The Beach Hut Murders

Dorset Crime #12

by Rachel McLean

DCI Lesley Clarke's two teams are in flux. The Major Crime Investigations Team has a new DI, and the Cold Cases team has a member back from parental leave. And Lesley herself is itching to get stuck into a case, instead of sitting behind a desk.

When a body is found at the luxury beach huts on Mudeford Spit, the Cold Cases team know it's one of theirs, as the remains have been buried for over thirty years. But then evidence is found connecting a member of the Kelvin organised crime family, as well as Lesley's lawyer wife Elsa.

Are Elsa’s ties to her former clients about to be revived? And will the new DI, with her experience of financial forensics, be able to solve the murder of local taxi driver Mark Ashforth and identify just which criminal gang are responsible? Most importantly, will Lesley find an opportunity to get her hands (and those walking boots) dirty?

The Beach Hut Murders introduces a much-loved character from Rachel McLean's 'Deadly' and Cumbria Crime series to the Dorset team, and continues the investigation into the notorious Kelvins and their police associates, both past and present.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2026

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

[Jo Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much police jargon. Too much minutiae on characters not enough focus on plot. This book assumes previous knowledge of others in the series… a shame as it’s always nice to read locally.

[Miss Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I started to read them on and off but as the characters have developed, I’ve become more entrenched in the story, the history, the future.
It was all over too quickly for me as I couldn’t put it down and I’m keen to see what happens next. Meera has really annoyed me this book but I suppose that’s the intent as I feel she is about to land herself in a sticky situation. More please!

[Carina Bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one yet. I very rarely give 5 stars, but this had me gripped and I found myself skim reading to find out what happened. Thankfully I stopped and made sure I read it properly, such a good book and its got me impatient for the next instalment. Keep it up Rachel McClean!!! Thank you Waterstones for some how selling the book a week before publication date! Made my day!

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This didn’t disappoint.

Having just finished reading The Marsh it was appropriate to follow Zoe down south. I feel that the story is not yet finished though and the Kelvins have more trouble to cause.

[Sue Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series

[Carol Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach hut murders

I love reading books with storylines running through each one. Rachel McLean is one of THE BEST at achieving this. Please continue your brilliant writing ❤️❤️❤️

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These just keep getting better.

[Mrs J F Wakefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Really really good, took awhile to get the people in the right order. Such a good read can’t wait for a new one.

[Mrs C F Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh I love this series and this was really good a five star read- loved it!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one but felt the ending was very rushed.