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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
5 Stars from me
I had read and seen so many sparkling reviews for this book that I simply had to read it. All too often this is a path which leads to disappointment but The Puppet Show by M W Craven was a welcome exception.
The storyline, albeit gruesome and unpleasant, is strong which makes a solid base for some superb imagery and scene scene setting as we track a serial killer through the beautiful Lake District. I wasn't sure what to make of Poe to start with but I really warmed to him (no pun intended) as the book progressed and Tilly was a delightful addition to this somewhat dark tale.
A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read with a gentle humour running alongside the depravity of the story, I look forward to reading more by M W Craven and after I heard a whisper that Black Summer was appearing on netgalley and went straight there but seem to have missed it - another testimony to the excellence of The Puppet Show as it must have been snapped up within minutes!
Synopsis: A serial killer is burning people alive in the Lake District's prehistoric stone circles. He leaves no clues and the police are helpless.
When his name is found carved into the charred remains of the third victim, disgraced detective Washington Poe is brought back from suspension and into an investigation he wants no part of.
Reluctantly partnered with the brilliant but socially awkward civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, the mismatched pair uncover a trail that only he is meant to see. The elusive killer has a plan and for some reason Poe is part of it.
As the body count rises, Poe discovers he has far more invested in the case than he could have possibly imagined. And in a shocking finale that will shatter everything he's ever believed about himself, Poe will learn that there are things far worse than being burned alive...
http://readandrated.com/2019/05/18/the-puppet-show-by-m-w-craven/
I had read and seen so many sparkling reviews for this book that I simply had to read it. All too often this is a path which leads to disappointment but The Puppet Show by M W Craven was a welcome exception.
The storyline, albeit gruesome and unpleasant, is strong which makes a solid base for some superb imagery and scene scene setting as we track a serial killer through the beautiful Lake District. I wasn't sure what to make of Poe to start with but I really warmed to him (no pun intended) as the book progressed and Tilly was a delightful addition to this somewhat dark tale.
A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read with a gentle humour running alongside the depravity of the story, I look forward to reading more by M W Craven and after I heard a whisper that Black Summer was appearing on netgalley and went straight there but seem to have missed it - another testimony to the excellence of The Puppet Show as it must have been snapped up within minutes!
Synopsis: A serial killer is burning people alive in the Lake District's prehistoric stone circles. He leaves no clues and the police are helpless.
When his name is found carved into the charred remains of the third victim, disgraced detective Washington Poe is brought back from suspension and into an investigation he wants no part of.
Reluctantly partnered with the brilliant but socially awkward civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, the mismatched pair uncover a trail that only he is meant to see. The elusive killer has a plan and for some reason Poe is part of it.
As the body count rises, Poe discovers he has far more invested in the case than he could have possibly imagined. And in a shocking finale that will shatter everything he's ever believed about himself, Poe will learn that there are things far worse than being burned alive...
http://readandrated.com/2019/05/18/the-puppet-show-by-m-w-craven/
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Somewhat predictable
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
This is a cracker of a murder/mystery, the first in a series that introduces Detective Sergeant Washington Poe and his genius sidekick Tilly Bradshaw, both wonderful characters. The Cumbrian setting and the dark, intriguing plot are also winners. Poe has settled in nicely into life in the fells of Northern England after being suspended for mishandling his last case. But a serial killer has emerged who is burning victims alive in the local stone circles and the third victim’s body holds a connection to Poe. So DI Flynn has been sent to coax Poe back to work with his National Crime Authority team. Poe’s unique way of working cases is needed to provide fresh eyes on the case. The more they investigate, the more questions are thrown up and the answer lies in unlocking secrets that have been festering for decades. Everything is not as it seems. Looking forward to the second instalment.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Wow, this was so much better than the other series i read by this author. I was intrigued through the entire book and loved the characters. Definitely reading the rest
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Brilliant. I will definitely be continuing with this series!
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder