The Empty Easel

The Jurassic Coast Mysteries #2

by Rachel McLean, Jan Cramer (Narrator), Millie Ravensworth

A Summer Mystery from the Author of The Corfe Castle Murders

Previously published as A Brush with Death.

It's summer and Lyme Regis is rammed with tourists. DC Tina Abbott is hoping her kids can have some fun on the beach with their granny Annie, who in turn is enjoying time with her swimming club.

But then Annie and her friends’ morning swim is disturbed when they spot the body of local artist Clifford Muldoon, floating near the Cobb.

Tina has things under control. But Annie, emboldened by her involvement in Lyme Regis’s last murder case, wants to get involved. And could the swimmers have information that might help solve the crime?

The Empty Easel is the second book in the Jurassic Coast Mystery series, featuring characters from the bestselling Dorset Crime series and perfect for fans of a seaside mystery... and monstrous cake-eating seagulls.

Audible Audio

First published July 14, 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

[Mary Darlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I loved this book. Second in the series and much better than the first book. The first book was a bit silly because the characters were too involved in the actual crime. But this time, the focus was more on the police solving the crime and you were invited to delve into the characters lives in more detail. I am looking forward to the next book.

[David Laflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Clifford Muldoon, a local artist is found drowned at the end of The Cobb in Lyme Regis its time for the women of the swimming club to come together to solve the mystery of his death. Alongside this Mikes estranged father is staying with Annie and causing his own bit of mischief. Annie is finding companionship with lifeboat keeper Tim. Rosamund's mum comes to stay with her to 'fix' her. Helen is trying to buy the shop next door and keep her relationship with Jasmine on track. Figgy tries to move on by updating her decor in the caravan.
This story keeps the reader engaged all the way through.

[Lynda Pilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book under the title The Empty Easel. The plot centres round an artist who sits in the same place every day, painting the same scenery throughout the year. When one morning the swimming club ladies hear a shout that a body is in the water. It turns out to be the local artist. Annie whose daughter Tina, a police officer who is supposed to be on maternity leave starts investigating the murder. It also turns out there is a missing painting from the deceased artist home. The book leaves you with a cliff hanger, who is Helen, and why is she hiding her true identity. I can’t wait for the next book in the series

[Margaret McCulloch-Keeble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosy crime is not the way I would describe this (although I know it fits the genre). I would describe this as gentle crime. Having never read any of these Jurassic Coast series before I wasn't sure who made up the regular characters and I found the age ranges of the swimming club friendship group a bit confusing. The story trundles on without any urgency, gently with other sidelines stories along the way.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second in the series set in Dorset where Annie, Helen, Rosamund and Figgy are once again embroiled in a sudden death.

The humour was delightful as were relationships between the four. I liked their distinctive characters and development.

Other characters suited the plot and the plot was twisty and mysterious.

Engaging and entertaining.

Recommended.

[Pamla Messinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

swimming club #2

You gotta love Annie and the ladies. Swimming may have brought them together but murder seems to be their hobby. Dante is a new character in the mix. Annie had it all going in, now Figgy is stepping up to the plate. Ever changing the life’s these ladies lead. Enjoy😂

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brilliant Series

When the body of a local artist was found in the sea the police believe he was murdered, but struggle to find out why. Luckily Annie and her Lyme Regis swimming club friends to "help". I am really enjoying this series and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book in the Lyme Regis mysteries I felt this one I enjoyed more than the first one . The characters last time would never have got away with their antics it was ridiculous. This book had more of a tale to be told and I feel the characters are now evolving into book 3

[Victoria]

An intricate twisting and turning

So many new characters figure in the plot, and outcome, of this mystery, and the reader is left wondering where the sequel is as soon as completing the novel!!!

[John Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this cosy mysyery series. This second was brilliant. Well written and kept you guessing right till the end! Also what an ending! Will we find the truth in book 3? That's all I'll say! I of course highly recommend this small series!

[Annette O'grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book cannot wait for the next one

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it as much as the first one cannot wait for thr Christmas book

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow anouther fab book and anouther book that kept me guessing.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest adventure of Annie and the swimming club. This one includes romance and painting as the group try to solve another murder.

[Ray Bandtock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Empty Easel

I thought I'd worked it out. Then I was pulled dd away from that theory.
As it happened I was right all along, but for the wrong reasons.
Thoroughly good read.