With “The Botanist” successful author MW Craven entered the German-speaking crime scene in 2023. “The Pupil” is the first in the series about the rough policeman Washington Poe.
There is a fire in the British county of Cumbria. However, the bonfires are not innocent Guy Fawkes Day amusements, but rather living torches. Older men, all pillars of society in northwest England, go up in flames amid ancient stone circles. The police are in the dark, as there is no connection between the victims and not the slightest trace of the perpetrator, whom the media calls the “burnt victim”. But he has a plan, and when the name “Washington Poe” appears on the chest of one of the dead, it is clear that the police officer of the same name – as brilliant as he is hated in authorities circles – is part of it.
When MW Craven’s crime novel “The Botanist” was published in German last year, it struck a chord with many crime fiction fans. That’s why the publisher Droemer followed up and published “Der Zögling”, the first part of the series about Detective-Sergeant Washington Poe from the serial killer unit of the British National Crimes Agency. The elements of surprise are not quite as pronounced as in “The Botanist”, and experienced crime readers will probably quickly draw the right conclusions from the combination of title and victims. Nevertheless, “The Pupil” is an exciting and cleverly constructed reading pleasure with lovable, quirky characters, especially Poe’s colleague Tilly Bradshaw, a math genius with poor social skills. Tilly is the bright contrast to Poe’s dark character, who is sometimes willing to go to great lengths if it serves justice – or even revenge. “The Pupil” won the Gold Dagger Award from the British Crime Writers’ Association.
Soldier and probation officer
MW Craven’s personal story is almost as exciting to read as his crime novels. The author, born in 1968, joined the British Army at the age of 16, later studied criminology and psychology and worked as a probation officer. Like his hero, he lives in Cumbria – far from the only parallel: “Poe likes the same music as me, he drives the same car, has the same dog, the same intolerance of idiots and the same sarcastic answers,” says Craven in an interview.
“The Pupil” is also an homage to Craven’s native Cumbria, England’s least populated county in the northwest of the country, famous, among other things, for the Lake District, the writer Beatrix Potter and the Herdwick sheep she bred. They can supposedly survive snowed in for days by eating their own wool. If Washington Poe were a sheep, he would probably be a Herdwick.
MW Craven: “Der Zögling” (“The Puppet Show”), translated by Sabine Schilasky and Marie-Luise Bezzenberger, Droemer-Verlag, 400 pages, 17.95 euros
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**How does the interview’s focus on “The Pupil’s” German release potentially impact the discussion of the novel’s themes and reception compared to its initial English release?**
Here is an interview outline based on the article, designed for a professional website audience interested in crime fiction and literary discussions.
**Title:** Craven’s Cumbria: Exploring the Dark Allure of “The Pupil”
**Guests:**
* **MW Craven:** Author of “The Pupil” and ”The Botanist”
* **[Guest Expert Name]:** A literary critic or crime fiction specialist familiar with Craven’s work (or a relevant subgenre)
**Introduction (Host):**
* Welcome listeners to world-today-news.com and introduce the topic: the release of “The Pupil” in German and its place within MW Craven’s growing body of work.
**Section 1: The Burning Enigma**
* _(Host to Craven)_ “The Pupil” opens with a chilling image: ritualistic killings within ancient stone circles. Can you tell us about the inspiration for this unsettling beginning?
* _(Host to Expert)_ This novel plays on traditions of folk horror, the uncanny, and ” место преступления” (crime scene) imagery. What are some of the hallmarks of this subgenre that Craven effectively employs?
**Section 2: Poe and Bradshaw: An Unlikely Duo**
* _(Host to Craven)_ Washington Poe is described as a brilliant but unorthodox detective. How much of yourself is reflected in his character, and what draws you to these “rough around the edges” protagonists?
* _(Host to Expert)_ Tilly Bradshaw’s intelligence and social awkwardness make her a compelling foil to Poe. How refreshing is it to see these contrasting personalities working together in crime fiction?
**Section 3: Cumbria: Setting as Character**
* _(Host to Craven)_ “The Pupil” is an obvious love letter to Cumbria. How does the setting inform the story’s atmosphere and themes?
* _(Host to Expert)_ Place is often crucial in crime novels. They can become another ”character.” What are the specific ways Craven uses the landscape of Cumbria to enhance the sense of dread and suspense?
**Section 4: The Craft of Suspense
* _(Host to Craven)_ You’ve won the prestigious Gold Dagger Award. What are your thoughts on the art of crafting a truly gripping crime novel?
* _(Host to Expert)_ Craven’s writing has been praised for its pacing, twists, and unreliable narrators. What are some of the techniques he employs that stand out to you?
**Section 5: Looking Ahead**
* _(Host to Craven)_ What can readers expect from the continuing adventures of Washington Poe? What are you currently working on?
* _(Host to Expert)_ Where do you see MW Craven fitting into the larger landscape of contemporary crime writing?
**Conclusion (Host):**
* Thank guests for their insights.
* Encourage listeners to check out “The Pupil:”
**Additional Notes:**
* This interview outline is a starting point.
* The host should be prepared to ask further questions based on the guests’ responses and to gently steer the conversation if needed.
* Include audio clips or excerpts from the book if possible to further engage listeners.
