The Fossil Beach Murders

Dorset Crime #6

by Rachel McLean

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. 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.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Detective, Procedural, Contemporary

Hardcover

Published March 27, 2023

About the author

My 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.

Reviews

[Debra Whisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think this series is improving at all , the plot is simplistic and the characters rather irritating.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fossil Beach Murders is book six in the Dorset Crime series by Rachel McLean. DCI Lesley Clarke is still looking into DCI Mackie's death, causing tension with her Detective Sergeant Dennis Frampton. On top of that, her girlfriend Elsa is acting strangely. However, when two bodies turned up after a landslide at Lyme Regis, she had to leave and hope that she found the answer when she returned after visiting Lyme Regis.

The Fossil Beach Murders is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by Rachel McLean. As soon as I opened this book, I engaged with the story and the characters. I enjoy the way Rachel McLean incorporates the personal issues that can affect law enforcement officers. I love Rachel McLean's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Fossil Beach Murders was well-written and researched by Rachel McLean. I like Rachel McLean's description of the settings of The Fossil Beach Murders, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of The Fossil Beach Murders will learn about corruption in a legal firm and the consequences of the crime. Also, the readers of The Fossil Beach Murders will learn about living in the beautiful coast town of Lyme Regis, Dorset.

I recommend this book.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a landslide at Fossil Beach uncovers two bodies, DCI Lesley Clarke is working on the Devon border which brings up all kinds of territorial issues with the neighbouring Cornwall and Devon Police. But as they discover the identity of these long-buried bodies, Lesley discovers that they are closely connected with her girlfriend Elsa's law firm and, potentially, local organised crime.

I am enjoying this low-key police procedural series. I find the time frames a bit wonky - it feels like Lesley has only been in Dorset six months but there have been a LOT of murders and a lot has changed personally and professionally in a very short time.

Hey hoo, for £1.99 these are pleasant and untaxing.

[Kim J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

I love this series too! Its fantastic, its diverse, its serious, and there is lots of love involved! (In their own ways). Though Dennis did let out a clue about a certain someone, now I can't wait for the next wonderful installment to this series! This book gripped me from the first page, and it never let go. It had all the twists and turns, in all the right places. The characters are wonderful, and I've loved getting to know them! And that ending! How can.Rachel McLean do that to us? I guess ill k ow lots more in the next one!!!

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

This episode is the Dorset crime mystery series began pulling threads together from the very first book (and the prequel). Very exciting...read until the wee hours and plan to go right on to the next one*. The personal stories behind the Major Crimes unit are as riveting as the mystery itself.

*Unfortunately, the next book in the series, The Dead Pool Murders, won't be released until February, 2023!

[Tyler Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a 4.5 - At this point in the series there’s lots of layering and multiple storylines going on, but it’s done very well and not hard to keep up with. I’m enjoying learning about the characters that make up the team and the small plots woven into the main stories.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one .

[Michael Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold cases impact the present

A landslide in Lyme Regis exposes two dead bodies. Leslie and her team are called to investigate. The bodies are found to be murder victims and are identified as former named partners in the firm that became Nevin Cross and Short. Despite the lapse of time suspects are identified as members of Arthur Kelvin's crime family and arrests made.

At the same time Elsa Short has taken steps to extricate herself from the Firm and Kelvin's influence. The DCI Mackie suicide case continues and has been based over to an official we from another county and the questions about what Dennis actually knows or suspects about the death continue to grow.

As always a compelling page turner leaving the reader eager for the next book I. The series.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the whole series but I must admit, I think this is the best book so far. A landslip at Lyme Regis reveals two bodies and their deaths were no accident. DCI Lesley Clarke and her team once again have to investigate. Never far from her thoughts is the death of DCI Mackie. She never knew him but although his death was ruled as suicide she does not believe it and has quietly been investigating. Now she is afraid her girlfriend might somehow know more than she is telling. This book kept me gripped from the first page and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Roll on next year!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fossil Beach Murders

In my opinion, the best book yet. Please tell me there’s going to be a book 7? There just has to be. Rachel can’t leave things like this. Absolutely brilliant. Full of action, intrigue and wonder. Is it, isn’t it? You just keep wondering, even though part of you thinks you know. Things heat up for Elsa. Lesley is in trouble again. A superb book. Book 7 please.

[Gemma Cockrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok well now i need to read the next one NOW

[Julie Footner-Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story and good characters with depth.

[Kirsten Oetting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy reading, good story. Looking for the next in the series!

[Nancy]

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. 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.

Good.

[H C · Rating 2 out of 5]

There should have been some sort of build up to the relationship between the main character and the lawyer. As it is now, I just don’t understand why they are together, has not been shown. What do they have in common, what do they like about each other. It’s like their relationship is simply put there for the plot. The story throughout the series is more about cardboard characters than actual people.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having only read the first book in the series prior to this, I felt I was playing catch up trying to work out what was going on in the background to the main investigation into the discovery of two bodies following a land slip at Lyme Regis. As with the first book, I enjoyed the setting and descriptions of places I know well, but this seems to be a series of books best read in order.

[Sam Way · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25*

So this is book 6, and in all honesty I was expecting more. I want more twists and surprises, a little more suspense and danger. More backstory and depth to the characters wouldn’t go amiss either, I don’t really know who they are, even after finishing book 6.

[Tess · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series started promising and as it advanced the characters and the stories got a bit irritating.
You supposed to like you main character in order to follow her adventures, but Lesley’s character got more and more annoying and disappointing. I am not sure I want to read the rest of the series.

[Evie Hodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this one a little bit harder to get into than the rest but still a good read

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are increasingly better with each new story, and the first one was brilliant.
DCI Lesley Clarke has a new case. A double murder, dating back ren years. The corpses are eventually identified as two local lawyers, who had been partners in the same firm that Lesley's girlfriend, Elsa, works for. The were not reported missing, as they were supposedly emigrating to Canada. Lesley and her team investigate the crime, which leads to the usual problems of a shortage of evidence, witnesses not being available and a local gangland boss, who has fingers in many pies. Lesley's team works hard to solve the case, which is never easy when it's a cold case. They get to the bottom of it, but Devon & Cornwall police and anthropologists get involved as part of the investigation, due to location and the age of the corpses. After the occasional setbacks and threats, the case is solve. But there are some loose ends that remain. Ends on a happier note than I thought it would, which is a good thing.

[Steve Virgin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A standard, formulaic crime thriller that feels too much like you've stepped into the middle of a T.V. series and need to catch up and there is obviously more to come when you've finished the novel. Very little in the the way of twists and turns in the story and not a great deal of thrills. The emphasis seems to be on the interweaving stories of the characters - this detective happens to be living with this lawyer whose firm is integral to the plot; this detective is going out with this other detective on the team; this detective used to go out with this policeman who is now married to her sister......and so on. Far too much of a soap opera. A pleasant but undemanding read.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I'm ready for this series to be concluded. I'm tired of continuing saga. The bad guys keep outsmarting the coppers. In this one two bodies are found after a small landslide; they were killed and buried ten years ago. Lesley is called upon to solve another cold case but in the meantime Elsa may be involved; certainly her law firm is. Mackie's death in still hanging over their heads although there seems to be a breakthrough on the horizon. Kelvin is still evading the law and his henchmen are still causing trouble. In other words, not enough has been concluded over these six books.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed #6 of this British crime series, where bodies are found due to a landslide. DCI Lesley Clarke has several dilemmas, not least about her girlfriend's involvement.

It was good to follow familiar characters and their relationships, plus yet another crime to solve. I don't like all of the characters but they all suit the plot. In addition, there's still that past mystery regarding the death of a police officer - intriguing.

Overall, this was an engaging story with a great sense of place and well-developed characters.

Recommended.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The team solves a cold-case murder that took place 10 years ago. This involves Elsa’s law firm, the Kelvin clan, other local police departments and so many egos regarding territorial counties. The one thing that is annoying me when reading this series is the character of Dennis Frampton and his damn swearing issue. Anytime anyone swears in his presence, he has a negative remark to make, and the person has to apologise for swearing. This is a police department. I haven’t read any books where the police say “gosh darn” or “what the heck”.

[Bob Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read . Enjoyed the story but just a bit similar to previous stories. Is Elsa the next solicitor to be murdered? How come Mr Big is so untouchable? Sure stuff would come out in court. Read them all in3 sittings each, so they are readable. Why is the superintendent such a distant plonker ? Is he bent? Tina’s behaviour was stupid given the DCI is the SIO. I am hooked and I want the next one soon. We

[Stephen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good episode in the saga of Lesley and her team - not forgetting Elsa. This is a very definite series of books that need to be read in order. This book leaves plenty of unanswered questions and ongoing stories.
The books are easy reading, well written with interesting characters. The main characters are still 'clenching their fists' and 'digging their nails in the palms of their hands' far too often, but we will forgive that as the plots are very good.

[Dagmar Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

double murder victims

I found this story a little bit harder to get into. But it grabbed me about half way through.
Some of it felt a little rushed, like the AFO involvement and arrest.
And I still don’t get it why Tina went to the raid location on her own.
Getting frustrated with Dennis clamping up as soon as DCI Mackie is mentioned.
And worried the crime lord will be getting off ….
But none the less, looking forward to the next book.

[Prof C Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author to me but very much looking forward to the next in this great series. Came across the books on Kindle and simply read them one after the other - addictive!
Stories filled with a good mix of people who you actually want to know more about. Storylines interesting and complex but not so much that the flow grinds to a halt!
The fact that an underlying story runs across the whole series adds to the interest without spoiling each book.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, and some of the older sub plots finally begin to become more important, which is really great. However, the book ends with a kind of romantic cliffhanger between Lesley and Elsa, and though this is nothing negative in itself, I did not like that this basically came out of nowhere. I won’t go into detail about it, instead I recommend the book, and the whole series, because it is really good. 4.5 stars out of 5.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An historic murder on the edge of Dorset

Lesley & the team investigate a case when two bodies are discovered after a landslide in Lyme Regis.

An enjoyable book, sixth in the series, sees the story explore the personal story of one of the team as they go back to her home town, which is nicely explored.
The overall underlying arc of the series seems to move forward with the events in the book and made we want to quickly go onto to the next one in the series.