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 … 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?
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This story caught my attention from page one. The pacing is good, the writing tight. Ms Hiestand tells a cracking tale. It starts when McLaren, who is grieving the loss of his fiancée, rents a farmhouse in a remote woods. He makes the acquaintance of his neighbor, Helen, when she comes to ask him for help with her faucet. The next day, her door is broken and again McLaren helps her out. McLaren is still too shocked by his fiancée’s death to really pay attention to Helen, but he does notice when her ex-boyfriend shows up and bothers her, and when a mechanic makes nasty comments about her, and he is gentleman enough to agree to help her when she asks. He also notices when someone cuts down a tree next to his house. However, when Helen’s body is discovered near his house, McLaren becomes the main suspect- a twist for him – usually he’s the one investigating. The case against him looks watertight – no other prints but his, his tire tracks the only ones going to Helen’s house – there are no signs of anyone else in her cottage. This is a real “whodunnit” English country style, with a cast of interesting characters and a story that moves swiftly from start to finish.
I enjoyed the relationship between McLaren and his friend, Jamie. The police procedure was interesting, and Ms Hiestand takes the time to develop the characters in a way that makes you care about them. There are a few red herrings, but that kept me guessing until the end. A good, solid English mystery for a cozy read. Recommended.
This book was such a great read! I really enjoyed it and found myself totally engaged in the storyline.
This book has excellent details that allow for the reader to easily picture the scenes and events.
This book is about main character, McLaren, an English investigator on leave. After McLaren’s fiancée tragically dies, he decides he needs to get away and rents out a farmhouse in Cumbria near Lake Windermere.
While at the farmhouse, he meets his new neighbor, Helen. She quickly reaches out to him for some handy work around her cottage, being the gentleman that he is, he agrees to help her out. A new platonic friendship seems to emerge, but it isn’t long before Helen is found murdered and all the clues point to McLaren being the killer.
McLaren is shocked to be questioned let alone be considered the prime suspect. Although, not in the best state of mind, McLaren knows he must pull himself together and find the real killer before he, himself is locked up.
In McLaren’s investigation, many suspects surface in Helen’s murder – including the grabby mechanic, the affluent fishing guide, and the aggressive ex-boyfriend. McLaren is in a race against time to find the killer and evidence to put him in jail – but not only is McLaren trying to beat the cops to his own arrest, the real killer is out there watching McLaren closely. Will McLaren find the real killer before it’s too late?
I really enjoyed reading this story! I LOVE a good mystery and this book definitely delivered!
This book has fantastic writing that is thoroughly constructed and well detailed.
The storyline flows and is evenly paced.
I liked the main character, McLaren! He was sweet, but lost and confused and heartbroken. Obviously, that’s to be expected after his tragic loss. Which I totally felt bad for him, because he just wanted to get away, have some peace and quiet, and recover. Unfortunately, he finds himself thrown into an investigation, the prime suspect, and in the dangerous tracks of the killer – not really much time to grieve lol. However, there are some serious scenes and it’s clear that McLaren is damaged and in need of healing.
This book has a lot to offer and touches on so many topics. Everything from mystery, suspense, intrigue, grief, heartache, misery, sadness, healing, love, loss, and so much more!
I liked that this book hit so many chords and was respectively written in regard to each circumstance.
It is clear that Ms. Hiedstand knows the mystery, crime solving scene as she writes with such elegant and professional detail.
There were some exciting twists and turns that you might not see coming! And also, a big final surprise that will most likely shock you!
This book is book seven of the McLaren Mysteries Book Series. I had not read the other books prior to reading this one. This book can easily be read on its own without any confusion.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all mystery and crime thriller fans will like this book too! So add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**