Another excellently crafted winner in this wonderful series- I even managed to read it in the Lake District where some of it is set and where I believe the author and Poe reside. I even had Poe’s Croft’s position pointed out to me as we were driving across Shap Fell with a local! Joy of joys!
In this book Poe and Tilly have set up as private detectives after Poe has left the crime agency. Now married to Estelle, Poe lives in her Manor House when in Cumbria, often joined by his crime fighting partner, Tilly.
One day a teenager enters the office and Tilly insists that they take her case - Esmeree begs them to find her long lost mother whom she thought dead.
Esmeree has trailed her to England from the States but the trail had gone cold until she spots her mother’s unique tattoo on a porn video.
Although initially reluctant to take the case Poe comes to like the plucky teenager and proceeds to investigate uncovering a murky plot full of nasty villains who will stop at nothing to protect their business including targeting Poe and those he holds dear.
I really enjoyed the fast moving plot and loved catching up with Poe and Tilly who are now using their unique skills to catch villains as “Gumshoes” for hire. Tilly’s high level intelligence is put to good use and as ever I enjoyed the humorous banter between these characters.
The research into the dark industry portrayed in the book has been thoroughly carried out and made the plot all the more believable but the touches of humour lighten the plot.
Definitely a five star read - highly recommended to Poe and Tilly fans plus a suggestion to read all books in the series for those who have never come across Poe and Tilly before.
I certainly cannot wait for the next book featuring these quirky characters- there was a suggestion of what is to come in the last few pages of this book increasing the level of expectation and excitement!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.