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The Puppet Show

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The Puppet Show

By: M. W. Craven
Narrated by: John Banks
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About this listen

Shortlisted for the 2019 CWA Gold Dagger Award

Shortlisted for the 2019 Best Crime Novel of the Year in the Amazon Publishing Readers' Awards

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.

©2018 M. W. Craven (P)2018 Hachette Audio UK Crime Thrillers Modern Detectives Mystery Police Procedural Thriller & Suspense Thriller Crime Fiction Suspense

Critic Reviews

"Dark, sharp and compelling." (Peter James)

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

"A thrilling curtain raiser for what looks set to be a great new series" (Mick Herron)

All stars
Most relevant  
Great story. Couldn't stop listening. Lots of clues but I did work out who it was. Disturbing content, how many sick, perverted people are there. Recommend

Excellent

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I Really enjoyed this book about the police solving murder I really liked Detective Poe grate book

The Puppet Show by M. W. Craven

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What a great story loved it from start to finish. Just loved Tilly though see made the story.and made me laugh our loud.. looking forward to hearing more from this author.. great narration.

Excellent

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I couldn’t fault it! The plot was excellent with twists and turns that will hold your attention, the characters were well developed and didn’t number too many, and the narration was perfect. I’m now a fan of Craven.

Excellent! A must read

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Enjoyed this, it was hard to guess until the end which is always a bonus.
Gritty but not gross, with likeable characters.
The ending was great and has left room for more, I will definitely be looking for the next in this series.
Narrator was excellent and did a great job of the different characters without over doing it.
Happy to recommend.

Slow burn, great story.

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Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were believable and the story unfolded from beginning to the very end.

A riveting read!

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Loved it! I think I've found my new favourite crime/suspense author! Mo Hayder fans take note!

Brilliant

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What can I say? This book was an experience!

An intricate story with twists, turns and surprises, which have you hanging off each word.
Gruesome murders, but the story behind them leaves you questioning yourself about what you would do if you knew.

A great introduction to Poe and his colleagues, with relationships that leave you wanting to know more.

Such a very well written book, with great narration from John Banks that brings you into the story completely. The hours just flew by without me realising.

If you enjoy a great crime thriller, with gritty characters, and surprising endings then this is the book for you.

I have discovered that I am now a fan of MW Craven and can’t wait to get into the next in this series.

Just…wow!

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A terrific book. Well written. Exciting. Well rounded fun characters. I couldn’t put it down. John banks is a excellent narrator. Read it do.

Love love this

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WOW! Has to be the best (and most moving) ending I've ever encountered in a crime novel. Beautifully constructed, both in terms of plot and characters.

i was excited to see this come up as a daily special as it was the only one of this wonderful series that i hadn't read. It explains the origin of Poe's relationship with Tilly, so i'd recommend reading this story first. They're a great pair and Craven is a great story teller. i see he's focusing on other series but i really hope this one continues -- not least because it balances the maverick male cop with interesting/neurodiverse females.
Banks is a brilliant reader -- a pleasure to listen to.

WOW! BEST ENDING EVER Wonderful series - more pls!

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