Picture a British crime writer who turned the rugged beauty of North East England into the backdrop for gripping mysteries—meet Mari Hannah! With her DCI Kate Daniels series, Hannah has carved a niche in crime fiction, blending heart-pounding suspense with authentic characters. Her journey from probation officer to award-winning author is as compelling as her novels, proving that sometimes life’s detours lead to the best stories.
The Making of Mari Hannah
Born in Westminster, London, Mari Hannah moved to North East England as a child, where the region’s stark landscapes and vibrant communities shaped her storytelling. Her early career as a probation officer, sponsored by the Home Office, gave her a front-row seat to the criminal justice system—until a duty-related injury forced a career pivot. Undeterred, Hannah turned to writing, initially as a film and television scriptwriter, crafting a crime series pilot for the BBC. This creative spark ignited her path to novels, with her debut, The Murder Wall, launching her into the literary spotlight in 2010.
Mari Hannah’s Unforgettable Stories
Hannah’s DCI Kate Daniels series, set in Newcastle and Northumberland, is the cornerstone of her work. The series follows Kate Daniels, a lesbian detective chief inspector navigating sexism and complex cases with grit and brilliance. The Murder Wall (2010) introduces Kate tackling an unsolved double murder, haunted by her failure to crack the case. Settled Blood (2012) deepens the stakes with a chilling mystery tied to a remote airfield. Gallows Drop (2016) showcases Hannah’s knack for psychological drama, unraveling a hanging in rural Northumbria. Her Ryan & O’Neil and Stone & Oliver series further highlight her versatility, weaving dark, sophisticated thrillers with richly drawn characters. Hannah’s style—marked by meticulous police procedurals, emotional depth, and a vivid sense of place—has earned praise for its realism, informed by her and her partner’s criminal justice backgrounds.
Hannah’s writing doesn’t shy away from tough themes like violence or workplace prejudice, but it’s her empathy and character-driven narratives that resonate. Her North East settings, from Newcastle’s buzzing Quayside to the windswept Northumberland coast, act as silent characters, grounding her stories in a tangible, atmospheric world. This authenticity has made her a standout in British crime fiction, often compared to Val McDermid and Ann Cleeves.
Why Mari Hannah Matters
Mari Hannah’s impact extends beyond her page-turning plots. Her authentic portrayal of Kate Daniels as a lesbian detective challenges stereotypes, offering representation in a genre often dominated by traditional archetypes. Her awards—Polari First Book Prize (2013), CWA Dagger in the Library (2017), and DIVA Wordsmith of the Year (2019, 2020)—reflect her influence and reader adoration. With the DCI Kate Daniels series in development for TV, Hannah’s stories are poised to reach new audiences, cementing her as a voice for the North East and a trailblazer in crime fiction. Her work not only entertains but also captures the human side of justice, making her a must-read for fans of the genre.
About Mari Hannah
- Born: Westminster, London; raised in North East England
- Key Works: DCI Kate Daniels series, Ryan & O’Neil series, Stone & Oliver series
- Awards: Polari First Book Prize (2013), CWA Dagger in the Library (2017), DIVA Wordsmith of the Year (2019, 2020)
- Fun Fact: Lives in Northumberland with her partner, a former murder detective
Snag The Murder Wall and dive into Mari Hannah’s thrilling world of crime and heart—your next favorite read awaits!