Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean

Meet DCI Lesley Clarke. She’s a straight-talking city copper who doesn’t suffer fools gladly… and she’s been transferred to rural Dorset.After being injured in a bomb attack, Lesley is presented with a choice - early retirement, or a period of respite in a calmer location.But things don’t stay calm for long.Before she’s even started her new job, Lesley is dragged into investigating a murder at one of England’s most iconic landmarks, the imposing Corfe Castle.Lesley must hit the ground running... moreMeet DCI Lesley Clarke. She’s a straight-talking city copper who doesn’t suffer fools gladly… and she’s been transferred to rural Dorset.After being injured in a bomb attack, Lesley is presented with a choice - early retirement, or a period of respite in a calmer location.But things don’t stay calm for long.Before she’s even started her new job, Lesley is dragged into investigating a murder at one of England’s most iconic landmarks, the imposing Corfe Castle.Lesley must hit the ground running. Can she get along with her new partner DS Dennis Frampton, a traditionalist who doesn’t appreciate her style? How will she navigate the politics of a smaller force where she’s a bigger, and less welcome, fish? And most importantly, can she solve the murder before the killer strikes again?The Corfe Castle Murders is a compelling, character-driven mystery perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, LJ Ross and Elly Griffiths. less

DCI Lesley Clarke is settling into her new job in Dorset's Major Crimes Unit, and becoming accustomed to a slower pace of life.But then she's called in to solve the murder of a woman with links to Lesley's new girlfriend... moreDCI Lesley Clarke is settling into her new job in Dorset's Major Crimes Unit, and becoming accustomed to a slower pace of life.But then she's called in to solve the murder of a woman with links to Lesley's new girlfriend.Has Lesley made a grave error of judgement? Can she track down the killer or does she already know her? And how will Lesley's new colleagues react when she tells them she's dating a suspect?The Clifftop Murders is the second instalment in the gripping Dorset Crime series, in which rural Dorset is a whole lot darker than the holiday brochures would have you think. less

An isolated community... a web of secrets... a mysterious death.When a body washes up on the shores of Brownsea Island, DCI Lesley Clarke initially suspects suicide. But as she gets closer to the island's close-knit community, she starts to suspect foul play... moreAn isolated community... a web of secrets... a mysterious death.When a body washes up on the shores of Brownsea Island, DCI Lesley Clarke initially suspects suicide. But as she gets closer to the island's close-knit community, she starts to suspect foul play.Why did the victim argue with her closest friend days before her death? What secrets is the victim's manager keeping? And can Lesley get to the bottom of the mystery before someone else dies?The Island Murders is a tense, gripping crime novel perfect for anyone who's imagined living in a coastal idyll, and wondered if it's really all it seems. less

When a body is found draped over Swanage's iconic Globe monument, DCI Lesley Clarke is called in.A message points to the Go Home.Is this a hate crime? Or something closer to home?Lesley must find the killer before he or she strikes again, all while dealing with a mutiny in her team and political pressure from her boss.At the same time, she's becoming increasingly aware that her predecessor was involved with an organised crime gang, and that people close to her are covering it up... moreWhen a body is found draped over Swanage's iconic Globe monument, DCI Lesley Clarke is called in.A message points to the Go Home.Is this a hate crime? Or something closer to home?Lesley must find the killer before he or she strikes again, all while dealing with a mutiny in her team and political pressure from her boss.At the same time, she's becoming increasingly aware that her predecessor was involved with an organised crime gang, and that people close to her are covering it up.Will Lesley come out of this case with her reputation, her team, and her career intact?The Monument Murders is the fourth instalment in the bestselling Dorset Crime series, essential reading for everyone who loves Dorset... and gripping crime novels. less

An anonymous murder victim and a missing journalist: can Lesley uncover the truth?DCI Lesley Clarke has too many suspects to choose from when a wealthy lawyer and her unidentified companion are found brutally murdered in a Sandbanks mansion... moreAn anonymous murder victim and a missing journalist: can Lesley uncover the truth?DCI Lesley Clarke has too many suspects to choose from when a wealthy lawyer and her unidentified companion are found brutally murdered in a Sandbanks mansion.Was it the victim's ex-husband, resentful at her new lifestyle? Her housekeeper, who found the bodies? Or could it have been a murder-suicide?Lesley and her team must unravel the evidence and find the real killer, while also investigating the disappearance of local journalist Sadie Dawes. Did Sadie go on planned leave, as her manager insists, or did she get too close to the truth about DCI Mackie's death? Can Lesley's old colleague Zoe Finch find out more?Lesley and the team must juggle two cases, office politics and PR problems in book 5 of the bestselling Dorset Crime series. less

The Susannah Ramsay and Sadie Dawes cases are solved and DCI Lesley Clarke's team is back together.But there are tensions. Is Dennis hiding more than just mental health problems? Did Superintendent Carpenter cover up the details of DCI Mackie's death? And does Lesley's girlfriend Elsa know more about Mackie than she's letting on?Just as Lesley feels she is getting closer to answers, she's forced to work on the other side of Dorset after a body is uncovered by a landslide at Lyme Regis's beach... moreThe Susannah Ramsay and Sadie Dawes cases are solved and DCI Lesley Clarke's team is back together.But there are tensions. Is Dennis hiding more than just mental health problems? Did Superintendent Carpenter cover up the details of DCI Mackie's death? And does Lesley's girlfriend Elsa know more about Mackie than she's letting on?Just as Lesley feels she is getting closer to answers, she's forced to work on the other side of Dorset after a body is uncovered by a landslide at Lyme Regis's beach. Who is the body and is there a connection to DCI Mackie, Arthur Kelvin, and Elsa's law firm?The Fossil Beach Murders will provide Lesley with her toughest challenges yet, both professional and personal. less

DCI Lesley Clarke is a busy woman.She's dealing with the reopened investigation into DCI Mackie's death, supporting DS Dennis Frampton through recurring mental health problems, and making plans for her own future.And then prominent crime boss Arthur Kelvin is found dead at a local beauty spot... moreDCI Lesley Clarke is a busy woman.She's dealing with the reopened investigation into DCI Mackie's death, supporting DS Dennis Frampton through recurring mental health problems, and making plans for her own future.And then prominent crime boss Arthur Kelvin is found dead at a local beauty spot.Who killed him? Could it have been a member of his own gang? A rival, from within Dorset or further afield? Or maybe one of Kelvin's many victims?When Lesley starts to suspect that someone close to her might be involved, her world turns on its head.Can she solve the murder and keep her career, team and relationship intact? less