Her Sister's Killer

Stone & Oliver #5

by Mari Hannah

Northumbria CID officers David Stone and Frankie Oliver return to investigate a cold case that will get more personal than either of them have imagined...

Genres: Crime

400 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

When an injury on duty ended my career as Probation Officer, I began writing. I am the author of the Kate Daniels and Ryan & O’Neil series published by Pan Macmillan and the Stone & Oliver series published by Orion. My debut, The Murder Wall, was written as a TV pilot for a BBC Drama Development Scheme - before the adaption. The novel won the Polari First Book Prize. Before becoming an author, I fell in love with scriptwriting and submitted speculative original dramas to the BBC Writersroom. I've also written a romantic comedy feature film that I hope will find a producer one day. In 2010, I won the Northern Writers' Award for my second novel, Settled Blood. And in 2017, I won the Dagger in the Library for my body of work. I'm represented by AM Heath literary agent, Oli Munson, and live in Northumberland with my partner, a former murder detective.

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new instalment of the Stone and Oliver series from Mari Hannah, is always a thrill, and following the events at the close of Black Fell, our two police officers find themselves embroiled in two very different investigations…

I think it’s a testament to the skill of Mari Hannah’s writing that her characters always somehow seem to linger in the back of your mind, so that when you dive into the next book, it’s an experience akin to pulling on a comfy pair of slippers. You feel like you know these characters intimately, their strengths, their foibles and what makes them tick, and this can be applied equally to the author’s other series featuring DCI Kate Daniels, and I enjoy the familiarity this brings, despite how hard Hannah puts them all through the emotional wringer at times. in this series Stone and Oliver are the perfect foils for each other, as their characters are in stark contrast to each other. DCI David Stone has a solidity about his character and a meditative and more taciturn nature, but is the consummate professional police officer, who values his team’s contributions and is not afraid to challenge his superiors. Newly promoted DI Frankie Oliver is much more mercurial and quick to anger, prone to headstrong and sometimes foolhardy courses of action, but again, this all feeds in to her absolute aptitude for the job, and her tenacity to seek justice for the victims of crime. Of course, both carry some emotional baggage, as all the best fictional coppers do, and this comes to the fore, as Stone embarks on a clandestine reinvigorated investigation into the cold case involving the murder of Oliver’s sister some years previously. As their personal and professional relationships comes under pressure in the light of this, will they both emerge unscathed?

By separating her two central protagonists in this book to allow them the time and space to embark on different investigations, Hannah’s skill at plotting and the arc of the narrative works incredibly well throughout, and also allows room to grow some of the other characters. To aid his secret investigation, Stone enlists the help of office aide Indira Sharma, who proves herself a steadfast and intuitive colleague, and I liked the way her character developed. Equally, as Oliver finds herself in charge of another team, new characters are introduced or existing ones further fleshed out, and I enjoyed the way that Oliver also has to work with an officer who has close connections to Stone’s time in the London Met, which did raise the emotional tension further.

The superb characterisation taken in tandem with the divergent and then convergent plotting, leads me to safely say that this is one the most polished instalments of this series to date. The emotional intensity and peril of Oliver’s investigation into a ruthless child trafficking ring, the sensitivity of which is adroitly handled, and Stone’s equally perturbing delve back into the past to root out her sister’s killer, and the suspects it uncovers, are both handled beautifully throughout, with a nifty turn of pace and building tension. Hannah once again proves herself as one of the most accomplished crime writers in the genre, and the fact that both of her main series display this quality consistently is yet further testament to her skill as a writer. All the stars from me and highly recommend.

[Karen Chong · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 / 5.0

A solid read- an emotional gripping story from start to finish. It’s a solid story and plot, but one that only makes sense if you have read the previous books in the series or understand the relationship between DCI David stone and DI Frankie Oliver. The way guilt, pain and trauma is documented in this book is incredibly realistic and raw, it feels genuine and less ‘forced’ as seen in other books. It’s an emotional one as a reader, since we have know how much of Frankie this has had an impact on her life (the murder of her older sister Joanna) who never had the chance to live her life to the max.

DI Frankie has just been promoted, and taken up a job up north away from the team she knows. She is called out to a traffic collision seen, which turns out to be a nation wide child kidnapping and transportation group. Whilst DCI David who overhears a conversation that relates to the murder of Frankie Oliver’s sister, he finds it his duty to find the responsible killers behind Frankie. As David starts to uncover the truths, it uncovers the dark side of the police force, and ultimately his investigation points out the culprit is a lot closer than we think.

This is a very tense, emotional book it’s very police procedural so it’s definitely up peoples alleyway. But it’s a heavy one, as well as closure for the readers on finding the truth behind Frankie’s past/ history!

[4cats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone and Oliver are back for their fifth outing and what an outing. Oliver has been promoted and must return to uniform whilst working in Berwick on Tweed. Whilst there she finds herself heading a team to investigate a gang who are trading in vulnerable people, children in particular. Stone overhears a conversation which may help him solve an old case, the murder of Frankie Oliver's sister.

Prepare yourself for plenty of tension, with emotions running high over whether there is something more than just a working relationship between the pair. If you love police procedural then this gets a great big tick. If you love well written, character driven crime novels this gets another big tick and is a must read if you love the North East of England,

There is no northern author better then Mari Hannah, she delivers with every novel. When will we see these on TV......that's the big question.

[Miriam Morgans · Rating 4 out of 5]

ℍ𝕖𝕣 𝕊𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣'𝕤 𝕂𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕣
By Mari Hannah @mariwriterinsta

Blurb
Newly promoted Inspector Frankie Oliver has always been consumed by the idea of finding her sister's killer and bringing them to justice.

But when new evidence about the tragic unsolved murder comes to light, and her former boss DCI David Stone embarks on an investigation without her, everything starts to unravel.

After decades without answers, who knows where the trail might lead? And will knowing the answers be the very thing that breaks Frankie irreparably?

The past and present collide with devastating consequences in this taut, breathless new thriller from award-winning crime writer Mari Hannah.

This is book 5 of 5 from the Oliver and Stone series.
I've not read any other the other books, but after reading Her Sister's Killer, I can see that this series is...

🌳 Well established
👥️ It has strong characters
✍️ Is Gripping in its storytelling
⏰️ Fabulous revelations
🚨 Crime themes

I will definitely be interested in starting this series from the beginning.

⚠️ Themes of child trafficking

Thank you to Anne @randomthingstours for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!🤓

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but I just never got invested in the storyline.

[Ray O'Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline, excellent all round.

[Mary Picken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang on to your hats because this one will blow you away! You can absolutely read this as a stand-alone, but I’ll eat said hats if afterwards you don’t want to go back and gorge on the whole series.

Her Sister’s Killer is a book that fizzes and crackles with tension and turbulence. It pulsates with a sense of urgency that kept me on edge throughout. There are so many things that make this an absolute belter, but as always in Mari Hannah’s writing, two things are front and centre. First is her sense of authenticity. You know you are in safe and assured hands with a Mari Hannah police procedural. She understands cops better than most and the foundation of her novels is always grounded in realistic police work.

The other is her sense of place. Set against the backdrop of Northumberland, the novel evokes a vivid sense of place, capturing both the beauty and isolation of the rural landscape. Hannah’s descriptions immerse us in the setting, enhancing the narrative’s tension and mood. The sense of policing a large rural area, understaffed and suffering from years of cutbacks is so well done that the remoteness really connects when danger is in the air.

Mari Hannah’s writing is characterised by its sharpness and precision. The novel’s structure, composed of short, impactful chapters, ensures a brisk pace that keeps us wholly engaged. This is character driven story telling that really makes an impact.

Inspector Frankie Oliver is a third-generation cop; there has been a Frank Oliver in the force since 1966. DCI David Stone used to be her partner. They gelled well and shared a sense of humour – and when they fought, sparks flew.

Now though, there is a separateness and tension between them that Frankie can’t quite put her finger on. It started at her promotion party and has grown since then. The plot of Her Sister’s Killer intricately weaves together past and present, as new evidence in Joanna’s decades-old murder case comes to light. DCI David Stone’s decision to investigate without Frankie’s knowledge introduces elements of secrecy and potential betrayal. This choice amplifies the suspense, leading readers through unexpected twists and turns. The gradual unfolding of the mystery is both compelling and emotionally charged, creating suspicion, fear and incomprehension. The secrecy is so complete that it is hidden from all but one of DCI Stone’s team.

At the same time, Frankie has accepted, as part of her promotion, that she has to head up a rural police station rather than remain with the Murder Investigation Team. She wants to get back to MIT, but she knows it’s the price she must pay for gaining the rank of Inspector. That distance adds more than miles between her and DCI Stone.

Frankie Oliver is a complex character; her life overshadowed by the tragic loss of her sister in 1992. This personal tragedy is the driving force behind her career in law enforcement, fuelling her relentless pursuit of justice. As she transitions into her new role as a rural station leader in Northumberland, we can feel her grappling with the challenges of leadership while still haunted by past traumas.

An accident on the winding Northumberland roads leads to her heading up a potentially major case and Frankie finds herself fighting for a child’s life as her heart overrules her head when she finds this child injured.

This storyline offers us an intimate portrayal of Frankie’s vulnerabilities, especially when new evidence about her sister’s case surfaces, threatening to unravel her composure. Her interactions with colleagues, particularly DCI David Stone, are strained, reflecting the emotional weight she carries. The novel delves deep into her emotional turmoil as she confronts the haunting unsolved murder of her sister, Joanna.

At its core, Her Sister’s Killer is an exploration of grief, obsession, and the enduring quest for closure. Frankie’s emotional journey is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, allowing us to empathise with her internal struggles. Her isolation, exacerbated by professional challenges and personal demons, resonates deeply, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. The narrative’s emotional weight is further enhanced by Hannah’s nuanced portrayal of human frailty and resilience. This authenticity imbues the story with a poignant realism that lingers long after the final page.

Verdict: Her Sister’s Killer is one of my crime books of the year so far. Mari Hannah’s prowess in crafting intricate crime narratives that are as emotionally engaging as they are suspenseful. Through meticulous characterisation, authentic procedural details, and evocative settings, the novel offers a rich and immersive experience that will captivate both those of us who are long time fans and new readers alike. It is an absolute must read – a masterclass in police procedurals.

[David Prestidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

All too often, opening pages of crime novels headed ‘Prologue’ are enigmatic flashbacks, and they leave the reader wondering what their relevance is to the emerging narrative. Not so here. It is short, brutal and and painfully obvious. A Tyneside detective has been called to a murder scene. The body is that of his teenage daughter. That was then.

Now. For some arcane reason, when police Sergeants are promoted to Inspector, they have to serve a term in uniform, away from their home station. So it is that Frances ‘Frankie’ Oliver – the younger sister of the girl whose murder is revealed in the prologue – is sent away from the city hub of Newcastle to the relative backwater of Berwick – England’s last outpost before the Scottish border. Her first major call-out is a serious RTA – with fatalities. In the back of a wrecked van, Frankie finds a seriously injured child, his wrist secured to a stanchion with cable ties.

Meanwhile, DCI David Stone – Frankie’s on-off romantic interest, acting on loose talk overheard at a police social function, has reopened the investigation into the unsolved murder of Joanna Oliver. Frankie’s secondment to Berwick takes on a life of its own as, amid the wreckage beside the A1, evidence emerges that an organised crime gang has been hard at work trafficking children.

Mari Hannah has penned a classic ‘two plot’, novel, in that DI Frankie Oliver is heading up a multi-agency investigation into a Bulgarian people smuggling gang, while DCI David Stone is in charge of a covert cold-case operation into the murder of Frankie’s sister. Why covert? Stone believes that a serving policeman was her killer and, the law being what it is, any involvement by Frankie Oliver would mean the case would be thrown out of court.

I have meta-tagged this book as a police procedural which, on one level, it is. There is so much more, however. Mari Hannah’s ability to create vividly authentic characters is here for all to see. In no particular order, we have retired copper Frank Oliver, father of Frances, the murdered Joanna and older sister Rae; his torment at being called to a murder scene, only to find that the victim is his own daughter is lifelong; Frankie herself is a brilliant police officer, fearless but vulnerable, intuitive but analytical; David Stone is a ruthless career policeman but, like Frank Stone, the scar on his heart from when his former lover, Jane, was shot dead by an insane gunman, has never healed; I was also particularly taken with rookie PC Indira Sharma who, apart from his boss (Detective Superintendent Bright) is Stone’s only confidante. She is new to the job, but incisive, courageous and has a gimlet eye for detail.

