The Taverna at the Edge of Night

Deadly Destinations Thriller Collection #1

by H.Y. Hanna

A Greek island holiday. A deadly village secret. A best friend you can no longer trust.

When Daphne travels to a remote fishing village on the Greek island of Crete, she’s looking forward to sun-drenched days, dazzling sea views, and a happy reunion with the best friend she has idolised since university. But from the moment she arrives at the whitewashed taverna perched on the cliffs above the sea, something feels wrong. Roxy is jittery and evasive, the locals avoid questions, and rumours of a cliffside murder have everyone on edge.

Then there's an attack in the night. Daphne is left reeling and desperate for answers. She turns to her best friend for help—but all she's met with is gaslighting and lies that make her question her own sanity. Completely isolated and unsure who to trust, she now finds herself trapped in a lethal game of deception—and caught in a dangerous attraction to a stranger with secrets of his own. As Daphne digs deeper, she realises that someone in this idyllic village has a deadly secret… and that her closest friendship might be the most dangerous thing of all.
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The 'White Lotus' meets Daphne du Maurier in this twisty, atmospheric psychological thriller - perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Lucy Clarke and Ruth Ware.

** For readers who miss the atmospheric classic suspense of Mary Stewart and 'woman in jeopardy' destination thrillers, this is the book you’ve been waiting for!

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller

Paperback

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna writes atmospheric destination thrillers set in beautiful—and often deadly—international locations, as well as light-hearted cozy mysteries blending humour, clever plots and quirky characters. With over 30 novels published and translated into several languages, her books and audiobooks have delighted readers around the world.

After graduating from Oxford University, Hsin-Yi spent years trying to fit into a "real" job, before finally returning to her first love: writing. Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.

You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com ~ and don't forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, giveaways and “behind-the-scenes” exclusives—and as well as free mystery and suspense stories! GO TO: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a small village on the island of Crete, this thriller completely swept me away with its vivid imagery, engaging characters, and intriguing plot.

From the opening chapter, I was instantly transported to Crete alongside the protagonist, Daphne. H.Y. Hanna brings the setting to life brilliantly through mouthwatering descriptions of Cretan cuisine, rich insights into Greek culture, and the wonderfully authentic portrayal of the island’s gossipy locals.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the way Hanna balances the allure of an exotic destination with the suspense of an unfolding mystery. The twists and turns kept me guessing throughout, which deeply impressed this avid mystery reader.

If I could offer one small suggestion, it would be the inclusion of a glossary or footnotes for the Greek phrases woven throughout the story. While I personally had no difficulty understanding them, other readers may appreciate additional context without needing to pause and look up translations.

As the author’s first foray into destination thrillers, this was an impressive and highly worthwhile debut. I’m excited to see where this series goes next!

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

Happy Release Day!

[Katja 🇧🇪 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I glad that author H.Y. Hanna decided to finally follow her dream and started writing suspense mystery novels! I have been reading her books and cozy mystery series for several years now, and have always enjoyed her writing so much!

For me reading her books has always been a lovely escape, a moment of pure enjoyment and peace where I could just be with myself and the story.

I am not going to go into the story itself - you can just read the summary on the book itself. And I don’t like to spoil!

This new series, written in a genre that the author always felt fond about, is just as wonderful and great as her previous work but this time with more suspense and adventure!

The way H.Y. Hanna makes you experience the surroundings as if you were there yourself, the lovely but yet strong female lead character, the emotions and the depth… The suspense and trill until the end, trying to guess who done it alongside Daphne. It was awesome! I felt like I went to Crete myself!

Daphne, with such a beautiful hart, also the lovingly main character type we came accustomed to have with every story written by the also lovely author H.Y. Hanna! Daphne is the kind of person everyone would love to have as a friend or the person you feel you can relate to yourself. Daphne in this story, will have to go beyond what is sometimes comfortable for her, she will have to face some tough challenges in a short amount of time… but with the help of course of some Cretan cats and the protection of the Evil Eye amulet… A changed Daphne will find out how very strong she can be, just as the people of Crete have been for so long.

The Taverna at the Edge of the Night is a Destination thriller of the mild kind. Just the right amount of suspense to make you want to read until the end!

I have enjoyed reading The Taverna at the Edge of the Night so much I can’t wait to read the next book to come!
I can totally recommend this book to readers new to this author’s work but also to all those like me who have read her work so far, you won’t be disappointed!

This book is the right combination of suspense, complicated situations that can lead to poor choices and in the end doing the right thing, with a bit of romance and above all… great writing! Oh and some great stories about Greek mythology are woven in beautifully in to the story! And in the end, all is well! So no worries, all will work out for the best!

So don’t hesitate any longer, grab your self a copy and go get your favorite cup of whatever you like, find yourself a great reading spot where you can just read and enjoy this splendid new exciting destination triller!

I am so grateful to have received for free this advanced copy from the author herself, and as always, I am leaving my honest review here by my own free choice.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Taverna At The Edge of Night is the newest mystery novel written by author H.Y. Hanna. Hanna is the author of a few different mystery series including The Oxford Tearoom, The English Cottage Garden and Bewitched by Chocolate. Each of these book series were light cozy romantic mysteries.

I was gifted a copy of this book to read and review and I think the author has outdone herself.

This time Hanna has taken a sharp turn for a more dark and sinister mystery. There is still some romantic interludes that help move the storyline along, but the plot follows a darker path and is more of a thriller novel. Hanna has proven herself capable of stretching between genres.

When Daphne travels to a small Greek Island to surprise her best friend Roxy she does know that she also is in for a surprise. Daphne is a young woman who has worked hard to develop her own business. Her college roommate and best friend, Roxy, has recently left everything behind and moved to the small Greek island of Agia Eleni and open a taverna. Daphne has recently sold her business and decides to visit her friend.

Imagine the surprised look on both women's faces when Daphne arrives to find after traveling through dangerous terrain to the secluded island of Agia Eleni Roxy and taverna are not what she had imagined. Roxy is not happy to see Daphne because her dream has not become the beautiful little restaurant and hotel she has been posting on social media.

As the two friends try to navigate their relationship, Daphne also is exploring the island and meeting the local citizens. She meets local artists and shopkeepers who warn her about the dangers of hiking the treacherous trails and about a recent deadly accident. She also meets handsome fishermen who offer to show her around the area in their boats.

As Daphne tries to find out what secrets the taverna and her friend Roxy are hiding she stumbles across a possible crime and the tragic accidental fall of a woman may not have been an accident after all.

H.Y. Hanna has proven that she can write a very intriguing plot, building tension, anticipation and twists and turns all deserving of a really good mystery. She intertwines the action with beautiful descriptions of the scenery and develops her characters well. Hanna has stepped away from the light cozy and is sitting on the edge of the cliff with a new more exciting series in front of her.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When workaholic Daphne, decided to visit Crete and catch up with her best friend Roxy, she decided not to let her know in advance. Roxy had told her to visit any time when she'd left London, and her purchase of the beautiful Taverna overlooking the sea, with the pictures she posted on social media, had Daphne convinced. The journey was hair-raising, with the cliffs seeing Daphne gripping anything she could reach for safety. The Greek drivers were obviously used to the winding, narrow roads - not so the tourists. When Daphne finally arrived in the small fishing village and ran to greet Roxy, she was astounded by her friend's reaction. What was wrong with Roxy?

Learning of the death of a tourist only days before Daphne arrived, made her understand why some of the locals were agitated. But the first night in her room at the Taverna, someone attacked Daphne; fortunately she was able to escape but not without injuries. The strangeness of what was happening around her saw her not sure who to trust. Max, a photographer, also staying at the Taverna; Stavros, a friend of Roxy's and a tour guide; Alma, art teacher who was the last person to see the tourist alive. Had she made the worst decision of her life, coming to the island of Crete?

The Taverna at the Edge of Night is the 1st in the Deadly Destinations Thriller Collection, and a new genre for Aussie author H.Y. Hanna and I thoroughly enjoyed it. With plenty of twists and turns, lots of descriptive beauty of the Greek island, good characters and bad, I found my heart beating fast on numerous occasions. An excellent first in a new series, and one I have no hesitation in recommending.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Taverna at the Edge of the Night captures that delicious tension between beauty and danger—the kind that makes a place feel both irresistible and faintly cursed. Daphne arrives in a tiny Cretan fishing village expecting warmth, wine, and an overdue reunion with her best friend, but from the moment she steps into Roxy’s new taverna, the air feels wrong. The smiles are too tight, the silences too long, and the locals seem to be carrying a secret heavy enough to warp the whole shoreline.

The novel thrives on this slow, unsettling shift. Daphne’s confusion is palpable as Roxy’s behaviour veers from evasive to outright gaslighting, and the idyllic setting begins to feel like a trap disguised as a holiday. The rumoured cliffside murder hangs over everything like heat haze, blurring what’s real and what’s imagined. When Daphne is attacked in the night, the story tilts into something sharper, more claustrophobic, and the sense of isolation becomes almost tactile.

There’s a lovely contrast between the shimmering Greek landscape—salt air, cicadas, the glow of lanterns on water—and the creeping dread beneath it. The author uses that beauty as a lure, drawing both Daphne and the reader deeper into a web of secrets, shifting loyalties, and the painful realisation that the person you trust most might be the one unravelling your world.

The mysterious stranger adds another layer of intrigue, never quite safe but never quite threatening, and the tension between them mirrors the novel’s larger theme: how easily danger can masquerade as comfort.

A twisty, atmospheric thriller that turns a postcard-perfect village into a maze of lies and betrayal. Perfect for readers who love their summer settings laced with shadows.

With thanks to HY Hanna, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book that if it was a film you would shouting at the plucky heroine 'no don't do it' and as a consequence I loved every minute.
This is quite a break from the author's usual cozy mystery stories but judging from my reaction and the fact that I was hooked, it was a good decision. I would say I liked the characters but as I spent most of the book suspicious of them, I don't think I can, well expect for Daphne, the teenage girl oh and of course the cat. You didn't really think the author would leave a cat out did you?
As for the mystery, I had my suspicions but the story kept me guessing all the way though.
The story is a slow build and not the usual humours mystery you expect from this author, instead she builds up the tension of who to trust, the life and death atmosphere and the beautiful setting of Crete but it works and creates a thrilling read that has heart and one she can be proud of. I can't wait for the next book.

When Daphne feels burned out after building up her company and selling it for a nice profit, she decides to take up her best friend offer to come for a visit any time. Only she doesn't get the warm welcome she expected, once she arrives in Crete. Her friend seems flustered to see her, is it because the Taverna she brought isn't as spectacular as she was making out? Or is it something else? It could just be the heavy atmosphere surrounding the quaint village caused by a tourist having died in an accident a few weeks ago. As Daphne explores the village she begin to suspect that it is something a lot more dangerous and she is determined to investigate. Unsure who to trust will the mati charm keep her safe?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Taverna at the Edge of Night is a new mystery thriller by H.Y. Hanna. Unlike her prior cozy mystery series, this one diverts to a more dark place where danger is lurking around every corner and you don’t know whom to trust.

The story centers around Daphne, who is an overworked jewelry designer in need of a vacation. After her doctor orders her to take a break for her health, she decides to visit her best friend from college, Roxy, who recently opened a Taverna on the Greek Island of Crete. When Daphne arrives at Roxy’s place and she isn’t greeted with the warmth and familiarity expected, she suspects that things are not going well for Roxy. Daphne also hears gossip about another woman who appeared to fall of a cliff nearby, despite being an experienced hiker. When Roxy finds a battered teenaged girl hiding in a cave who refuses to get help at the Taverna, Daphne realizes she might not know her friend after all. The rest of the story is Daphne figuring out whom to trust, while trying to save the teenager, as well as herself.

The always impressive Pearl Hewitt narrated this audiobook, as she did with H.Y. Hanna’s Oxford Tearoom Mysteries audiobooks. Pearl did an outstanding job providing varying voices for all characters. Pearl’s enthusiasm and excitement in her narrations are much appreciated.

In summary, I highly recommend The Taverna at the Edge of Night for all who appreciate mystery thrillers set in unique destinations. As a bonus, the culture, cuisine, and landscape of Crete are expertly woven into the story. Brava!

[Juliette Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review in advance from Author.

Had me guessing all along. Daphne who by all accounts is a woman who does everything in her life with a plan. She never diverts from her life. After making a good life designing jewelry and making a killing selling her brand, she realizes she has no plans or anything to do anymore. She decides to visit her best friend who is impetuous and bought a Taverna in Crete to restore and build a new life for herself. So Daphne sets out to visit her and surprise her with an impromptu visit, something Daphne never does.

When she arrives in Crete and sees Daphne for the first time, everything is off, not what she was expecting. Her friend is aloof and not excited to see her, afraid comes to mind. What gives. Daphne finds out a woman had died in this village falling off a Cliff, some say murder others say accident. What was it? Daphne needs to find out. But she can’t trust anyone, everyone she meets is a suspect or hiding things, Daphne has no idea who she can trust, her best friend is hiding something, Max the man staying at the taverna as well is handsome and charming, but she can’t trust him either or can she. Can she solve what happened to the woman who fell off the cliff.

Crete is so beautiful and wild, now I want to go to Crete. H.Y.Hanna writes a great story, no spoilers at all from me. You need to read this book, lots of twists and turns,

[Grannybass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne visits the Greek island of Crete to reconnect with her best friend Roxy, who had moved there to renovate and run an old taverna in a small town. The author’s descriptions of sunsets, fishing boats in the harbor, hills with steep cliffs, thick vegetation and even the cats on Crete are so lush and evocative that I felt that I was walking along with Daphne. The characters are complex and believable, with both strengths and flaws.
When a violent attack occurred early in the book, I worried that the story would be too intense for my taste. However, although the attack seemed totally random, it was clear later how it fit the plot. Daphne felt that something wasn’t quite right with her friend and others in the town, but she didn’t know who she could trust with her suspicions. This really isolated her, making her terror all the more real – was she being paranoid or was she really in danger? The tension increased throughout the book, making it hard to put down. The conclusion was satisfying; the clues had been there but were only clear in hindsight. I am a fan of the author’s cozy series and don’t normally read thrillers. However, I really liked this book and very much look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Tien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Taverna at the Edge of Night is a lovely new direction from H.Y. Hanna, and as someone who adores her other series, I was expecting to miss the tea, scones, and sweet treats… but the scrumptious Greek delicacies more than made up for it.

This book transported me straight to a warm Cretan setting—which is exactly where I’d rather be than this dreary Sydney weather. I love the descriptions of places, the added mythological details of the place and sometimes, the historical notes. Of course, let's not forget the gorgeous sunsets and the glorious food 😜

I didn't like or dislike the protagonist, Daphne. I empathised with her at some point but each time she leapt to some wild conclusion, I wanted to punch her arm. Instead, I had to settle for rolling my eyes. I mean, it was all made to sound possible, but you know that it's a wild leap all the same.

The story felt a tad long in places, but it was still surprisingly easy to read and not at all easy to put down. The suspense really ramps up near the end, which I loved, though the ending itself felt a bit rushed. So, I think the pacing of the whole story could have been better. Still, the overall read was pretty enjoyable; atmospheric & engaging. This fresh direction for Hanna truly did not disappoint.

My thanks to the author for ecopy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne’s surprise visit to her best friend Roxy doesn’t go as planned. When she arrives at Roxy’s taverna, Roxy doesn’t seem all that glad to see her. And there has been an accident—a woman visiting the village had fallen to her death from a cliff—OR had she been pushed?
Daphne wants to enjoy her first vacation in years, but she is increasingly disturbed by remarks and actions that don’t add up. She recognizes that something sinister is going on. She may not know who to trust, but she knows misplaced trust will be fatal.
I have enjoyed the books in the three cozy mystery series Hanna writes, so I was looking forward to her venture into suspense. My expectations were exceeded. The suspense is palpable and pervasive, seeping into the reader with each page. Cretan culture, cuisine and landscape are expertly woven into the story.
I was pleasantly surprised to read the reference to The Moonspinners by Mary Stewart in the author’s notes. It was probably the first suspense novel I read and it holds a special place in my memories. Hanna recreates that same magic in this novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've come to expect beautiful settings and good character development from H.Y. Hanna. This new book, which is set on the island of Crete, met those expectations, heightened by intrigue and an engaging plot.

I read many mysteries, my favorites taking me to other cultures. Hanna's descriptions of the food, scenery and characters of the small village life made me feel like I was there, experiencing it through Daphne's eyes. From reuniting with her old friend Roxy, through her adventures hiking and sailing throughout the region I felt fully engaged in the story. Meeting local characters and pursuing the circumstances of a mysterious death adds danger and suspense. Daphne is an empathetic heroine and the plot provides enough twists to provide the needed sense of mystery.

I hope Taverna at the End of Night evolves into a series. I'll look forward to the next book. HY Hanna's foray from cozies to thrillers is a welcome expansion from a trusted author. It made me want to travel to Greece to enjoy the food and rich culture.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[MariamReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC to this book!

The Taverna at the edge of the night was a very interesting book, unlike any other books I’ve ever read before, actually. It’s about a woman named Daphne who goes to her friend Roxy’s taverna as a surprise, but her friend acts a little strange. The Pros of this book were that I actually found myself to be reading a lot more than I felt I was reading, it also told a unique story and had pretty good plot twists. It kept a pretty good pace, except for a few chapters where they prolonged the chatting too long.

The Cons of this book are that I didn’t really feel attached to any characters, the characters fell flat sometimes, and I don’t even know much interests of the main character except that she’s rich and a designer. I loved the cat though!! Also, the plot twist at the end kinda felt rushed, I didn’t have enough time to grasp it. Other than that, it was a great book! I think this book would do great with a second one that really speaks more about the characters.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why the author was worried that if she changed genres that her fans might not support her! This book is wonderful! Of course, I think she could write appliance manuals and make them fascinating.
Daphne takes a trip to a remote village in Crete to surprise her friend Roxy, who has opened a taverna there. Roxy is not thrilled to see her, and is not her normal self. She won't tell Daphne what's wrong, but due to money problems, she's gotten herself involved in something sinister.
There are several good looking, available men who flirt with Daphne, but the one she is reluctantly interested in is Max, a British photographer.
There are many, many wonderful stray cats on the island, and it is great to "meet them" and "see" their personalities. I LOVED Ologbo!
I guessed the "bad guy" completely wrong!
This book is fast paced and hard to put down. I really enjoyed reading about the history of Crete.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Katja Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. From the very first chapter, it had me completely hooked and kept me guessing the whole way through. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would come along and pull me in a different direction. The pacing was spot on, and the unexpected turns made it impossible to put down.

The characters were wonderfully written—believable, layered, and easy to connect with. I found myself genuinely invested in their journeys, which made the story all the more compelling. The author’s writing style is excellent, with vivid descriptions that bring every scene to life.

One of the standout elements for me was the setting. The depiction of Crete was so rich and immersive that I truly felt like I was travelling alongside the characters. And the food descriptions—absolutely incredible! They were so detailed and enticing that my mouth was watering more than once.

This was an advance review copy provided by the author, and all opinions expressed here are my own.

[BookNookWhispers by Bevy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What it’s about:
Daphne is taking her first vacation in forever and decides to surprise her best and closest friend, Roxy, on Crete. Roxy just bought and renovated a Taverna on the island, leaving her London life behind. But when Daphne arrives, Roxy is different, there‘s a mystery of the death of a woman a few weeks ago or is it just rumor, and something fishy is going behind the scenes.

What I liked:
- the food
- The setting
- The culture
- The superstition
- The rumors
- The cats
- The second guessing
- The solution
- The refugee and NGO issues

What I didn’t like:
- why keep people leaving their cell phone behind?

My conclusion:
Even though this is a darker mystery than the other books of H. Y. Hanna, there are still the cozy parts regarding food and description of the surroundings and the culture I enjoyed in her other books.
The Thriller part is interesting and my suspicions were redirected a few times. I really enjoyed this cozy thriller.

Disclosure:

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own

[Daniele · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE TAVERNA AT THE EDGE OF NIGHT is author H.Y. Hanna’s first foray away from the humorous cozy mysteries for which she is best known. It is an atmospheric, tense and suspenseful tale worthy of reading. I feel transported to Crete with its sunny weather, fantastic views, and delicious foods through Hanna’s writing. I am ready to pack my bags and catch a flight. She does a fantastic job of balancing respect for the culture and locale while telling a dark, twisty tale of gaslighting, lies, secrets, power, and greed. The characters are varied and engaging. I particularly like the main character Daphne and mysterious photographer Max. True to form, as a cat lover Hanna highlights the felines of the island. The story is compelling and keeps the reader engaged from the first page to the last with plenty of twists, turns, and revelations.

It is a great, enticing read, and I highly recommend it to any thriller fan or armchair traveler.

I received an ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my unbiased thoughts here.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this thriller down—it kept me guessing the entire time! Each time I thought I had figured out what was happening, something unexpected would appear and change everything. The characters were well-developed and truly intrigued me. Adrenaline coursed through me as I read; it felt like I was part of the story, and I was sad when it ended. I hope H.Y. Hanna continues to explore this new genre of thrillers!

I've never been to Greece, but I have always wanted to visit. After reading *The Taverna at the Edge of Night*, I'm even more determined to go. The descriptions of the people and places made me want to pack my bags and travel to this beautiful island. I loved learning about the culture, food, and myths that originated there. Ever since I finished the book, I've been seeing pictures of tavernas perched on cliffs and even made a trip to the new Greek restaurant that opened in my town.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Deadly Destinations Thriller Collection by H. Y. Hanna and a step away from her usual cozy mysteries. It is a winner. This book takes place in a fishing village in the beautiful island of Crete. The descriptions the author gives us makes you think you are there. In this first book, Daphne decides to go to the fishing village to reconnect with her best friend Roxy who moved to Crete to run a Taverna in the village. But things get strange when even Roxy is acting strange and the village seems to be holding something back and murder? But being isolated and not knowing who she can trust plays heavy on Daphne. With so many twists and turns can she figure things out and still remain unscathed? What is everyone hiding? This is a really good read that keeps you totally engrossed turning pages until the end. I highly recommend this first book. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Taverna at the Edge of Night (A Psychological Thriller): A twisty, atmospheric thriller set in Greece (Deadly Destinations Thriller Collection), my twenty-sixth read from author H.Y. Hanna & the first book of her new Deadly Destinations Thriller Collection. 336-pages of an enjoyable psychological thriller. Psychological Thriller/Women's Psychological Fiction, captivating primary character, what other blurbs can I use to describe this book? Oh well, buy the book, read the book, get into a good author & some good characters as I have. I look forward to the publication of The Balcony of Dark Deceit (A Psychological Thriller): An atmospheric thriller set in Italy (Deadly Destinations Thriller Collection) due out in May of next year. “I received a courtesy Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[J Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of H.Y.Hanna’s previous cosy mysteries, I was concerned how this book would hold up to her previous books. I was not disappointed the story is well crafted and immediately draws you in. The Greek mythology is woven into the story beautifully. Having been to Crete, the descriptions of the places brought lots of memories back for me especially the hair raising roads.
The suspense is skilfully built up, Daphne the heroine doesn’t know who to trust, her best Friend Roxy, the handsome stranger who she is attracted to? And of course it wouldn’t be a H.Y.Hanna book if there wasn’t a cat in the story.
I loved that the story was relevant to this day and age and that Daphne is a very modern heroine.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Taverna at the Edge of Night (A Psychological Thriller) by H.Y. Hanna is an exciting exotic setting story. Reading Daphne’s story is like taking an adventure from my armchair. Oh how I have missed the suspenseful stories of Daphne du Maurier and Mary Stewart. Well, now there is an author who has taken up the mantle, sort to speak. Still this cozy thriller has Ms. Hanna’s wonderful style of descriptive writing that includes both setting and plot. Part of the Deadly Destinations Thriller Collection , this story brings Greece to vivid life while keeping me guessing about Daphne’s friend, Roxy. At the end Daphne states she is going home but not alone, I love it. Also I love the direction this author’s writing is going with The Taverna at the Edge of Night, a real page turner. Hopefully Daphne will take a trip again very soon.

[Elizabeth Meng · Rating 5 out of 5]

HY Hanna has done it again! If you’re a fan of her writing (I love her cozy mysteries) this new psychological thriller will delight! I was reading way past my bedtime. The characters are well developed and some are quite mysterious. The descriptions of Crete are so vivid that Crete is now on my bucket list as a must visit! Thank you HY Hanna for following your passion for writing to expand to a new genre. You are simply a marvelous author and can entertain and delight your readers beyond cozy mysteries although cozies remain one of my favorites. Thank you for exploring friendships in this book as often friendships evolve and sometimes one remains in the past reminiscing a relationship that may have evolved. As always your stories are real and deep. If you haven’t yet bought this book, please do, Highly recommend!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

*paperback

This book is perfect for lovers of a slow burn, atmospheric destination mystery. I went into this one blind all I knew is it was a “an atmospheric destination thriller.” For me it was more of a mystery than a thriller…I’m more of a page turning thriller kinda girl.

This one uses the 1st 100 pages or so to set the scene, then things start to pick up.

While reading this you will absolutely feel like you’re at Roxy’s taverna and totally uneasy. From the jump I was like eww with Roxy. She was giving passive vibes about her friendship with Daphne, which added to the mystery.

I really enjoyed all of the history packed in about Crete and about the lore of the Matiasma.

So while this one wasn’t one that I worked for me I can totally see why everyone is enjoying it.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Workaholic Daphne spontaneously decides to visit her college best friend in a remote fishing village on the island of Crete in Greece. Traveling to the isolated destination takes all her courage and determination. When she arrives her best friend Roxy is not the same carefree person Daphne remembers and she is worried when she realizes that something about Roxy feels off. When Daphne is attacked in the middle of the night Roxy acts as though she does not believe Daphne and convinces her not to involve the police. What secrets is Roxy hiding? This thrilling mystery, set in a beautiful location kept me guessing and riveted until the final page. I highly recommend this book. A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Taverna at the Edge of Night
By H.Y Hanna

When Daphne takes a vacation to visit her best friend who lives on the island of Crete, she discovers something sinister happening. She hears that just a few weeks prior a woman fell to her death off a cliff, but there are whispers that she may have been murdered. Then someone tries to kidnap Daphne in the middle of the night. Daphne can’t trust anyone, not even her friend who has been acting very strange.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, did not want to put it down.
It kept me guessing till the end who was behind everything.
The beautiful landscapes was an extra bonus that I loved.

[Alicia Kozak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to H.Y. Hanna's first full-length thriller (check out the prequel novella for Daphne's introduction to Greece). I was excited to read this, and it didn't disappoint. The descriptions of the scenery are amazing. The story weaves in the mythology, culture, and food in a natural way. There's even adorable cats. All of the characters are interesting, some more likeable than others, but the author does a great job of making everyone and everything seem suspicious, keeping the suspense level high throughout.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mystery! My favorite part of this story was the setting. The author does a great job of bringing Crete to life and making you feel like you're there. It added another element to the story, and I really loved it. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing. There are questions about every character, so there are lots of suspects. Speaking of characters, I like Daphne. She's relatable in many ways, and she's easy to root for. This trip is out of her comfort zone, and she pushes herself to have experiences and finally live life instead of overworking her way through it. There are hints of romance, but it plays more of a support role here.

I hope there are more stories in more fun settings!

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Hy Hanna's cozy mysteries and when I heard that she was branching out into destination thrillers I was very intrigued.
The novella gave us a glimpse into Daphne's world and I was so ready for more! This book really delivers! I loved the characters, the world that Hanna builds and the twists and plot kept my attention through so much so I didn't want to stop reading.
I can absolutely not wait for more!
* Disclaimer * I was given an advanced copy to read and review. The opinions stated above are my own.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me feel like I was visiting the Greek island of Crete! The author did a fantastic job of describing the scenery and the atmosphere. The story had me constantly changing my mind on characters and I was completely wrong about the villain. I enjoy stories that keep me guessing all the way through and this did just that! I’m looking forward to the next book by H.Y. Hanna. Disclaimer: I was sent a free advanced reader copy and these are my own personal opinions.