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London Cozy Mysteries #2
Death in the West End
Diana Bakewell is getting used to some changes at Chartwell and Crouch London Bus Tours. She’s rubbing along with Zaf, now her flatmate as well as her colleague. The tour guide team loves having Gus the cat as it's newest member. And they're recovering from the shock of witnessing - and solving - a murder at the Houses of Parliament. But then another killer strikes. Diana and Zaf are hired to host a group of American producers, writers and hangers-on. They've come to London in search of a deal to take a hit musical to Broadway. But when the show’s director dies backstage, the group is plunged into disarray. The police think there's no reason to suspect foul play. But Diana, with her nose for a crime, isn't so sure. Can she untangle the web of lies, rivalries and grudges among the tour group and uncover the killer? Death in Theatreland is the second in the London Cozy Mystery series, perfect for fans of MC Beaton, Richard Osman and Anthony Horowitz.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2023
About the author
Rachel McLean
118 books671 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2023
I love the Rachel McLean Mysteries. And I'm so enjoying the London series with Diana the tour guide and her colleague Zaf (plus the bus driver Newton who spends most of the tour searching for Gus the cat. Very different from her other mysteries that are more police procedurals than cozies.
In this case Diana & Zaf are ferrying around a group of American producers who are hoping to bring a West End musical to Broadway. The differences in theater production between the two countries are highlighted. One of the Americans falls to his death in the theater, an accident or more nefarious reasons? Diane is suspicious (the policeman assigned to the case calls her "nosy"). I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
In this case Diana & Zaf are ferrying around a group of American producers who are hoping to bring a West End musical to Broadway. The differences in theater production between the two countries are highlighted. One of the Americans falls to his death in the theater, an accident or more nefarious reasons? Diane is suspicious (the policeman assigned to the case calls her "nosy"). I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
January 16, 2025
I really like these books. They are cozy mysteries but engaging. Diana and Raff are London tour guides. In this second installment they are hired to take a group of American theater investors on a get to know London tour. Tge Americans from the snotty entitled money woman and her assistant Bri and their accountant Ralph Romano who insists that his ancestors the Romans are tge only important part of historical London, are looking to take a Cockney flavored musical to Broadway. But the sudden death of the director calls the whole deal into question. From Marble Arch to a hysterical shopping tour to Fortnams and mason to buy a bereavement hamper to the visit to a real east end pub owned by a “the respectable face” of organized crime in London our intrepid tour guides are off and running. To show the Americans the real face if London and maybe solve the murder of the director.
December 23, 2023
Pleasant Marple-like story
Easy reading tale which meanders through the sights of London like an open top bus.
The plot is well constructed and has you guessing until the final chapter. There's plenty of pleasant and humorous diversions. Without giving away too much, the account of a shopping trip to Fortnum and Mason is especially funny.
Personally I don't like the Gus the cat thing. A stretch too far for me.
But all round, a good way to pass a few hours on a plane without watching a film.
Easy reading tale which meanders through the sights of London like an open top bus.
The plot is well constructed and has you guessing until the final chapter. There's plenty of pleasant and humorous diversions. Without giving away too much, the account of a shopping trip to Fortnum and Mason is especially funny.
Personally I don't like the Gus the cat thing. A stretch too far for me.
But all round, a good way to pass a few hours on a plane without watching a film.
January 14, 2024
This was another humorous and entertaining read. The characters highlighted its eccentricity - a quirky murder mystery.
Diana and Zaf were a good team and I liked how her patience dealt with dilemmas.
This time, these tour guides lead a group of Americans around London...
A quick and fun read with some interesting facts about London and clever deductions about 'whodunit'.
Recommended.
Diana and Zaf were a good team and I liked how her patience dealt with dilemmas.
This time, these tour guides lead a group of Americans around London...
A quick and fun read with some interesting facts about London and clever deductions about 'whodunit'.
Recommended.
November 11, 2023
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I thorough enjoyed reading this to the extent that I read an excerpt to my husband and we both laughed over it. The clue is in my review title. Unfortunately I read really quickly and now have to wait for the next book in the series to be written!
I thorough enjoyed reading this to the extent that I read an excerpt to my husband and we both laughed over it. The clue is in my review title. Unfortunately I read really quickly and now have to wait for the next book in the series to be written!
November 19, 2023
Another good tale
Diana and Far get tied up in the death of a theatre producer. The who done it is solved, but only circumstancially. The reason behind the conundrum being plagiarism and copyright issues.
Diana and Far get tied up in the death of a theatre producer. The who done it is solved, but only circumstancially. The reason behind the conundrum being plagiarism and copyright issues.
March 19, 2024
simplistic descriptions but funny
It points out a lot of London landmarks and the characters are memorable but I’d prefer more rich descriptions of it all.
The plot is kind of jumbled together but the book makes up for it with plenty of humour.
It points out a lot of London landmarks and the characters are memorable but I’d prefer more rich descriptions of it all.
The plot is kind of jumbled together but the book makes up for it with plenty of humour.
March 26, 2024
Loving the series
Got recommended this series and I'm so glad I decided to give it a go, great characters and brilliant storylines, funny, no swearing and not too violent, everything to keep a person happy and engaged
Got recommended this series and I'm so glad I decided to give it a go, great characters and brilliant storylines, funny, no swearing and not too violent, everything to keep a person happy and engaged
December 17, 2024
Really fell in love with the characters is this one. Had me gripped the whole way through. A real mystery that kept you guessing right to the end! Secrets and deception and entertainment this book had it all! Can't wait for book 3! I highly recommend this series!
August 8, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook format. Again, the narrator was excellent. The story moved along well and the two characters shopping while stoned was very funny indeed. I’m enjoying this series and learning about London as I go, as a bonus.
November 27, 2023
It is what it says on the tin - a Cozy Mystery! Enjoyed this a lot and am looking forward to reading the short book about Gus.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
December 8, 2023
A good read but not as good as her other books
February 14, 2024
Gus wins
Good read. Kept me guessing well. Loved Gus. Cats are best. Setting varied and full of fun facts. Good mix of characters
Good read. Kept me guessing well. Loved Gus. Cats are best. Setting varied and full of fun facts. Good mix of characters
May 9, 2024
Love this series!
Good plot, great scenarios, lots of interesting snippets of London history, characters that engage, and CATS! What's not to like?
Good plot, great scenarios, lots of interesting snippets of London history, characters that engage, and CATS! What's not to like?
June 15, 2024
light and fun
This mystery speeds along. Plenty of action going on. Almost too many characters,but the main ones are likable and span generations .
This mystery speeds along. Plenty of action going on. Almost too many characters,but the main ones are likable and span generations .
August 6, 2024
Not as good as Rachel's other books but I still enjoyed it.
January 9, 2025
Another gods cosy mystery read. Really like the characters in this series so far, lots to learn and seeing them evolve!
January 19, 2025
a good read
I enjoyed the second edition getting to know more about Diana and her antics. Good who did it to left you guessing right to the end
I enjoyed the second edition getting to know more about Diana and her antics. Good who did it to left you guessing right to the end
February 24, 2025
A Fun Read
I enjoyed the characters and the antics. Rachel is a very entertaining author. I encourage you to read some of her other books
I enjoyed the characters and the antics. Rachel is a very entertaining author. I encourage you to read some of her other books
November 14, 2025
A good read. Second in the series
A good read. Second in the series. It keeps you guessing right to the end. Good tourist information about London too
A good read. Second in the series. It keeps you guessing right to the end. Good tourist information about London too
February 27, 2026
The mystery was good and the touring around London was interesting, as usual, but I didn't like the way Diana and Zaf were annoyed and angry with each other. I felt it detracted from the story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews