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Detective Zoe Finch #5
Deadly Reprisal
When a young man is found dead at Birmingham University, the police initially think it's a drug overdose.
But when DI Zoe Finch learns that the victim was accused of raping a fellow student, she starts to suspect this might not be so straightforward.
Suspicion falls on the rape victim, but when she provides an alibi, Zoe's team. must look elsewhere.
And then another man dies in the same way...
Does someone want to teach these men a lesson? And if so, who?
Deadly Reprisal is the fifth instalment in the 'gripping' DI Zoe Finch crime series, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and Caroline Mitchell.
But when DI Zoe Finch learns that the victim was accused of raping a fellow student, she starts to suspect this might not be so straightforward.
Suspicion falls on the rape victim, but when she provides an alibi, Zoe's team. must look elsewhere.
And then another man dies in the same way...
Does someone want to teach these men a lesson? And if so, who?
Deadly Reprisal is the fifth instalment in the 'gripping' DI Zoe Finch crime series, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and Caroline Mitchell.
444 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2021
1174 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
104 books629 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 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 6, 2021
Running out of things to say about how good this series is. Gutted to find out the next one is the end of the series. I dont want to lose these characters!
December 6, 2022
Three and a half stars.
After the (literally) explosive events of the last book, this is a return to police procedural. When two college students enter another student's room, they are looking to catch them taking drugs or in bed with someone, they didn't expect to find him dead. At first it is thought to be a drug overdose, but the forensics suggest someone may have forced the victim to ingest the drugs. There are rumours that the victim was a recluse, a creep, and possibly a rapist. The college warden is being obstructive (in the nicest possible way), and DS Ian Osman's corruption trial is looming.
A good solid detective story, with some good misdirection to divert attention from the killer.
After the (literally) explosive events of the last book, this is a return to police procedural. When two college students enter another student's room, they are looking to catch them taking drugs or in bed with someone, they didn't expect to find him dead. At first it is thought to be a drug overdose, but the forensics suggest someone may have forced the victim to ingest the drugs. There are rumours that the victim was a recluse, a creep, and possibly a rapist. The college warden is being obstructive (in the nicest possible way), and DS Ian Osman's corruption trial is looming.
A good solid detective story, with some good misdirection to divert attention from the killer.
December 10, 2024
Enjoyed this one .
November 28, 2021
Once I realized that was a series of installments, I wanted to finish the series to find out the answers to all the questions I still had from reading the first four books. In this one a new crime is added: a murder in a college resident hall along with a number of alleged sexual assaults. The murderer had a unique method: using meth cut with other deadly substances rammed down the victim's throat. The sexual slavery/bombing investigation is still ongoing but Zoe and her team have been forbidden to be involved. These books are quite compelling and easy to read.
August 19, 2022
Another Good Read
When a male student is found dead in his room it is first thought he might have killed himself. No one liked him and he had been accused of raping another student. It seems he didn't attend lectures and rarely left his student accommodation. However, it soon becomes clear it was not suicide and DI Zoe Finch and her team need to find the killer quickly. There may have been no shortage of suspects, but the book still kept me guessing. I found it a real page turner and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
When a male student is found dead in his room it is first thought he might have killed himself. No one liked him and he had been accused of raping another student. It seems he didn't attend lectures and rarely left his student accommodation. However, it soon becomes clear it was not suicide and DI Zoe Finch and her team need to find the killer quickly. There may have been no shortage of suspects, but the book still kept me guessing. I found it a real page turner and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 3, 2024
Zoe Finch heads to the college campus for the death of a student. If what most of his peers say is true, he was a rapist and a predator. However, it wasn’t a drug overdose as first believed. Turns out the drugs were forced down his throat with enough pressure to damage his esophagus. Good mystery.
March 30, 2025
DI Zoe Finch and her team, DS Mohammed (Mo) Uddin, DC Connie Williams, DC Rhodri Hughes, lead by DCI Lesley Clarke are back solving murders. As well as a continuation of the "organised crime terrorist" attack investigation in book 4 Deadly Terror.
Two students lost their lives at the University of Birmingham, sparking the investigation. What first appeared to be a drug overdose soon unfolds into a story filled with themes of revenge, sexual assault, and challenges within the medical school. The tale begins when Laurence Thomms is discovered in his dorm room at Boulton Hall. Initially believed to have overdosed, investigation reveals a more sinister truth: someone had forced methamphetamine down his throat. Just a few days later, another student, Jenson Begg—a postgraduate and residential tutor—is found under similar circumstances.
Zoe, continues the ongoing story of the series, looking into potential police corruption. Her former sergeant, Ian Osman, and Detective Superintendent David Randle are the ones involved currently. During her investigation, she stumbles upon a photo linking Randle to Alina Popescu, the bomber from a previous terrorist incident (from Book 4). This intriguing discovery complicates Zoe's investigation into corruption and raises some serious questions about possible high-level involvement in crime.
Two students lost their lives at the University of Birmingham, sparking the investigation. What first appeared to be a drug overdose soon unfolds into a story filled with themes of revenge, sexual assault, and challenges within the medical school. The tale begins when Laurence Thomms is discovered in his dorm room at Boulton Hall. Initially believed to have overdosed, investigation reveals a more sinister truth: someone had forced methamphetamine down his throat. Just a few days later, another student, Jenson Begg—a postgraduate and residential tutor—is found under similar circumstances.
Zoe, continues the ongoing story of the series, looking into potential police corruption. Her former sergeant, Ian Osman, and Detective Superintendent David Randle are the ones involved currently. During her investigation, she stumbles upon a photo linking Randle to Alina Popescu, the bomber from a previous terrorist incident (from Book 4). This intriguing discovery complicates Zoe's investigation into corruption and raises some serious questions about possible high-level involvement in crime.
December 4, 2022
What’s again a gripping read from brilliant Rachel McLean. I just totally love the Zoe Finch series. Great storylines and wonderful characters.
A student is found dead in his room it may be that he has taken a drugs overdose but this is soon ruled out. Rumour has it that he has been a bad lad and that he may have raped other students so who had it in for him? While they are trying to get to the bottom of this murder someone else is killed in similar fashion, so what is the connection or is there something more sinister going on in the mind of this killer.
Part of the story line also follows on from book 4 in this series, to be continued in book 6.
It is a race against time for Zoe and her team to on mask the killer before someone else is found dead.
I highly recommend this series but also suggest that you do start at the very beginning as there is an underlying plot that runs throughout involving corruption.
A student is found dead in his room it may be that he has taken a drugs overdose but this is soon ruled out. Rumour has it that he has been a bad lad and that he may have raped other students so who had it in for him? While they are trying to get to the bottom of this murder someone else is killed in similar fashion, so what is the connection or is there something more sinister going on in the mind of this killer.
Part of the story line also follows on from book 4 in this series, to be continued in book 6.
It is a race against time for Zoe and her team to on mask the killer before someone else is found dead.
I highly recommend this series but also suggest that you do start at the very beginning as there is an underlying plot that runs throughout involving corruption.
April 25, 2022
After book 4 set around a terror attack, this novel feels much slower paced, more of a traditional whodunnit.
A student is found dead in a Birmingham University residence. Turns out he had attacked a young woman, and possibly more than one. So revenge is the obvious place for DI Finch and her team to start. But there are several suspects - and then a second murder is connected.
While trying to figure out this most recent case, the aftermath of the previous series of arrests remains in the background. And then there's Zoe's ongoing suspicion of the Chief Super that sits as background to the whole series. Just who can she trust within the upper echelons of the force?
Deadly Reprisal is a decent standalone novel, but doesn't really move the recurring storyline along.
A student is found dead in a Birmingham University residence. Turns out he had attacked a young woman, and possibly more than one. So revenge is the obvious place for DI Finch and her team to start. But there are several suspects - and then a second murder is connected.
While trying to figure out this most recent case, the aftermath of the previous series of arrests remains in the background. And then there's Zoe's ongoing suspicion of the Chief Super that sits as background to the whole series. Just who can she trust within the upper echelons of the force?
Deadly Reprisal is a decent standalone novel, but doesn't really move the recurring storyline along.
May 27, 2025
A Slow Start…
And I felt the writing at the beginning was rather bland for this author. But naturally, as usual, I got hooked on the plot and could not stop reading. I wasn’t quite as interested in a student murder on campus as a plot device though I did agree with the thought that parents send their kids off trusting they will be safe. From my own university days, there was so much new freedom and lack of caring supervision that many got into all kinds of mischief and trouble. Anything could have happened. I don’t know why Zoe is always digging her nails into her palms or clenching her fists. That has become rather stupid and boring. I love the team and their amazing personal rapport. Long may it continue.
And I felt the writing at the beginning was rather bland for this author. But naturally, as usual, I got hooked on the plot and could not stop reading. I wasn’t quite as interested in a student murder on campus as a plot device though I did agree with the thought that parents send their kids off trusting they will be safe. From my own university days, there was so much new freedom and lack of caring supervision that many got into all kinds of mischief and trouble. Anything could have happened. I don’t know why Zoe is always digging her nails into her palms or clenching her fists. That has become rather stupid and boring. I love the team and their amazing personal rapport. Long may it continue.
September 14, 2025
Only read this to complete a series that has lost its focus. Each Zoe Finch novel reveals a little more about the ongoing investigation into corrupt police officers alongside a separate murder case. The result is an overlong, meandering plot that requires the reader to have read the previous books in the series to make sense of it. I found the other investigation into a spate of murders at a university dull. The students and university staff were consistently uncooperative resulting in a seemingly endless series of interviews that didn’t do much to move the plot forward and a corresponding lack of dramatic tension. Glad this is my last Zoe Finch novel and I am not inclined to read anything else by Rachel McLean.
July 31, 2021
Great Read
Another great read following Zoe and her investigation team. This time they have a double murder at the local university to investigate, but with students and the faculty lying and hindering them at every turn, will they be able to unmask the culprit and bring them to justice before they kill again?
At the same time, there is still the investigation into the bombings and human trafficking from the previous books. Zoe is officially removed from the case but still does some digging and gets a little closer to unveiling the depth of police corruption and their links to organised crime.
Another great read following Zoe and her investigation team. This time they have a double murder at the local university to investigate, but with students and the faculty lying and hindering them at every turn, will they be able to unmask the culprit and bring them to justice before they kill again?
At the same time, there is still the investigation into the bombings and human trafficking from the previous books. Zoe is officially removed from the case but still does some digging and gets a little closer to unveiling the depth of police corruption and their links to organised crime.
November 8, 2021
Steady as she goes!
Book 5 of the Detective Zoe Finch series is a steady addition to the series. The story is set around suspicious deaths in and associated with student Halls of Residence. Solving the deaths is reasonably routine, I feel a little slow and boring.
There are several subplots, which is to be expected from Rachel McLean, one developing the ' bent coppers' storyline and also another setting up the DCI Clarke Dorset series.
A pedestrian read really.
Only 3-star at best!
Book 5 of the Detective Zoe Finch series is a steady addition to the series. The story is set around suspicious deaths in and associated with student Halls of Residence. Solving the deaths is reasonably routine, I feel a little slow and boring.
There are several subplots, which is to be expected from Rachel McLean, one developing the ' bent coppers' storyline and also another setting up the DCI Clarke Dorset series.
A pedestrian read really.
Only 3-star at best!
November 25, 2023
Although disturbing, this British detective story was very well done. It's good to see familiar characters develop and the relationships between them. Some, of course, I don't like but they suit the story and fit in with the others.
This time, a body is found in a college...the mystery and hunt begins.
Well-written and fast-paced, I enjoyed the unravelling of the clues. The other long case about trafficking and corruption is still ongoing.
Themes such as rape, murder, betrayal and more intertwined, all of which made for a great read.
Recommended.
This time, a body is found in a college...the mystery and hunt begins.
Well-written and fast-paced, I enjoyed the unravelling of the clues. The other long case about trafficking and corruption is still ongoing.
Themes such as rape, murder, betrayal and more intertwined, all of which made for a great read.
Recommended.
December 17, 2021
Best one yet!
This had me not wanting to move from my chair so I could just keep reading ! The plot was exceptional and there were lots of those twists and turns to get lost and confused in. I do have to admit that I guessed who the culprit was fairly early on. At first I knew it was between 2 people, then I figured out who done it! But that didn't detract from the storyline what so ever. Now I just hope this on going storyline gets wrapped up in the next/last book!
