If you’re a fan of dark, twisty crime thrillers, M.W. Craven is an author you need on your radar. Known for his intricate plots and unforgettable characters like Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw, Craven has carved a niche in the crime fiction world. Whether you’re new to his work or a seasoned reader looking to dive into his series in the right order, this guide will walk you through all of M.W. Craven’s books in publication and series order, ensuring you don’t miss a single clue. Let’s explore his thrilling bibliography and get you ready to immerse yourself in his gritty, suspense-filled world!
Who Is M.W. Craven?
Before we dive into the books, let’s get to know the man behind the mysteries. M.W. Craven, born in Carlisle, England, in 1968, is an award-winning crime writer celebrated for his Washington Poe and DI Avison Fluke series. His novel The Puppet Show won the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger Award in 2019, cementing his reputation as a master of the genre. With a background that includes a stint in the army, a degree in social work, and years as a probation officer, Craven brings a unique perspective to his stories, blending real-world grit with psychological depth. His books are perfect for readers who love authors like Val McDermid or Ian Rankin.
Why Read M.W. Craven’s Books in Order?
Craven’s series, particularly the Washington Poe books, feature recurring characters and evolving storylines. Reading them in order ensures you follow the character development and catch every subtle nod to past cases. Plus, his plots are so tightly woven that starting out of sequence might leave you missing key twists. Below, we’ve organized his books by series and publication order, with brief descriptions to help you decide where to start.
M.W. Craven Books in Order by Series
Below is a complete list of M.W. Craven’s books organized by series in table format, including publication years and brief descriptions. This guide covers the Washington Poe, DI Avison Fluke, and Ben Koenig series, ensuring you can follow each series in chronological order.
Washington Poe Series
| Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Puppet Show | 2018 | Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw hunt a serial killer leaving victims in Cumbria’s stone circles. Winner of the CWA Gold Dagger Award. |
| Black Summer | 2019 | Poe investigates a bizarre case where a presumed-dead woman reappears, complicating a past murder conviction. |
| The Curator | 2020 | A killer leaves body parts as “exhibits” across Cumbria, challenging Poe and Tilly’s investigative skills. |
| Cut Short | 2020 | A collection of three short stories featuring Poe and Tilly, delivering quick, intense mysteries. |
| Dead Ground | 2021 | Poe tackles a murder at a military base, blending espionage and crime in a high-stakes case. |
| The Cutting Season | 2022 | A novella where Poe and Tilly face a gruesome case tied to a chilling ritual. |
| The Botanist | 2022 | A killer with a botanical obsession leaves deadly bouquets, testing Poe and Tilly’s partnership. |
| The Mercy Chair | 2024 | Poe grapples with a morally complex case centered around a controversial execution method. |
| The Final Vow | 2025 | Set for release in August 2025, Poe and Tilly dive into another heart-pounding investigation. |
DI Avison Fluke Series
| Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Born in a Burial Gown | 2015 | DI Avison Fluke investigates a chilling murder in Cumbria, starting with a body found in a burial gown. |
| Assume Nothing, Believe Nobody, Challenge Everything | 2015 | A collection of short stories showcasing Fluke’s gritty detective work in bite-sized mysteries. |
| Body Breaker | 2020 | Fluke faces a gruesome killer with a penchant for breaking bodies in this dark, atmospheric thriller. |
Ben Koenig Series
| Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fearless | 2023 | Ben Koenig, a former US Marshal on the run, tackles a dangerous conspiracy in this action-packed debut. |
| Nobody’s Hero | 2024 | Koenig’s second outing ramps up the stakes as he faces a deadly new adversary. |
Standalone and Anthologies
| Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Shorts: UK Crime Book Club Anthology | 2020 | A collection featuring a short story by Craven, alongside other crime authors. |
| Afraid of the Shadows | 2021 | An anthology including a chilling short story contribution from Craven. |
| Birds, Strangers and Psychos | 2025 | A forthcoming anthology with a new short story by Craven, set for release in 2025. |
| James Bond and the Secret Agent Academy | 2026 | A standalone novel diving into the world of James Bond, slated for release in June 2026. |
This table provides a clear, series-based overview of M.W. Craven’s bibliography, perfect for readers looking to explore his gripping crime thrillers in order. Start with The Puppet Show for the Washington Poe series or Born in a Burial Gown for DI Avison Fluke to dive into his suspenseful world!
M.W. Craven Books in Publication Order
Here’s a complete list of M.W. Craven’s novels and novellas in the order they were published, including all series and standalone works. This is ideal if you want to experience his writing as it unfolded.
- Born in a Burial Gown (2015) – DI Avison Fluke Series
The first in the DI Avison Fluke series introduces a gritty detective investigating a chilling murder in Cumbria. A body found in a burial gown sets the stage for a dark, atmospheric thriller. - Assume Nothing, Believe Nobody, Challenge Everything (2015) – DI Avison Fluke Series
A collection of short stories featuring Fluke, offering bite-sized mysteries that showcase his investigative prowess. - The Puppet Show (2018) – Washington Poe Series
The book that put Craven on the map! Detective Washington Poe, a disgraced detective, teams up with analyst Tilly Bradshaw to hunt a serial killer in Cumbria’s stone circles. A Gold Dagger winner for a reason - Black Summer (2019) – Washington Poe Series
Poe faces a twisted case when a woman, presumed dead, reappears—only for her father to be convicted of her murder. Expect mind-bending twists. - Body Breaker (2020) – DI Avison Fluke Series
Fluke returns to tackle a gruesome case involving a killer with a penchant for breaking bodies. A chilling addition to the series. - The Curator (2020) – Washington Poe Series
Poe and Tilly investigate a killer who leaves body parts as “exhibits” across Cumbria. This one’s a masterclass in suspense. - Cut Short (2020) – Washington Poe Series (Short Stories)
Three short stories featuring Poe and Tilly, perfect for fans craving quick, intense reads. - Dead Ground (2021) – Washington Poe Series
Poe is drawn into a high-stakes case involving a murder at a military base, blending espionage and crime. - The Cutting Season (2022) – Washington Poe Series (Novella)
A standalone novella where Poe and Tilly face a gruesome case tied to a chilling ritual. - The Botanist (2022) – Washington Poe Series
A killer with a botanical obsession leaves clues in deadly bouquets. Poe and Tilly’s chemistry shines in this fan favorite. - Fearless (2023) – Ben Koenig Series
Introducing Ben Koenig, a fearless ex-US Marshal on the run, tackling a dangerous conspiracy. A new series with relentless pace. - The Mercy Chair (2024) – Washington Poe Series
Poe grapples with a case that tests his moral limits, centered around a controversial execution method. - Nobody’s Hero (2024) – Ben Koenig Series
Koenig’s second outing ramps up the action as he faces a deadly new foe. - The Final Vow (2025) – Washington Poe Series
The latest in the Poe series, set for release in August 2025, promises another heart-pounding investigation. Pre-order now - James Bond and the Secret Agent Academy (2026) – Standalone
A thrilling departure, this upcoming novel dives into the world of James Bond, set for release in June 2026.
M.W. Craven Series in Order
Craven’s books are best enjoyed by series, as each follows distinct characters and story arcs. Below are his three main series, listed in chronological order within each.
Washington Poe Series
This series follows Detective Sergeant Washington Poe, a brilliant but troubled investigator, and his analyst partner, Tilly Bradshaw, as they tackle serial killers and complex cases for the National Crime Agency.
- The Puppet Show (2018)
- Black Summer (2019)
- The Curator (2020)
- Cut Short (2020, Short Stories)
- Dead Ground (2021)
- The Cutting Season (2022, Novella)
- The Botanist (2022)
- The Mercy Chair (2024)
- The Final Vow (2025)
DI Avison Fluke Series
Featuring Detective Inspector Avison Fluke, this series is darker and more grounded, set in the gritty landscapes of Cumbria.
- Born in a Burial Gown (2015)
- Assume Nothing, Believe Nobody, Challenge Everything (2015, Short Stories)
- Body Breaker (2020)
Ben Koenig Series
A newer series introducing Ben Koenig, a tough-as-nails former US Marshal with a knack for survival.
- Fearless (2023)
- Nobody’s Hero (2024)
Short Stories and Anthologies
Craven has also contributed to anthologies and published standalone short stories:
- Criminal Shorts: UK Crime Book Club Anthology (2020)
- Afraid of the Shadows (2021)
- Birds, Strangers and Psychos (2025)
Why M.W. Craven’s Books Are a Must-Read
Craven’s stories are a perfect blend of atmospheric settings, complex characters, and unpredictable plots. The Washington Poe series, in particular, stands out for the dynamic between Poe and Tilly, whose contrasting personalities—Poe’s cynicism and Tilly’s analytical brilliance—create a compelling partnership. His background as a probation officer adds authenticity to the criminal minds he portrays, making each book feel chillingly real. Whether you’re into psychological thrillers, police procedurals, or action-packed mysteries, there’s something in Craven’s catalog for you.
Where to Start with M.W. Craven
New readers should begin with The Puppet Show, the first Washington Poe novel, to get hooked on Craven’s signature style. If you prefer a shorter introduction, try Assume Nothing, Believe Nobody, Challenge Everything from the DI Avison Fluke series for a taste of his storytelling. For action fans, Fearless in the Ben Koenig series is a high-octane starting point.
Where to Buy M.W. Craven’s Books
You can find Craven’s books at major retailers like Amazon, Bookends Carlisle, and Goldsboro Books. Many are available in paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. Check out his official website (mwcraven.com) for links to purchase and updates on new releases.
What’s Next for M.W. Craven?
With The Final Vow hitting shelves in August 2025 and James Bond and the Secret Agent Academy slated for 2026, Craven shows no signs of slowing down. Sign up for his newsletter at mwcraven.com to stay updated on upcoming releases and events.
Final Thoughts
M.W. Craven’s books offer a masterclass in crime fiction, with richly drawn characters and plots that keep you guessing until the final page. By reading his series in order, you’ll fully appreciate the depth of his storytelling and the evolution of his characters. So, grab a copy of The Puppet Show or Born in a Burial Gown and dive into the dark, thrilling world of M.W. Craven. Which book will you start with? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy reading, and may your next mystery be as gripping as a Craven novel!
