The Port

Cumbria Crime #7

by Rachel McLean, Joel Hames

With a long-term target finally in custody and the appearance of a key witness, DI Zoe Finch might have expected everything else to fall into place.

But when the body of a man she knows is found inside the Port of Workington, the investigation takes her team in some unexpected directions, and working with unlikely allies.

Why was he killed? Is there a connection with the missing mother of a local businessman? Can Zoe’s team even keep the case in the face of a bitter territorial spat?

And as West Cumbria CID race to gather evidence before their prime suspect disappears, has her greatest enemy finally slipped up?

The Port is the seventh book in the gripping Cumbria Crime series, featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ books.

Genres: Audiobook

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

My 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.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel rather bad about writing this, but I kind of think the series has lost a bit of its steam.

I was rather upset (around book 4) when I realised the series was going to end with book 8. But since the beginning of book 6 I feel like, yeah, you know what, it probably is time, after all.
I suspect at least one of the authors don't feel all that into this particular setup of characters any more - and it shows.

Zoe has become more and more marginalised within the latter books. She flashes by in kind of short POV chapters, while others, previously only side-kicks, get more and more attention. It is very obvious some new constellations of characters are in the works, behind the scenes - in preparation for other book series, and mentally, I suspect the authors were already there when writing this book.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still very fond of this series and especially the way it feels like returning to a really good TV show every time I press Play on a new book, but I'm not entirely sure I will branch off after the last Zoe Finch book to check out all the other books in the same story-verse.
We'll see though. I might change my mind in the future.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful addition to the Cumbria Crime Series. So much got resolved in the seemingly endless investigation of the crime lord Myron Carter (this was book #7). murders occurred, and others solved. Can't really say any more without giving spoilers away. I wonder how long before #8, The Marsh, is published? But I have learned to be patient waiting for Rachel's books...they are always worth the wait!

[Freda Lawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it over?

Well it doesn't look like it! It looked like this might be the final book from the way the story was going but it isn't!

Zoe is Zoe, the rest of the team is still hers, despite Nina's promotion. The Superintendent is stressed. Carl is confused. Randle is making his presence felt. Streeting is inside but will he be helpful and Carter is arrested - but will he stay there or will his clever lawyer get him out? Who is it that Carl and Denise are really investigating?

So much to take in, the excitement builds from page to page and I literally couldn't put it down.

[Julian Tremayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense which has built up ever since Zoe Finch arrived in Cumbria is released in this compelling volume. So much so, that it's probably a good thing that the story will continue in The Marsh, but not until February - time for a breather. Watching how some characters come of age is both surprising and heartwarming - and in places quite funny. A great book, really looking forward to No.8.
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hunt continues for a longstanding enemy...will Zoe and her team finally catch Myron Carter?

Ti's was a complex and political instalment for the detectives where deals with unsavoury people must be made but...

Well-written with well-developed characters, not all likeable but suit the plot.

Engaging and enjoyable,

Recommended.

[Paul Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the body of a policeman is found at the Port of Workington Zoe and her team know who is behind the murder, but proving it is more difficult. The task becomes harder, when another person walks into the police station and confesses to doing the murder. Obstruction from a higher rated officer also makes the task more difficult.
If you are a fan of Zoe Finch you will enjoy this book.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting story which prevented me from getting anything done!

This was the final chapter in an ongoing saga. Not without some sadness a few loose ends tied up. Really need the books to be read in order.

[Sheila Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

Wow! An excellent read from start to finish! Excellent storyline as always! Unputdownable! Hope it's not too long before book 8 comes out! Can't wait to pre order! It will be another 5* read!!

[Myra J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Many threads are wrapped up in this book. Zoe and team investigate the murder of a police officer but the investigation gets taken away from them. Zoe and team continue to work on catching Carter. Lots of action, lots of suspense! Another good book from McLean!

[Crissy Cardwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved this series! The Port didn’t disappoint. I had to fight falling asleep because I was so tired but the story was really ramping up and I needed to find out how it ended. Looking forward to the next book but I’m not excited for the series to end.

[Bruce Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely enjoyable read, that has you looking forward all the time to guess what happens next. The main story of the series seems to come to a conclusion, but has it, there is another book coming out next year.

[John Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good book with the story coming to a conclusion! This as usual was very well written which had me gripped from start to finish. This series has been brilliant! I highly recommend (start from the 1st Cumbria Crime book and The Castle novella).

[Snowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story. I read it in one sitting as I wanted to find out what happened. There are strong characters who work together well. I like Aaron best. Looking forward to the next book.

[Carol Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Port.

I just couldn't put this book down. Excellent, enjoyed reading this even though I should have been doing other things 🤣😅🤣

[MRS KIM V BARCLAY · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous

Another amazing book. I love the twists and turns. The characters come to life in the book. A must read

[Annepickles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking read

Always a good page turned wanting to know the end but not wanting the book to end have to wait for.next one

[Bob Hiscocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just knew this would be 5 stars before I started. Another great read about Zoe & Co. Unfortunately coming to the end of the series so We'll have to wait and see what's next!!

[Douglas Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great successful outcome for the team during the seventh part in the Cumbrian Crime Book series. We have had a lot of things sorted out but already know that book 8 is in the pipeline.

[K Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nailbitingly good

I have absolutely loved this series, it's been one of my favourites. I don't want to give away any clues, just read it, and you won't be disappointed.I

[jacqueline howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Brilliant as always.
A really good read
You really do have the best imaginations.
Can’t wait to read book 8.

[wendy geen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was brilliant. Very much enjoyed it.