Haunted Water

The McLaren Mysteries, Book 14

By: Jo A. Hiestand

Narrated by: Callum Hale

Cameron Rutter drowned two months ago in a lake on a Cheshire moor. Some say a morgen—a spirit who drags men to a watery grave—was responsible. Others say it was the phantom Grey Lady. The police say Gareth Gynne was the guilty one. Whoever—or whatever—killed Cameron needs to be sorted out. And ex-police detective Michael McLaren is asked to do just that.

McLaren’s not keen on delving into the mystery. The accused is the nephew of McLaren’s nemesis, Charlie Harvester. And if there’s one thing McLaren doesn’t want to do is to associate with another Harvester, no matter what generation he is.

Suspects and motives for the murder rise to the surface like air bubbles in the haunted lake. Perhaps the flesh-and-blood killer was a villager opposed to Cameron’s crusade to keep the moor in its pristine state, rather than develop it for the tourist trade. Others say someone Cameron had arrested came back to kill him in a vindictive attack.
Or was the morgen really responsible?

Can McLaren discover the killer, or will he too become a victim of the haunted water?

©2021 Jo A Hiestand (P)2023 Jo A Hiestand

Good book

I really enjoyed this book. The story was written well and kept my interest. Not as much jumping around in the story. I would recommend it.

Riveting story

I enjoy reading / listening to Jo A Hiestand’s McLaren mysteries and Haunted Water (#14) was excellent. Mike McLaren is asked to look into a suspicious drowning. The locals are blaming a phantom but McLaren’s investigation uncovers a more down to earth motive. The narration by Callum Hale is excellent. His performance brings the characters and story to
life. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.

Who murdered the local detective?

A private investigator is called in to help a man soon to be accused of murder, yet claiming it's not his doing - but the evidence the police collected doesn't speak in his favor... so who is responsible? Could it be the woman he loved, her protective mother, the man he owed money to or a mythical being believed to be living in the dark waters of the lake or someone completely different? Everyone has a motive, none has a solid alibi and an arrest of the man who claims is innocent is in the air.... * If you like murder mysteries, you should love this book, definitely a good listen. * Narrator did a great job, I really enjoyed listening to him.

My first book by Jo E Heistand

I enjoyed the story line. Mike was a great character. I liked how each character under suspicion could have a motive. Left me thinking after each interview he completed
Callum H did a fantastic job of narrating the book. It was a fast listen. I want to go back and start the beginning of the series.

New Author for me

I have never read or listened to a book by this author before. That said this was a good criminal mystery story. I was impressed by the way Mike the MC looks at each suspect and looks to figure out each person's motive, always trying not to make conclusions. He mentally steps back and observes, digs up Facts, and follows through.
Narrator does a very good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline of this book.

outstanding sleuthing

Mike is the man!!! He's not magic Mike the dancer. but he's just as vital and impressive in his own way. I loved watching Mike at work and sorting through clues with him. I didn't guess correctly, but I enjoyed it just the same. It was very suspenseful and kept me listening raptly until the end. This is another great addition to the series. The narrator is impressive in his own right with this narration and bringing the characters and story to life. Kudos.

Mystery and Suspense

Haunted Water is a very well written mystery that will have you guessing who the culprit is u til te final reveal. This is my first book from this author but not my last. The narrator did a great job bringing the story and characters to life. I highly recommend this book to mystery lovers. I received this book for free upon my request. I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review here of my own volition.

Intriguing

Haunted Water was everything I expected from a McLaren Mystery, and more. It was an intriguing mystery with plenty of suspenseful scenes to keep me riveted throughout. The story has Mike having to deal with several characters and having to decide which one of these might be the killer. Callum Hale is absolutely brilliant with his narration and never fails to astound me with the variety of accents and voices he comes up with. Kudos to both author and narrator on this one!

5+ stars for this mystery!

Story Impressions –


A mysterious drowning has McLaren grasping at straws, even considering a tall tale about a spirit dragging men into a watery grave. Just in time for Halloween, Haunted Water is the perfect read. There’s the plot with its twists and more suspects than kids trick or treating. The characters are interesting and relatable, especially McLaren. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Callum Hale narrate this mystery. An audiobook worth listening to.


Narrator’s overall voice –

Callum Hale is one of the best narrators I’ve heard and trust me, I’ve heard plenty. His voice creates the descriptions needed to follow the story.

Does the narrator fit the characters?

Callum uses different dialects for each character which is beneficial while listening. Callum also invokes emotion while reading.

Narrator’s reading style –

Callum’s reading style is the perfect rhythm, allowing the listener to be fully immersed in the mystery.

Narrator’s impact on reading experience –

Callum makes this an entertaining listen. Everything from his pacing to the intonation in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotive effect on the listener all combine to make this a great performance.

Narrator’s pacing –

Callum’s pacing is lingering in parts, quick in others, on pace with the natural ebbs and flows of the story.

Audiobook flow –

The flow of the audiobook is right in line with the pace of the story.

What makes this audiobook unique –

A superb performance by Callum. He becomes McLaren plus all the other characters.

Would I recommend this audiobook –

Yes. Fans of British mysteries, this is a must-listen.

Surprising Ending Made It Worth The Trip

I enjoyed how the Author and Narrator transported me overseas. It had a fun mixture of folklore, mystery and murder. This was the first of the books in the series I have been exposed and it was a great winding down the day listen.

I especially liked learning about the slogan "There are no traitors in this house.".