The House on Devil's Bar

The Linn House Mysteries, Book 1

By: Jessie McAlan

Narrated by: Jonathan McIntosh

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

The police verdict of a woman’s accidental drowning in the Mississippi River does more than set tongues wagging in the small Missouri town of Klim; it starts a flood of cancellations that threaten to sink Rona Murray’s bakery and events business and blacken her good name. Determined to save both, she starts her own investigation to prove she and her property are blameless. Barbara Lindborg had stopped by Linn House to consider renting it for a party. Yet, when Rona returned from accepting a delivery, the woman had vanished.

Rona’s preliminary search for Barbara yields nothing more than suggestive footprints on the bar. Did the woman accidentally fall into the river? Was she pushed - and if so, why? A later hunt reveals Barbara’s cell phone in the woods. How did it get halfway up the hill if the woman drowned a hundred feet below? The phone’s camera holds snaps of Klim, its residents, and the bar. Do any of these hold a clue to her death? Or did she and Rona’s earlier conversation about history and treasure have a different meaning?

Suspects and motives pop up like bubbles in yeast. Is Matt, an employee, still bitter about his and Barbara’s divorce? What about Rona’s own ex, Johnny? Is he trying to drive her out of business, or is his current girlfriend, Crystal, jealous of their relationship and trying to eliminate the competition by framing Rona for Barbara’s death? A bit like calling the kettle black, for Crystal seems very friendly with Frank, the bad boy neighbor. Frank isn’t lily-white, either. He dislikes Rona; is he behind the pranks on her property or mixed up in Barbara’s death? It isn’t until Rona’s life is threatened one stormy night that she learns the killer’s identity and her true feelings about Johnny.

©2017 Jo A. Hiestand (P)2020 Jo A. Hiestand

Good Suspense

This was the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author and it certainly won’t be my last. It was also a different genre for me as I usually read/listen to romance novels so a straight mystery was a nice change. The storyline became fairly intricate, with many twists and turns and many characters, so you really had to pay attention to who all the characters were and how they were connected. I did enjoy the story however and thought it was cleverly written. The narrator did a very nice job with all the voices. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a clean mystery. I did receive a free copy of this audiobook however have voluntarily provided this unbiased review.

Narration for teens.

I have started it twice. Each time lasted for less than 5 minutes. The narrator's tone was so juvenile that it was beyond bearing. Too bad that I can't return it.

Love this book

I have had the opportunity to listen to “House on Devil’s Bar” by Jessie McAlan. I really enjoyed the narration and the intrigue that went with it. The narrator used various voices that added to the enjoyment of the storyline. I especially enjoyed his depiction of “Michelle”. I was not able to guess the culprit until it was revealed toward the end. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of the area which lended to being able to get a feel for where the story took place.

I received a free copy for my honest review.