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Cumbria Crime #3
The Cairn
DI Zoe Finch has survived her first winter in Cumbria CID.
She’s learning to trust her team, even if they do have a tendency to get themselves into dangerous situations. And finally, the sun is beginning to shine.
But when a competitor in a local fell race is found dead near an isolated cairn, Zoe finds herself navigating an unfamiliar landscape.
From the rough and competitive world of the fell runners, through the local business community, to the exclusive Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel, people are keeping secrets from her - and not all of her colleagues seem keen for her to unearth them.
With the killer willing to do anything to keep ahead of the investigation, can Zoe find them before they silence one of the few people who knows the truth?
The Cairn is the third book in the gripping new series featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ series.
She’s learning to trust her team, even if they do have a tendency to get themselves into dangerous situations. And finally, the sun is beginning to shine.
But when a competitor in a local fell race is found dead near an isolated cairn, Zoe finds herself navigating an unfamiliar landscape.
From the rough and competitive world of the fell runners, through the local business community, to the exclusive Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel, people are keeping secrets from her - and not all of her colleagues seem keen for her to unearth them.
With the killer willing to do anything to keep ahead of the investigation, can Zoe find them before they silence one of the few people who knows the truth?
The Cairn is the third book in the gripping new series featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ series.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2024
1292 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
105 books630 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 36 reviews
May 28, 2024
Another amazing book in the Cumbria Crime Mystery series. DI Zoë Finch and her team have a new case, a man has fallen or been pushed to his death off a cliff during the running of the Fells Race, a tradition new to Zoë. As often occurs in these books, there are many suspects to be interviewed, alibies checked, and followup questions to be explored. The personal lives of the team are also explored characters I have come to know and care about. There are also threads of a long running criminal enterprise throughout the book that Zoë has been aware of but warned off of by her boss, loose ends nagging at her sure to be continued in the next book in the series that won't appear in my kindle library for almost 5 months!
However, The author gifted another episode in the series at the end of The Cairn: The Raid, a Cumbia Crime Novela, a story that followed @3 in the series and presaged #4. It was a wonderful mystery and filled in several blanks in the chronology. Zoë is becoming quite adept at getting the bad guys!
However, The author gifted another episode in the series at the end of The Cairn: The Raid, a Cumbia Crime Novela, a story that followed @3 in the series and presaged #4. It was a wonderful mystery and filled in several blanks in the chronology. Zoë is becoming quite adept at getting the bad guys!
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June 5, 2024DI Zoe Finch has survived her first winter in Cumbria CID.
She’s learning to trust her team, even if they do have a tendency to get themselves into dangerous situations. And finally, the sun is beginning to shine.
But when a competitor in a local fell race is found dead near an isolated cairn, Zoe finds herself navigating an unfamiliar landscape.
From the rough and competitive world of the fell runners, through the local business community, to the exclusive Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel, people are keeping secrets from her - and not all of her colleagues seem keen for her to unearth them.
With the killer willing to do anything to keep ahead of the investigation, can Zoe find them before they silence one of the few people who knows the truth?
The Cairn is the third book in the gripping new series featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ series.
OK
She’s learning to trust her team, even if they do have a tendency to get themselves into dangerous situations. And finally, the sun is beginning to shine.
But when a competitor in a local fell race is found dead near an isolated cairn, Zoe finds herself navigating an unfamiliar landscape.
From the rough and competitive world of the fell runners, through the local business community, to the exclusive Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel, people are keeping secrets from her - and not all of her colleagues seem keen for her to unearth them.
With the killer willing to do anything to keep ahead of the investigation, can Zoe find them before they silence one of the few people who knows the truth?
The Cairn is the third book in the gripping new series featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ series.
OK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
Excellent book
I’m really enjoying this series from Rachel McLean and Joel Hames not only do you have an intriguing crime novel but you also get a real sense of life in a Cumbrian town.
This is the third book in the series and we find Zoe and her team looking into the suspicious death of a fell runner, their enquiries lead them to some dubious hair salons and the possible involvement of Myron Carter a suspected Organised Crime boss, with trust in some of her Police colleagues already low and support from her superiors inconsistent that coupled with things from her past makes the job much harder.
I’m really enjoying this series from Rachel McLean and Joel Hames not only do you have an intriguing crime novel but you also get a real sense of life in a Cumbrian town.
This is the third book in the series and we find Zoe and her team looking into the suspicious death of a fell runner, their enquiries lead them to some dubious hair salons and the possible involvement of Myron Carter a suspected Organised Crime boss, with trust in some of her Police colleagues already low and support from her superiors inconsistent that coupled with things from her past makes the job much harder.
July 19, 2024
The Cairn
An excellent read. A good murder for Zoe and her team to get their teeth into. But then a friend gets seriously hurt and they still have to solve the murder while worrying about them. As expected, it’s not a straightforward case but they get their guy. And Zoe has a call from her past.
An excellent read. A good murder for Zoe and her team to get their teeth into. But then a friend gets seriously hurt and they still have to solve the murder while worrying about them. As expected, it’s not a straightforward case but they get their guy. And Zoe has a call from her past.
August 27, 2024
Zoe and the team investigate what originally looks like an accidental fall during the Fell Race.
After consulting with Forensics and Pathology they come to the conclusion that this has become a murder investigation. With so many people involved in the race taking statements becomes a mammoth task. But in among this statements are clues that will eventually lead to their killer alongside other people who knew the victim.
After consulting with Forensics and Pathology they come to the conclusion that this has become a murder investigation. With so many people involved in the race taking statements becomes a mammoth task. But in among this statements are clues that will eventually lead to their killer alongside other people who knew the victim.
May 18, 2024
This latest instalment shows Zoe Finch in typical combative mode in her new area of work. It also appears that she can't shake off her Birmingham past. Hopefully, we'll learn more in the next eagerly awaited story.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
May 20, 2024
This was another good and twisty crime thriller where Zoe and her team try to solve a suspicious death.
The characters suited the plot, there was tension, suspense and more than one mystery.
Engaging and enjoyable.
Recommended.
The characters suited the plot, there was tension, suspense and more than one mystery.
Engaging and enjoyable.
Recommended.
May 21, 2024
More than a cell race
A fell runner is killed under suspicious circumstances. Zoe gets her team focused on the perpetrator. Links to other off cases arise and Zoe suspects some corruption, but the evidence directing her mounts.
A fell runner is killed under suspicious circumstances. Zoe gets her team focused on the perpetrator. Links to other off cases arise and Zoe suspects some corruption, but the evidence directing her mounts.
May 30, 2024
This is the 3rd book in this Zoe Finch series although I read all the books set in Birmingham. As with all Rachel’s books the story is fast moving and changes. In this one I did guess the murderer before the end, but still a good story.
February 6, 2025
The plot thickens!
From a slow start in Book 1 to a feisty encounter in Book 2, and now to a plot thickening Book 3, this series is really hitting up. My only negative comments concerns the amount of strong swear words ... not necessary in my opinion! A very solid 4-star read!
From a slow start in Book 1 to a feisty encounter in Book 2, and now to a plot thickening Book 3, this series is really hitting up. My only negative comments concerns the amount of strong swear words ... not necessary in my opinion! A very solid 4-star read!
May 4, 2025
Great!
I am very much enjoying this series. Exciting and you care about the characters. Good plot that grabs from the start. I also like the Carter through line that keeps popping up and hints of bent coppers in the past and present. Oh, and Yoda is a girl. On to the next…
I am very much enjoying this series. Exciting and you care about the characters. Good plot that grabs from the start. I also like the Carter through line that keeps popping up and hints of bent coppers in the past and present. Oh, and Yoda is a girl. On to the next…
May 18, 2024
Cracking good story with lots of different goingon
May 25, 2024
Another wonderful story hope there’s more in this series.
May 25, 2024
Difficult to put down at the start of a damp Bank Holiday weekend.
May 25, 2024
Another un-put-downable book from Rachel. The only problem is the wait for the next one !!!
May 26, 2024
A good read
I liked the scene setting in the lake district and the characters involved. I am sure the story will continue in the next book.
I liked the scene setting in the lake district and the characters involved. I am sure the story will continue in the next book.
June 1, 2024
Another fabulous book
Another fabulous book, had you hooked straight away. Love how we still get the original team involved. Can't wait to read more books.
Another fabulous book, had you hooked straight away. Love how we still get the original team involved. Can't wait to read more books.
June 6, 2024
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. The plot lines are good and always keep you guessing.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. The plot lines are good and always keep you guessing.
June 13, 2024
Good read
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and l liked the character's and story. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and l liked the character's and story. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 18, 2024
I was very shocked by the ending and my guess was wrong.
June 23, 2024
Surprisingly Good
I have been looking for another author/book series. Thoroughly enjoyed all 3 of the books in this series so far.
I have been looking for another author/book series. Thoroughly enjoyed all 3 of the books in this series so far.
June 23, 2024
Quite twisty read but engaging throughout
September 1, 2024
An enjoyable read with an intriguing plot linking all the Cumbria Crime series of books
September 12, 2024
The Cairn
I found this book really interesting and very difficult to leave alone I have stayed up several nights too late
I found this book really interesting and very difficult to leave alone I have stayed up several nights too late
September 12, 2024
wonderful read
I’m enjoying the development of the characters and plot heading to book number four. Looking forward to more intrigue and twists
I’m enjoying the development of the characters and plot heading to book number four. Looking forward to more intrigue and twists
September 22, 2024
I wnjoyed this book but felt it was slow paced and not as gritty as previous books in the series. I enjoyed it through bit of patience was required! Would still recommend this book.
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars, bought this audiobook , something I never do. Was disappointed in the ending. Left with more questions than answers.
November 1, 2024
wonderfully entertaining
Another must read and I also know the rest of the series has to follow
I feel these will all be irresistible
Another must read and I also know the rest of the series has to follow
I feel these will all be irresistible
December 3, 2024
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story in the Cumbria crime series. All the usual strong characters and a very good storyline.Looking forward to reading more.
Another excellent story in the Cumbria crime series. All the usual strong characters and a very good storyline.Looking forward to reading more.
December 6, 2024
Great series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews