Mari Hannah on Her New Novel and What to Expect From Bay Tales Live
We caught up with crime writer Mari Hannah to find out more about her new book
Needing very little introduction to Living North readers, Mari Hannah is a multi-award winning, bestselling author and screenwriter. A former probation officer, she’s the creator of the Stone and Oliver crime series, the Ryan and O'Neil series and the DCI Kate Daniels series.
Mari has had a busy six months with two TV adaptations on the go. ‘In the case of Kate Daniels, I’ve been consulting with the producer, and with the Stone and Oliver [adaptation] attending a story conference, a first for me, which was as exciting as it was fascinating,’ says Mari. ‘Screenwriting is a very different animal to writing a novel – there’s a certain amount of re-imagining involved – but I’m enjoying the process. [I] can’t say more, as much of what is going on behind the scenes is embargoed… so watch this space!’
What Mari can share more on is her new novel, Her Sister’s Killer – book five in the Stone and Oliver series. Like all her books, it can be read as a standalone. ‘Readers of the series will know that when Frankie Oliver was 11 years old, her 15-year-old sister Joanna was murdered, an event that blew apart her family,’ says Mari. ‘The case remains open and unsolved. I knew from the outset that if new evidence came to light in Joanna’s death, Frankie could take no part in an investigation into this dreadful crime. It’s why I left the previous book Black Fell on a cliffhanger, promoting her out of Murder Investigation Team and back into uniform, to get her out of the way, carefully choreographing her separation from her boss, David Stone. At Frankie’s leaving party, David overhears something that disturbs him. Her Sister’s Killer opens at the same party, at the very moment the previous book ended, but what did David hear, and why does it trouble him enough to review Joanna’s case, while struggling to keep it off Frankie’s radar? After decades without answers, who knows where the trail might lead, and will knowing the answers be the very thing that breaks Frankie irreparably?’
‘Coming from a criminal justice background (and with a partner who was a murder detective), it was my job to explore the dark side of human nature’
When popular crime fiction event Bay Tales returns to Playhouse Whitley Bay on 1st March, it will offer Mari her first opportunity to talk about Her Sister’s Killer. ‘Thanks to my publisher and independent bookseller, Forum Books, Bay Tales will get copies six days ahead of its official publication date, so attendees will be the first to get hold of them and have them signed,’ she reveals. ‘I’m appearing alongside a panel of Orion authors. We are a diverse group – Emma Kavanagh, police, military and NATO psychologist; John Sutherland, a former police negotiator; Anna Mazzola, a human rights lawyer, and me, an ex-probation officer. We’ll be chaired by fellow author and former teacher, Chris MacDonald, who’ll no doubt give us lines if we get rowdy!
‘I think I’m right in saying that it will be a first appearance at this festival for all the panellists and, having heard good things from those who beat us to it, we are ridiculously excited. The 2025 programme is amazing. Who wouldn’t wish to attend a crime fiction festival at the seaside?’
Bay Tales patron, Ann Cleeves, will be welcoming special guest William Shaw for her opening session, followed by more panels throughout the day where you can hear the biggest and best crime writers talking live on stage. There’ll also be an on-site bookshop courtesy of Whitley Bay's independent bookshop The Bound, book signings, and a charity raffle.
‘Without readers, there would be no writers,’ Mari says. ‘Crime [writing] festivals provide an opportunity for us to meet with those who keep us at our laptops, doing a job we feel privileged to do. It’s a chance to celebrate books in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Not getting close to readers is the thing I missed most during lockdown. The writing went on, but the special relationship between readers and writers fell off a cliff. Since then, new crime festivals are popping up everywhere. Bay Tales is one of the most celebrated events in the North of England, endorsed by a raft of bestselling authors who’ve been fortunate enough to appear on the Bay Tales stage. The one-day festival, with fringe events either side, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since it first appeared on the crime fiction calendar in 2022. That’s due to the hard work of its patron, Ann Cleeves, and festival director, Victoria Watson.’
Mari believes crime fiction is a genre that has something for everyone. ‘Whether you like cosy crime or psychological suspense, thriller or police procedural, contemporary or historical, it has you covered,’ she explains. ‘Crime fiction shines a light on issues that concern us all. I would argue that it’s impossible to write an engaging, engrossing crime story without making tangible references to the moral, social and political events going on in the world at any given time. Coming from a criminal justice background (and with a partner who was a murder detective), it was my job to explore the dark side of human nature, to analyse offender behaviour and the psychological impact of crime on victims. So, in my case, I write about what I know. I love the process of putting together a story that hooks readers, pushing them to read the next page and the next, getting them to think like my series detectives, to walk the streets with them, to investigate alongside them. If I can hold on to a reveal that has readers scratching their heads, all the better. Unlike in real life where offenders go free, where some victims are never found and bereaved families are not given closure, I can restore order, bringing about a resolution that is satisfying and complete. From set up to resolution, I’m creating a puzzle where the clues are there. It’s a question of whether readers can find them. It’s a game we both love to play and why I think the genre is so popular.’
Reflecting on her writing career so far, Mari admits she’s still learning her craft, and doesn’t see a point where she’ll stop. ‘With almost every book of the 17 I’ve written to date, reviewers have said, “it’s the best yet”. That’s a high bar to reach. It pushes me to do the very best I’m capable of before I turn work over to my agent and editor. Creating a protagonist that readers will grow to love, and an equally sinister villain, is what I aim for. Write from the heart and readers will stick with you. I can’t emphasise this enough.
‘Storytelling is my passion, one I can’t put down for very long before I start reaching for the laptop. I have some great ideas for other books, but only one pair of hands. Without saying too much, the next one will be a female-led, international thriller…’
Her Sister’s Killer by Mari Hannah is published by Orion on 6th March 2025 – or get your copy early and meet Mari at Bay Tales at Playhouse Whitley Bay on 1st March.
To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Her Sister’s Killer, enter our competition here.
What was the last book you read?
What a Girl Wants, by Roxie Bourdillon.
Name another crime fiction book, aside from your own, that you'd love to see adapted for the screen.
Chris Whitaker’s All the Colours of The Dark has probably already been snapped up by Hollywood. If not, I’d be very surprised.
What’s your advice for budding writers?
Take care of the 10-page rule. This is something I picked up from screenwriting. I was taught that if you don’t engage your reader in 10 pages, your script will likely hit the bin – a terrifying thought. I try to hook my readers from the first page and never let up. My opening is key. If I get that right, the rest will follow.
Name an item you couldn't live without.
My car. I need it to research our wonderful region.
Where’s your favourite hidden gem in Northumberland?
There are so many! Amble is not so hidden, but it is my happy place. It’s real, a fully functioning working port. I’m never happier than watching the fishermen land their catch on the harbour, strolling through the Sunday market or eating fish and chips while watching the world go by. The place and the people are lovely. My series character Frankie Oliver lives in Coble Quay, an apartment overlooking the marina I once stayed in. I really couldn’t help myself!
