An Unwilling Suspect

The McLaren Mysteries, Book 7

By: Jo A. Hiestand

Narrated by: Callum Hale

McLaren’s fiancée tragically died one month ago. Trying to heal emotionally from her death, McLaren settles into a rented farmhouse in the woods near picturesque Lake Windermere in Cumbria. But he’s barely had a chance to rest when Helen, the woman in the neighboring cottage, is killed…and is discovered near his front door.

Because McLaren had spent much of the previous day with her, and his snowy footprints lead to and from her house, he becomes the prime murder suspect in what the police label a frustrated romantic advance.

Motives for Helen’s murder are as chilling as the outdoor temperature. There’s the hands-on garage mechanic who’d like to put his hands all over her, the affluent fishing guide, and Helen’s former boyfriend who wanted to renew the relationship.

Can McLaren find the killer before the police jail him for murder?

©2017 Jo A. Hiestand (P)2021 Jo A. Hiestand

Murder mystery

Jo A. Hiestand wrote an excellent murder mystery drama story. Callum Hale did an amazing job on the narration, brought life to the story. McLaren rents a cabin in the woods to get away from everything that has happened in recent months. From his fiancée tragic death to just getting away from everything that reminds him of her. But before he could settle in the woman in the cabin next to his is murdered. The evidence points to him? Can he find the real killer before he is prosecuted for it? An interesting story, with a lot of twist and turns.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.would recommend

great mystery with a great narrator...

I read the digital copy of this book a few years earlier. I left a review that I hope represented what a well-written, great story, it was. The McLaren series is one of my favorites. The stories combined with her creation of ex-cop Michael McLaren have made me a fan. Her books, often impossible to put down. But once read, who would think an audible book could catch and keep my attention? I'll tell you why. I think when you have a good story to start with and add an excellent narrator, it becomes like another "book". Another story. This particular narrator puts you right in the room with the characters, right in the midst of the story.
The narrator, Callum Hale, does such a good job at portraying various characters. He seems to be able to make it clear who is speaking without making drastic vocal changes. It's a very subtle inflection combined with a rather slight change in the timbre of his voice. And...he has a good voice. No matter how good a story, the wrong narrator can ruin it. That most certainly has not happened here. Hiestand must be awfully glad to have found Callum Hale to narrate her good book.

A Cat and Mouse Mystery

I was entertained by this story. I liked Michael McLaren. Although at times he was brutal, I felt like McLaren could be trusted as a good friend. I thought McLaren was intelligent and introspective, and I enjoyed trying to figure out the clues with him as to whom the real perpetrator was so that he could clear his name. I am looking forward to more stories in this series. I thought Callum Hale's narration was fine, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

Brilliant and riveting McLaren mystery

In "An Unwilling Suspect" McLaren retreats to a farmhouse on loan sited on the edge of Lake Windermere in northwest England, needing to heal from his fiancee's murder--a broken man with his sanity in the balance.

Any such healing is circumvented after he becomes a suspect in the murder of a neighbor, her corpse deposited afterwards near the drive of his residence.

Matters escalate as McLaren endures constant police surveillance and suspicion, arson and attempts on his life. He is slammed with dead ends as he desperately investigates the murder in question before he faces incarceration.

I think I'm so smart! Never ever came close to figuring out this mystery...not the murderer or the motive. Hah!

I read on until 2 a.m. in the morning until the final pages and the denouement on the stormy sands of Morecambe Bay.

Listening subsequently to the audiobook version and the skilled interpretation of Jo Hiestand's masterwork by Callum Hale brought me to a whole body immersion in the experience.

Each character's voice was distinctive and instantly recognizable throughout the narration.
I must say that McLaren's voice betrayed his inner psyche--hard-boiled copper exterior over an inner softie.

No mercy for McClaren

Mike goes for R & R and healing and gets the opposite. First he's blamed for murder. then they try to kill him!!!! What a turn of events. Ex cop on vacation is victim or suspect??? This is all just the tip of the mystery. Much more sinister things are going on behind the scenes. Will Mike survive his vacation alive or as a free man , and his next vacation may be prison!!
This was another intriguing mystery with dark aspects. A compelling suspenseful storyline that kept me listening and guessing. This multilayered mystery had a dark twist I was ready for, but found fascinating. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest opinion. The narrator did a phenomenal job bringing the characters and story to life.

Thoroughly Entertaining!

This was definitely another suspenseful and thoroughly entertaining book in the McLaren series. My heart went out to Mike as he obviously needed the time to grieve the loss of his fiancé but instead was thrown into having to defend himself in a murder charge. As usual, there were plenty of twists and turns in the story and a surprise at the end. Mike has to work hard to avoid jail as well as keep from getting killed himself! Of course Callum Hale once again does a remarkable job with the narration making listening to this audiobook totally enjoyable. Definitely a book I would highly recommend.

Outstanding

Mike McLaren has rented an out of the way house to grieve the loss of his fiancé. When things get threatening and someone is murdered, Mike becomes a suspect. Twists and turns, surprises but a lot of support from his friends. This book is an excellent mystery / thriller and the characters are relatable and believable. I’ve read the series out of order but it has not affected my enjoyment of the book or series. The narration is outstanding. The performance brings the characters and story to life. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.

Depressed Ex British Cop

I was disappointed this continues Mike McLaren story, When McLaren was a DI he was quite, soft spoken and would not let things that upset him show. Now he can't keep his temper in check and is explosively Sarcastic and uncontrolled. Grief does many things, but I am loosing my respect for this man, though he can still figure cold cases out, I hope the author takes him back to a calmer, more reasonable, gracious man once again. Narrator does a Great job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.