a fan of intelligently written, utterly compelling detective fiction and you haven't discovered this series yet, then we need to have serious words! The Botanist has arrived, people. What are you waiting for? You need this book in your life!

Detective Sergeant Washington Poe is having one helluva week, juggling two highly sensitive, intricate cases. His pathologist friend, Estelle Doyle, has been arrested for the brutal murder of her father which Poe firmly believes she did not commit. Poe is also hunting a highly organised serial killer the press has dubbed the Botanist, who is causing chaos by taking out the country's most hated individuals with flair, a poem, a pressed flower and an almighty pat on the back from the British public. The notice the killer gives his victims should be more than enough warning for the intended target to lock themselves away in a reinforced room, surrounded by the most elite of security forces. But no, absolutely nothing will stop the Botanist from dispatching their target. Usually in the most painful and horrific way possible. Can Poe and super intelligent analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, manage to solve the two most taxing cases of their careers before it's too late...?

As I mentioned before, this is the fifth book in the series and WHAT a series it is! Time and time again the author delivers, raising the bar with each new book. Every single release has been a hit for me. Every single new book is something new, something different, something that grabs my attention from the start and doesn't let go until I've turned the final page. The ideas are fresh, the characters are evolving magnificently, the plots are fascinating. I am officially hooked and M.W. Craven can do no wrong in my eyes!

But enough of the series, what about this latest instalment? The Botanist is an utterly absorbing, highly addictive read which I ADORED. Every single book has been superb but this latest addition, and Black Summer (book #2), are my two favourites so far. You can absolutely read The Botanist as a standalone but it's worth picking up all of the previous books as well. Otherwise you miss out on the early awkward days of Poe and Tilly's friendship (actually, it has a few awkward moments now but they've become more attuned to each other...sort of!) and a plethora of absolutely fascinating, gripping cases. I love the pairing of Poe and socially awkward but highly intelligent civilian analyst, Tilly. They make a formidable team, ably encouraged and supported, no matter what crazy idea they come up with, by DI Stephanie Flynn. Craven's trademark humour is pinpoint sharp, perfectly pitched and made me laugh out loud at several points. I SO enjoy the relationship between Poe and Tilly (and of course DI Stephanie Flynn). Their interactions, their friendship makes me smile. It's a joy to read!

I liked the push and pull of this story with Poe and Tilly dashing off up north to look into things in more detail for Estelle. Only to have the boss call them back to London after the Botanist strikes again. Unlike Poe I am a huge fan of locked room mysteries which is perhaps why The Botanist appealed to me so much. Not one mystery for my favourite crime fighting duo to solve, but two!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Botanist is a superb addition to an outstanding series which I believe every crime fiction fan needs on their bookshelf. Tense, gripping, clever, hugely compelling, truly divine characterisation, beautifully paced and darn well perfect in every respect. What more could you want? Tilly and Poe are the ultimate crime fighting duo, you won't find another pairing like these two and I love that! The Botanist is without a doubt a sure-fire five-star winner for me and will definitely be featuring in my favourite books of the year list. Quite near the top, I think . The Botanist, along with the other books in the series, is a must read. Incredibly well-written and head and shoulders above others in the same genre. Highly, highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Botanist. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

This review will be published on damppebbles.com on 10th June 2022.

Much anticipated new book by M.W Craven did not disappoint. Another thrilling and gripping adventure for Poe and Tilly. Highly recommended.

The Botanist is ridding Poe’s world of some of the most dangerous, delusional and despicable individuals, doing Joe Public a favour if I’m honest. He is playing judge, jury and executioner for some of society’s most questionable individuals but he’s doing the honourable thing and warnings these human vermin that they are going to die in such a lovely way, with poetry and flowers. The big question is HOW IS HE KILLING THEM?!?!?

But… and it’s a big but, Poe’s attention is divided. Not only is there this vigilante killer in the loose but his trusted pathology colleague Estelle is in a pickle of huge magnitude – patricide which she strongly denies but the evidence is irrefutable. Poe can’t be in two places at once but both cases need his extraordinary detective skills and the incredible brain that is Tilly.

I was hooked from the off. The takedown of one hell of a misogynistic human being on live TV totally grabbed my attention but then for that awful man to be taken sick before keeling over made me realise I was in for a real treat. From that point on, I hit the ground running, trying to jump between the two investigations alongside the NCA’s finest.

The banter between Poe, Tilly and Flynn is brilliant. Having worked in a close-knit team for a few years, I could identify with the three of them knowing each other so intimately and how they can bounce off each other. I adore Tilly’s naivety at times but over the series, she has found her standing in this trio and is gradually learning the art of banter.

The Botanist is just bloody brilliant. The Washington Poe series just keeps getting better and better. I flew through The Botanist, reading the majority in one sitting. Craven’s ingenious writing had me addicted to my kindle as I watched Poe and Tilly do battle with two very different cases. If you love your police procedural crime thrillers, this series is a must-read.

5/5 Outstanding

Poe no 5 is here and was it worth the year long wait?

Of course it was as Mike Craven delivers another superb effort with the duo that have now become close to many of our hearts in Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw.

With not one , but two locked room mysteries at the heart of the story, Craven fully flexes his writing muscles in this clever, funny, ingenious read.

It has all the trademarks without getting samey or tedious and the whip smart dialogue is a joy to read.

The criminal in question this time is a great creation, killing minor celebrities with poison, whilst close friend and colleague Estelle Doyle finds herself on the hook for her Fathers Murder.

Craven superbly crafts and entwines the 2 mysteries with the skill of a writer at the top of his craft.

As usual it’s full of fun, whilst being a top drawer crime read, and like most fans i am already at a loss and await the next chapter in this series that continues to go from strength to strength.

The Botanist is a fabulous read. It is the latest in the Poe & Tilly series so there was never any danger it would be anything else. There are two UK crime series that stand head and shoulders above the others: one is Cara Hunter’s DI Fawley series and the other is Mike Craven’s Washington Poe series.

It seems strange for a Poe & Tilly novel to begin in Japan because for many readers they have become the gateway to the Lake District. But we are soon back in familiar territory. This time Poe is called urgently to Northumbria, where his friend, Estelle Doyle, has been arrested for murder.

The novel moves between various UK locations as the story takes shape. There are two investigations, initially, but Poe’s adversary is a serial killer. The murderer sets a series of puzzles and repeatedly does the impossible as he walks into and out of traps of his own making. There are some creative variations on a locked room mystery. The plotting is ingenious, as always, but even by Craven’s standards, the answer to the final locked room mystery is an extraordinary one. Quite unguessable. And there is a twist saved for the ending to tie up the final loose ends. Masterfully done.

This story has something interesting themes. It satirises the impact of social media: ‘the first generation who didn’t play outside are adults now.’ There is a nice set piece analysis of the millennials: a generation who are not so much bad as banal. The world of Twitter and the Dark Web lies behind the events, while the police remain out of sync with the Botanist in their traditional approach.

The beautifully constructed relationships in this team allow humour to lighten the mood. Their dysfunctional dialogue becomes a feature of the novel whenever they are not discussing a case. The comedy of their living arrangements and food choices while on stakeout adds a dimension. The genius of this team is that the members only really function when they are focused on a target.

The humour extends to some nicely contrived opportunities. Tilly going clothes shopping for Estelle Doyle, for example, adding some colour to her wardrobe. Something a bit different from The Clash and Iron Maiden T shirts elsewhere in the novel. And Craven enjoys some new East End locations in London: a set piece on Plaistow and a nod to Only Fools and Horses in Peckham.

Overall, another triumph. Readers will be counting down the days until the next one.

Wow, what a fabulous book by an amazing author. This series of books get better as each one is released. It was very clear from book one that this series was going to be brilliant. I read this book faster than I have read any other book, I could not put it down. M W Craven write faster please, I need the next one.

I’ve been a big fan of DS Washington Poe and his highly intelligent sidekick, Tilly, since I read the first book in which they featured a couple of years ago so I was extremely excited to receive this review copy of the author’s new book. I certainly was not disappointed as the series just keeps getting better and better.
“The Botanist”is a classic locked room mystery with not one but two locked rooms to solve. Who is the Botanist? He is a serial killer who sends his victims, usually reprehensible characters, a pressed flower and a threat to kill them. No matter what the police do and however much protection they get they still end up dead! How does he do it? He wants to be liked by the public but he also wants to kill- an extremely deadly combination!
Then there is also a separate murder of a favourite character’s relative - alone in a house, he has been shot but no gun, no murderer and no means of escape possible. Poe and Tilly’s friend is accused and arrested even though Poe knows that they have not done it. They have two killers to find as quickly as possible, to prevent further murders and the certain conviction of their friend.
I love the interaction between Poe and Tilly- some of her dialogue is extremely funny but her razor sharp brain is right on target in the search for the perpetrators.
This is a cleverly plotted book which is made all the better by the need to solve two complicated mysteries. M.W Craven certainly knows how to hold a reader’s interest and his character development is excellent. I felt that I was catching up with two old friends in Poe and Tilly- I almost forgot I was actually reading a book.
This series just keeps getting better and better and my only complaint is that I will have to wait a while until I can get my hands on the next book! I hope the author is a quick writer!
Thanks to NetGalley for my Arc.

The Botanist by M.W. Craven

Really loved this one as I have in all the past Washington / Tilly books by this gritty , down to earth author.
Someone is killing by poisoning people at the same time as sending them a letter and a flower through the post.
Washington is also trying to help his friend Estelle who has been arrested to the murder of her father,
The author has a great way of getting under the skin of his characters and writes about them in an intriguing yet unique way , I love Tilly and feel she deserves a book all about her !
The Botanist wasn't set in Cumbria as much as his other books , but Mike , I won't hold that against you as it was so good !

Ever since The Puppet Show, this series has delighted readers and critics alike, every instalment being shortlisted for, or winning all the big awards. A new instalment is always a cause for celebration.

Washington Poe the brilliant, straight talking detective and Tilly Bradshaw the socially awkward, genius computer geek are one of the most lovable partnerships in Crime fiction.

The Botanist is a highly intelligent killer, poisoning high-profile victims without leaving any evidence. He'll send a warning, an envelope containing a poem and a dried flower.

Poe's good friend and colleague Estelle Doyle has been arrested for murder. Poe is challenged with trying to catch The Botanist and trying to prove Estelle innocent.

This is classic Tilly and Poe, great characters, a meticulously planning serial killer and plenty of humour. There's a great flow and momentum to the story and no dull moments with plenty going on and frequent unpredictable turns. I also really enjoy the detection, there's a sense of hope and achievement balanced against the impossible odds, every time they get a break or uncover another clue.

Is it the best yet? So hard to say in such a consistently excellent series, I'd have trouble picking one and The Puppet Show will always have a special place on my bookshelf. The whole series is a must for Crime fans.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Books

I was so so happy when I was approved on NetGalley for this. I stayed up late last night cause I was that gripped and there was no way I was going to bed without knowing what was going to happen. I love how it started with two separate cases being solved that slowly you start to see having links to each other and as with the previous books it’s always so cleverly done! This has reminded me how much I love Poe and Tilly that I’m gonna have to re-read the other books

'I swear I'm one bad mood away from calling it black magic and going home . . .'

Washington Poe has been assigned to a case where the killer, known as 'The Botanist' sends his victims, all high profile celebrities, pressed flowers and poems, and then proceeds to poison them without ever meeting them. Alongside trying to solve this case, his close friend and pathologist, Estelle Doyle, has been arrested for murdering her father, the evidence appears to be clear cut, she is found with firearms discharge residue on her hands, in a house surrounded by fresh snow and only her footprints to be seen. Poe is certain she's innocent but how is he going to solve not one, but two locked room mysteries when spending time on one could compromise the other?

The Botanist sees the return of my favourite crime fighting duo, Poe and Tilly. Poe doesn't have many friends but those he does have, he will protect with every fibre of his being and that includes pathologist, Estelle Doyle. Tilly is, as ever, fiercely loyal to Poe and their close bond shines through in the latest instalment by this incredible author. Well, what is there not to love about this book? I absolutely adore Poe and Tilly; the banter, the sarcasm from Poe, Tilly's honesty and unfiltered comments towards anyone she meets, regardless of their status or grade, is endearing and hilarious in equal measures. The plot is well crafted and complex, the characters are authentic and I just love a locked room mystery, the fact we get a double dose here is the icing on the cake! Once again, Mike Craven has pulled it out of the bag and knocked it out of the park. If you haven't had the pleasure of this series yet I'd advise you start at the beginning, even though they can all be read as standalone, as you will gain a better understanding of the characters backgrounds. For those of you that are avid fans, you don't want to miss this one, it's a belter! I can't wait for book six!!

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

What can I say? Just when you think the series cannot get any better, along comes The Botanist. Probably Poe's most infuriating and perplexing case to date and, for us readers, one of the most fun. Double trouble for Poe and Bradshaw as they are faced with not just one but two locked room mysteries. After a fashion. One sees one of Poe's people in jeopardy, the other a whole range of 'people you'd like to slap with a brick' targeted by a very cunning poisoner, dubbed by the media as the eponymous Botanist.

Why slapped with a brick? Well, imagine every objectionable idiot you see touting their opinions, whether asked for or not, on social media. Your rent a gob 'fake news' brigades, your unscrupulous businessmen who put profit over people, your corrupt politicians and the kinds of men who would like nothing better than seeing a live enactment of The Handmaid's Tale to reassert their lost masculinity. They are a truly objectionable bunch, and any sane reader will struggle to see them as anything like sympathetic victims. Not that any of us would condone violence or murder either, but that is that path the Botanist has chosen to take, and the journey we as readers find ourselves on alongside Poe. But MW Craven has managed to dilute some of their hideous and outrageous behaviour by pitting them against Poe's inimitable sarcasm and Tilly's refreshing but unintentional candour. Yes, they still make the skin crawl and the anger peak, but seeing them put back in their box in the next sentence by the kind of magical witticism that the author is so skilled at, makes it such fun to read.

Alongside the case of the Botanist, Poe finds himself distracted by a case that involves his friend and star pathologist, Estelle Doyle. She finds herself in the frame for a crime we all know she could not have committed but for which there seems an abundance of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. There was never a moment of doubt in my mind about Estelle's innocence - after all, what idiot would call in Poe and Tilly if they were guilty of murder? You know they will get to the truth. But this is a delightful and intriguing mystery that seems almost impossible to solve. Did I have my suspicions? Well, yes, but I read too many mysteries and crime novels, to be taken completely unawares. Did I see the whole picture? Not right away, only at exactly the right moment. A blink and you'll miss it throw away comment that stuck in the back of my mind and made me begin to wonder ...

As for why the media have give our serial killer the monika The Botanist? Well it's down to their unique method of murder - poisoning their victims using naturally occurring toxins and delivering them in a seemingly impossible way. They are given advance warning of their impending fate and yet they are still caught out. The why of their selection is never in doubt, they how of the delivery is the real mystery here. This is a locked room mystery with a twist but so perfectly executed that even when you think you know, enough doubt is cast over your theory that you will end up doubting yourself. If you are careful and pay close attention you may pick up all the clues, but only when The Botanist, and the author, wants you too.

But the real power of this book is not the mystery - although they are both excellent. It's not the cunning way in which the author has woven the two separate investigations together in a way which is seamless. It's not even seeing some truly loathsome individuals meet a rather painful and devastating end - although there is some satisfaction to be had there, believe me. The real power of this book, and this series, are its characters. Principally Poe and Tilly, but in truth every single person that MW Craven pulls into his literary world. There is an authenticity to each and every one, and each one adds something different to the story. But Poe and Tilly, sarcasm and innocence, really make this series a winner. As a team they just shouldn't work, but I can't imagine either one without the other. With Poe's natural determination and drive, especially to protect those he cares for, and Tilly's incredibly smart mind and unwavering honesty, they are a dream team. For every shock you get a double dose of laughter, for each moment of tension, and there are many, you get an equal measure of calm and it makes a perfect balance.

The Botanist is as classic a Poe tale as you can find. Tense, puzzling, witty and with pacing that waxes and wanes with the highs and lows of the investigation, this has been an absolute joy to read. If you've not read this series yet, you really should, but start at the beginning. That way you get the best out of the Poe and Tilly friendship and the series as a whole. If this book isn't on award lists next year I will be highly surprised. Most definitely recommended

MW Craven gives us another stellar addition to his wonderful DS Washington Poe of the NCA and genius analyst, the polymath Matilda 'Tilly' Bradshaw series. Poe finds himself with 2 frustrating locked room mysteries he refers to as 'black magic', Northumbria Police have arrested his friend and eminent pathologist, the caustic Estelle Doyle, for the murder of her father, the lack of footprints in the snow point to her as the only suspect, not to mention there is GSR (Gun Shot Residue) on her hands. Doyle's response is to tell the police to tell Poe, he doesn't need to think twice, he knows she is innocent, he just has to work out how she has been set up and by whom. Then there a serial killer on the loose, named The Botanist, who is targeting unpleasant victims, the kind who plague our contemporary realities, who struggle to garner any sympathy from the public, or from the police for that matter, but they have the task of hunting down the elusive killer.

A notorious misogynist, Kane Hunt, reveals a death threat, a pressed dried flower and appalling poetry, prior to dying on a live TV talk show, he is found to have been poisoned. This is followed by the shamelessly corrupt and disgraced Tory MP for Sheffield East receiving the same type of threat, and despite being closely guarded, found dead in his bath. A far right social media commentator, monetising racism, claiming truth and facts are 'fake news', is isolated and closely monitored in hospital by both medical staff and the police, yet once again The Botanist manages to slip through the net. DI Stephanie Flynn, Poe and even Tilly struggle to find any leads, how is the botanist getting away with his crimes, he has surfaced out of the blue, how did he get to be so good? Surely he must have committed similar crimes before? In a twisted narrative a popular killer develops a cult following and Doyle is charged with murder, the pressure is on to solve 2 impossible time sensitive cases.

Craven has engaged in impressive research in this thrill ride of a crime read, it has his trademark comic moments, banter and hilarity, with the guileless, on the spectrum, Tilly often being the source with her unfiltered comments. This is a riveting crime read, entertaining and engaging, with Poe's character seeing some serious development as he finally ventures into territory he has been so wary of. The author continues to write crime fiction that delights and shows him at the top of his game. Highly Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.