Northumberland author in the running for top crime fiction award

Mari Hannah at a book signing in Newcastle this morning. Credit: PA

An author from Northumberland is in the running for a prestigious crime fiction award.

Mari Hannah, who lives in Corbridge, will be in London tonight (Thursday 4th December) to find out if she has won the 'Dagger in the Library Award', which is given out by the Crime Writers' Association. She is one of five authors on the shortlist.

Mari Hannah is a former probation officer who started writing in her 40s. She recently published her fifth book, 'Killing for Keeps'. It follows the investigations of fictional North East-based sleuth DCI Kate Daniels.

Meanwhile, a production company owned by Stephen Fry, Sprout Pictures, are hoping to televise Mari Hannah's stories.

After Mari Hannah was shortlisted for the award, Stephen Fry tweeted his congratulations to his eight million-plus followers.

Speaking at an informal book launch in Corbridge last night, Mari Hannah said she thought an actress like Jill Halfpenny would be right for the lead role of DCI Kate Daniels, if the books are eventually brought to the small screen.

Mari Hannah said informally last night that she thought an actress like Jill Halfpenny would right for the lead role of DCI Kate Daniels, if the books are eventually brought to the small screen. Credit: PA