The Cottage: A McLaren Mystery by Jo A. Hiestand| $20 Gift Card #BookReview #Excerpt #BritishMystery @GoddessFish @JoHiestand
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
“The Cottage” by Jo A. Hiestand is a must-read for British Mystery enthusiasts, offering an engaging blend of mystery, character development, and a touch of romance that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
Book Details
The Cottage: A McLaren Mystery by Jo A. Hiestand Published by Independent Author on August 2, 2023
Genres: British Mystery, Fiction
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 332
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsFormer 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.
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Excerpt from The Cottage
She had that urgent look about her, had that implication in her voice. He knew the signs all too well, for he had seen and heard similar pleas during his years in the job. But the phrases were left unsaid, and he struggled with his feelings. It was the last thing he wanted to do, take on an investigation. He tried to force a bit of optimism into his voice, but he was still struggling with his duty and feelings.
“Well, I don’t know. Melanie’s a strict master. It’s not time for my afternoon tea break.” He grinned to lessen the awkward situation and put her at ease. It seemed to have worked, for the woman before him smiled. “Seriously, Miss, I don’t know what I can do for you. I don’t live here in Moorton.”
“I aware of that, Mr. McLaren.”
The use of his name surprised him. He angled his head slightly, trying to remember if he had come upon her before, but he had no recollection of it. “You know who I am. I… I’m sorry. I don’t know your name. Have we met? If so, please forgive me. I’ve an atrocious memory.”
“You’ve an excellent memory, Mr. McLaren. That’s evident from your previous investigations. But no, we’ve not met. I know of you through the articles that appeared in our newspaper. Also, Reverend Redfern and some of the other villagers talk about your sojourns here, when you previously visited Melanie, and how you solved those other murders.”
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for The Cottage
Amazon – OneLink for every country
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My thoughts on The Cottage
“The Cottage: A McLaren Mystery” by Jo A. Hiestand is a captivating addition to the British Mystery genre. This book takes us on a thrilling journey with former police detective Michael McLaren, who is all set to help his lady friend, Melanie, move to his village. However, his plans are derailed when a neighbor requests his assistance in investigating her parents’ murders.
McLaren’s initial reluctance is balanced by the timely arrival of his best mate, Jamie, to assist with the move. But what should have been a straightforward investigation quickly spirals into a complex web of mysteries, including sightings of Mordred and a ghost, along with a burglary at Tudor Hall. As the story unfolds, McLaren faces dangerous challenges that put the people he cares about at risk.
Jo A. Hiestand’s writing is impeccable, as always. While it is recommended to read earlier books in the series for a deeper connection to the characters and their history, “The Cottage” stands strong as a standalone work. Readers will undoubtedly be enticed to explore the author’s previous works after this experience.
The story’s multifaceted plot weaves together threads from earlier episodes, making it a page-turning mystery that keeps readers engaged throughout. Unlike some of the darker mysteries in the McLaren series, this installment presents a lighter tone, which is a refreshing change of pace.
The evolution of Michael and Melanie’s relationship adds a heartwarming element to the story, showing positive growth and development in their connection. “The Cottage” by Jo A. Hiestand is a must-read for British Mystery enthusiasts, offering an engaging blend of mystery, character development, and a touch of romance that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
You are encouraged to read reviews I have done of previous books in this series.
Overdue (A McLaren Mystery) by Jo A Hiestand | Book Review ~ Excerpt
The Low Road ( A McLaren Mystery) by Jo A. Hiestand | Book Review ~ Excerpt
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Jo A. Hiestand
Jo A. Hiestand grew up on regular doses of music, books, and Girl Scout camping. She gravitated toward writing in her post-high school years and finally did something sensible about it, graduating from Webster University with a BA degree in English and departmental honors.
She writes a British mystery series (the McLaren Mysteries)—of which three books have garnered the prestigious N.N. Light’s Book Heaven ‘Best Mystery Novel’ three years straight.
She also writes a Missouri-based cozy mystery series (The Cookies & Kilts Mysteries, of which "A Trifling Murder" is the second book) that is grounded in places associated with her camping haunts.
The camping is a thing of the past, for the most part, but the music stayed with her in the form of playing guitar, harpsichord, and singing in a folk group.
Jo carves jack o’ lanterns badly and sings loudly. She loves barbecue sauce and ice cream (separately, not together), kilts (especially if men wear them), clouds and stormy skies, and the music of G.F. Handel. You can usually find her pulling mystery plots out of scenery—whether from photographs or the real thing.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
Amazon – OneLink for every country
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
The Cottage: A McLaren Myst...Shop on Amazon
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Giveaway!
Jo A Hiestand will award a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for The Cottage
Full Tour Schedule:
October 16: Long and Short Reviews
October 23: DSDehel
October 23: Celticlady’s Reviews
October 30: Gina Rae Mitchell
October 30: Boys’ Mom Reads!
November 6: Novels Alive
November 6: The Avid Reader
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Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour Host
This sounds like an interesting book!
What is your daily routine look like?
The book sounds very interesting.
The cover looks great.
Thank you, Marcy. I was trying to get a pseudo abandoned look, which I think the mossy roof implies, and a mysterious feel, which the misty forest in the background supplies. I like the cover too. 🙂
I would enjoy reading The Cottage: A McLaren Mystery by Jo A. Hiestand!
Thanks great! Hope you like it if you do read it!
What’s your favorite place to go on vacation?
Scotland
Thank you for the very nice review of my book, and thank you for hosting this stop today. I appreciate both.