Death at Abbey Road

London Cozy Mysteries #6

by Rachel McLean, Millie Ravensworth

Abbey Road. Site of the iconic studio where The Beatles recorded, plus THAT zebra crossing. Without access to their beloved Routemaster buses, Diana and Zaf are hopeful that they can attract business to Chartwell and Crouch tours by hosting tours of the studio. And Diana has the connections to make it happen...

But then on a tour of the studio, they hear disturbing noises from a recording booth. And moments later, an old friend of Diana's is found dead.

Did they overhear a murder? If so, who wanted to kill Diana's friend, and why? And is there a connection to Chartwell and Crouch's former owner, Morris Walker?

To uncover the killer, Diana and Zaf must delve into the past of Chartwell and Crouch, determine exactly how Morris ended up in prison, and face some uncomfortable truths. All while dealing with Gus the cat's usual antics and trying to keep Chartwell and Crouch afloat.

Can they get to the truth before the killer strikes again?

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 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

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the final book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The characters were eccentric and well-defined and suited the plot - even the cats. I liked the Beatles theme and the historical data, while the sense of place was perfect.

Well-written, engaging, entertaining and funny.

Recommended.

[Laurie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are fun

Witty, smart, engaging and enjoyable.

I have really enjoyed the whole series. Gus and Bodica tie the whole thing together.

What a happy ending with a complex set of clues, kept me entertained throughout the read.

Thank you.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody loves a happy ending.

I think I did suspect the perpetrator at some point but not seriously! Another good story with an intriguing plot and engaging characters

[Francis J Mallalieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do all things come out right in the end?

The story was wonderful. At the re-opening of the sound studio Diana, Ariadne and the guys recorded back in their youth tragedy strikes. Paul is found at the bottom of the building dead. Either thrown or fallen from the fire escape.
While embroiled in the police inquiry, Diana, Zaf and Newton had to deal with the real possibility that their tour company might be closed.
Ken the record producer decides that a cat album for cats and people was a good idea. As the record is brought together the investigation of Paul's murder and a decades old crime cross paths
But who killed Paul and why? What will happen to the tour company and Diana, Zaf and Newton (and Gus the cat)?
Read on and find out the amazing conclusion.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful ending to a great cozy mystery series. I adore Diana Bakewell and her coterie of friends and colleagues. The book tied up a lot of issues from prior books while showcasing Diana's crime solving genius with a remarkable twist at the end. I will miss this series but hope that Diana (and Newton as well) reappear in the new series with Zaf and his sister. And the cats!!!

[valerie gosling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky

Another outing for this oddball group good plot enjoyable experience,unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you turning the pages,and making you smile

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read however I was disappointed that gus the cat was well behaved in this book instead of mysterious and getting up to mischief.

[Sybilla Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this series.

[michelle mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Loved this series, couldn't wait to read the next one.. Death at Abbey Road, finished it perfectly.
What a fantastic ending

[Mark Beer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last in this series, really enjoyed and loved the way everything wrapped up all the little stories across all books.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

End of a great series - maybe one day we will get another 😃