What do you think?
Rate this book
McBride & Tanner #4
Secrets and History
DI Jade Tanner is finally allowing herself to be happy. She’s got a new relationship and is coping with balancing being a single mum and heading up the Complex Crimes Unit.
But her team aren’t doing so well. Petra has made yet another relationship misstep and DS Mo Uddin is teetering at the brink of depression.
And then two bodies are found at an archaeological dig on the Isle of Arran. One killed recently, one historical.
Are the two bodies connected? And how will Mo cope with being sent up to Arran to investigate? Will the remoteness finally send him into the grip of despair? Or will it allow him to discover a love of Scotland?
And can he and Petra solve the crime before the killer strikes again?
Secrets and History is the fourth book in the McBride and Tanner series, perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid and JD Kirk.
But her team aren’t doing so well. Petra has made yet another relationship misstep and DS Mo Uddin is teetering at the brink of depression.
And then two bodies are found at an archaeological dig on the Isle of Arran. One killed recently, one historical.
Are the two bodies connected? And how will Mo cope with being sent up to Arran to investigate? Will the remoteness finally send him into the grip of despair? Or will it allow him to discover a love of Scotland?
And can he and Petra solve the crime before the killer strikes again?
Secrets and History is the fourth book in the McBride and Tanner series, perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid and JD Kirk.
Paperback
First published March 20, 2025
399 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
104 books609 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 28, 2025
stupid language
The them/they language is sickening and unnecessary Spoilt the book; I kept wanting to just stop reading, but the story was ok.
The them/they language is sickening and unnecessary Spoilt the book; I kept wanting to just stop reading, but the story was ok.
March 24, 2025
Disappointment
It wasn't for me I'm sorry to say. I enjoy reading Rachel McLean's books, but there were topics which are now an accepted part of everyday life that were over egged unnecessarily inn this story.
It wasn't for me I'm sorry to say. I enjoy reading Rachel McLean's books, but there were topics which are now an accepted part of everyday life that were over egged unnecessarily inn this story.
April 18, 2025
a very enjoyable read as always from this writer
May 18, 2025
Secrets & History
How to turn a beautiful Isle into a murder scene? But done in such a way that the characters of the book still share the beauty with you while they’re trying to solve an increasingly puzzling case. A ritual murder, or is it? Mo is in charge on the Isle with Stuart and Petra while Jade and Patti are back on the mainland. Jade is distracted but still trying to do her job.
Things take a dramatic turn at the end of the book. Really, really well written. At times I felt like I was on the Isle with them. Brilliant.
How to turn a beautiful Isle into a murder scene? But done in such a way that the characters of the book still share the beauty with you while they’re trying to solve an increasingly puzzling case. A ritual murder, or is it? Mo is in charge on the Isle with Stuart and Petra while Jade and Patti are back on the mainland. Jade is distracted but still trying to do her job.
Things take a dramatic turn at the end of the book. Really, really well written. At times I felt like I was on the Isle with them. Brilliant.
March 28, 2025
This was a good, quick read set in Scotland, however, most characters seemed as miserable as the weather.
Mo is as likeable as ever though is dissatisfied with life, while Jade is faced with devastating news. Petra has her own demons to battle.
A body is found in an unexpected place in an unexpected way...
A few twists and turns lead a merry dance and the pace quickens as the story unfolds.
Overall, this was a fitting end to the series.
Worth reading.
Mo is as likeable as ever though is dissatisfied with life, while Jade is faced with devastating news. Petra has her own demons to battle.
A body is found in an unexpected place in an unexpected way...
A few twists and turns lead a merry dance and the pace quickens as the story unfolds.
Overall, this was a fitting end to the series.
Worth reading.
May 25, 2025
pressing the ejector seat button
I get the hard to shake feeling that RM fell out of love with this story arc and was constrained to bring it to an end. At the same time, Petra is to be saved/recycled, while bets on Mo hedged a little. No harm in that, and perhaps over time, there may be a revival. As for this story, don’t want to be too mean, but seemed a little “cut and paste” perhaps even a bit desultory.
I get the hard to shake feeling that RM fell out of love with this story arc and was constrained to bring it to an end. At the same time, Petra is to be saved/recycled, while bets on Mo hedged a little. No harm in that, and perhaps over time, there may be a revival. As for this story, don’t want to be too mean, but seemed a little “cut and paste” perhaps even a bit desultory.
June 15, 2025
This is another good one in this series, there are a few twists in the personal lives of the main characters that come from the beginning all the way through to the end.
As someone from the west coast of Scotland it is quite annoying when reading errors that could easily be checked before publishing, ie the train from Ardrossan goes to Glasgow Central not Queen Street, even a simple google would have shown that info.
As someone from the west coast of Scotland it is quite annoying when reading errors that could easily be checked before publishing, ie the train from Ardrossan goes to Glasgow Central not Queen Street, even a simple google would have shown that info.
July 28, 2025
Great Plot
I hope this is not the last of this series but it seems well wrapped up if so. The author certainly creates complicated characters that have talent but many flaws. Especially Petra. What is her back story? Astrid is another piece of work. So many inner conflicts with Jade and Petra and yet they somehow manage to function professionally. Just...at times. Mo is a treasure as are Stuart and Patty. Characters you come to care for.
I hope this is not the last of this series but it seems well wrapped up if so. The author certainly creates complicated characters that have talent but many flaws. Especially Petra. What is her back story? Astrid is another piece of work. So many inner conflicts with Jade and Petra and yet they somehow manage to function professionally. Just...at times. Mo is a treasure as are Stuart and Patty. Characters you come to care for.
March 23, 2025
A good story bringing this series to an end. Lovely to see the action take place on Arran, will have to go sometime. One star removed owing to the unexplained, consistent, reference to one character as they, theirs or them all the time. Not only is that incorrect but also very tiresome on repetition.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
April 12, 2025
An end and beginning?
A fitting last story for Mo's time in the CCU, with him showing how much he's changed since we first met him. A complicated story with a strange death leading to many possible ends until the exciting finale which was also overshadowed by other events.
A must read book that I enjoyed immensely.
A fitting last story for Mo's time in the CCU, with him showing how much he's changed since we first met him. A complicated story with a strange death leading to many possible ends until the exciting finale which was also overshadowed by other events.
A must read book that I enjoyed immensely.
May 11, 2025
not great
I felt there was a lot of repetition, around the characters and the events/plot. Long periods when nothing moved on in the story, just repeated descriptions of personalities. A few discrepancies too but that’s ok. Except the tea that changed to coffee within a page. That felt careless. Won’t rush to read more.
I felt there was a lot of repetition, around the characters and the events/plot. Long periods when nothing moved on in the story, just repeated descriptions of personalities. A few discrepancies too but that’s ok. Except the tea that changed to coffee within a page. That felt careless. Won’t rush to read more.
June 17, 2025
mixed thoughts about this story
The characters and story line were well developed. My problem was the use of ‘their or them’ instead of ‘he’ for a male character who was confused about his sexual identity. It made for confusion as to who the pronouns were referring and choppy reading. The story would have been more enjoyable and not impacted without that stumbling block
The characters and story line were well developed. My problem was the use of ‘their or them’ instead of ‘he’ for a male character who was confused about his sexual identity. It made for confusion as to who the pronouns were referring and choppy reading. The story would have been more enjoyable and not impacted without that stumbling block
June 22, 2025
A long range investigation
With a murder on Arran and Made remaining in Glasgow, No takes control. The issues with Petra come to a head and the case is solved. An accident and a revelation results in the FLU being disbanded. What will happen in the future? A No Use in mystery series?
With a murder on Arran and Made remaining in Glasgow, No takes control. The issues with Petra come to a head and the case is solved. An accident and a revelation results in the FLU being disbanded. What will happen in the future? A No Use in mystery series?
June 25, 2025
The latest adventure sees a body discovered on the Isle of Arran.
Jade sends Mo, Stuart and Petra across to investigate.
They come across a community of which the murder victim is a part.
Trying to sort out the group dynamics is a job for Petra.
Jades relationship with Fraser continues to deepen.
Who is responsible for the murder and can they stop any further deaths?
As a few members of the team face their own challenges the murder is solved but not without its dangers.
Jade sends Mo, Stuart and Petra across to investigate.
They come across a community of which the murder victim is a part.
Trying to sort out the group dynamics is a job for Petra.
Jades relationship with Fraser continues to deepen.
Who is responsible for the murder and can they stop any further deaths?
As a few members of the team face their own challenges the murder is solved but not without its dangers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
Good series
I've enjoyed reading this series. Twists and turns that made it enjoyable. Plus it ended realistically, just like real life and not a fairy tale. Thanks, your books are great.
I've enjoyed reading this series. Twists and turns that made it enjoyable. Plus it ended realistically, just like real life and not a fairy tale. Thanks, your books are great.
May 18, 2025
Rachel McLean
Sorry but this one was a real struggle to read I’m afraid the gender neutral Morgan’s description was a nightmare I wasn’t sure if it was multiple persons or just Morgan they were talking about. It’s a pity there isn’t a better pronoun than Mx
Sorry but this one was a real struggle to read I’m afraid the gender neutral Morgan’s description was a nightmare I wasn’t sure if it was multiple persons or just Morgan they were talking about. It’s a pity there isn’t a better pronoun than Mx
March 25, 2025
That didn't take long. In true Rachel McClean fashion. I couldn't put it down.
March 31, 2025
I didn’t enjoy the they/them bit…..it was irritating to read and far too ‘right on’. The book was a bit depressing…..poor Mo, Jade etc they’re miserable.
April 11, 2025
excellent author
I have read just about all of Rachel McLean’s books. I can’t put them down! Excellent author. Looking forward to her next book.
I have read just about all of Rachel McLean’s books. I can’t put them down! Excellent author. Looking forward to her next book.
April 13, 2025
Compelling
Another cracking story unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you guessing and turning the pages to the very end fantastic
Another cracking story unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you guessing and turning the pages to the very end fantastic
April 16, 2025
Loved this series! Couldn’t put the books down I couldn’t wait to read the next page. So well written! Loved the characters and how they worked together to get to the truth. Fabulous!!!!
April 18, 2025
Such a great series
April 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this book but the “they” in reference to Morgan was rather annoying.
May 3, 2025
Anouther enjoyable read by Rachel McLean. I love her books
July 13, 2025
Different, how will Mo enjoy his new life and what will happen to Jade?
July 26, 2025
Good ending to this series
July 31, 2025
excellent book
From start to finish an excellent read couldn’t put it down
I would definitely recommend reading all of the series
From start to finish an excellent read couldn’t put it down
I would definitely recommend reading all of the series
August 21, 2025
I enjoyed the previous books in the series but this one felt like it needed a few more rounds of editing. It was light on the team dynamics and there were a lot of unresolved threads.
September 9, 2025
I really enjoyed the book lots of twist and turns, hope there will be some more
September 29, 2025
suspense till the end
Another great book featuring Petra McBride & Jade Tanner. Lots of surprises along the way but thoroughly enjoyed the book. Looking forward to the next one.
Another great book featuring Petra McBride & Jade Tanner. Lots of surprises along the way but thoroughly enjoyed the book. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews