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 … 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…
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What a fantastic read! I’ve hardly been able to put this book down. Each chapter is brilliantly constructed, leaving the reader yearning for the next. The characters are plausible, likeable & quirky, all with their own individual traits. The police procedural explanations are great, allowing insight into a complex murder investigation. Craven sucks his readers in & then, when you think you’re done, there’s that little extra twist that puts the icing on the cake.
A definite 5* book! Superb.
This was the subject of a good deal of hype so I approached with caution. But it was indeed very good – a complex, interesting plot (a touch on the gory side) and very striking main characters who are most likely to send each other screaming mad, but end up being the best of friends. The smart pace is sustained throughout and the ending does not disappoint. I have since read the second in the series, Black Summer, and found the plot even better while the characters intrigue as much as ever.
If a new thriller series needed to jump to tv this is it. Showing Cumbria to all. Characters with depth especially Tilly (so many people can see a bit of Tilly in themselves especially relating to work colleagues). Very violent serial killer brings suspended Poe back. Watch Tilly and Poe leave no stone unturned and delve into one of the best thrillers you will read.
The story started with such promise as a serial killer mystifies the police with his bizarre and seemingly random murders. Then the name of disgraced detective, Washington Poe, is found carved into the chest of one of the victims and the stage is set for a maverick cop to pursue a maverick killer.
But the thrills faded fast as the story and investigation slowed and became pedestrian, almost grinding to a halt at one point as Poe and co struggled to make sense of it all. Only the beautifully characterised Tilly Bradshaw, a genius who’s socially awkward, seemed to light up the story as she crunched data, surprised people with her forthright manner, and developed into a loyal and memorable sidekick to Poe.
Poe on the other hand seemed far-fetched and fanciful to me. I love a maverick as much as the next reader, but he seemed to go too far, usurping his boss, who was little more than a bystander for most of the story. Poe was allowed to insult, belittle and aggravate almost every police officer and important person involved in the investigation because he was brilliant, and the only person who could solve the case.
While the author produced a well-woven and crafted mystery, the range of suspects was small and the motive fairly straightforward to deduce, which allowed me to work out the killer’s identity before the story reached its climax.
The Puppet Show is well-written and easy to read. All the loose ends are tied up neatly and justice is eventually done. I love Tilly Bradshaw, but I’m afraid it’s not enough to make the story light my fire.
When a serial killer carves his name on the body of his third victim, disgraced detective, Washington Poe, is brought back into active service to help with the investigation. But the body count continues to rise.
This is a fairly well-trodden path in crime novels: a flawed detective who plays by his own rules in order to get his man. But it’s a great addition to the genre. This is a complex book, and there were a couple of points where I had to reread something to make sure I understood what was being said. But the ending is as satisfying as it is unexpected. And as for the young analyst, Tilly Baldwin, she is such a great character. I hope she finds her way into more of the series. A great read; and one I’m happy to recommend to other lovers of detective fiction.
My favourite book of 2018 – by a long stretch.
ALL THE STARS!!!
You dark twisty bitch of a book! I love you! So many threads to neatly bring together, so much mystery and pain, to burn.
This intriguing procedural grabbed me and didn’t let go. The pace was steady, smooth, and unrelenting. The budding dynamic outcasts duo of Poe and Tilly was unmissable.
The ending was a deeply satisfying level of Oh Hell Yes!
All in under 350 Pages!
And did I mention this was 99% Staunch Award Eligible.
I need Black Summer in my hands!