Synopsis (as taken from back of the book) is as follows:

He pulls their strings.

He watches them burn.

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 for an investigation he wants no part of.

Reluctantly partnered with the brilliant but socially awkward civilian analysis Tilly Bradshaw, the mismatched pair uncover a trail that only Poe is meant to see. The elusive killer has a plan and for some reason Poe is part of it…

Ability to read – I had no difficulty with reading this book. I read it on my 7.5 hour flight from London to New York and I found it very easy to get into an found the plot to be very immersive.

Characterisation – I thought it was a bit of a misdirection for the blurb to announce the partnership between Washington and Tilly as ‘reluctant’, when Washington had been very happy to partner with her.

Washington had all the traits of a disgruntled and jaded officer. He has a sharp mind and a great ability to see outside of the box. By comparison, Tilly was beyond smart but so innocent and unsure in situations that most people take for granted as being easy. They are perfectly compatible characters.

Visualisation – I have had many holidays in the Lake District, so, I was able to draw on that to create a good working image of what was happening. The details of which Washington analyses the scene and the way in which Tilly saw things, helped to strengthen the image I created.

Enjoyment – I loved this book and I’m so glad that this is – hopefully – a series that will continue. I should have slept on the plane but I didn’t because I was so invested in this story.

Star Rating – ★★★★★