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Detective Zoe Finch #1-3
Detective Zoe Finch Books 1-3
Meet Zoe Finch, West MIdlands Police's newest Detective Inspector. She's outspoken, ambitious, and damaged. And she's working a case that could make her career, or cost her everything...
Fresh from the success of the Canary investigation into depravity and corruption at the highest levels, Zoe has attracted attention. Not least from Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson.
But when Jackson is brutally murdered on the night of his retirement party, Zoe is dragged into a case that's deeply personal.
All the evidence points to the victim's downtrodden wife, who has secrets of her own.
But Zoe begins to suspect all isn't as it seems. Could Jackson's death be linked to the Canary case? And what is her new boss, DCI David Randle, hiding?
Seeking out the truth will force Zoe to confront her own past and put her career, and her team's lives, on the line.
Read Zoe Finch's first three cases: Deadly Wishes, Deadly Choices and Deadly Desires. A gritty crime series perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Caroline Mitchell, and the BBC's Line of Duty.
Fresh from the success of the Canary investigation into depravity and corruption at the highest levels, Zoe has attracted attention. Not least from Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson.
But when Jackson is brutally murdered on the night of his retirement party, Zoe is dragged into a case that's deeply personal.
All the evidence points to the victim's downtrodden wife, who has secrets of her own.
But Zoe begins to suspect all isn't as it seems. Could Jackson's death be linked to the Canary case? And what is her new boss, DCI David Randle, hiding?
Seeking out the truth will force Zoe to confront her own past and put her career, and her team's lives, on the line.
Read Zoe Finch's first three cases: Deadly Wishes, Deadly Choices and Deadly Desires. A gritty crime series perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Caroline Mitchell, and the BBC's Line of Duty.
1159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2020
216 people are currently reading
32 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 12, 2023
I agree with a lot of what is said here e.g. the books are well written.
One star because of the lengthy and unpleasant anatomical descriptions of injuries to the victims which I found unnecessary and even unsettling.
This obsession with gore distracted a great deal from the plotlines themselves. Not the first modern author to obsess like this of course. "Gone With The Wind" was never like this!
One star because of the lengthy and unpleasant anatomical descriptions of injuries to the victims which I found unnecessary and even unsettling.
This obsession with gore distracted a great deal from the plotlines themselves. Not the first modern author to obsess like this of course. "Gone With The Wind" was never like this!
Read
August 8, 2022Meet Zoe Finch, West MIdlands Police's newest Detective Inspector. She's outspoken, ambitious, and damaged. And she's working a case that could make her career, or cost her everything...
Fresh from the success of the Canary investigation into depravity and corruption at the highest levels, Zoe has attracted attention. Not least from Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson.
But when Jackson is brutally murdered on the night of his retirement party, Zoe is dragged into a case that's deeply personal.
All the evidence points to the victim's downtrodden wife, who has secrets of her own.
But Zoe begins to suspect all isn't as it seems. Could Jackson's death be linked to the Canary case? And what is her new boss, DCI David Randle, hiding?
Seeking out the truth will force Zoe to confront her own past and put her career, and her team's lives, on the line.
Very Good.
Read Zoe Finch's first three cases: Deadly Wishes, Deadly Choices and Deadly Desires. A gritty crime series perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Caroline Mitchell, and the BBC's Line of Duty. (less)
Fresh from the success of the Canary investigation into depravity and corruption at the highest levels, Zoe has attracted attention. Not least from Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson.
But when Jackson is brutally murdered on the night of his retirement party, Zoe is dragged into a case that's deeply personal.
All the evidence points to the victim's downtrodden wife, who has secrets of her own.
But Zoe begins to suspect all isn't as it seems. Could Jackson's death be linked to the Canary case? And what is her new boss, DCI David Randle, hiding?
Seeking out the truth will force Zoe to confront her own past and put her career, and her team's lives, on the line.
Very Good.
Read Zoe Finch's first three cases: Deadly Wishes, Deadly Choices and Deadly Desires. A gritty crime series perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Caroline Mitchell, and the BBC's Line of Duty. (less)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2023
Deadly Wishes, Deadly Choices and Deadly Desires...books 1-3 in a boxed set of the Zoe Finch mystery series. I had already read the Dorset Crime series with Leslie Clarke, who in the earlier series is Zoe Finch's supervising officer.
Although I think the author's writing improved from the first to the second series, I am loving the Zoe Finch books too and have no hesitation in giving #1-3 all 5* ratings. Each story can be read alone, but binging the series has been great. The mysteries are wonderful, characters well thought out, and the solutions satisfying. Now I'm moving to the netted box set #4-6 to keep me absorbed in Zoe's life and work for a bit longer!
Although I think the author's writing improved from the first to the second series, I am loving the Zoe Finch books too and have no hesitation in giving #1-3 all 5* ratings. Each story can be read alone, but binging the series has been great. The mysteries are wonderful, characters well thought out, and the solutions satisfying. Now I'm moving to the netted box set #4-6 to keep me absorbed in Zoe's life and work for a bit longer!
October 15, 2021
This is the first books I have read by Rachel McLean and what a find really gritty and fast paced story lines with very likeable characters and I love the characters personal lives entwined into the story.
I was hooked within the first chapter as it starts with the crime being committed and then an introduction to all the main characters with a couple of baddies within the high ranked officers.
I read all three books now to start with final 3 books…can’t wait
I was hooked within the first chapter as it starts with the crime being committed and then an introduction to all the main characters with a couple of baddies within the high ranked officers.
I read all three books now to start with final 3 books…can’t wait
December 3, 2022
Loving this series
Zoe the lead is such a great character, I am loving this series. I started off with the Detective Leslie series so struggled a little as these predate those in storyline, also as Leslie seems a completely different character in this series to the likeable character in her own, which I find odd but hope may resolve somehow in coming books. Getting past that though the books are great with great characters and plot lines. I can’t wait to get onto books 4-6.
Zoe the lead is such a great character, I am loving this series. I started off with the Detective Leslie series so struggled a little as these predate those in storyline, also as Leslie seems a completely different character in this series to the likeable character in her own, which I find odd but hope may resolve somehow in coming books. Getting past that though the books are great with great characters and plot lines. I can’t wait to get onto books 4-6.
September 14, 2022
Zoe Finch books 1 to 3
Three books read in a week of pure enjoyment. Tackling challenging subjects such as gay relationships and providing a balanced view together with clever plot twists. Looking forward to reading the other books in the Zoe Finch series along with other books from Rachel McLean.
Three books read in a week of pure enjoyment. Tackling challenging subjects such as gay relationships and providing a balanced view together with clever plot twists. Looking forward to reading the other books in the Zoe Finch series along with other books from Rachel McLean.
December 30, 2021
Ok but some passages confusing in book 3
In final chapters sons phone taken by boyfriend so cannot ring his mother but then using it in cafe with Connie checking information online
In final chapters sons phone taken by boyfriend so cannot ring his mother but then using it in cafe with Connie checking information online
December 1, 2022
Fabulous read
Highly recommend these book. Great and original story lines, faced paced and well written. The characters are portrayed as human - flaws and all - some loveable and some not so. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Highly recommend these book. Great and original story lines, faced paced and well written. The characters are portrayed as human - flaws and all - some loveable and some not so. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 6, 2021
Good read
I'm enjoying the Zoe Finch series, just finished 3, moving swiftly into no.4. Try them, I'm sure you will enjoy these well constructed tales
I'm enjoying the Zoe Finch series, just finished 3, moving swiftly into no.4. Try them, I'm sure you will enjoy these well constructed tales
May 5, 2021
Enjoyed this series. Great characters and plots
January 9, 2022
Brilliant
So very hard to put down. All brilliantly written and had you guessing until the very end. Can't wait to read the next one.
So very hard to put down. All brilliantly written and had you guessing until the very end. Can't wait to read the next one.
May 26, 2022
Brilliant
A thoroughly good read with no spelling errors well crafted with a contemporaneous story line weaver through looking forward to reading more
A thoroughly good read with no spelling errors well crafted with a contemporaneous story line weaver through looking forward to reading more
July 25, 2022
Great read
Title caught my eye not my usual topic to read but found it to my surprise a really well written book as I normally don't read fiction excellent book now on to book 2 .
Title caught my eye not my usual topic to read but found it to my surprise a really well written book as I normally don't read fiction excellent book now on to book 2 .
June 12, 2023
great series
The books are Fast paced with good plot twists and interesting characters.
I look forward to more of Zoe Finch books.
The books are Fast paced with good plot twists and interesting characters.
I look forward to more of Zoe Finch books.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews