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raven88's review
5.0
Black Fell is the latest in Mari Hannah’s series featuring DCI David Stone and DS Frankie Oliver ( The Lost, The Insider, The Scandal) a series which is going from strength to strength with every new addition to it, securing Hannah’s place as one of the most accomplished British crime writers of high-calibre police procedurals.
Not only has Hannah written a well constructed crime thriller, which takes us seamlessly from the beautiful surrounds of Kielder Water, the scene of two murder cases, and also to Iceland as the investigation widens, and cooperation is sought from Oliver and Stone’s Icelandic counterparts. The haunting beauty of Kielder is used to full effect, where the vastness and ethereal quality of the forest, provides a perfect backdrop for the nefarious deeds and dark secrets that are slowly revealed as the plot develops. Equally, by sending one of the detectives to Iceland to follow up on suspects and witnesses, Hannah uses the opportunity to convey to us the impressions that Oliver has of the country, drawing the reader in through her eyes. It also allows Oliver to develop a working relationship with the Icelandic detectives, and for us to observe their different, and by the same token, similar investigative practices, which adds a vibe and energy to the plot overall.
The plotting is as tight and compelling as one would expect, and the counterbalance of the contemporary and the historic crimes is perfectly weighted during the course of the book. Hannah, once again balances the more mundane procedures of police work, with those sudden breakthroughs and flashes of inspiration, that all police officers experience in the course of a murder investigation, which gives an added authenticity to her writing. It also serves to really enfold the reader in the plot as we get equally infuriated when the cases seem to be stalling, and also waiting for those crucial truths to reveal themselves as we play-a-long detective too.
I love the way that with each book, Hannah is adding a new frisson to the dynamic of the relationship, both professional and personal, between Stone and Oliver. DCI Stone is the typical fairly taciturn, troubled superior officer, helping to mould Oliver into the consummate detective. Oliver, as a third generation police officer, is ambitious, intelligent but charmingly self-doubting. There naturally exists between them a difference in rank and experience, but even though their investigative methods are similar, Oliver has a more youthful compulsion to act on her instincts, which for the most part serve her well- there are some nice little in-references to DCI Kate Daniels when Oliver’s methods and demeanour are questioned by her superior officers too. There is also the added tension of Oliver awaiting her inspector exam results and how this will affect this very effective working partnership. There is a level of jocularity between them, but also moments of intense emotion, as each of them know how much they rely on each other professionally, but the personal relationship is still full of mixed messages, moments of conflict and procrastination, as well as sulking and glorious toys-out-of-pram moments. More so than any other of the books to date, the dynamic between them becomes a source of great interest to someone else too, who has their own personal axe to grind about DCI David Stone…
I am most definitely a confirmed fan of this series, with the added joy that any reader can dip into the series at any point and be fully on board with what has happened before so can equally be read as solid standalones. There is a natural ease and fluidity to Hannah’s writing (probably not for her when fleshing out and writing her books!) that bolstered by meticulous plotting, and great character development, keep me coming back for more. Black Fell is no exception. Highly recommended.
jmatkinson1's review
4.0
A body is found floating in Kielder Water, but when police go to retrieve it they discover another more recent death nearby. For Oliver and Stone this is a final case together as Frankie has received a promotion and is about to leave the team. However there is chance for a trip to Iceland to investigate one death and a scandal brewing from a nasty media campaign.
Hannah writes excellent police procedurals set in the beautiful and wild areas of Northumberland. This is no exception and weaves together a couple of plots about a revenge and also prejudice really well. I loved the fact that the historic murder was linked to the building of Kielder Dam and was completely believable. I found the Icelandic plot a little more far-fetched and not completely resolved in terms of actions. However it's still a great book.
Hannah writes excellent police procedurals set in the beautiful and wild areas of Northumberland. This is no exception and weaves together a couple of plots about a revenge and also prejudice really well. I loved the fact that the historic murder was linked to the building of Kielder Dam and was completely believable. I found the Icelandic plot a little more far-fetched and not completely resolved in terms of actions. However it's still a great book.
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