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London Cozy Mysteries #1
Death at Westminster: London Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
Diana Bakewell is London’s savviest and best connected tour guide.
As the lead guide at Chartwell and Crouch Tours, she’s busy teaching her young assistant Zaf the ropes alongside dealing with company politics and her slimy boss. In her spare time she’s helping Zaf find his feet in London and coming to terms with the fact that a tabby cat called Gus has stowed away on her vintage tour bus.
But when Diana and Zaf take a group of students on a tour of the Houses of Parliament and an MP's researcher dies, Diana suspects all is not as it seems.
The police are at a loss. They interview witnesses, including Diana’s tour group, but seem to be getting nowhere. Diana, however, was at the scene. She witnessed people’s reactions when the young woman died and knows that there’s a link between her group and the murder.
Can Diana solve the crime and ensure justice is done, while keeping her tour group under control around London and protecting Chartwell and Crouch Tours’ reputation?
Death in Westminster is the first part in a playful cozy mystery series set in a nostalgic version of London. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Anthony Horowitz, and the Paddington books.
As the lead guide at Chartwell and Crouch Tours, she’s busy teaching her young assistant Zaf the ropes alongside dealing with company politics and her slimy boss. In her spare time she’s helping Zaf find his feet in London and coming to terms with the fact that a tabby cat called Gus has stowed away on her vintage tour bus.
But when Diana and Zaf take a group of students on a tour of the Houses of Parliament and an MP's researcher dies, Diana suspects all is not as it seems.
The police are at a loss. They interview witnesses, including Diana’s tour group, but seem to be getting nowhere. Diana, however, was at the scene. She witnessed people’s reactions when the young woman died and knows that there’s a link between her group and the murder.
Can Diana solve the crime and ensure justice is done, while keeping her tour group under control around London and protecting Chartwell and Crouch Tours’ reputation?
Death in Westminster is the first part in a playful cozy mystery series set in a nostalgic version of London. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Anthony Horowitz, and the Paddington books.
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Published August 13, 2024
588 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
104 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 42 reviews
February 3, 2024
To be honest I was disappointed as I have enjoyed the Zoe Finch and Dorset Crime series by Rachel MacLean.
This reads like an attempt to cash in on the Thursday Murder Club success. Like many imitations it fails.
My first gripe is the way the teachers accompanying the students are portrayed as feckless and extremely unprofessional. Trust me this doesn’t ring true at all! Letting students under 18 go off into the clubbing world of London with a tour guide and previously ducking out of the trip to the House of Commons to go shopping! NO NO NO! Casually absolving responsibility for their students who have just witnessed a murder!!
Then there are the cats! One, maybe two but what ensued. It wasn’t particularly funny or remotely believable. I won’t be continuing this series.
This reads like an attempt to cash in on the Thursday Murder Club success. Like many imitations it fails.
My first gripe is the way the teachers accompanying the students are portrayed as feckless and extremely unprofessional. Trust me this doesn’t ring true at all! Letting students under 18 go off into the clubbing world of London with a tour guide and previously ducking out of the trip to the House of Commons to go shopping! NO NO NO! Casually absolving responsibility for their students who have just witnessed a murder!!
Then there are the cats! One, maybe two but what ensued. It wasn’t particularly funny or remotely believable. I won’t be continuing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2023
Yay, another series by Rachel McLean one of my favorite mystery authors! This one she co-wrote, and the writing was still pure Rachel. I loved how the architecture and history of London and Parliament was woven into the narrative as Diana and Zaff, were tour guides to a group of York high school students. The characters were so believable and relatable. A fun cozy mystery...I can't wait for the next one to see what adventure comes next for these two as well as Newton the tour bus driver.
February 12, 2024
I usually enjoy Rachel's books but not this. It read more like a history of the Houses of Parliament & London. Not to mention such an unlikely school trip where Safeguarding officers would have been on red alert. The cats made a fun addition but so much was unbelievable. Won't bother with the rest of the series...
January 5, 2025
This was a toss up between a 3 and a 4, but 3 doesn’t quite cover how much I enjoyed it.
A great cosy mystery with good characters, nice and fast paced and keeps you turning the pages.
The main character, Diana, is definitely interesting and will be interesting to find out more about her over the next few books, which I’ll definitely read!
I’d say the whole cat storyline confused me a
little and found it hard to keep up a bit, but get the point of it and do like Nelson!
A great cosy mystery with good characters, nice and fast paced and keeps you turning the pages.
The main character, Diana, is definitely interesting and will be interesting to find out more about her over the next few books, which I’ll definitely read!
I’d say the whole cat storyline confused me a
little and found it hard to keep up a bit, but get the point of it and do like Nelson!
August 5, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook format. The narrator was excellent, the storyline decent and the humour gentle. I really liked the protagonist and secondary characters. I even found the British political history parts interesting. Oh and yes, there are cats. It wouldn’t be a cosy without a cat or more, right? But this book incorporates them in a less than typical way which was good. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 12, 2024
This was an entertaining read despite murder and dirty dealings.
The characters were well presented and I liked the humour. I also found the facts about London fascinating.
Newton and the cats...hahaha. It was good to see Zaf again and Diana is brilliant.
Overall, this was an engaging story, well-written, eccentric and funny.
Recommended.
The characters were well presented and I liked the humour. I also found the facts about London fascinating.
Newton and the cats...hahaha. It was good to see Zaf again and Diana is brilliant.
Overall, this was an engaging story, well-written, eccentric and funny.
Recommended.
May 20, 2024
Your guide sees everything in the houses of parliament
Once I got into the story of was hard to put down. The characters are interesting and fun. I learnt about bits of London, the author has researched well. I have always wanted to visit the houses of parliament so next time I am down will arrange it.
Once I got into the story of was hard to put down. The characters are interesting and fun. I learnt about bits of London, the author has researched well. I have always wanted to visit the houses of parliament so next time I am down will arrange it.
October 3, 2024
Death at Westminster
I rather enjoyed this amusing Murder mystery with all its cats and protestors. Set in a serious place and exposing a dodgy MP. It really is light hearted look at life with all it's dramas. I liked the characters of the knowledgeable Diane and the naive Zaf. The school kids and teachers were the wrap around.
I rather enjoyed this amusing Murder mystery with all its cats and protestors. Set in a serious place and exposing a dodgy MP. It really is light hearted look at life with all it's dramas. I liked the characters of the knowledgeable Diane and the naive Zaf. The school kids and teachers were the wrap around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
a nice simple read
I chose this to read something different. A lovely read and learning about some of the history and places of London (which I recognised from living there years ago)
Good stories if the people in the book to. Will definitely be looking at the next book in the series. Thank you Rachel and Millie.
I chose this to read something different. A lovely read and learning about some of the history and places of London (which I recognised from living there years ago)
Good stories if the people in the book to. Will definitely be looking at the next book in the series. Thank you Rachel and Millie.
February 13, 2025
When I was in the fourth grade I read all the Nancy Drew books. This read like one of those but I’m an adult now so I didn’t enjoy this. Won’t be reading any more in the series. I like Rachel McLean’s adult book mysteries. I just finished the Dorset series. And I like good cozy mysteries. This is not one.
June 13, 2025
This is a great cozy mystery set in contemporary London. I loved it and look forward to reading more in the series. It's wonderful that the main character is in her forties, but the people she works with bring in other elements. I also enjoyed her descriptions of Westminster Hall and its surroundings.
October 29, 2023
Poor for Rachel Mclean
I only read to page 50. Didn't like it at all. Amateurish and not believable! Won't be reading any more in this series.
I have read every book that this author has written.....all 4 and 5 star reads!!
I only read to page 50. Didn't like it at all. Amateurish and not believable! Won't be reading any more in this series.
I have read every book that this author has written.....all 4 and 5 star reads!!
November 4, 2023
Brilliant!
I really enjoyed this.
Very easy to read, enjoyable characters - especially Zaf, and a very clever whodunnit!
Not really like Rachel’s other books, but still just as entertaining!
I really enjoyed this.
Very easy to read, enjoyable characters - especially Zaf, and a very clever whodunnit!
Not really like Rachel’s other books, but still just as entertaining!
November 7, 2023
Cats, busses and crime
Having chanced on this bok, I decided to read a few pages to see what it was like but I didn't stop until I'd got to the end! A different sort of crime story, with some light hearted asides but totally gripping.
Having chanced on this bok, I decided to read a few pages to see what it was like but I didn't stop until I'd got to the end! A different sort of crime story, with some light hearted asides but totally gripping.
November 14, 2023
strangely compelling
Gave this a try as I like the authors other books
It has well designed characters and the cat bit is
Hilarious.
I now have to read the rest of them and the freebie
Gave this a try as I like the authors other books
It has well designed characters and the cat bit is
Hilarious.
I now have to read the rest of them and the freebie
November 18, 2023
A simple tale
Didn't think I would enjoy this but got hooked. A 'who done it'' with A twist at the end . Still not sure why, that is a bit incredible. But makes me want to read #2.
Didn't think I would enjoy this but got hooked. A 'who done it'' with A twist at the end . Still not sure why, that is a bit incredible. But makes me want to read #2.
January 13, 2024
pleasant cozy mystery
Nice story with believable characters that were were fun to spend time with. The author had a way of weaving the mystery in between normal life events that kept my interest all the way through.
Nice story with believable characters that were were fun to spend time with. The author had a way of weaving the mystery in between normal life events that kept my interest all the way through.
March 10, 2024
Love it
Loved the start of this series, can't wait to read the rest of the series, great characters and a good storyline with some laugh out loud moments, perfect book to curl up with
Loved the start of this series, can't wait to read the rest of the series, great characters and a good storyline with some laugh out loud moments, perfect book to curl up with
February 3, 2025
wonderful
I loved everything about this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the characters ,the plot and the humour. So well written and a wonderful story. Will definitely be reading the next one and would happily recommend to everyone 😊
I loved everything about this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the characters ,the plot and the humour. So well written and a wonderful story. Will definitely be reading the next one and would happily recommend to everyone 😊
February 19, 2025
A belter
Death at Westminster is a delightful read, one of the cosy mysteries.
Who would have thought there’d be a murder inside Westminster with a party of school children from ‘up North’.
Books by Rachel McLean never disappoint.
Death at Westminster is a delightful read, one of the cosy mysteries.
Who would have thought there’d be a murder inside Westminster with a party of school children from ‘up North’.
Books by Rachel McLean never disappoint.
October 31, 2023
Wow what a great little read. Never read a cosy mystery before and wasn't sure I'd get on with one but I Loved this book! Can't wait for more!
November 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this!
Cute theme, great characters, and the cars were fun to read about. First time reading these authors, but I’m really looking forward to reading more!
Cute theme, great characters, and the cars were fun to read about. First time reading these authors, but I’m really looking forward to reading more!
November 25, 2023
liked reading this book but not has good as her other books
January 5, 2024
Quick fun read
This was so much fun it went by really quick! You can really feel the love for london , and cats! It was lovely
This was so much fun it went by really quick! You can really feel the love for london , and cats! It was lovely
February 1, 2024
Entertaining
Very good read easy to follow and entertaining.
A very good read and easy to follow.
Very entertaining did not guess who submit
Very good read easy to follow and entertaining.
A very good read and easy to follow.
Very entertaining did not guess who submit
February 28, 2024
fun and fast paced
I enjoyed this little romp into London adventures. The characters are fun and interesting. Makes me ready for a return trip to London!
I enjoyed this little romp into London adventures. The characters are fun and interesting. Makes me ready for a return trip to London!
February 29, 2024
Not for me
I couldn't quite decide what this book was actually about, it almost seemed childlike,I gave it a good go,but after a few chapters I gave up. It just wasn't for me.
I couldn't quite decide what this book was actually about, it almost seemed childlike,I gave it a good go,but after a few chapters I gave up. It just wasn't for me.
March 8, 2024
Totally boring - better than a sleeping tablet - I really enjoyed Rachel McLean as an author, but this one actually felt like she might have not have written it at all
June 16, 2024
For me this was a bit disappointing, very different from what I am used to reading from Rachel and although I have got the next book in the series I’m not inspired to read it yet.
July 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book however I was not as engrossed as Rachel McLeans other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews