The Puppet Show – M. W. Craven

The Puppet Show (Washington Poe #1) – M. W. Craven (2018)

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… 

My Review of The Puppet Show

THIS Ladies and Gentlemen, is how you write a good procedural thriller! WOW! I purchased The Puppet Show when I randomly saw it in Big W. I loved the cover. It wasn’t until I got home and looked up the Goodreads reviews that I began to get excited! Every one of my friends rated it a 4 or higher so I knew I was going to read something awesome. Absolutely the best police procedural I have read this year! In fact, I would put it as my second favourite start to a police thriller series of all time! Just behind Lacey Flint.

Poe is brought back from suspension when a serial killer leaves his name carved into one of his victims chests. What a welcome back! Teamed up with socially awkward analyst Tilly, Poe has to find this serial killer, and discover why the killer used his name. Is he the next victim? Or is it something different? What does the killer want from him.

WOWEE! When it started I thought “Yeah this will be ok”, but then as I kept reading and getting immersed in the story and characters I began to really enjoy it and upped it to “Yeah this is going to be really good”… And then the action started, and there was twist after twist after twist! AMAZING!!!

Yes I guessed who did it! Yes I am awesome! (or just read too many thrillers), but IT DIDNT MATTER!! Usually it does and I deduct stars because I enjoy being surprised. But even though I got it right THERE WERE STILL MORE TWISTS! I LOVE THAT! Just when you get cocky BAM there is another spanner in the works!

And the characters! Loved all of them! Tilly and Poe just WORKED together! What a team!

There was something really great about the writing and the atmosphere the author creates in this book. Although it sounds like it will be just another thriller, something about it makes it stand out. Maybe it is in the way the storyline moves, or the characters, I can’t quite put my finger on it. It is just a really fabulous read!

Would I recommend The Puppet Show?

YES! If you enjoy thrillers pick this one up – it was great! I have no idea when he is going to write the next one, but I AM THERE!!!!

(5 / 5)

I purchased The Puppet Show on a whim, at my own expense. 

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