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DCI Kate Daniels #5
Killing for Keeps
They know he's coming.
Two brothers from the same criminal family die within hours of each other, five miles apart—one on the edge of a Newcastle industrial estate, the other in the busy emergency room of a local hospital. Both victims have suffered horrific injuries.
Who wanted them dead? And will they kill again? Investigating these brutal and bloody killings leads detective Kate Daniels to break some rules, putting her career as well as her life on the line.
As the body count rises in the worst torture case Northumbria police have ever seen, the focus of the investigation widens to Glasgow and beyond, ending in a shocking confrontation with a dangerous offender hell-bent on revenge.
Two brothers from the same criminal family die within hours of each other, five miles apart—one on the edge of a Newcastle industrial estate, the other in the busy emergency room of a local hospital. Both victims have suffered horrific injuries.
Who wanted them dead? And will they kill again? Investigating these brutal and bloody killings leads detective Kate Daniels to break some rules, putting her career as well as her life on the line.
As the body count rises in the worst torture case Northumbria police have ever seen, the focus of the investigation widens to Glasgow and beyond, ending in a shocking confrontation with a dangerous offender hell-bent on revenge.
Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
40 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Mari Hannah
25 books363 followersWhen 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 12, 2015
Killing For Keeps is the fifth instalment of the excellent DCI Kate Daniels series, and once again consolidates Hannah’s growing reputation at the core of the British crime genre, alongside the names of Denise Mina, Ann Cleeves and Sharon Bolton.
Two brothers from the same criminal family die within hours of each other, five miles apart: one on the edge of a Newcastle industrial estate, the other in a busy A & E department, unseen by the triage team. Both victims have suffered horrific, brutal and bloody injuries (rubs hands with ghoulish glee). As the investigation in the toerags’ deaths gathers pace, our estwhile heroine Daniels, gets drawn into some moral conundrums, which inevitably lead to her breaking of the rules. As the body count rises, Hannah transports us from Newcastle, to Scotland and then to the warmer climes of Europe, as Daniels and her intrepid sidekick DS Hank Gormley navigate the dangerous waters of this particularly testing investigation to its bloody conclusion.
Being a little disillusioned with some of the British crime thrillers over the past year, Hannah has delivered a breath of fresh air once again. Although I would hesitate to say that Killing For Keeps was as good personally as the previous book, Monument To Murder with its near perfect rendition of police procedural and location, even a slightly less good book from Hannah still steals the competition amongst her peers. As usual Hannah is spot on in terms of her forensic detail, the inner workings of a murder investigation, and the professional demands this places on Daniels and her team. Although I felt myself less engaged with the tit-for-tat killing of the brothers grim, and its consequences among the criminal fraternity, it is the allure of Hannah’s characterisation of Daniels and her cohorts that really carries the book.
Up to now most of the books have been driven by the knotty emotional entanglement of Daniels and her very off/on lover psychologist Jo Soulsby. Although this story goes some way to resolving the ups and downs of this personal relationship, what I found most engaging were the slight chinks that appeared in Daniels’ professional armour. With the distressing death of one of her unofficial informers hitting her hard, this investigation causes Daniels’ to fly beneath the radar of professional standards. We bear witness to a previously unseen side of her that makes the morality of her actions come under scrutiny, and Daniels goes a bit maverick. And I liked it. With the unfolding of the investigation, Daniels forms an unlikely respect for a member of the criminal fraternity, particularly when he saves Gormley’s skin, and it was good to see her loosen her fixed ideals as the book progressed. As usual I enjoyed the repartee between Daniels with not only her partner, Gormley, and the rest of her team but also the spiky but respectful relationship with her superior officer Superintendent Bright. And it was nice to see a little touch of Cupid’s arrow, with everyone’s love lives being placed on a more even keel…until something or someone upsets the apple-carts I suspect!
Another good addition to the series, and thanks to Hannah’s assured control of back story, this is a series you can dip into at any point. But why would you dip? Start at the beginning with The Murder Wall and give yourselves a treat. Happy reading.
Two brothers from the same criminal family die within hours of each other, five miles apart: one on the edge of a Newcastle industrial estate, the other in a busy A & E department, unseen by the triage team. Both victims have suffered horrific, brutal and bloody injuries (rubs hands with ghoulish glee). As the investigation in the toerags’ deaths gathers pace, our estwhile heroine Daniels, gets drawn into some moral conundrums, which inevitably lead to her breaking of the rules. As the body count rises, Hannah transports us from Newcastle, to Scotland and then to the warmer climes of Europe, as Daniels and her intrepid sidekick DS Hank Gormley navigate the dangerous waters of this particularly testing investigation to its bloody conclusion.
Being a little disillusioned with some of the British crime thrillers over the past year, Hannah has delivered a breath of fresh air once again. Although I would hesitate to say that Killing For Keeps was as good personally as the previous book, Monument To Murder with its near perfect rendition of police procedural and location, even a slightly less good book from Hannah still steals the competition amongst her peers. As usual Hannah is spot on in terms of her forensic detail, the inner workings of a murder investigation, and the professional demands this places on Daniels and her team. Although I felt myself less engaged with the tit-for-tat killing of the brothers grim, and its consequences among the criminal fraternity, it is the allure of Hannah’s characterisation of Daniels and her cohorts that really carries the book.
Up to now most of the books have been driven by the knotty emotional entanglement of Daniels and her very off/on lover psychologist Jo Soulsby. Although this story goes some way to resolving the ups and downs of this personal relationship, what I found most engaging were the slight chinks that appeared in Daniels’ professional armour. With the distressing death of one of her unofficial informers hitting her hard, this investigation causes Daniels’ to fly beneath the radar of professional standards. We bear witness to a previously unseen side of her that makes the morality of her actions come under scrutiny, and Daniels goes a bit maverick. And I liked it. With the unfolding of the investigation, Daniels forms an unlikely respect for a member of the criminal fraternity, particularly when he saves Gormley’s skin, and it was good to see her loosen her fixed ideals as the book progressed. As usual I enjoyed the repartee between Daniels with not only her partner, Gormley, and the rest of her team but also the spiky but respectful relationship with her superior officer Superintendent Bright. And it was nice to see a little touch of Cupid’s arrow, with everyone’s love lives being placed on a more even keel…until something or someone upsets the apple-carts I suspect!
Another good addition to the series, and thanks to Hannah’s assured control of back story, this is a series you can dip into at any point. But why would you dip? Start at the beginning with The Murder Wall and give yourselves a treat. Happy reading.
March 12, 2020
5th in the Kate Daniels series, in this Kate and Hank find themselves hunting gangsters, they find themselves working in Glasgow and Spain.
Great plotting, great characters and a great page turner. A must for crime readers.
Great plotting, great characters and a great page turner. A must for crime readers.
April 17, 2024
This was my first Mari Hannah book and I read it out of order. I missed a lot of the story and character development that occurred in the first 4 books of this series. I still enjoyed this book, even not knowing a lot of the back story. This was a pretty brutal story. The resolution at the end was unusual, which is nice. It is hard to find truly original storylines in this genre. I also enjoyed that the lead detective was in the LGBTQ community. There really is really not enough representation in the mystery/thriller genre. I do have the first book of this series in my library, so I will definitely read the series from the start, in order.
April 2, 2017
Another excellent DCI Kate Daniels novel.
In this one two brothers, members of a crime family, and found murdered in different locations, several hours apart.
Kate and her team have a job on their hands to identify the killers - then one of the suspects turns up dead and the race is on to find HIS brother before he too is killed.
Intricately plotted, well written, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Mari Hannah creates some fairly gruesome ways for her victims to die.
Highly recommended.
In this one two brothers, members of a crime family, and found murdered in different locations, several hours apart.
Kate and her team have a job on their hands to identify the killers - then one of the suspects turns up dead and the race is on to find HIS brother before he too is killed.
Intricately plotted, well written, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Mari Hannah creates some fairly gruesome ways for her victims to die.
Highly recommended.
January 3, 2024
I’m onto book five in this fascinating series and I now feel that I have go to know Kate, Hank and the rest of the small team fairly well. I know their strengths and their weaknesses. But this is the first out of the series that I have really seen them buckle under the pressure.
Two violent killings of two gangster brothers, it’s unusual for me not to have some sympathy for a victim but these two are unpleasant. And their families are little better although one of them does try her best to help. Albeit a little reluctantly. I had a lot more sympathy for Kate who was really struggling to cope with image of at least one of the victims.
Unlike the previous books in the series, Kate and Hank have to travel away from their local area. A visit to Glasgow is swiftly followed by a trip to Spain. They don’t get a minute to enjoy the weather, the bars or food. They are chasing a criminal they can identify but are not having much success and are increasingly in danger.
Desperate to find out who was responsible so she could move on with her professional and personal life Kate took chances and made mistakes. She had the support of her team and her boss but I have never seen her so vulnerable as I have in this book. It’s a strange feeling, having concern for a character, it can only be from reading the books close together and having a feeling that I know her very well.
The more I read of this series the more I enjoy it. The relationship between Kate and Hank is perfect. He says the wrong thing, she snaps, he sulks but then they just move on. The storylines themselves are often grim, always violent but their relationship makes me smile. I like seeing Lisa Carmichael having more of a role, I very easily could read a book from her point of view. Maxwell less so, but I’m sure I’m not the only reader who feels this way.
I’m currently reading Gallows Drop, the next book in the series and I’m struggling to put it down.
Two violent killings of two gangster brothers, it’s unusual for me not to have some sympathy for a victim but these two are unpleasant. And their families are little better although one of them does try her best to help. Albeit a little reluctantly. I had a lot more sympathy for Kate who was really struggling to cope with image of at least one of the victims.
Unlike the previous books in the series, Kate and Hank have to travel away from their local area. A visit to Glasgow is swiftly followed by a trip to Spain. They don’t get a minute to enjoy the weather, the bars or food. They are chasing a criminal they can identify but are not having much success and are increasingly in danger.
Desperate to find out who was responsible so she could move on with her professional and personal life Kate took chances and made mistakes. She had the support of her team and her boss but I have never seen her so vulnerable as I have in this book. It’s a strange feeling, having concern for a character, it can only be from reading the books close together and having a feeling that I know her very well.
The more I read of this series the more I enjoy it. The relationship between Kate and Hank is perfect. He says the wrong thing, she snaps, he sulks but then they just move on. The storylines themselves are often grim, always violent but their relationship makes me smile. I like seeing Lisa Carmichael having more of a role, I very easily could read a book from her point of view. Maxwell less so, but I’m sure I’m not the only reader who feels this way.
I’m currently reading Gallows Drop, the next book in the series and I’m struggling to put it down.
October 13, 2016
This is the 5th instalment in a series featuring detective Kate Daniels although it doesn’t matter whether you’d read the previous books or not – I hadn’t. Immediately the reader is thrown into the violent, horrific world of Glasgow psycho gang members, retribution and torture. The images this brings up aren’t for the faint hearted and though I accept it was necessary to set the scene I didn’t enjoy reading about it. Neither do I like anything about gangsters. I’m surprised I liked anything about the book actually; I read it simply because the village of Blanchland, where I had passed through earlier this year and which fascinated me, was featured and because as a die-hard Peter Robinson fan, I quite fancied a new crime series. We follow Kate and her team as they track down who killed John and Terry, and why. It’s sometimes difficult to work out who is the hunter and who is the game, and who you're meant to sympathise with.
Though I don’t know anything much about Kate’s back story, I could see she was at breaking point and was also allowing her personal life to affect her work. The gruesome discovery of the bodies of two brothers from a notorious criminal family distresses her far more than I would have expected for a seasoned DCI and points to her state of mind being seriously affected. She struggles to remain totally professional at times and often blows her top. I’d have liked to have seen more of Kate at home and heard about what she did when she wasn’t at work. The story was so fast paced and timebound there was little time to develop the character as a rounded individual – other than showing us her relationship with Jo, her ex.
What I did like was the portrayal of the criminal investigations team. Kate has a fabulous working relationship with her DI and the whole team are dedicated and mostly very professional in that they’re determined to seek justice for very unpleasant individuals. I really enjoyed the procedural aspect and how they pieced all the clues together.
What I wasn’t so keen on was all the local slang. I found it difficult to get my head around, and I’m from Yorkshire, not a million miles away. I’d never heard of a prig, I don't know what bait is, saying "Makes you say that?" omitting "What" was irritating and a dog having put his paws up?? Thought I might need a translator! Some idioms became obvious after a while, but others I still didn’t understand when I’d finished the book. Perhaps it helped to set the scene in its locality but if I had difficulty, I imagine readers from other English speaking countries would be mightily confused.
Another trait in this book was giving us Kate’s thoughts in italics. That worked fairly well, but there were too many short sentences, paragraphs in fact – some of only three words, which gave a very disjointed feel to the narrative at times. I also thought the scene just before the end was ridiculous. I thought the ending was a little unsatisfying, if I’m honest.
My verdict is that it wasn’t bad, but I’m not enthralled enough to read the rest of the series.
3.5.
Though I don’t know anything much about Kate’s back story, I could see she was at breaking point and was also allowing her personal life to affect her work. The gruesome discovery of the bodies of two brothers from a notorious criminal family distresses her far more than I would have expected for a seasoned DCI and points to her state of mind being seriously affected. She struggles to remain totally professional at times and often blows her top. I’d have liked to have seen more of Kate at home and heard about what she did when she wasn’t at work. The story was so fast paced and timebound there was little time to develop the character as a rounded individual – other than showing us her relationship with Jo, her ex.
What I did like was the portrayal of the criminal investigations team. Kate has a fabulous working relationship with her DI and the whole team are dedicated and mostly very professional in that they’re determined to seek justice for very unpleasant individuals. I really enjoyed the procedural aspect and how they pieced all the clues together.
What I wasn’t so keen on was all the local slang. I found it difficult to get my head around, and I’m from Yorkshire, not a million miles away. I’d never heard of a prig, I don't know what bait is, saying "Makes you say that?" omitting "What" was irritating and a dog having put his paws up?? Thought I might need a translator! Some idioms became obvious after a while, but others I still didn’t understand when I’d finished the book. Perhaps it helped to set the scene in its locality but if I had difficulty, I imagine readers from other English speaking countries would be mightily confused.
Another trait in this book was giving us Kate’s thoughts in italics. That worked fairly well, but there were too many short sentences, paragraphs in fact – some of only three words, which gave a very disjointed feel to the narrative at times. I also thought the scene just before the end was ridiculous. I thought the ending was a little unsatisfying, if I’m honest.
My verdict is that it wasn’t bad, but I’m not enthralled enough to read the rest of the series.
3.5.
November 30, 2014
Killing for Keeps is the fifth installment in the Kate Daniels series - set in and around the North East - in this instance Newcastle and Blanchland. This is a hard-hitting and chilling case for Northumbria Police, the worst torture case they’ve ever seen.
Mari Hannah has raised the stakes this time - the prologue sets the scene for what will follow. And the first chapter (six weeks later) opens the door to a thrilling narrative when we see just what has taken place and what Kate and her team are up against.
Story in a nutshell
Two brothers from a well-known criminal family are found dead within a few miles of each other - tortured to death.
Ripples start to spread across the city - associates of the men are uneasy and witnesses scared. Kate has to break some rules, putting herself and her career in jeopardy. But there is someone out there who lives by his own rules and is prepared to remove anyone who gets in his way.
This is one investigation that Kate and the team will never forget.
Booktrailer recommended!
Killing for Keeps is dangerous, chilling and skillfully plotted. Mari’s best yet. It’s darker and the first chapter is not an introduction to the story but rather a gateway to Kate Daniel’s worst nightmare.
If you thought the other cases Kate had to deal with were horrific and hard to deal with, the ones here are, well, something else entirely. And it’s not what the cases are, but what they represent and how they affect Kate and the team that is the most fascinating of all.
The darker undertone of this book works well as the shady and shadowy parts of the North East - an industrial estate and the underbelly of the nightclub area are chillingly brought to realisation. Contrast remote scenes with the busy and chaotic setting of the police HQ and the confusion of the local city hospital provides an eerie picture of Newcastle. Then the action moves to Blanchland - a local beauty spot and remote yet popular village much loved by tourists and the contrast with the subject matter is greater still. Just when you thought you knew and recognised Kate’s world well, she’s off on a trail to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Spain. A booktrail on a grand scale you will agree and a fascinating insight into how police forces work together on such complicated and far reaching cases such as this.
Recently, the Kate Daniels series has been optioned for television and she has been shortlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library award proving, beyond doubt, that she is a crime writer we’re going to hear a lot more about. We’re proud to say that she’s a local author and has put the North East region firmly on the literary map.
Booktrail with map of the locations in the novel coming soon on The booktrail
link: Come to the North East of Kate Daniels t
Mari Hannah has raised the stakes this time - the prologue sets the scene for what will follow. And the first chapter (six weeks later) opens the door to a thrilling narrative when we see just what has taken place and what Kate and her team are up against.
Story in a nutshell
Two brothers from a well-known criminal family are found dead within a few miles of each other - tortured to death.
Ripples start to spread across the city - associates of the men are uneasy and witnesses scared. Kate has to break some rules, putting herself and her career in jeopardy. But there is someone out there who lives by his own rules and is prepared to remove anyone who gets in his way.
This is one investigation that Kate and the team will never forget.
Booktrailer recommended!
Killing for Keeps is dangerous, chilling and skillfully plotted. Mari’s best yet. It’s darker and the first chapter is not an introduction to the story but rather a gateway to Kate Daniel’s worst nightmare.
If you thought the other cases Kate had to deal with were horrific and hard to deal with, the ones here are, well, something else entirely. And it’s not what the cases are, but what they represent and how they affect Kate and the team that is the most fascinating of all.
The darker undertone of this book works well as the shady and shadowy parts of the North East - an industrial estate and the underbelly of the nightclub area are chillingly brought to realisation. Contrast remote scenes with the busy and chaotic setting of the police HQ and the confusion of the local city hospital provides an eerie picture of Newcastle. Then the action moves to Blanchland - a local beauty spot and remote yet popular village much loved by tourists and the contrast with the subject matter is greater still. Just when you thought you knew and recognised Kate’s world well, she’s off on a trail to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Spain. A booktrail on a grand scale you will agree and a fascinating insight into how police forces work together on such complicated and far reaching cases such as this.
Recently, the Kate Daniels series has been optioned for television and she has been shortlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library award proving, beyond doubt, that she is a crime writer we’re going to hear a lot more about. We’re proud to say that she’s a local author and has put the North East region firmly on the literary map.
Booktrail with map of the locations in the novel coming soon on The booktrail
link: Come to the North East of Kate Daniels t
November 28, 2023
“Killing for Keeps” is Book 5 in Mari Hannah’s #DCIKateDaniels series and sees the detective and her team solve two hideous and brutal killings that takes them from the streets of Newcastle to the sunny climes of Spain. The entire murder investigation team are horrified by what appears to be torture killings and they really do make you squirm reading the graphic details. Even though the victims are gangster related, Daniels will stop at nothing to find their killer. She cares deeply about all people, showing more compassion than most, whilst staying hard and unaffected on the outside - until this case comes along.
However, her dedication and empathy comes at price. Under so much pressure to perform, she starts to feel like she can’t breathe. Everyone in the office is relying on her to put the cases to bed but by needing to break down an impenetrable wall of hostile silence and with witnesses terrified to speak out in fear of retribution, she really does have her work cut out and struggles to keep within police rules. This is the first time we’ve seen Kate vulnerable and as a ‘real’ person other than a detective and it was totally understandable how the case got under her skin.
I personally enjoyed this book better than the others in the series, though it’s getting harder to choose a favourite, much like picking a favourite child but because of the continued development and seeing a fragile side of Daniels that shows her emotions exposed, made me feel a real affinity with her that most readers will feel too.
“Killing for Keeps” is yet again another fabulous addition to the DCI Kate Daniels series, which can easily be read as a standalone due to Mari Hannah’s clever back history inclusions and I will continue to recommend this author and her books for many more moons to come.
#KillingForKeeps - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
However, her dedication and empathy comes at price. Under so much pressure to perform, she starts to feel like she can’t breathe. Everyone in the office is relying on her to put the cases to bed but by needing to break down an impenetrable wall of hostile silence and with witnesses terrified to speak out in fear of retribution, she really does have her work cut out and struggles to keep within police rules. This is the first time we’ve seen Kate vulnerable and as a ‘real’ person other than a detective and it was totally understandable how the case got under her skin.
I personally enjoyed this book better than the others in the series, though it’s getting harder to choose a favourite, much like picking a favourite child but because of the continued development and seeing a fragile side of Daniels that shows her emotions exposed, made me feel a real affinity with her that most readers will feel too.
“Killing for Keeps” is yet again another fabulous addition to the DCI Kate Daniels series, which can easily be read as a standalone due to Mari Hannah’s clever back history inclusions and I will continue to recommend this author and her books for many more moons to come.
#KillingForKeeps - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 20, 2015
First book of this author I have read. The plot was good the story was OK. But the characters were, for the most part, not particularly interesting or sympathetic. I am going to get cranky here and probably very non PC but why is it necessary to get into someone's sexual orientation in a murder mystery unless it is germane to the plot? It seems like every third book I read where there is a female detective she is a lesbian. Guess what? I don't care. I stopped reading Patricia Cornell's books once she introduced her gay niece and went off on a personal hobby horse of lesbianism. The issue became second to the plot and killed the books for me. The Alex Delaware/Milo Stugis books handle Milo's sexuality very neatly. It is not a big issue. I have gay friends, I don't hate them or think they are evil etc but why must author shove them in the reader's face when you are only trying to get a good MYSTERY story. End of gripe.
December 15, 2018
Good but I iterate EDIT EDIT no need for this story to be 400+ pages
August 4, 2021
5th in the DCI Kate Daniels series and to date my favourite. Plenty of action and the main story kept me interested, with its twists and turns.
January 20, 2024
We start with not one but two gruesome murders, in quick succession. One body is left under a van on a Newcastle industrial estate; the other is left on a trolly in the A & E department of a local hospital. The injuries inflicted are horrific and there is clear evidence of torture involved. The savagery demonstrated shows the perpetrators are not petty criminals but real hard-core killers.
The two victims were brothers from a local crime family, relatively small fry, but their late father was a big player in the Glasgow underworld before he relocated to Newcastle with a ‘target on his back’. He died on a Spanish golfing holiday some years ago though, so who from his past would have a reason target his family?
DCI Kate Daniels and her team are faced with the unenviable task of protecting those of the family who are left whilst tracking down the killers. A case that has them digging into the past and stretches from Newcastle to Glasgow and over to Spain in what proves to be far from a ‘busman’s holiday’.
The most violent story in the series so far, justifiably so to hold a degree of realism, these people are amongst the most vicious in society. Much is left to the imagination though, as it is not too graphic or gratuitous, so I doubt many readers will lose sleep. As might be expected there is some danger and jeopardy, that manages to surprise by both the timing and intensity, along with a decidedly creepy interaction.
Kate is going through a tough time and approaching burn out or complete breakdown. Her life is out of balance; she has no lover, is estranged from her father and has no real friends outside work. Her career has taken over her life, she is still determined but now totally obsessed and with no other outlet, is prone to making errors of judgement. In danger of alienating those around her, matters come to a head when the use of an unregistered snout (informant) leads to unexpected consequences. Confronted by Detective Chief Superintendent Bright and given an ultimatum, Kate must face up to the mess of her life and career and act before it is too late. In Hank she has the right-hand man who can perhaps save her from herself. The plot may centre on a manhunt (well more than one actually) but much of the central thrust and themes revolve around the friendship between Hank and Kate. Kate’s mental health is a key factor and in a well-judged storyline, there is the need for her to recognise she has a problem and acknowledge it become she can find the path to recovery.
The shackles of Newcastle are broken firstly by a visit to Glasgow to see the luxury that the modern gang boss lives in, a visit that proves to be an eye opener in more ways than one. Then in the second half of the story Kate and Hank follow the trail to Spain, but it’s not really a jolly, well perhaps a little. Here the story and the writing get rather playful as our odd couple detectives settle in at being man and wife as part of their cover. Expect brits abroad observations, bickering like a real married couple and Hank trying to dress like a holidaymaker. Its all rather fun as Hank tries to make the most of it, a shaft of bright sunlight to set against the darkness of the story.
The two victims were brothers from a local crime family, relatively small fry, but their late father was a big player in the Glasgow underworld before he relocated to Newcastle with a ‘target on his back’. He died on a Spanish golfing holiday some years ago though, so who from his past would have a reason target his family?
DCI Kate Daniels and her team are faced with the unenviable task of protecting those of the family who are left whilst tracking down the killers. A case that has them digging into the past and stretches from Newcastle to Glasgow and over to Spain in what proves to be far from a ‘busman’s holiday’.
The most violent story in the series so far, justifiably so to hold a degree of realism, these people are amongst the most vicious in society. Much is left to the imagination though, as it is not too graphic or gratuitous, so I doubt many readers will lose sleep. As might be expected there is some danger and jeopardy, that manages to surprise by both the timing and intensity, along with a decidedly creepy interaction.
Kate is going through a tough time and approaching burn out or complete breakdown. Her life is out of balance; she has no lover, is estranged from her father and has no real friends outside work. Her career has taken over her life, she is still determined but now totally obsessed and with no other outlet, is prone to making errors of judgement. In danger of alienating those around her, matters come to a head when the use of an unregistered snout (informant) leads to unexpected consequences. Confronted by Detective Chief Superintendent Bright and given an ultimatum, Kate must face up to the mess of her life and career and act before it is too late. In Hank she has the right-hand man who can perhaps save her from herself. The plot may centre on a manhunt (well more than one actually) but much of the central thrust and themes revolve around the friendship between Hank and Kate. Kate’s mental health is a key factor and in a well-judged storyline, there is the need for her to recognise she has a problem and acknowledge it become she can find the path to recovery.
The shackles of Newcastle are broken firstly by a visit to Glasgow to see the luxury that the modern gang boss lives in, a visit that proves to be an eye opener in more ways than one. Then in the second half of the story Kate and Hank follow the trail to Spain, but it’s not really a jolly, well perhaps a little. Here the story and the writing get rather playful as our odd couple detectives settle in at being man and wife as part of their cover. Expect brits abroad observations, bickering like a real married couple and Hank trying to dress like a holidaymaker. Its all rather fun as Hank tries to make the most of it, a shaft of bright sunlight to set against the darkness of the story.
January 3, 2024
My thoughts
This is book 5 in the Kate Daniels series and it just doesn’t let up. There’s thrills, shocks and heartstopping moments galore. Yet, nothing feels forced or dramatised to the extent that it’s not believable. I never had a single moment where I thought really this is going too far, because I was so invested in Kate, Hank and the team finding out what was going on.
The moments where Kate was going to announce bad news, I could feel her trepidation and felt for her. Every single twist and turn had me willing her on, hoping that she would get everything tied up (or maybe not! 😂. If you read it you’ll know why I’m amused.
I even shed tears as I thought something had happened that I was not wanting to under any circumstances.
When Mari Hannah said ‘Kate will take you on a journey’ my goodness she meant it. And I’m sticking on this ride until the end because I’m well and truly hooked. There are very few police procedurals that could really hook me in this way, but Mari Hannah is in a class of her own.
With thanks to Tracy Fenton, Orion and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Kate Daniels series and it just doesn’t let up. There’s thrills, shocks and heartstopping moments galore. Yet, nothing feels forced or dramatised to the extent that it’s not believable. I never had a single moment where I thought really this is going too far, because I was so invested in Kate, Hank and the team finding out what was going on.
The moments where Kate was going to announce bad news, I could feel her trepidation and felt for her. Every single twist and turn had me willing her on, hoping that she would get everything tied up (or maybe not! 😂. If you read it you’ll know why I’m amused.
I even shed tears as I thought something had happened that I was not wanting to under any circumstances.
When Mari Hannah said ‘Kate will take you on a journey’ my goodness she meant it. And I’m sticking on this ride until the end because I’m well and truly hooked. There are very few police procedurals that could really hook me in this way, but Mari Hannah is in a class of her own.
With thanks to Tracy Fenton, Orion and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
could-not-finish
December 19, 2022The first four chapters of this, the fifth book in the series, are done from four different points of view. The first is from the POV of a man who is being horribly tortured; the next three chapters show three other characters’ reactions to this horror. My own reaction was to quit reading immediately, but not soon enough. Now I just hope I can forget the pages I was able to get through.
I did not read enough to even get much of a sense of the writing style, so I won’t comment on it. All I can do is warn you that the first several scenes may make you queasy. That’s not what I want from my entertainment. Maybe you do.
Final Rating: Did not finish.
Note: I purchased the ebook version of this novel that was available on Amazon in December, 2022.
Another Note: This opinion is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel , along with information on almost 1100 other lesbian mysteries by over 350 authors.
I did not read enough to even get much of a sense of the writing style, so I won’t comment on it. All I can do is warn you that the first several scenes may make you queasy. That’s not what I want from my entertainment. Maybe you do.
Final Rating: Did not finish.
Note: I purchased the ebook version of this novel that was available on Amazon in December, 2022.
Another Note: This opinion is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel , along with information on almost 1100 other lesbian mysteries by over 350 authors.
November 12, 2023
The DCI Kate Daniels series just keeps on getting better and better with every book I read. Killing for Keeps is 438 pages of gripping detective work and gruesome discoveries at its best. Her descriptive style of writing leaves nothing to the imagination, creating images that make you squirm.
From the minute that I rad the prologue I couldn't put the book down, needing to know who,why,what and where and in usual Mari Hannah style there is something totally unexpected thrown into the mix at the end which turns everything on its head.
Coupled with Kate and Jo's relationship and how Kate is coping with work pressure, the different strands within the book weave successfully together to give the reader all aspects of Kate's life and what she is dealing with.
As usual the closing paragraph of the book has you desperately reaching for the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
Mari Hannah is definitely up there with the best crime writers I have come across and why these have not been televised yet is beyond me.
December 5, 2023
This book travels from Newcastle (which I know can be quite gloomy) to hotter climates of Spain! I loved that the first chapter set the scene foreshadowing six weeks time. This doesn’t even feel like a story introduction more like we see straight into Kate Daniel’s Nightmares.
As always, if you haven’t seen my page by now you’ll soon find out, I’m a huge Mari Hannah fan and this book did not disappoint. I keep giving them five stars and saying this one was better than the last! The knowledge we receive of police techniques in this series helps to fully immerse you in the plot - and you feel like you are actually there. The short chapters (a crime favourite of mine) draw you in and you find yourself saying oh just one more until you’ve finished the entire book!
With these books you are hooked in needing to understand why the crime has happened but also I find myself so attached to Kate’s personal progression that I love seeing where each crime (as gruesome as that sounds) will take her to next and what she will learn along that way.
As always, if you haven’t seen my page by now you’ll soon find out, I’m a huge Mari Hannah fan and this book did not disappoint. I keep giving them five stars and saying this one was better than the last! The knowledge we receive of police techniques in this series helps to fully immerse you in the plot - and you feel like you are actually there. The short chapters (a crime favourite of mine) draw you in and you find yourself saying oh just one more until you’ve finished the entire book!
With these books you are hooked in needing to understand why the crime has happened but also I find myself so attached to Kate’s personal progression that I love seeing where each crime (as gruesome as that sounds) will take her to next and what she will learn along that way.
April 8, 2024
Killing For Keeps is the fifth installment to the DCI Kate Daniels series by Hannah and definitely my favourite to date.
The Allen brothers were renowned for their criminal activity and by all means weren't the nicest people on the planet. So when both of the are found murdered, in the most horrific way possible, it falls to Kate, Hank and the team to investigate.
As the body count begins to rise Kate finds herself venturing further afield to the sunnier scenery of Spain, as the heat hots up in the race to catch the killer.
The gore count was through the roof with this one - as you can expect from gangland murders, they're never pretty - and their torture techniques are pretty much on the barbaric side.
On a personal, away from work level Kate is struggling and the Allen case slowly begins to take its toll on her mental wellbeing and she begins to feel the pressure.
Killing For Keeps is a brilliant police procedural. It's well written, has an explosive plot and a bunch of credible characters, some being more dislikable than others.
The Allen brothers were renowned for their criminal activity and by all means weren't the nicest people on the planet. So when both of the are found murdered, in the most horrific way possible, it falls to Kate, Hank and the team to investigate.
As the body count begins to rise Kate finds herself venturing further afield to the sunnier scenery of Spain, as the heat hots up in the race to catch the killer.
The gore count was through the roof with this one - as you can expect from gangland murders, they're never pretty - and their torture techniques are pretty much on the barbaric side.
On a personal, away from work level Kate is struggling and the Allen case slowly begins to take its toll on her mental wellbeing and she begins to feel the pressure.
Killing For Keeps is a brilliant police procedural. It's well written, has an explosive plot and a bunch of credible characters, some being more dislikable than others.
March 9, 2024
The fifth book in the DCI Kate Daniels series and one that definitely grabbed my attention from the first page, it totally sets the pace of the story. As the series grows, so does the strength of the characters' development. The fact that I am able to read the full series makes this all the more addictive.
Mari Hannah brings gruesome crimes, with plenty of plot twists, and I had some edge of my seat moments while reading this one, too! Kate finds herself in a vulnerable place while investigating a dangerous case. Her struggles are so visible as she lashes out at those closest to her. I wanted to give her a big hug constantly! That's how fragile I felt she was.
This is a series that's everything I love. Excellent plots, plenty of intrigue and characters that seem so real. All woven together by a master storyteller!
Thanks to Tracy Fenton and Orion Books for the gifted ebooks to write my honest review.
Mari Hannah brings gruesome crimes, with plenty of plot twists, and I had some edge of my seat moments while reading this one, too! Kate finds herself in a vulnerable place while investigating a dangerous case. Her struggles are so visible as she lashes out at those closest to her. I wanted to give her a big hug constantly! That's how fragile I felt she was.
This is a series that's everything I love. Excellent plots, plenty of intrigue and characters that seem so real. All woven together by a master storyteller!
Thanks to Tracy Fenton and Orion Books for the gifted ebooks to write my honest review.
February 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book although I feel that the the main murders story is overshadowed by:
1. Kate Daniels own health/stress and the pressure she puts herself under to solve any murder enquiry.
2. Kate’s friendship / working relationship with Hank.
3. Kate’s relationship with her Murder investigation team
4. Kate and Jo’s on/off relationship
The murder story was carefully plotted in the book and I didn’t guess that the father (Brian) was the person seeking revenge for the murders of his sons as he was meant to be dead!!!!!
I liked the walk down memory lane when Kate and Hank went to Spain to find Brian. However, I’m not sure that this part of the book is reflective of how it would work in Spain!!!!
I really really enjoyed the book 👍👍👍
1. Kate Daniels own health/stress and the pressure she puts herself under to solve any murder enquiry.
2. Kate’s friendship / working relationship with Hank.
3. Kate’s relationship with her Murder investigation team
4. Kate and Jo’s on/off relationship
The murder story was carefully plotted in the book and I didn’t guess that the father (Brian) was the person seeking revenge for the murders of his sons as he was meant to be dead!!!!!
I liked the walk down memory lane when Kate and Hank went to Spain to find Brian. However, I’m not sure that this part of the book is reflective of how it would work in Spain!!!!
I really really enjoyed the book 👍👍👍
December 3, 2023
Hello again, this review is for book 5 in the special #TeamDaniels project, I think you’ll agree that this series just keeps on getting better and better.
I’ve said it before but this series really is the most realistic Detective Series that I’ve read and I’ve read a hell of a lot.
This case starts with a body that’s been left in the most horrific way you could possibly imagine, it even shocks Kate and Hank if you can believe that.
This one was so gritty and dark but also addictive from a reader’s perspective.
Out of all the books I’ve read so far in this series I think it was the one that took the most out of Kate and made her not at the top of her game like she usually is.
This is definitely my favourite of the series so far but I’ve got a few more to go yet so that might change.
I’ve said it before but this series really is the most realistic Detective Series that I’ve read and I’ve read a hell of a lot.
This case starts with a body that’s been left in the most horrific way you could possibly imagine, it even shocks Kate and Hank if you can believe that.
This one was so gritty and dark but also addictive from a reader’s perspective.
Out of all the books I’ve read so far in this series I think it was the one that took the most out of Kate and made her not at the top of her game like she usually is.
This is definitely my favourite of the series so far but I’ve got a few more to go yet so that might change.
November 24, 2023
Holy Moly! Just when you think this series can’t get any better in comes book 5 featuring DCI Kate Daniels. Far darker than the previous books & gorier too, so right up my street.
Kate is working too hard, her temper & judgement are starting to waiver. Three gangland villains are murdered & Kate is determined that justice is served. Gormley, her work husband, can see that she is struggling but his loyalty is unwavering unless food is involved of course.
A slight ‘travelogue’ feel to this one with even sun-drenched Spain featuring in some excellent setting descriptions. I have no idea where the next book will take me, hopefully Kate on a more even keel, who knows?
Kate is working too hard, her temper & judgement are starting to waiver. Three gangland villains are murdered & Kate is determined that justice is served. Gormley, her work husband, can see that she is struggling but his loyalty is unwavering unless food is involved of course.
A slight ‘travelogue’ feel to this one with even sun-drenched Spain featuring in some excellent setting descriptions. I have no idea where the next book will take me, hopefully Kate on a more even keel, who knows?
May 26, 2025
This book had a brilliant start and a solid end but somewhere in the middle it drifted. I do like the main characters to have a back story but Kate's just makes the book seem long winded - it's the same in every book. I also cannot take to Jo Soulsby she's very much a one dimensional character and brings nothing to the story other than to distract the reader with the on/off relationship with Kate. The actual plot is good and interesting but this didn't need to be 438 pages long - sometimes less is more
May 10, 2020
The Mari Hannah books are ‘can’t put it down crime thrillers’ and what an imagination she has. I’ve never come across such unique and gruesome deaths. Whereas most murders are quite dull and boring in reality, this certainly makes you think about the how the minds of fictional killers tick and the nature of revenge.
October 31, 2020
I always enjoy reading Mari Hannah’s series featuring DCI Kate Daniels. Hannah provides just the right of plot, nothing too convoluted; her characters have backstories which inform but don’t monopolise the story; and there’s enough pace to quicken my breath but not let me feel like I spent a few days reading trash. Worth trying out if you like detective fiction.
March 5, 2023
3.5 stars for a series I usually love.
The fifth instalment of the DCI Kate Daniels series wasn't as gripping as usual. As Kate delves deeper into her case, she discovers a complex web of deceit and corruption that threatens to unravel the investigation.
Hannah skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, but I didn't find this book as suspenseful and engaging as the first four novels featuring the DCI. My issue may be more with the characters than the story's intrigue.
A standout, though, remains the setting. Hannah expertly captures the beauty and isolation of the Northumberland countryside while highlighting the area's economic struggles and social issues, a rich backdrop for the story!
A satisfying read but maybe not a must-read for this particular series.
The fifth instalment of the DCI Kate Daniels series wasn't as gripping as usual. As Kate delves deeper into her case, she discovers a complex web of deceit and corruption that threatens to unravel the investigation.
Hannah skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, but I didn't find this book as suspenseful and engaging as the first four novels featuring the DCI. My issue may be more with the characters than the story's intrigue.
A standout, though, remains the setting. Hannah expertly captures the beauty and isolation of the Northumberland countryside while highlighting the area's economic struggles and social issues, a rich backdrop for the story!
A satisfying read but maybe not a must-read for this particular series.
August 22, 2019
Great reading
Keeps you going from start to finish. Gripping crime series so far. Also excellent that it is set arkjns Newcastle and Scottish borders, as a Geordie i can picture all the streets etc and places they go to,makes me mis my hometown .
Keeps you going from start to finish. Gripping crime series so far. Also excellent that it is set arkjns Newcastle and Scottish borders, as a Geordie i can picture all the streets etc and places they go to,makes me mis my hometown .
December 14, 2019
Honestly about half way through I got thoroughly fed up with bloody KateDaniels and her yes/no love life, her ridiculous over commitment to her work, her tiredness because of it and the mandatory maverick tendencies of cops in fiction.
Still, if you want an action packed read, it’s all of that!
Still, if you want an action packed read, it’s all of that!
February 9, 2021
This book started off very well and I thought it was going to continue throughout. Unfortunately I lost interest, I did not particularly like DCI Kate Daniels as a person, or the way she carried out her role. I have given 2 stars, maybe would have given two and a half. Disappointed with the book
April 7, 2024
Quite enjoying this series, but need a break from Noir for now.
This time Kate and Hank manage to not only leave Northumberland but spend time searching for the baddies in two other countries (Spain and Scotland). The book is good but the murders are somewhat blood thirsty
This time Kate and Hank manage to not only leave Northumberland but spend time searching for the baddies in two other countries (Spain and Scotland). The book is good but the murders are somewhat blood thirsty
February 14, 2018
Good book in the end with nail biting scenes! Nice to catch up in the Kate Daniels series. Look forward to the next instalment. Hopefully others by Mari in the coming months.
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