Step into the shadowy moors of Cumbria, where Detective Sergeant Washington Poe hunts twisted killers with a sharp mind and a stubborn heart. M.W. Craven’s Washington Poe series is a gripping blend of crime, suspense, and dark humor that’s hooked readers worldwide. With Poe’s enigmatic charm and his brilliant sidekick Tilly Bradshaw, this series redefines the detective genre with chilling cases and unforgettable characters.
From serial killers leaving cryptic clues to personal demons lurking in Poe’s past, each book delivers pulse-pounding mysteries set against Cumbria’s haunting landscapes. Ready to unravel the secrets of this award-winning series? Let’s dive in!
How Washington Poe Began
Born in Carlisle, M.W. Craven drew on his roots to craft the Washington Poe series. A former probation officer with 16 years of experience, Craven’s insight into the criminal mind shapes Poe’s gritty realism. The series kicked off in 2018 with The Puppet Show, inspired by a plot originally meant for another character. A misheard phrase—'Washington Post'—sparked Poe’s unique name, and his dark, complex persona evolved from there. Partnered with Tilly, a socially awkward genius, Poe became the heart of a series now translated into 27 languages.
The Heart of Washington Poe
The series follows Poe, a disgraced detective with a knack for solving bizarre murders, and Tilly Bradshaw, a civilian analyst whose intellect outshines her social skills. The Puppet Show (2018) introduces Poe tackling a serial killer burning victims in Cumbria’s stone circles, with his name carved into a corpse. Black Summer (2019) flips the script when a woman claims to be a murder victim Poe helped convict, unraveling a chilling conspiracy. The Curator (2020) sees body parts scattered across Cumbria with cryptic #BSC6 messages, pushing Poe and Tilly to their limits. The Botanist (2022), a fan favorite, weaves poison-laced poems into a celebrity-killing spree.
Cumbria’s rugged moors and quiet villages aren’t just a backdrop—they’re a character. Themes of loyalty, justice, and redemption pulse through the series, balanced by witty banter and grim humor. Craven’s plots twist like a Cumbrian country lane, blending graphic crime with heartfelt moments, like Poe’s bond with his springer spaniel, Edgar. The series’ dark, procedural style appeals to fans of Jo Nesbø or Chris Carter, but its quirky duo sets it apart.
Why Washington Poe Resonates
The Washington Poe series has ignited crime fiction, with The Puppet Show snagging the 2019 CWA Gold Dagger and The Botanist winning the 2023 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise its layered characters and unpredictable plots, while critics call it 'Britain’s answer to Harry Bosch.' Its global reach—27 languages and a TV deal with Studio Lambert—shows its universal appeal. Poe and Tilly’s evolving friendship, paired with Cumbria’s stark beauty, keeps readers coming back for more.
- About Washington Poe
- First Book: The Puppet Show (2018)
- Number of Books: 7 full novels, 2 novellas (as of 2025)
- Awards: CWA Gold Dagger (2019), CWA Steel Dagger (2022), Theakston Old Peculier (2023)
- Setting: Cumbria, England
Grab The Puppet Show and dive into Washington Poe’s thrilling world of crime and cunning. Trust us, you won’t put it down!