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DI Callum MacLean #3
Killer in the New Forest
A Scottish detective in England’s New Forest.
Detective Inspector Callum MacLean should be unpacking boxes in his new home. But when a man is run over and killed outside Godshill Village Hall, his week’s leave is cut short.
The victim, Brendan Stafford, was a retired lecturer from Birmingham. No one knows why he was attending a local village meeting in the middle of the New Forest on a freezing January night.
The post-mortem reveals Stafford was already dead before the car wheels struck him.
Everyone in the village seems to be hiding something — from the butcher to the forest keeper. Callum and his team must dig into old quarrels and quiet vendettas — and uncover secrets as tangled as the forest brambles.
Detective Inspector Callum MacLean should be unpacking boxes in his new home. But when a man is run over and killed outside Godshill Village Hall, his week’s leave is cut short.
The victim, Brendan Stafford, was a retired lecturer from Birmingham. No one knows why he was attending a local village meeting in the middle of the New Forest on a freezing January night.
The post-mortem reveals Stafford was already dead before the car wheels struck him.
Everyone in the village seems to be hiding something — from the butcher to the forest keeper. Callum and his team must dig into old quarrels and quiet vendettas — and uncover secrets as tangled as the forest brambles.
- GenresMystery
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2025
620 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 12, 2026
DCI Callum MacLean has moved down from Scotland to work in well I think it's Dorset because I recognise some of the names, and is unpacking the boxes in his new home he actually had built for him, they must be playing police officers very good wages now then. Although he was living somewhere closer to work I think in a little village which is where he is called out, to a village hall as a couple in a big car had ran over a man in the car park. When he got there he saw the body under the car but it didn't look quite right, the elderly couple in the car claimed there was nobody standing behind them when they were reversing. When the team came out to check the body and he was transported to the mortuary Callum then discovers that the man was already dead and had been for some time before the car moved off.
Thus begins a quite complicated plot where the perpetrators could be virtually anybody living in the village. The plot intensifies as it moves along and the list of suspects is getting longer by the day, and the DCI wants Callum to sort out these burgalaries which are blighting the village at the moment, even some of the members of his golf club have been burgled now, so we know where the DCI would like things prioritised! I discovered at the end there was a list of characters which would have been quite useful to have found when I began reading as I was beginning to loose the plot, the names were coming in thick and fast!
I really did enjoy reading this, I quite liked the humour, I quite liked the fact that Callum wasn't kowtowing to his DCI over the burgalaries which seemed to be going nowhere, but all was safely wrapped up and put to bed at the end, and I didn't see that one coming down the tracks..!
Thus begins a quite complicated plot where the perpetrators could be virtually anybody living in the village. The plot intensifies as it moves along and the list of suspects is getting longer by the day, and the DCI wants Callum to sort out these burgalaries which are blighting the village at the moment, even some of the members of his golf club have been burgled now, so we know where the DCI would like things prioritised! I discovered at the end there was a list of characters which would have been quite useful to have found when I began reading as I was beginning to loose the plot, the names were coming in thick and fast!
I really did enjoy reading this, I quite liked the humour, I quite liked the fact that Callum wasn't kowtowing to his DCI over the burgalaries which seemed to be going nowhere, but all was safely wrapped up and put to bed at the end, and I didn't see that one coming down the tracks..!
September 5, 2025
A sequel to the Scotish Detective series with great characters and a good back story easily read as a standalone.
An apparent tragic accident leaves a stranger dead under the back wheels of a 4X4 pick-up. Detective Inspector Callum Maclean has his suspicions, though, and suspects foul play. This is confirmed at the autopsy, and the victim was found to be dead before the pickup reversed over him!
Callum has recently moved to the area and quickly finds that the close-knit village community has its secrets and strange ways.
The victim is a disgraced lecturer from Birmingham with a penchant for young girls. could this be the motive for the killing?
Running parallel with the murder enquiry is a spate of local burglaries, and the Callums boss is demanding that Callum and his team are focused on the crime wave particularly as his golfing buddy is a victim of the burglar. The chief is more concerned about his image than the murder of a stranger, especially one with a chequered history.
Can Callum and his squad crack the case and find the murderer before there are any other killings.
CarolCole brings the characters to life, and the ways of the New Forrest are depicted brilliantly. I'm looking forward to the next instalment
An apparent tragic accident leaves a stranger dead under the back wheels of a 4X4 pick-up. Detective Inspector Callum Maclean has his suspicions, though, and suspects foul play. This is confirmed at the autopsy, and the victim was found to be dead before the pickup reversed over him!
Callum has recently moved to the area and quickly finds that the close-knit village community has its secrets and strange ways.
The victim is a disgraced lecturer from Birmingham with a penchant for young girls. could this be the motive for the killing?
Running parallel with the murder enquiry is a spate of local burglaries, and the Callums boss is demanding that Callum and his team are focused on the crime wave particularly as his golfing buddy is a victim of the burglar. The chief is more concerned about his image than the murder of a stranger, especially one with a chequered history.
Can Callum and his squad crack the case and find the murderer before there are any other killings.
CarolCole brings the characters to life, and the ways of the New Forrest are depicted brilliantly. I'm looking forward to the next instalment
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September 17, 2025Interesting! Intriguing!
Book three in this series did not disappoint. DI MacLean and his team of detectives are tasked with investigating the death of a visitor to their area, as well as a series of burglaries taking place in various neighborhoods. They seem to be getting absolutely nowhere with either investigation. Through determination and basic police work, they follow up on numerous leads, which eventually helps them solve both mysteries. It is very enjoyable to follow along as they uncover clues while learning more about the people who live in New Forest, as well as the personal lives and character of his team.
Well-written with realistic, finely drawn characters who work closely together to solve the puzzling aspects of the cases they are faced with. DI MacLean is confronted with the injury of someone he has grown close to and also a dilemma about how to move their relationship forward. Snappy dialogue, enjoyable descriptions of pet dogs and cats, and free-roaming ponies. I hope there are more books to come. This group of detectives has grown on me.
Book three in this series did not disappoint. DI MacLean and his team of detectives are tasked with investigating the death of a visitor to their area, as well as a series of burglaries taking place in various neighborhoods. They seem to be getting absolutely nowhere with either investigation. Through determination and basic police work, they follow up on numerous leads, which eventually helps them solve both mysteries. It is very enjoyable to follow along as they uncover clues while learning more about the people who live in New Forest, as well as the personal lives and character of his team.
Well-written with realistic, finely drawn characters who work closely together to solve the puzzling aspects of the cases they are faced with. DI MacLean is confronted with the injury of someone he has grown close to and also a dilemma about how to move their relationship forward. Snappy dialogue, enjoyable descriptions of pet dogs and cats, and free-roaming ponies. I hope there are more books to come. This group of detectives has grown on me.
August 27, 2025
This was a great read! While part of a series, this is my first time reading it and it's easily read as a standalone.
We have the mysterious murder of a visitor and a string of break-ins that draw us in, but it's the fantastic cast of characters that makes this book a joy to read. Inspector Callum, Daisy, Cookie, Bird, and the rest of the team are well-developed and have great, good-natured humour that really shines through.
Carol Cole expertly describes the New Forest and its villages, making you feel like you're right there living through the story.
The ending is tied up neatly and I can't wait for the next instalment.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
We have the mysterious murder of a visitor and a string of break-ins that draw us in, but it's the fantastic cast of characters that makes this book a joy to read. Inspector Callum, Daisy, Cookie, Bird, and the rest of the team are well-developed and have great, good-natured humour that really shines through.
Carol Cole expertly describes the New Forest and its villages, making you feel like you're right there living through the story.
The ending is tied up neatly and I can't wait for the next instalment.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
September 4, 2025
This is the third in the series. I have read the earlier books but this also works fine by itself. The murder of a visitor to the area plus a string of break-ins means Callum and the team have their hands full.
The characters in this are great. The dynamic within the team is terrific. The sense of frustration is palpable as the team struggle to find out why the dead man was in the area and who would already want to kill him in such a short time. I love the rural setting and the myriad local characters who provide a great backdrop. It's also good to see Callum's personal life looking good. There's some clever twists along the way and I loved the way everything came together in the end.
The characters in this are great. The dynamic within the team is terrific. The sense of frustration is palpable as the team struggle to find out why the dead man was in the area and who would already want to kill him in such a short time. I love the rural setting and the myriad local characters who provide a great backdrop. It's also good to see Callum's personal life looking good. There's some clever twists along the way and I loved the way everything came together in the end.
September 4, 2025
I Love This Series
DI Callum MacClean has now settled into his job after his move to the New Forest, and has just moved into his new home and even has a cat, but his peace is soon interrupted when he is told a man's body has been found and the death is suspicious. The victim was a visitor from Birmingham so why would he be found outside the local village hall where a meeting for residents was taking place? With very few clues will Callum and his team be able to find out exactly what happened and why? I am really enjoying this series, mainly partly because I live in the area and recognise lots of the places mentioned and also because it is very well written and descriptive.
DI Callum MacClean has now settled into his job after his move to the New Forest, and has just moved into his new home and even has a cat, but his peace is soon interrupted when he is told a man's body has been found and the death is suspicious. The victim was a visitor from Birmingham so why would he be found outside the local village hall where a meeting for residents was taking place? With very few clues will Callum and his team be able to find out exactly what happened and why? I am really enjoying this series, mainly partly because I live in the area and recognise lots of the places mentioned and also because it is very well written and descriptive.
September 7, 2025
I love a good murder mystery and this one delivered in spades.
Callum McLean moved to the New Forest from Glasgow after his wife died.
A total change of pace and scenery you'd think but murders are committed no matter when you live . This one's a doozy, with roots in the past of 5 young men and 1 young woman and karma comes knocking.
It's up to Callum and his team to unravel the mystery and with time & good investigating he finally does just that.
Enough false leads and cover ups to keep any mystery readers totally engaged from 1st page to last.
Thanks to Joffes books for introducing me to this talented author.
Callum McLean moved to the New Forest from Glasgow after his wife died.
A total change of pace and scenery you'd think but murders are committed no matter when you live . This one's a doozy, with roots in the past of 5 young men and 1 young woman and karma comes knocking.
It's up to Callum and his team to unravel the mystery and with time & good investigating he finally does just that.
Enough false leads and cover ups to keep any mystery readers totally engaged from 1st page to last.
Thanks to Joffes books for introducing me to this talented author.
September 3, 2025
Scottish detective Callum MacLean has just moved to the New Forest and is already knee deep in drama.
A man has been run over and killed outside the town hall.
The victim is Brendan Stafford, he was from Birmingham and was a retired lecturer.
So what is he doing in the New Forest at a gymkhana meeting?
But strangely the post mortem reveals he was already dead at the time of the accident.
Something isn't adding up, all the locals in the village seem to be hiding something, but what?
With so many suspects MacLean has his work cut out for him.
An enjoyable murder mystery.
A man has been run over and killed outside the town hall.
The victim is Brendan Stafford, he was from Birmingham and was a retired lecturer.
So what is he doing in the New Forest at a gymkhana meeting?
But strangely the post mortem reveals he was already dead at the time of the accident.
Something isn't adding up, all the locals in the village seem to be hiding something, but what?
With so many suspects MacLean has his work cut out for him.
An enjoyable murder mystery.
September 4, 2025
I didn’t realise this was the third in a series- proves it works fine as a standalone! The story is nicely twisty with a cast of larger than life characters. The dead man seems to have already been dead when he was run over, the dodgy camper an dwellers surely should have attracted attention sooner and the whole village seems peopled with characters who aren’t quite what they seem . A decent detective and a team who fit together well- all the ingredients are there for a good cozy mystery .
September 4, 2025
This is the first one of these books I’ve read and I don’t think not having read the other books spoilt my enjoyment in any way.
Set in the New Forest the police have a spate of burglaries to solve and then a man is run over in a car park, only it was soon discovered that he had already been dead. They have to uncover his past to find out first why he was visiting the area and why he was killed.
They have to burglaries are harder to solve until they have a good eye witness.
Set in the New Forest the police have a spate of burglaries to solve and then a man is run over in a car park, only it was soon discovered that he had already been dead. They have to uncover his past to find out first why he was visiting the area and why he was killed.
They have to burglaries are harder to solve until they have a good eye witness.
October 6, 2025
Third time was not a charm
I enjoyed the first two novels I n this series and was looking forward to the third. But ,for me, was something of a let down . the whole story felt a bit flat to me. Still looking forward to the next book in this series though. But this one was an adventure that could have been made into an interesting short story or novella.
I enjoyed the first two novels I n this series and was looking forward to the third. But ,for me, was something of a let down . the whole story felt a bit flat to me. Still looking forward to the next book in this series though. But this one was an adventure that could have been made into an interesting short story or novella.
September 7, 2025
Great Book
A really enjoyable series. The descriptions of the surroundings can be a bit long but interesting. The characters are great and DI MacLean is thoughtful, kind and clever. I love him being recovering from his loss. The house looks great. I hope there will be more.
A really enjoyable series. The descriptions of the surroundings can be a bit long but interesting. The characters are great and DI MacLean is thoughtful, kind and clever. I love him being recovering from his loss. The house looks great. I hope there will be more.
September 12, 2025
What a great read. It is interesting to read books that are set in places you know, adds to the realism. The story is interesting with two lines, but are they linked? Not going to spoil it for you. Wholly recommend a read.
September 5, 2025
This book is the first of a series that I have read, which stands alone very well, and I look forward to reading many more.
Whilst the title sums up the story, there is much more to it, featuring Detective Inspector Calum MacLean, who has moved south from Scotland and is still unpacking in his newly finished house in the New Forest, when called to investigate a dead body.
The narrative is fast paced and the various characters are very well drawn, as are the scenes and locations in the Forest, and it is both of these factors which make the novel so good and really bring it to life.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book and I highly recommend it.
Whilst the title sums up the story, there is much more to it, featuring Detective Inspector Calum MacLean, who has moved south from Scotland and is still unpacking in his newly finished house in the New Forest, when called to investigate a dead body.
The narrative is fast paced and the various characters are very well drawn, as are the scenes and locations in the Forest, and it is both of these factors which make the novel so good and really bring it to life.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book and I highly recommend it.
September 4, 2025
Killer in the New Forest. An unusual murder, a series of local burglaries, all add up to a busy time for the team. A slow building, many layered mystery, keeps you thinking right until the end.
September 7, 2025
Marg’s bedtime read
Brilliant books great stories keeps u guessing till the he end , hopefully we’re hear more books sre due this year
Brilliant books great stories keeps u guessing till the he end , hopefully we’re hear more books sre due this year
September 8, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. Good plot and likeable characters. The ending was a surprise which is always a good thing. Look forward to reading more about DI Callum MacLean in future.
September 11, 2025
Pretty slow and uninteresting.
November 8, 2025
Nice one
Not full of violence, but many secrets that people carry with them. I will look forward to the next one in the series.
Not full of violence, but many secrets that people carry with them. I will look forward to the next one in the series.
January 30, 2026
A gentle who done it based in the New Forest.
I enjoyed Carol Cole’s third book in the DI Callum Maclean series based in the New Forest. I couldn’t put it down! I hope there will be some more books in the series.
I enjoyed Carol Cole’s third book in the DI Callum Maclean series based in the New Forest. I couldn’t put it down! I hope there will be some more books in the series.
February 1, 2026
excellent read
Loved all 3 books. I live in Ringwood so great story around my area. You get into the characters and location
Loved all 3 books. I live in Ringwood so great story around my area. You get into the characters and location
October 9, 2025
A man is run over in the village and killed but when Callum digs deeper, all is not what it seems, especially when the pathologist discovers he was already dead!
What follows is a race against time, with local prejudices and nosy parkers to find the killer. The trouble is getting to the truth in such a close knit community.
The characters were likeable although there were a lot to remember and it was a good entertaining book written along the lines of Agatha Christie. Not my usual hard gritty crime, but enjoyable nonetheless the less.
My thanks to the publishers and the author for the arc .
What follows is a race against time, with local prejudices and nosy parkers to find the killer. The trouble is getting to the truth in such a close knit community.
The characters were likeable although there were a lot to remember and it was a good entertaining book written along the lines of Agatha Christie. Not my usual hard gritty crime, but enjoyable nonetheless the less.
My thanks to the publishers and the author for the arc .
November 23, 2025
I read the first two in this series quite quickly, and enjoyed them for the most part, the first one in particular. So, there was no reason for me to think this one would be any different, but I was quite disappointed overall. The New Forest is still well-drawn, and we have the same cast of characters, but Callum has a new GF, Rain, who, whilst I assume is going to be a big part of any upcoming books, isn't particularly well introduced. I don't know where she works or what she does, although I understand it's medically-related (I *think* we're to assume she's a doctor somewhere? Salisbury or Bournemouth?). Just not sure, and it left me feeling really uninvested about her, as she's not really in it much.
As well, a lot of time (a year?) seems to have passed since the end of the second one, so it felt a little like things have been left out or missed and I just couldn't engage to the same level as I had in the previous two. Having said that, if there is a fourth one, I will definitely read it, as I love the local feel of them, and the inclusion of the unique aspects of the Forest, like the agisters, and the ponies.
As well, a lot of time (a year?) seems to have passed since the end of the second one, so it felt a little like things have been left out or missed and I just couldn't engage to the same level as I had in the previous two. Having said that, if there is a fourth one, I will definitely read it, as I love the local feel of them, and the inclusion of the unique aspects of the Forest, like the agisters, and the ponies.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews