A Disrupted Christmas

De: Jo A. Hiestand

Narrado por: Callum Hale

Former police detective Michael McLaren is looking forward to spending Christmas at his grandfather's ancient Hall. Not only because it will be his first holiday with his grandfather and uncle, but also with his lady love, Melanie. Everything seems perfect for the Scottish Highland getaway. Even Mother Nature is contributing snow, adding a festive and romantic overtone to the gathering. But McLaren’s holiday plan gets snowed under when a dead man is discovered outside his grandfather’s house--in circumstances similar to an older murder. And it’s not long before McLaren is asked to look into the previous death.

The victim was a drummer in a local pipe band. He also drummed at the Christmas market, where his body was found on a snowy, cold evening. The man found dead at the door of his grandfather’s house also played in a pipe band. Are the two murders connected? Or did their jobs at the bank have to do with their deaths?Can McLaren wrap up the cases in time to unwrap Christmas gifts with Melanie? It’s a race against the calendar and weather if he wants the Day—and his future with her—to be merry and bright.

©2023 Jo A Hiestand (P)2025 Jo A Hiestand

Murder mystery

Well thoughtout plot. Very discriptive scenes, as if you were there in Scotland. Loved the romance between Mclaren and Melanie. Heartfelt and warm story! Exellent narration done by Callum Hale👌🏻

HIESTAND & HALE -THE PERFECT MYSTERY COMBO!

Another fabulous mystery, this time set in modern Scotland, but on a beautiful old estate!
An intricate plot, a little "closed door" romance, and a great cast, all brilliantly brought to life by the
Master Narrator, and Man of a thousand voices and accents, Callum Hale. Every voice is distinctly different from any other. He has a marvelous repertoire of women's voices as well as men's.
I enjoy that so much because Ms. Hiestand has worked tirelessly to people her mysteries with lots of personality, and only a great narrater can can breathe so much life into the book that you feel like you're listening to a great movie.
The author also does a great job of bringing you up date on the characters, whether it's been a while since you read the last book, or even if this is your first foray into the series.
The best part is that Hiestand and Hale will keep you guessing all the way to the end with this terrific plot.
As usual, I loved it and can't wait 'till the next one.

Christmas

Very good Christmas book to listen to. Definitely does get you into the Christmas spirit. Excellent narrating and excellent book overall. Must listen to.

Jealousy and greed

This had several loose threads of deceit that McLaren pieced together as clues to solve several crimes that were committed due to jealousy and great greed! It was gutwrenching and made me heartsick to find out who the perpetrators were. McLaren leaves no stones unturned and finds a secret paternity also!! Whether it's fact or fiction ,
I enjoyed the part where McLaren deciphered the Celtic knots and their origins and meaning. That was quite interesting to me. Melanie always seems like such a martyr giving up her time with McLaren, so he can work. Wth??? Maybe now she'll have other things to occupy her time besides waiting fo McLaren!!!!! Not really her fan , because she greatly detracts from the main story with her whining as I see it. Despite her , it's a great mystery. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest opinion. The narrator did a good job bringing it to life. I enjoyed the accent.

Intriguing Tale!

One of my favourite mystery authors is back with another intriguing tale of murder, danger and suspense and the icing on top is that it is narrated brilliantly by Callum Hale. Jo Hiestand is an author that keeps on giving with her richly detailed scenes that make you feel like you are part of the story. We are taken on a journey to Scotland with Michael and his lady love, Melanie for Christmas with his grandfather and uncle. While there, not surprisingly, Michael is drawn into having to solve a cold case. As usual there are many twists and turns and it’s always surprising and quite intriguing how Michael comes up with his conclusions and discovers the guilty party. The action begins right at the beginning of this story and continues throughout. There is also some romance thrown into the mix with a lovely ending. I have to say that this was definitely one of my favorite McLaren books of the series. I highly recommend this one, whether or not you have listened to any of the others. Callum Hale never ceases to amaze me with his numerous voices and accents, and all done so brilliantly. I look forward to the next book in the series.