5 stars for Storms (A McLaren Crossed Paths Prequel Book 2) by Jo A. Hiestand #britishfiction #litfic #literaryfiction #fiction #bookreview
- N. N. Light
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Title: Storms (A McLaren Crossed Paths Prequel Book 2)
Author: Jo A. Hiestand
Genre: British & Irish Literary Fiction, Literary Fiction
Book Blurb:
Melanie Travers has been through a lot: combating school bullies and a bad home environment in her youth, then—as a wife--withstanding an abusive husband and village gossip. She's fought through every storm, and now that she's emerged triumphant, she knows the fight was worth it, no matter the pain.
My Review:
Part of the character development novellas from the McLaren series, this book is a powerful read. Melanie is a beloved character that all McLaren mystery fans have treasured since they first met her.
The curtain is pulled back and for the first time the reader gets a look into the inner working of this character. Melanie has had to overcome challenge after challenge in her life. That she managed to make it to a happy marriage with McLaren is a tribute to her inner character's strength. No, that marriage doesn't happen in this novella; it occurs later in one of the greatest McLaren mysteries ever written.
There are layers and layers to what makes Melanie the person she is. The author exposes these in such quality fashion. The reminisces which come to Melanie are so perfectly scripted, it feels natural.
A fantastic addition to what is one of my favorite mystery series. If you are fan of the McLaren mysteries, then you must read this great character insights that are provided in this creative set of novellas.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Trade Paper – https://rb.gy/6abv71
Ebook –
Amazon: https://rb.gy/cmq9rx
Author Biography:
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) as well as a Missouri-based cozy mystery series that is grounded in places associated with her camping haunts. The camping is a thing of the past, but the music stayed with her in the form of playing guitar and 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.
Social Media Links:
Booklisti: https://booklisti.com/johiestand
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritishandUS/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AnglophileJo
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joahiestand
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JoHiestand
Website: http://www.johiestand.com
Reviewed by: Mr. N
