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The Accidental Detective
Loner. Lawbreaker. Bad girl. These all describe Hannah Tree, but she never expected to add private detective to the list...
Serving a minor prison sentence isn’t the usual training for becoming a private investigator. But Hannah’s new mentor Gloria Starr, a statuesque trans woman, convinces Hannah to turn her obsession with justice into a business.
Hannah’s first case is simple. A routine check on a client’s spouse, a judge whose wife is worried about him. Gloria suspects he might be a member of the mysterious “Friday Night Club”. Everything changes when Hannah sees her father entering the club.
Something sinister is happening that not all the members know about. Determined to uncover the truth, Hannah discovers that some secrets are deadly. But she’s waited her entire life to bring her father to justice, and she’s not going to stop now. Even if it's the last thing she'll do.
Serving a minor prison sentence isn’t the usual training for becoming a private investigator. But Hannah’s new mentor Gloria Starr, a statuesque trans woman, convinces Hannah to turn her obsession with justice into a business.
Hannah’s first case is simple. A routine check on a client’s spouse, a judge whose wife is worried about him. Gloria suspects he might be a member of the mysterious “Friday Night Club”. Everything changes when Hannah sees her father entering the club.
Something sinister is happening that not all the members know about. Determined to uncover the truth, Hannah discovers that some secrets are deadly. But she’s waited her entire life to bring her father to justice, and she’s not going to stop now. Even if it's the last thing she'll do.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 9, 2025
Serving time for a minor offence, Hannah Tree meets the flamboyant Gloria Starr in a mental health facility. When Gloria offers Hannah a job and a place to live, she also suggests a second career: investigator. But Hannah's first case, a simple surveillance, leads her into a dangerous world where she'll need all the help her newfound friends can give.
This was a rollercoaster ride of a story! Hannah is so compelling, and the rest of the cast is just as amazing. I couldn't put the book down, and so, I'm writing this review after midnight.
Be warned, this is a thriller. Some scenes are not for the faint of heart.
This was a rollercoaster ride of a story! Hannah is so compelling, and the rest of the cast is just as amazing. I couldn't put the book down, and so, I'm writing this review after midnight.
Be warned, this is a thriller. Some scenes are not for the faint of heart.
September 20, 2025
Whoo this was a good book, a disturbing yet thrilling ride with a lot of physical violence along the way. This is an Australian author and I have no idea how the justice system works over there so this is rather an eye-opener for me, I actually thought this was yet another american crime book as there was mention of dollars and senior sergeants, although I havent't heard that in american books!
Young uppity Hannah Tree is in some sort of mental place and meets a transgender gal called Gloria Starr who runs a sort of theatre cum dance club for other transgender men. I have no idea why either of them is in there but they are both let out and Gloria gives Hannah her phone number and says look me up. She does and that's when she decides to add becoming a detective to her skillset as she's discovered that her father, who was into raping her when she was quite young, was hanging out at a place full of men who liked both girls and boys and violence and even murder seemed rife amongst them, and add other grizzly things which explains how some youths living on the street were missing...
Hannah garners a team around her of other street misfits like herself and they work surprisingly well. There are sub stories amongst this but you can read them for yourselves but warning there is a far bit of violence in this story and the ending is a tad horrible. But the ending does take a turn for the better as Hannah turns out to be rather good at this detection lark and thinks she will carry on being a private detective and saving young people's lives into the bargain.
Good book but not for the faint hearted as the descriptions of violence leave a bit to be desired but it shows how Hannah is used to fighting for her life on the streets and this is just a continuation of that, plus she really does deep down care for those young people who are living on the streets because it is better than home, and better in some cases than living in a sheltered place for the homeless... I really liked the misfits she gathered around her who went to amazing lengths to help her find the murderers of young people. I would like to read more of Hannah Tree's escapades! In fact I've just bought all of the series on Amazon!!
Young uppity Hannah Tree is in some sort of mental place and meets a transgender gal called Gloria Starr who runs a sort of theatre cum dance club for other transgender men. I have no idea why either of them is in there but they are both let out and Gloria gives Hannah her phone number and says look me up. She does and that's when she decides to add becoming a detective to her skillset as she's discovered that her father, who was into raping her when she was quite young, was hanging out at a place full of men who liked both girls and boys and violence and even murder seemed rife amongst them, and add other grizzly things which explains how some youths living on the street were missing...
Hannah garners a team around her of other street misfits like herself and they work surprisingly well. There are sub stories amongst this but you can read them for yourselves but warning there is a far bit of violence in this story and the ending is a tad horrible. But the ending does take a turn for the better as Hannah turns out to be rather good at this detection lark and thinks she will carry on being a private detective and saving young people's lives into the bargain.
Good book but not for the faint hearted as the descriptions of violence leave a bit to be desired but it shows how Hannah is used to fighting for her life on the streets and this is just a continuation of that, plus she really does deep down care for those young people who are living on the streets because it is better than home, and better in some cases than living in a sheltered place for the homeless... I really liked the misfits she gathered around her who went to amazing lengths to help her find the murderers of young people. I would like to read more of Hannah Tree's escapades! In fact I've just bought all of the series on Amazon!!
February 1, 2026
3.5 stars. While I did enjoy the adventures of Hannah Tree, I felt a little off balance throughout the whole book. I could not orient myself to time and place, and it took quite a while for me to realize it was neither an American or British place. The subject matter is a little disturbing, but it is not a serious police procedural. Hannah is a street kid from a wealthy family who finds herself in a psychiatric hospital ordered by the court. There she meets Gloria Starr, a flamboyant drag queen trans wannabe who gives her a job and a place to stay upon her release. Hannah takes on cases to get justice for those unable to do it themselves. She assembles a rag tag crew, and work together. This was a little over the top...Hannah is able to figure out what is happening to some street kids, what a homeless shelter has to do with that and with a Gay Bar that has evolved into something more sinitster and break up a pornography ring, all the while being kidnapped twice, beaten and left for dead. Too much is going on for this to be even a bit believable.
August 23, 2026
I generally don't read Australian authors because Australian settings don't usually appeal to me, but I picked this book up by mistake and I'm really glad I did. It was a refreshing change and had a genuinely original storyline.
The characters were fun, endearing, and easy to connect with. The author provided enough detail for me to form a clear picture of each character and really visualise them within the story. I could easily picture the theatre and the characters on stage, and Gloria was definitely a standout for me.
Although the story contained some heavier subject matter, the author handled it with tact and descriptive detail without becoming excessive or uncomfortable. The writing was well done, the pacing was consistent, and the small amount of romance was well placed and didn't overwhelm the main story.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read. I would happily continue with the series, particularly if the main characters remain involved. A pleasant surprise and a book I'd recommend.
The characters were fun, endearing, and easy to connect with. The author provided enough detail for me to form a clear picture of each character and really visualise them within the story. I could easily picture the theatre and the characters on stage, and Gloria was definitely a standout for me.
Although the story contained some heavier subject matter, the author handled it with tact and descriptive detail without becoming excessive or uncomfortable. The writing was well done, the pacing was consistent, and the small amount of romance was well placed and didn't overwhelm the main story.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read. I would happily continue with the series, particularly if the main characters remain involved. A pleasant surprise and a book I'd recommend.
July 18, 2026
A solid story with compelling characters and unexpected twists and turns. The plot was huge and it was a lot of detail that kept getting bigger and bigger. I did like the ending.
Hannah, the accidental detective, was shaped by abuse suffered as a child. She developed into a hard-shelled young woman who would as soon spit at you than take any pity. Despite her experience living in the dregs, she still has a little naivety about how things work outside of her view of the world. She is literally saved by Gloria, a transgender force of a woman, who sees something in Hannah and decides to befriend her. Under Gloria's mentoring, Hannah begins to transform into someone who begins to learn that she can trust and that it takes a team to really win.
Oliver kept me engaged with the story despite the rather large plot. She managed to tie up all the various strings which is impressive. I would read her next in the series.
Hannah, the accidental detective, was shaped by abuse suffered as a child. She developed into a hard-shelled young woman who would as soon spit at you than take any pity. Despite her experience living in the dregs, she still has a little naivety about how things work outside of her view of the world. She is literally saved by Gloria, a transgender force of a woman, who sees something in Hannah and decides to befriend her. Under Gloria's mentoring, Hannah begins to transform into someone who begins to learn that she can trust and that it takes a team to really win.
Oliver kept me engaged with the story despite the rather large plot. She managed to tie up all the various strings which is impressive. I would read her next in the series.
August 11, 2026
Many twists and turns
This book was unlike any other book I've ever read. After reading it for a few chapters I decided it wasnt "my mind of book" but i'd pick it up and read more. When I got to the half of the book I decided I'd read it to the end. And I did! The main character was in a psychiatric facility and was hiding her time to be released. Then she met various people, the main one being a transvestite who asked her for help in finding her daughter because she figured she could find her because she had spunk. Long story with many characters but definitely worth the time to read. Get it, read it!!
This book was unlike any other book I've ever read. After reading it for a few chapters I decided it wasnt "my mind of book" but i'd pick it up and read more. When I got to the half of the book I decided I'd read it to the end. And I did! The main character was in a psychiatric facility and was hiding her time to be released. Then she met various people, the main one being a transvestite who asked her for help in finding her daughter because she figured she could find her because she had spunk. Long story with many characters but definitely worth the time to read. Get it, read it!!
June 19, 2026
A Gripping Read
I wasn’t sure if I would like this story. But…. I did. Oliver got my attention quickly and once I figured out what was happening, I had difficulty not continuing to read, even when I had lots to do. This is a good read and one I certainly recommend. Thanks Deirdre Oliver.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this story. But…. I did. Oliver got my attention quickly and once I figured out what was happening, I had difficulty not continuing to read, even when I had lots to do. This is a good read and one I certainly recommend. Thanks Deirdre Oliver.
June 21, 2026
Captivating
Hannah Tree, my, what a chip this young lady has on her shoulder! Abused as a child, followed by years on the street is not the way to grow up. Happenstance forges a path for her as she is released from custody, she finds a molds a new life and the downtrodden are all the better for it. It was a surprise to me to enjoy so much about this novel!
Hannah Tree, my, what a chip this young lady has on her shoulder! Abused as a child, followed by years on the street is not the way to grow up. Happenstance forges a path for her as she is released from custody, she finds a molds a new life and the downtrodden are all the better for it. It was a surprise to me to enjoy so much about this novel!
October 2, 2025
excellent book
Immediately planning to look up her other stories. It was very well written from all the different character perspectives. I am extremely happy to have found a new writer.
Immediately planning to look up her other stories. It was very well written from all the different character perspectives. I am extremely happy to have found a new writer.
January 14, 2026
Wow. Will definitely be reading the whole series. Hannah is such a fun character, with her whole band of helpers who play such niche roles in her investigation. My only qualm was the romance between Hannah and Nick was very cliché.
September 19, 2025
Different and addictive
Not my usual type of book however I really enjoyed this book. Interesting characters with a very good plot and well written. Quirky but enjoyable
Not my usual type of book however I really enjoyed this book. Interesting characters with a very good plot and well written. Quirky but enjoyable
November 14, 2025
Excellent
An amazing story line written and handled with extreme care of a situation that sadly and devastatingly happens.
I will definitely read the next book 2
An amazing story line written and handled with extreme care of a situation that sadly and devastatingly happens.
I will definitely read the next book 2
November 30, 2025
This was a good book to read and keep reading without putting it down.
January 7, 2026
This was fun. A different kind of detective novel; a little gory at times. But I liked the fun characters.
March 12, 2026
Great book
I love the action, twists, and turns. The humor is off beat. I highly recommend this book to true mystery aficionados.
I love the action, twists, and turns. The humor is off beat. I highly recommend this book to true mystery aficionados.
March 27, 2026
A bit hard to begin reading but once all characters were introduced I couldn't put it down! This would make an awesome movie or mini series! Fair dinkum
April 15, 2026
Excellent read
I would recommend this book as a great read. Characters with a difference, the good people are also flawed. Couldn't put it down. And I wish I knew Gloria too.
I would recommend this book as a great read. Characters with a difference, the good people are also flawed. Couldn't put it down. And I wish I knew Gloria too.
April 23, 2026
Excellent read.....
......so enjoyed this book, I now want to read the next instalments which is exactly what a book should do, thank you for your writing.
......so enjoyed this book, I now want to read the next instalments which is exactly what a book should do, thank you for your writing.
June 2, 2026
surprising
Very different, fun, exciting, and deadly serious. Brilliantly described characters. Well done. This is a series I will definitely follow.
Very different, fun, exciting, and deadly serious. Brilliantly described characters. Well done. This is a series I will definitely follow.
June 8, 2026
I almost filed this under did not finish, but I decided to give it a few more chapters...I'm glad I did!
June 25, 2026
What a fun read!
I couldn't put it down, Stephanie Plum has met her match! Take an afternoon for yourself and enjoy meeting Hannah and Gloria.
Can't wait to start the next book!
I couldn't put it down, Stephanie Plum has met her match! Take an afternoon for yourself and enjoy meeting Hannah and Gloria.
Can't wait to start the next book!
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September 3, 2026Uniquely different detective series!
Great story! Really enjoyed reading about justice being served to those who needed it. Can't wait to read the next novel.
Great story! Really enjoyed reading about justice being served to those who needed it. Can't wait to read the next novel.
January 15, 2026
Gotta love Hannah, a cranky boots in search of justice. I immediately bought the rest of the books in the series and this will be my treat for January. I needed a pick-me-up!
July 14, 2026
At first I did not like the Accidental Detective because of the unfamiliar pattern of talk (to me). Finally got into the rhythm of it . Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery with colorful relatable characters.
Very often made the mental error of thinking of the book's title being The Accidental Tourist a favorite movie of mine starring William Hurt
Very often made the mental error of thinking of the book's title being The Accidental Tourist a favorite movie of mine starring William Hurt
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews