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Dorset Crime #13
The Gold Hill Murders
DCI Lesley Clarke’s team is still reeling from the fallout of the Mudeford Spit case and the loss of a much-loved colleague.
But there’s no time to adjust. On the very day that they’re commemorating their friend, a new case comes in – a homeless man found dead at Shaftesbury’s iconic Gold Hill.
At first glance, the case looks a drug addict, a tragic accident involving the flame he used to cook his next fix. But fire investigators are convinced this wasn’t an accidental death.
Was the man really the nobody he appeared to be, or something more? And who could have staged such an elaborate attempt to fool investigators?
Set against a backdrop of grief, tension between two key investigators and a blossoming romance for the newest member of the team, The Gold Hill Murders continues the million-selling Dorset Crime series with even more intrigue and drama.
But there’s no time to adjust. On the very day that they’re commemorating their friend, a new case comes in – a homeless man found dead at Shaftesbury’s iconic Gold Hill.
At first glance, the case looks a drug addict, a tragic accident involving the flame he used to cook his next fix. But fire investigators are convinced this wasn’t an accidental death.
Was the man really the nobody he appeared to be, or something more? And who could have staged such an elaborate attempt to fool investigators?
Set against a backdrop of grief, tension between two key investigators and a blossoming romance for the newest member of the team, The Gold Hill Murders continues the million-selling Dorset Crime series with even more intrigue and drama.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2026
About the author
Rachel McLean
125 books686 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 30, 2026
It’s like putting on a pair of comfy slippers, sitting in your favourite chair, feet up with a decent coffee … when you read a Rachel McLean book. This was the next in the Dorset Crime series and it did not disappoint. Further character development was good and I am already anticipating the next book.
Thoroughly enjoyed and a bit sad it’s over.
Thoroughly enjoyed and a bit sad it’s over.
August 2, 2026
Always enjoy this author's work.
August 5, 2026
All of Rachel McLean’s books, either on her own or in collaboration with other writers are good and this one is no exception.
I have followed DI Zoe Finch through three different series of books and the other main character, DCI Lesley Clarke, what a ride they have been on.
I don’t include spoilers, in the Gold Hill Murder you meet up with Zoe and Lesley at a memorial for a fallen colleague (from the last book). They are quickly thrown into a new case, the victim, partially burned local drug user, is found in an isolated field. The twists and turns this case takes keeps you hooked on the story. In the meantime ongoing threads are revisited and another DI in the team finds herself in difficulties.
Don’t want to spoil it for any readers, so the rest is up to you, if you haven’t yet read any Rachel McLean, I recommend you read her books in order.
I have followed DI Zoe Finch through three different series of books and the other main character, DCI Lesley Clarke, what a ride they have been on.
I don’t include spoilers, in the Gold Hill Murder you meet up with Zoe and Lesley at a memorial for a fallen colleague (from the last book). They are quickly thrown into a new case, the victim, partially burned local drug user, is found in an isolated field. The twists and turns this case takes keeps you hooked on the story. In the meantime ongoing threads are revisited and another DI in the team finds herself in difficulties.
Don’t want to spoil it for any readers, so the rest is up to you, if you haven’t yet read any Rachel McLean, I recommend you read her books in order.
July 30, 2026
Strong characters
My review is not just about this book, it's about the whole series, they are very good as stand alone books but as a series they are brilliant. The continuity with the characters, the individual story lines. I can't say anything negative about them, the characters are so strong, so different from each other but they gell perfectly together and I feel they have become my friends. They each have their own quirks and problems but that just makes them feel human. The locations are expertly described making the reader feel they are there. Eagerly waiting for the next installment to see how they all progress.
My review is not just about this book, it's about the whole series, they are very good as stand alone books but as a series they are brilliant. The continuity with the characters, the individual story lines. I can't say anything negative about them, the characters are so strong, so different from each other but they gell perfectly together and I feel they have become my friends. They each have their own quirks and problems but that just makes them feel human. The locations are expertly described making the reader feel they are there. Eagerly waiting for the next installment to see how they all progress.
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved The Gold Hill Murders. This is book 13 in the Dorset Crime series, and Rachel McLean keeps getting better. DCI Lesley Clarke’s team are dealing with a huge loss, and then a homeless man is found dead on Gold Hill. What starts as a tragic accident quickly unravels into a clever, layered investigation.
The Dorset setting is perfect, the pacing is spot on, and I was genuinely surprised by the reveal. Plus there’s warmth and heart in how McLean writes the team dynamics and even a bit of romance. A must-read for crime fans.
The Dorset setting is perfect, the pacing is spot on, and I was genuinely surprised by the reveal. Plus there’s warmth and heart in how McLean writes the team dynamics and even a bit of romance. A must-read for crime fans.
July 26, 2026
I read this book in one day. I couldn’t go to sleep until I had read to the last page. The characters continue to grow and there are always surprises in the narrative that catch you out- I didn’t see that coming reaction. It has left me knowing I will read the next one in the series as soon as it comes out. Sad when a book is finished just because I am leaving behind the characters I have come to know and empathise with. Enjoy reading it. Even if you have never read any before in this series as they re stand alone books as well as developing characters and their relationships further.
August 1, 2026
Another great read
Well this is a great series and to be honest I can't get enough of it.
Intriguing, edge of your seat lots going ok but so well written that it's all relevant relating to the series this story and well it just continues to capture my attention. No new team this time but new characters connected to the case obviously.
Really recommend this and all the others in the series love that Zoe is part of the team Tina back and climbing be nice to see more of Leslie but the nature of her role is right for the tale.
Well this is a great series and to be honest I can't get enough of it.
Intriguing, edge of your seat lots going ok but so well written that it's all relevant relating to the series this story and well it just continues to capture my attention. No new team this time but new characters connected to the case obviously.
Really recommend this and all the others in the series love that Zoe is part of the team Tina back and climbing be nice to see more of Leslie but the nature of her role is right for the tale.
August 2, 2026
I enjoyed seeing familiar characters investigating another crime, this time, a body is found partially burned...suspicious or self-inflicted?
All the characters suited the plot, each with distinct personalities, strengths and weaknesses. I particularly like Zoe and how she treats others with respect.
Well-written, entertaining, engaging and believable.
All the characters suited the plot, each with distinct personalities, strengths and weaknesses. I particularly like Zoe and how she treats others with respect.
Well-written, entertaining, engaging and believable.
July 27, 2026
Rachel McLean is in a league of her own!
Superb series with each book getting better and better! The characters are so realistic that you are invested in their lives both at work and home! Keep it up!
Superb series with each book getting better and better! The characters are so realistic that you are invested in their lives both at work and home! Keep it up!
August 2, 2026
Oh no, I’ve got to wait until March 2027 for the next novel in the series. As I’ve said before it’s not classic literature, it’s a quick and easy read, however I’m enjoying the relationships and plots that Rachel creates throughout the series.
August 8, 2026
The women are taking over!
I do enjoy these books by Rachel McLean but feel there are too many women in positions of authority. The men seem to play minor role or are the 'baddies'.
I know this is an age of equality but I feel Rachel goes too far.
I do enjoy these books by Rachel McLean but feel there are too many women in positions of authority. The men seem to play minor role or are the 'baddies'.
I know this is an age of equality but I feel Rachel goes too far.
July 26, 2026
Really loved this one .
July 26, 2026
great read
Raced through this good story Iine as always wished the next one was ready for reading these stories really make you feel like you know the characters so well
Raced through this good story Iine as always wished the next one was ready for reading these stories really make you feel like you know the characters so well
July 30, 2026
Great read
Really enjoyed this book couldn’t put it down, can’t wait for the next one. This has been a great series, thankyou
Really enjoyed this book couldn’t put it down, can’t wait for the next one. This has been a great series, thankyou
July 31, 2026
Great read
Another cracking read only one thing I worked out about Jack Bering part of something off half way through the book
Another cracking read only one thing I worked out about Jack Bering part of something off half way through the book
July 31, 2026
Good read
Story's get better every time and the location is part of the story as well as the caricatures in it
Story's get better every time and the location is part of the story as well as the caricatures in it
August 2, 2026
Another good Dorset series book. It’s nice to know Zoe is back working for Lesley again. I wonder if Mo will come to Dorset in future books
August 2, 2026
Another brilliant read
Great book as always. Just another book in a brilliant series. Couldn't put it down just like all the rest.
Great book as always. Just another book in a brilliant series. Couldn't put it down just like all the rest.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews