Empty Handed by Jo A Hiestand
Series: The McLaren Mysteries #10
Genres: British Mystery
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.
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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I am actually a day late getting this posted due to being the hospital. So for that I must apologize to the author. This was my first book by her and since I love British Mystery I knew it was right up my alley. Now this is book ten in a series but I will tell you that I had no problems with it. You don’t need to read the previous books in order to read this one.
We find ourselves following along with former Inspector Michael McLaren as he takes on a cold case. Even though he is still dealing with the death of his fiancé, he takes on the Craig Saxton’s case when the latter’s fiancé asks him to investigate his murder. I will say that what is suppose to be a sleepy town is anything but sleepy. That one of the things I love about British Mystery it takes what we think we know and turns us on our heads.
This was a well written book that I am so thrilled to have had the chance to read. There is plenty of mystery and when I thought I had figured out who the murderer was I was proven wrong.
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.
Jo A Hiestand will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for hosting!
Hi! Sorry to hear you were in the hospital, but I hope you are on the road to recovery. Thank you for being a stop in my book review tour. And thank you for the wonderful review. I appreciate it!
Thank you so much Jo and you are so welcome. your book was amazing.
I’m so glad to be on your website! Thanks for hosting this stop on the review tour…and thank you for a superb review. I appreciate both!
I am enjoying these tours and finding all the terrific books my family is enjoying reading. Thanks for bringing them to us and keep up the good work.
Hi, James. It’s a nice way to discover books/authors you might like. Thanks for commenting.
Hi, James. Pardon the late reply. Been having computer problems! Thanks for stopping by, and I’m glad you like these tours.
Looks like a great read. I love mysteries
Hi, Monique! I hope you like my mystery novel if you read it. Good luck on the raffle drawing!
Great Review! Definitely sounds like a book I would enjoy reading 🙂
Hi, Amanda. Thanks for the compliment and for stopping by. Yes, it’s a very nice review. Hope you like the book if you read it.
Would you ever like to see your book turned into a movie or television show?
I love a good mystery. This book sounds great!
Dana, thanks a lot. And thank you for stopping by. Good luck with the raffle drawing.
I appreciate the review!
What a deep book. I like this theme, really is relevant to me.
I’m really intrigued! (I also forgot to do the Rafflecopter last time, so if you see one entered tomorrow, I swear I’m not trying to cheat! My apologies…)
What character are you most like from your book?
Enticing cover
The book looks intriguing!
Looks very interesting.
The book looks interesting, I do like fishing.
But the kicker for me here is that the author has a cat named Tennyson. Such a cute name!
Fantastic! I love the cover & this book sounds so good!!
I love a good mystery. Can’t wait to start reading this.
Thanks for this review. I’m into British history, books and movies so I’ll check this out.
This one sounds like a great read. I always enjoy a good mystery.
Hope you’re feeling well after your hospital stay. I love English mysteries as well.
I think it’s genetic- or due to the fact that PBS British mysteries played on loop by my mom. I like series like this. I’m glad you can pop into any book though.
I really think I’ll have to check this book out. It looks really good.
Love british mysteries and I am especially happy to see this is a series. Sounds very interesting and I will look into this author.
Empty Handed sounds like a great mystery, thanks for sharing your review and have a spectacular weekend!
Thanks for the review! The book sounds very intriguing.
Love a good British mystery!
I like the cold case aspect
I’d love to see more British mystery reviews