Frequently Asked Questions

Who am I?

I’m H. C. Hannah, author of crime thriller novel, Plane Justice. I began my working life as an anesthesiology nurse, and then as an emergency nurse in the ER at one of London’s Major Trauma Centres. I’ve also worked a number of other jobs in various industries including hospitality, travel, medical marketing, and as a personal assistant.

What kind of book is Plane Justice?

It’s a crime thriller novel. More fast-paced mystery than psychological thriller, but with lots of unpredictable twists. Someone once described it as a cross between an Agatha Christie whodunnit and a John Grisham without the law. The story is set in two of my favourite places in the world: London and Jamaica. And it has one or two flying scenes, but you probably guessed that from the title.

Where can I buy Plane Justice?

Plane Justice will be available from Amazon and other online platforms (TBA) from July 31, 2026. A limited number of signed copies will also be available to purchase directly from here.

Where did I get my inspiration for Plane Justice?

While all the characters in the story are fictitious, I drew a lot of inspiration from my co-workers in the ER. With their permission, a number of characters in the story are (very) loosely based on them. I think it makes the traits and personalities of the characters in the book feel much more real and authentic. My former co-workers know who they are, and although I will never reveal their true identities, IYKYK.

When did I start writing?

On a solo vacation in Barbados, in 2013. I was reading a crime thriller novel and thought I’d have a go at writing one. I took my laptop to dinner every night and started work. By the end of the trip I had the first five chapters. It took me the rest of the year to finish it, after which I sent it to something like 85 literary agents, but it was rejected across the board. I shelved it until 2015 when I self-published it as an eBook. It was called The Pilot. Perhaps there are still some original copies out there on readers’ Kindles, but for now it’s back in the editing room.

Plane Justice isn’t my first crime thriller

As you now know, it’s actually my second. After The Pilot, I started writing Plane Justice in 2014, when I was an ER nurse in London. I worked on the story in every spare moment I had (there weren’t many!). I loved writing it so much, I was debating whether to take some time out to complete it. A co-worker wisely said, “Fast forward your life five years from now. What are the things you’ll regret not doing?” So I quit my job and moved back to Suffolk to finish it.

What happened next?

I submitted the manuscript to multiple literary agents and, as with The Pilot, I received multiple rejections. So I self-published it. Thanks to Amazon’s print-on-demand option, it was also possible to have a physical copy of the book. By then it was 2017.

Did it sell?

No, not really! Writing a book is one thing. Marketing it is a whole new ballgame and much more challenging. Some very kind readers reviewed it, or promoted it on their personal social media platforms, and I’m very grateful to them. But my own advertising efforts were found wanting and Plane Justice fell by the wayside.

Then what happened?

Between various jobs, I started writing my third crime thriller. The same process followed: finish book; edit book; submissions; rejections; self-publish. By then I had a quote above my desk, by the legendary American baseball player, Babe Ruth. It said, “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” And so I began work on my fourth novel.

How many crime thrillers have I written?

Six. I self-published five of them, but the sixth has never been published in any shape or form. Earlier in 2026, I removed all five books from their sales platforms (although the print versions maintain their permanent, “unavailable” listing on Amazon and other sites). It’s my ultimate dream to re-release new editions of each book.

Who are my top five favourite authors and why?

That’s a difficult one. There are so many amazingly talented authors out there, but in no particular order, my top five are:

1. John Grisham

2. Michael Connelly

3. Lee Child

4. Jeffery Deaver

These authors are masters of a strong narrative and gripping storytelling from the very first line. They make every word count. Their characters are flawed and relatable. They have perfected the craft of building tension and unpredictable twists that keep you turning pages right to the end. And I always learn something new from these authors. It might be something about the American legal system, or the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, or the New York subway system.

And of course, Agatha Christie, the original “Queen of Crime” has a place in my top five.

What’s my favourite quote?

Why are there palm trees all over my website?

The clue’s on my About page!