British Detective Mystery, The Long Game By Sue Robertson Danells, Launches The DI Maggie Dent Trilogy

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, The Long Game by Sue Robertson Danells introduces Detective Inspector Maggie Dent in a gritty, emotionally charged mystery where a local murder investigation leads straight to her own family’s doorstep.

The British police procedural genre has a powerful new contender. With the release of The Long Game, author Sue Robertson Dannells introduces readers to Detective Inspector Maggie Dent, launching a sharp-edged crime trilogy that perfectly balances psychological suspense, atmospheric settings, and deep emotional stakes.

For readers who devour the works of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Jane Casey, and LJ Ross, this novel offers a refreshing, gritty, and deeply human addition to your bookshelf.

A Gripping Investigation in an Atmospheric Setting

The novel is set against the backdrop of the compact and charming cathedral city of St Albans. While the British countryside often evokes images of postcard-perfect tranquility, Dannells utilizes this small-town setting to mask a dark underbelly.

The story begins with a chilling discovery: a young woman is found dead in the woods near the city. What initially presents itself as a routine investigation quickly unravels. As DI Maggie Dent digs deeper, she exposes a sprawling web of corruption that reaches far beyond her usual beat.

A Compelling Heroine Facing the Ultimate Choice

At the heart of The Long Game is DI Maggie Dent. In a genre frequently dominated by male protagonists, Maggie stands out as a strong, conscientious, and highly relatable female leader. She is a dedicated detective backed by a loyal team characterized by genuine camaraderie and touches of humor.

However, Maggie’s professionalism is pushed to its absolute limits when the investigation takes an agonizingly personal turn. As the trail of evidence leads directly to her own family’s doorstep, the traditional rules of policing stop working.

The emotional weight of the case forces Maggie into an impossible dilemma: she must step away from her leadership role, handing the reins over to her bitter rival and nemesis. This shift inflicts immense stress on Maggie and throws her loyal team into turmoil, testing their grit and determination to the core.

Emotional Literacy Meets Classic Grit

What elevates The Long Game beyond a standard whodunit is the author’s high level of emotional literacy. Dannells masterfully crafts a complex, multi-sided narrative that explores the backstories of both the investigators and the suspects.

The book tackles contentious and highly relevant social issues, ensuring that the mystery lingers with the reader long after the final page is turned. It is a story where justice comes at a heavy cost, packed with red herrings, unexpected twists, and obstructions that keep the pages turning.

The Inspiring Journey Behind the Trilogy

The creation of the DI Maggie Dent series is as compelling as the plot itself. Author Sue Robertson Danells spent her career in education, writing reports and teaching children how to craft stories, but never believed she would write fiction herself.

That changed later in life. Prompted by a deep dive into her own family history after her father’s passing, she uncovered a captivating mystery surrounding a vanished ancestor. This inspiration led to her debut novel, When Darkness Falls, which she published at the age of 71—proving it is never too late to try something new and brave.

Following that success, Danells pivoted to crime fiction. The Long Game marks the triumphant first installment of the DI Maggie Dent trilogy, closely followed by the second book, Too Late for Forgiveness.

What’s Next for DI Maggie Dent?

With the first two books currently available, fans won’t have to wait long for the conclusion of this gripping saga. The third novel in the trilogy, tentatively titled Storm Clouds Over St Albans, is already underway and is slated for release by the end of 2026, promising even more tension and emotional depth for the resilient detective.

Find more from Sue Robertson Danells now:

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