Empty Handed

by Jo A Hiestand

 

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GENRE:   British mystery

 

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BLURB:

 

One dark night artist Craig Saxton went missing from his village.  His body was found thirty-two hours later in the river, floating like a bobber on a fishing line. Rumors swell like tidal waves: did his ex-wife or his fiancée’s father kill this likeable young man? Or was it simply a case of jealousy by the village’s other artist? Now, two years later, Craig’s fiancée hopes ex-police detective Michael McLaren can find out. From speaking to villagers, McLaren quickly realizes that what appears to be a straightforward investigation is fast becoming as tangled as fishing lines. Are the fish poaching incidents, the reappearance of the local ghost, and assaults on him merely to muddy the investigative waters, or are they connected to Craig’s death? McLaren has his hands full. They become even fuller when a nemesis from his past appears one night, bent on revenge. And the inevitable struggle opens a new future for one man…and leaves the other empty handed.

Excerpt:

 

The man frowned and seemed to tower above her. He took an eternity to answer. “Why are you inquiring?”

 

“I met him the other day. I’d heard about him before that. He impressed me with his knowledge. I’d like to know more of his background.”

 

“Why not ask Mr. McLaren?”

 

Victoria gave a tight-lipped smile and shrugged. Her thumb stroked the back of her ring. The gem had let her down. Moonstone was linked to feminine energy. It brought healing, nourishing the wearer and returning her to her complete self. It was the moon’s gem and imparted the curative water. She needed McLaren in her life and needed the benefits of the moonstone. How would she survive without either of them? She coughed and slid her fingertip onto the stone. “I did ask him. But he’s too modest. He wouldn’t tell me anything.”

 

“Well, I’d take that as a strong hint, wouldn’t you? Mr. McLaren obviously doesn’t want to talk about himself. You’d be best to drop it.”

 

“I just thought that you might know him and could—“

 

“I’m sorry. Even if I did know him, I wouldn’t give out private information. It’s nothing to do with you personally, please understand.”

 

“Sure. Department policy. Sorry to bother you.” She stepped out of the van, aware of the thud of her heart and the tears in her eyes. One good thing: it was nearly dark. No one could see her crying.

Review

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In book 10 of the McLaren Mystery series, McLaren is a little more calm and at peace since his fiancé's death. He is almost ready to live his life again.

McLaren is approached by Victoria, she needs his help investigating the mysterious death of her fiancé. He runs into a town full of mystery, ghost stories, poachers and lot of similarities to his own fiancé's death.

I loved the idea of McLaren going to this little town to find so much going on and he has no idea what to think of it all. I thought the story had it all. Interesting, exciting, with amazing characters and well written storyline!

 

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

A month-long trip to England during her college years introduced Jo to the joys of Things British.  Since then, she has been lured back nearly a dozen times, and lived there during her professional folk singing stint.  This intimate knowledge of Britain forms the backbone of both the Peak District mysteries and the McLaren cold case mystery series.

 

Jo’s insistence for accuracy, from police methods and location layout to the general feel of the area, has driven her innumerable times to Derbyshire for research.  These explorations and conferences with police friends provide the detail filling the books.

 

In 1999 Jo returned to Webster University to major in English.  She graduated in 2001 with a BA degree and departmental honors.

 

Her cat Tennyson shares her St. Louis home.

 

Amazon buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Empty-Handed-McLaren-Mysteries-Hiestand/dp/1090783167/

 

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