#Bookvent My Top Reads of 2018 #Day 12

Day twelve in my series showcasing my top reads of 2018, following the innovative #bookvent idea from Jen Lucas of Jen Med’s Book Reviews.

This was my first foray into this author’s writing and gosh I was blown away by the book.  It is an exciting, vivid, technicolour read with great characters, brilliant plotting and lots of action, though not for the feint-hearted or weak stomached, at least for the first few pages.

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 …

The Puppet Show is really good storytelling married with strong and coherent plotting and a couple of protagonists who really engage both your heart and your brain.

All the characters, including our duo, are really well drawn. The plot is terrific and has both pace and tension with some great twisty moments. I was engrossed all the way through and just loved the explosive ending.

I enjoyed this book so much and am waiting in a state of high anticipation for the next in the series.

You can read my review here

Buy the book: Amazon                                         Waterstones