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Cumbria Crime #8
The Marsh
An explosive conclusion to the gripping Cumbria Crime series
DI Zoe Finch has enough on her plate as the trial of her deadliest enemy gets underway.
But when a birdwatcher stumbles across a body in the shifting flatlands of the Solway coast, the evidence takes her team in some disturbing directions.
Has the victim fallen foul of the same organised criminals Zoe has spent the last two years trying to put behind bars? Or could there be a connection with the disappearance of a man from a local caravan park years earlier?
With shocking developments in court, unpredictable politics in the police and her relationship with DI Carl Whaley in uncertain territory, Zoe finds herself facing some of her biggest challenges yet, both personal and professional.
The Marsh is the eighth book in the gripping Cumbria Crime series, featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ books.
DI Zoe Finch has enough on her plate as the trial of her deadliest enemy gets underway.
But when a birdwatcher stumbles across a body in the shifting flatlands of the Solway coast, the evidence takes her team in some disturbing directions.
Has the victim fallen foul of the same organised criminals Zoe has spent the last two years trying to put behind bars? Or could there be a connection with the disappearance of a man from a local caravan park years earlier?
With shocking developments in court, unpredictable politics in the police and her relationship with DI Carl Whaley in uncertain territory, Zoe finds herself facing some of her biggest challenges yet, both personal and professional.
The Marsh is the eighth book in the gripping Cumbria Crime series, featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ books.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
471 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
103 books638 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 3, 2026
Notwithstanding earnest efforts to sit on all spoilers, the messaging of the last month or two has clearly signposted the final trajectory of the series' plot lines. Not surprising then that formerly central characters Whaley and Finch are pretty much peripheral in this episode, as is Kendrick. I suppose this is to give space to "further adventures of..." characters for Joel to get on with.
As for this plot, not that unrealistic, but given the big bangs of Carter story in previous books, this one is pretty mundane, with one or two slightly implausible turning points (a bagged up character, and conveniently lost paperwork at the Hub). As for the final twist in the Carter trial outcome ..... mmmmm! I reserve judgement.
Let's see what "The Boatyard" and "The Beach Hut Murders" bring.
As for this plot, not that unrealistic, but given the big bangs of Carter story in previous books, this one is pretty mundane, with one or two slightly implausible turning points (a bagged up character, and conveniently lost paperwork at the Hub). As for the final twist in the Carter trial outcome ..... mmmmm! I reserve judgement.
Let's see what "The Boatyard" and "The Beach Hut Murders" bring.
March 6, 2026
There is plenty happening in this Cumbria Crime book 8. The trial of Myron Carter has finally arrived. A body has been found on the marsh. Zoe has a decision to make, as do some others in the team.
This was a well-written and enjoyable British detective story with familiar characters and some twisty plots. I liked the sense of place and character development, which made the story believable.
Engaging and worth reading.
This was a well-written and enjoyable British detective story with familiar characters and some twisty plots. I liked the sense of place and character development, which made the story believable.
Engaging and worth reading.
February 20, 2026
Great end to an excellent series
This was a fast paced read, which tied up the loose ends from the whole Cumbria series as well as featuring a new murder case or two.
Thanks Joel and Rachel for your joint enterprise. I for one look forward to reading the further adventures of the much loved characters the two of you have created.
This was a fast paced read, which tied up the loose ends from the whole Cumbria series as well as featuring a new murder case or two.
Thanks Joel and Rachel for your joint enterprise. I for one look forward to reading the further adventures of the much loved characters the two of you have created.
February 22, 2026
book eight
The great thing about having Kindle Unlimited is that it’s so easy to download a series of books for free and in order, before I began reading the Cumbria Crime series I’d not read any of Rachel McLeans books, now I’m already well into another series, they are an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to reading more.
The great thing about having Kindle Unlimited is that it’s so easy to download a series of books for free and in order, before I began reading the Cumbria Crime series I’d not read any of Rachel McLeans books, now I’m already well into another series, they are an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to reading more.
March 5, 2026
Superb
Not just this book but the whole series had me captivated. Living in Cumbria I can relate to the area it is set in but the real stars are the characters, they have become friends and I look forward to following them in their new adventures. Can't forget the plots, so imaginative. Rachel McLean is in my top 5 authors and I read books by many authors.
Not just this book but the whole series had me captivated. Living in Cumbria I can relate to the area it is set in but the real stars are the characters, they have become friends and I look forward to following them in their new adventures. Can't forget the plots, so imaginative. Rachel McLean is in my top 5 authors and I read books by many authors.
February 21, 2026
Spoilers*
I loved this series and have followed Zoe and Carl from the Deadly series and love their characters. I am gutted that they split and go their separate ways. 😥
A good end to the Carter Case.
I loved this series and have followed Zoe and Carl from the Deadly series and love their characters. I am gutted that they split and go their separate ways. 😥
A good end to the Carter Case.
February 22, 2026
I love these books and I devoured this one in two days. The conclusion of the Cumbria crime series and it was nice to tie up some loose ends. I’ll miss some
Of the characters that won’t feature in the new series Whaley and Gaskill, but hopefully they will
Pop up again somewhere.
Of the characters that won’t feature in the new series Whaley and Gaskill, but hopefully they will
Pop up again somewhere.
February 26, 2026
I've really enjoyed this series. Let's hope that Zoe and Lesley continue in the same style. No doubt they will.
February 28, 2026
Several snafus in getting the trial of Myron Carter to come to fruition. I am glad that’s over as it was getting too drawn out and beginning to bore this reader. The team gets involved with a birdwatcher that finds a dead man in the marsh, a trailer park where the dead man had resided filled with people that have issues, personal issues arise with the team with surprising outcomes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
amazing!
What an end to the series. Absolutely loved it, couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. Looking forward to seeing Zoe back with Lesley in future books!
What an end to the series. Absolutely loved it, couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. Looking forward to seeing Zoe back with Lesley in future books!
February 28, 2026
Great read
March 5, 2026
Another great book, bringing one saga to an end. I’m looking forward to seeing Zoe back with Lesley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2026
Thank god this series is done
I found this concluding book tiresome and confusing to read. I ended up quickly skim reading to get to the end. Not sure I will be reading any more from these writers unless there is more focus on action and less on the character padding.
I found this concluding book tiresome and confusing to read. I ended up quickly skim reading to get to the end. Not sure I will be reading any more from these writers unless there is more focus on action and less on the character padding.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews