Nothing will ever be the same again . . . #TheCurator #Review #PublicationDay @BethWright26 @nholten40 @MWCravenUK @TheCrimeVault @LittleBrownUK @DHHlitagency

It’s Christmas and a serial killer is leaving displayed body parts all over Cumbria. A strange message is left at each scene: #BSC6

Called in to investigate, the National Crime Agency’s Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are faced with a case that makes no sense. Why were some victims anaesthetized, while others died in appalling agony? Why is their only suspect denying what they can irrefutably prove but admitting to things they weren’t even aware of? And why did the victims all take the same two weeks off work three years earlier?

And when a disgraced FBI agent gets in touch things take an even darker turn. Because she doesn’t think Poe is dealing with a serial killer at all; she thinks he’s dealing with someone far, far worse – a man who calls himself the Curator.

And nothing will ever be the same again . . .

O-M-G!! We’re back in Cumbria and the surrounding area where the reader will come face-to-face with manipulation, violence, power, jealously, mistrust, loyalty, respect, revenge, unanswered questions, accountability, family, and a search for the truth. Readers… I found out what’s behind that door and it wasn’t pretty but holy shitballs was it worth it!

My mind was blown once again by a chilling opening that sets the mood perfectly for what I was about to come across when reading The Curator. A cunning and creepy storyline – I’m usually very good a weeding out a killer and although it eventually came, I still wasn’t sure if I was on the right track. Told solely from Poe’s POV, the cast of characters both thrilled and chilled me to the core.  Mr Craven is absolutely nailing it with this series – each book easily read on their own, but don’t sell yourself short – seriously – you want to start from the beginning because it is one of those series where you’ll want to follow the character’s journey right from the start. One thing that I really enjoy about MW Craven’s writing is the puzzles he includes in each story – whether intentional or not – there is always something that makes me scratch my head and drives me bloody bonkers if I don’t figure it out before it is revealed. If Craven was a serial killer, this would be his signature and entertaining / hooking readers as his MO.

Character wise the reader is exposed to another layer of the glorious Washington Poe, Tilly Bradshaw, DI Stephanie Flynn and possibly my new fave: ESTELLE DOYLE!  The dynamics between the characters is flawless, funny, authentic, relatable and emotive. A brilliant narrative – is there anything M.W. Craven can’t do …FFS?! As much as I adore Tilly & Poe – I have to admit that it was actually Stephanie Flynn and Estelle Doyle that really stood out to me this time around- even though their parts were mere cogs in the Tilly & Poe wheel… Pathologist Estelle Doyle is dark, a quick thinker, incredibly knowledgeable and I bloody love her! In fact, she may well be neck-in -neck with Tilly for me! And Stephanie Flynn may not have had many chapters but don’t be fooled – she is a big player in the shadows – whether she knows it or not. Her stubbornness and inability to let go – sees her place herself and her unborn child in a terrifying race against time to catch the Curator.

The Curator – Jeeeeeesus – what a creation, what a backstory … what a bloody head-case. I won’t say much, because part of the pleasure in this series is learning about both the good guys and the bad guys – M.W. Craven has a twisted mind – and I am so glad he does!

So would I recommend this book? If that’s not obviously, let me make it absolutely clear: AB-SO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY! The Curator is a dark, relentless, logical, twisted and thrilling read. I recommend the WHOLE series. Treat yourself, you won’t regret it!