Kevin Cannon
An Unwilling Suspect is the 7th book in Jo Hiestand’s McLaren Mysteries series and joins the story one month after the tragic death of our ex-detective’s fiancée.
Staying in a rented farmhouse in the woods near picturesque Lake Windermere, McLaren just wants to get away and reflect, but he’s barely had a chance to settle in when Helen, the woman in the neighboring cottage, is killed…and is discovered near his front door.
The police mark him as their prime suspect and it’s up to him to prove his innocence and discover the real murderer.
This is a slow burning mystery thriller that allows the characters to develop whilst the plot is slowly revealed. Keep your wits about you as every little detail is a potential clue and the drama builds throughout the book to a chilling climax
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narration by Callum Hale was sensational. His ability to portray each character with their own authentic northern accent whilst delivering the overall narration in a fluid, easy to listen to style is marvellous.
Hiestand has written this such that it easily stands alone, with any background required supplied when needed.
The slow build and brilliant characterisation are reminiscent of TV shows like “Vera” and “A Touch of Frost”.
Tightly plotted to drip feed the reader with reveals at just the right times to keep you hooked.
Believable characters in understandable situations that also portrays the north of England in a beautifully authentic way from the scenery, the places and the people right down to the accents and language used.
I’d recommend this book, and indeed the whole series, to anyone who loves a well plotted, slow burning detective novel. This is up there in my top 5 books for 2023 and easily my favourite audio book