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DI Callum MacLean #4
Mystery in the New Forest
A single shot fired. A body lying dead in the heather. A village with something to hide.
On a raw March morning in the New Forest, a man is found dead on the open heath. Angus Darnell was shot through the heart while out for his morning run.
Detective Inspector Callum MacLean is used to dealing with shootings after his time on the Glasgow force, but never expected to come across one on this quiet patch in Hampshire.
Angus was a photographer, Sunday school teacher and chairman of the local gun club. A man everyone agrees had no enemy in the world.
So why can't MacLean's team find any trace of him before 2005?
Whatever Angus Darnell was trying to hide goes back a lot further.
And MacLean and his team must unpick thirty years of secrets to find out who was waiting for him in the heather.
On a raw March morning in the New Forest, a man is found dead on the open heath. Angus Darnell was shot through the heart while out for his morning run.
Detective Inspector Callum MacLean is used to dealing with shootings after his time on the Glasgow force, but never expected to come across one on this quiet patch in Hampshire.
Angus was a photographer, Sunday school teacher and chairman of the local gun club. A man everyone agrees had no enemy in the world.
So why can't MacLean's team find any trace of him before 2005?
Whatever Angus Darnell was trying to hide goes back a lot further.
And MacLean and his team must unpick thirty years of secrets to find out who was waiting for him in the heather.
- GenresMystery
260 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 14, 2026
Mystery in the New Forest was a really good read. The story and premise were both excellent. The cover is actually kind of sweet. I love the little New Forest Pony. If I have my equine facts wrong then I do apologise in advance! The writing is excellent and the story flows nicely. The plot is so good and it allowed me to keep thinking about what was going on and guess whodunnit! I couldn't solve this one and that is a sign of EXCELLENT writing. The setting is a village in New Hampshire which I liked. The characters were excellent. I loved Callum. He was intriguing and an excellent detective. I love his methodology when solving the case! I definitely recommend this and will definitely be reading the other books.
October 14, 2026
When the body of a man is found on the heath, DI Callum MacLean soon realises that is going to be a hugely challenging case. A paragon of virtue, Angus Darnell, MacLean and his team can’t find a single reason why someone would want him dead. But as they dig further, the mystery deepens. In this beautiful setting there are plenty of characters which turn out have their doubts about Angus, and a couple I did have my suspicions about, so I couldn’t wait to find out if I was right. I loved the camaraderie between MacLean and his team, especially the way how he handled the new member. The beautiful location, and the determined investigation to discover the truth, makes this a great read.
I loved Mystery in the New Forest, but although it could be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading the others in the series to get the full back story. This is the first book I’ve read by Carol, but as I really need to know Callum’s history, I’ll definitely be reading the others.
I loved Mystery in the New Forest, but although it could be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading the others in the series to get the full back story. This is the first book I’ve read by Carol, but as I really need to know Callum’s history, I’ll definitely be reading the others.
Review of advance copy
This was exciting!
Although this is the fourth book in the series it was the first one I read and it worked well as a stand alone. I really like Callum he came across as very knowledgeable and he works extremely well with his team.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the team and my favourite has to be Daisy. She has a great mind and works very well with Callum.
This story starts of slow but soon picks up speed. The twists and lies that slowly gets uncovered were exciting and kept my mind engaged. The plot was engaging and I never guessed the killer. The last few chapters holds the great reveal but there were clues throughout the story.
Great thriller with good police procedure.
Although this is the fourth book in the series it was the first one I read and it worked well as a stand alone. I really like Callum he came across as very knowledgeable and he works extremely well with his team.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the team and my favourite has to be Daisy. She has a great mind and works very well with Callum.
This story starts of slow but soon picks up speed. The twists and lies that slowly gets uncovered were exciting and kept my mind engaged. The plot was engaging and I never guessed the killer. The last few chapters holds the great reveal but there were clues throughout the story.
Great thriller with good police procedure.
October 11, 2026
Here’s my review for Mystery In The New Forest by Carol Cole
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this addictive, brilliant British crime mystery which is set in the New Forest.
Callum MacLean is called to a man who has been shot whilst out for his daily morning run in the New Forest. His killer was facing him when they pulled the trigger. Callum managed to find the prints so the casts could be taken. Unfortunately, there was nothing on the body to identify him but they found his car keys so managed to trace him by his car. His name was Angus Darnell ran a photography business, was a Sunday school teacher and chairman of the local gun club. He was married to Belinda and there were two daughters. Belinda said he had changed recently and his friend Emma had died of cancer. He wanted her to give up working. They had security cameras at Glebe House but not at his photography shop. The team had a list of suspects and they had to work their way through their alibis to see who could be cleared. Who had access to a gun? One had a long rap sheet but had been clean for three years but his finances were a mess. Plus he had been seen arguing with the victim and owed him money. Depends what ballistics came up with, if anything that was useful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this police crime mystery that was full of twists and turns with loads of suspects. I've really taken to this fast paced and easy to read story. I really like the police team and Martha, the pathologist plus their setting of the New Forest with the wild ponies. Callum MacLean had to make some adjustments after moving from Glasgow and it's been a learning curve. He usually lets DS Daisy Donaldson ferry him around during the day as she knows nearly everyone and everywhere. I really liked the synopsis and wasn't disappointed by the story. I believe this is a series I could follow and I'm looking forward to reading the next book already.
Synopsis :
A single shot fired. A body lying dead in the heather. A village with something to hide.
On a raw March morning in the New Forest, a man is found dead on the open heath. Angus Darnell was shot through the heart while out for his morning run.
Detective Inspector Callum MacLean is used to dealing with shootings after his time on the Glasgow force, but never expected to come across one on this quiet patch in Hampshire.
Angus was a photographer, Sunday school teacher and chairman of the local gun club. A man everyone agrees had no enemy in the world.
So why can’t MacLean’s team find any trace of him before 2005?
Whatever Angus Darnell was trying to hide goes back a lot further.
And MacLean and his team must unpick thirty years of secrets to find out who was waiting for him in the heather.
A gripping, atmospheric British police procedural with a heart-wrenching twist. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Joy Ellis and Faith Martin.
MEET THE DETECTIVE:
Detective Inspector Callum MacLean came south from Glasgow and never went back. He’s patient. He’s quiet. His silences last longer than most people can stand, which is usually how he gets his answers. When he’s thinking, he sketches in graphite, fixing the small details other people walk past. He lost his wife, Grace, years ago and still won’t discuss it, but he’s built something good on the edge of the heath at Hale. Nearly four years in Hampshire and not one shooting. Callum knows better than to think that means anything. Quiet places aren’t innocent. They’re just quiet.
THE SETTING:
March in the New Forest and spring is dragging its heels. The open heath is the colour of old brick and the gorse is just breaking into yellow, the only splash of colour for miles. Wild ponies running loose across the purlieu, cattle grids rumbling underfoot, silver birch saplings shivering in a keen wind off the heath. Down the hill sits Downton, a large village that thinks well of itself, with thatched cottages, a church at the top of the lane and the river running gently behind the High Street. It looks like nothing ever happens here. That is why a man could arrive with no past at all, and nobody would think to ask.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this addictive, brilliant British crime mystery which is set in the New Forest.
Callum MacLean is called to a man who has been shot whilst out for his daily morning run in the New Forest. His killer was facing him when they pulled the trigger. Callum managed to find the prints so the casts could be taken. Unfortunately, there was nothing on the body to identify him but they found his car keys so managed to trace him by his car. His name was Angus Darnell ran a photography business, was a Sunday school teacher and chairman of the local gun club. He was married to Belinda and there were two daughters. Belinda said he had changed recently and his friend Emma had died of cancer. He wanted her to give up working. They had security cameras at Glebe House but not at his photography shop. The team had a list of suspects and they had to work their way through their alibis to see who could be cleared. Who had access to a gun? One had a long rap sheet but had been clean for three years but his finances were a mess. Plus he had been seen arguing with the victim and owed him money. Depends what ballistics came up with, if anything that was useful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this police crime mystery that was full of twists and turns with loads of suspects. I've really taken to this fast paced and easy to read story. I really like the police team and Martha, the pathologist plus their setting of the New Forest with the wild ponies. Callum MacLean had to make some adjustments after moving from Glasgow and it's been a learning curve. He usually lets DS Daisy Donaldson ferry him around during the day as she knows nearly everyone and everywhere. I really liked the synopsis and wasn't disappointed by the story. I believe this is a series I could follow and I'm looking forward to reading the next book already.
Synopsis :
A single shot fired. A body lying dead in the heather. A village with something to hide.
On a raw March morning in the New Forest, a man is found dead on the open heath. Angus Darnell was shot through the heart while out for his morning run.
Detective Inspector Callum MacLean is used to dealing with shootings after his time on the Glasgow force, but never expected to come across one on this quiet patch in Hampshire.
Angus was a photographer, Sunday school teacher and chairman of the local gun club. A man everyone agrees had no enemy in the world.
So why can’t MacLean’s team find any trace of him before 2005?
Whatever Angus Darnell was trying to hide goes back a lot further.
And MacLean and his team must unpick thirty years of secrets to find out who was waiting for him in the heather.
A gripping, atmospheric British police procedural with a heart-wrenching twist. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Joy Ellis and Faith Martin.
MEET THE DETECTIVE:
Detective Inspector Callum MacLean came south from Glasgow and never went back. He’s patient. He’s quiet. His silences last longer than most people can stand, which is usually how he gets his answers. When he’s thinking, he sketches in graphite, fixing the small details other people walk past. He lost his wife, Grace, years ago and still won’t discuss it, but he’s built something good on the edge of the heath at Hale. Nearly four years in Hampshire and not one shooting. Callum knows better than to think that means anything. Quiet places aren’t innocent. They’re just quiet.
THE SETTING:
March in the New Forest and spring is dragging its heels. The open heath is the colour of old brick and the gorse is just breaking into yellow, the only splash of colour for miles. Wild ponies running loose across the purlieu, cattle grids rumbling underfoot, silver birch saplings shivering in a keen wind off the heath. Down the hill sits Downton, a large village that thinks well of itself, with thatched cottages, a church at the top of the lane and the river running gently behind the High Street. It looks like nothing ever happens here. That is why a man could arrive with no past at all, and nobody would think to ask.
October 11, 2026
Mystery in the New Forest
Book 4 of The DI Callum MacLean mysteries
by Carol Cole
Rated: 4 star rating
Carol Cole really achieves it with Mystery in the New Forest. It’s a gripping British crime book that starts off on a freezing, foggy March morning when a well liked local guy named Angus Darnell gets shot dead out on the heath.
The author makes the Hampshire setting feel so real and spooky. You can almost feel the damp chill in the air and picture the wild ponies walking through the mist. The story gives off a creepy vibe that matches all the sketchy secrets the villagers are hiding behind closed doors.
The police work is great because it’s just old-school detective work. The main cop, Detective Inspector Callum MacLean, is quiet and uses the silences to get the stubborn locals to talk.
The biggest twist is when the police realize the victim didn't even exist on paper before 2005, so they have to investigate thirty years of lies. It moves along really fast, the creepy forest backdrop is awesome, and the ending ties everything together. If you love a good mystery, you've got to read this one.
Thank you, NetGalley, Joffe Books The Book Folks, and author Carol Cole for providing me with a copy of this ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.
#NetGalley
#TheBookFolks
#JoffeBooks
#CarolCole author
#MysteryintheNewForest
http://goodreads.com/patriciasreading...
http://www.patriciasreadingroom.blogs...
Book 4 of The DI Callum MacLean mysteries
by Carol Cole
Rated: 4 star rating
Carol Cole really achieves it with Mystery in the New Forest. It’s a gripping British crime book that starts off on a freezing, foggy March morning when a well liked local guy named Angus Darnell gets shot dead out on the heath.
The author makes the Hampshire setting feel so real and spooky. You can almost feel the damp chill in the air and picture the wild ponies walking through the mist. The story gives off a creepy vibe that matches all the sketchy secrets the villagers are hiding behind closed doors.
The police work is great because it’s just old-school detective work. The main cop, Detective Inspector Callum MacLean, is quiet and uses the silences to get the stubborn locals to talk.
The biggest twist is when the police realize the victim didn't even exist on paper before 2005, so they have to investigate thirty years of lies. It moves along really fast, the creepy forest backdrop is awesome, and the ending ties everything together. If you love a good mystery, you've got to read this one.
Thank you, NetGalley, Joffe Books The Book Folks, and author Carol Cole for providing me with a copy of this ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.
#NetGalley
#TheBookFolks
#JoffeBooks
#CarolCole author
#MysteryintheNewForest
http://goodreads.com/patriciasreading...
http://www.patriciasreadingroom.blogs...
October 14, 2026
An absolutely stellar addition to a fantastic procedural series! Carol Cole does it again with Mystery in the New Forest, a smart, beautifully atmospheric crime novel that hits all the right notes for fans of classic British procedurals. The story opens with a shocking, sharp hook when a prominent and seemingly upstanding local villager, Angus Darnell, is shot through the heart during his morning run. What follows is a masterfully paced investigation where MacLean and his team dig into Darnell's life to unpick three decades of buried village secrets, tight-lipped loyalties, and clever deceptions. Cole keeps the plot tight, logical, and unpredictable right up to the satisfying conclusion. DI Callum MacLean remains one of my absolute favorite contemporary detectives; he is refreshingly professional, patient, and deeply observant, bringing a calm Scottish grit to the deceptive serenity of the English countryside. The New Forest itself acts almost like a living character beautifully atmospheric, moody, and perfectly mirroring the tight-knit, guarded nature of the local community. This is a polished, engaging, and highly satisfying mystery that values sharp detective work over cheap thrills, showcasing a talented writer at the top of her game. If you love clever plotting, rich scenery, and authentic characters, do yourself a favor and pick this one up! Highly recommended, and a huge thanks to The Book Folks for keeping this incredible series going.
October 14, 2026
The body of a local photographer, Angus Darnell, is found shot dead on the open heath and there are no witnesses for DI Callum MacLean and his team in the New Forest of DS Daisy Donaldson, DC Thomas “Cookie” Cooke and DC Tony “Bird” Hampton to interview. The general consensus in Downton village is that the man was virtually a saint, working on various committees and teaching at the Sunday school but one or two had a very different view of the father and husband. So what had caused Angus’s mood to change recently and why did he feel it necessary to have a high level of security at his home but not at his shop? As the investigation proceeds, the team discover one or two suspects who have either the means or the opportunity, but still the motive for murdering Angus proves elusive. When they discover no trace of him before 2005, it seems they will have to dig a lot deeper into history to crack this case.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading my first book by this author, and although it’s book four, it works perfectly well as a stand-alone. The characters are well introduced and the whole team of detectives are likeable and work very well together. There’s plenty in this twisty plot for the reader to get stuck into and of course a few red herrings along the way. I was hooked from the first page right up to the end and will definitely be reading more in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading my first book by this author, and although it’s book four, it works perfectly well as a stand-alone. The characters are well introduced and the whole team of detectives are likeable and work very well together. There’s plenty in this twisty plot for the reader to get stuck into and of course a few red herrings along the way. I was hooked from the first page right up to the end and will definitely be reading more in this series.
November 13, 2026
The fourth and latest of this New Forest Series.
I had given 5* to the first two books but the third had failed to impress because of the serious problems with series continuity. So what was I to make of this one?
I appreciate authors who take time to introduce the police team and it helps when you feel something for the individuals. Here, the team is supplemented by a DC from another station who is back after a period of sick leave on a temporary placement. I hope she stays.
The case they have to solve is of a sucessful local businessman who is shot while on his regular morning run. The local community come under the spotlight and secrets are uncovered as the suspects are gradually eliminated from the list.
I'm not sure that the Armchair Detective has that much chance but the explanation of events makes sense with the information available.
Purely personal opinion is that something is missing that raised the first two to 5* and captured my appreciation. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what it was.
I understand that books 5,6 and 7 have been commissioned and I look forward to finding out if they can recapture what the first two had. I do hope so.
10 Nov 2026
I had given 5* to the first two books but the third had failed to impress because of the serious problems with series continuity. So what was I to make of this one?
I appreciate authors who take time to introduce the police team and it helps when you feel something for the individuals. Here, the team is supplemented by a DC from another station who is back after a period of sick leave on a temporary placement. I hope she stays.
The case they have to solve is of a sucessful local businessman who is shot while on his regular morning run. The local community come under the spotlight and secrets are uncovered as the suspects are gradually eliminated from the list.
I'm not sure that the Armchair Detective has that much chance but the explanation of events makes sense with the information available.
Purely personal opinion is that something is missing that raised the first two to 5* and captured my appreciation. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what it was.
I understand that books 5,6 and 7 have been commissioned and I look forward to finding out if they can recapture what the first two had. I do hope so.
10 Nov 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Mystery in the New Forest is by Carol Cole, an author new to me, but she seems to be doing well; this is the 4th DI Cullan Maclean book, and it's been a big hit. A man was shot dead on his usual morning run, and his name was Angus Darnell, and it was a good shot through the heart.
Then we have the grieving widow and 2 young children, but is she really grieving? They did not seem to want for anything, and being a photographer with his own business plus a partner did it really pay that well.
The author has given us plenty of characters: a reverend of the local church, an electrician, a real estate agent; all it seems with something to hide.
Callum has a good team behind him, and between the lot of them, they show up with a few surprises: that of the victim and the villagers.
A pleasant read and would recommend; I would read another one of her books, although this is the 4th novel; all can be read as standalones.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for an ARC to read, and this review is entirely my take on this novel.
Then we have the grieving widow and 2 young children, but is she really grieving? They did not seem to want for anything, and being a photographer with his own business plus a partner did it really pay that well.
The author has given us plenty of characters: a reverend of the local church, an electrician, a real estate agent; all it seems with something to hide.
Callum has a good team behind him, and between the lot of them, they show up with a few surprises: that of the victim and the villagers.
A pleasant read and would recommend; I would read another one of her books, although this is the 4th novel; all can be read as standalones.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for an ARC to read, and this review is entirely my take on this novel.
October 8, 2026
A tense and twisty crime thriller in the New Forest series
A body found in the open heathland in the New Forest is quickly determined as murder when a bullet wound is found in the chest of the unknown man.
Detective Callum MacLean is put on the case and the hunt is on.
The victims identity is soon discovered but on the face of it he is squeaky clean and even a sunday school teacher. He is president of the local gun club so there is a link to fire arms.
Further investigation into Angus, the dead man, and it seems he didn't exist before 2005 and his background and therefore a possible motive for his murder is a complete mystery. Callum and his team have a murky pool to delve into to unravel this case.
A body found in the open heathland in the New Forest is quickly determined as murder when a bullet wound is found in the chest of the unknown man.
Detective Callum MacLean is put on the case and the hunt is on.
The victims identity is soon discovered but on the face of it he is squeaky clean and even a sunday school teacher. He is president of the local gun club so there is a link to fire arms.
Further investigation into Angus, the dead man, and it seems he didn't exist before 2005 and his background and therefore a possible motive for his murder is a complete mystery. Callum and his team have a murky pool to delve into to unravel this case.
October 12, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, from start to finish. It's my first in this series and I managed to read it as a standalone. I enjoyed it so much that I'm going to read the others in the series.
It's a well written, gripping, storyline and plot, which captured me straight away, and has strong Intresting characters. There are some surprising revelations and twists, that kept me guessing, all the way through. I never did get it right.
If you enjoy a good mystery, and murder, you will enjoy this one.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
It's a well written, gripping, storyline and plot, which captured me straight away, and has strong Intresting characters. There are some surprising revelations and twists, that kept me guessing, all the way through. I never did get it right.
If you enjoy a good mystery, and murder, you will enjoy this one.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy
When a man’s body is found on open heathland it throws Detective Inspector Callum McLean and his team into a puzzling investigation. The man was supposedly a pillar of the community - loving husband and father, wedding photographer, Sunday school teacher… who would want to kill him?
Whilst this is book four of the DI Callum McLean Mysteries series, and I have read the previous three, I believe it would work well as a standalone, though I would recommend that you do yourself a favour and get the whole series. This is an excellent police procedural with enough turns to keep the avid fan hooked until the end. A nice touch is the map and cast list at the beginning of the book.
Whilst this is book four of the DI Callum McLean Mysteries series, and I have read the previous three, I believe it would work well as a standalone, though I would recommend that you do yourself a favour and get the whole series. This is an excellent police procedural with enough turns to keep the avid fan hooked until the end. A nice touch is the map and cast list at the beginning of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The fourth in the series and the high standard is maintained. Callum has settled into his role down in the rural New Forest, well away from his earlier career in Glasgow and his team has now gelled. It’s been interesting to watch the developments but this reads just as well as a stand-alone. The murder is of a man whose body is found on the heath where he habitually took his morning run. A pillar of the community, popular, with no enemies…..apparently. Callum’s team have to resolve this and of course eventually due. But we read these books for the journey not the destination and this is a captivating read which will catapult you into life in the New Forest, albeit fictional!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Callum and Daisy are back! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. Callum, the senior partner, is reserved and thoughtful. Daisy is full of energy, wit and humor. Together, with the help of their small team, they are a dynamic crime solving duo. This book starts with a perplexing crime involving a victim that seems to have the perfect life. As Callum and Daisy know, there is much more to be discovered about that life. While this is the fourth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Although this is the fourth book in the series of DI Callum MacLean mysteries, it also reads very well as a standalone.
A man is found dead in the Forest, apparently having been shot whilst on his daily morning run.
The police set out to discover what has happened and who, if it is not suicide, is responsible.
The team, led by Callum, are puzzled by the contrast between opinions of the victim and not only the nature of his death but also the way in which he was viewed by everyone and his secretive persona.
It is an intriguing story with twists and an unexpected denouement.
A man is found dead in the Forest, apparently having been shot whilst on his daily morning run.
The police set out to discover what has happened and who, if it is not suicide, is responsible.
The team, led by Callum, are puzzled by the contrast between opinions of the victim and not only the nature of his death but also the way in which he was viewed by everyone and his secretive persona.
It is an intriguing story with twists and an unexpected denouement.
October 13, 2026
A great read full of mystery and a fast paced crime thriller set in the beauty of the New Forest but even in beautiful place ugly things happen.
Lots of suspects in this read and lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Book 4, but my first read in this series, with a really good police team dynamic and I’m really keen to read more in this series.
A great plot kept my interest from start to finish.
Certainly one to add to your TBR.
Lots of suspects in this read and lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Book 4, but my first read in this series, with a really good police team dynamic and I’m really keen to read more in this series.
A great plot kept my interest from start to finish.
Certainly one to add to your TBR.
October 14, 2026
Book 4 in the DI Callum Maclean mysteries finds Callum and his team investigating the shooting death of a local photographer, family man, Sunday School teacher and member of every committee in the village, a pillar of society. Mind not everyone views him as the paragon of virtue he portrayed. Lots of leads, lots of dead ends and an unexpected finale to this enjoyable mystery with an engaging cast.
October 8, 2026
Worth More Than 5 Stars
I absolutely love this series! DI Callum MacLean and his team are back. A man has been found shot dead and at first glance there seems no reason for him to have been killed but as they dig deeper it soon becomes clear there is more to it than meets the eye. The series is set in the New Forest and the book also takes the reader on an interesting tour of all the local places. I would give the book (and the series) more than 5 stars if I could.
I absolutely love this series! DI Callum MacLean and his team are back. A man has been found shot dead and at first glance there seems no reason for him to have been killed but as they dig deeper it soon becomes clear there is more to it than meets the eye. The series is set in the New Forest and the book also takes the reader on an interesting tour of all the local places. I would give the book (and the series) more than 5 stars if I could.
October 14, 2026
Good read
I like the Callum MacLean books. He seems like a nice, calm kind of man, and I guess growing in a family with tree older sisters he is very respectful of women. This book was specially good, a lot of different suspects and an unexpected ending. I hope there will be more.
I like the Callum MacLean books. He seems like a nice, calm kind of man, and I guess growing in a family with tree older sisters he is very respectful of women. This book was specially good, a lot of different suspects and an unexpected ending. I hope there will be more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another new author for me, and although this is no. 4 in the series, it works well as a stand alone also.
I didn't feel I missed any details from the previous stories, and it was an interesting read.
The character's voices worked well together with the detective and his team's banter adding a genuine feel to the story. I loved how the team members became familiar figures to me very quickly, and the use of their nicknames added to the warmth the author presented within the team.
As for the plot line, the pace was sharp, there were several clues which lead to the reader having to keep guessing. I changed my mind several times, and still was surprised by the end.
A fabulous read from beginning to end
I didn't feel I missed any details from the previous stories, and it was an interesting read.
The character's voices worked well together with the detective and his team's banter adding a genuine feel to the story. I loved how the team members became familiar figures to me very quickly, and the use of their nicknames added to the warmth the author presented within the team.
As for the plot line, the pace was sharp, there were several clues which lead to the reader having to keep guessing. I changed my mind several times, and still was surprised by the end.
A fabulous read from beginning to end
October 17, 2026
Mystery in the New Forest captures a chilly, foggy atmosphere where you can almost feel the damp chill in the air and picture the wild ponies walking through the mist. The story gives off an eerie vibe that matches all the sketchy secrets the villagers are hiding behind closed doors.
October 14, 2026
Good read
This is an excellent addition to the series, with police detection but a cosy, animal loving background. Top notch editing too!
This is an excellent addition to the series, with police detection but a cosy, animal loving background. Top notch editing too!
October 20, 2026
Runner found shot, Angus Darnell. Supposedly he was a pillar of the community. But maybe not.
October 20, 2026
Another fantastic book in the series
Great story, loved how it builds abd was not obvious
Cant wait for the next one
Great story, loved how it builds abd was not obvious
Cant wait for the next one
October 21, 2026
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
October 8, 2026
A gripping, atmospheric mystery packed with twists, secrets and brilliant detective work. DI Callum MacLean is a fantastic character, and I couldn’t put this one down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an AMAZING series with wonderful characters. Always great plots, and really hard to put down.
I hope there will be many more books!
I hope there will be many more books!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the fourth in the series but it works fine on it's own. I have read the prior books and enjoyed them all and this is another great addition.
Callum and Daisy are brought in when the body of a businessman is found after being shot. The man appears to lead a perfect life but something must be amiss. The team encounter a dodgy electrician, a member of the clergy and a wife who is clearly hiding something as they try to figure out why someone would want the man dead. I really enjoyed this. I like the characters a lot, I love the setting and there's always some twists along the way to keep you hooked throughout and this is no exception.
Callum and Daisy are brought in when the body of a businessman is found after being shot. The man appears to lead a perfect life but something must be amiss. The team encounter a dodgy electrician, a member of the clergy and a wife who is clearly hiding something as they try to figure out why someone would want the man dead. I really enjoyed this. I like the characters a lot, I love the setting and there's always some twists along the way to keep you hooked throughout and this is no exception.
October 3, 2026
My Thoughts: firstly let me start by telling you this is book four in a series, I went in not knowing this and it read perfectly fine, but it did make me twitchy to read the others so I may go back at some point.
You get the feeling very quickly that the team are well established and very close knit with the casual use of nicknames and banter that actually had me giggling.
There was obviously seriousness thrown in with the banter too and they worked so well together, throwing ideas back and forth.
A Police procedural is one of my favourite genres to read and this one really reminded me why, the pacing was perfect, the story was gripping lots of little pieces were dropped throughout to keep you on your toes and constantly second guessing yourself.
Will definitely be looking out for more from Carol in the future.
You get the feeling very quickly that the team are well established and very close knit with the casual use of nicknames and banter that actually had me giggling.
There was obviously seriousness thrown in with the banter too and they worked so well together, throwing ideas back and forth.
A Police procedural is one of my favourite genres to read and this one really reminded me why, the pacing was perfect, the story was gripping lots of little pieces were dropped throughout to keep you on your toes and constantly second guessing yourself.
Will definitely be looking out for more from Carol in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The next in the series for DI Callum MacLean starts with the murder of local business man Angus Darnell. It seems no one has a bad word against him, he is rich has a beautiful wife and children. But as the team dig deeper they find inconsistencies, and finally uncover why he was killed.
Although one of a series can easily be read as a standalone. Well written with several twists.
Although one of a series can easily be read as a standalone. Well written with several twists.
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