Christmas at Corbie Hall

A McLaren Mystery

By: Jo A. Hiestand

Narrated by: Callum Hale

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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)2023 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👌🏻

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.

Enjoyable mystery with all the festivities of the season

I enjoyed Christmas at Corbie Hall by Jo A. Hiestand. This book is part of the McLaren mysteries and is the first one I read. Although there obviously is a lot that has gone on before this book, I was able to read it as a stand-alone. There used to be enough back story to fill in the gaps. Michael McLaren and his girlfriend Melanie are spending Christmas in the Scottish Highlands at his grandfathers estate. McLaren, a former police detective, gets pulled into investigating two unsolved deaths after a man is found dead outside his grandfather’s home. Lots of action, twists and turns and seasonal celebrations. The narration by Callum Hale brings the characters and story to life. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.

5++ stars...Callum should win a Grammy

Story Impressions –

McLaren and his love, Melanie, are in Scotland for Christmas. The holiday spirit is flowing until a murder sends McLaren into another investigation. Can he apprehend the murderer in time for Christmas? Christmas at Corbie Hall is a heartwarming holiday mystery I couldn’t stop listening to. As always, Jo Hiestand and Callum Hale whisk me away. The setting is Scotland at Christmastime. The characters, especially McLaren and Melanie, are reason enough alone to listen to this gem. Callum Hale is one of the best voice actors in the industry and he outdoes himself in this performance.


Narrator’s overall voice –

Callum Hale is one of the best narrators I’ve heard and trust me, I’ve heard plenty. His voice creates the descriptions needed to follow the story.


Does the voice actor fit the characters?

Callum uses different dialects for each character which is beneficial while listening. Callum also invokes emotion while reading.


Voice actor’s reading style –

Callum’s reading style is the perfect tempo, allowing the listener to be fully immersed in the mystery.


Voice actor’s impact on reading experience –

Callum makes this an enjoyable listen. Everything from his pacing to the intonation in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotive effect on the listener all combine to make this a great performance.


Voice actor’s pacing –

Callum’s pacing is lingering in parts, quick in others, on pace with the natural ebbs and flows of the story.


Audiobook flow –

The flow of the audiobook is right in line with the pace of the story.


What makes this audiobook unique –

An incredible performance by Callum. He becomes McLaren and Jamie plus all the other characters. He should win an Grammy for this one.


Would I recommend this audiobook –
Yes. Fans of British mysteries and holiday mysteries will enjoy this one.