The Puppet Show

Winner of the CWA Gold Dagger Award 2019
Series: Washington Poe
4.32 goodreads logo

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( 22,191 ratings, 2,903 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Puppet Show by M. W. Craven is a gripping crime thriller that follows DS Washington Poe as he investigates a series of gruesome murders in the rural landscapes of Cumbria. The stakes rise as Poe, alongside the brilliant civilian analyst Tilly Bradshaw, tries to outwit a killer who seems to know far more about him than should be possible. As they delve deeper, secrets are unveiled, challenging both Poe's skills and instincts.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to gripping crime and thriller tales full of dark, atmospheric settings and complex characters. With a clever narrative and intriguing plot twists, it offers a compelling read for those who love detective stories with a psychological edge.

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The Puppet Show

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

‘Fantastic’ Martina Cole

‘Dark, sharp and compelling’ Peter James

‘A thrilling curtain raiser for what looks set to be a great new series’ Mick Herron

Welcome to The Puppet Show . . .

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 ...

‘A powerful thriller from an explosive new talent. Tightly plotted, and not for the faint hearted!’
David Mark

‘Satisfyingly twisty and clever and the flashes of humour work well to offer the reader respite from the thrill of the read.’ Michael J. Malone

‘Nothing you've ever read will prepare you for the utterly unique Washington Poe’ Keith Nixon

Series: Washington Poe

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Puppet Show by M. W. Craven is praised for its unique protagonist, Washington Poe, whose character captivates readers. The novel is a clever, twisty thriller with a dark, compelling narrative that offers moments of relief through well-timed humour. It marks M. W. Craven as a significant new voice in British crime fiction, delivering a powerful and tightly plotted thriller that promises to be an engaging start to an exciting series.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472127457

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 January 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Constable

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 40.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 249g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Multi-award-winning author M.W. Craven was born in Carlisle but grew up in Newcastle. He joined the army at sixteen, leaving ten years later to complete a social work degree. Seventeen years after taking up a probation officer role in Cumbria, at the rank of assistant chief officer, he became a full-time author. He is an instant Sunday Times bestseller and, for his Cumbria-set Washington Poe series, a recipient of the 2019 Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger, the 2022 Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2023. The series has now been translated into twenty-seven languages

Instagram: @m.w.craven

Twitter :@mwcravenuk

Facebook: MikeCravenAuthor

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