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Detective Zoe Finch #7
Deadly Christmas: Detective Zoe Finch, Book 7
Christmas in Birmingham means the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Loved and hated by brummies in equal measure, it certainly makes life interesting for West Midlands Police.
But when the body of a homeless man is found behind a market stall early one Sunday morning, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for DI Zoe Finch and her team. And when they discover that the victim has a history that makes his death politically sensitive, things get even more complicated.
Can Zoe and her team find the killer before Christmas is ruined for another victim — and avoid putting their careers on the line?
Find out in this standalone Christmas special in the bestselling Detective Zoe Finch series.
But when the body of a homeless man is found behind a market stall early one Sunday morning, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for DI Zoe Finch and her team. And when they discover that the victim has a history that makes his death politically sensitive, things get even more complicated.
Can Zoe and her team find the killer before Christmas is ruined for another victim — and avoid putting their careers on the line?
Find out in this standalone Christmas special in the bestselling Detective Zoe Finch series.
Audible Audio
First published November 20, 2022
717 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
103 books628 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 72 reviews
November 26, 2022
McLean's writing is always compelling, but the ending of this felt a little rushed.
December 6, 2022
I have loved all of the Zoe Finch books but, to my great disappointment, this one just didn’t quite live up to the others, It was excellent until quite close to the end when it just fizzled out. The structure of the storyline made it difficult for the reasons behind the murder to be explained satisfactorily and although the identity of the murderer was known the person he was working with was only mentioned in passing as a social media update. The whole ending to the investigation was both rushed and contrived. There was another loose thread left hanging which could have a detrimental effect on Zoe’s career and we are led to believe that she would ignore her partner’s advice to deal with it? The fact that we are left wondering if she will move to another force when Carl does is understandable - although I guess that would have to be another series.
As I said, I have loved these books and even this one was good - until it wasn’t.
As I said, I have loved these books and even this one was good - until it wasn’t.
February 11, 2023
The only thing I didn't love about this book is that it's the last one in the Zoë Finch mystery series (until another is published!). There are still questions to be answered. But I love most of the characters in these books. I read the Dorset mystery series first with Zoë's old DCI Leslie now moved to Dorset to continue recovering from being injured in a terrorist bomb attack. But Zoë still calls Leslie on occasion to check in and get advice especially when dealing with the corruption that has infected the Force. I hate to leave the Team after having binged the entire series but need to find another mystery to read till this author writes another.
June 10, 2023
ending
Wow such a great book to end the series, I have loved reading all these. They have made me read them quicker so I can see what happens.
Wow such a great book to end the series, I have loved reading all these. They have made me read them quicker so I can see what happens.
December 14, 2024
Nice festive murder read .
November 30, 2022
Quick, easy, enjoyable read.
Due to a period of awful weather I read this over two days. It is set in an area of Birmingham that I know well so it was interesting to revisit old haunts. The plotting is tight and realistic. There was just enough tension and conflict. Highly recommended.
Due to a period of awful weather I read this over two days. It is set in an area of Birmingham that I know well so it was interesting to revisit old haunts. The plotting is tight and realistic. There was just enough tension and conflict. Highly recommended.
November 27, 2022
Thought provoking read
When an apparently homeless man is found dead behind the Christmas market in Birmingham, all is not as it seems. The familiar team of Zoe Finch with DCs Connie and Rhodri try to get to the bottom of the case in time to go home to their families for Christmas. As ever, the case twists and turns, with some familiar faces playing their part. It kept me needing to read one more chapter late into the night, which is my measure of a good story.
When an apparently homeless man is found dead behind the Christmas market in Birmingham, all is not as it seems. The familiar team of Zoe Finch with DCs Connie and Rhodri try to get to the bottom of the case in time to go home to their families for Christmas. As ever, the case twists and turns, with some familiar faces playing their part. It kept me needing to read one more chapter late into the night, which is my measure of a good story.
December 10, 2022
It's Christmas time in Birmingham and the team are hoping to get away for Christmas. Rhodri is going home to Wales, Connie's brother is home from uni, and so is Zoe's son.
On Sunday morning one of the street cleaners at the German Market in the city centre finds the body of a homeless man behind one of the cabins. At first the death just seems to be a tragedy, due to the cold, but the post-mortem indicates that the man has been poisoned ... with Thallium. Can DI Zoe Finch crack the case before Christmas?
This is a rather pleasant halfway house between a full-on detective novel and a holiday novella. There's a nosy neighbour, a homeless shelter and Zoe has to make a big decision soon. (BTW, can I just say I would much prefer Zoe and Adi as a couple).
Read on my Kindle Unlimited.
On Sunday morning one of the street cleaners at the German Market in the city centre finds the body of a homeless man behind one of the cabins. At first the death just seems to be a tragedy, due to the cold, but the post-mortem indicates that the man has been poisoned ... with Thallium. Can DI Zoe Finch crack the case before Christmas?
This is a rather pleasant halfway house between a full-on detective novel and a holiday novella. There's a nosy neighbour, a homeless shelter and Zoe has to make a big decision soon. (BTW, can I just say I would much prefer Zoe and Adi as a couple).
Read on my Kindle Unlimited.
December 13, 2022
Gripping
When a body is found partly hidden behind a chalet at the Christmas market it is up to DI Zoe Finch and her team to find the killer as soon as possible, preferably before the Christmas break, but as usual things are not what they seem. I really enjoyed this book, but I do hope Zoe gets rid of her boyfriend, Carl, I don't really believe he is as straight forward as he seems, and there is someone else, much better for her, waiting in the wings. Looking forward to the next in the series.
When a body is found partly hidden behind a chalet at the Christmas market it is up to DI Zoe Finch and her team to find the killer as soon as possible, preferably before the Christmas break, but as usual things are not what they seem. I really enjoyed this book, but I do hope Zoe gets rid of her boyfriend, Carl, I don't really believe he is as straight forward as he seems, and there is someone else, much better for her, waiting in the wings. Looking forward to the next in the series.
December 25, 2022
Love it that Zoe is back!
What a great book! I love all of Rachel McLean's books, and this one is no exception. And I'm super excited that she went back to write about Zoe, even after Leslie got promoted and left. So many tense moments and wondering if Zoe is being set up! But now we will get to find out eventually. And we get to keep up with Leslie, and soon we will get back with Mo , amongst others. I love the term building, and the suspense. Next? The Riverside Murder of course!
What a great book! I love all of Rachel McLean's books, and this one is no exception. And I'm super excited that she went back to write about Zoe, even after Leslie got promoted and left. So many tense moments and wondering if Zoe is being set up! But now we will get to find out eventually. And we get to keep up with Leslie, and soon we will get back with Mo , amongst others. I love the term building, and the suspense. Next? The Riverside Murder of course!
Read
December 16, 2022Christmas in Birmingham means the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Loved and hated by brummies in equal measure, it certainly makes life interesting for West Midlands Police.
But when the body of a homeless man is found behind a market stall early one Sunday morning, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for DI Zoe Finch and her team. And when they discover that the victim has a history that makes his death politically sensitive, things get even more complicated.
Can Zoe and her team find the killer before Christmas is ruined for another victim - and avoid putting their careers on the line?
OK
But when the body of a homeless man is found behind a market stall early one Sunday morning, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for DI Zoe Finch and her team. And when they discover that the victim has a history that makes his death politically sensitive, things get even more complicated.
Can Zoe and her team find the killer before Christmas is ruined for another victim - and avoid putting their careers on the line?
OK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2022
A good standalone thriller set around Birmingham's Christmas market.
DI Zoe Finch has a depleted team following the transfer of her long-time sergeant. So when a body is discovered a temporary replacement is drafted in by her new boss. This causes some difficulties with her two DCs, but the team are determined to solve the case in time for an early festive break. And then things get really complicated.
This novel is set following the initial six book series that featured an underlying story around corrupt senior officers. Facing the ramifications of its resolution, DI Finch is unsettled, and her partner is pressurising her to move north. Are things about to change dramatically?
DI Zoe Finch has a depleted team following the transfer of her long-time sergeant. So when a body is discovered a temporary replacement is drafted in by her new boss. This causes some difficulties with her two DCs, but the team are determined to solve the case in time for an early festive break. And then things get really complicated.
This novel is set following the initial six book series that featured an underlying story around corrupt senior officers. Facing the ramifications of its resolution, DI Finch is unsettled, and her partner is pressurising her to move north. Are things about to change dramatically?
June 29, 2023
My latest read was a fairly easy quick one, and book 7 in the DI Finch series by Rachel McLean.
I prefer McLeans Dorset murders series as find them a little more engaging (and not just because I live in Dorset!) but this series is a safe format - easy to follow, some nice background for the characters and usually a fairly quick read. The one follows Zoe and team as they investigate the murder of a seemingly homeless man in the lead up to Christmas, but in doing so they uncover the victim is not all he appears
I prefer McLeans Dorset murders series as find them a little more engaging (and not just because I live in Dorset!) but this series is a safe format - easy to follow, some nice background for the characters and usually a fairly quick read. The one follows Zoe and team as they investigate the murder of a seemingly homeless man in the lead up to Christmas, but in doing so they uncover the victim is not all he appears
December 29, 2022
I was so looking forward to catching up with Zoe again but it all fell very flat. Again, this was a very easy read but Zoe seemed extremely mannerless and I found myself disliking her and her attitude. Relationships between all the characters seemed very ‘off’ and they all seemed to have the hump over the way their names were shortened. Ok, I get one character but it seemed a repetition with a few characters and it didnt make the story flow. Very disappointed to be honest.
May 12, 2023
This is the last book in the Zoe Finch series. Hopefully there may be more later. This story revolves around a partly homeless man found dead ar Birmingham’s German Christmas Market. Enquiries revel him to be a Bosnian War Criminal. Hunt for his killer is stopped when the home office step in. Also days later the man’s neighbour is attacked and this gives Zoe and her team a way back into the investigation.
A very good read, well written. Hope we get more of Zoe later.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A very good read, well written. Hope we get more of Zoe later.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
June 5, 2025
Really 4 & 1/2 Stars
Excellent ending to this set of crime books. It helps that I just visited Birmingham so can picture many of the places referenced. Yoda is certainly getting vocal. Zoe has a decision to make whether to follow Carl up to Cumbria. Hence a new series which I read before this one. All good. Interesting use of Freya to advance the plot, fussy as she is. Will now find more of this author's books. Am hooked.
Excellent ending to this set of crime books. It helps that I just visited Birmingham so can picture many of the places referenced. Yoda is certainly getting vocal. Zoe has a decision to make whether to follow Carl up to Cumbria. Hence a new series which I read before this one. All good. Interesting use of Freya to advance the plot, fussy as she is. Will now find more of this author's books. Am hooked.
December 26, 2025
When the body of a homeless man is found behind a Christmas market stall DI Zoe Finch and her team are called in to investigate. It looks like Christmas for the team might be cancelled as they strive to find answers. As they dig deeper into the case they find their victims history is politically sensitive which leads to her team being taken off the case. However an attack leads her team to make links which cannot be avoided.
I enjoyed the story but felt the ending was rushed.
I enjoyed the story but felt the ending was rushed.
Read
November 27, 2022Deadly Christmas.
I enjoyed this book because I like following a person's character development. I am also intrigued by the frustration caused by several departments overriding normal police procedure.
Obviously I am looking forward to the next book as the plot has not come to a satisfactory ending. There are more questions to be asked.
I enjoyed this book because I like following a person's character development. I am also intrigued by the frustration caused by several departments overriding normal police procedure.
Obviously I am looking forward to the next book as the plot has not come to a satisfactory ending. There are more questions to be asked.
December 1, 2022
This was an 'extra' book which Rachel has snuck in whilst we wait for two new books in other series. An excellent tale which managed to bring references to most of her other well known characters. Well written, a good yarn and probably happens more often than we think! Thank you for another super story.
Julian Tremayne
Julian Tremayne
December 1, 2022
Death at Christmas
A man appearing to be a rough sleeper is found dead behind a stall in the Birmingham German Christmas Market and DI Zoe Finch is assigned to the case. As always with Rachel McLean the story proceeds at a good pace. In this case it felt to me as though there were open areas that were not fully covered. Apart from that a good read.
A man appearing to be a rough sleeper is found dead behind a stall in the Birmingham German Christmas Market and DI Zoe Finch is assigned to the case. As always with Rachel McLean the story proceeds at a good pace. In this case it felt to me as though there were open areas that were not fully covered. Apart from that a good read.
December 9, 2022
I have enjoyed the Zoe Finch books but this one fell flat at the end and left me wondering if my Kindle had lost the last chapter. It just finished .... many questions left unanswered. Some important and integral to the story, not only this book but also the overall series. The (lack of) ending spoilt the whole book.
December 28, 2022
Good read
I'm a great fan of both of the series by Rachel McLean although I have to say I enjoy the books with Lesley in better. It was a surprising twist and well done story but not as 'Christmassy' as the title might suggest. Deadly December might have been a better title. All in all, enjoyed Book 7.
I'm a great fan of both of the series by Rachel McLean although I have to say I enjoy the books with Lesley in better. It was a surprising twist and well done story but not as 'Christmassy' as the title might suggest. Deadly December might have been a better title. All in all, enjoyed Book 7.
January 25, 2023
Love this series
Another excellent addition, seems ages since we caught up with Zoe what with the new Lesley series, Zoe's old boss, another really good series. Loved the character Freya, don't we all have a Freya in our lives, her nosiness however lands her in danger. Enjoyable read and would recommend this series.
Another excellent addition, seems ages since we caught up with Zoe what with the new Lesley series, Zoe's old boss, another really good series. Loved the character Freya, don't we all have a Freya in our lives, her nosiness however lands her in danger. Enjoyable read and would recommend this series.
December 1, 2023
This was another good British detective story where a body was found in the Christmas market - nothing is straightforward, however.
I liked the familiar characters, who fitted into the plot, despite a couple being missing...several changes I noticed.
Well-written and fast-paced, I enjoyed this story, the interactions and the character development.
Recommended.
I liked the familiar characters, who fitted into the plot, despite a couple being missing...several changes I noticed.
Well-written and fast-paced, I enjoyed this story, the interactions and the character development.
Recommended.
November 24, 2022
Now I’ve lost my second attempt at a review! Maybe I’m not meant to review this one. Kindle ate the first review, Goodreads ate the second one.
I loved this. I read it far too quickly.
That’s it. I’m clicking done before this one gets eaten too!
I loved this. I read it far too quickly.
That’s it. I’m clicking done before this one gets eaten too!
November 29, 2022
Good
I like this series set in Birmingham, England and this latest didn't disappoint. My only criticism is that they are too short. Zoe and her team are great characters and there is p!entry of police intrigue.
I like this series set in Birmingham, England and this latest didn't disappoint. My only criticism is that they are too short. Zoe and her team are great characters and there is p!entry of police intrigue.
December 10, 2022
Just finished the deadly series and what a fantastic series it has been. You really believe all the characters, these books keep you turning pages whenever you have a read. I will definitely be moving on the Dorset murders very soon...fantastic either
December 24, 2022
Good as the rest
If you like DI Finch you'll love this latest (at the time of writing) book in the series. I've read them all so far. This is a good as the rest, fast paced story with a few twists and turns to keep the reader gripped. I really hope there's more to come.
If you like DI Finch you'll love this latest (at the time of writing) book in the series. I've read them all so far. This is a good as the rest, fast paced story with a few twists and turns to keep the reader gripped. I really hope there's more to come.
December 28, 2022
Page turner
This book landed on my Kindle but I left it until Christmas to read and so much did it absorb me that I read it in less than a day. You don't have to read the previous 6 Zoe Finch books before reading this one as it stands alone.
This book landed on my Kindle but I left it until Christmas to read and so much did it absorb me that I read it in less than a day. You don't have to read the previous 6 Zoe Finch books before reading this one as it stands alone.
December 31, 2022
good solid crime story
It’s enjoyable to settle with familiar characters in a new story. Albert made an interesting victim, balanced by Miss Garside, a true character who just wants to know what’s going on.
It’s enjoyable to settle with familiar characters in a new story. Albert made an interesting victim, balanced by Miss Garside, a true character who just wants to know what’s going on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews