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Cumbria Crime #5
The Lake
Still reeling from the death of one colleague and a near miss for another, DI Zoe Finch could have done with a quiet winter.
But when a body is pulled from the ice at a rural beauty spot, Zoe and her team find themselves back in the thick of murder and intrigue. Who is the dead man? Why was he there? And is there a connection with a web of blackmail and corruption that spreads across the county?
Someone knows more than they’re letting on, and their silence could cost more lives. But talking can be just as deadly.
The Lake is the fifth book in the gripping Cumbria Crime series, featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly' series.
But when a body is pulled from the ice at a rural beauty spot, Zoe and her team find themselves back in the thick of murder and intrigue. Who is the dead man? Why was he there? And is there a connection with a web of blackmail and corruption that spreads across the county?
Someone knows more than they’re letting on, and their silence could cost more lives. But talking can be just as deadly.
The Lake is the fifth book in the gripping Cumbria Crime series, featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly' series.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2025
1043 people are currently reading
124 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 43 reviews
October 5, 2025
Okay, this book demonstrated to me that this kind of series has one potentially major weakness:
When you binge a series like this one, it's great! Like popcorns, you just keep tossing them into your mouth and they go down quick and easy.
But it's not really a meal, is it? It leaves you very hungry for more, but won't leave a lasting fullness, so to speak.
When you have a break and return to a series like that, you might have fallen out of the loop somewhat. (At least if you listen to many books, like I do.)
I desperately wanted a recap at the beginning to remind me of every minor character out there and every connection made through out the books - because I sure didn't remember it well enough to just jump right into the saddle and go. It took me long enough to figure out clues and hints at previous books while listening to the previous books, now remembering it for months on end, might be a tall order.
Considering how elaborate the web of interconnected stories is in this particular book universe, a recap really would help with that, too.
What I really do like about this series is how it feels like you jump straight into what is going on. Like a parallell life or a tv-show you tune into.
But, yeah... TV-shows do come with a recap for a reason. It's been more than a week since the last episode - and I suspect it will be a while before book #6 is out in audio form as well.
Anyway! All in all, a good episode, but not my favourite in the series so far, perhaps.
Not particularly sure why, but I felt like there was too much going on in the background that I struggled to keep track of - having fallen out of the loop. It's not an issue I had while listening to book 1-4, back to back, so my problems might be stemming from that disconnect. I don't really know.
Another thing I like though, is how the book doesn't really take time to explain things to me like I'm an idiot and haven't ever read a crime novel, newspaper, or watched the news before. I like that!
Even if I, as a Swede, sometimes struggle with some abbreviations. Took me a while to finally figure out that "DV" must stand for "domestic violence". Like "Duh!" - when you know it, but try listening to something in a second language while trying to figure it out - with a dyslexic brain! Ahhh, just lovely... 🤣
I do know I will be showing up for book #6, but as I've now formed an image of exactly how HUGE this universe of interconnected books is, I'm a bit iffy as to if I will jump onto any of the other series, or just stick with Zoe until her story ends.
Clearly, the Cumbria Crime books are in the middle of the entire web, so I would have to jump back in time with any of the other series and "start over" from the beginning, so to speak. And then there's a new series coming. Or two. Not entirely sure I'm up to that kind of commitment to just one author (well, two, since Joel Hames is now going solo with Carl and Denise). 😅
Oh well, time will tell!
When you binge a series like this one, it's great! Like popcorns, you just keep tossing them into your mouth and they go down quick and easy.
But it's not really a meal, is it? It leaves you very hungry for more, but won't leave a lasting fullness, so to speak.
When you have a break and return to a series like that, you might have fallen out of the loop somewhat. (At least if you listen to many books, like I do.)
I desperately wanted a recap at the beginning to remind me of every minor character out there and every connection made through out the books - because I sure didn't remember it well enough to just jump right into the saddle and go. It took me long enough to figure out clues and hints at previous books while listening to the previous books, now remembering it for months on end, might be a tall order.
Considering how elaborate the web of interconnected stories is in this particular book universe, a recap really would help with that, too.
What I really do like about this series is how it feels like you jump straight into what is going on. Like a parallell life or a tv-show you tune into.
But, yeah... TV-shows do come with a recap for a reason. It's been more than a week since the last episode - and I suspect it will be a while before book #6 is out in audio form as well.
Anyway! All in all, a good episode, but not my favourite in the series so far, perhaps.
Not particularly sure why, but I felt like there was too much going on in the background that I struggled to keep track of - having fallen out of the loop. It's not an issue I had while listening to book 1-4, back to back, so my problems might be stemming from that disconnect. I don't really know.
Another thing I like though, is how the book doesn't really take time to explain things to me like I'm an idiot and haven't ever read a crime novel, newspaper, or watched the news before. I like that!
Even if I, as a Swede, sometimes struggle with some abbreviations. Took me a while to finally figure out that "DV" must stand for "domestic violence". Like "Duh!" - when you know it, but try listening to something in a second language while trying to figure it out - with a dyslexic brain! Ahhh, just lovely... 🤣
I do know I will be showing up for book #6, but as I've now formed an image of exactly how HUGE this universe of interconnected books is, I'm a bit iffy as to if I will jump onto any of the other series, or just stick with Zoe until her story ends.
Clearly, the Cumbria Crime books are in the middle of the entire web, so I would have to jump back in time with any of the other series and "start over" from the beginning, so to speak. And then there's a new series coming. Or two. Not entirely sure I'm up to that kind of commitment to just one author (well, two, since Joel Hames is now going solo with Carl and Denise). 😅
Oh well, time will tell!
February 1, 2025
This was another twisty British crime thriller, where Zoe and her team unearth mysterious reasons for murder.
There was a complex set of characters, each with their agendas, thus made for a compelling read.
It was well-written with a great sense of place...but what the future holds remains to be seen.
Engaging and recommended.
There was a complex set of characters, each with their agendas, thus made for a compelling read.
It was well-written with a great sense of place...but what the future holds remains to be seen.
Engaging and recommended.
February 2, 2025
The best yet, she says, but reading so many mysteries by Rachel McLean that have been the best yet, it's quite hard to keep track.
I'm so connected to these characters, especially Zoë, and the location, one of my favorite parts of England. The parallel stories of their lives, how characters from other series pop in on occasion. Great mystery, is she ever going to deal with the evil guy who runs the harbour? Already pre-ordered the next Cubria Crime and excited about the new series she is starting with Millie Ravenscroft. Life is good so long I have another of Rachel's books to hand.
I'm so connected to these characters, especially Zoë, and the location, one of my favorite parts of England. The parallel stories of their lives, how characters from other series pop in on occasion. Great mystery, is she ever going to deal with the evil guy who runs the harbour? Already pre-ordered the next Cubria Crime and excited about the new series she is starting with Millie Ravenscroft. Life is good so long I have another of Rachel's books to hand.
February 11, 2025
The Lake
I do like Zoe. She hasn’t had an easy time of it. And moving to Cumbria with her PSD partner wasn’t necessarily going to make things any easier. But she’s beginning to settle down. They’ve bought a house, they’re learning how to work and live within each others boundaries. In this instalment, things start by going wrong for Zoe. A dead body in the lake. A man who wasn’t liked very much in Cumbria or in Scotland. But things soon get better, then not so good, then better! You’re getting the picture aren’t you? You really need to read this. It’s excellent. Book 6 soon please.
I do like Zoe. She hasn’t had an easy time of it. And moving to Cumbria with her PSD partner wasn’t necessarily going to make things any easier. But she’s beginning to settle down. They’ve bought a house, they’re learning how to work and live within each others boundaries. In this instalment, things start by going wrong for Zoe. A dead body in the lake. A man who wasn’t liked very much in Cumbria or in Scotland. But things soon get better, then not so good, then better! You’re getting the picture aren’t you? You really need to read this. It’s excellent. Book 6 soon please.
October 8, 2025
A little disappointing
I usually love Rachel McLeans books but I feel a bit let down by the Cumbria series. Unfortunately for me, the story starts in the first book and is still carrying on in this, the fifth book. I can't remember all the different characters, what they've done and to whom. I've given up part way through. Maybe I'll revisit them when I can read them all together.
I usually love Rachel McLeans books but I feel a bit let down by the Cumbria series. Unfortunately for me, the story starts in the first book and is still carrying on in this, the fifth book. I can't remember all the different characters, what they've done and to whom. I've given up part way through. Maybe I'll revisit them when I can read them all together.
February 15, 2026
Book Five
When you start to read books that you know are going to follow into a series you do wonder if they will keep their momentum, not so with these books by Rachel and Joel, I love the fact that each book in the series come to a conclusion yet leave some unanswered questions that you know will want you waiting for the next book to answer, it becomes addictive and the next book is already waiting so.
When you start to read books that you know are going to follow into a series you do wonder if they will keep their momentum, not so with these books by Rachel and Joel, I love the fact that each book in the series come to a conclusion yet leave some unanswered questions that you know will want you waiting for the next book to answer, it becomes addictive and the next book is already waiting so.
January 30, 2025
Zoe Finch continues to investigate the various links to police corruption and her nemesis Myron Carter at Workington Port. The storylines are complex, but intriguing, and we learn much about the makeup of her team - and others. Can't wait for the next one.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
May 11, 2025
The Best Yet…
Of this series. A lot of loose ends are being tied up but there are still some key ones to do. Zoe and the team are increasingly brilliant but where and when is it all going to end. Five books into the Cumbrian Crimes and the complications and suspected characters are still being sorted out. Love the parrot!
Of this series. A lot of loose ends are being tied up but there are still some key ones to do. Zoe and the team are increasingly brilliant but where and when is it all going to end. Five books into the Cumbrian Crimes and the complications and suspected characters are still being sorted out. Love the parrot!
May 14, 2025
Very intricate plot.
Zoe and team as faced with a difficult murder to solve. It has many twists and turns but they uncover some interesting things on the way and get two bent policemen into the bargain. One who is behind n lot of the blackmail and one who was blackmailed into becoming bent. Great read.
Zoe and team as faced with a difficult murder to solve. It has many twists and turns but they uncover some interesting things on the way and get two bent policemen into the bargain. One who is behind n lot of the blackmail and one who was blackmailed into becoming bent. Great read.
July 3, 2025
When a body is found in an icy lake, with his throat cut, it looks like a murder. Who is the victim. Zoe and her team find out the victim is a cruel manipulating drug dealer with many enemies. Many people who hated him are in the frame, until the killer is apprehended. Also police corruption is rife in this novel.
Another great book by Rachel McLean. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Another great book by Rachel McLean. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
August 12, 2025
Brilliant as always
It seems a bit confusing at times, all the different characters, but if you have read all the other books,you feel you know them so well, each bringing different strengths, that's what makes the books so good,you can't wait to read the next one,to see how their cases are going.
It seems a bit confusing at times, all the different characters, but if you have read all the other books,you feel you know them so well, each bringing different strengths, that's what makes the books so good,you can't wait to read the next one,to see how their cases are going.
Read
August 17, 2025I have read the previous books. I did not really like this book. So many characters so many threads. Half the time I felt like they said - will skip this person and talk to them later or this person is not important moving on. Nina skills are not strong enough to overcome her rudeness Good ending - I did read Book 6 and it is much better
January 27, 2025
Brilliant as ever
What a tangled web of a story, so many ideas in my head all the time but a conclusion that's pulling lots of strings together. Zoe and her team are as great as ever. And it was fantastic to visit Mo.
What a tangled web of a story, so many ideas in my head all the time but a conclusion that's pulling lots of strings together. Zoe and her team are as great as ever. And it was fantastic to visit Mo.
January 28, 2025
Another great story from Cumbria
I love these books, I love the way the relationships evolve along with the crime solving. The way they link together is very clever and I am always left waiting for the next book.
I love these books, I love the way the relationships evolve along with the crime solving. The way they link together is very clever and I am always left waiting for the next book.
February 8, 2025
Very Enjoyable
Really enjoyed this latest instalment of the DI Finch story. I like the fact that there is a murder mystery to solve, but then another story thread running through all the books….. makes them more exciting & wanting to read the next book!
Really enjoyed this latest instalment of the DI Finch story. I like the fact that there is a murder mystery to solve, but then another story thread running through all the books….. makes them more exciting & wanting to read the next book!
February 11, 2025
Getting better!
I know that I have been a tad critical of this series, but over the past couple of books it's getting better! I still don't like theme strong swearing, but I'm tholling it! A solid 4-star read!
I know that I have been a tad critical of this series, but over the past couple of books it's getting better! I still don't like theme strong swearing, but I'm tholling it! A solid 4-star read!
February 19, 2025
I didn’t enjoy this book. I have read the preceding books but this time I got fed up with the constant references to previous plots in the earlier books. I can’t remember them and it’s just so confusing to keep having to try to work out who’s who.
March 11, 2025
The Lake
Another great read from this series. A good story and plot, red herrings, a great team. I like DI Zoe Finch; she’s straight talking and gets the job done. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Another great read from this series. A good story and plot, red herrings, a great team. I like DI Zoe Finch; she’s straight talking and gets the job done. Looking forward to the next in the series.
March 24, 2025
Loved this book - the underlying premise of the stories really starts to unravel. You feel even more for the constant characters in the story and how they grow into their key roles. Looking forward to the next one
January 27, 2025
good stories
It will be several months before the next installment. I hope I remember the continuity! These are well plotted stories that
It will be several months before the next installment. I hope I remember the continuity! These are well plotted stories that
January 31, 2025
The Lake Didn't disappoint!!
Another fantastic crime book from Rachel McLean. All the twist and turns you'd expect from her.
Looking forward to the next in this series
Another fantastic crime book from Rachel McLean. All the twist and turns you'd expect from her.
Looking forward to the next in this series
February 2, 2025
Easy read
February 17, 2025
Such a good series
February 18, 2025
Although each installment has a standalone case to be solved, the plots always have an underlying thread that is ongoing.
February 19, 2025
another great book
Joel and Rachel are the writing dream team. Such a good book and I didn’t expect the murder to be who it was until they were closing in
Joel and Rachel are the writing dream team. Such a good book and I didn’t expect the murder to be who it was until they were closing in
February 25, 2025
gripping
I really enjoyed this book. I found it difficult to put it down. So looking forward to the next one in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it difficult to put it down. So looking forward to the next one in the series.
March 4, 2025
Another great read
Thoroughly enjoyed this one which was fast paced and keeping me on tender hooks. Trouble is I can't read the next one as its not ready yet.
Thoroughly enjoyed this one which was fast paced and keeping me on tender hooks. Trouble is I can't read the next one as its not ready yet.
March 10, 2025
A 3.5 to 4 score from me.
March 15, 2025
another good read
Love this series. I like the characters the story lines and descriptions of the locations. Easy to read and easy to read
Love this series. I like the characters the story lines and descriptions of the locations. Easy to read and easy to read
March 23, 2025
The plot thickens
I am enjoying the different areas off the settings of each book.
The background story is gradually emerging each book and I'm cheering on Zoes team.
I am enjoying the different areas off the settings of each book.
The background story is gradually emerging each book and I'm cheering on Zoes team.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews