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Dorset Crime #7.5
The Lochside Murder
DCI Lesley Clarke has promised her new wife that their Scottish honeymoon won’t be spoiled by murder investigations.
But when she’s out for a walk on the first day and finds a body, she can’t help but be dragged into a case. The investigation is taken on by DI Jade Tanner and Dr Petra McBride of the Complex Crimes Unit, along with Lesley’s old colleague DS Mo Uddin.
Can the team discover who killed the woman floating in the loch? And will Lesley’s marriage be jeopardised by her obsession with the job before it’s even begun?
But when she’s out for a walk on the first day and finds a body, she can’t help but be dragged into a case. The investigation is taken on by DI Jade Tanner and Dr Petra McBride of the Complex Crimes Unit, along with Lesley’s old colleague DS Mo Uddin.
Can the team discover who killed the woman floating in the loch? And will Lesley’s marriage be jeopardised by her obsession with the job before it’s even begun?
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
413 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
104 books629 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 45 reviews
March 24, 2023
Necessary?
As much as I love Rachel's work, I think this is an unnecessary book to any of the series it is linked to. No real story development, how can their be in so few pages, and no advancement in my understanding of the characters. One for completists only IMHO.
As much as I love Rachel's work, I think this is an unnecessary book to any of the series it is linked to. No real story development, how can their be in so few pages, and no advancement in my understanding of the characters. One for completists only IMHO.
November 28, 2023
This was definitely too short to build up much suspense. Since I have read all the other Dorset Crime books and enjoyed McLean’s use of language, I still liked this one, probably also because it showed a little bit more of Lesley and Elsa, though still not enough to make it a f-f romance. What I do not really like is how Lesley is too crucial as a witness, because she just happens to be in the right place at the right time, not once, but twice, accidentally...
So, maybe the 96 pages were too much to add to one of the other books, or they were meant to prepare the reader for one of the other series written by McLean, because you get some general introduction to other characters, but this title is definitely not as elaborate as the other books in the Dorset Crime series. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
So, maybe the 96 pages were too much to add to one of the other books, or they were meant to prepare the reader for one of the other series written by McLean, because you get some general introduction to other characters, but this title is definitely not as elaborate as the other books in the Dorset Crime series. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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March 31, 20234.14
104 ratings7 reviews
DCI Lesley Clarke has promised her new wife that their Scottish honeymoon won’t be spoiled by murder investigations. But when she’s out for a walk on the first day and finds a body, she can’t help but be dragged into a case. The investigation is taken on by DI Jade Tanner and Dr Petra McBride of the Complex Crimes Unit, along with Lesley’s old colleague DS Mo Uddin. Can the team discover who killed the woman floating in the loch? And will Lesley’s marriage be jeopardised by her obsession with the job before it’s even begun? This novella comes between books 7 (The Blue Pool Murders) and 8 (The Lighthouse Murders) in the Dorset Crime series or can be read alongside the McBride & Tanner series.
OK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
Lesley and Elsa are finally married and starting their honeymoon in Scotland.
Lesley goes out for a walk and discovers a body in the loch near to where they are staying.
The team that are brought in includes one of her old colleagues from Birmingham.
Although Lesley is not the lead detective in this case she does get involved much to Elsa's annoyance when they are on their honeymoon.
As always Lesley keeps an eye open and soon involves herself further in the case. Elsa has come to realise that she has married a police officer and accepts that Lesley will always be a good police officer, and therefore cannot ignore what is going on around her.
A shorter read than normal but you are kept gripped all the way through.
Lesley goes out for a walk and discovers a body in the loch near to where they are staying.
The team that are brought in includes one of her old colleagues from Birmingham.
Although Lesley is not the lead detective in this case she does get involved much to Elsa's annoyance when they are on their honeymoon.
As always Lesley keeps an eye open and soon involves herself further in the case. Elsa has come to realise that she has married a police officer and accepts that Lesley will always be a good police officer, and therefore cannot ignore what is going on around her.
A shorter read than normal but you are kept gripped all the way through.
September 14, 2023
Three and a half stars.
Crossover novella between Lesley Clarke's Dorset Crime and the McBride & Tanner series.
DCI Lesley Clarke and her new bride Elsa have driven north to spend their honeymoon in a cottage on the banks of Loch Lomond. But when Lesley goes for an early morning walk she discovers the body of a woman in the water tangled up in the jetty.
DI Jade Tanner is nervous, her Complex Crimes Unit has only just been formed but so far they've only had the one case, if something doesn't pick up soon they could be disbanded.
Can Lesley step back and let another officer investigate the murder? Will Elsa ever forgive Lesley for finding a dead body on their honeymoon?
A short but enjoyable read linking the two series.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Crossover novella between Lesley Clarke's Dorset Crime and the McBride & Tanner series.
DCI Lesley Clarke and her new bride Elsa have driven north to spend their honeymoon in a cottage on the banks of Loch Lomond. But when Lesley goes for an early morning walk she discovers the body of a woman in the water tangled up in the jetty.
DI Jade Tanner is nervous, her Complex Crimes Unit has only just been formed but so far they've only had the one case, if something doesn't pick up soon they could be disbanded.
Can Lesley step back and let another officer investigate the murder? Will Elsa ever forgive Lesley for finding a dead body on their honeymoon?
A short but enjoyable read linking the two series.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
November 7, 2025
Not too bad a story, but I felt a few more details may have helped. A few more details of the 'happy-clappy' church the family are involved with may have cast a clearer light on the family dynamics, and explain what hold the victim's brother had over his sister. Why didn't the parents try to intervene between the sivlin? What did Rory, the boyfriend, say in his letter to Helena? Did he write it,? Was he forced to pen it? Or did anyone force him to dump Helena by letter, then write the missive for him after his death? All in all, not a bad way to show that, even when on holiday/honeymoon. a police officer can't really be off duty, even when on her honeymoon.
April 14, 2023
Loving this series
This is just a short story covering Leslie's and Elsa's honeymoon up in Scotland. Where they are staying by the loch, Leslie comes across a body whereby she contacts Mo and a murder investigation begins. So much for a peaceful honeymoon as Leslie gets involved with the case much to her new wife's Elsa' s despair. Leslie only finds out about Dennis on their way home. Can't wait to read the next book and find out what happens next.
This is just a short story covering Leslie's and Elsa's honeymoon up in Scotland. Where they are staying by the loch, Leslie comes across a body whereby she contacts Mo and a murder investigation begins. So much for a peaceful honeymoon as Leslie gets involved with the case much to her new wife's Elsa' s despair. Leslie only finds out about Dennis on their way home. Can't wait to read the next book and find out what happens next.
April 29, 2023
Short but Sweet!
I don't usually like novellas but for this series I was more than happy to make an exception. DCI Lesley Clarke is on her honeymoon but on the very first day she finds a body, so is unable to step back from the investigation, even though the team that should be in charge would like her to. It was nice to meet up with DS Mo Udden and Dr Petra McBride again. A good read. A good read in my opinion.
I don't usually like novellas but for this series I was more than happy to make an exception. DCI Lesley Clarke is on her honeymoon but on the very first day she finds a body, so is unable to step back from the investigation, even though the team that should be in charge would like her to. It was nice to meet up with DS Mo Udden and Dr Petra McBride again. A good read. A good read in my opinion.
April 2, 2023
I loved this little short story bringing together the Dorset Crime series and the McBride and Tanner series. I liked the pace, easy to read and a good story to fill in until the next book in both series. I have read some reviews which couldn’t see the point of it and thought it was too short etc. but I enjoyed it and if you follow Rachel and both these series then I would recommend it.
August 3, 2025
this book was a good insight to see what happened on lesley and elsas honeymoon as in the actual dorset series its only mentioned that lesley was part of an investigation. i feel like there has been better deaths and twists in other books but considering this was only 88 pages i think it was good for how little it is.
April 11, 2023
Excellent read!
Loved the story line, even though it was rather short, but couldn't put it down!! Can't wait for the next one!! It will be another great read hopefully longer!! Just keep an comin!!😊
Loved the story line, even though it was rather short, but couldn't put it down!! Can't wait for the next one!! It will be another great read hopefully longer!! Just keep an comin!!😊
June 7, 2023
Far to short and not very good
It's sad to say that because I have read a good number of Rachel McLean books and enjoyed them . But this seemed rushed and knocked out. Sorry just my thoughts.
It's sad to say that because I have read a good number of Rachel McLean books and enjoyed them . But this seemed rushed and knocked out. Sorry just my thoughts.
June 9, 2023
Novella I was glad to read because it filled in blanks from both McBride & Tanner and Dorset Crime mystery series, i.e. what happened at Leslie and Elsa's honeymoon at Loch Lomond. Both are great series and I am looking forward to more in each.
November 8, 2023
Lochside
Our esteemed DCI caught up innocently in a murder enquiry whilst on honeymoon. Her instincts kick in, but can she stay out of it.
I would recommend this book to friends.
Lovely story line, enjoyed reading.
Our esteemed DCI caught up innocently in a murder enquiry whilst on honeymoon. Her instincts kick in, but can she stay out of it.
I would recommend this book to friends.
Lovely story line, enjoyed reading.
July 30, 2025
Lesley and Elsa on honeymoon in Scotland. While there, Leslie takes an early morning walk and comes across a dead woman. She helps local police by finding the murder weapon. This is a novella so gives background on the Scottish crime unit - Mo used to work for Zoe and indirectly for Lesley.
March 25, 2023
Enjoyable read
Well not the perfect honeymoon but a fun adventure and a quick read novella from a great storyteller. Looking forward to reading more of the same from Rachel McLean.
Well not the perfect honeymoon but a fun adventure and a quick read novella from a great storyteller. Looking forward to reading more of the same from Rachel McLean.
March 25, 2023
A fun little tale.
March 25, 2023
Dead body on honeymoon for this short story near Loch Lomond.
March 25, 2023
Interesting, strong plot and characters. A much worthy 5*
March 26, 2023
The Lochside Murder
A delightful short story beautiful written by one of my favourite authors
Well done Rachel
Leonard Jones
A delightful short story beautiful written by one of my favourite authors
Well done Rachel
Leonard Jones
March 29, 2023
Another fantastic story
Love these stories the Dorset Crime Story. They are an easy read but the plot grips you and you just want more. Great characters
Love these stories the Dorset Crime Story. They are an easy read but the plot grips you and you just want more. Great characters
April 1, 2023
A one sitting read!
Love this series and all the characters. Good that other characters are woven into the story. Can't wait for the next book.
Love this series and all the characters. Good that other characters are woven into the story. Can't wait for the next book.
April 10, 2023
Just getting into it & it finished...
April 15, 2023
Good but really short!
April 18, 2023
A quick read but good.
DCI Clarke can’t stay away from murder even on honeymoon. Good story involving characters from another series. Very enjoyable read.
DCI Clarke can’t stay away from murder even on honeymoon. Good story involving characters from another series. Very enjoyable read.
April 25, 2023
Lochside murder
Good story nice to read about Lesley in Scotland short and sweet looking forward to the next book in the series x
Good story nice to read about Lesley in Scotland short and sweet looking forward to the next book in the series x
April 27, 2023
Good
It was very good, but for old fashioned me too much about same sex relationships. However I shall look forward to the next installment .
It was very good, but for old fashioned me too much about same sex relationships. However I shall look forward to the next installment .
May 4, 2023
Short Story
A honeymoon at Loch Lomand turns into an investigation into a murder and finding the incriminating evidence. Easily read and quickly finished.
A honeymoon at Loch Lomand turns into an investigation into a murder and finding the incriminating evidence. Easily read and quickly finished.
May 26, 2023
Will Lesley ever stop being a policewoman? Even on her honeymoon she got caught up in a murder case. What next ? Will the marriage survive?
June 12, 2023
A bit of a boring story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews