Overdue

The McLaren Mysteries, Book 17

By: Jo A. Hiestand

Narrated by: Callum Hale

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

A spate of three murders in as many months has Derbyshire’s local police and populace in near panic. And there will most likely be a fourth killing in two weeks unless something happens to stop the cycle.

Former police detective Michael McLaren is that “something” that his best mate, Jamie Kydd, is counting on to end the alarming deaths. He enlists McLaren’s help to look into the events, hoping his friend can solve what, so far, has confounded the Constabulary.

Each of the three crime scenes is the same, yet different. The same types of things, but not the same specific things left with each body.

As McLaren becomes enmeshed in the hunt for the killer, his friend Melanie arrives for a planned visit. Can his days become more complicated than simultaneously playing host and unmasking a killer? They can when he’s aware that each tick of the clock brings them closer to the next planned murder. And perhaps an unplanned one thrown in for fun....

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

An intriguing mystery...

Story Impressions –

A rash of murders has McLaren wondering if he’s overdue to solve the crimes. In this latest case, we find McLaren called in by his friend Jamie to help out the investigation. Both Jamie and McLaren are stumped by the multiple murders. McLaren works hard to unmask the killer before it’s too late.


Overdue is an intriguing mystery audiobook. The storyline is complicated and a little hard to follow. The use of the word ‘overdue’ was overdone and distracted me from the mystery plot. Did I like the audiobook? Yes, but not as well as I liked previous McLaren mysteries in audiobook format.


Narrator’s overall voice –

His voice creates the imagery needed to follow along as you listen. His soothing British accent works flawlessly for this story.

Does the narrator fit the characters?

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


Narrator’s reading style –

Callum’s reading style is the perfect rhythm.


Narrator’s impact on reading experience –

Everything from his pacing to the inflection in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotional impact on the listener all combine to make this an outstanding performance.

Narrator’s pacing –

Callum’s pacing is slow in parts, fast 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 –

What a brilliant performance by Callum. He redeems this story.


Would I recommend this audiobook –

Yes, I would.


My Rating: 4.5 stars

Another stunning story & performance

When former police detective Michael McLaren meets his best mate, Jamie Kidd, at a nearby pub, he finds his friend sullen and seriously troubled with a case. “we just need a fresh pair of eyes Mike,” A series of murders appear to have no leads and a fourth possible murder may occur if the case is not solved quickly.

Author, Jo Hiestand, receives 5 stars for weaving a story worthy of wordsmiths, literature and British historical aficionados, and contemporary police procedural/suspense fans. Reading her books is like a scavenger hunt for the mind, and the unexpected laugh regarding celebrations around National Cat day? Brilliant! There is something for everyone in her novels but I love the suspense the most

Callum Hale is not just a book narrator. He is an exceptional performer who entertains listeners for hours. His repertoire of accents smoothly signal character changes. He can convey “impatience “ in a discussion between a brother and sister. He can convey a blooming romance. Mostly, he masterfully drives the suspense of the novel with natural instincts on when to slow down to capture significance or emphasize the energy of closing in on the final scene.

Don’t miss this series! These two artists are perfectly paired for a wonderful audiobook experience.

outstanding!!

This is a brilliantly suspenseful book right to the finish. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't press pause for a second. I was so mad at the end, that I could have given the killer a few licks too. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest opinion. The narrator did a great job bringing it to life.

Extraordinary

This is an extraordinary mystery with an equally extraordinary narrator! This story grabbed me right from the beginning with Jamie asking for Mike’s assistance with an investigation of a serial killer that has the constabulary stumped. The plot is intriguing and as usual Ms Hiestand adds a bit of humor and romance to the mix to help relieve a bit of the nail biting suspense. This is definitely one of my favorite McLaren stories! And speaking of favorites; Callum is spot on with all the voices and emotions for all the various characters in the story. He is easily one of my favorite narrators. He makes listening such a pleasant experience and draws you into the story as if you are right there with the characters. This is definitely a book I will be recommending and listening to again!

Very Good Mystery

I thoughly enjoyed a mystery that I can not figure out Until the end of yhe book! I was just as baffled as the main character Michael, the retired Inspector. The narrator does a Great job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.