Authors Interviewing Characters: H.Y. Hanna

Bestselling author H.Y. Hanna (over 500,000 copies sold) returns with her first psychological thriller, “The Taverna at the Edge of Night” (May 12, 2026), a sun-drenched, Greek island suspense novel about toxic female friendships and a girls’ trip gone dangerously wrong. Perfect for summer, this immersive destination thriller explores the dark side of “friendship breakups” against the glittering backdrop of Crete.

Inspired by a harrowing research trip to Southern Crete, Hanna, author of more than 30 novels, steps into darker territory with this gripping page-turner. Blending slow-burn suspense with lush atmosphere, “The Taverna at the Edge of Night” is ideal for readers who love Ruth Ware, Lucy Foley, and the decadent unease of “White Lotus”.

About the book:  Sometimes the most beautiful locations hide the deadliest betrayal. When Daphne travels to a remote fishing village on the Greek island of Crete, she’s looking forward to sunshine, sea views, and a happy reunion with her best friend. But from the moment she arrives at her friend’s new taverna, something feels wrong. Roxy is jittery and evasive, the locals avoid questions, and rumours of a cliffside murder have everyone on edge.

After a terrifying night-time attack that leaves her shaken and desperate for answers, Daphne turns to her best friend for help. Instead, she’s met with gaslighting and lies that make her question her own sanity. Isolated and unsure who to trust, she becomes trapped in a lethal game of deception—and drawn to a mysterious stranger with secrets of his own. As Daphne digs deeper, she realises someone in this idyllic village is hiding a deadly secret… and her closest friendship may be the most dangerous thing of all.

Sometimes the most beautiful locations hide the deadliest betrayal. 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 her best friend. But from the moment she arrives at her friend’s new taverna, something feels wrong. Roxy is jittery and evasive, the locals avoid questions, and rumours of a cliffside murder have everyone on edge.

After a terrifying night-time attack that leaves her reeling and desperate for answers, Daphne turns to her best friend for help. But she’s met with gaslighting and lies that make her question her own sanity. Isolated and unsure who to trust, she finds herself trapped in a lethal game of deception, and a dangerous attraction to a stranger with secrets of his own. As Daphne digs deeper, she realises that someone in this idyllic village is hiding a deadly secret… and that her closest friendship might be the most dangerous thing of all.

Meeting Daphne and Roxy on the taverna terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with pink bougainvillea blooms nodding above us, and the light beginning to fade as the dazzling brightness of day softens into the honeyed glow of evening…

Me: Sorry I’m late—I didn’t realise it would be so difficult to get to the village! I thought it would be like the north coast with those big resorts and tourist shops, but this side of Crete seems so wild and rugged still. And, my God, those winding roads—

Daphne: I know! Aren’t they dreadful? But the drive across the mountains really is spectacular. I mean, all those tiny whitewashed houses among ancient olive groves and those sheer cliffs above the gorges… and then when you come around a bend and see the sea for the first time—it’s like your heart stops for a minute. (She chuckles.) If it hadn’t stopped already when you were going around those hairpin turns! I nearly had a heart-attack on the coach here this morning—

Roxy: I’m surprised you didn’t come in a private limousine instead of roughing it on a coach with the hoi polloi. You can well afford it now you’ve sold your business for all that dosh.

Daphne: Oh… well, I don’t… Roxy, you know I don’t need five-star luxuries.

Roxy: Really? When was the last time you stayed somewhere without Egyptian cotton sheets and a turndown service? 

Daphne: (Embarrassed laugh.) I don’t need all that! I much prefer ‘rustic authenticity’.

Roxy: Hah… well, you’ll certainly be getting that here at my taverna. 

Me: Aww, I’m sure it’s a nice change from London. And you must be excited to finally catch up after all these months.

Daphne: Yes…(Glances sideways.) Although I didn’t think she’d be so upset about my visit—

Roxy: I wasn’t upset!

Daphne: Roxy, the look on your face when you saw me. Anyone would think you’d seen a ghost—

Roxy: Don’t be so melodramatic! I was just… a bit thrown. Of course, I was happy to see you. I just wish you’d given me some notice, that’s all. 

Daphne: I’m sorry, it’s just… you’re the one who was always telling me how much you love surprises. And you kept telling me to come for a weekend, just book a flight, don’t overthink it—

Roxy: Well, you’re such a workaholic! I never thought you’d actually— (She takes a breath, then smiles.) Look, forget it. You’re here now and that’s all that matters. 

Daphne: And I don’t want to be given special treatment. I mean it. Like, you should have let me help you prepare my room. I don’t know why you rushed me out—

Roxy: I told you—it was a mess. It had been used as a store room. I didn’t want you to see it until it was ready. Especially given all the swanky hotel rooms you’re used to now.

Me: Um… so, Roxy, how did you end up in a taverna in the middle of nowhere?

Roxy: Well, if you believe the Greeks, they’ll say it was all meant to be. You know, the myth about the three Fates who spin the thread of life, measure it and then cut it when it’s time for you to die. I guess my thread involved a divorce, a nice fat settlement and a taverna in a tiny fishing village!

Daphne: I think what you’ve done is amazing, Roxy. I would never have had the courage to leave my life in the London, come out here alone and take on a project like renovating this old taverna.

Roxy: (Grinning.) Hey, there are a lot of fringe benefits. Sun, sea and lemon trees… who wouldn’t take that over the miserable English weather? And besides, there’s the locals—

Daphne: Oh my God, yes, the Cretan people! They’re so warm and lovely. And it’s like they really mean it, you know? Not like that polite thing you usually get at tourist resorts. 

Roxy: (Grinning even more.) Well, that wasn’t quite what I meant, but yeah, no one does welcome like the Greeks. Especially a tall, dark handsome Greek with very good hands…

Daphne: Roxy!

Roxy: (Laughing.) Look at you blushing! Honestly, Daphne, a holiday fling with a hunky toyboy is practically a rite of passage for the modern woman, isn’t it? And it’s just what you need: a bit of romance to remind you how to have “fun” again. 

Daphne: I didn’t come here for romance. I came to see my best friend and to enjoy the views and explore the countryside. There are supposed to be some amazing walks around here. 

Me: Yes, I’ve heard that the south coast of Crete is a hiker’s paradise. Isn’t the Samaria Gorge a bucket list item for a lot of travellers?

Roxy: Yeah, Samaria is pretty spectacular. But there are beautiful gorges all over Crete. All vast and ancient and untouched by man. In fact, there’s one right behind the taverna. 

Daphne: Oh! Is that where that British woman’s body was found? Some of the other coach passengers were telling me about it. They said it was really odd because she was an experienced hiker and apparently people are even saying on social media that it might be mur—

Roxy: Bollocks! It was an accident. Nothing more. People love to gossip. The woman wasn’t even in the gorge! She was walking on the cliff path there—just beyond the taverna terrace—and it was after sunset and she slipped and fell. That’s all. Tourists have accidents all over Crete every year. Now… who wants a drink? I just bought some early-season figs, and I’ve got this Fig & Honey Vodka Cocktail recipe that’s absolutely scrumptious.

Me: That sounds wonderful, thank you.

Roxy: Daphne?

Daphne: Yes, thanks, me too. 

Roxy: I’ll bring you some mezze too, to go with it. Have you tried kalitsounia yet? 

Me: Kalizoo—?

Roxy: Kalitsounia. They’re traditional Cretan pies. Handmade, half-moon pastries made of crispy dough filled with fresh mizithra cheese and drizzled with warm honey. They’re normally served for dessert but—(winks at me)—who says you can’t have dessert first, eh? 

Me: They sound amazing. Yes, please! I’d love to try some. 

Daphne: (Laughing.) Be warned, though—they’re really addictive! I had some earlier when I first arrived and I nearly ate the whole plate. 

Roxy: Be right back, ladies… [Leaves the terrace]. 

Me: This really is an amazing spot, isn’t it? The view is just incredible, with the sun setting over the sea and the way you can see the coastline stretching away… I can’t believe we’re the only ones sitting here. The place should be packed!

Daphne: Oh… I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. Roxy’s got such wonderful ideas: she wants to feature works by local artists and serve organic juices and dishes made from fresh local ingredients… you know, like a traditional Greek taverna with a modern twist. It’s just a shame that the village is so remote… They were supposed to build a big resort here, but then it got built in the next village and so all the tourists have gone there… 

Me: Oh, what a shame.

Daphne: Yes, but not everyone wants the touristy stuff, do they? I mean, I know most people come for the beaches and big resorts and just to have a nice holiday. But some people do want to see the real Crete. And there’s something so… so seductive about the island. Like it’s wild and beautiful but also bleak and hard and dangerous too… (Hesitates.) You know, I met this woman earlier in the village. She’s an artist. Came here twenty years ago and never left. You know what she said? That Crete is a place where the old stories are still alive and walking in the mountains…

Me: (Shivering.) Actually, you know… I think I’d better make a move. I hadn’t realised the time. It’ll be dark soon and then it won’t be easy to find a taxi back to Plakias. I’ll say goodbye to Roxy on my way out. It was lovely meeting you, Daphne… take care. 

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USA Today-bestselling author H.Y. Hanna writes atmospheric destination thrillers and psychological suspense set in beautiful—and often deadly—international locations. With over 30 novels published and translated into several languages, her books also include light-hearted “cozy mysteries”, which 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 London, Dubai to New Zealand—but she has now finally unpacked her bags for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.

You can learn more about Hsin-Yi and her books at her website — and don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news, as well as behind-the-scenes features and bonus stories!

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Interviews, On Writing