Veil of Secrets: A Paris Crime Thriller

by Rachal McLean

Petra McBride is at a crossroads.

Her work with Police Scotland’s Complex Crimes Unit has come to an end, she’s been forced to abandon her academic career, and she’s homeless.

It looks like she has no options.

But then she gets a call from Interpol agent Susannah Roscoe, who needs a forensic psychologist to help crack a perplexing case at the Louvre in Paris.

Petra is just the woman. Filled with a new sense of purpose, she travels to Paris and starts to unravel the clues.

But as the killer continues to target new victims and Paris police are stumped, can Petra and Susannah crack the case before more people die? Or will they become victims themselves?

Veil of Secrets is a fast-paced crime thriller full of twists and intrigue, perfect for fans of Killing Eve and Mark Dawson’s Beatrix and Isabella books.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2026

Reviews

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable crime drama set in Paris where Petra is asked to analyse murders. She is at a crossroads with regard to her work, home and personal life, so focusing on this case is what she needs.

Petra is a fascinating character that prefers to travel light with no ties. She's very good at her job but some individuals lack foresight.

Well-written with a twisty mystery, entertaining and engaging.

[V S Ronis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reqlly enjoyed this book kept me engaged throughout

Loved this most recent RachelMcLean book. Kept me engaged throughout and loved the links to historical locations in Paris. Needed some translation from French to English in places. The characters were good, felt this was better than the last Rachel McClean book. Looking forward to more like this.

[sheila strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tres Bien

Excellent start to Petra’s European wandering, I just could not put it down but there you go, have to eat sometime, which was something Petra didn’t get round to very much. Can’t wait till December for Book 2. Well done 👏👏👏Rachael

[Angela Easton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Plot moved quickly and has a few good twists in it. Good characterisation of main characters and interesting concept. Great way to spend time and kept me awake and interested even when it was very hot.

[John Pattison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was optimistic that this was going to be a good read with what appeared to be a very good story line developing however; after getting through maybe 10%, it became somewhat tiring reading about lesbians. Sorry, just not to my taste.

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent beginning to what I'm sure will be a superb series.

[M R B Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing

Petra goes to Paris and solved the situation regarding a serial killer. A relationship glimmers with Susannah but doesn't blossom.. She is off to another city.

[Rev Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good plot and exciting story- spoilt by the emphasis on lesbianism