the pool

Cumbria Crime #6.5

by Rachel McLean, Joel Hames

When a group of walkers and wild swimmers finds one of their number drowned in a remote Cumbria beauty spot, it looks like little more than an unfortunate accident. But appearances can be deceptive, and DI Zoe Finch and her team are soon sifting through the seemingly innocent lives of the dead man’s family and fellow walkers, and bringing a host of buried secrets to light. Is there a connection with a notorious local hardman? Are gambling debts involved? Or is someone not who they’re pretending to be? As the days lengthen and summer finally looms, Zoe and her team will have their work cut out finding the truth and unmasking a killer.

Unknown Binding

First published May 20, 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

[Paul Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short book, linking the previous book in the series and the next one together. There is also a murder to keep Zoe and team on their toes.
Easy book to read. A usual Rachel McLean book but shorter.

[Carlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like an epilog to The Wood but had its own intriguing mystery. looking forward to the next one!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant short read.

[John Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good short read. Looking forward to the next full length book! I highly recommend this series. Start with the free novella The Castle then Book 1.

[Annette O'grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good read very short but interesting