Empty Handed

by Jo A. Hiestand

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 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.

Genres: Mystery

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2019

About the author

Jo A. Hiestand is the author of two British mystery series. While this may not seem so unusual, Jo was born in -- and still lives in -- St. Louis, Missouri.
To get around the technical difficulties dictated by living in one country and writing about another -- especially about police procedures and crime detection, of which she has no personal experience -- she travels to Britain every few years for research. It was on one such trip that she met English police Inspector Tony Eyre (now retired) who supplied police information for her first novel, "Death of an Ordinary Guy." Since then, two other English police officers have become close friends of hers and help with police procedure, catching American words that creep into her writing, and reading the novel manuscripts to eliminate police inaccuracies.

This is all well and good, but nothing beats hands-on experience for writing. Since one of her series features a team of police detectives from the Derbyshire CID and her other highlights an ex-cop who investigates cold cases on his own, Jo knew she'd either have to commit a crime to get first-hand police knowledge or enroll in a citizen's police academy course. The latter seemed safer, so she signed up through a St. Louis county's PD. It was there that she met future co-author police officer Paul Hornung. As Paul remembers their first ride-along, they talked more about writing than about police work. During several ride-alongs they established a bond through these two mutual interests; eventually they agreed to collaborate on books. They've done this with Paul supplying information, writing the fights scenes, and finally writing some of the chapters as one of the series characters. Writing together is definitely fun but sometimes a challenge. Neither knows specifically what the other person's chapter will be, as the storyline is never fully detailed to the other. This is so each can read the other's work with a fresh eye, untainted by "what I meant to say."

Jo took a short respite from novel writing to try her hand with a play. Her contest-winning play "Teething Pains" was produced on stage in 2010. She flatly denies that her fear of dentistry was instrumental in selecting the subject.

Her love of writing, board games and music combines in "P.I.R.A.T.E.S.", the mystery-solving game that uses maps, graphics, song lyrics, and other clues to lead the players to the lost treasure. She also enjoys walking through the woods, playing guitar and harpsichord, her animals (pets as well as backyard wildlife), and reading.

Jo realizes she's living many authors' dreams. Who else has three police officers helping her commit murder?
- Amazon.com

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the McLaren series, this book probably works better as a follow up read to the last book rather than as a standalone. The author has created a very heavy plotline that keeps the main character (and the reader) trying to catch up to all that is going on. The cold case murder was very well crafted and in hindsight, had more than enough angles to fill a book by itself. The co-plot of revenge seemed to almost be a book on its own.



The main character of McLaren is very readable and one a reader quickly grows fond of. He is the kind of leading man quasi-private detective that would be great on a BBC series.



The detail provided of the small-town setting was again impressive and shows a great amount of research on the part of the author.



The one issue I had with the book was the rushed nature of the ending. The book had so many aspects going on it seemed to need another 30 or 40 pages to properly show what happened rather than a quick explanation.



A fine mystery book with appeal to those who enjoy British mysteries.



My Rating: 4.25 stars



Reviewed by: Mr. N



This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars



“Empty Handed” by Jo A. Hiestand is part of the ‘McLaren Mysteries’ series. It follows the former Inspector as he wrestles with a new cold case at the request of the victim’s bereaved fiancee. The small village of Linnden seems peaceful, but the undercurrents may prove deadly to the unwary.



This British mystery story showcases Michael McLaren as he reluctantly takes on a case that requires expertise from both his past and current occupations. As the story unfolds, there are primarily a couple of viewpoints being used, with a brief foray into another character’s point of view, which was a little jarring for me, especially since it seemed a bit forced and wasn’t really pursued,

I enjoy the opportunity to armchair travel and this story gave me a nice image of a picturesque region but I’m not quite sure I have a feel for what the town looks like and I’m surprised that it is large enough for an art gallery, but perhaps that is typical for the countryside. I wish there were more scenes that showcased the multiple breeds of dogs because I was intrigued by their presence but never got a feel for them as other than watchdogs or nuisances.

I was surprised that McLaren was so casual about certain events that endangered him and it seemed to me that he neglected to use some of the procedures that would have been standard responses (e.g. reporting an assault) and I wasn’t sure why. I’m delighted that McLaren’s friend Jamie still has his back although I expected him to be called in sooner when one of the major events transpired.

This series continues to provide an entertaining look at a different lifestyle and although this story isn’t my favorite, it should appeal to those who enjoy getting a taste of British investigation techniques or glimpses of life in a small hamlet of the English countryside.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free 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

This review was originally posted on A Lucky Grace

[Ally Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such an interesting, intriguing, suspenseful, British mystery!

I enjoyed teaming back up again with one of my favorite English Investigators, McLaren!

This is the third book I’ve read from the accomplished author, Jo A. Hiestand. Last year, I had previously read and enjoyed Jo’s other book, “An Unwilling Suspect,” which is Book Seven in the McLaren Mysteries Book Series and then just a few months ago I read her other book, “Photo Shoot,” which is Book Nine in the same book series. So, I was thrilled to get the chance to read her latest work – which also happens to be part of the same series. “Empty Handed,” is Book Ten in the McLaren Mysteries Book Series.

Jo’s writing only continues to improve and grow with each book! I know she will be author I will continue to read over the years!

This book focuses mostly on the main character, Michael McLaren, an English investigator and the cold case of local village artist, Craig Saxton.

McLaren is still reeling from the loss of his fiancé and wants to just keep busy at home. But after he receives a plea from a woman, Victoria, begging for him to come and investigate her fiancé’s murder, he can’t help but grapple with the echoing resemblance and the feelings of losing the one you were about to spend the rest of your life with. McLaren agrees to take on Victoria’s fiancé, Craig Saxton’s case. Unfortunately, this supposedly small, sleepy village seems anything but when McLaren discovers poachers, a mysterious ghost story with similarities to the current case, lots of crazy drama, and he is physically attacked multiple times while on the hunt to find the killer! McLaren’s simple case just got complicated!

It was great catching back up with McLaren! He is kind, charming, intelligent, compassionate, and sincere. It is obvious he is still heartbroken and going through the five stages of grief over the recent loss of his fiancé, Dena. I think taking this case felt like he was reconnecting with Dena. When Victoria called and left a message on McLaren’s answering machine saying she loved her fiancé, McLaren couldn’t help but draw the parallel lines and reflect on the similarities of their two shared circumstances. It’s not hard to see why McLaren was so passionate about solving this case and wanting to bring justice and answers for Victoria.

Ms. Hiestand’s skilled knowledge of the mystery and crime solving discipline continues to shine through in her elegant and detailed scenes.

There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!

This book is book ten of the McLaren Mysteries Book Series. Regardless, of having some insight to this book series it can still easily be read on its own without any confusion. However, having read three books in this book series now, I am an even bigger fan of McLaren and would recommend checking out the entire series – not because you need to read them for the books to make sense, but because you’ll want to read them, because of how intriguing and entertaining they are!

All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all mystery and crime thriller fans will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empty Handed is the tenth installment from Jo A Hiestand's series, The McLaren Mysteries. i have only read one other book of this series and feel each one can be read as a stand alone. Though, I would love to catch up and see what had happened in the other books.
Empty Handed is a pretty good and enjoyable read. It was a quick story that I had read in nor time. There were twists and turns I did not expect.
I give Empty Handed four and a half stars. I recommend it. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Richard Palmacci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner
I have read all of Jo Hiestand's McLaren series. And when she sent me a copy of this book for an honest review, I couldn't wait to dive in. And I wasn't disappointed. It's Michael McLaren at his best, solving the cold case of artist Craig Saxton. The plot is rife with Hiestand’s twists and turns. You’ll never predict where it’s going. So, jump right in and get this!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 10 of Jo Hiestand’s McLaren Mysteries series. Even before I finished it, I could tell Hiestand had done it again. Created another excellent, well-written mystery; one with even more twists and turns than before. She’s made McLaren a little more melancholy, yet still the same understanding, sharp, and tough cop that always attracts me. He’s recovered just a bit from the death of his fiancé and may even be ready to let himself feel again. He’s still running as hard as he can to help someone in need, but this time he might have to help himself.

The author played with my mind a little or at least that’s how it felt; all in a good way. I was sure I knew the killer because of a few little tips I thought I had found, and then, well, suffice it to say I was wrong. I’ve read all of the books in this series, and I’ve learned that sometimes if you are really paying attention, Hiestand will stick in some tiny little hints. Sometimes it’s to help you maybe figure out the killer a page or two before the very end of the book or… they might just be red herrings.

The twists and turns in the story work out well here, and I think it’s because the author is so very good at descriptive writing. The little village becomes real as does the pub that McLaren and Jamie have a pint in while trying to work through the crime. The dialog between them is smooth reading, not always an easy thing to do. Hiestand is good at making us be each character now and then, and just as good at painting a scene, so you feel as if you are there.

Being a part of the story and loving the main characters in them is what causes readers to watch for the next book as quickly as they’ve finished the current one. Now I feel sort of “empty-handed”. Any more coming Ms. Hiestand?