The Swim Audiobook By Jo A. Hiestand cover art

The Swim

A McLaren Crossed Paths Prequel

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The Swim

By: Jo A. Hiestand
Narrated by: Callum Hale
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About this listen

The Swim is not one of my usual mysteries featuring former police detective Michael McLaren. It's a prequel novella giving a picture of his life from teenager to the strong man he is today. He's real to me, and I want you to understand him. I want you to understand a man whose need to help others find justice became his incitement in a world like today. He's been through a lot from his ordeal beginning with the "swim", his move from the Force, and his cold cases. He's made enemies, friends, and he has loved and lost. Like many of us.

©2024 Jo A. Hiestand (P)2024 Jo A. Hiestand Mystery Traditional Detectives
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Listener received this title free

I thoroughly enjoyed the Michael McLaren prequel “The Swim”by Jo A. Hiestand. The novella was a rollercoaster ride of emotions from his teens until adulthood. The story laid out the major events that helped form the compassionate, honest and justice-seeking Micheal McLaren. He is so realistically written that I forget that he is not a flesh and blood person, but wish there were actually more like him in real life. The narration by Callum Hale is outstanding. His performance brings the characters and story to life.

McLaren’s emotional back story

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Listener received this title free

I thoroughly enjoyed finding out what brought Mike and Jamie from teenagers to where Mike became a private citizen who helps people by investigating suspicious deaths, and how they became best friends for life. Because Mike doesn't have a license, Jamie is frequently called upon to help and make the arrests.
A beautifully done prequel that is perfect to read at whatever place you are in the series.
Of course, Callum Hale is fabulous. He breathes life into the printed word and makes it seem like you're right there all the time.
I would love to see this become a TV series.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this audiobook. This is my honest and candid review.

A "MUST READ" AT ANY POINT IN THE SERIES

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Listener received this title free

Fans of the Michael McLaren mystery series finally get the meaty backstory of the beloved cold case investigator. Books in the series have mentioned his early life and the formative events in his life before the age of 35, but finally we have the whole story here. This prequel is great at letting me get to know Michael better and assuaging my curiosity about the details of his life. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 only because there is no mystery plot in this one and so is not quite as entertaining as the rest of the series. The events in the book are poignant and delicately emotional, especially Michael’s swimming tragedy as a teen.

Trigger Warning: a drowning and a near-drowning is described and mentions of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Most of the book is told from Michael’s perspective, but there are a few very interesting chapters from the perspective of Charlie Harvester, Michael’s former workplace nemesis. Harvester was such a narcissistic coworker from hell that I totally understand Michael’s outburst that ended his police career. I might have snapped and done the same thing in that situation.

I requested and received a free audiobook copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

The poignant and fascinating backstory of Michael McLaren

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Listener received this title free

Story Impressions – A traumatic event as a teenager propels Michael McLaren into helping others get justice for their loved ones. The Swim is an origins story of retired detective inspector Michael McLaren. Discover the truth behind the great detective in this moving British fiction audiobook. Calum Hale narrates the story in flawless fashion. Once you start listening, you won’t be able to stop. Luckily, it’s a short novella.



Narrator’s overall voice –Callum Hale is a wonderful narrator. His voice creates the imagery needed to follow the story. His soothing British accent works flawlessly for this story.


Does the narrator fit the characters? Callum uses different dialects for each character which is beneficial while listening. There were many times I would close my eyes and could imagine what was going on. Callum also invokes emotion while hearing the British fiction. I found myself getting carried away into the story.


Narrator’s reading style –Callum’s reading style is the perfect rhythm, allowing the listener to be fully invested in the story.


Narrator’s impact on reading experience –Callum makes this an insightful listen. Everything from his pacing to the inflection in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotional impact on the listener all combine to make this a compelling performance.


Narrator’s pacing –Callum’s pacing is lingering in parts, fast in others, on pace with the natural ebbs and flows of the story. It’s a heartfelt performance.


Audiobook flow –The flow of the audiobook is right in line with the pace of the story. I submerged myself in the story and thoroughly adored it.


What makes this audiobook unique –What a brilliant performance by Callum. He becomes McLaren, at least for my imagination.


Would I recommend this audiobook –YES! It’s such an engrossing listen, especially for fans of British mysteries and origin stories.

An origins story on one of my fave detectives

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Listener received this title free

This was my first experience with this author's work, and I enjoyed it a lot. Although this story was a novella and not very long, the prose related the occurrences in the character's youth which helped to develop Michael McLaren's strong drive in trying to help others. I liked this in-depth introduction to Michael McLaren. I am looking forward to more stories featuring Michael McLaren as the main character. I enjoyed Callum Hale's narration, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

A Man's Youth

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Listener received this title free

I love the background of the main character. It was very interesting to learn about all the trials and tribulations. He went through to get where he is in his life now. Highly recommend.

Loved it

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Listener received this title free

This novella was thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end. It began with young McLaren and his nail biting experience with his friends. It was an emotional beginning and as the story progresses it was interesting to hear Mike’s life story and what a loving and giving person he was and still is. I totally enjoyed this wonderful novella and listened to it in one sitting as it was difficult to put down. Callum Hale is a brilliant narrator and he adds so much to the listening experience. I definitely recommend this amazing story, as well as the entire McLaren series.

Thoroughly Entertaining!

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Listener received this title free

Excellent overwiev of Michael McLaren's past. Well written.......the story held my interest througout! I understand him better as well as his friendship with Jamie and his mentor Nigel! Fabulous narration by Callum Hale! Good job👌🏻

McLaren's younger years

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Listener received this title free

I really liked this Prequel with the whole background of a young boy and how things in his life lead him to his future. I like tge character Mike McLaren, though his deep depression after the incident concerning McNeil was so very long and devastating to all him close friends and himself. Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.

A Very Good Prequel to the McLaren Mysteries

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