Series: Washington Poe #1
Release Date: 24th January 2019
Publisher: Constable
Pages: 352
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review.

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…

Review

M. W. Craven’s The Puppet Show is the definition of gripping.

This dark and twisted thriller follows disgraced officer Washington Poe who is brought back into the force after a serial killer begins burning people alive in the Lake District. After discovering his name carved into one of the victims, Poe is forced to team up with analyst Tilly Bradshaw in an effort to uncover who is behind these murders and what that has to do with Poe.

This first in a new crime series is everything you could possibly want in a thriller novel. I read it so quickly because it was so fast paced and intense. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about what could possibly happen next. The Puppet Show features quite a few twists that I never saw coming and the finale was brilliantly executed.

I won’t say too much about the plot because I this is definitely the type of book to go in knowing as little as possible. One of the things that really caught my attention about this (other than the terrifying plot), was the immense amount of character development in The Puppet Show. Washington and Tilly are a really fascinating duo and I loved watching them work together to uncover the truth behind these murders. Washington is your tough rogue cop kind of character but pairing him with intelligent and super awkward Tilly makes for a really interesting dynamic.

In all honesty The Puppet Show is one of my favourite crime thrillers in a very long time. It will have you on the edge of your seat and you’ll be desperate for more of Washington Poe. Luckily the next instalment is due in June – so you don’t have too long to wait!