The Cottage by Jo A. Hiestand
Publisher: Cousins House Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary
Rated: 5 stars
Reviewed by Rose
Former police detective Michael McLaren is at the home of his lady friend, Melanie. The house is sold, the removal van is booked. All that is left is to help her pack her belongings for her move to his village. But the laborious task is interrupted when one of Melanie’s neighbors asks McLaren to investigate the circumstances of her parents’ murders. McLaren’s reluctance to take it on and abandon Melanie appears to be solved when his best mate, Jamie, steps in to help with the packing. It’s not the easy investigation McLaren was hoping for, however. Sightings of Mordred and a ghost, and a burglary at the local Tudor Hall complicate the murder inquiries. What had seemed to McLaren a perfect remedy with Jamie close at hand now disintegrates into a horrendous mistake. And McLaren questions if the investigation is really worth it, especially when he puts the people he cares about most in danger.
What a joy to be back with Michael, Melanie, and Jamie in Jo Hiestand’s newest book in the McLaren Mystery series – you can see our review of the last book here.
Michael is back in Melanie’s village – this time to help her pack up as she prepares to move to his village, to live closer to him. But, the packing is interrupted when Melanie’s friend asks him to help solve the murders of her parents.
I loved being able to catch back up with this crew. I love we are able to see more of Melanie and Michael’s relationship progressing. One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is being able to catch up with old friends.
Another reason is that Ms. Hiestand does a remarkable job of plotting the mystery, laying out the clues, and building the tension page by page. I was kept on the edge of my seat right up until the solution was revealed, and I normally pride myself on being able to figure out “who dunnit” before the end of the book. Ms. Hiestand’s masterful laying out the mystery always makes me look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you, again, for a wonderful chapter in Michael McLaren’s life. 5 stars
Thanks for hosting!
Thank you for the great book review and for hosting this stop of my tour. I appreciate both.
How do you get your creativity flowing?
Hi, Tracie. I’ve never had trouble with that, strangely enough. I don’t know if it’s because I have so many ideas for McLaren, Melanie, Jamie and Barry, etc, that I can’t wait to get them into another book, or if it’s just because something like an historical spot sparks my curiosity so I look it up and think “Wow, what a great thing to plop into a mystery.” Doesn’t help you much, I know, but I guess it’s just a matter of being in tune with your characters, seeing things for them to do or become involved with. Maybe that’s the reason.
Great excerpt and giveaway. 🙂
Thank you, Cali. Good luck on the giveaway!
The blurb sounds good. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked it, Marcy. I appreciate your comment.
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Geez, I don’t think I have a favorite. Many were good.
Who sticks out as being an early positive influence in your life?
I guess my parents, same as most children. I followed their examples of morals toward people and situations. My grandparents too colored my outlook on behavior toward people. I hadn’t really thought about this, but when you live with your parents 24/t their attitudes and behavior permeate your thinking and outlook on life. They both were well thought of, did a lot of volunteer work, and were greatly liked, so I don’t think their life lessons did anything but good for me, if I did pick those up and do emulate them.
What brings you joy?
Do you have any pets?
Do you prefer the beach or mountains
Jo is remarkable!!! Friend and fabulous author👏👏👏👏