Death on the Thames

London Cozy Mysteries #4

by Rachel McLean, Millie Ravensworth

Diana Bakewell and Zaf Williams are cementing their reputations as London's best tour guides. They've also learned that they're not bad at solving mysteries.

But when Kamran Dadashov, the father of Zaf's new boyfriend, hires them for a tour, they know they need to pull out all the stops.

The group consists of three wealthy men, old friends and occasional rivals. They aren't just seeing London's there's a challenge, involving a race, postcards, and an egg sandwich. But when they begin their tour on the London Eye, Diana looks down to see a man fall from a boat belonging to one of the group.

The police arrive and can't find a body. Diana is accused of fabricating the whole thing. But then when a body washes up further along the Thames, she knows she's got another murder on her hands.

Can Diana and Zaf solve the mystery before the killer strikes again? And will Zaf be able to juggle his relationship and his work?

Find out in Death on the Thames, the fourth book in the London Cosy Mysteries series. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Anthony Horowitz, and MC Beaton.

Genres: Mystery

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

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

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was some twist in the tale!

As usual Rachel McLean’s books ( regardless of who she writes with! Leave me wanting more, I want to stay with Diana, Zack and Newton who I feel are new friends. It’s not just about the unravelling of quirky puzzles but a developing of the characters. Learning new things about London and the arts without having to try.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery, along with the humour, eccentric characters and unusual plot.

I loved its writing style and how the characters 'made' the plot convincing despite their eccentricities. Diana is a brilliant character; full of verve, honesty and determination to do the right thing.

Highly recommended.

[Julian Tremayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series and this one didn't disappoint. It did, however, bring in rather a lot of eccentric characters and their somewhat implausible games, which rather spoilt the overall story, hence my docking one star. Still looking forward to the next one though.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire

[Mrs J Conquest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

I really enjoyed reading this set of books ( so far!). I find the London location brilliant being a cockney myself, and the whodunit part very well written. I love the characters and can imagine them going about their day. I recommend this book

[Annette O'grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

another really enjoyable read

[Bob Hiscocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Once again another winner from Rachel and Millie. I didn't see that ending coming. Nice twist. Looking forward to the next one

[Mrs J F Wakefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable read

Love Gus, Diana reminds of Miss Marple dogged determination. I look forward to reading more from Rachel McLean. Thank you for an enjoyable read

[Linda J Huish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as usual. A few late nights reading it in bed 🛌 on my kindle! Liked the twist at the the end.

[susan green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Really liked this book. Best so far. Great story but amazing twist at the end. Really recommended this series it just keeps getting better.

[L K Stow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

A lovely series, great characters and a good storyline with some twist and some humour, a great book to curl up in a chair and read

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was brilliant. I must say Gus the cats antics do make me laugh. I can't wait to see what he gets up to next.

[Radella Hardwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This culprit was much more guessable than the previous instalments but the motive I theorised was far more convoluted

[Mark Beer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series, great plot lines and always an unexpected twist. Getting to know the characters more and more too, which is great.

[Harry Cropper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read.

Another amazing read I the London Cosy Mystery series. Absolutely fantastic. A great twist at the end once again. Wonderful.