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Dorset Crime #8
The Lighthouse Murders
DCI Lesley Clarke is back in Dorset, and her world has turned upside down.
One of the people she's closest to is to under arrest for the murder of DCI Mackie and a body has been found in the remote lighthouse at Portland Bill. And not just any body, but the body of someone she investigated before moving to Dorset.
Can Lesley win the trust of the close-knit Portland community and find the killer? And can DI Zoe Finch of the West Midlands force help her track down potential suspects?
Does Superintendent Carpenter know more than he's letting on about Mackie's death? And most importantly, can Lesley find her predecessor's real killer and ensure justice is done?
The tense eighth instalment in the bestselling Dorset Crime series sees the stakes raised higher than ever for Lesley and her team.
One of the people she's closest to is to under arrest for the murder of DCI Mackie and a body has been found in the remote lighthouse at Portland Bill. And not just any body, but the body of someone she investigated before moving to Dorset.
Can Lesley win the trust of the close-knit Portland community and find the killer? And can DI Zoe Finch of the West Midlands force help her track down potential suspects?
Does Superintendent Carpenter know more than he's letting on about Mackie's death? And most importantly, can Lesley find her predecessor's real killer and ensure justice is done?
The tense eighth instalment in the bestselling Dorset Crime series sees the stakes raised higher than ever for Lesley and her team.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2023
1200 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
104 books629 followersMy name's Rachel McLean and I write stories you can't put down, with characters you'll be rooting for.
I'm best known for my Dorset Crime series, which has sold over a million copies. The first book in that series, The Corfe Castle Murders, won the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award.
Here's what Clare Balding (the lead judge) had to say about the book:
'I particularly enjoyed the detail of the landscape and the humorous oddities of Dorset life. I enjoyed the richness of the characters, complexity of life for a working mother who is thrown into a new environment and has to prove herself, all over again.'
But The Corfe Castle Murders is by no means my only book. I've published five series and am working on two new ones, all of which connect. You'll find characters from each series in one or more of the other ones, so you (and I) get to follow them as they take on new challenges.
For example:
DCI Lesley Clarke is Zoe's boss in the DI Zoe Finch series and then moves to Dorset where she becomes the star of the Dorset Crime series.
DS Mo Uddin is Zoe's best friend and sidekick, then moves to Scotland for the McBride & Tanner series.
DC Tina Abbott is a key character in the Dorset Crime series and plays an important role in the new Lyme Regis Women's Swimming Club series of mysteries which stars her mum, Annie.
Zaf Williams starts off in the DI Zoe Finch series then moves to London and is one of the stars of the London Cosy Mysteries series (along with his colleague Diana and Gus the cat).
Dr Petra McBride appears in no fewer than three series and I'm planning a new series for her in 2026.
And not to be outdone, Zoe Finch has two series in which she stars: the DI Zoe Finch series of 'Deadly' books, and the Cumbria Crime series.
Once you get to know these characters, you'll find plenty of books to keep you entertained. And I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
You can read a full list of the series and books on my books page. Each series is designed to be read in order but which series you go for first is really up to you.
I'm best known for my Dorset Crime series, which has sold over a million copies. The first book in that series, The Corfe Castle Murders, won the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award.
Here's what Clare Balding (the lead judge) had to say about the book:
'I particularly enjoyed the detail of the landscape and the humorous oddities of Dorset life. I enjoyed the richness of the characters, complexity of life for a working mother who is thrown into a new environment and has to prove herself, all over again.'
But The Corfe Castle Murders is by no means my only book. I've published five series and am working on two new ones, all of which connect. You'll find characters from each series in one or more of the other ones, so you (and I) get to follow them as they take on new challenges.
For example:
DCI Lesley Clarke is Zoe's boss in the DI Zoe Finch series and then moves to Dorset where she becomes the star of the Dorset Crime series.
DS Mo Uddin is Zoe's best friend and sidekick, then moves to Scotland for the McBride & Tanner series.
DC Tina Abbott is a key character in the Dorset Crime series and plays an important role in the new Lyme Regis Women's Swimming Club series of mysteries which stars her mum, Annie.
Zaf Williams starts off in the DI Zoe Finch series then moves to London and is one of the stars of the London Cosy Mysteries series (along with his colleague Diana and Gus the cat).
Dr Petra McBride appears in no fewer than three series and I'm planning a new series for her in 2026.
And not to be outdone, Zoe Finch has two series in which she stars: the DI Zoe Finch series of 'Deadly' books, and the Cumbria Crime series.
Once you get to know these characters, you'll find plenty of books to keep you entertained. And I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
You can read a full list of the series and books on my books page. Each series is designed to be read in order but which series you go for first is really up to you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
November 13, 2023
What's the point of writing a murder mystery and not finding and arresting the murderer(s) at the end? If it's to ensure readers buy her next book (publishing date as yet unknown) I'm not sure it's a good strategy!
And another gripe: this is the 8th novel in the Dorset series, all 8 with an underlying mystery about the death of DCI Mackie, DCI Lesley Clarke's predecessor. I no longer give a fig about it; there is such a thing as stringing the reader on for too long!
And another gripe: this is the 8th novel in the Dorset series, all 8 with an underlying mystery about the death of DCI Mackie, DCI Lesley Clarke's predecessor. I no longer give a fig about it; there is such a thing as stringing the reader on for too long!
May 1, 2023
I would have enjoyed this more if I hadn’t had to stop and work out who was who. Too many mistakes ie mixing up Gwen and Dawn and DS /DC Meera. Few typos too. Without these it would have been a *****
I don’t usually mind a cliff hanger, but maybe this theme has gone on long enough, need a resolution. Just my opinion, however it’s a series I look forward to.
I don’t usually mind a cliff hanger, but maybe this theme has gone on long enough, need a resolution. Just my opinion, however it’s a series I look forward to.
April 30, 2023
Story with no ending......
..... or an ending in another book!!?
Some proof reading needed still with rank and forename confused and a few errors that spell check should bounce.
Minor but breaking the flow and then the flow stops with nobody arrested and a summation of many loose ends to suffice. Not!
Are these coming too frequently because of the link to the prequel that is a constant presence? A lot of repeat phrases suggest so.
..... or an ending in another book!!?
Some proof reading needed still with rank and forename confused and a few errors that spell check should bounce.
Minor but breaking the flow and then the flow stops with nobody arrested and a summation of many loose ends to suffice. Not!
Are these coming too frequently because of the link to the prequel that is a constant presence? A lot of repeat phrases suggest so.
May 8, 2023
The Lighthouse Murders is the 8th book in the Dorset Crime series and is one of the best. The mystery of DCI Mackie's death has been hanging over the Team for the entire series. His death brought DCI Leslie Clark to Dorset from Birmingham and has been eating away at her. Her Team's DS Dennis Frampton has been arrested for Mackie's murder although Leslie, her wife Elsa, and journalist Sadie are convinced of his innocence, and Elsa has even volunteered to represent him pro bono.
But the focus of this installment is the murder of Trevor Hamm the former head of a human trafficking ring in Birmingham. He was serving time for his many crimes (having been arrested by Leslie's old Team in Birmingham) but, following a prison escape his body was found draped over the top of the antique light in a Lighthouse near the prison. Several murders and unremitting suspense later Leslie's team solved the case with the help of DCI Zoé Finch who took over the Birmingham Team when Leslie was transferred to Dorset. But all the murders now seem connected to Mackie's death and it has become clear there are law enforcement connections involved that will be the focus of the last book in the series, The Ghost Village Murders, to be released in August 2023. Needless to say I will be waiting for that book with bated breath!
But the focus of this installment is the murder of Trevor Hamm the former head of a human trafficking ring in Birmingham. He was serving time for his many crimes (having been arrested by Leslie's old Team in Birmingham) but, following a prison escape his body was found draped over the top of the antique light in a Lighthouse near the prison. Several murders and unremitting suspense later Leslie's team solved the case with the help of DCI Zoé Finch who took over the Birmingham Team when Leslie was transferred to Dorset. But all the murders now seem connected to Mackie's death and it has become clear there are law enforcement connections involved that will be the focus of the last book in the series, The Ghost Village Murders, to be released in August 2023. Needless to say I will be waiting for that book with bated breath!
April 29, 2023
How can I wait till August!
This was a bit confusing in a good way, mainly because I’ve also been reading the Zoe Finch novels and I kept forgetting who worked where . It’s really clever that although these are complete stories in themselves there is a story line running through linking them.
This was a bit confusing in a good way, mainly because I’ve also been reading the Zoe Finch novels and I kept forgetting who worked where . It’s really clever that although these are complete stories in themselves there is a story line running through linking them.
September 15, 2023
In a bizarre twist DS Dennis Frampton has been arrested for the murder of his former boss DCI Mackie, even though his death was treated as suicide for nearly two years.
Poor Lesley is having to manage multiple assignments without her right-hand man. The latest murder involves a body draped over the bulb in a lighthouse at Portland Bill. Even more surprising is that the body turns out to be that of a criminal who Zoe Finch put away for child grooming and other offences. He was recently being moved from the local prison when the convoy was ambushed and he was spirited away, only to be found dead.
I am writing my reviews out of order but I think my gripes about the last book in this series apply equally to this one.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Poor Lesley is having to manage multiple assignments without her right-hand man. The latest murder involves a body draped over the bulb in a lighthouse at Portland Bill. Even more surprising is that the body turns out to be that of a criminal who Zoe Finch put away for child grooming and other offences. He was recently being moved from the local prison when the convoy was ambushed and he was spirited away, only to be found dead.
I am writing my reviews out of order but I think my gripes about the last book in this series apply equally to this one.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
May 20, 2025
The Lighthouse Murders is book eight in the Dorset Crime series by Rachel McLean. Detective Chief Inspector Lesley Clarke just came back from her honeymoon and is still reeling from DS Dennis Frampton's arrest for murder when another body was found at a remote Lighthouse. Unfortunately for Detective Chief Inspector Lesley Clarke, she could identify someone who had recently escaped the local prison. Was the person who allowed the prisoner to escape the same person who murdered him and placed him at the Lighthouse?
I had just finished book seven in this series, and I had to read book eight to find out the answer to the underlying plot of this series. I was lucky the weekend allowed me to sit and read. I am intrigued by how Rachel McLean incorporates the internal law enforcement corruption, but still includes two other plots in the story. I engage with the story and the characters from the first page and continue to the end.
I love Rachel McLean's portrayal of her characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Lighthouse Murders is well-written and researched by Rachel McLean. I like Rachel McLean's description of the settings of The Lighthouse Murders, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I had just finished book seven in this series, and I had to read book eight to find out the answer to the underlying plot of this series. I was lucky the weekend allowed me to sit and read. I am intrigued by how Rachel McLean incorporates the internal law enforcement corruption, but still includes two other plots in the story. I engage with the story and the characters from the first page and continue to the end.
I love Rachel McLean's portrayal of her characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Lighthouse Murders is well-written and researched by Rachel McLean. I like Rachel McLean's description of the settings of The Lighthouse Murders, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
May 16, 2025
the amount of DS/DCI/DC/CPS and more made my brain hurt. the open ending was unnecessary. +1 star for the lesbian couple, i loved them
March 19, 2025
Nothing interesting happened.
April 17, 2025
amazing reads and keep you gripped till the end. off to read the next one now
June 6, 2025
I think this has to be one of the most frustrating series that I have read. It has so much promise and yet constantly fails to live up to this promise. There's been some good books in the series, and some downright mediocre ones as well. This book manages to capture all of the promise and failure to reach it all in the space of one novel.
The good - it's a solid mystery/crime that needs solving. As with a few others in the series the answer is not obvious and the development of the plot takes the reader with them. Utilizing the geography of the area well combined with a decent array of characters, it looks to be on to a winner.
BUT there are two huge frustrations and flaws with the book. The first of which is that that one of the plotlines, indeed one of the shocks and hooks from the previous book, utterly fizzles out in this novel - leaving the reader question what the point of its inclusion was. What makes it even more frustrating is that as well as being a good hook from the previous book it would have given a lot of mileage and development for several of the key characters in the series. Instead it is rendered utterly pointless in its inclusion.
The second issue is that this novel isn't a stand alone. It's not one story with an overarching narrative as well but rather a novel that finishes mid-story and is cannot be read alone. This is a frustration within a crime novel in particular, and again is similarly done in a poor fashion. Even if the author were to do this, which I don't think is that helpful in a crime series, the break could have been so much better and cleaner, rather than feeling like the author just ran out of room.
The plot was good, enough to help me overlook the first big disappointment with the novel. By the second, the spotlight is really shining on the author showing that they've some good ideas they are solidly in the average section of crime novels. 2 stars.
The good - it's a solid mystery/crime that needs solving. As with a few others in the series the answer is not obvious and the development of the plot takes the reader with them. Utilizing the geography of the area well combined with a decent array of characters, it looks to be on to a winner.
BUT there are two huge frustrations and flaws with the book. The first of which is that that one of the plotlines, indeed one of the shocks and hooks from the previous book, utterly fizzles out in this novel - leaving the reader question what the point of its inclusion was. What makes it even more frustrating is that as well as being a good hook from the previous book it would have given a lot of mileage and development for several of the key characters in the series. Instead it is rendered utterly pointless in its inclusion.
The second issue is that this novel isn't a stand alone. It's not one story with an overarching narrative as well but rather a novel that finishes mid-story and is cannot be read alone. This is a frustration within a crime novel in particular, and again is similarly done in a poor fashion. Even if the author were to do this, which I don't think is that helpful in a crime series, the break could have been so much better and cleaner, rather than feeling like the author just ran out of room.
The plot was good, enough to help me overlook the first big disappointment with the novel. By the second, the spotlight is really shining on the author showing that they've some good ideas they are solidly in the average section of crime novels. 2 stars.
August 31, 2024
And so it continues
After an improvement in the last episode this one brought me back down. Same annoying (and increasingly unrealistic) traits from DI Clarke. Why is she so indiscrete when sharing information with colleagues, witnesses, her wife... ? Why is she so intolerant of other's shortcomings yet unaware of her own. Indiscretion seems to have rubbed off onto most of her current and former subordinates, both Zoe and Tina give far more away in conversations than I would expect. Still the same incompetence, laziness and weakness from most of the male characters, still the same doggedness, insight and initiative from most of the female characters. Denis veering from deep depression and anxiety to "it's all back to normal" yet still not sharing anything helpful with Lesley.
It feels like this book was written in a rush, with insufficient proof reading or robust editting. Too many times I thought "Would she/he really do that, or say that?", or confusion about whether Gail made or received the call. And is there something in the water in Dorset that gives everyone a similar affliction?, they are always balling their fists (under the table, or in their coat pocket), or digging their nails into their thighs or their palms.
I'll read the next installment in the hope that it's finally going to answer all the questions but I suspect it's going to continue to be a frustrating journey. I won't be following on to the author's other series.
After an improvement in the last episode this one brought me back down. Same annoying (and increasingly unrealistic) traits from DI Clarke. Why is she so indiscrete when sharing information with colleagues, witnesses, her wife... ? Why is she so intolerant of other's shortcomings yet unaware of her own. Indiscretion seems to have rubbed off onto most of her current and former subordinates, both Zoe and Tina give far more away in conversations than I would expect. Still the same incompetence, laziness and weakness from most of the male characters, still the same doggedness, insight and initiative from most of the female characters. Denis veering from deep depression and anxiety to "it's all back to normal" yet still not sharing anything helpful with Lesley.
It feels like this book was written in a rush, with insufficient proof reading or robust editting. Too many times I thought "Would she/he really do that, or say that?", or confusion about whether Gail made or received the call. And is there something in the water in Dorset that gives everyone a similar affliction?, they are always balling their fists (under the table, or in their coat pocket), or digging their nails into their thighs or their palms.
I'll read the next installment in the hope that it's finally going to answer all the questions but I suspect it's going to continue to be a frustrating journey. I won't be following on to the author's other series.
Read
May 20, 2023DCI Lesley Clarke is back in Dorset, and her world has turned upside down.
One of the people she's closest to is to under arrest for the murder of DCI Mackie and a body has been found in the remote lighthouse at Portland Bill. And not just any body, but the body of someone she investigated before moving to Dorset.
Can Lesley win the trust of the close-knit Portland community and find the killer? And can DI Zoe Finch of the West Midlands force help her track down potential suspects?
Does Superintendent Carpenter know more than he's letting on about Mackie's death? And most importantly, can Lesley find her predecessor's real killer and ensure justice is done?
The tense eighth instalment in the bestselling Dorset Crime series sees the stakes raised higher than ever for Lesley and her team.
OK Not as good was previous.
One of the people she's closest to is to under arrest for the murder of DCI Mackie and a body has been found in the remote lighthouse at Portland Bill. And not just any body, but the body of someone she investigated before moving to Dorset.
Can Lesley win the trust of the close-knit Portland community and find the killer? And can DI Zoe Finch of the West Midlands force help her track down potential suspects?
Does Superintendent Carpenter know more than he's letting on about Mackie's death? And most importantly, can Lesley find her predecessor's real killer and ensure justice is done?
The tense eighth instalment in the bestselling Dorset Crime series sees the stakes raised higher than ever for Lesley and her team.
OK Not as good was previous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
I have absolutely adored this series! I say it pretty much every time I finish one of these books 🤣
The characters are so likeable/unlikeable Rachel manages to convey that every single time! You get so invested in their stories you need to know more about each character!
This particular book has a special place in my heart now as it is set on the Isle Of Portland which is where I live! It was amazing to read about the places that I go/walk past most days!
Every chance I got I was reading it, I love that the chapters are short, they only take a couple of minutes each to read, which means if I'm on a tight schedule I don't have to stop in the middle of a chapter because I know they are short enough to get a quick one in here and there!
I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next one!
The characters are so likeable/unlikeable Rachel manages to convey that every single time! You get so invested in their stories you need to know more about each character!
This particular book has a special place in my heart now as it is set on the Isle Of Portland which is where I live! It was amazing to read about the places that I go/walk past most days!
Every chance I got I was reading it, I love that the chapters are short, they only take a couple of minutes each to read, which means if I'm on a tight schedule I don't have to stop in the middle of a chapter because I know they are short enough to get a quick one in here and there!
I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next one!
August 14, 2025
To be completely honest, I really struggled with this book, pimarily because there were just too many characters. There a lot of different characters that kept being referred to by both their first name and their surname, as well as many different DC / DCI / DS titles, which just made it hard to keep track. I feel like the characters needed more of an introduction, but I appreciate that this book is part of a series (which you can read as stand-alones) and maybe that is the case in the very first book. The plot was good, although hard to follow in parts. I think it would make a great detective TV series. Wish I had more to say, but I spent a lot of the time just a bit confused!
December 10, 2023
Spoiler alert - this murder mystery is devised to keep the plot simmering and the reader hungry for Dorset Crime Book 9. Sadly after reading this dog’s dinner of a novel, I have completely lost my appetite and won’t be visiting this establishment again!
Progress is made with an ongoing investigation but nothing is resolved. Even the eponymous lighthouse murders aren’t fully solved. Imagine if Poirot were to assemble the potential suspects for a classic denouement only to tell them that they’ll have to wait for his ingenious explanation until the next book. Crime readers deserve better!
Progress is made with an ongoing investigation but nothing is resolved. Even the eponymous lighthouse murders aren’t fully solved. Imagine if Poirot were to assemble the potential suspects for a classic denouement only to tell them that they’ll have to wait for his ingenious explanation until the next book. Crime readers deserve better!
May 16, 2023
This seems to have been written to enhance the sales of the next book. Signs of rushed publication and very poor editing. At one point one of the protagonists seems to be married to her brother. I have interspersed reading this series with reading other authors - J D Kirk, Val McDermid, Ian Rankin Christopher Brookmyre, and the difference in quality of writing and presentation is stark. I see that the author has produced a book on how to write fiction - does it have a chapter on editing?
I have to say that I have been seriously distracted by her handling of character mannerisms - shuffling of feet, wrinkling of noses, balling of fists. If you visualise these you will see how bizarre they are.
This author's output is huge, but might benefit from a bit of quality over quantity.
I have to say that I have been seriously distracted by her handling of character mannerisms - shuffling of feet, wrinkling of noses, balling of fists. If you visualise these you will see how bizarre they are.
This author's output is huge, but might benefit from a bit of quality over quantity.
July 3, 2023
This series follows the standard formula of other similar series, and this isn’t a bad thing, it makes them quick easy reads that you can escape into for a few hours.
The stories are good, though maybe a tad unrealistic at times, but you can give the author creative licence as it is fiction after all! The characters are mainly likeable in the whole, although I actually prefer the secondary characters to Lesley - she can come across as rude and a big city know it all, whereas the rest of the team are much more likeable. I do also like the cross over with the Zoe Finch books as it gives the story another dynamic. If you like simple easy reads then this series is for you, esp if you have kindle unlimited as a good series to borrow!
The stories are good, though maybe a tad unrealistic at times, but you can give the author creative licence as it is fiction after all! The characters are mainly likeable in the whole, although I actually prefer the secondary characters to Lesley - she can come across as rude and a big city know it all, whereas the rest of the team are much more likeable. I do also like the cross over with the Zoe Finch books as it gives the story another dynamic. If you like simple easy reads then this series is for you, esp if you have kindle unlimited as a good series to borrow!
July 14, 2023
A Brilliant Series
I have loved all the books in this series and this one did not disappoint. It was almost like a two for one, with both DCI Lesley Clarke and DI Zoe Finch working together again. When a body is found in the lighthouse on the Isle of Portland it turns out it was one of the last people Lesley arrested before she left the West Midlands, to move to Dorset. Lesley enlists Zoe to help out to solve the murder. Meanwhile, one of Lesley's team has been arrested, accused of murdering his former boss, but Lesley is convinced he hi innocent. Will she be able to help him? This is a brilliant series and I could not put this book down. Already looking forward to reading the next one, although I fear it might be the last one, I do hope not though.
I have loved all the books in this series and this one did not disappoint. It was almost like a two for one, with both DCI Lesley Clarke and DI Zoe Finch working together again. When a body is found in the lighthouse on the Isle of Portland it turns out it was one of the last people Lesley arrested before she left the West Midlands, to move to Dorset. Lesley enlists Zoe to help out to solve the murder. Meanwhile, one of Lesley's team has been arrested, accused of murdering his former boss, but Lesley is convinced he hi innocent. Will she be able to help him? This is a brilliant series and I could not put this book down. Already looking forward to reading the next one, although I fear it might be the last one, I do hope not though.
May 5, 2023
This was a bit of a strange one.
Starting off with the escape of a prisoner from Portland prison, who is then subsequently ambushed and murdered. The prisoner was related to Lesleys past in Birmingham and she finds herself teaming up with her old colleagues in Birmingham to solve it.
Dennis who had been arrested at the end of the last book for the murder of Tim Mackie is eventually cleared by the CPS and returns to work at the end of the book.
For me this did not have the satisfactory conclusion that I have come to expect from Rachels novels. I know it is all tied up with Mackies death and have to wait until the autumn to see the conclusion of this puzzle.
Starting off with the escape of a prisoner from Portland prison, who is then subsequently ambushed and murdered. The prisoner was related to Lesleys past in Birmingham and she finds herself teaming up with her old colleagues in Birmingham to solve it.
Dennis who had been arrested at the end of the last book for the murder of Tim Mackie is eventually cleared by the CPS and returns to work at the end of the book.
For me this did not have the satisfactory conclusion that I have come to expect from Rachels novels. I know it is all tied up with Mackies death and have to wait until the autumn to see the conclusion of this puzzle.
July 25, 2023
Another good read once again Lesley kept digging and following leads from all directions
She is slowly building up a female team with the new addition of Meera working with Stanley the way Tina and Mike worked together even with Mike and Tina sharing parenting leave with other on Lesley suggestion they still work as a team solving another mystery and the way she also keeps digging to prove that Dennis framton is innocent with the help of her new wife.
Just about to start reading the stand alone book awhile waiting for the next book to be released at the end of August might start reading the other series that is connected the Zoe finch series
She is slowly building up a female team with the new addition of Meera working with Stanley the way Tina and Mike worked together even with Mike and Tina sharing parenting leave with other on Lesley suggestion they still work as a team solving another mystery and the way she also keeps digging to prove that Dennis framton is innocent with the help of her new wife.
Just about to start reading the stand alone book awhile waiting for the next book to be released at the end of August might start reading the other series that is connected the Zoe finch series
May 25, 2023
Another great read
Lesley is in the middle of a right old case this time. Dennis having been arrested and multiple murders on her doorstep and taking her back to Birmingham, her old stomping ground. She's being pulled in all directions, being g told to do one thing but knowing they want her to do something else. She's missing her wife after getting back from their honeymoon and having to jump straight back in. Great books, looking forward to the next one to find out how things eventually pan out.
Lesley is in the middle of a right old case this time. Dennis having been arrested and multiple murders on her doorstep and taking her back to Birmingham, her old stomping ground. She's being pulled in all directions, being g told to do one thing but knowing they want her to do something else. She's missing her wife after getting back from their honeymoon and having to jump straight back in. Great books, looking forward to the next one to find out how things eventually pan out.
November 30, 2024
Book 8 in the Dorset Crime Series and it's the best so far. So yes I loved it the audience is building and D'S Frampton is in trouble or is he? But in the meantime there is a body in the lighthouses
A prison break a body then some more this is a biggy for the team and SCI Lesley only been back from her honeymoon a few hours. But at least Else has a new client to work for. Yes Times back in the office and another new recruit well she was in the previous book but now she's on the team this is a great book and we'll worth getting your teeth into trust me it's great.
A prison break a body then some more this is a biggy for the team and SCI Lesley only been back from her honeymoon a few hours. But at least Else has a new client to work for. Yes Times back in the office and another new recruit well she was in the previous book but now she's on the team this is a great book and we'll worth getting your teeth into trust me it's great.
June 1, 2023
As usual, a very involving book with lots going on and lots of twists and turns. However, like some others, I feel that the ending was disappointing. As someone else said, not so much a cliff hanger as an unfinished story. I understand, the death of DCI Mackie has been an unsolved matter throughout all the books but the build-up and evidence presented, led us to believe it was imminent. Compared to all the other books, a little disappointing.
June 26, 2023
Lighthouse Murder
I found this difficult to start with but it picked up and I enjoyed it almost as much as all the other Dorset Series. I’ve still given it 5 stars because the writing and plot were good. It was probably just me that found it difficult at the start.
Poor old Dennis. In fact, most of the team seem to have their own problems in this book. But Dennis is the one with the biggest worries. Lesley will find a way to get him out. Won’t she?
I found this difficult to start with but it picked up and I enjoyed it almost as much as all the other Dorset Series. I’ve still given it 5 stars because the writing and plot were good. It was probably just me that found it difficult at the start.
Poor old Dennis. In fact, most of the team seem to have their own problems in this book. But Dennis is the one with the biggest worries. Lesley will find a way to get him out. Won’t she?
July 3, 2023
I don't know why I feel unable to give these stories a 5 star rating, maybe because there is an underlying story that carries on, so having read a book I don't feel like I have completed it and it is very frustrating, in fact, in this instalment I was left feeling that I'd been asked lots of questions, none of which had been answered. If the next book in the series carries on in the same vein I shall be saying "I don't care who killed Mackie" and stop reading the series.
November 6, 2023
Had to read as it’s the last in the series but I’m so glad I never have to read any of these again. I get that the author wants to get us interested in the characters as well as solving the crimes, but I just find the characters difficult to connect with. So many repetitive phrases, can’t feel any connection between Lesley and Elsa. And why the story involving Sharon…doesn’t make any sense apart from getting another Dorset landmark into the story.
July 5, 2025
Exciting!!
Ooo, the action (and murders) and intrigue are ratcheting up. This author loves focusing on bent police. Still not sure who all of them are but it is mighty suspicious. Whom can you trust, if anyone? There is a bit of iffy forensic evidence. How do you get DNA off ecstasy pills that killed someone? Wouldn’t the capsule coverings be dissolved in the stomach??? Why is Carpenter so weird? Why is Dennis? More answers in future books, I presume.
Ooo, the action (and murders) and intrigue are ratcheting up. This author loves focusing on bent police. Still not sure who all of them are but it is mighty suspicious. Whom can you trust, if anyone? There is a bit of iffy forensic evidence. How do you get DNA off ecstasy pills that killed someone? Wouldn’t the capsule coverings be dissolved in the stomach??? Why is Carpenter so weird? Why is Dennis? More answers in future books, I presume.
October 19, 2025
Picked this book up as it was part of a deal in The Works and thought I’d try out a new author - I didn’t realise this was book 8 in a series of books with a backstory embroidered into it so I found it confusing at times to read, there’s so many characters too and adding in PC’S, DSI, SCO’s and whatever else too it was hard to follow, then the ending is a to be continued!🤦🏻♀️
Might go back to the series at some point….
Might go back to the series at some point….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2023
Crooked.
Good storyline.
Starting with a prison escape and subsequent death of the prisoner. More deaths follow and evidence leads to unexpected corruption going back to DCI Mackie's death. The investigation of which had been closed down unexpectedly early following orders from higher officers.
A real tangled web.
Good storyline.
Starting with a prison escape and subsequent death of the prisoner. More deaths follow and evidence leads to unexpected corruption going back to DCI Mackie's death. The investigation of which had been closed down unexpectedly early following orders from higher officers.
A real tangled web.
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