Detective Sergeant Washington Poe can count on one hand the number of friends he has. And he’d still have his thumb left. There’s the insanely brilliant, guilelessly innocent civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw of course. He’s known his beleaguered boss, Detective Inspector Stephanie Flynn for years as he has his nearest neighbour, full-time shepherd/part-time dog sitter, Victoria.
And then there’s Estelle Doyle. It’s true the caustic pathologist has never walked down the sunny side of the street but this time has she gone too far? Shot twice in the head, her father’s murder appears to be an open and shut case. Estelle has firearms discharge residue on her hands, and, in a house surrounded by fresh snow, hers are the only footprints going in. Since her arrest she’s only said three words: ‘Tell Washington Poe.’
Meanwhile, a poisoner the press have dubbed the Botanist is sending high profile celebrities poems and pressed flowers. The killer seems to be able to walk through walls and, despite the advance notice he gives his victims, and regardless of the security measures the police take, he seems to be able to kill with impunity.
For a man who hates locked room mysteries, this is going to be the longest week of Washington Poe’s life . .
It's such a pleasure to finally be sharing my review of The Botanist today. I actually read the book a few months ago but work and procrastination combined have meant it's taken me far too long to write a review - sorry Mike! Many thanks to Beth Wright at Little Brown for very kindly sending me a copy of the book.
Every time I finish a Washington Poe novel, I want to say that it's the best book in the series so far but really M.W. Craven sets the bar so consistently high, I'm bowled over by every instalment. It's for that reason I always recommend reading the whole series even though each can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. There is nothing to prevent you from picking up fifth book, The Botanist without having read any of the previous novels but the recurring characters are so affectionately brought to life, it really would be a shame not to follow them through their various trials and tribulations.
After writing about a heist in Dead Ground, M.W. Craven turns his hand to arguably the most revered recurring theme in crime fiction – the locked room mystery. He could never be accused of cliché, of course and following Poe and Tilly Bradshaw as they attempt to solve two such puzzles – much to Poe's disgust – is thoroughly entertaining. The two cases are challenging for very different reasons but both allow us to see Poe and Tilly at their inimitable best.
As with any long running series, the characterisation really is the key as to why readers keep returning for more and the friendship that has developed between the two main protagonists is undoubtedly the nucleus of these books. There's the authentic dark humour which is always such a distinctive feature of the series but M.W. Craven also ensures the exchanges between the pair are imbued with affection and respect too. Tilly might be delightfully gauche but she is never the brunt of any jokes and while her intelligence is an asset to Poe, she is also the person who has most changed him into a man who now works best as part of a team.
So when one of their own – pathologist Estelle Doyle – is accused of killing her father, it's inevitable that they are determined to prove her innocence. However, the evidence looks utterly damning and just this investigation alone, with all its implications is a compelling mystery. The second case, however, is the most fascinating and the gripping highlight of the plot. The victims themselves are told they are going to die but with each being particularly repugnant, it's hard to feel much sympathy for them and Poe rightly tells one such individual that the world would be a far nicer place without them in it. The exploration of celebrity and how the public can be manipulated is especially interesting and of course, dealing with a highly intelligent narcissist ensures the search for the eponymous Botanist is a serpentine treat.
I practically inhaled this book and read it in a day. Perfectly paced, with an unpredictable, chilling plot, The Botanist sparkles with dry wit and genuine warmth throughout too. Another exceptional thriller from this outstanding writer: I loved it!
The Botanist is published by Constable, an imprint of Little, Brown Book Group. Purchasing links can be found here but please support independent bookshops whenever possible.
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