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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Storms: A ‘Crossed Paths’ Prequel Novella by Jo A. Hiestand interweaves the melancholic undertones of lost connections with the mystery of human relationships, all set in a quaint English village. This novella serves as a prequel to the larger McLaren Mystery series, providing a deeper look into the secondary characters that sporadically appear throughout Hiestand's previous works, enriching the series’ universe. The story is centered around Melanie Travers, the owner of The Laurels Bed & Breakfast, who becomes an unwitting host to various intriguing characters, including Michael McLaren, a former detective with a shadowy past. As a winter storm looms, each guest at the B&B brings their tempests, manifesting in tales of love, betrayal, and secret ambitions.
Jo A. Hiestand writes steadily to build suspense and develop character depth without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary complexity. Each chapter reveals more about the characters’ pasts and weaves folklore into the narrative. This folklore catalyzes character development, particularly for Melanie, whose interactions with the legends and the guests compel her to confront her past and present. Storms also explores themes of healing and redemption, portrayed through the interactions between the guests and the villagers. Readers familiar with Susan Hill’s The Various Haunts of Men and Iain Pears's An Instance of the Fingerpost will find shared thematic and stylistic elements in Storms. The novel is an excellent addition to the McLaren series, providing deeper insights into its world and inhabitants. Hiestand has crafted an engaging novella that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the series and anyone seeking a thoughtful, well-crafted story with a strong sense of place and complex characters.
