The Puppet Show – M. W. Craven
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 …
I bought The Puppet Show on Audible and also had a reading copy which I received from Constable through Netgalley.
I listened to The Puppet Show through the Audible app – usually while driving to and from work each day. I say “usually” because I also make efforts to find ways to listen to The Puppet Show at other times too, walking round the shops, tidying the house etc. This is something I NEVER normally do – my audiobooks are for the commute to work only, it takes something special for me to break that pattern.
I felt The Puppet Show merited that change to my routine, it was special enough to make me want to keep listening when my “normal” listening time was over. In short – I loved it.
Washington Poe (and the author does explain the name) is called back to work to investigate a series of murders in Cumbria. Poe has been suspended from duty pending investigation into an accidental release of a suspect’s name to a victims family. An accident which had serious repercussions for those involved. Why is Poe recalled from suspension? Well his name has been carved onto the body of a victim and it looks like the killer has named Poe as a future target.
Poe accepts a return to duties and finds himself paired with a brilliant but awkward crime analyst who has never worked “in the field” before. The pairing of Poe and Tilly (his analyst) is great reading. Tilly is an expert at tech, stats and probability while Poe is a seasoned cop with sharp instincts and street savvy. He also bucks at authority and has no time for bullies so the entitled and arrogant people who cross his path in The Puppet Show are in for a bit of a shock!
This book has been one of my standout reads of 2018 (thus far). The perfect blend of police procedural, serial killer and engaging characters with a well balanced supporting cast made it a joy to read.
As I mentioned, I read The Puppet Show as a talking book so I need to address the “listening experience” too. The audiobook is narrated by John Banks. He gave Poe a wonderfully booming and confident voice which now defines how I imagine the character. He also made Tilly sound vulnerable and innocent which contrasted her perfectly with Poe. The story was expertly handled under his care and this is easily one of the best titles in my Audible library.
A five star review is a certainty. I was hooked by the story, loved the characters and I just did not want it to end.
The Puppet Show is published by Constable and is available in Hardback, Digital and Audiobook versions. You can order a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Puppet-Show-Washington-Poe-Book/dp/B07D5G642H/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1533498247&sr=8-1