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DCI Kate Daniels #4
Monument to Murder
When skeletal remains are found beneath the fortified walls of an ancient castle on Northumberland’s rugged coastline, DCI Kate Daniels calls on a forensic anthropologist to help identify the corpse.
Meanwhile, newly widowed prison psychologist Emily McCann finds herself drawn into the fantasy of convicted sex offender, Walter Fearon. As his mind games become more and more intense, is it possible that Daniels’ case has something to do with his murderous past? With his release imminent, what exactly does he have in mind for Emily?
As Daniels encounters dead end after dead end and the body count rises, it soon becomes apparent that someone is hiding more than one deadly secret...
Meanwhile, newly widowed prison psychologist Emily McCann finds herself drawn into the fantasy of convicted sex offender, Walter Fearon. As his mind games become more and more intense, is it possible that Daniels’ case has something to do with his murderous past? With his release imminent, what exactly does he have in mind for Emily?
As Daniels encounters dead end after dead end and the body count rises, it soon becomes apparent that someone is hiding more than one deadly secret...
469 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2013
57 people are currently reading
375 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 76 reviews
November 2, 2023
“Monument to Murder” is the fourth in Mari Hannah’s ‘DCI Kate Daniels’ series set in North East England and is my favourite one so far. Although I have immensely enjoyed the previous three, the premise, the setting and the continued development of the characters in this book, made this for me more than a five star read, I enjoyed reading it so much.
Set in and around the iconic Bamburgh Castle and its wild and weather beaten coastline, gave this story a sinister backdrop, especially with the discovery of skeletal remains and their manner of burial. Living myself in the North East, I always enjoy books set in my local area and it was an added enjoyment to be able to relate to the areas mentioned.
Once again Kate’s private life is still in turmoil but I was pleased to read that this thread was given more scenes and I’m hoping in the coming books she finally gets to be happy in her chosen relationship, she’s a wonderfully developed character, a fantastic police detective and a really nice person. Her working relationship with her sergeant Hank Gormley is a delight to read and their camaraderie lightens the often dark theme of the books.
All in all, another brilliant instalment in an engaging and addictive series of police procedurals that I wholeheartedly recommend to crime readers young and old.
#MonumentToMurder - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set in and around the iconic Bamburgh Castle and its wild and weather beaten coastline, gave this story a sinister backdrop, especially with the discovery of skeletal remains and their manner of burial. Living myself in the North East, I always enjoy books set in my local area and it was an added enjoyment to be able to relate to the areas mentioned.
Once again Kate’s private life is still in turmoil but I was pleased to read that this thread was given more scenes and I’m hoping in the coming books she finally gets to be happy in her chosen relationship, she’s a wonderfully developed character, a fantastic police detective and a really nice person. Her working relationship with her sergeant Hank Gormley is a delight to read and their camaraderie lightens the often dark theme of the books.
All in all, another brilliant instalment in an engaging and addictive series of police procedurals that I wholeheartedly recommend to crime readers young and old.
#MonumentToMurder - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 6, 2020
4th in the excellent Kate Daniels series, at moments the tension was such that I found it nearly unbearable to read but read I did, the sign of great crime writing.
February 19, 2019
The next in the DCI Kate Daniels series. I quite enjoyed it, plenty going on with the story, which I have to admit I thought was a tad too long. However I didn’t figure out who dunnit until just before we were told. Description of the scenery I especially liked, as I live in this region.
July 7, 2015
Such a beautiful location for the most chilling of crimes. On the beaches at Bamburgh, a grisly discovery has been made..
The notion that Bamburgh Castle or Holy Island – two of the most revered places in Northumberland – could be some kind of macabre monument to murder stunning them into silence.
Bamburgh beach and castle is definitely worth a visit and it sits on a craggy rock with lovely views of the surrounding area and coastline. Most of the action takes place here and in the village of Bamburgh itself.
It’s here, in the middle of winter, that the chills come thick and fast and its’s not just the snow that’s the problem. The team are forced to set up their investigation room in a B and B in Alnwick since the roads back to Newcastle are so bad.
The two bodies found under the sands, buried with certain items which will become central to the investigation and possibly the clues for the murders.
Kate’s team has a tough job on their hands and its a long and complicated task ahead. The team is as solid as ever but cracks are starting to show, so the newest members of the team are welcome additions. Kate does not have it easy either at work or in her personal life and her stress levels are through the roof. The investigation is like the sand on the beach - so many grains, hidden items, new things to discover and red herrings scattered all over. But what do the sands of time hide?
Although Bamburgh is the focus, other places are mentioned such as Felton and up near the River Coquet where Emma lives. Oh a birthday meal in the Black Bull pub in Corbridge where Kate grew up. Not forgetting Acklington prison (HMP Northumberland). Bamburgh is the star of the show so to speak and it shines as a setting and a remote landscape for murder and intrigue.
To see Mari Hannah’s Northumberland - in fact to see Kate Daniels Northumberland, take a tour around Bamburgh and see the majestic castle, its view of Holy Island, the desolate but stunning beaches and stand on the dunes like Kate and Hank would have done, feeling the nip in the air and the rough sea fret on your face.
This novel - the fourth one in an increasing good series. If the location adds a gritty chilling realism to the plot, then the level of suspense is the connecting story involving Emily McCann who is a female psychologist, Emily McCann. The scenes involving her within the prison with a more than your usual twisted sex offender were some of the creepiest I have read in a while. It was the ‘what was happening between the lines’ which got me. Brrrr.
I really felt as if I got to know Kate Daniels in this novel. She’s got a lot on her plate what with her personal life unravelling and the sparks which are evident in her scenes with Jo. There are further demands within the police team and Kate is a lot more on edge a lot of the time. I started to see just how many plates this lady juggles! Emily McCann is another standout character here and her backstory is one of despair and upset and I understood a different role within the prison service by her development.
Captivating, Creepy and disturbing but very very gritty and real.
Kate Daniels is going from strength to strength.
The notion that Bamburgh Castle or Holy Island – two of the most revered places in Northumberland – could be some kind of macabre monument to murder stunning them into silence.
Bamburgh beach and castle is definitely worth a visit and it sits on a craggy rock with lovely views of the surrounding area and coastline. Most of the action takes place here and in the village of Bamburgh itself.
It’s here, in the middle of winter, that the chills come thick and fast and its’s not just the snow that’s the problem. The team are forced to set up their investigation room in a B and B in Alnwick since the roads back to Newcastle are so bad.
The two bodies found under the sands, buried with certain items which will become central to the investigation and possibly the clues for the murders.
Kate’s team has a tough job on their hands and its a long and complicated task ahead. The team is as solid as ever but cracks are starting to show, so the newest members of the team are welcome additions. Kate does not have it easy either at work or in her personal life and her stress levels are through the roof. The investigation is like the sand on the beach - so many grains, hidden items, new things to discover and red herrings scattered all over. But what do the sands of time hide?
Although Bamburgh is the focus, other places are mentioned such as Felton and up near the River Coquet where Emma lives. Oh a birthday meal in the Black Bull pub in Corbridge where Kate grew up. Not forgetting Acklington prison (HMP Northumberland). Bamburgh is the star of the show so to speak and it shines as a setting and a remote landscape for murder and intrigue.
To see Mari Hannah’s Northumberland - in fact to see Kate Daniels Northumberland, take a tour around Bamburgh and see the majestic castle, its view of Holy Island, the desolate but stunning beaches and stand on the dunes like Kate and Hank would have done, feeling the nip in the air and the rough sea fret on your face.
This novel - the fourth one in an increasing good series. If the location adds a gritty chilling realism to the plot, then the level of suspense is the connecting story involving Emily McCann who is a female psychologist, Emily McCann. The scenes involving her within the prison with a more than your usual twisted sex offender were some of the creepiest I have read in a while. It was the ‘what was happening between the lines’ which got me. Brrrr.
I really felt as if I got to know Kate Daniels in this novel. She’s got a lot on her plate what with her personal life unravelling and the sparks which are evident in her scenes with Jo. There are further demands within the police team and Kate is a lot more on edge a lot of the time. I started to see just how many plates this lady juggles! Emily McCann is another standout character here and her backstory is one of despair and upset and I understood a different role within the prison service by her development.
Captivating, Creepy and disturbing but very very gritty and real.
Kate Daniels is going from strength to strength.
March 16, 2015
Crime Thriller set in NORTHUMBERLAND, UK
“The surf was pounding the shore, great white waves rolling further and further inland before being absorbed into the sand”
This is the fourth in the DCI Kate Daniels series, set this time along the coastal areas of north Northumberland, mainly Bamburgh, down to Low Newton-by-the-Sea and Alnwick.
Britain’s northerly and least populated county is in the grip of Winter, snow showers have forced the investigating team to set up an investigation room in a B & B in Alnwick, as they look into the discovery of the skeletons of two young females, buried within spitting distance of the imposing, fairy tale castle at Bamburgh, overlooked by Holy Island. At the time of burial, both girls had been dressed in specific clothing, and certain items are to become key to the investigation…. it almost seems like there is a devotional element in the way the bodies have been buried in the sand.
Meanwhile, over at HMP Northumberland Emily McCann is getting back to her work in the psychological services of the prison, having had time off to mourn the death of her husband Robert. At home her daughter Rachel has responded to her father’s death in a way that has caused her mother great concern – Rachel has closed down, become erratic and secretive, they just cannot communicate and be supportive to each other at this difficult time. At the prison, Emily is becoming increasingly alarmed by the behaviour of Walter Fearon, a prisoner who is due to be released, but who has pronounced psychopathic tendencies; his beady focus is on her. Will anyone take her seriously?
Kate’s team is hard pressed to make sense of the burials, Nominal 1 and Nominal 2 (we learn that only the media refer to older, unsolved cases as “cold cases”), but the team, under Kate’s direction, pulls together well. A couple of new members and old stalwarts all bring skills to the investigation. But Kate’s focus is not only on this investigation, she is also struggling with the unresolved ending of her personal relationship with Jo Soulsby (is the lingering flame sufficient to reignite the relationship?), and she is hard pressed to offer her friend Emily her support, who seems to be losing the plot. Kate is overwhelmed by the demands of her work, her frantic lifestyle as a DCI is palpable. The fast pace of developments and dead ends keep the reader engrossed as the story develops. Find out how the two storylines dovetail….
“The surf was pounding the shore, great white waves rolling further and further inland before being absorbed into the sand”
This is the fourth in the DCI Kate Daniels series, set this time along the coastal areas of north Northumberland, mainly Bamburgh, down to Low Newton-by-the-Sea and Alnwick.
Britain’s northerly and least populated county is in the grip of Winter, snow showers have forced the investigating team to set up an investigation room in a B & B in Alnwick, as they look into the discovery of the skeletons of two young females, buried within spitting distance of the imposing, fairy tale castle at Bamburgh, overlooked by Holy Island. At the time of burial, both girls had been dressed in specific clothing, and certain items are to become key to the investigation…. it almost seems like there is a devotional element in the way the bodies have been buried in the sand.
Meanwhile, over at HMP Northumberland Emily McCann is getting back to her work in the psychological services of the prison, having had time off to mourn the death of her husband Robert. At home her daughter Rachel has responded to her father’s death in a way that has caused her mother great concern – Rachel has closed down, become erratic and secretive, they just cannot communicate and be supportive to each other at this difficult time. At the prison, Emily is becoming increasingly alarmed by the behaviour of Walter Fearon, a prisoner who is due to be released, but who has pronounced psychopathic tendencies; his beady focus is on her. Will anyone take her seriously?
Kate’s team is hard pressed to make sense of the burials, Nominal 1 and Nominal 2 (we learn that only the media refer to older, unsolved cases as “cold cases”), but the team, under Kate’s direction, pulls together well. A couple of new members and old stalwarts all bring skills to the investigation. But Kate’s focus is not only on this investigation, she is also struggling with the unresolved ending of her personal relationship with Jo Soulsby (is the lingering flame sufficient to reignite the relationship?), and she is hard pressed to offer her friend Emily her support, who seems to be losing the plot. Kate is overwhelmed by the demands of her work, her frantic lifestyle as a DCI is palpable. The fast pace of developments and dead ends keep the reader engrossed as the story develops. Find out how the two storylines dovetail….
March 28, 2018
Once again Hannah delivers a thrilling page-turner that I couldn’t put down. Seemingly unconnected murder cases coalesce into a complicated and terrifying search for victims and perpetrators that stretch Kate Daniels’s team to the limit. Hannah is brilliant at describing the inter-relations between police personnel and other authorities and she does so with a humanity that is sometimes lacking from other writers. Her writing is rooted in the north and as such has a warmth and attractiveness that draws you into her world. This makes the murder scenes all the more shocking (as they should be) and adds to the experience of reading her work. As with her other books, Monument to Murder also finds Kate Daniels getting ever closer to her ex Jo Soulsby. I do hope they are an item again before too long. They are made for each other. A bit like Mari Hannah and crime writing really. Top notch stuff.
May 5, 2018
This is a frustrating read for me as a born and bred Northumbrian. Don't try to write a regional narrative if you have no idea how the locals actually speak. This might be a problem with Hannah's dialogue writing more than ignorance though - while the case is engaging (until the end, which is completely empty and unsatisfying) the dialogue is contrived, cliche, and just... not how humans talk. It's like Hannah threw lines from 80's cop sitcoms into a hat and pulled them out at random when the characters were speaking.
The characters were also inconsistent and bland. I couldn't tell the difference between Kate, Jo and Emily for a while. There's no depth to any of them - not even the antagonists. Crime narratives don't work if you feel neutral about the characters. You have to want the protagonist to use their knowledge and wit to catch the killer, and you want the killer to be disgusting so it feels satisfying when they're caught. There's none of that present here.
The characters were also inconsistent and bland. I couldn't tell the difference between Kate, Jo and Emily for a while. There's no depth to any of them - not even the antagonists. Crime narratives don't work if you feel neutral about the characters. You have to want the protagonist to use their knowledge and wit to catch the killer, and you want the killer to be disgusting so it feels satisfying when they're caught. There's none of that present here.
January 4, 2024
Skeletal remains are found at a beauty spot on the coast close to Bambrough Castle. With so little to go on DCI Kate Daniels enlists the help of a forensic anthropologist to help with the identification. It transpires that the bones are those of a young girl of around 10-year-old, which surprises Kate as the fragments of clothing remains seem to indicate someone much older. Further excavations reveal another skeleton, this one being a girl of around 15-year-old, likely as not the same killer, but these bodies have been buried years apart, making it an unusual deposition site. One connection appears to be a string of fake toy pearls included with the skeletons, which spark a memory in Kate’s past, she is familiar with these pearls.
Jo Soulsby has taken the research position at the local prison, HMP Northumberland, but it is far from reaching her level of expectations, leaving her frustrated. She is beginning to realise that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere and misses her involvement with police investigations.
Meanwhile Jo’s old friend and prison psychologist Emily McCann is also having a tough time. She is recently widowed and her 19-year-old daughter is struggling to come to terms with their loss. After a period of compassionate leave, she is determined to return to work, but it is a baptism of fire. Convicted sex offender Walter Fearon has become obsessed with Emily and is determined to play sick mind games with her. He is due to be released soon, coinciding with an escalation in his behaviour, leading Emily to worry what he has in mind if he is released. Something she wants to prevent.
The plot has two distinct strands, the procedural investigation into the murdered girls and the psychological mind games being played out “within these walls” at the prison.
The procedural side manages to capture the difficulties and frustrations faced by officers, struggling to identify remains that are just skeletons, without becoming dull. We see the importance of being tenacious and chasing down any possible lead no matter how remote it at first appears. Of course, luck plays its part, we all need a bit of luck, but it is the skill and perception to identify the opportunities that this can present.
The psychological strand is quite disturbing as we see a confined man with little to do other than formulate foul plans in the hope of living out sick fantasies. Truly a case of the devil making work for idle hands. This provides a great counterpoint to the procedural side of the story, injecting action and jeopardy along with a big dollop of creepiness.
For a series that thrives on strong female roles, Emily is somewhat weak and vulnerable, which is a little surprising for a prison psychologist who deals with the disturbed and disturbing. It is however a great example of the cumulative effects on an individual’s psyche, where even the mentally strong can be stressed to breaking point. There is a lesson for us all here, coping mechanisms will become overwhelmed. Emily’s fears are only too real and faced by many women the world over, here she is fortunate to have the support of strong friends in Jo and Kate.
The team all have their parts to play, though in this story Hank takes more of a backseat. The investigation crosses constabulary borders and we meet a keen young officer who makes an immediate impact on Kate and Hank, so I think we will be hearing more from her. It is important to include new blood into any new series to keep it fresh.
Jo and Kate’s relationship continues to stutter, the friction between to two provides some great sexual tension, but as always with these situations realistically it must become resolved at some point. The big question is how much this resolution will impact the overall dynamic.
Monument to Murder is a great police procedural that examines the corrosive effects of excessive grief on people.
Jo Soulsby has taken the research position at the local prison, HMP Northumberland, but it is far from reaching her level of expectations, leaving her frustrated. She is beginning to realise that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere and misses her involvement with police investigations.
Meanwhile Jo’s old friend and prison psychologist Emily McCann is also having a tough time. She is recently widowed and her 19-year-old daughter is struggling to come to terms with their loss. After a period of compassionate leave, she is determined to return to work, but it is a baptism of fire. Convicted sex offender Walter Fearon has become obsessed with Emily and is determined to play sick mind games with her. He is due to be released soon, coinciding with an escalation in his behaviour, leading Emily to worry what he has in mind if he is released. Something she wants to prevent.
The plot has two distinct strands, the procedural investigation into the murdered girls and the psychological mind games being played out “within these walls” at the prison.
The procedural side manages to capture the difficulties and frustrations faced by officers, struggling to identify remains that are just skeletons, without becoming dull. We see the importance of being tenacious and chasing down any possible lead no matter how remote it at first appears. Of course, luck plays its part, we all need a bit of luck, but it is the skill and perception to identify the opportunities that this can present.
The psychological strand is quite disturbing as we see a confined man with little to do other than formulate foul plans in the hope of living out sick fantasies. Truly a case of the devil making work for idle hands. This provides a great counterpoint to the procedural side of the story, injecting action and jeopardy along with a big dollop of creepiness.
For a series that thrives on strong female roles, Emily is somewhat weak and vulnerable, which is a little surprising for a prison psychologist who deals with the disturbed and disturbing. It is however a great example of the cumulative effects on an individual’s psyche, where even the mentally strong can be stressed to breaking point. There is a lesson for us all here, coping mechanisms will become overwhelmed. Emily’s fears are only too real and faced by many women the world over, here she is fortunate to have the support of strong friends in Jo and Kate.
The team all have their parts to play, though in this story Hank takes more of a backseat. The investigation crosses constabulary borders and we meet a keen young officer who makes an immediate impact on Kate and Hank, so I think we will be hearing more from her. It is important to include new blood into any new series to keep it fresh.
Jo and Kate’s relationship continues to stutter, the friction between to two provides some great sexual tension, but as always with these situations realistically it must become resolved at some point. The big question is how much this resolution will impact the overall dynamic.
Monument to Murder is a great police procedural that examines the corrosive effects of excessive grief on people.
January 17, 2024
The discovery of human remains in the dunes below Bamburgh Castle, on the Northumberland coastline, sparks a challenging new investigation for DCI Kate Daniels and her team - especially when the help of a forensic anthropologist reveals that the sand holds more secrets than they realise.
Meanwhile, Kate's friend Emily, recently widowed and weighed down with grief, returns to her job as psychologist at a nearby prison, where a convicted sex offender has become obsessed with her - the very prison where Kate's former lover Jo is now working. The time of his release grows near, and Emily is increasingly concerned about the threat he poses to the public - and potentially to herself and her family. As his mind-games put her under pressure, and call her professional judgement into question, old sins are revealed that might just link to Kate's current case...
Monument to Murder is the fourth book in the DCI Kate Daniels series, and it picks up hot on the heels of book three, Deadly Deceit. As winter gets a grip on the Northumberland coastline, Kate and her team set up a new murder wall in the northern reaches of their operational area, to try to get to the bottom of a horrifying series of murders that have intriguing links to the history of the area.
The tale unfurls in two absolutely gripping threads - one covering the intricate police procedural ins-and-outs of an investigation into the murders of young girls in the north of England, and the other following Emily's side of the story behind prison walls. This is Hannah at the absolute top of her game, with perfectly timed reveals, and beautifully contrived twists, that serve to entwine both sides of the story - and there are more red herrings than you can poke a police baton at. This one really kept me guessing right until the end, as Hannah cleverly keeps the shocking truth of the matter murky enough to have you convinced of the guilt of more than one likely suspect. Along the way, Kate's personal family and relationship issues continue to run through the story, with all the will-they-won't-they suspense between Kate and Jo that Hannah does so well - I am starting to want to take them to one side and bang their heads together, so I hope there will be a resolution to this situation soon in the series!
For me, this is the book that throws up the knottiest issues to mull over so far when it comes to DCI Daniels' cases. Emily's role as a prison psychologist casts a lot of thought provoking light on the problem of tackling the release of serious sex offenders back into the community, particularly when it comes to the balance between allowing parole and keeping them contained until the end of their sentences. Lots of things to think about here around public safety, monitoring, and how we approach dealing with prisoners with psychopathic tendencies - both insightful and menacing writing from Hannah here. I will be thinking about this for quite a while...
This is definitely my favourite book of the series to date. The story flows with perfectly judged pace, and the pages fly by as all the little pieces of the mystery come together to make a thrilling whole - I devoured it! Well played, Mari Hannah!
Meanwhile, Kate's friend Emily, recently widowed and weighed down with grief, returns to her job as psychologist at a nearby prison, where a convicted sex offender has become obsessed with her - the very prison where Kate's former lover Jo is now working. The time of his release grows near, and Emily is increasingly concerned about the threat he poses to the public - and potentially to herself and her family. As his mind-games put her under pressure, and call her professional judgement into question, old sins are revealed that might just link to Kate's current case...
Monument to Murder is the fourth book in the DCI Kate Daniels series, and it picks up hot on the heels of book three, Deadly Deceit. As winter gets a grip on the Northumberland coastline, Kate and her team set up a new murder wall in the northern reaches of their operational area, to try to get to the bottom of a horrifying series of murders that have intriguing links to the history of the area.
The tale unfurls in two absolutely gripping threads - one covering the intricate police procedural ins-and-outs of an investigation into the murders of young girls in the north of England, and the other following Emily's side of the story behind prison walls. This is Hannah at the absolute top of her game, with perfectly timed reveals, and beautifully contrived twists, that serve to entwine both sides of the story - and there are more red herrings than you can poke a police baton at. This one really kept me guessing right until the end, as Hannah cleverly keeps the shocking truth of the matter murky enough to have you convinced of the guilt of more than one likely suspect. Along the way, Kate's personal family and relationship issues continue to run through the story, with all the will-they-won't-they suspense between Kate and Jo that Hannah does so well - I am starting to want to take them to one side and bang their heads together, so I hope there will be a resolution to this situation soon in the series!
For me, this is the book that throws up the knottiest issues to mull over so far when it comes to DCI Daniels' cases. Emily's role as a prison psychologist casts a lot of thought provoking light on the problem of tackling the release of serious sex offenders back into the community, particularly when it comes to the balance between allowing parole and keeping them contained until the end of their sentences. Lots of things to think about here around public safety, monitoring, and how we approach dealing with prisoners with psychopathic tendencies - both insightful and menacing writing from Hannah here. I will be thinking about this for quite a while...
This is definitely my favourite book of the series to date. The story flows with perfectly judged pace, and the pages fly by as all the little pieces of the mystery come together to make a thrilling whole - I devoured it! Well played, Mari Hannah!
October 6, 2023
Gosh this was a spine chillingly, on the edge of your seat instalment in the DCI Kate Daniels mysteries. There was so much going on - and so many undercurrents underneath the surface I couldn't relax at all as my mind was all over the place as to what was happening and who was / or was not / responsible.
Mari Hannah definitely knows how to instal fear and trepidation into her readers and, for me, this series gets better and better with every book I read. As I have said previously, Mari's writing , for me , is exceptional and on an incredibly high plane of writing as far as murder mysteries are concerned. No matter how hard I look at all the evidence before me as the story progresses I find it is not until the final pages that I actually ascertain who has done what, where and when.
The settings of Bamburgh and HMP Northumberland provide two starkly contrasting environments for this novel and I have to be honest I won't be able to visit Bamburgh again without looking at the beach facing Holy Island and thinking about the gruesome findings in this novel.
As usual I cannot wait for the next book in the series so that I can have my next fix of the DCI Kate Daniels mysteries.
Mari Hannah definitely knows how to instal fear and trepidation into her readers and, for me, this series gets better and better with every book I read. As I have said previously, Mari's writing , for me , is exceptional and on an incredibly high plane of writing as far as murder mysteries are concerned. No matter how hard I look at all the evidence before me as the story progresses I find it is not until the final pages that I actually ascertain who has done what, where and when.
The settings of Bamburgh and HMP Northumberland provide two starkly contrasting environments for this novel and I have to be honest I won't be able to visit Bamburgh again without looking at the beach facing Holy Island and thinking about the gruesome findings in this novel.
As usual I cannot wait for the next book in the series so that I can have my next fix of the DCI Kate Daniels mysteries.
November 21, 2023
I just finished reading a thrilling instalment in the DCI Kate Daniels mysteries. It had a lot of suspense and hidden motives, which kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't relax because my mind was all over the place trying to figure out what was going on and who was responsible.
MMari Hannah is a master at creating a sense of fear and unease in her readers, and for me, each book in this series surpasses the previous one. In my opinion, Mari's writing is exceptional and her murder mysteries are of the highest quality. Despite careful consideration of all the evidence presented, it's not until the final pages that I'm able to determine who did what, where, and when.The novel is set in two very different locations, Bamburgh and HMP Northumberland. The contrast between these two environments is stark. Whenever I think about Bamburgh, I can't help but remember the beach facing Holy Island and the gruesome events that took place there in this book.
I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the DCI Kate Daniels series, as I can't wait to immerse myself in her thrilling mysteries once again.
#TeamDaniels #compulsive readers
1 d
MMari Hannah is a master at creating a sense of fear and unease in her readers, and for me, each book in this series surpasses the previous one. In my opinion, Mari's writing is exceptional and her murder mysteries are of the highest quality. Despite careful consideration of all the evidence presented, it's not until the final pages that I'm able to determine who did what, where, and when.The novel is set in two very different locations, Bamburgh and HMP Northumberland. The contrast between these two environments is stark. Whenever I think about Bamburgh, I can't help but remember the beach facing Holy Island and the gruesome events that took place there in this book.
I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the DCI Kate Daniels series, as I can't wait to immerse myself in her thrilling mysteries once again.
#TeamDaniels #compulsive readers
1 d
December 7, 2023
Book four in Mari Hannah’s Kate Daniels series and my feelings are that this series gets better with each book I read.
I had never given a minute’s thought to whether a detective would dislike the words ‘cold case’ before but I realised when reading this book that they would possibly think that it was because the police had failed to find a killer. I have no idea if that feeling is part of the author’s imagination or if is the truth but it convinced me. And this case was unusual, violence present in such a beautiful area was just one of a few things that baffled the team.
All of them are forced to stay in the area, probably welcome if it was in the summer with plenty of tourism but it is out of season and their accommodation isn’t the best despite the choice. Its most redeeming feature was its privacy. Kate is exhausted, struggling emotionally with her feelings for Jo, determined to identify the remains and also trying to help Emily another friend.
Emily has featured in the background in an earlier novel but here she is just as prominent as Kate. Recently widowed and having returned to her work in a prison she is having major issues with a prisoner who has become increasingly obsessed with her. A rapist who is due to be released has become obsessed with her, trying everything to get her attention. It was this part of the novel that made it difficult for me to stop reading. I found it very intimidating and it highlighted the situation that prison workers could face.
I have enjoyed rereading the first three books in this series, this was the first that I hadn’t read before. I’m now well on my way with book five.
I had never given a minute’s thought to whether a detective would dislike the words ‘cold case’ before but I realised when reading this book that they would possibly think that it was because the police had failed to find a killer. I have no idea if that feeling is part of the author’s imagination or if is the truth but it convinced me. And this case was unusual, violence present in such a beautiful area was just one of a few things that baffled the team.
All of them are forced to stay in the area, probably welcome if it was in the summer with plenty of tourism but it is out of season and their accommodation isn’t the best despite the choice. Its most redeeming feature was its privacy. Kate is exhausted, struggling emotionally with her feelings for Jo, determined to identify the remains and also trying to help Emily another friend.
Emily has featured in the background in an earlier novel but here she is just as prominent as Kate. Recently widowed and having returned to her work in a prison she is having major issues with a prisoner who has become increasingly obsessed with her. A rapist who is due to be released has become obsessed with her, trying everything to get her attention. It was this part of the novel that made it difficult for me to stop reading. I found it very intimidating and it highlighted the situation that prison workers could face.
I have enjoyed rereading the first three books in this series, this was the first that I hadn’t read before. I’m now well on my way with book five.
December 6, 2023
My thoughts
This is the fourth Kate Daniels book a point where sometimes in a series I find it can be a ‘bit sticky’ and sometimes they get into their stride again, sometimes not. This isn’t sticky and it carries on nicely from the last book. It’s as fresh and new as if it were the first book. You could also read the books as standalones, but it’s a series that really needs to be read to know the backstory of the characters for me. I love that although it’s the Kate Daniels series, it’s not all about her with the other characters as fillers or peripheral elements. They feel like a true team, some closer than others, some are a bit newer. The new addition to help was good and shows Kate as a generous boss. I still have a soft spot for Hank Gormley. He’s always got Kate’s back and he knows who she is outside of work. I did smile at his trying to sort her romantic life out for her.
I liked and felt for Emily and thought she reacted in a realistic way given what she was going through.
Did I guess who did it? I was in a yes, no, yes, no quandary the whole way through, guessing and second guessing myself which just helps ratchet up the tension and pressure when you’re reading. It’s as explosive and exciting as every other book. Brilliant!
This is another bombshell instalment and I can’t wait to read Book 5 and see what Mari Hannah has in store!
With thanks to Tracy Fenton, the publisher and the author for the book for review. @mariwriterinsta @thebookdealer @orionbooks @Tr4cyF3nt0n
This is the fourth Kate Daniels book a point where sometimes in a series I find it can be a ‘bit sticky’ and sometimes they get into their stride again, sometimes not. This isn’t sticky and it carries on nicely from the last book. It’s as fresh and new as if it were the first book. You could also read the books as standalones, but it’s a series that really needs to be read to know the backstory of the characters for me. I love that although it’s the Kate Daniels series, it’s not all about her with the other characters as fillers or peripheral elements. They feel like a true team, some closer than others, some are a bit newer. The new addition to help was good and shows Kate as a generous boss. I still have a soft spot for Hank Gormley. He’s always got Kate’s back and he knows who she is outside of work. I did smile at his trying to sort her romantic life out for her.
I liked and felt for Emily and thought she reacted in a realistic way given what she was going through.
Did I guess who did it? I was in a yes, no, yes, no quandary the whole way through, guessing and second guessing myself which just helps ratchet up the tension and pressure when you’re reading. It’s as explosive and exciting as every other book. Brilliant!
This is another bombshell instalment and I can’t wait to read Book 5 and see what Mari Hannah has in store!
With thanks to Tracy Fenton, the publisher and the author for the book for review. @mariwriterinsta @thebookdealer @orionbooks @Tr4cyF3nt0n
February 21, 2024
The fourth book into the series and Monument to Murder just continues to cement this series as one of my favourites. Every book is able to be read as a standalone, but to fully appreciate it, I would recommend reading them in order.
Set in the North-East of England, with this particular story taking place in and around Bamburgh Castle. I again just feel like I am returning to friends. The writing is that immersive!Mari Hannah definitely knows how to keep a reader hooked, from the first to last page.
This book spends more time with Kate and her private life, and I am hoping we get more of this as the series goes on. Her character is one I have taken a liking to, along with her work colleague.
Another page turning and gripping instalment in a series that I could almost say I am addicted to. Thanks to #TeamDaniels and Tracy Fenton for my gifted ebook for my review.
Set in the North-East of England, with this particular story taking place in and around Bamburgh Castle. I again just feel like I am returning to friends. The writing is that immersive!Mari Hannah definitely knows how to keep a reader hooked, from the first to last page.
This book spends more time with Kate and her private life, and I am hoping we get more of this as the series goes on. Her character is one I have taken a liking to, along with her work colleague.
Another page turning and gripping instalment in a series that I could almost say I am addicted to. Thanks to #TeamDaniels and Tracy Fenton for my gifted ebook for my review.
August 5, 2021
I’m not sure what I think of this book but I can say I didn’t enjoy it as much as the others but I’m unclear why!!!!!
There are lots of confusing aspects running in parallel ie Fearon’s prison life, the murder investigation which continually hits dead ends, Emily’s relationship with her daughter Rachel after the dead of her father (Robert), Kate Daniels relationship- or not with jo soulby etc etc to name but a few.
It’s got sooo many characters in the book it begins to get confusing as to who’s who and which parallel they belong to.
What was the point of Kate coming across the road crash whilst she was trying to catch up with the person tailing Emily home??? Not sure it added anything!!!!
Definitely NOT my favourite.
There are lots of confusing aspects running in parallel ie Fearon’s prison life, the murder investigation which continually hits dead ends, Emily’s relationship with her daughter Rachel after the dead of her father (Robert), Kate Daniels relationship- or not with jo soulby etc etc to name but a few.
It’s got sooo many characters in the book it begins to get confusing as to who’s who and which parallel they belong to.
What was the point of Kate coming across the road crash whilst she was trying to catch up with the person tailing Emily home??? Not sure it added anything!!!!
Definitely NOT my favourite.
January 10, 2021
Monument to Murder sees DCI Kate Daniels and her team searching for the identities and subsequent killer of two girls. Their remains being found near Bamburgh. A large amount of the novel sees the team trying to identify the bodies, and finding out what links them together. Part way through the investigation another girl goes missing, someone who is known to Kate.
I enjoyed this installment of the series, though at times felt that pieces of information were skimmed over. The narrative pointed towards one character as being involved somehow, and possibly working with another. I didn't see the twist at the end coming at all.
I enjoyed this installment of the series, though at times felt that pieces of information were skimmed over. The narrative pointed towards one character as being involved somehow, and possibly working with another. I didn't see the twist at the end coming at all.
November 19, 2023
#TeamDaniels continues with this, the fourth book of the series. This can be read as a standalone, although familiar characters appear it doesn’t have the feel of a mid-series book.
Set in & around the iconic Bamburgh Castle, the descriptive passages made this historic place another character. Kate is called in when skeletal remains are found & as if that wasn’t sinister enough, there is also a parallel story concerning an imprisoned sex offender. He really creeped me out!
I enjoyed discovering more about Kate the person but I do love her work relationship with Gormley. Four more to go until the new release in January 2024; I’m not sure my heart or nerves can take it.
Set in & around the iconic Bamburgh Castle, the descriptive passages made this historic place another character. Kate is called in when skeletal remains are found & as if that wasn’t sinister enough, there is also a parallel story concerning an imprisoned sex offender. He really creeped me out!
I enjoyed discovering more about Kate the person but I do love her work relationship with Gormley. Four more to go until the new release in January 2024; I’m not sure my heart or nerves can take it.
November 24, 2023
Another fantastic catch up with Daniels, her team and a as ever intriguing case to solve. I always feel like I’m right there with them in the thick of it and I especially loved the prison setting of this book.
I also enjoyed meeting another main character and instantly felt for Emily, on top of dealing with her and her daughters grief, a new way of living she has such an intense workload. Her friendships with Kate and Jo was endearing to see, especially seeing how they all came together to support each other.
Will shout it forever, add this series to your TBR.
I also enjoyed meeting another main character and instantly felt for Emily, on top of dealing with her and her daughters grief, a new way of living she has such an intense workload. Her friendships with Kate and Jo was endearing to see, especially seeing how they all came together to support each other.
Will shout it forever, add this series to your TBR.
December 14, 2024
This one was definitely slower and lacked pace compared to the previous three. Although I think Kate is a wonderful character I find Jo very one dimensional and the whole Kate/Jo thing takes up far too much of the book making it way too long. The book has two storylines running and at times the plot seems all over the place but it does tie together eventually although it is still very muddled. It is well written and researched but the ending is rushed - considering the book is 468 pages long more time could have been spent on the case and less on Kate’s love life. Just about scraped 3⭐️
April 3, 2018
Mari Hannah weaves a mean handful of stories into one another here: Two skeletons are dug up on a beautiful beach, and in the local prison a psycho is ready for release - and unhealthily obsessed with the in-house shrink - Also DCI Daniels' private life might get a reboot, if only she can find the time for it... It's a chilling story of who to distrust, when there are so many possibilities...
August 9, 2019
I’m reading these out of order based on availability from the library so the personal life of Kate is mixed up for me. However I liked the plot of this one with.essentially two crime story lines that intersect. Solving cases that are based on old information always adds a layer of complexity for me. The other intriguing part of this book was the look into the British penal system.
December 15, 2018
My least enjoyable in the series...way too long! The story could have been told in far less pages, reminded me of school days when one 'padded' out an essay just to reach the required number of words. Less is more !
October 30, 2022
Wow another epic from Mari Hanna. Read this in the day.
Being related to Bamburgh it kept me totally captured. Do love a good murder so much so that my previous production manager at work was getting worried. Hehe.
Being related to Bamburgh it kept me totally captured. Do love a good murder so much so that my previous production manager at work was getting worried. Hehe.
August 24, 2017
Jul 22, 2015
July 20, 2018
Great read,4th in the series about DCI Kate Daniels
October 15, 2018
3.5. new series for me. liked that the protagonist was a lesbian. decent overall story
February 23, 2019
Love this series. Good story but felt a bit rushed at the end.
February 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book, especially loved the setting and connected nicely with the characters. Just slightly disappointed with the ending.
April 19, 2020
These books just get better & better, couldn't put it down 😁
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