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Stone & Oliver #3
The Scandal
When an young man is found stabbed to death in a side street in Newcastle city centre in the run up to Christmas, it looks like a botched robbery to DCI David Stone. But when DS Frankie Oliver arrives at the crime scene, she gets more than she bargained for.
She IDs the victim as Herald court reporter, thirty-two-year old Chris Adams she's known since they were kids. With no eyewitnesses, the MIT are stumped. They discover that when Adams went out, never to return, he was working on a scoop that would make his name. But what was the story he was investigating? And who was trying to cover it up?
As detectives battle to solve the case, they uncover a link to a missing woman that turns the investigation on its head. The exposé has put more than Adams' life in danger. And it's not over yet.
She IDs the victim as Herald court reporter, thirty-two-year old Chris Adams she's known since they were kids. With no eyewitnesses, the MIT are stumped. They discover that when Adams went out, never to return, he was working on a scoop that would make his name. But what was the story he was investigating? And who was trying to cover it up?
As detectives battle to solve the case, they uncover a link to a missing woman that turns the investigation on its head. The exposé has put more than Adams' life in danger. And it's not over yet.
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2019
55 people are currently reading
296 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 73 reviews
March 6, 2019
The Scandal is the third novel in the Newcastle based detectives DCI David Stone and DS Frankie Oliver series, and it's the best yet. The action creates a tense, anticipatory atmosphere that runs throughout with concurrent storylines that are equally as entertaining as one another. You find that just as you're recovering from one reveal another comes along and Bam. I'd go as far as to say that the atmospherics are some of the best in the writing business. It's an excellent suspenseful police procedural that makes your heart race and the team work determinably and intelligently to get results.
But not only is the plot superb and executed to absolute perfection the characters are beautifully drawn too. This novel has everything a good thriller should have and then some. The descriptions of the Northumberland area is one of the aspects that initially attracted me to Ms Hannah's books as it's where I live as well as grew up. It all feels very authentic; you know that the author has spent time ensuring police procedures are portrayed as realistically as possible, and her attention to the finite details blows me away. Here, Hannah has woven a complex, top-notch thriller - it held my attention from first page to last. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
But not only is the plot superb and executed to absolute perfection the characters are beautifully drawn too. This novel has everything a good thriller should have and then some. The descriptions of the Northumberland area is one of the aspects that initially attracted me to Ms Hannah's books as it's where I live as well as grew up. It all feels very authentic; you know that the author has spent time ensuring police procedures are portrayed as realistically as possible, and her attention to the finite details blows me away. Here, Hannah has woven a complex, top-notch thriller - it held my attention from first page to last. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
March 4, 2019
Visit the locations in the novel
The third and hopefully not the last of the Stone and Oliver books! This one is more personal for Frankie and delves deep into her older friendships and acquaintances around the city. When someone who she knew in childhood dies, things get very personal and it’s a tricky case for this reason from the start.
The setting is of course what makes this series stand out. It’s where I grew up and so know each and everyplace mentioned very well indeed. I have to say that I haven’t been to the many bars and restaurants in the book so that might be something I do in the future in the name of booktrailing of course. There’s always that little bit of history sprinkled into the plot to make it even more evocative. You can tell the author loves the region and researches it very well indeed.
The characters and the plot are very strong indeed. I got a much closer picture of Frankie especially in this book since the case is so close to home. Her relationship with David goes through the ringer here and it took their relationship to new levels of intrigue for me. I do hope they continue so I can find out more!
The case under investigation is interesting since the victim was a journalist and was suspected of working on something outside of work. Well that got me interested straight away. Talk about intrigue! This steps up and is hard hitting. Emotional too as the plight of the homeless come to light. The investigation is complex and sensitive but Mari handles it with care and just enough explanation to guide you along. You , the reader, are part of the investigation and her easy manner of explanation of procedure and investigation makes this a joy to read.
Another great read from Mari. Always excited to see what she comes up with next!
February 15, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy of The Scandal, the third novel to feature Newcastle based detectives DCI David Stone and DS Frankie Oliver.
When Frankie is called out to a murder scene she is horrified to recognise the victim as her childhood friend Chris Adams. Chris is now a journalist and while his death initially looks like a robbery gone wrong interviews with friends and family imply that he was working on a story big enough to make his name and reputation.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Scandal which is an excellent police procedural that held my attention from start to finish. The novel starts with a woman called Nancy fleeing in terror from someone following her. She has a secret but no details are given about it or her fate and with that I was hooked. I wanted to know these answers but mostly I was hooked by her terror which is so well described I found myself tensing in anticipation of what was coming, just as she did. It is not until much later in the novel that these questions are answered but she never left my mind after the powerful opening chapter. In the meantime Stone and Oliver are investigating the murder of Chris Adams. This is equally absorbing as they build a case from scratch, no witnesses, little in the way of forensics and no clear cut motive. Just the way I like my procedurals. The novel is well paced, reflecting the team’s doggedness and initial despondency as information is slow to materialise and building to a crescendo as everything comes together. There is never a dull moment.
The plotting is meticulous, tight and logical making for a good, realistic read but it is only half the story as the strong characterisation plays an equal part. The novel is mostly told from Frankie Oliver’s point of view and she has a distinctive voice. She is a dedicated detective with a big heart (which she mostly wears on her sleeve) and apparently no life outside her job. She is close to David Stone but they have some ding dong battles in this novel, neither afraid to say what they think. It makes for some tense scenes which I lived along with Frankie. She is that kind of character, easy to like and identify with. Stone serves as a foil.
The Scandal is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Frankie is called out to a murder scene she is horrified to recognise the victim as her childhood friend Chris Adams. Chris is now a journalist and while his death initially looks like a robbery gone wrong interviews with friends and family imply that he was working on a story big enough to make his name and reputation.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Scandal which is an excellent police procedural that held my attention from start to finish. The novel starts with a woman called Nancy fleeing in terror from someone following her. She has a secret but no details are given about it or her fate and with that I was hooked. I wanted to know these answers but mostly I was hooked by her terror which is so well described I found myself tensing in anticipation of what was coming, just as she did. It is not until much later in the novel that these questions are answered but she never left my mind after the powerful opening chapter. In the meantime Stone and Oliver are investigating the murder of Chris Adams. This is equally absorbing as they build a case from scratch, no witnesses, little in the way of forensics and no clear cut motive. Just the way I like my procedurals. The novel is well paced, reflecting the team’s doggedness and initial despondency as information is slow to materialise and building to a crescendo as everything comes together. There is never a dull moment.
The plotting is meticulous, tight and logical making for a good, realistic read but it is only half the story as the strong characterisation plays an equal part. The novel is mostly told from Frankie Oliver’s point of view and she has a distinctive voice. She is a dedicated detective with a big heart (which she mostly wears on her sleeve) and apparently no life outside her job. She is close to David Stone but they have some ding dong battles in this novel, neither afraid to say what they think. It makes for some tense scenes which I lived along with Frankie. She is that kind of character, easy to like and identify with. Stone serves as a foil.
The Scandal is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 8, 2019
How I love DS Frankie Oliver and DC I David Stone.... the relationship between them is wonderfully depicted as is the novel's mystery, which is a particularly difficult one for Frankie but a fascinating one for us. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
February 3, 2020
I was very confused by this book. One of the police officers would go and interview a witness who would say, "Chris liked blue". The police officer would then report back that Chris despised blue, had a restraining order against the colour and only ever wore red. So I'd go flicking back through the book seeing if I'd missed a page or misunderstood; but no, there was simply no continuity. Then why would Frankie lose her close friendship with her boss because she didn't reveal she hadn't spoken to the victim when he called? Eh? There was a great deal that didn't make any sense and a great deal of assumptions made on facts that had not, in fact, been presented to the reader in evidence. I plodded through because having a free copy from NetGalley, it's the right thing to do. I think there was a good story in there somewhere but the entire thing would benefit from a jolly good edit by an experienced editor.
December 5, 2019
Thrilling
April 7, 2021
Hmm...I read, and enjoyed, all of Mari Hannah's Kate Daniels series.
This is the first Stone & Oliver book I've read and it just didn't work as well for me for some reason. I found DCI Stone's character quite irritating - he seemed to fly off the handle at the least provocation.
The mystery itself was just ok.
I'm not sure if I'll read any more of this series.
This is the first Stone & Oliver book I've read and it just didn't work as well for me for some reason. I found DCI Stone's character quite irritating - he seemed to fly off the handle at the least provocation.
The mystery itself was just ok.
I'm not sure if I'll read any more of this series.
March 19, 2019
Having not read anything by Mari Hannah before I was intrigued by this story line of how a police officer deals with solving a crime when she knows the victim, and I was utterly transfixed from start to finish as the story builds up the tension with ease as the wonderful pair of DS Frankie Oliver and DCI David Stone work through what little information they have to crack the case.
This is the 3rd book in the series and I am eager to go back and read the first two as the main characters are such a great team. They have their own back stories and issues, but their focus is to solve this terrible murder, and with very little to go on they are often left grasping at straws to find the links between the victim and why someone would murder him.
The victim, Chris Adams, is a reporter at a local paper and had been working on a story that he said would shock many, but he hadn't discussed his findings with anyone which makes their task even tougher. He was also using shorthand for his notes, so this meant that they had to be deciphered to help them in their investigation. And with the past shared between Chris and Frankie, I found this to be an interesting element especially as they hadn't spoken in years but he was giving the impression to his family that they were still close.
The action is pulsating throughout and and it's clear that they are treading on some very dangerous toes at times and getting the proof they need becomes a very risky business. An excellent read and wonderfully written characters!
This is the 3rd book in the series and I am eager to go back and read the first two as the main characters are such a great team. They have their own back stories and issues, but their focus is to solve this terrible murder, and with very little to go on they are often left grasping at straws to find the links between the victim and why someone would murder him.
The victim, Chris Adams, is a reporter at a local paper and had been working on a story that he said would shock many, but he hadn't discussed his findings with anyone which makes their task even tougher. He was also using shorthand for his notes, so this meant that they had to be deciphered to help them in their investigation. And with the past shared between Chris and Frankie, I found this to be an interesting element especially as they hadn't spoken in years but he was giving the impression to his family that they were still close.
The action is pulsating throughout and and it's clear that they are treading on some very dangerous toes at times and getting the proof they need becomes a very risky business. An excellent read and wonderfully written characters!
March 22, 2021
Third in the series and I liked each following less than the one before.
What's with the strange interpersonal relationships in this book where people get upset and irriteated over the strangest little things? Every sentence can be a potential fire-starter, because it can turn out that the other person reads into it whatever the hell they want.
I was constantly annoyed reading this book and also felt emotionally down because of the relative hostility and unnecessary tention between the charachters. Seems like all of them are living constantly walking on a cliff's edge, so to speak. Every little step they can take could be "wrong" and destroy their personal lives, their career, the last marbles constituting their mental health.
What's with the strange interpersonal relationships in this book where people get upset and irriteated over the strangest little things? Every sentence can be a potential fire-starter, because it can turn out that the other person reads into it whatever the hell they want.
I was constantly annoyed reading this book and also felt emotionally down because of the relative hostility and unnecessary tention between the charachters. Seems like all of them are living constantly walking on a cliff's edge, so to speak. Every little step they can take could be "wrong" and destroy their personal lives, their career, the last marbles constituting their mental health.
March 7, 2019
Frankie Oliver is called to a murder scene. After arriving, she's horrified, as she recognizes the victim - it's her childhood friend Chris Adams. He's a journalist, now stabbed to death, and while his death initially looks like a robbery gone wrong, further investigation implies that he was working on a big story. Frankie and David Stone start to suspect that there is much more to this case.
"The Scandal" by Mari Hannah is the third book in the Stone and Oliver series, however it can be read as a stand - alone. I haven't read the previous books before - and I'm going to catch up with them as soon as possible, this is the greatest thing in being a book blogger I think, all the time discovering new authors/books/series and knowing that you're for a great read.
The novel is told mostly from Frankie Oliver's point of view and I immediately warmed to her. She has a great personality and a distinctive voice and she's the right person in the right place, her passion to her job is palpable. Her relationship with David Stone works really well, I liked their banter and their verbal battles and the fact they weren't afraid to say what they think.
Mostly the books are over - described. I mean, every single detail is meticulously described, all the feelings and emotions are turned upside down, there is no room for the reader's imagination. "The Scandal" was, however, different - it was very dialogue - driven, the characters talked and talked and talked, and I absolutely loved this variation. It made the book dynamic, quick and there were enough information in those dialogues. Also, it doesn't mean that there weren't enough details, because Mari Hannah's attention to them is absolutely excellent, only she doesn't overwhelm us with miniscule descriptions. They are vivid enough, they contain enough information but there is also space left for the reader. I totally loved the way she has explained all the police procedures, their meetings etc - it felt like watching a film, the banter between the characters, being able to follow their way of thinking, seeing how they're working. This story wis fast - paced and often it goes towards things that I would never expect, full of twists and turns. It gradually starts to make links between the murdered journalist and the missing woman and from that moment on the book gains ever more pace, and I adored the fact that it was simply unpredictable in which way it's going to take us. There came a moment that I stopped guessing and let the author take me on a journey and waited relaxed for all the puzzle pieces to fell into their places.
The author touches upon many issues in this story. She provides a fresh, different perspective at those that were forced into homelessness and at the abuse of the elder members of the society. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, but probably my most favourite parts were the police procedural - they were simply so vivid that I had a feeling I'm a witness to all of those procedures.
Mari Hannah can so well capture all the feelings and emotions of her characters. The terror, fright, despair and grief were brilliantly brought to the pages, and the tension was visible. Also, the investigation itself is so well written, we're starting with nothing, with no witnesses, no point of reference and it slowly builds and builds, starting with a small snowball and ending with an avalanche. The plotting is tight and clever, there are no leaking places, it's logical yet still full of surprises. I'll be for sure recommending "The Scandal" and reading other Hannah's books.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2019
Mari Hannah is chair of this years Theakston's Old Peculier crime festival in Harrogate as well as being their reader in residence. This year she'll be leading the festival' Big Read. She is also a multi award winning author, and once you've read The Scandal , you'll now why.
Number three in Mari Hannah's Oliver and Stone series set in Northumbria, The Scandal is a gritty, well researched, edgy police procedural with a main protagonist with flaws as well as merits. DS Frankie Oliver, is nicely balanced by her boss and work partner DCI David Stone. Don't you just love it when the dynamics between the two lead detectives drive the plot forward? Mari Hannah is a practiced hand at the police procedural and the story trots along at a fair old pace.
My Thoughts
The Scandal opens with a prologue chase scene that quickly has your heart beating overtime and your pulses thrumming. Fast paced, scary and infused with frissons of terror, Hannah effectively sets the scene for a complex and compelling police procedural.
Hannah's obvious knowledge of procedure lends The Scandal an air of authenticity that skirts around the frustrating of lack of police resources etc, whilst keeping the investigation moving forward.
Frankie Oliver is a complex character and, being new to the series, I was hooked by hints of a fascinating backstory. This didn't stand in the way of my enjoyment of the novel which can easily be read as a standalone, but rather piqued my interest so much that I'll definitely go back to catch up on the first two in the series.
I always find it refreshing to read crime fiction based in the North of the country and Hannah skillfully draws the Northern landscape with flair and accuracy. The plot was complex and fascinating and I found myself pondering many questions as I read, not least of which was how did the mysterious Nancy form the prologue connect to the current murder victim Chris Adams?
In short The Scandal is tantalisingly intriguing, well plotted and the characters are well drawn.
December 23, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author and this is apparently the final book of a three book series. Fortunately it stands on its own and I did not feel I was missing anything but I will look out for the first two books because the relationship between DCI Stone and DS Frankie Oliver is an interesting one. The plot is a sound one which thickens as we delve further into the book. The pace is good, but perhaps the story is wrapped up a little too fast? The setting is one I have a little knowledge of and that always adds to the interest of a story as I was able to visualise the areas that were explored.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Mari Hannah/Orion Publishing for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Mari Hannah/Orion Publishing for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 31, 2019
Third in the Stone and Oliver series. Frankie attends a murder scene in Newcastle, a man has been stabbed to death, unfortunately Frankie knows the victim since childhood. It looks like a robbery gone wrong, however when they discover the victim is a journalist and has uncovered a big story, Stone and Oliver suspect that there is more to this case.
Mari continues to go from strength to strength, there is so much more bubbling away in this great crime series set in and around Newcastle.
Mari continues to go from strength to strength, there is so much more bubbling away in this great crime series set in and around Newcastle.
August 10, 2019
Good police procedural/thriller, beginning with a scene of a woman fleeing in terror which is a little reminiscent of the opening of a TV drama (and would film well, if anyone is thinking of filming this series!) Love the Northumberland & Newcastle setting (not familiar to me but it's beginning to feel as if it is, reading these books). Personally I find the police family background of Frankie a little bit overdone, hope she can break through and make her colleagues respect her for herself rather than for her father and grandfather.
April 1, 2019
Following The Lost and The Insider , both of which are really high-calibre police procedurals, we have now arrived at The Scandal, the third book featuring DCI David Stone and DS Frankie Oliver. I’m probably drawing on the biggest review cliché in the world, but this really is a series that goes from strength to strength…
Apart from the superlative structure of Mari Hannah’s books, and her remarkably fluid storytelling, that seems to just hold the reader in her palm of her hand, there are always additional layers of interest in every book. Too often police procedurals are a very linear affair, which probably is my main reason for avoiding most of them, but I am always singularly impressed how Hannah, in a similar way to the Scandinavian tradition of crime writing, throws a penetrating light on social issues, and spotlights those who suffer most in our unequal and unfair society. She achieves this not through soapbox posturing, but by carefully constructing her characters to reflect the effects of these problems in society, and the status quo, so we can make our own judgement call on them. In this book there are some big issues at the forefront of our duo’s investigation, bound up with homelessness, press corruption, and the abuse and exploitation of the elderly- weighty issues that are handled clear-sightedly and sensitively throughout. As a reader that enjoys the ability of crime fiction to more truthfully reflect and explore societal issues, Hannah’s books always hit the spot for this very reason.
Now before you start thinking that this all sounds a bit serious, I’ll throw into the mix the strength of Hannah’s characterisation too, particularly in relation to Stone and Oliver themselves. Their working and personal relationship is a wondrous thing, punctuated by humour, professional respect and periods of complete harmony in how they approach an investigation. However, there is always a slight chaos about their relationship that bursts forth every now and then, as Oliver is no doubt a very savvy detective but likes to go off-road every now and then, and Stone has to balance reining in her more impetuous behaviour, yet seeing where her more intuitive, sometimes secretive, detection takes them. Consequently, there are some wonderful moments of disagreement, class A sulking, and reluctant peace-making that is all rather enjoyable. Like all the best detecting duos, these moments of conflict and parity really make for genuinely engaging and likeable characters, surrounded by an equally strong supporting cast in their professional and private lives, which gives a real added layer of warmth and vibrancy to offset the darkness of what proves to be a difficult and emotional investigation.
Obviously the portrayal of the North East is top drawer as usual (an area of the country I know well) and completely balanced in drawing attention to the best as well as the dodgy aspects of the area. I always feel a huge tug of emotion as Hannah traverses the region, and love the familiarity I have with the murder sites- if that doesn’t make me sound too much like a twisted weirdo. Joking aside, I will repeat what I have said before that Hannah obviously has a huge pride in, and affection for the region, and this is so tangible throughout her writing, and always a pleasure to read. It goes without saying that I always look forward to the next book Hannah produces, across any of her series, and once again, this is a highly engaging, intelligent, entertaining and well written police procedural. Highly recommended.
Apart from the superlative structure of Mari Hannah’s books, and her remarkably fluid storytelling, that seems to just hold the reader in her palm of her hand, there are always additional layers of interest in every book. Too often police procedurals are a very linear affair, which probably is my main reason for avoiding most of them, but I am always singularly impressed how Hannah, in a similar way to the Scandinavian tradition of crime writing, throws a penetrating light on social issues, and spotlights those who suffer most in our unequal and unfair society. She achieves this not through soapbox posturing, but by carefully constructing her characters to reflect the effects of these problems in society, and the status quo, so we can make our own judgement call on them. In this book there are some big issues at the forefront of our duo’s investigation, bound up with homelessness, press corruption, and the abuse and exploitation of the elderly- weighty issues that are handled clear-sightedly and sensitively throughout. As a reader that enjoys the ability of crime fiction to more truthfully reflect and explore societal issues, Hannah’s books always hit the spot for this very reason.
Now before you start thinking that this all sounds a bit serious, I’ll throw into the mix the strength of Hannah’s characterisation too, particularly in relation to Stone and Oliver themselves. Their working and personal relationship is a wondrous thing, punctuated by humour, professional respect and periods of complete harmony in how they approach an investigation. However, there is always a slight chaos about their relationship that bursts forth every now and then, as Oliver is no doubt a very savvy detective but likes to go off-road every now and then, and Stone has to balance reining in her more impetuous behaviour, yet seeing where her more intuitive, sometimes secretive, detection takes them. Consequently, there are some wonderful moments of disagreement, class A sulking, and reluctant peace-making that is all rather enjoyable. Like all the best detecting duos, these moments of conflict and parity really make for genuinely engaging and likeable characters, surrounded by an equally strong supporting cast in their professional and private lives, which gives a real added layer of warmth and vibrancy to offset the darkness of what proves to be a difficult and emotional investigation.
Obviously the portrayal of the North East is top drawer as usual (an area of the country I know well) and completely balanced in drawing attention to the best as well as the dodgy aspects of the area. I always feel a huge tug of emotion as Hannah traverses the region, and love the familiarity I have with the murder sites- if that doesn’t make me sound too much like a twisted weirdo. Joking aside, I will repeat what I have said before that Hannah obviously has a huge pride in, and affection for the region, and this is so tangible throughout her writing, and always a pleasure to read. It goes without saying that I always look forward to the next book Hannah produces, across any of her series, and once again, this is a highly engaging, intelligent, entertaining and well written police procedural. Highly recommended.
January 2, 2025
Stone and Oliver #3.
First book for 2025. Not a very good one. It seemed to be one of the worst soap operas. Dialogue was often "try-hard" with forced humour and irony. The relations between the police personnel were sometimes childish (throwing an eraser at a junior officer?!) and often irritating, with people taking offense at the least little thing. There was a heavy emphasis on the relationships overall, but especially between DCI Stone and DS Frankie Oliver, and then between Stone and his nephew Ben. There is a painful exposition of the former close relationship between Frankie and one of the victims. All of this drags on and on and contributes to the excessive length of 423 paperback pages.
The murders are motivated by other criminal activity, and there was very little detail about that, which was disappointing for me, as it is a growing world issue.
The ending was rather facile, with the baddies getting their just desserts, but again, no unravelling of the criminal enterprise.
I enjoyed one of the author's other series, but I won't be looking for any more of Stone and Oliver.
It probably isn't fair to deduct rating points for the poor editing which left many typos, so I won't, but is still a minor annoyance.
Rating 2.8.
First book for 2025. Not a very good one. It seemed to be one of the worst soap operas. Dialogue was often "try-hard" with forced humour and irony. The relations between the police personnel were sometimes childish (throwing an eraser at a junior officer?!) and often irritating, with people taking offense at the least little thing. There was a heavy emphasis on the relationships overall, but especially between DCI Stone and DS Frankie Oliver, and then between Stone and his nephew Ben. There is a painful exposition of the former close relationship between Frankie and one of the victims. All of this drags on and on and contributes to the excessive length of 423 paperback pages.
The murders are motivated by other criminal activity, and there was very little detail about that, which was disappointing for me, as it is a growing world issue.
The ending was rather facile, with the baddies getting their just desserts, but again, no unravelling of the criminal enterprise.
I enjoyed one of the author's other series, but I won't be looking for any more of Stone and Oliver.
It probably isn't fair to deduct rating points for the poor editing which left many typos, so I won't, but is still a minor annoyance.
Rating 2.8.
April 27, 2019
This is #3 in the Oliver and Stone series by Mari Hannah….
Frankie Oliver is called to a murder scene, this one is a shock as she knows the victim...a childhood friend…
They find he was a journalist, working on a big story….does this have anything to do with his death ?…..Oliver and Stone think there is more to this than a violent robbery.
Frankie is a likeable character, with a love of her job and is a strong woman in a still mainly male dominated profession. The relationship with her colleague, Stone feels genuine, with the gentle banter and honesty they have with each other…..neither afraid to say exactly what they think…
The Scandal has great attention to detail and is a clever mix of police procedural and thriller, with a human touch. Clever plot and a thoughtful, engaging read….I’ll be looking out for the next in the series, for sure.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
Frankie Oliver is called to a murder scene, this one is a shock as she knows the victim...a childhood friend…
They find he was a journalist, working on a big story….does this have anything to do with his death ?…..Oliver and Stone think there is more to this than a violent robbery.
Frankie is a likeable character, with a love of her job and is a strong woman in a still mainly male dominated profession. The relationship with her colleague, Stone feels genuine, with the gentle banter and honesty they have with each other…..neither afraid to say exactly what they think…
The Scandal has great attention to detail and is a clever mix of police procedural and thriller, with a human touch. Clever plot and a thoughtful, engaging read….I’ll be looking out for the next in the series, for sure.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
May 3, 2019
Frankie Stone is shocked to discover that the victim of what appears a random stabbing in the centre of Newcastle is her childhood friend Chris Adams. Adams was working as a journalist but had mentioned to colleagues that he was investigating something big that would make his name. As Stone and her partner DI Oliver look more closely into the case they find links to a missing woman and a potential scandal in the care system but can they make it stick?
Hanah is a good writer and knows her stuff but at times I found this book a little repetitive. There are some recurring characters who made more of a showing such as Ben and some interesting new characters, I would like to see if Ryland appears in any more novels. As ever the plot is tight and clever although the ending seemed to happen very quickly in comparison to the rest of the book, I can't complain.
Hanah is a good writer and knows her stuff but at times I found this book a little repetitive. There are some recurring characters who made more of a showing such as Ben and some interesting new characters, I would like to see if Ryland appears in any more novels. As ever the plot is tight and clever although the ending seemed to happen very quickly in comparison to the rest of the book, I can't complain.
January 4, 2025
A riveting storyline about a dead newspaper reporter on the trail of a murderer; his best friend, a young detective on the hunt to find out who killed him; and her boss, head of the murder squad in a large English constabulary, cleverly cross paths with a host of shady characters in this British murder-mystery.
Being a former court reporter for 11.5 years and having transcribed hundreds of court cases over that time, there were a few minor police procedure issues that weren’t feasible to ensure a witness didn’t change their story, but apart from those I found this to be a plausible and realistic storyline and give it a 4🌟 rating out of 5.
Being a former court reporter for 11.5 years and having transcribed hundreds of court cases over that time, there were a few minor police procedure issues that weren’t feasible to ensure a witness didn’t change their story, but apart from those I found this to be a plausible and realistic storyline and give it a 4🌟 rating out of 5.
February 18, 2019
A young man is stabbed to death in Newcastle city centre. When D S Frankie Oliver arrives at the scene she's horrified to recognise the victim, Chris Adams; they grew up together. Chris was a journalist and it appears he was working on a story linked to a woman who disappeared over a year ago. The investigation leads to a high end nursing home and puts those close to Frankie and DI David Stone in danger. Another great read in this series from Mari Hannah.
Thanks to Netgalley, Orion and Mari Hannah for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley, Orion and Mari Hannah for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
June 7, 2019
This is my 1st Mari Hannah novel & definitely won't be my last. The Scandal is the 3rd installment of the Investigative team of DS Frankie Oliver & DCI David Stone set in Newcastle, England.
It's full of intrigue, clever insights into the inner workings of police procedural drama, combined with equally flawed but powerful characters that will draw you in to their heart wrenching personal lives as well as a resolving a cracker of murder mystery or two. Such fun.
I look forward to reading many more Mari Hannah novels, particularly from this dynamic duo.
4 bright stars!
It's full of intrigue, clever insights into the inner workings of police procedural drama, combined with equally flawed but powerful characters that will draw you in to their heart wrenching personal lives as well as a resolving a cracker of murder mystery or two. Such fun.
I look forward to reading many more Mari Hannah novels, particularly from this dynamic duo.
4 bright stars!
December 2, 2019
You just have to hand it to Mari Hannah. The latest in the Stone and Oliver series is the best yet in this humble reviewer’s opinion. It’s a tightly woven tale about a murder of a young journalist which is not what it seems. The victim is a childhood friend of Frankie Oliver and his death unsurprisingly hits her hard. As Oliver and Stone look deeper into the case, they uncover what looks like a conspiracy at a care home. Throw in a rich owner and the plight of the homeless and you have the ingredients for a terrific thriller. Hannah delivers. Again.
January 12, 2020
A detailed fictional story of a police investigation crime novel set in modern day Newcastle. Well written and engaging , and the lead characters are believable and displays insights and character flaws in equal measures. I welcomed the occasional observations and comments concerning contemporary social issues , e.g. The plight of the homeless and the greed of the privileged aristocracy . I didn't like the use of quite so many Acronyms to describe the various members of the MIT , Murder Investigation Team .
I'd probably read more from this author but not for a while .
I'd probably read more from this author but not for a while .
January 25, 2019
Mari Hannah's Kate Daniels series was excellent but, if anything, this is even better. This is the third in her new series featuring David Stone and Frankie Oliver and this time it's personal! When a childhood friend of Frankie's is murdered, she finds it hard to keep it together, and her relationship with her DI is strained to the limit. Both Northumberland and the principal characters are beautifully drawn and the story grips from the very beginning. A real treat!
June 26, 2021
The 3rd part of the Stone and Oliver trilogy was as good as the other 2
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the other 2. I think David Stone and Frankie Oliver have a great love hate relationship. If Mari Hannah writes a 4th book in this series she should marry them off. This story as with the others had many twists and turns. A great read as are the other 2 in the series.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the other 2. I think David Stone and Frankie Oliver have a great love hate relationship. If Mari Hannah writes a 4th book in this series she should marry them off. This story as with the others had many twists and turns. A great read as are the other 2 in the series.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
March 10, 2019
Loved it. The partnership between Stone and Oliver is so interesting, with the obvious chemistry both professional and personal. Dick is also a great character, and I would love him to be more high profile in a story. Liked that we got more insight into Frankie in this book too.
March 18, 2019
The Scandal book 3
Five stars definitely for this book i found this story line excellent they are getting more interesting with every new book Stone and Oliver can't wait for another
Five stars definitely for this book i found this story line excellent they are getting more interesting with every new book Stone and Oliver can't wait for another
May 13, 2019
I’ve managed to read the other titles in this series. They were all very good. This one is the best so far and sets the bar even higher. The different twists and plots sustain interest and with the good pace of the book retains the reader to the end. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2019
Brilliant book. 1st one ive read from the author. Will be reading the rest of the series. DS Frankie Oliver is calledout to a murder in Newcastle town centre. As soon as she sees the victim she id's him as a childhood friend of hers. This book follows her team as they try to find his killer.
August 10, 2019
Enjoyed this alot. This is the first I.ve read of Mari Hannah, and realised after I'd finished that this was the third novel of the series, but it didn't spoil my read. Lots of twists. I love the two main characters. Loved reading it, didn't want to put it down, couldn't wait to pick it up.
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