The Botanist: a gripping new thriller from The Sunday Times bestselling author

The Botanist is a crime novel by M.W. Craven, winner of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2023. It is a mesmerizing, macabre, and murderously funny story of Detective Sergeant Washington Poe and his investigation into a series of high-profile celebrity murders. The killer, known as the Botanist, sends poems and pressed flowers to his victims and seems to be able to kill with impunity. Poe must navigate through locked room mysteries and face his own demons to catch the killer. The novel is praised for its gripping plot, clever characters, and trademark Craven humor.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Winner of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2023, "The Botanist" is a mesmerizing, macabre, and murderously funny novel by M.W. Craven. The book is a testament to Craven's sinister best, showcasing his ability to create a gripping and suspenseful story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The protagonist of the novel is Detective Sergeant Washington Poe, a man with few friends and a troubled past. Poe is known for his brilliance and guilelessness, but he also struggles with his demons and his tendency to push the boundaries. He is aided by a civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, who is both intelligent and innocent. Poe has also known his boss, Detective Inspector Stephanie Flynn, for years, and he has a close relationship with his neighbor, Victoria, a shepherd/dog sitter.

One day, Poe is called to investigate the murder of Estelle Doyle, a caustic pathologist who has been shot twice in the head. The case appears to be an open and shut one, with Estelle having firearms discharge residue on her hands and the only footprints going in being hers. However, as Poe delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover a web of lies and deceit that extends far beyond Estelle's murder.

The Botanist, a poisoner who the press has dubbed the "Botanist," is sending high-profile celebrities poems and pressed flowers. The killer seems to be able to walk through walls and kill with impunity, despite the advance notice he gives his victims and the security measures the police take. Poe is determined to catch the killer, but he soon realizes that this is going to be the longest week of his life.

Throughout the novel, Craven weaves a rich seam of trademark Craven humor into the story. Poe's dry wit and sarcastic observations provide a lighthearted contrast to the dark and suspenseful plot, making the novel even more enjoyable. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws and quirks adding depth to the story.

"The Botanist" is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and mystery novels. It is a gripping and suspenseful story that will keep readers entertained from start to finish. M.W. Craven's writing is masterful, and the novel is a testament to his talent as a storyteller.

In conclusion, "The Botanist" is a brilliant and entertaining crime novel that showcases M.W. Craven's sinister best. The novel is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and mystery novels, and it is a testament to Craven's talent as a storyteller.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349135540