The Mercy Chair – Washington Poe Series Book #6

Author: M. W. Craven
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction
485 pages
Publisher: Constable, 2024

Synopsis
Washington Poe has a story to tell. And he needs you to listen.

He’ll tell you about a man who was tied to a tree and stoned to death, a man who had tattooed himself with a code so obscure, even the gifted analyst Tilly Bradshaw struggled to break it. He’ll tell you how the man’s murder was connected to a tragedy that happened fifteen years earlier when a young girl massacred her entire family.

And finally, he’ll tell you about the mercy chair. And why people would rather kill themselves than talk about it . . .
Poe hopes you’ve been paying attention. Because in this story, nothing is as it seems . . .

My review
M. W. Craven is one of my favorite British crime fiction writers. I’ve been following Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw for years and this series is always at the top of my reading list. I couldn’t wait for the hardback release in September, so I happily paid for the ebook. Craven’s stories are like multilayered, complex puzzles and The Mercy Chair is no exception! I was immediately captivated by the fabulous hook in the first chapter so I cleared my calendar and finished the novel within a day.

Craven excels in character development making a story with Poe and Bradshaw feel like catching up with old friends. Poe’s sharp wit, tenacity, and strong moral compass make him immensely likable and he’s a man driven by a quest for justice and a passion for standing up for what he believes is right. Bradshaw, with her genius-level intellect and social awkwardness, is equally compelling and relatable, adding a refreshing dynamic to The Mercy Chair and the series.

To say that The Mercy Chair is dark is an understatement. Craven is known for his dark and twisty storylines, but this one explores themes that are particularly bleak, including religious fanaticism, hate crimes, and child abuse. I usually avoid crime fiction involving child abuse, and had I known this was a central theme, I might have skipped this installment. I mention this for awareness, not as a way to discourage you from reading it. The novel is brilliant and adds a level of depth and complexity to the characters that is truly remarkable. I look forward to seeing where Poe and Bradshaw go next!

The Mercy Chair is more than just a tense, gripping thriller – it’s a testament to Craven’s intelligent storytelling, vivid characters, and ability to hook readers and keep them guessing until the very end. I can’t wait for book 7!

My recommendation: read it! The Mercy Chair is an immensely suspenseful read and I recommend the entire Washington Poe series.