The best crime novels have an authentic sense of place and location and, as with her Kate Daniels novels, Mari Hannah’s heart is never far from England’s north east and the contrast between the bright lights of ‘big city’ Newcastle, and the windswept horizons of rural Northumbria. There is so much to admire about this novel but I suspect, like me, you will be left breathless by David Stone’s ruthless and remorseless interview room demolition of Joanna Oliver’s killer at the end of the book. I don’t do checklists, but if I did, I would be ticking the boxes for brilliant thriller, credible characters, narrative verve, great sense of place and bloody good read. Her Sister’s Killer is published by Orion and is available now.

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was there for book 1 by Mari Hannah and have eagerly read everyone since, we are now on book 16, for me this is the best to date, a masterpiece of crisp, punchy crime fiction

Book 5 in the series featuring David Stone and Frankie Oliver, though this can be read as a standalone. The storytelling is of the highest quality

To have the ability to construct a police crime novel of such outstanding quality but to also pour so much emotion into the plot and the characters lives, and to make the reader care for them takes a real talent, Mari Hannah is one such talented writer, you can sense she has put so much into this book, it is a rich, thoughtful, layered read

Wonderfully constructed plotting, which brings about two cases one in the present one a cold case, cleverly this allows Stone and Oliver to investigate each but also sets them on a course which may find their paths crossing

The case being investiaged by Oliver is a complex one and one which takes a certain type of strong independent clear thinking detective to investigate it is one not without certain dangers to be navigated. The cold case is not so clear cut as Stone has to tread carefully, where doubt lies and loyalties maybe tested, the consequences can also have devastating effects.

I love the characters of Stone and Oliver, clearly they have a past and carry demons which inform their present, but they have a tenacious determination to get to the truth. Mari Hannah always writes characters that stand out on the page

In this book I particularly liked the way that the chapters were constructed, short, pithy and extremely punchy, the way the story flowed seamlessly between each investigation, guaranteed to want to make you carry on reading, it also allows the story to be fast paced

Within the book you get the feel of an investigation taking part in real time but the story doesn’t get bogged down in detail, it’s there on the periphery so you gets a sense of the minute details that go on behind the scenes but allowing the story to move forward.

One thing that shines throughout Mari’s books is the fact that as the reader you know you are in safe hands, this is an author that knows what she is talking about and gets the details right

There is plenty of tension and drama built in to the plot which make for a suspenseful read, cleverley the writing has the ability to throw doubt onto the characters so your never sure of any ones innocence or guilt, it is often what is not said that is more relevant. The book has plenty of twists and turns

The ending is a masterpiece and shocking, it also goes to show the consequences and how things can spiral by ones actions and how you can get caught in a web of lies and deceit

There is plenty of raw emotion, tension and a simmering mis understood anger between Stone and Oliver in this book mainly threw the plot, you can feel the energy and inner battles being fought within each, the writing is so emotional

By the end of the book I was becoming an emotional wreck, there is so much heart and emotion packed in to the plot, as for Stone and Oliver it seems that everyone including the reader can see what is there before them except the characters themselves, though I sense that they do know but there is a fear of the unknown holding them back

This was a book which drew me in from the opening pages and had me enthralled throughout, right until that dramatic ending, it grabs you and doesn’t let go. Highly recomended, going to be one of my top reads of the year

Mari Hannah proves herself once again at the top of her game

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst Her Sister's Killer is book five in this series, it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. The author is skilled in creating back stories that enhance the current plot but also inform the reader. Saying that, I would advise that any new reader takes the plunge and reads the complete series.

Frankie Stone and David Oliver have been partners, both professionally and personally for a while. Their personal relationship is something of an on/off affair, but they are fond of each other, not really being able to let go.

Frankie has recently been promoted to Inspector and as part of this process, she must leave the Murder Investigation Team and spend some time in a very rural area of Northumberland, she also has to wear uniform again. Frankie's absence is beneficial to David as he's acting on loose talk overhead at a social function and has re-opened the investigation into the death of Frankie's sister.

Frankie's sister was murdered in 1992, and that tragic event has totally overshadowed her life, and her parent's lives ever since. David is determined to get to the bottom of the long unsolved crime, but needs Frankie out of the way whilst he is working on it. It becomes clear that he also needs to remain as silent as he can about what he's doing when he's in the office surroundings. His suspicions do not fall very far.

As Frankie becomes more involved in the criminal goings on in her new patch, dealing with some dark and emotionally challenging issues that she really didn't expect; David also becomes more and more engrossed with his investigations.

Mari Hannah has given her readers a crime novel with a dual plot and it's very very cleverly done. Her characters are solid and lifelike and the plot is tension filled and absolutely gripping. Add the incredible sense of place that Hannah details so extremely well and you have a crime novel that is up there with the best of the year so far. Highly recommended by me.

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Her Sister’s Killer” is book five in Mari Hannah’s popular ‘Stone and Oliver’ series, featuring newly promoted DI Frankie Oliver and DCI David Stone. Based predominantly in North East England, this series is set in my local area, with places mentioned that are easily within touching distance. This always guarantees maximum enjoyment for me, ensuring my total engagement.

Having read all of this author’s other series which features DCI Kate Daniels, I know that her police procedurals are top notch thrillers, that keep you on your toes until the exciting conclusion, and this book was no different. Although book five, it can be read easily as a standalone, though as ever when part of a series, following the character development is always best when starting from the beginning.

I particularly enjoyed the impressively written surveillance scene, which actually felt like it was being played out in real time. It was tense, exciting and Frankie’s determination to get justice for an innocent victim was commendable. As a second plot line, the investigation into a cold case headed by Stone had to be kept secret from Frankie, causing issues within their personal and working relationship. The dramatic reveal at the end was both astonishing and heartbreaking and well played by the characters involved.

Overall I very much enjoyed this book, Mari Hannah switches between storylines seamlessly and at breakneck speed, ensuring a fast paced, tense read, that truly keeps you engrossed.

#HerSistersKiller - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOTLIGHT REVIEW:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

NORTHUMBERLAND / NORTH EAST ENGLAND



This is no. 5 in the Stone and Oliver police procedural series. It certainly can be read as a standalone but I think it would be more rewarding to read the first novels in the series - just so that the well formed characters continue to shine through.

In 1992 Frankie Oliver's sister was found murdered. No-one was found guilty of her death and now David Stone has become privy to a conversation which might just throw some light on the case. He chooses to take another look at the case without really alerting anyone to his activities and as the story evolves, the implications of his decision begin to become clear. This really could upset the balance of their relationship....

Frankie has gained a promotion and spends a lot of time up in Berwick and when she discovers a distressed little boy, she knows that she has stumbled on a human trafficking ring.

The author is adept at creating banter and interchanges between her characters, which feel authentic and relatable.

The sense of place is good as the characters travel around Northumberland, up to Berwick and then down to areas within the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

[J Fearnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back with Stone and Oliver in this the fifth of the series and Mari Hannah has brought us two storylines to get our teeth into.

Frankie has been promoted to Inspector and must move into a uniformed position but as soon as she does she’s back to plain clothes and onto the investigation of a child trafficking ring.

Meanwhile, DCI David Oliver is running a very secret operation into a cold case. One not even Frankie can know about, it’s very personal, as it’s an investigation into Frankie’s sister’s murder!

Frankie and David’s relationship takes a difficult turn as David must keep his work from her. If there is to be any chance of an apprehension and prosecution the investigation can’t be tainted by her involvement. Although David’s attitude is confusing and annoying Frankie she has her own investigation to keep her occupied.

As ever Mari Hannah has written a truly wonderful book. She writes great characters that are so relatable and stories that are really engaging you can’t help but keep turning the pages.

With every new book by Mari Hannah I become more and more impressed with her superb plotting, wonderfully engaging characters and excellent storytelling. Her Sister’s Killer is no exception this latest Stone and Oliver book is a fantastic read in a terrific series, one which I thoroughly enjoyed and most definitely recommend.

[Nadine-Sue Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great police procedural following a couple of different cases led by Frankie and David.

Frankie's building up her career on the back of family legacy. For the most part it seems a proud tradition for her to follow in her dad and granddad's footsteps but there's a sad past that still burdens the family. I quite liked the family dynamics and it's a little different to me to follow in the same career path of close family. Not something I've done but can appreciate that it's a big thing for some families.

It seems like Frankie's still on a journey in her career and this particular book sees her move away from the murder investigation team to deal with something quite different. She gets results and it was good to travel along her journey as her case progressed.

David is very different and I found him a little frustrating although I could understand why he wanted to keep some things quiet. His interactions with Frankie are quite stilted which demonstrates the complexity of things between the two.

This is the first Stone and Oliver book that I've read. It's great as a standalone book. I would like to read the others as I think it'd be good to get the background of the two as well as follow some more of their cases.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Stone and Oliver series and I hadn’t read the previous books so can confirm it reads well as a standalone. This time they are dealing with an unsolved 15 year old murder and people trafficking. Frankie Oliver has just been promoted to DI and at the party to celebrate DI David Stone overhears something that makes him reopen a murder investigation, an investigation that will change their lives forever.

Briefly, choosing to keep his work secret from the diminutive but determined Frankie proves so hard that Frankie struggles with the apparent collapse of their friendship. However she herself is tied up in a separate case following an RTA where a young child is found in the back of a crashed van.

In this superb police procedural each officer pursues their case to its conclusion but as their personal relationship fractures can the wounds be healed? This is a really tense and exciting plot, the author clearly understands police procedures and it makes it such an authentic read. A book I simply didn’t want to put down. An excellent read.

[Melanie Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth in the series of Stone and Oliver books. It’s the first one I have read and it definitely can be read as a standalone although now I really want to go back to the beginning and see the spark between the main characters ignite.

You can feel the heat between Frankie and David which adds to the tension throughout the story.

Whilst Frankie’s promotion and temporary move to uniform in a different team separates them physically, David’s clandestine investigation into the death of Frankie’s sister Joanne in 1992 widens the gap.

Frankie knows he is keeping something from her as she feels his emotional distance, her own investigation into child trafficking keeps her busy but David is running out of time to find Joanne’s killer before Frankie discovers what he is keeping from her.

I love both of the main characters especially Frankie, she is headstrong and likeable. I really like her relationship with her family in particular her dad and her sister in law Andrea.

The overall plot is well paced and kept me hooked, the romantic subplot added to this and I found myself really routing for them to get it together. The characters are well developed and believable.

Overall a really good read, looking forward to catching up on the previous books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orion for the advanced copy.

[Oundle Crime · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the leaving party of newly-promoted Frankie Oliver, her boss and close friend, DCI David Stone, overhears two colleagues arguing, and the death of Frankie’s sister is mentioned. This pushes him to reopen the case on the quiet, and he and DC Indra tell everyone they’re working on an admin project while they do so. Meanwhile, Frankie, on the first day in her new job, gets involved with a bad road accident on the A1 near Berwick and discovers a child trafficking group. These two stories run in parallel through this book and make it a terrific read. It’s well-written, with (mostly) likeable characters and enough description so you can see everything in your mind’s eye. The plot is intriguing as it twists and turns and the pace never lets up. This is the fifth book in this series and I’ll be looking for the others now.
Review by: Norfolk Gal, Oundle Crime

[Angi Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts
One of the writers whose books I love to read are those by Mari Hannah. Her books are full of heart, humanity and have the ability to make you feel along with the characters.
There’s never a separation between you and the characters because you are in the story from the first words. The setting and sense of place are always spot on, making you know that beautiful places can hide darkness and danger around every corner.
The short snappy chapters keep the pace fast and urgently moving the story along to a conclusion you will not get to in one piece.
Mari Hannah has tapped the human psyche and really knows how and where to put the pressure on like no other.
I read this in one sitting because I simply didn’t want to put it down without knowing.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this fantastic book.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite My Sister's Killer being her umpteen book about crime in the beautiful county of Northumberland - I'm biased I live there - beginning with a horrifying opening and ending with a breathtaking finish, Mari Hannah has produced an amazing book yet again. Her characters pop into life fully formed as though they'd just been waiting for the reader to apply air by opening the book. Her storylines are exciting, compelling and complicated and she brings them all to a satisfying conclusion. Her attention to detail is second to none. I've lost track of how many books Mari has written but checking in the front of the book I've read and enjoyed every single one. I think that says it all. Do the same and you won't be disappointed.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracking read and an anticipated storyline for Oliver and Stone, no 5 in series.
I felt it was a little clunky the way the story cut away so yes you didn't know who the killer was but it felt abrupt sometimes as to what was/wasn't revealed. You definitely want to find out. The new story thread was moving and dramatic.
There got to a point in the Kate Daniels series where I wanted to give her a good shake as the relational side got annoying. I hope the O and S series doesn't falter as I've loved it so far.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I have been waiting all year for Mari Hannah's new novel and boy oh boy I was not disappointed!

Absolutely brilliant. Couldn't put it down and certainly didn't want it to end. Frankie and David are such brilliant characters, love them!

No spoilers, just brilliant writing! Seriously can't wait to read Mari's next one.

Highly recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

[Pat Stearman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read through the whole Oliver Stone series in prep for this it was such a treat to have the new story & the intricacies of their relationship, as well as revisiting all the regulars.
The 2 cases featured are very different - the cold case of Frankie's sister's murder & the up to date child trafficking that Frankie is investigating but equally enthralling.
Thanks Mari for another brilliant read.

[Dianne Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, this is the 5th book in a series with these two detectives. I enjoyed the read...a little ping pongy from one detective's investigation to the other story centered around the title.
Not sure if i woud have benefitted from reading the previous four first.
I became a little confused with the names and the suspicion of Adam...and, of course, it depends how much the ultimate perpetrator had been active in the other novels...but a good read.

[Sarah Canfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book of the series! Loved the choppy chapters between stone and Oliver! So much going on and can’t believe the ending!!
Only thing I wish for more of was background into Joanna’s death. It was obviously a shock to find out abbot was the killer, but he’s been a part of the entire series, so it would’ve been nice to find out more about it than we did. Obviously he deserves to rot in hell but I wish we got to hear more of the process etc. maybe it’s in the next book???

[Karen Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much. Well written, good strong characters, great twisting storyline.

The identification of the murderer was handled well, I did work it out and few pages before the revelation, so, it was well handled and the revelation was kept quiet in the storyline and for the reader.

I felt the storyline concerning the child trafficking could have handled the outcome for Amir could have been concluded with a bit more certainty for Rae and Andrea. However, all in all a good book.

[Chris Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant novel from the prolific and consistently excellent Mari Hannah. This is a superb series but in this instalment Stone and Oliver are working apart following Frankie's promotion. The titular killer was responsible for the murder of Frankie's sister and David is investigating on the quiet, putting their relationship under huge pressure. A delight!

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first class, well written and tension filled read, from the start right until the last page. What a rollercoaster of emotions as Frankie and David investigate separate cases in Northumbria. This book delivers everything you could want from a thriller, a complex piece of plotting, great characters and a satisfying ending. I absolutely loved it! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[A Red Headed Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Though he had dreamt of this day for a very long time, he wasn’t ready for what was to come.’

If you love crime thriller then i definitely recommend this book.
Family oriented and so so much going on.
Two huge cases along side each other with shocking results.
Short sharp chapters - which everyone loves.
Multiple POV all flowing together.
Part of 5 book set but can be read as a stand alone
Really hope another book follows this one!

[Amanda Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping read

I don’t normally leave a review but felt this book worthy of one. A tremendously gripping storyline that meant I couldn’t stop reading, willing everything to turn out right for Oliver and Stone. I’ve loved the whole series, but this one especially and I’m now looking forward to more.

[Kate Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant storytelling from start to finish!

I loved this book! It's a superb example of classic crime writing, with dialogue that always rings true. Mari Hannah is such a classy writer, and her plot in this book is twisty, unpredictable, and very high stakes. Literally unputdownable!