Death at St Paul's Cathedral

London Cozy Mysteries #5

by Rachel McLean, Millie Racensworth

Fresh from solving a spate of murder mysteries, Diana Bakewell and Zaf Williams are separated when Zaf goes on a course to gain his qualification as a tour guide. The course is at London's iconic St Paul's Cathedral, which Zaf is expected to get to know so he can be tested on his tour guide abilities. Meanwhile, Diana is forced from her wonderful London home by her unscrupulous landlord.

But all this has to be put aside when a resident at a local hostel is found dead, apparently poisoned. More perplexing is the fact that, after a police investigation, Diana realises she saw the victim walking around hours after he had supposedly died.

Zaf and Diana have a mystery to solve at St Paul’s, one in which the victim was a known thief of religious treasures.

Can they get to the bottom of the crime before the killer strikes again? Will Zaf need to enlist the help of his fellow tour guide trainees? And will they uncover the reason why the victim was there in the first place?

Find out in Diana and Zaf's fifth mystery, full of mysterious twists, iconic London landmarks, and naughty cats.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 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

[Mark Beer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really good book in this series. One part of the stories, with Diana and Zafs living arrangements seems a bit weird and pointless, and I’m not really getting it. Hoping there is some reason for it on the next in the series, otherwise the rating on this drops for me. Unnecessary. Still good whodunnit again!

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

It’s not just about the crime although that is always intriguing and puzzling it’s about the people the relationships and friendships developing. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[DAVID TEMPLAR TEMPLAR · Rating 1 out of 5]

You say I have read this book, I wish I had. The entry on my Kindle is in grey and although it says DOWNLOADED it has not reached the reading screen. Hence I have sadly not read this book so a one star till it can be read on my Kindle.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staying up late at night finishing a book by Rachel McLean seems to be my usual reading habit. In this series co-authored by Millie Ravensworth is no different. Remarkable characters solving crimes almost by happenstance in a city I adore the authors combine to craft a mystery I can't put down.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable instalment in the London Cosy Mysteries series.

I liked the characters, the plot, the humour and the information about London.

It was well-written, fast-paced and engaging.

An excellent and recommended read.

[Mrs Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosy mystery it certainly was. I was kept guessing right to the end. I'm usually on the right track two thirds into a story or have suspicions but this one really was a good mystery. I love the characters. Diana is the new "Miss Marple" of the modern age in my opinion.

[Freda Lawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't see that coming!

As usual a really clever story with many little twists to throw you off the trail. Enjoyable to read as a book alone or as part of the series. I had the murderer totally wrong!

[Annette O'grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

another really enjoyable read

[Julian Tremayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this further romp through London with Diana and Zaf - not to mention Gus of course! It does what it says on the tin - a Cosy Mystery.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire

[valerie gosling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

A really good read,marvellous characters splendid plots quirky,unfolds slowly drawing you in and making you love the characters and there antics

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

loved the book

Loved the book such a great read, really enjoy all the historical facts looking forward too book 6, until the next time.

[Anita Thorp · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the book

Was non the wiser until the end! Wow didn’t see it coming and can’t wait for the next installment x

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book.

[John Gwynant · Rating 4 out of 5]

very readable

Starts off a bit confusing, but coalesces into an interesting detective mystery with a surprise ending and every body happy

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series - one more to go 👍🏻

[Ray Bandtock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at St Paul's

Didn't guess this one at all.
I have really taken to the main characters in this series.
On to the next one now.