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The Jurassic Coast Mysteries #1
The Lyme Regis Women's Swimming Club: A Twisty Dorset Mystery
Meet Annie, Rosamund, Helen and Figgy. Four very different women united by a love of swimming in Lyme Regis's beautiful bay.
Their friends and families would never place the four of them together (and they definitely have their share of spats), but when the women are taking a bracing dip in the sea, they're happy.
But then after a morning swim, two members of the club discover a dead body in another member's car. A body that later vanishes into thin air.
Did they imagine it? Or did their friend kill a man? And if there's a body, where has it gone?
The police, represented by Annie's daughter DC Tina Abbott, aren't convinced. Without a body, there can't have been a crime. Can't there?
But the swimming club are certain they weren't imagining things, and that there's a murder to solve. The question is, will solving it put their friend in prison?
Their friends and families would never place the four of them together (and they definitely have their share of spats), but when the women are taking a bracing dip in the sea, they're happy.
But then after a morning swim, two members of the club discover a dead body in another member's car. A body that later vanishes into thin air.
Did they imagine it? Or did their friend kill a man? And if there's a body, where has it gone?
The police, represented by Annie's daughter DC Tina Abbott, aren't convinced. Without a body, there can't have been a crime. Can't there?
But the swimming club are certain they weren't imagining things, and that there's a murder to solve. The question is, will solving it put their friend in prison?
- GenresMystery
311 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2025
779 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
107 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 15, 2025
I think I knew by about page 30 that this book wasn't my cup of tea. I thought it was too silly. Clearly it was heavily influenced by (or maybe even a pastiche of?) Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club, or Richard Osman in general. I noted that one of the characters right at the end said "We solve murders," which is, of course, the title of Osman's latest offering. I thought that was very silly as well. I'm not very clear who wrote this book, was it 3 different women? It has the hallmarks of an in-group thinking they are quite hilarious, but actually excluding the rest of us who don't always see the joke. I didn't hate the book. Some of the characters were quite human and some of the situations were actually quite comic, the only problem being, I don't like comedy and murder being mixed up. Sorry!
August 11, 2025
Obviously you need to suspend your disbelief. But I laughed out loud a fun and silly crime story that I really enjoyed.
June 11, 2025
4.5 🌟
I very much enjoyed this book, the characters were loveable, the mystery kept me guessing right until the end and it was a happy go lucky plot line.
It took me a while to get into it and I almost judged it too soon thinking it was too 'silly'. I'm glad I carried on, because I very quickly went to picking up this book multiple times a day and listening to it on my runs.
I wish Tina was a bit nicer to her Mum! She was the only character who I could not like, even at the end!
I would recommend, and I hope I have adventures with friends like that too.
I very much enjoyed this book, the characters were loveable, the mystery kept me guessing right until the end and it was a happy go lucky plot line.
It took me a while to get into it and I almost judged it too soon thinking it was too 'silly'. I'm glad I carried on, because I very quickly went to picking up this book multiple times a day and listening to it on my runs.
I wish Tina was a bit nicer to her Mum! She was the only character who I could not like, even at the end!
I would recommend, and I hope I have adventures with friends like that too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
A cosy, easy read. Lots of developing info with relatable characters.
August 25, 2025
Bought from folde bookshop in Shaftesbury. So good I read it in one day while travelling from Dorset to home.
December 8, 2025
Great fun! Very silly, and very funny.
May 30, 2025
A bit silly but quite enjoyable
October 13, 2025
Not great literature and in places stretching credibility however it's a page turner.
November 18, 2025
A Good Start to a New Series
I was keen to read this book as I have really liked all the Dorset crime series but I didn't feel it was quite as good. Although it involves a murder it is a little more light hearted, and it made me laugh a few times. The characters were endearing, particularly Figgy, I enjoyed seeing her gradually come out of her shell and hope this follows through to the next book which I have already downloaded, ready to read. I felt sorry for Annie, her daughter Tina is a police constable in the Dorset major crime team, and was particularly down on her mum, partly I think, because Annie and her friends solved the crime before the police did! I look forward to the next book in the series.
I was keen to read this book as I have really liked all the Dorset crime series but I didn't feel it was quite as good. Although it involves a murder it is a little more light hearted, and it made me laugh a few times. The characters were endearing, particularly Figgy, I enjoyed seeing her gradually come out of her shell and hope this follows through to the next book which I have already downloaded, ready to read. I felt sorry for Annie, her daughter Tina is a police constable in the Dorset major crime team, and was particularly down on her mum, partly I think, because Annie and her friends solved the crime before the police did! I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 7, 2025
A poor crossed between Agatha Raisin and Richard Osman! Incredibly far fetched and silly at times. The book cover was the best bit about the book to be honest! Easy to read but I’m not sure I would rush out and read another. I think books written together by two or more authors lose something and are never authentic.
November 3, 2025
not going to lie i didn’t love this book but i didn’t hate it either. annie’s character was a bit annoying at some points however i feel like that was the whole point. i was so invested on trying to figure out who killed marco like annie, figgy, helen and rosamund were. i feel like everytime they uncovered something else my whole thoughts changed. i liked getting to see more of tina on maternity leave as she was obviously missing from the dorset crime series for a bit. i was so shocked to find out that it was jason the reporter and that he had been distracting everyone away by making random stories and that trying to find the murder weapon that he threw away that he made a story on harper. 4/5
May 25, 2025
Very enjoyable read. Loved the all the factually correct references in Lyme Regis. I prefer Rachel’s other series of books, but thoroughly enjoyed reading about our local seaside resort.
July 30, 2025
When four women decide to go swimming and do it the same time each day, they are bound to form a bond. Annie, Helen, Rosamund and Figgy swim together. When Rosamund cuts her foot quite badly the others rally round and help her. Annie and Figgy help by moving her car. When they get inside they are shocked to discover a dead body in the front seat.
What follows is a sequence of events that see the women come together to try and solve the mystery of what happened.
Annie is mother to Tina Abbot a police detective with the Dorset Police who is on maternity leave as she is about to have another baby. Will Annie's involvement be welcomed?
A mystery that takes right up to the last few pages to solve with lots of side stories along the way.
Well written
What follows is a sequence of events that see the women come together to try and solve the mystery of what happened.
Annie is mother to Tina Abbot a police detective with the Dorset Police who is on maternity leave as she is about to have another baby. Will Annie's involvement be welcomed?
A mystery that takes right up to the last few pages to solve with lots of side stories along the way.
Well written
July 30, 2025
Yes, murder is a serious matter, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this humorous take where four distinctive characters are embroiled in the investigation.
I loved the dynamics and relationships between the four, while the dialogue was brilliantly entertaining; some of which was laugh out loud - nutter, flute and chicken particularly.
There were more serious moments and psychological problems...and, of course, the murder but overall, I loved the storytelling.
Well-written and engaging from the start.
Recommended.
I loved the dynamics and relationships between the four, while the dialogue was brilliantly entertaining; some of which was laugh out loud - nutter, flute and chicken particularly.
There were more serious moments and psychological problems...and, of course, the murder but overall, I loved the storytelling.
Well-written and engaging from the start.
Recommended.
September 28, 2025
Bought this book while on holiday and visiting Lyme Regis. I like these sort of cosycrime novels. Maybe no ingenious mystery en sometimes somewhat farfetched (although you might be surprised it could be from real experience) but the maincaracters were very human and endearing and I had to laugh out loud numerous times if a book can do that I give it 4 stars.
April 20, 2025
Brilliant
We have all met these women. Their stories are comic, frustrating, and true to life. They are a break from the usual murder mysteries. Please tell me there will be lots more.
We have all met these women. Their stories are comic, frustrating, and true to life. They are a break from the usual murder mysteries. Please tell me there will be lots more.
May 24, 2025
A very fun read
Extremely like-able characters. Beautiful Dorset setting, Intriguing plot (I never guessed the murderer) and some laugh out loud moments too. Hope they come back yo solve another murder.
Extremely like-able characters. Beautiful Dorset setting, Intriguing plot (I never guessed the murderer) and some laugh out loud moments too. Hope they come back yo solve another murder.
July 4, 2025
This is a great cozy mystery series. Rachel McLean and Millie Ravensworth make a great team in writing cozy mysteries. I love the 4 women who are part of this club. All quite different yet complimentary and good friends. Highly recommended!
July 27, 2025
A really light hearted fun read! Some really funny moments. Love Annie and The Swimming Club or should ut be murder club? Can't wait for more adventures with them all! I highly receommend for those who don't take life to seriously!
April 19, 2025
Love the women. Their banter sometimes makes me laugh out loud. Interesting plot. Didn’t guess “who done it.” Will await the next one.
April 20, 2025
a really enjoyable read made me laugh in places but very enjoyable could not put it down roll on the next one
April 24, 2025
iT WAS INTERESTING............HOWEVER I DON'T THINK IT WAS UP TO THE SAME "INTEREST" AS THEIR OTHER OFFERINGS. i WAS A BIT BORED BUT FINISHED IT. COME ON LADIES "BRING IT"YOU NEED 'GUS"
August 27, 2025
Oh dear.
Silly from beginning to end. Nuts plot and a culprit that was so obvious.
4 people all agreeing to tamper with a murder scene, lie, and dispose of a body. 4 people we are meant to like and see as sensible! Let alone Annie the main character with a full grasp of right and wrong snd with so many police in her immediate family. Ludicrous.
Then there’s the real stinger. Tina, her sister, and her brother in law! How horrid can you get?! Tina’s so likeable in the other (non LR books) but here in this book she is unforgivable. Her treatment of her mother at the baby shower in particular but also prior to this is appalling and served no purpose to the plot line. Where is her compassion, understanding, or just politeness?
And the ‘we solve murders’ line. Wonder where we’ve seen that before! But at least RO can write intelligent prose.
Silly from beginning to end. Nuts plot and a culprit that was so obvious.
4 people all agreeing to tamper with a murder scene, lie, and dispose of a body. 4 people we are meant to like and see as sensible! Let alone Annie the main character with a full grasp of right and wrong snd with so many police in her immediate family. Ludicrous.
Then there’s the real stinger. Tina, her sister, and her brother in law! How horrid can you get?! Tina’s so likeable in the other (non LR books) but here in this book she is unforgivable. Her treatment of her mother at the baby shower in particular but also prior to this is appalling and served no purpose to the plot line. Where is her compassion, understanding, or just politeness?
And the ‘we solve murders’ line. Wonder where we’ve seen that before! But at least RO can write intelligent prose.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2025
Lyme Regis Swimming Club
A really good read. And it’s great to have a new set of characters and new storyline to get your teeth into. This wasn’t just a murder mystery. It was also a book of self discovery, acceptance, moving forward and friendship. Plus how annoying seagulls can be! I know, I live on the North Yorkshire coast. The friends stumble across a murder and then get into trouble with family and police while trying to solve that murder. Eventually, though, they do solve it and continue to enjoy their morning swims.
A really good read. And it’s great to have a new set of characters and new storyline to get your teeth into. This wasn’t just a murder mystery. It was also a book of self discovery, acceptance, moving forward and friendship. Plus how annoying seagulls can be! I know, I live on the North Yorkshire coast. The friends stumble across a murder and then get into trouble with family and police while trying to solve that murder. Eventually, though, they do solve it and continue to enjoy their morning swims.
July 12, 2025
A nice easy beach read. Having just visited Lyme Regis, it was fun to recognise some of the places mentioned in the book.
Four women, Annie, Rosamund, Helen and Figgy swim in the sea every day. When a local shop owner is found dead, they turn their time to trying to solve the crime. One of the women is implicated..but they soon work out that she could not have been involved. Kevin, the seagull, is given a starring role!
A basic and, in parts, rather rambling novel. It was not particularly engrossing but pleasant enough.
Four women, Annie, Rosamund, Helen and Figgy swim in the sea every day. When a local shop owner is found dead, they turn their time to trying to solve the crime. One of the women is implicated..but they soon work out that she could not have been involved. Kevin, the seagull, is given a starring role!
A basic and, in parts, rather rambling novel. It was not particularly engrossing but pleasant enough.
December 5, 2025
Not for me
Very disappointing read,it was more like a scene from a carry on film,totally unrealistic, it would just never happen. I stayed until the middle of the book,but gave up,as I found the situations just would never be allowed to happen. I'm not sure if the books are supposed to be slightly slapstick, but I just wasn't enjoying it. I normally love Rachel's books,but not this one
Very disappointing read,it was more like a scene from a carry on film,totally unrealistic, it would just never happen. I stayed until the middle of the book,but gave up,as I found the situations just would never be allowed to happen. I'm not sure if the books are supposed to be slightly slapstick, but I just wasn't enjoying it. I normally love Rachel's books,but not this one
May 6, 2025
A bit of a mix. The plot was farcical, but I enjoyed the characters & the setting & that kept me reading. I spent a lot of time in my childhood in Lyme & it was lovely recognising some of the locations mentioned. I'll read the next one as I'm looking forward to finding out what the gang get up to next. Just hope the central plot is a little less daft.
August 24, 2025
Tedious Nonsense
I had to give this up half way through. Three women find a body in a friend’s car and instead of calling the police they take it to their friend in order to ask her to explain, really!
What follows is tedious and slow. Totally pointless story that could have been told in a fraction of time.
I had to give this up half way through. Three women find a body in a friend’s car and instead of calling the police they take it to their friend in order to ask her to explain, really!
What follows is tedious and slow. Totally pointless story that could have been told in a fraction of time.
May 11, 2025
Sorry but after one chapter I’d had enough. What a load of guff! And how anyone can compare this to Richard Osman’s Murder Club books is beyond me!
His books are clever, witty and this one is just awful in comparison.
His books are clever, witty and this one is just awful in comparison.
November 9, 2025
I’ve rounded this up to 3; I’d probably give it 2.5.
It reminds me of playing a murder mystery game as it’s that type of story. It’s a whodunnit story set in Dorset. Light reading with short chapters and gets a bit silly at points but it’s a quick easy read.
It reminds me of playing a murder mystery game as it’s that type of story. It’s a whodunnit story set in Dorset. Light reading with short chapters and gets a bit silly at points but it’s a quick easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews