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Dorset Crime #7
The Blue Pool Murders
DCI Lesley Clarke is a busy woman.
She's dealing with the reopened investigation into DCI Mackie's death, supporting DS Dennis Frampton through recurring mental health problems, and making plans for her own future.
And then prominent crime boss Arthur Kelvin is found dead at a local beauty spot.
Who killed him? Could it have been a member of his own gang? A rival, from within Dorset or further afield? Or maybe one of Kelvin's many victims? When Lesley starts to suspect that someone close to her might be involved, her world turns on its head.
Can she solve the murder and keep her career, team and relationship intact?
She's dealing with the reopened investigation into DCI Mackie's death, supporting DS Dennis Frampton through recurring mental health problems, and making plans for her own future.
And then prominent crime boss Arthur Kelvin is found dead at a local beauty spot.
Who killed him? Could it have been a member of his own gang? A rival, from within Dorset or further afield? Or maybe one of Kelvin's many victims? When Lesley starts to suspect that someone close to her might be involved, her world turns on its head.
Can she solve the murder and keep her career, team and relationship intact?
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2023
1215 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
108 books618 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 124 reviews
March 26, 2023
Quite a good reading, worth giving a try!
June 22, 2025
The Blue Pool Murders is book 7 in the Dorset Crime series by Rachel McLean. DCI Lesley Clarke did not need another murder case to investigate DCI Mackie's death and organise a wedding to her partner when the body of the local crime boss, Arthur Kelvin, was found in an isolated part of Dorset. At first, DCI Lesley Clarke thought someone close to her was involved in the murder. However, this changed when Arthur Kelvin's wife died in an apparent suicide. Readers of The Blue Pool Murders will continue to follow DCI Lesley Clarke's team as they discover what happens next.
The readers of this book will learn about the beautiful Blue Pool Natural Park at Wareham in Dorset. Reading this book started me thinking that domestic violence is more involved than what I have encountered. Rachel McLean always ensures that I engage with the characters and the story of the books in this series. The Blue Pool Murders continued the tradition, and I was drawn into this book from the very first page.
I love Rachel McLean's portrayal of her characters and their interactions with each other throughout this book. The Blue Pool Murders was well-written by Rachel McLean. I appreciate Rachel McLean's description of the settings in The Blue Pool Murders, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
The readers of this book will learn about the beautiful Blue Pool Natural Park at Wareham in Dorset. Reading this book started me thinking that domestic violence is more involved than what I have encountered. Rachel McLean always ensures that I engage with the characters and the story of the books in this series. The Blue Pool Murders continued the tradition, and I was drawn into this book from the very first page.
I love Rachel McLean's portrayal of her characters and their interactions with each other throughout this book. The Blue Pool Murders was well-written by Rachel McLean. I appreciate Rachel McLean's description of the settings in The Blue Pool Murders, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
February 27, 2023
Another great police procedural, number seven in the Dorset crime series.
Arthur Kelvin has been found murdered and floating in the Blue Pool, a Dorset landmark. There are plenty of suspects, including Amanda his wife, Kyle his nephew, and undoubtedly many more in the criminal underworld. DCI Leslie Clark is eager to solve the case before her wedding to Elsa, the criminal defense lawyer who once represented Arthur Kelvin. As is usual in this series, there were a lot of political undercurrents among the various law enforcement entities that included Leslie's immediate supervisor DCI Carpenter and the Organized Crime unit as well as another murder.
I am now looking forward to number eight in the series, the Lighthouse Murders, due to be released in April 2023.
Arthur Kelvin has been found murdered and floating in the Blue Pool, a Dorset landmark. There are plenty of suspects, including Amanda his wife, Kyle his nephew, and undoubtedly many more in the criminal underworld. DCI Leslie Clark is eager to solve the case before her wedding to Elsa, the criminal defense lawyer who once represented Arthur Kelvin. As is usual in this series, there were a lot of political undercurrents among the various law enforcement entities that included Leslie's immediate supervisor DCI Carpenter and the Organized Crime unit as well as another murder.
I am now looking forward to number eight in the series, the Lighthouse Murders, due to be released in April 2023.
September 26, 2023
Mysteries are pretty good, but I do not like the lesbian love story. I skip over that part and will not be reading any more in this series. I think it is gratuitous.
December 13, 2025
another brilliant read
August 19, 2025
Great story, easy to read. Looking forward to the next one!
March 2, 2025
An interesting series, which continues to fluctuate between some strong entries in the series, and others which are... weaker.
Sadly this is one of the latter which is disappointing given the last three have been stronger. But this one is another step backwards. There are still some strengths of the series, easy writing and good use of the area. There's a few decent bits of character development too.
But there are a fair number of issues. Primarily once again there aren't too many suspects for the murder, which equally isn't complicated. With neither the who or how being interesting the book struggles. The issues with the longer term story line surface - perhaps being overly dragged out by now - and seem pretty implausible. Speaking of implausibility there's plenty of that going round; from the notorious crime boss being offed so easily and how the organization "works", to emergency procedures. All of which erodes the quality of the book.
Hoping that the series picks up again, but this one was a poor effort. Not dire, and probably worth reading if you are following the whole series, to see the various narratives advance. But hard to give it over 2 stars.
Sadly this is one of the latter which is disappointing given the last three have been stronger. But this one is another step backwards. There are still some strengths of the series, easy writing and good use of the area. There's a few decent bits of character development too.
But there are a fair number of issues. Primarily once again there aren't too many suspects for the murder, which equally isn't complicated. With neither the who or how being interesting the book struggles. The issues with the longer term story line surface - perhaps being overly dragged out by now - and seem pretty implausible. Speaking of implausibility there's plenty of that going round; from the notorious crime boss being offed so easily and how the organization "works", to emergency procedures. All of which erodes the quality of the book.
Hoping that the series picks up again, but this one was a poor effort. Not dire, and probably worth reading if you are following the whole series, to see the various narratives advance. But hard to give it over 2 stars.
April 6, 2023
Continuing with DCI Lesley Clarke this novel starts with the discovery of a body in the Blue Pool in Wareham. When the identity of the body is revealed it sends shock waves both through the criminal community and the police. Upon investigating the death DCI Clarke goes to see the family and 24 hours later gets a message that the wife has committed suicide!!. When DCI Clarke arrives at the house she finds that it has been bleach cleaned and is immediately suspicious of murder rather than suicide. She manages to get Gails forensic team into the house before she is called off by people who are higher up the chain.
Plans for the wedding are going ahead despite the murder investigation.
A great read.
Plans for the wedding are going ahead despite the murder investigation.
A great read.
May 28, 2023
Blue Pool Murders
It’s so great to be reading another one of Rachel’s Dorset books. Having once lived in Somerset for 16 years, I know a fair bit about Dorset and it is as beautiful as she describes. Lesley and Elsa are busy preparing for their wedding when the body of a nasty organised crime boss turns up. Then, the apparent suicide of his wife. As if this wasn’t going to be difficult enough, a bordering force wants dibs on the case because of drugs links! All fun and games for Lesley and her team. Plus a twist at the end!
It’s so great to be reading another one of Rachel’s Dorset books. Having once lived in Somerset for 16 years, I know a fair bit about Dorset and it is as beautiful as she describes. Lesley and Elsa are busy preparing for their wedding when the body of a nasty organised crime boss turns up. Then, the apparent suicide of his wife. As if this wasn’t going to be difficult enough, a bordering force wants dibs on the case because of drugs links! All fun and games for Lesley and her team. Plus a twist at the end!
June 14, 2023
I Love This Series
I am always excited to pick up a Rachel McLean book, especially when they are set in Dorset. DI Lesley Clarke only has a few days until her wedding but when a body is found at the Blue Pool (yes, there really is a place called the Blue Pool) Lesley is under pressure to solve the case quickly which isn't easy when other sections of the police force are also investigating the family of the deceased. My only slight criticism is that the book felt slightly rushed, but I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I am always excited to pick up a Rachel McLean book, especially when they are set in Dorset. DI Lesley Clarke only has a few days until her wedding but when a body is found at the Blue Pool (yes, there really is a place called the Blue Pool) Lesley is under pressure to solve the case quickly which isn't easy when other sections of the police force are also investigating the family of the deceased. My only slight criticism is that the book felt slightly rushed, but I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
July 4, 2023
As always I absolutely adored this book!!
Such a wonderful series and set in places close to where I live so I have the familiarity aspect! More so with this one as I have family in the exact area in Swanage that is referred!
It's such an easy series too read, easy to follow along and the characters are just wonderful too!
But that twist at the end! I certainly did not see that coming and I am already off to start the next book as I am dying to know the outcome, and bonus points for it being set on Portland where I live!!
Can't wait to get into it 😍
Such a wonderful series and set in places close to where I live so I have the familiarity aspect! More so with this one as I have family in the exact area in Swanage that is referred!
It's such an easy series too read, easy to follow along and the characters are just wonderful too!
But that twist at the end! I certainly did not see that coming and I am already off to start the next book as I am dying to know the outcome, and bonus points for it being set on Portland where I live!!
Can't wait to get into it 😍
May 27, 2024
Just one more
April 10, 2025
I’ve read a lot of Rachel’s books and have enjoyed them. They are an easy read and I normally wizz through them. BUT, I’ve been giving them some thought as I became a little disillusioned with this book. It may be that the books are incredibly accurate (which would sadden me somewhat), but I’m finding myself increasingly dissatisfied at the paranoia that surrounds Lesley. If a peer comes in, she is convinced something untoward is being said, or thought everytime she comes into contact with another officer (or even members of her own team). It could be me, but I find it incredibly sad that every nuance is considered with suspicion. It seems that whilst there are teams in the police, each team treats each other with suspicion- and as someone who has only ever worked in teams I struggle with this. I’ve only ever worked collaboratively and with a genuine desire to get things done and done correctly. I recognise that there has to be a hierarchy in the forces, but it seems to me that Lesley is offended by almost everything. I’m also not convinced anymore about her and her new wife’s relationship. Again, so much suspicion- police against a defendant lawyer. Don’t get be wrong. I like a lot about her books. There is a start, middle and an end. Goes along at a pace, but….. need to look at the zoe books.
October 31, 2023
This title felt slightly different in the series. Maybe it was the time gap, because there are several months between this plot and the previous one. The romance between Lesley and Elsa has developed slightly, and this is definitely true for Mike and Tina.
The subplot around the former DCI’s death is still more of a mystery than anything else, which I found slightly annoying at this point. Unlike the other parts of the series so far, some of the storylines were left almost unanswered. One of them is around reopening the DCI Mackie investigation, and I can only hope that the events around this will be cleared up soon. However, the subplots took away from the main plot, and basically the main plot was too simple. It was more about waiting for lab results and getting CCTV, and then adding one and one together to find the perpetrator.
All in all, the book is still good. However, there were some scenes that I found incomplete, because the reader is left so completely left in the dark. Maybe there were just too many cliffhangers referring to the next titles in the series. 3.5 out of 5 stars
The subplot around the former DCI’s death is still more of a mystery than anything else, which I found slightly annoying at this point. Unlike the other parts of the series so far, some of the storylines were left almost unanswered. One of them is around reopening the DCI Mackie investigation, and I can only hope that the events around this will be cleared up soon. However, the subplots took away from the main plot, and basically the main plot was too simple. It was more about waiting for lab results and getting CCTV, and then adding one and one together to find the perpetrator.
All in all, the book is still good. However, there were some scenes that I found incomplete, because the reader is left so completely left in the dark. Maybe there were just too many cliffhangers referring to the next titles in the series. 3.5 out of 5 stars
November 4, 2025
Another great story in the Dorset Crime series. There's only a few weeks until DCI Lesley Clarke and her fiancee, criminal defense lawyer Elsa Short, get married. As if the two women don't have enough problems, their joint nemesis, Arthur Kelvin, is found dead at a local beauty spot. Murder is the obvious cause. Less than a day later, and Alison Frobisher, Kelvin's wife, has been found in her bath with slit wrists. The family state categorically it's suicide, but Lesley's instincts suggest the woman had been helped. There are different police forces involved, as the Kelvin family have business dealings in Devon as well as Dorset. It's a political nightmare, which gets sorted out in time for Lesly and Elsa's wedding. However, there's a surprise ending, when one of the characters is arrested on suspicion of murder. The victim? Former DCI Tim Mackie, the man Lesley Clarke replaced.
February 20, 2023
Three and a half stars.
When a young couple find the body of Arthur Kelvin floating in the Dorset beauty spot the Blue Pool, DCI Lesley Clarke doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. His death will release her fiancé, soon-to-be wife, Elsa from his clutches and take a notorious crime boss off the streets, but its only days before her wedding and his death leaves a vacuum which could result in gang warfare. Added to which, Tina is on maternity leave, Dennis is having mental health issues and Detective Superintendent Carpenter is being his usual obstructive self.
I can't say I'm sorry to see Arthur go, although his demise does mean Dorset police never managed to charge him.
It's another fast-paced, multi-stranded story in this cracking series.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
When a young couple find the body of Arthur Kelvin floating in the Dorset beauty spot the Blue Pool, DCI Lesley Clarke doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. His death will release her fiancé, soon-to-be wife, Elsa from his clutches and take a notorious crime boss off the streets, but its only days before her wedding and his death leaves a vacuum which could result in gang warfare. Added to which, Tina is on maternity leave, Dennis is having mental health issues and Detective Superintendent Carpenter is being his usual obstructive self.
I can't say I'm sorry to see Arthur go, although his demise does mean Dorset police never managed to charge him.
It's another fast-paced, multi-stranded story in this cracking series.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
June 29, 2023
This is a weird weird for me because I actually don’t like the main character very much, I find her a little obnoxious and rude to her family and team, but I do like the books! The secondary characters are much more likeable and interesting, and thankfully we get to know them a lot too. This book focuses on the murder of a high profile gang leader who we have got to know through previous instalments, and the implications of his death for the local area, his family and the team. Can Lesley and the team solve the crime before her wedding in a few days? Is Elsa still entangled in the criminal underworld? And will the team finally find out the truth behind DCI Mackies death? A lot to uncover in this book!
July 4, 2025
Woah, What An Ending!
This one had an interesting plot and some key people now off the table. But, what is going on with Elsa, whom I still don't trust, and with Dennis, who is acting so odd.? The writing is a bit plodding at times with every little action having to be explained and every obvious next step being stated. Some incongruous sequences such as Mike at the autopsy stepping forward from the wall to view the body but then not having left the wall. The author has a strange conception of human anatomy and physiology all through these series. How do you pump blood into your body to get more energy, for example? Sometimes she gets the names of body parts wrong. Her editor needs to catch these things.
This one had an interesting plot and some key people now off the table. But, what is going on with Elsa, whom I still don't trust, and with Dennis, who is acting so odd.? The writing is a bit plodding at times with every little action having to be explained and every obvious next step being stated. Some incongruous sequences such as Mike at the autopsy stepping forward from the wall to view the body but then not having left the wall. The author has a strange conception of human anatomy and physiology all through these series. How do you pump blood into your body to get more energy, for example? Sometimes she gets the names of body parts wrong. Her editor needs to catch these things.
November 27, 2024
Another great addition this the Dorset Crime Series
Yes a great story. and the end of an era in Dorset but not the end of the line plenty more to follow I hope
I loved 99% but will confess I don't enjoy the end but it does mean there is no way i can not read the next book to see ...... But this is about this one and yes a new baby a wedding o and the crime boss of Dorset gets killed. A few new characters including a few new detectives to help with the case of the century(so far in Dorset that is) . I
So I really want to recommend this as i do the whole series so far I'm hooked and have the next 2 lined up starting from once I've posted this review. S
Yes a great story. and the end of an era in Dorset but not the end of the line plenty more to follow I hope
I loved 99% but will confess I don't enjoy the end but it does mean there is no way i can not read the next book to see ...... But this is about this one and yes a new baby a wedding o and the crime boss of Dorset gets killed. A few new characters including a few new detectives to help with the case of the century(so far in Dorset that is) . I
So I really want to recommend this as i do the whole series so far I'm hooked and have the next 2 lined up starting from once I've posted this review. S
October 14, 2023
I read these because having lived in the Midlands I moved to Dorset like the main character.
I like all the local landmarks but notice the odd error...eg Poole Hospital car park is not pay and display. I know, that's really not that important!
But I do struggle with a very clunky writing style with repetition of annoying phrases. And really why are these two getting married..its ill advised given the nature of their work.....and what did Lesley wear for the wedding?
Despite this the series is addictive
I like all the local landmarks but notice the odd error...eg Poole Hospital car park is not pay and display. I know, that's really not that important!
But I do struggle with a very clunky writing style with repetition of annoying phrases. And really why are these two getting married..its ill advised given the nature of their work.....and what did Lesley wear for the wedding?
Despite this the series is addictive
August 27, 2024
Best yet
Much better balance of pace through this one, I read it within 24 hours.
Some of the same frustrations as with earlier books in the series. Why are some DCs so stupid, 18 months of DCI Clarke telling them to use their initiative and get a move on, and they're still hanging around waiting for a more senior officer to tell them what to do. Maybe we know why Dennis was so anxious, or maybe not. Too many coincidences that got the police just the right piece of information or evidence they needed.
Much better balance of pace through this one, I read it within 24 hours.
Some of the same frustrations as with earlier books in the series. Why are some DCs so stupid, 18 months of DCI Clarke telling them to use their initiative and get a move on, and they're still hanging around waiting for a more senior officer to tell them what to do. Maybe we know why Dennis was so anxious, or maybe not. Too many coincidences that got the police just the right piece of information or evidence they needed.
September 22, 2024
Definitely a series to read in the correct order, The Blue Pool Murders’ refers to events and characters from earlier books so it would be difficult to understand without having read them. Lesley is the main detective but she has built a strong team and I have a particular soft spot for the uptight and unassuming Dennis. I will be glad when we finally discover who killed DCI Mackie as I feel that this sub plot has been bumbling along throughout The Dorset Crime series and it’s time for it to be resolved.
August 28, 2025
These stories are a good blend of story telling and following the clues, yes the personal relationships do come up in the books but they do not dominate the story as they do in so many other stories. These books are not graphic carnage or shock jock stuff but they are less sanitised than the average cosy mystery, I find them a good blend that is easily readable and look forward to reading more of the series.
September 28, 2025
This was a really well thought out plot. The one and only crime boss in the area is found dead. A whodunnit that takes the team all over the place without results but Tina finds something and DCI Clarke is embroiled in personal anguish thinking her future wife may know something . The underlying murder of DCI Mackie is still rumbling on and progressing towards a find? Who knows but what a good book this was
August 4, 2023
Well, that was unexpected, first the identity of the murder victim, and secondly the arrest for the murder of DCI Mackie at the end of the story. The pot is finally beginning to boil!
Fast paced as per usual, with each of the main characters back-story continuing to develop.
Looking forward to seeing how this concludes.
Fast paced as per usual, with each of the main characters back-story continuing to develop.
Looking forward to seeing how this concludes.
August 19, 2023
A good read.😎
Once again the storyline and police characters move along with an investigation of murders,personal problems.😛A lot of too and fro the investigation is difficult but they were getting results. This series has been a engrossing and interesting but needs to be read from the first novel.😎
Once again the storyline and police characters move along with an investigation of murders,personal problems.😛A lot of too and fro the investigation is difficult but they were getting results. This series has been a engrossing and interesting but needs to be read from the first novel.😎
November 22, 2023
I didn't see that coming!
The big story is mainly health with at arms length. Around it interwoven several 'human interest' storylines, about a wedding, mental health and a baby! I was so engrossed that I read it in one day! But, I didn't see the ending coming!
A solid 4-star read.
The big story is mainly health with at arms length. Around it interwoven several 'human interest' storylines, about a wedding, mental health and a baby! I was so engrossed that I read it in one day! But, I didn't see the ending coming!
A solid 4-star read.
December 17, 2023
This was another engaging instalment of the British crime story where an organised crime boss is found dead...plenty of enemies, so who....?
Familiar characters again deal with evidence to find the answers. There are also other mysteries to solve.
Overall, this was a well-written and fast-paced story about crime but also personal dilemmas. I enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Familiar characters again deal with evidence to find the answers. There are also other mysteries to solve.
Overall, this was a well-written and fast-paced story about crime but also personal dilemmas. I enjoyed it.
Recommended.
February 3, 2024
I am enjoying this series of detective stories. Yet another setting in Dorset that I was unaware of. the book’s plot dovetailed well with the continuing long-term investigation that moves through each book in this series. The characters continue to display stereotypical trait which can make them two dimensional and show negative interactions.
July 3, 2024
Really like this series and this latest (7th) episode doesn’t disappoint. Plenty of crime interest and very much further developing the central groups of characters. Imperfect group, but that adds to the reality of the group. Some significant occurrences in this one, and includes something of a cliff hanger at the end. Recommended - this episode and the series as a whole.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews