I was late to the MW Craven party, having only read The Puppet Show a few weeks ago, after hearing about it for months. Well I wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice, so was very pleased to see this available from NetGalley - even if it meant going through the UK site. I’m pleased to report that this second Washington Poe book is even more fiendishly twisty than the first, and just as well written.

Six years earlier, Poe arrested a callous psychopath, celebrity chef Jared Keaton, for the murder of his daughter, despite her body never being found. When a young woman stumbles into a police office, claiming she’s been held in captivity and that her name is Elizabeth Keaton, it seems a grave miscarriage of justice has occurred, but Poe knows Keaton is not innocent - and realises that he is being set up when she disappears again. Fortunately, Poe has a secret weapon - the brilliant Tilly Bradshaw!

Both these books stand out from the crowded field of modern British detective fiction by having not only wonderful central characters, but also a complex but watertight plot, and lots of interesting information on very random but fascinating topics (although I am traumatised by the description of the culinary monstrosity described in the first pages, and really wish I had not googled it to discover that it is actually real, and what it looks like.)

Tilly is even more adorable here, and I loved how she has grown in confidence so that their friendship and working relationship is now much more equally balanced. Poe is dealing with the revelations from the end of Puppet Show, we get to know DI Stephanie Flynn a bit better too, and the ending leads us nicely into the next book. I also respect the way he did not spoil The Puppet Show for anyone who hasn’t read it yet. I would still recommend reading them in order for everything to make sense.

I do like books which are howdunnits rather than the usual who, for a change, it’s a different kind of suspense but very effective - I didn’t have a clue how or why the crime was achieved. I also felt the backdrop of the gathering storm was a great way of building tension. The ending was perfect - our trio revealing their devious side to beat the killer at his own game. Hopefully there won’t be too long a wait for the next one!

My thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Black Summer is published on June 20th 2019.

I couldn’t wait to read Black Summer which I devoured in a couple of days. It was so good to be back in the world of Washington Poe and Tilly. The book could be read as a standalone but I’d highly recommend The Puppet Show for getting a feel for and getting to know the characters.

Celebrity Chef Jared Keaton was jailed for the murder of his teenage daughter, Elizabeth whose body has never been found. Unexpectedly and unbelievably she’s turned up alive. Washington Poe can’t understand it as he was so sure. After she’s interviewed and medically examined by the police she disappears…..

The local police want to question Poe and basically put him in the frame but things don’t stack up. Poe calls on friend and colleague, the very brilliant and analytically minded Tilly Bradshaw to come and help him out with the blessing of DCI Stephanie Flynn.

Poe is in a race against time to prove his innocence. He also calls upon the help of Forensic Pathologist, Estelle Doyle, a quirky character whom I enjoyed meeting. It’s often tense with the moment lightened by Tilly and Edgar of course! It seems however that Keaton is playing with Poe and they need to find the connections which prove he should be behind bars still.

An absolute edge of the seat, one more chapter kind of read which I absolutely adored! The opening chapter made me go OMG and I knew what was to come would be more than amazing. Roll on book #3.

This time last year I reviewed Mike Craven’s The Puppet Show, I loved it so much that I was determined to get an early look at the sequel. Now it is here and I can confidently assert that Black Summer is everything I look for in a crime novel.
Craven has smashed this one out of the park. Washington Poe and his on the spectrum assistant, Tilly Poe, are back and this novel puts them through their paces in an expertly plotted, beautifully written and thrilling crime novel that has instantly leapt into my top books of the year list.
Poe is still getting used to the revelations of The Puppet Show, but there is to be no respite for him. An old case rises from the ashes, pausing only to put a noose over his neck and pull it tight as he becomes the hunted in a police investigation that threatens everything he holds dear.
Like MasterChef on acid, Black Summer is a five star tale of murder in a three Michelin starred celebrity kitchen. Craven has researched and conceived a chilling and wholly enthralling story that holds the attention and utterly mesmerisises.
Years ago, Poe put celebrity chef Jared Keaton in prison for the murder of his daughter, Elizabeth. Without a body, it was forensic evidence that convicted Keaton; that and a compelling case crafted by Poe.
Now Elizabeth has reappeared and suddenly it is Poe who is in the spotlight, and not in a good way.
I picked up Black Summer meaning to read a few chapters and was so engrossed I couldn’t stop. Craven has given us a menu of options fit for a crime gourmand and the individual dishes are rich, complex, well spiced and deeply flavoured.
With Poe and the truly genius Tilly Bradshaw, who puts the real science into this clever forensic concoction, Craven sweetens a rich dark chocolate pot of complex undernotes with the warmth of chilli and a surprising layered finish that nourishes the soul and lingers in the mind. This is a dish you won’t easily forget and there’s no doubt that I’ll be back for more
Craven’s characterisation is strong; each of Poe’s colleagues stands out as a recognisable individual and some, like forensic pathologist Esther Doyle, you know you want to meet again. Jared Keaton is the epitome of a cruel psychopath; clever, charming and utterly ruthless.
But the stars of this book are Poe himself and the wonderful Tilly Bradshaw. Theirs is a relationship that is based on mutual admiration. Poe is a loner; dark and cynical. Bradshaw is intensely forensic, a brilliant technologist with endless academic qualifications who can’t boil an egg. Slow to trust, she is devoted to Poe.
The wild Cumbrian landscape adds richness and texture to this dark and atmospheric crime brew, leavened with a sprinkling of dry humour and rich wit.
You can read this as a stand-alone, but I would seriously recommend reading The Puppet Show first. This series is so good, you don’t want to miss anything.
Verdict: A banquet of delights that leaves a lasting taste of satisfied pleasure and yet a longing for more. Craven has smashed this one out of the park and if it doesn’t top the crime fiction charts there’s no justice in this world.

Black Summer is the 2nd in the Washington Poe series, and I admit I am late starting this series as I only read The puppet Show before I read this one and WOW what a book that was so I was excited to get my hands on Black Summer.
Celebrity Chef Jared Keaton was convicted of murdering his daughter Elizabeth Keaton 6 years ago. Washington Poe is the man that got him convicted. But one stormy night, Elizabeth turns up alive in the Police drop in centre at a local library. Is it really her?
Poe now under suspicion, with the help of his boss and the rest of the team re open the case. Not only to find out what happened to Elizabeth Keaton but, also stop Jared going free.
This is another cracking instalment of these series. I love the characters of Poe and Tilly and the rest of the team. The story different and more complex then The puppet show but, still expertly written and the race against time to discover what really happened to Elizabeth Keaton before the police got to Poe, even made it more gripping. I loved the descriptions of the scenery of Cumbria. It made me think of visiting there one day.
Thank you NetGalley and Little brown for a copy of this book. Another 5 star read

Black Summer is the second book in the Washington Poe series and I loved the storyline.
Poe needs to revisit an old case where someone was jailed for murder, even though a body has never been found. Poe and Tilly Bradshaw need to find the evidence supporting that he is a murderer, but are struggling to solve the case.
A well written book with wonderful characters that come to life, great touches of humour throughout. A complex and well thought out plot. I love the descriptive writing about the Cumbrian landscape, you feel as though you are there. A well deserved 5 stars, I highly recommend this book.

I have read this book in one day, I literally couldn’t put it down! It was fast paced with many twist and turns and a shock I wasn’t expecting. Its completely believable and as a visitor to Cumbria very exact.

I love the relationship Washington Poe has will Tilly Bradshaw they are so different yet fit together very well... not sure who looks after who.

I can’t wait for book 3.

🚨 Call the police!! 🚨 Surely it is an offence to write a novel this bloody brilliant!! We’re back in Cumbria where retribution, manipulation, fear, (in)justice, morality, cunning, mistrust, and absolute mayhem hit the pages in Mike Craven’s latest masterpiece – BLACK SUMMER.

Ok then…..OMFG! Craven has once again NAILED IT with a fantastically chilling opening that left me absolutely breathless! The storyline was intriguing and had my synapses popping a mile a minute as I raced through the pages. Intrigue and suspense littered the pages and MW Craven’s knowledge of the criminal justice system made this novel drip with authenticity and realism. It was woven flawlessly throughout the narrative – I absolutely loved it! Throw in an atmospheric and vivid setting with just the right dose of description and you have what simply is a superb read! I was absolutely delighted when I solved the case before it was revealed – well, part of it anyway – I won’t tell you though as it is a CRACKING revelation.

And HOLY SH*TBALLS – I absolutely LOVE Washington Poe! We learn something about him in The Puppet Show which I won’t reveal (no spoilers!) but it’s brought up in the novel and you definitely get a better understanding of who he is and why. Poor Poe is having to wrestle with the thought that he may have sent the wrong man to prison, but the evidence as it comes together leaves Poe open to having the finger pointed at HIM. WTAF?! This was absolutely nail-biting reading, peeps! Poe is determined, a bit of a rogue and a character that you are just drawn to. And YAY for Edgar. I was so happy when Poe’s pooch was reunited with his master – I definitely have a soft spot for Edgar.

Tilly ….woohoo! Absolutely love her and I especially loved the dynamics between Tilly and Poe in this book. Their friendship and bond is strong – and each time they are together you can tell that either would go to the ends of the earth to protect one another. AMAZING. My favourite line from Tilly in this novel was when Poe called and asked her to come up to Cumbria and she says, ‘You didn’t bring me up here for my people skills, Poe’ – I burst out laughing. Tilly may be socially awkward but she is one clever woman and Poe brings out the best in her, while she does the same for him. If the author does anything to ever harm Tilly…I will have to have words!! #TeamTilly
But I’ll tell you what, MW Craven snuck in another character who I am hoping to see more of in future novels – Estelle Doyle. I BLOODY LOVE HER! She is dark, inappropriate, funny – but absolutely stellar at her job. And could there be a spark between her and Poe…oh I do hope so, I think she could give him a run for his money!

Another character that caught my attention in this novel was Andrew Rigg – I liked the conflict between him and Poe; it added some great tension throughout. Poe however noted how much Rigg reminded him of himself – which I also found interesting. I never knew whether to trust him or not…and I won’t tell you if I do now either…you’ll have to read the novel to see!

Finally, I have to mention Jared Keaton…what a friggin slimeball. This guy made my skin crawl but was written so wonderfully to evoke those feelings. Nasty – whether guilty or innocent, this narcissistic piece of **** was just so *shakes head* incredibly awful…Well done, Mr Craven. I absolutely detested him! ha ha

Soooo…do I recommend this read? Hells Bloody Bells – you bet your sweet arse I do! A brilliantly crafted piece of writing that is compelling, creepy, intense and sinister – with each book in this series, MW Craven is drawing the reader in – and blowing our friggin minds! Absolutely recommend you read Black Summer – it definitely can be read as a standalone, but you’ll miss out on the greatness if you don’t read The Puppet Show too! Can’t wait to see what evil Mr Craven has up his sleeve for the next one! #TOPREAD2019 – out June 20th 2019!

I didn't think Black Summer could be as good as The Puppet Show.. How wrong I was, in fact I enjoyed it more! Once again Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw use their skills to solve a complex case. Black Summer has a fantastic plot and I had no idea how it was going to unravel. The characters, the location and the brilliant writing makes this a great series. A definite 5 star read!

I was really happy to receive an advance copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review as I had seen so many positive reviews for the previous novel, The Puppet Show. But I hadn't read The Puppet Show, so I read that first and put this one on hold for a couple of weeks. I'm glad I did. The Puppet Show is the first in the series and sets all the background for the characters; DS Washington Poe, Tilly Bradshaw and DI Stephanie Flynn. Reading the second book is like reading any other series, you know the characters and can absorb yourself in the story.

In Black Summer, Poe returns to Cumbria as there is new evidence in a case he was previously involved with. Elizabeth Keaton, believed to have been murdered by her father 6 years ago, has turned up. Or has she?

This storyline is so twisted, dark and compelling that it is difficult to put the book down. It's not predictable, it is complicated and yet it is written in such a way that it isn't difficult to follow. I loved it! I equally love the fact that several threads have been left hanging to be picked up in the next installment!

Another reviewer has described Washington Poe as the UK version of Harry Bosch. I seriously hope this is the case as the latest Bosch novel is number 21 in the series - roll on 19 more Poe novels!

This was an easy 5 star rating for me. Highly recommended.

Washington Poe, my absolute favourite rebel of a Detective, and Tilly Bradshaw the amazing, tech whizz, how could I not like this! A brilliant follow on from The Puppet Show - Next instalment please?

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy of Black Summer, the second novel set in Cumbria to feature DS Washington Poe of the National Crime Agency.

Poe gets called to Cumbria for unexplained reasons. When he arrives he is quizzed about his last case in Cumbria before joining the NCA, the no body murder conviction of celebrity chef, Jared Keaton, in the death of his daughter, Elizabeth. Poe himself is now under suspicion as Elizabeth has reappeared after six years to vindicate her father and promptly disappeared again.

Wow! What a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed Black Summer and read it in one sitting, unable to put it down. It is told entirely from Poe’s point of view so the reader is able to get absorbed without distraction and just go with the flow. It makes the reading easy although this should not be confused with lightweight as the novel has considerable depth. The plotting is amazing, obviously well thought out and detailed. The author leads the reader bit by bit through all the clues, gradually building to an ingenious solution but at the same time leaving one major stumbling block to everything unrevealed until near the end. I puzzled over this stumbling block endlessly and never found a solution and yet I should have guessed having watched documentaries about it. Not born to be a detective, then.

I enjoy the interplay between the characters, the sensible boss, DI Stephanie Flynn, the clever but unpredictable DS Washington Poe and the brilliant but socially inept analyst Tilly Bradshaw. Each bring their own strengths and together they are a formidable team but more importantly their friendship brings a warmth to the read the subject matter can’t.

Black Summer is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Just finished this brilliant read! Poe & Tilly amazing once again!! Gripped from the very start, a true page turner that kept you guessing how it would all transpire and quite frankly it was clever, well paced and extremely enjoyable! The author, M W Craven is a firm favourite of mine now and his Poe & Tilly books make me put down others just to read them! 100% recommend this fantastic read!

Another excellent storyline by M W Craven.
Poe is his usual self, making his own decisions and upsetting others!
Tilly is going from strength to strength and her character is really growing. She is still gauche at times but always endearing to the reader.
The book kept me enthralled and the detail was excellent.

I have just finished Black Summer by MW craven and omg the author has done even better then The puppet Show. A nail biting breathtaking story with simply amazing characters. Love love love Tilly . Cant wait for more

Don't even try to think you can live your life while reading this as it will consume you and make it too hard to put down!

Having been given the chance to read this, I quickly purchased the first book in the series, The Puppet Show, and managed to finish that in 24 hours as it has the same ability to reel you in. Another 24 hours and Black Summer was also done.

There are so many ifs, buts and maybes running through this yet all so believable and mystifying.

I had heard a great deal about M.W. Craven in the various book clubs I am a member of and boy were they correct. Being of a critical nature I am a hard judge but I can find little to fault with Black Summer except perhaps the pub where the smoking law is disregarded. Really!

A cracking good read with superb characterisation particularly of Tilly who reminded me very much of Saga in the Killing. I can honestly say that I will be reading more of M W Craven. Next stop The Puppet Show.

I had read the first instalment - Puppet Show - featuring Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw and as looking forward to this second. It does not disappoint. The story features a psychopath celebrity chef who has been serving a prison sentence for his daughters' murder, when she turns up six years later apparently alive. The plot is a how dunnit and it's as complicated as following a John Torode recipe blindfolded. What I find special about Craven's writing is twofold:
1. He can create fantastic characters - Estelle Doyle, the pathologist, is another winner, who Poe finds painting the toe nails of a cadaver because she needs to decide which shade to wear.
2. The wry sense of humour that interjects observations we can all relate to eg The pre-meeting - the one where police officers spread rumours until someone senior tells them to shut up - was in full swing when Poe walked into Conference Room A.

Ever since I reached the last page The Puppet Show I have been (in)patiently waiting for Black Summer by M.W. Craven, the second book in the Washington Poe series. One of my favourite things about picking up a new book is when a crime author grabs your attention with a dramatic opening, as soon as I read the first page I just knew that this was a book I knew I would savour. Although Black Summer could be read as a stand-alone I would urge you to read both books in order, not doing so would be like ordering a dessert without the main course! Where’s the pleasure in that? This book is perfectly paced, with engaging characters, it’s definitely one of this year’s summer unmissable crime reads.

Black Summer is the perfect title for this book, there’s a storm brewing with Poe planted firmly in the eye of the storm! M.W. Craven puts our hero Poe through the wringer as he finds himself on the wrong side of a crime investigation, one that will question his integrity, and potential end his career. A case from his past dramatically takes centre stage when Elizabeth Keaton staggers into a police station, nothing wrong with that you might think, but Poe helped to convict her father Jared Keaton, chef to the stars for her murder! A conviction based mainly on forensic evidence. So it doesn’t bode well for Poe, aided by his colleagues, computer, science and maths genius, Tilly Bradshaw, Poe is in a race against time to prove his innocence. There’s nothing Tilly loves more than a complex the puzzle, if anything she embraces them, and M.J. Craven delivers a deliciously complex case, one that allows Tilly to showcase her skills in helping to solve a bewildering case.

There is so much I could say about Poe and Tilly the dynamic duo, they are both such fabulous depicted, compelling characters. Poe is complex & charismatic, complex, whereas the wonderful Tilly is still socially awkward, some of her comments need fine tuning, tact definitely isn’t her strong point but she’s a hell of a character all the same. The dialogue between the couple is endearing, charming and funny, but it’s these moments that add light to the darkness of the plot. There is an array of brilliant characters in Black Summer that are worthy of a mention. We are introduced to forensic pathologist, Estelle Doyle another quirky character, and one I hope will reappear in future books. As for the charming, charismatic Jared Keaton, without giving away spoilers, he’s the definition of a psychopath, chilling but so brilliantly depicted! The author has a knack for creating characters that are multidimensional, quirky and unforgettable, always a definite plus.


I loved how the author brought all the threads together culminating in a jaw dropping, but very satisfying and clever conclusion. Black Summer isn’t as dark or gory as The Puppet Show, but OMG if anything I probably enjoyed this book more, there’s so many questions, intrigue, and mystery, my perfect kind of crime read. This is one book that will definitely be on my top reads of 2019, I’m only sorry that we will have to wait another year for the next book in the series, but I will definitely read it and the one after that, and the one......... Black Summer is a book I would recommend without hesitation, and for those of you who love a crime thriller that’s taut and brilliantly twisted it’s a ‘must read

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

A spectacular follow up to The Puppet Show! Cleverly plotted, excellently written, and darkly funny throughout, I'd recommend this to anyone who loves top notch crime fiction. The rural Cumbrian landscape is a great setting, and Poe and Tilly are brilliant characters (particularly Tilly!) - I can't wait to spend more time with them in Craven's next book.

I absolutely loved this book and raced through it in a day, unable to wait any longer to find out what happened. The evolving friendship between Poe and Tilly is wonderful and the bond between them is written perfectly. I loved watching it develop in the first book and Black Summer continues that as they face a new challenge. This story has so many twists and i enjoyed seeing them unfold on the page. All these little strands come together and little bits you might not think were important are weaved in perfectly. I can't praise this book enough.