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Washington Poe #3.5
Cut Short
Three short stories featuring Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw.
In The Killing Field, Poe and Tilly are having breakfast, wondering how to spend the rest of their holiday, when their presence is requested at a Cumbrian airfield. An airfield that, during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis, was known as the killing field . . .
In Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?, a global pandemic forces Poe and Tilly to self-isolate together. Things don’t go well. They’re bickering and on the verge of falling out until Poe finds an old case file: a locked room mystery he’s been mulling over for years. Step forward, Tilly Bradshaw . . .
Dead Man’s Fingers sees Poe, Tilly and Edgar, Poe’s English springer spaniel, enjoying a picnic at a nature reserve. When Edgar chases a rabbit, and Poe and Tilly chase after him, they stumble upon a twenty-year-old mystery, a mystery that couldn’t be solved until now . . .
In The Killing Field, Poe and Tilly are having breakfast, wondering how to spend the rest of their holiday, when their presence is requested at a Cumbrian airfield. An airfield that, during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis, was known as the killing field . . .
In Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?, a global pandemic forces Poe and Tilly to self-isolate together. Things don’t go well. They’re bickering and on the verge of falling out until Poe finds an old case file: a locked room mystery he’s been mulling over for years. Step forward, Tilly Bradshaw . . .
Dead Man’s Fingers sees Poe, Tilly and Edgar, Poe’s English springer spaniel, enjoying a picnic at a nature reserve. When Edgar chases a rabbit, and Poe and Tilly chase after him, they stumble upon a twenty-year-old mystery, a mystery that couldn’t be solved until now . . .
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2020
About the author
M.W. Craven
36 books2,009 followersM. W. Craven was born in Carlisle but grew up in Newcastle, running away to join the army at the tender age of sixteen. He spent the next ten years travelling the world having fun, leaving in 1995 to complete a degree in social work with specialisms in criminology and substance misuse. Thirty-one years after leaving Cumbria, he returned to take up a probation officer position in Whitehaven, eventually working his way up to chief officer grade. Sixteen years later he took the plunge, accepted redundancy and became a full-time author. He now has entirely different motivations for trying to get inside the minds of criminals . . .
M. W. Craven is married and lives in Carlisle with his wife, Joanne. When he isn’t out with his springer spaniel, or talking nonsense in the pub, he can usually be found at punk gigs and writing festivals up and down the country.
M. W. Craven is married and lives in Carlisle with his wife, Joanne. When he isn’t out with his springer spaniel, or talking nonsense in the pub, he can usually be found at punk gigs and writing festivals up and down the country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
December 17, 2022
A favourite author of mine M.W Craven has written this compelling and entertaining collection of three short stories. Not to be cheated though, these stories have been delivered with all the same humour and passion we've come to expect from this unconventional duo, Poe and Tilly, who between them possess such a unique and intelligent investigative style. A pair also so unorthodox in their style, they find themselves on the wrong side of the police, and too close to the criminals.
Whilst the characters, Poe and Tilly, are always entertaining I would recommend this book for readers who have read Craven's full novels (at least one), rather than use it as an introduction to the authors work. They are action packed from the start and provide no backstory to the characters who bring so much character and colour to Craven's books. The author assumes we know Poe and Tilly in this book.
Loved them, loved these stories, especially 'Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?' if I was to pick one.
Whilst the characters, Poe and Tilly, are always entertaining I would recommend this book for readers who have read Craven's full novels (at least one), rather than use it as an introduction to the authors work. They are action packed from the start and provide no backstory to the characters who bring so much character and colour to Craven's books. The author assumes we know Poe and Tilly in this book.
Loved them, loved these stories, especially 'Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?' if I was to pick one.
March 29, 2021
MW Craven gives us three short stories featuring DS Washington Poe and the genius analyst Tilly Bradshaw of the NCA.
In The Killing Field, Detective Superintendent Jo Nightingale calls Poe and Tilly to an old abandoned RAF site that is the graveyard of the foot and mouth animal carcasses, buried in 26 pits. One of the pits is leaking and 2 bodies are discovered in horrifying circumstances in the bodies of rotting cattle. The men had been bound and gagged, and sewn alive into the cows, but the matter is put to rest by Poe as he remembers 2001. For me, whilst I enjoyed this, it felt unsatisfying, I needed more.
Why Don't Sheep Shrink? is more like it, we have an old cold case that Poe has worried over, carrying out an unofficial investigation in the death of the wealthy Michael John Sims, who died in his bath from an epileptic fit. A locked room mystery that Tilly shines in as she hacks her way into sites that provide the necessary evidence of murder.
Dead Man's Fingers solves a 20 year old mystery from the horrors of the Foot and Mouth disease years when 2 young star crossed lovers disappeared, a case solved thanks to Tilly looking into the presence of early purple orchids, aka dead man's fingers, at a nature reserve.
I did like the short stories, but MW Craven's full length novels have set the bar high, and in comparison these are lovely snacks, just not as satisfying as I wanted them to be. However, I can see fans of the series perhaps appreciating them far more than me.
In The Killing Field, Detective Superintendent Jo Nightingale calls Poe and Tilly to an old abandoned RAF site that is the graveyard of the foot and mouth animal carcasses, buried in 26 pits. One of the pits is leaking and 2 bodies are discovered in horrifying circumstances in the bodies of rotting cattle. The men had been bound and gagged, and sewn alive into the cows, but the matter is put to rest by Poe as he remembers 2001. For me, whilst I enjoyed this, it felt unsatisfying, I needed more.
Why Don't Sheep Shrink? is more like it, we have an old cold case that Poe has worried over, carrying out an unofficial investigation in the death of the wealthy Michael John Sims, who died in his bath from an epileptic fit. A locked room mystery that Tilly shines in as she hacks her way into sites that provide the necessary evidence of murder.
Dead Man's Fingers solves a 20 year old mystery from the horrors of the Foot and Mouth disease years when 2 young star crossed lovers disappeared, a case solved thanks to Tilly looking into the presence of early purple orchids, aka dead man's fingers, at a nature reserve.
I did like the short stories, but MW Craven's full length novels have set the bar high, and in comparison these are lovely snacks, just not as satisfying as I wanted them to be. However, I can see fans of the series perhaps appreciating them far more than me.
January 7, 2023
Three very entertaining short stories featuring two of my favourite characters - Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw.
The Killing Field:- A horrifying discovery at the site where animal carcasses were buried and sealed during the 2001
foot and mouth epidemic. Did the two victims get what they deserved???
Why don’t sheep shrink? It’s just before lockdown and there’s a bit of a mix up with a thermometer, there’s a smelly fridge and an old case file.
Dead Man’s fingers- Tilly, Poe and Edgar go for a stroll/ hike.
Great fun!
The Killing Field:- A horrifying discovery at the site where animal carcasses were buried and sealed during the 2001
foot and mouth epidemic. Did the two victims get what they deserved???
Why don’t sheep shrink? It’s just before lockdown and there’s a bit of a mix up with a thermometer, there’s a smelly fridge and an old case file.
Dead Man’s fingers- Tilly, Poe and Edgar go for a stroll/ hike.
Great fun!
November 10, 2023
4.5 stars. I was pleased to come across this collection of three short stories featuring two of my very favourite characters, Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw. This is a delightful addition while awaiting a new full-length book ( a hoped-for participation by the two in their next crime investigation.) Although this 71-page volume can be read on its own, it is much more effective if one has read an earlier book and learned how these two very different characters came together to investigate crimes and develop a friendship and mutual understanding.
Poe is a typical crime investigator who works mainly by intuition. Tilly is a math and computer wizard who lacks social graces and misses verbal cues.
The first story, The Killing Field, is set in 2001 in the Cumbrian airfield, where countless farm animals were buried during the hoof-and-mouth epidemic. It is a disturbing story. Poe is called to solve a terrible scene where two human bodies are found bound within the bodies of a couple of dead and buried cattle during a leak in one of the burial sites. Poe figures out the identity of the victims and the reason for their murder.
Why Don't Sheep Shrink is a cold case locked room mystery. Poe and Tilly are forced to self-isolate together during the pandemic. Poe finds an old file that was never solved, but the lack of results has always bothered him. He is highly suspicious that the victim who died in his bath during an epileptic episode was murdered, but it was written off as an accident. Tilly uses her hacking skills to solve the mystery in an hour and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Dead Man's Fingers takes place when Poe and Tilly go for a walk and picnic in a nature reserve. Twenty years earlier, two teenage lovers disappeared, and it was believed they ran away together. Tilly quickly solves the old mystery by observing a field of purple flowers.
It was great to see the two working together again, and I hope another full-length book is in the future.
Poe is a typical crime investigator who works mainly by intuition. Tilly is a math and computer wizard who lacks social graces and misses verbal cues.
The first story, The Killing Field, is set in 2001 in the Cumbrian airfield, where countless farm animals were buried during the hoof-and-mouth epidemic. It is a disturbing story. Poe is called to solve a terrible scene where two human bodies are found bound within the bodies of a couple of dead and buried cattle during a leak in one of the burial sites. Poe figures out the identity of the victims and the reason for their murder.
Why Don't Sheep Shrink is a cold case locked room mystery. Poe and Tilly are forced to self-isolate together during the pandemic. Poe finds an old file that was never solved, but the lack of results has always bothered him. He is highly suspicious that the victim who died in his bath during an epileptic episode was murdered, but it was written off as an accident. Tilly uses her hacking skills to solve the mystery in an hour and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Dead Man's Fingers takes place when Poe and Tilly go for a walk and picnic in a nature reserve. Twenty years earlier, two teenage lovers disappeared, and it was believed they ran away together. Tilly quickly solves the old mystery by observing a field of purple flowers.
It was great to see the two working together again, and I hope another full-length book is in the future.
April 15, 2022
A good book for inbetween! https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2022...
June 22, 2023
Cut Short is a book consisting of 3 short stories about Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw.
Each story tells about different cold cases that were solved by these 2 brilliant detectives during a time of flu isolation. There was time to spend on something and these two used it very productive.
I like M.W. Craven's books and always get a lot of pleasure from reading them. Poe is very intuitive and Tilly is a scientific genius. This makes this couple very strong protagonists. And their friendship is unique too.
Each story tells about different cold cases that were solved by these 2 brilliant detectives during a time of flu isolation. There was time to spend on something and these two used it very productive.
I like M.W. Craven's books and always get a lot of pleasure from reading them. Poe is very intuitive and Tilly is a scientific genius. This makes this couple very strong protagonists. And their friendship is unique too.
September 30, 2020
Always one for more Washington Poe, I turned to this collection of three short stories. Poe and his friend, Tilly Bradshaw , find themselves in three short adventures, each with their own forensic element. Poe is keen to dole out what knowledge he has, though Tilly is no wilting violet. A perfect collection to be paired with a hot drink or to read while out in the sun. Recommended to those who have an affinity for this crime duo, who are always bantering in Cumbria.
The Killing Field
While Poe and Tilly prepare to spend the day at a local exhibition, they are called away from their time off to help inspect a local issue. When they arrive, it is not only two bodies that await them, but a large pit filled with animals from the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak. Someone’s sewn the victims up into two cow carcasses. After listening to what little information there is, Poe can tell who the two men are and what brought them them. Shocking, but he lays it all out for everyone without needing to get sullied at all.
Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?
It all started with a cough, leading to a scandalous means by which Poe has his temperature taken. As Poe needs to self-isolate for a week because of this pesky virus, he will need to find something to do. Tilly, too, is stuck with him, having been around when the symptoms emerged. Little to do other than go for walks—perhaps, a stroll?—and tidy up, Poe and Tilly find themselves searching for ways to pass the time. When Poe comes across an old case that stumped him, they take up the challenge.
A man was found drowned in his bathtub, apparently having suffered an epileptic seizure. While no one could find anything sinister, the victim’s sister was sure there was some foul play. All eyes turned to the man’s partner, though there was nothing tying her to the crime. Given an hour, Tilly uses her know-how and some keen observations and cracks the case wide open.
Dead Man’s Fingers
In line with the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, and having just come off their isolation, Poe and Tilly are out in the fields. Poe remembers a case from back in 2001, where two star-crossed teenagers could not get enough of one another, one bringing infection back from the other’s farm. With all the livestock to be culled, the teens disappear. Could have left for the continent, or did someone have a more macabre idea? Poe and Tilly work together, with the help of a rabbit-chasing dog, to stumble upon a clue or two that solves the case.
I have enjoyed the Washington Poe series since first I discovered the work by M.W. Craven. The pieces are not only full of wonderful character development and dialogue, but the cases are quite detailed. These are much shorter stories, but they pull the reader in just as effectively. Poe and Tilly work to pool their talents to solve three cases quite effectively. The reader will notice how each differs from the other, though the writing could be part of an almost continuous string of days that the two spent together. There’s little time for development or secondary characters, but those who have come to enjoy this duo will find a great deal to make them smile. I’m glad to have found this collection, as I wait for the next full-length novel.
Kudos, Mr. Craven, for reminding me just how great a shorter piece can be.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
The Killing Field
While Poe and Tilly prepare to spend the day at a local exhibition, they are called away from their time off to help inspect a local issue. When they arrive, it is not only two bodies that await them, but a large pit filled with animals from the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak. Someone’s sewn the victims up into two cow carcasses. After listening to what little information there is, Poe can tell who the two men are and what brought them them. Shocking, but he lays it all out for everyone without needing to get sullied at all.
Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?
It all started with a cough, leading to a scandalous means by which Poe has his temperature taken. As Poe needs to self-isolate for a week because of this pesky virus, he will need to find something to do. Tilly, too, is stuck with him, having been around when the symptoms emerged. Little to do other than go for walks—perhaps, a stroll?—and tidy up, Poe and Tilly find themselves searching for ways to pass the time. When Poe comes across an old case that stumped him, they take up the challenge.
A man was found drowned in his bathtub, apparently having suffered an epileptic seizure. While no one could find anything sinister, the victim’s sister was sure there was some foul play. All eyes turned to the man’s partner, though there was nothing tying her to the crime. Given an hour, Tilly uses her know-how and some keen observations and cracks the case wide open.
Dead Man’s Fingers
In line with the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, and having just come off their isolation, Poe and Tilly are out in the fields. Poe remembers a case from back in 2001, where two star-crossed teenagers could not get enough of one another, one bringing infection back from the other’s farm. With all the livestock to be culled, the teens disappear. Could have left for the continent, or did someone have a more macabre idea? Poe and Tilly work together, with the help of a rabbit-chasing dog, to stumble upon a clue or two that solves the case.
I have enjoyed the Washington Poe series since first I discovered the work by M.W. Craven. The pieces are not only full of wonderful character development and dialogue, but the cases are quite detailed. These are much shorter stories, but they pull the reader in just as effectively. Poe and Tilly work to pool their talents to solve three cases quite effectively. The reader will notice how each differs from the other, though the writing could be part of an almost continuous string of days that the two spent together. There’s little time for development or secondary characters, but those who have come to enjoy this duo will find a great deal to make them smile. I’m glad to have found this collection, as I wait for the next full-length novel.
Kudos, Mr. Craven, for reminding me just how great a shorter piece can be.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 23, 2021
Tres breves relatos en un libro de unas 60 páginas, para que os hagáis una idea de su extensión.
El nexo común que une las tres historias es la fiebre aftosa, una enfermedad vírica altamente contagiosa que afecta a los animales biunglados -de doble pezuña- que afectó duramente en el año 2001 a Cumbria, una zona cuya economía se sustenta en las explotaciones ganaderas y el turismo. Tiempos difíciles y dolorosos para una comarca que tuvo que aislarse y sacrificar un tercio de sus cabezas de ganado.
No soy de relatos, siempre lo he dicho. O no me dicen nada o me saben a poco. Y esta no ha sido la excepción. Ilusa de mí, me esperaba algo más -o mucho más, jeje-.
Ya sé que son relatos, pero las rápidas resoluciones de estos tres casos prácticamente "han salido de la manga". Tal vez un poquito más de desarrollo, habría estado bien. Tiene más peso la convivencia entre Tilly y Poe que los propios casos, por no mencionar la fiebre aftosa. Supongo que M.W. Craven ha querido inmortalizar/recoger en este libro lo que significó para la comunidad, la desolación o sentimiento de abandono de sus gentes.
Y aunque en la portada de mi edición la califiquen como "fantástica" y "emocionante". En mi caso, ni una ni otra. Siempre es agradable pasar un rato en compañía de Poe y Tilly, pero el libro lo calificaría entre un simple "leible" y un "prescindible".
¡Qué mal me llevo con los relatos 🤦!
Aún así, le daremos el aprobado.
Valoración: 5/10
Lectura: mayo 2021
El nexo común que une las tres historias es la fiebre aftosa, una enfermedad vírica altamente contagiosa que afecta a los animales biunglados -de doble pezuña- que afectó duramente en el año 2001 a Cumbria, una zona cuya economía se sustenta en las explotaciones ganaderas y el turismo. Tiempos difíciles y dolorosos para una comarca que tuvo que aislarse y sacrificar un tercio de sus cabezas de ganado.
No soy de relatos, siempre lo he dicho. O no me dicen nada o me saben a poco. Y esta no ha sido la excepción. Ilusa de mí, me esperaba algo más -o mucho más, jeje-.
Ya sé que son relatos, pero las rápidas resoluciones de estos tres casos prácticamente "han salido de la manga". Tal vez un poquito más de desarrollo, habría estado bien. Tiene más peso la convivencia entre Tilly y Poe que los propios casos, por no mencionar la fiebre aftosa. Supongo que M.W. Craven ha querido inmortalizar/recoger en este libro lo que significó para la comunidad, la desolación o sentimiento de abandono de sus gentes.
Y aunque en la portada de mi edición la califiquen como "fantástica" y "emocionante". En mi caso, ni una ni otra. Siempre es agradable pasar un rato en compañía de Poe y Tilly, pero el libro lo calificaría entre un simple "leible" y un "prescindible".
¡Qué mal me llevo con los relatos 🤦!
Aún así, le daremos el aprobado.
Valoración: 5/10
Lectura: mayo 2021
September 26, 2020
Cut Short is a collection of three short stories featuring Craven’s fabulous Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw. Officially they are set after The Curator (book 3) but they don’t spoil any of the main books so can be read anytime - including as an introduction to the series.
The whole thing took less than 45 minutes to read but was still totally worth it. Each story is set in Cumbria and concerns a cold case that Poe has been involved in.
The Killing Fields is about the discovery of two skeletons in the mass grave of animals culled during the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak. It’s a terribly sad reminder of the devastation it caused.
Why Don’t Sheep Shrink is set during the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown, with Tilly & Poe trapped in his croft self-isolating, they look into an old unsolved case. I had already read this as it was released for free around that time, but I’d forgotten that it features Heather Fitt - who happens to be a Facebook friend - as a nefarious gold-digger who got away with murder!
Dead Man’s Fingers is a poignant story about what happened to two star-crossed teenage lovers who disappeared from adjoining farms - this one also harks back to the 2001 epidemic.
Now I just have to wait for Book Four!
The whole thing took less than 45 minutes to read but was still totally worth it. Each story is set in Cumbria and concerns a cold case that Poe has been involved in.
The Killing Fields is about the discovery of two skeletons in the mass grave of animals culled during the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak. It’s a terribly sad reminder of the devastation it caused.
Why Don’t Sheep Shrink is set during the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown, with Tilly & Poe trapped in his croft self-isolating, they look into an old unsolved case. I had already read this as it was released for free around that time, but I’d forgotten that it features Heather Fitt - who happens to be a Facebook friend - as a nefarious gold-digger who got away with murder!
Dead Man’s Fingers is a poignant story about what happened to two star-crossed teenage lovers who disappeared from adjoining farms - this one also harks back to the 2001 epidemic.
Now I just have to wait for Book Four!
July 30, 2021
Three very lightweight short stories that focus much on the warm interplay between the down to earth Washington Poe and the up in the clouds Tilly Bradshaw. It contains a lot of the things I value in the series, but I would only recommend it to those solid fans of the series who are happy to read anything about the Poe/Bradshaw team. Enjoyable, but not much more.
October 29, 2022
Tres relatos cortos de apenas 80 páginas en total, en los que Poe y Tilly solventan antiguos casos no resueltos de manera entretenida y ligera.
Lo mejor, la relación de unos personajes que se hacen querer y provocan momentos tiernos y divertidos, y conocer el dramático periodo de fiebre aftosa de la región de Cumbria.
Como thriller falta chicha, pero es muy entretenido y agradable de leer.
3.5
Lo mejor, la relación de unos personajes que se hacen querer y provocan momentos tiernos y divertidos, y conocer el dramático periodo de fiebre aftosa de la región de Cumbria.
Como thriller falta chicha, pero es muy entretenido y agradable de leer.
3.5
May 31, 2021
Tres relatos protagonizados por Poe, la genuina Tilly y Edgar. En este caso el libro es corto y se lee en un ratito. Me da pena que sean historias tan cortas. Pero la esencia de los personajes está. Tiene también toques de humor. Para los amantes de este policía el libro nos sabe a poco, estamos deseando que haya una novela nueva, aunque verano negro ha salido este año también. Si os gusta Poe este libro os gustará sin duda.
September 4, 2020
M W Craven's marvellous creations, detective Washington Poe & analyst Tilly Bradshaw, return in three superb new short stories.
There's great plotting & wonderful characters as always, as well as sadness & humour in equal measure. An absolute joy.
There's great plotting & wonderful characters as always, as well as sadness & humour in equal measure. An absolute joy.
March 21, 2022
Entretenidos relatos que oscilan entre la fiebre aftosa de las ovejas de 2001 y el confinamiento por coronavirus de 2020 y la resolución por parte de Tilly de varios casos pendientes.
Entretenidos.
Entretenidos.
June 28, 2021
Three short Washington Poe stories by author M.W. Craven that are packed with intrigue, great characters and entertainment. I often find short stories a little disappointing, lots of promise but generally lack the depth and character strength to make it a very good read. The difference with this book is that the characters are already well known and loved by me so with an half decent plot was always going to be a sure fire winner.
The Killing Field
Poe and Tilly are on holiday in Cumbria and are called away to an airfield. They are met by two bodies and a large pit full of dead animals from the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak.
Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?
Poe is forced to self isolate with Tilly so what better way to spend the time than going over an old cold case that he never managed to solve. A man had apparently suffered an epileptic fit and drowned in his bath tub. The mans sister always insisted that foul play was involved possibly involving his partner although all the evidence pointed to an accident. Tilly proceeds to solve the case where Poe failed.
Dead Man’s Fingers
Poe recalls an old case where two in love teenagers were involved in the contamination of both their families farms. Due to the outbreak all the livestock was culled and the two teenagers disappeared and were never seen again. Did they run away together or was there something more sinister going on. Poe and Tilly work together to solve this riddle.
Although each of these plots are told in a short story there is a tremendous amount of plot detail which makes this an intriguing read. Although these books are beautifully written it is the strength of the characters that makes this series such a success.
A very entertaining read.
The Killing Field
Poe and Tilly are on holiday in Cumbria and are called away to an airfield. They are met by two bodies and a large pit full of dead animals from the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak.
Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?
Poe is forced to self isolate with Tilly so what better way to spend the time than going over an old cold case that he never managed to solve. A man had apparently suffered an epileptic fit and drowned in his bath tub. The mans sister always insisted that foul play was involved possibly involving his partner although all the evidence pointed to an accident. Tilly proceeds to solve the case where Poe failed.
Dead Man’s Fingers
Poe recalls an old case where two in love teenagers were involved in the contamination of both their families farms. Due to the outbreak all the livestock was culled and the two teenagers disappeared and were never seen again. Did they run away together or was there something more sinister going on. Poe and Tilly work together to solve this riddle.
Although each of these plots are told in a short story there is a tremendous amount of plot detail which makes this an intriguing read. Although these books are beautifully written it is the strength of the characters that makes this series such a success.
A very entertaining read.
May 20, 2021
Tres relatos cortos independientes pero que están conectados entre sí y siguen una línea de tiempo. Me han gustado muchísimo y me he quedado con ganas de más. Estaré esperando impaciente lo próximo de Poe y Tilly.
No puedo contar gran cosa porque ya de por si los tres relatos suman unas cincuenta páginas, todo lo que yo diga sobre cada uno es o repetir o desvelar así que solo puedo decir que hay que leerlos. Siguen en la misma línea que los libros y los puntos de humor me han hecho reír más de una vez.
En mi blog: https://lecturasdemarichu.blogspot.co...
No puedo contar gran cosa porque ya de por si los tres relatos suman unas cincuenta páginas, todo lo que yo diga sobre cada uno es o repetir o desvelar así que solo puedo decir que hay que leerlos. Siguen en la misma línea que los libros y los puntos de humor me han hecho reír más de una vez.
En mi blog: https://lecturasdemarichu.blogspot.co...
November 14, 2021
Tercera parte de Whasington Poe. No se como calificar este “libro”. Son 3 relatos cortos (unas 100 pag de libro)
En los tres relatos intervienen Poe y su ayudante Tilly. Casos que resuelve Tilly por su mente prodigiosa y algún golpe de fortuna.
Libro que sin pena ni gloria
En los tres relatos intervienen Poe y su ayudante Tilly. Casos que resuelve Tilly por su mente prodigiosa y algún golpe de fortuna.
Libro que sin pena ni gloria
May 26, 2021
Me ha gustado volver a reencontrarme con Tilly Bradshaw y Washington Poe en este libro de relatos, y me he reido con algunas de sus ocurrencias. Me ha parecido un libro entretenido y divertido, no le pido más a este tipo de libros porque es imposible dar profundidad a cualquiera de los casos en tan pocas páginas.
En este libro Tilly y Poe investigan 3 casos que tienen un rasgo en común, de alguna manera en los casos se habla de la fiebre aftosa.
En este libro Tilly y Poe investigan 3 casos que tienen un rasgo en común, de alguna manera en los casos se habla de la fiebre aftosa.
October 26, 2020
Decent enough set of 3 short stories about Poe and Tilly. They are a couple of my favourite characters so I'm happy I read this. However these really are brief - almost "one act" type tales. Definitely current as COVID gets a look in in one of the stories. The stories are good but there is nothing to get your teeth into really. Fans will want to read these and will enjoy them. New to the series readers should not start here.
March 22, 2024
Three short stories from the 'Washington Poe' series:
1. The Killing Field - two bodies are uncovered in a cattle mass burial pit from the time of the UK foot & mouth crisis of 2001.
2. Why Don't Sheep Shrink? - Bradshaw & Poe solve a cold case whilst self-isolating for Covid. Doesn't sound very funny but this one had a scene which had me laughing to myself out loud. I also worked out how the murder was committed.
3. Dead Man's Fingers - wild flowers provide a clue in the case of two missing teenagers from over 20 years ago.
Very short stories but cleverly & humorously written. Bradshaw & Poe are such a fantastic team & Bradshaw's worldly innocence yet vast intellect makes for some great moments between them. 4.5 stars (rounded down)
1. The Killing Field - two bodies are uncovered in a cattle mass burial pit from the time of the UK foot & mouth crisis of 2001.
2. Why Don't Sheep Shrink? - Bradshaw & Poe solve a cold case whilst self-isolating for Covid. Doesn't sound very funny but this one had a scene which had me laughing to myself out loud. I also worked out how the murder was committed.
3. Dead Man's Fingers - wild flowers provide a clue in the case of two missing teenagers from over 20 years ago.
Very short stories but cleverly & humorously written. Bradshaw & Poe are such a fantastic team & Bradshaw's worldly innocence yet vast intellect makes for some great moments between them. 4.5 stars (rounded down)
May 28, 2021
Tres relatos de Poe y Tilly que dejan con ganas de más. Tienen que pasar juntos el confinamiento y aprovechan para resolver unos casos. Espero que pronto tengamos una nueva novela de esta pareja que a pesar de no pegar ni con cola, se llevan fenomenal.
June 5, 2021
Conjunto de varios relatos cortos, protagonizados por el cínico detective Washington Poe y su muy inteligente a la vez que inadaptada compañera Tilly Bradshaw. Ambientados durante el confinamiento de la pandemia, estos relatos cortos son un buen entretenimiento y nos hacen pasar un buen rato, sin entrar en grandes misterios ni historias.
Dentro de lo que es la serie es un poco flojo, pero siempre está bien leer algo de esta pareja tan peculiar.
Dentro de lo que es la serie es un poco flojo, pero siempre está bien leer algo de esta pareja tan peculiar.
November 19, 2020
Miss these guys. Can't wait for the next book.
May 29, 2021
3 relatos cortos, demasiado ligts para lo que nos tiene acostumbrados el autor. Simplemente se manifiesta una vez más la inteligencia de tilly
7/10
7/10
September 28, 2022
Esto no es lo que yo esperaba, es más, no es lo que necesitaba, los libros de la saga Poe no serán la quinta maravilla, pero cuando arrancan no los para nadie, y encima tienen la mejor de las tan desgastadas interacciones entre dos personajes dispares pero que terminan siendo inseparables , género por si mismo ya a esta altura. Es que Poe y Tilly juntos son dinamita , ella es un personaje completamente exagerado a nivel de conocimientos técnicos pero que es cra, y el es el prototipo de policía que no sigue las reglas y es conflictivo pero eficaz , pero le aporta un humor y una fidelidad manifiesta a su compañera que hacen que al menos a mí me guste más que sus iguales.
Pero, estás tres historias son muy poco, no alcanzan a desarrollar lo suficiente unas historias que no tienen nada a destacar, salvo la interacción entre sus dos protagonistas , que como siempre, es brillante.
Nota:5/10
Pero, estás tres historias son muy poco, no alcanzan a desarrollar lo suficiente unas historias que no tienen nada a destacar, salvo la interacción entre sus dos protagonistas , que como siempre, es brillante.
Nota:5/10
December 2, 2020
Washington Poe and Tillie Bradshaw in three short stories. If you've read Craven's three novels featuring these two and enjoy them, this is a must. Short stories of mysteries to be solved but Craven still manages to bring out the unique character idiosyncrasies of these two, especially the nerdy innocence of Bradshaw's supremely intelligent mind.
May 25, 2024
Muy corto, pero con muy buenos relatos. La pandemia muy bien utilizada por el autor.
April 29, 2021
This was really cute! I’m a big fan of the Poe and Tilly friendship so I was super happy to see that they got a short story collection, their interactions are always good fun.
The Killing Field
I always enjoy it when books reference real life events, I can add this to the ‘mostly useless trivia’ section of my brain :D
Between this series and His Bloody Project, I think I’ve learned more about farming and farmer politics in the last 4 months than in the 26 years beforehand and I’m not complaining. It’s surprisingly interesting, probably because it’s so far removed from my city life.
Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?
Hah, I did wonder about Poe having a cough for like the entirety of The Curator since that book came out a few months into the pandemic, good to see that precautions were indeed taken 🤣
Dead Man’s Fingers
This one had a very classic mystery feel to it, I can’t quite put my finger on exactly what it reminds me of though which is annoying me because it definitely reminds me of something. It’s definitely my favourite of the short stories, a nice bittersweet ending to the collection.
The Killing Field
I always enjoy it when books reference real life events, I can add this to the ‘mostly useless trivia’ section of my brain :D
Between this series and His Bloody Project, I think I’ve learned more about farming and farmer politics in the last 4 months than in the 26 years beforehand and I’m not complaining. It’s surprisingly interesting, probably because it’s so far removed from my city life.
Why Don’t Sheep Shrink?
Hah, I did wonder about Poe having a cough for like the entirety of The Curator since that book came out a few months into the pandemic, good to see that precautions were indeed taken 🤣
Dead Man’s Fingers
This one had a very classic mystery feel to it, I can’t quite put my finger on exactly what it reminds me of though which is annoying me because it definitely reminds me of something. It’s definitely my favourite of the short stories, a nice bittersweet ending to the collection.
April 4, 2023
Puuues... me lo he pasado muy bien, pero es que tengo cierta predilección por estos dos y disfrutaría igualmente de cualquier cosa en la que aparecieran.
**Alerta Spoiler!!
Tres historias cortas en las que Tilly y Poe resuelven crímenes como sí tal cosa, pero lo mejor es que están los dos solos (y con Edgar) y sus interacciones son geniales.
La batalla carne-vegetales es siempre genial. Y yo soy del team "pastel de carne" y no de "lechugitas" XD
Poe sigue mostrando su lado más gris y Tilly su lado bonito, así que no me quejo :)
En fin 4,5 estrellas sobre 5 (no le doy 5 porque el segundo caso, el del ataque epiléptico, me pareció muy simplón).
**Popsugar 2023 categoría 19. Un libro de tu categoría favorita de un reto pasado (de años anteriores: El siguiente libro de una serie que ya has comenzado).
**Alerta Spoiler!!
Tres historias cortas en las que Tilly y Poe resuelven crímenes como sí tal cosa, pero lo mejor es que están los dos solos (y con Edgar) y sus interacciones son geniales.
La batalla carne-vegetales es siempre genial. Y yo soy del team "pastel de carne" y no de "lechugitas" XD
Poe sigue mostrando su lado más gris y Tilly su lado bonito, así que no me quejo :)
En fin 4,5 estrellas sobre 5 (no le doy 5 porque el segundo caso, el del ataque epiléptico, me pareció muy simplón).
**Popsugar 2023 categoría 19. Un libro de tu categoría favorita de un reto pasado (de años anteriores: El siguiente libro de una serie que ya has comenzado).
March 16, 2022
3 very short and interesting stories. For those who have read other books in the series, Poe and Tilly's unconventional method of solving murders is not new. In this book, they are both confined at Poe's home due to lockdown and yet able to solve crimes remotely.
It was enlightening to learn about the devastating foot and mouth pandemic of 2001. I felt sad to know that even healthy animals were culled 😢 As per Wikipedia, the animal carcasses were incinerated to stop the epidemic, but in this book he says, they were buried. (Burying infected animals would be deadlier, with more chance of the infections spreading.)
I think the author used this just to make the story more gruesome.
It was enlightening to learn about the devastating foot and mouth pandemic of 2001. I felt sad to know that even healthy animals were culled 😢 As per Wikipedia, the animal carcasses were incinerated to stop the epidemic, but in this book he says, they were buried. (Burying infected animals would be deadlier, with more chance of the infections spreading.)
I think the author used this just to make the story more gruesome.
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