The Cutting Season: (Quick Reads 2022)

Detective Sergeant Washington Poe is stuck on a hook in a meat packing plant, threatened by a contract killer named the Pale Man. However, Poe has planned to be here all along, and a nerdy computer whizz-kid called Tilly Bradshaw is watching his back.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Detective Sergeant Washington Poe finds himself in an unexpected and uncomfortable situation as he dangles from a hook in a meat packing plant on a Saturday afternoon. He has been subjected to physical abuse, threats, and the arrival of a contract killer named the Pale Man, who has been feared throughout London for twenty years. Despite the seemingly hopeless situation, Poe possesses two crucial pieces of information that the Pale Man is unaware of. Firstly, Poe has intentionally been present at the plant, planning his every move. Secondly, a nerdy computer whizz-kid named Tilly Bradshaw is secretly monitoring Poe's back, providing him with support and assistance. As the events unfold, things take an intriguing turn, and Poe realizes that he is not alone in this battle. With Tilly's help, he begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Pale Man and his motives. The story is a fast-paced crime novel with numerous twists and turns, reminiscent of a country lane. It keeps the reader engaged and guessing until the very end.

M. W. Craven, the author of the Poe/Tilly series, has received praise for his writing. Dead Ground is described as a fast-paced crime novel with as many twists and turns as a country lane. Readers have expressed their excitement for the next installment in the series, praising the great characters, storyline, and engaging nature of the book. Peter Robinson, BA Paris, Natasha Harding, Mick Herron, David Mark, Vaseem Khan, and Michael J. Malone are among the critics who have praised Craven's work. They have highlighted the strong characters, tightly plotted storyline, and the ability of the author to create a thrilling and intense reading experience.

The story introduces the characters of Poe and Tilly, who are both complex and intriguing. Poe is a seasoned detective with a troubled past, while Tilly is a young computer genius with a unique perspective on the world. Their partnership is a blend of intellect, skill, and determination, and they work together to uncover the truth behind the Pale Man's actions. The plot is filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The author's writing style is descriptive and vivid, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the story. The use of language and imagery creates a sense of tension and foreboding, adding to the overall atmosphere of the book.

In conclusion, Dead Ground is a thrilling crime novel that introduces a new and exciting duo to the crime fiction world. M. W. Craven's writing is praised for its engaging nature, intricate plot, and well-developed characters. The story keeps the reader guessing until the very end, and the use of language and imagery creates a sense of tension and foreboding. If you enjoy crime fiction with a twist, then this book is definitely worth a read.

Weight: 108g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472135193