This had me not wanting to move from my chair so I could just keep reading ! The plot was exceptional and there were lots of those twists and turns to get lost and confused in. I do have to admit that I guessed who the culprit was fairly early on. At first I knew it was between 2 people, then I figured out who done it! But that didn't detract from the storyline what so ever. Now I just hope this on going storyline gets wrapped up in the next/last book!
June 30, 2024
Deadly Reprisal
I had my suspicions on the guilty party from the word go,but changed my my d once or twice. Only to change it back again half way through. Things just seemed to fit for this person to have been the murderer. A brilliant book, even though Lesley ends up in hospital again. I think things are going to change at Force DID and not necessarily for the better! Let's find out.
I had my suspicions on the guilty party from the word go,but changed my my d once or twice. Only to change it back again half way through. Things just seemed to fit for this person to have been the murderer. A brilliant book, even though Lesley ends up in hospital again. I think things are going to change at Force DID and not necessarily for the better! Let's find out.
November 30, 2021
Back To Her Best
Having been a little disappointed by book 4 of this series, I thought I would jump stray into book 5 and I am very glad I did. A much less muddled storyline and no implausibilities made this a much better read. A one-off storyline embedded in the ongoing saga, this book sets up a climax to the series and the next series. Brilliant!
Having been a little disappointed by book 4 of this series, I thought I would jump stray into book 5 and I am very glad I did. A much less muddled storyline and no implausibilities made this a much better read. A one-off storyline embedded in the ongoing saga, this book sets up a climax to the series and the next series. Brilliant!
July 20, 2022
Another good story with Zoe trying to be in charge
This story focusing on a bunch of mainly stroppy students is in the style of an updated country house murder, with a small selection of suspects. The perp was clear fairly early on but the team seemed to take so long to get there.
The Magpie case rattles on in the background. I do hope the next book reveals all!
This story focusing on a bunch of mainly stroppy students is in the style of an updated country house murder, with a small selection of suspects. The perp was clear fairly early on but the team seemed to take so long to get there.
The Magpie case rattles on in the background. I do hope the next book reveals all!
October 24, 2022
Good One
I had the wrong person pegged as the murderer. I was close, but not close enough.
I enjoyed the progression of the story line. Enough main characters but not too many. Some characters are being fleshed out a bit more, Connie for instance and Rhodri . Don’t want to spoil the book, so I will stop here.
I had the wrong person pegged as the murderer. I was close, but not close enough.
I enjoyed the progression of the story line. Enough main characters but not too many. Some characters are being fleshed out a bit more, Connie for instance and Rhodri . Don’t want to spoil the book, so I will stop here.
November 10, 2022
Another great instalment in a very enjoyable series.
Zoe is dealing with the death of an unlikeable student on campus and an alleged rape allegation which was investigated by the University. They are not helpful with the police investigation.
This is at the same time Zoe’s son is applying for universities.
Zoe is dealing with the death of an unlikeable student on campus and an alleged rape allegation which was investigated by the University. They are not helpful with the police investigation.
This is at the same time Zoe’s son is applying for universities.
November 12, 2022
Deadly Reprisal book 5
Loving this series of books. Another great page turner the stories just keep on coming holding your interest especially with the short chapters. Zoe and her team duck and dive through the suspects and evidence plus it follows the previous case is still running. On to book 6 xx
Loving this series of books. Another great page turner the stories just keep on coming holding your interest especially with the short chapters. Zoe and her team duck and dive through the suspects and evidence plus it follows the previous case is still running. On to book 6 xx
April 17, 2023
This is the 5th in this series. Set in the university campus 2 students are found dead having been force fed drugs. When a link is discovered it helps Zoe and her team bring the perpetrator to justice. The perpetrator is not an obvious one until the end of the book when all is revealed.
RECOMMENDED.
RECOMMENDED.
February 20, 2021
Zoe Finch is back!
When a student at the university is found dead by 2 other students Zoe Finch and her team are sent to see if they can get to the bottom of what happened.
A gripping book that we also learnt more about the bombing in book 4.
A great read
A great series
When a student at the university is found dead by 2 other students Zoe Finch and her team are sent to see if they can get to the bottom of what happened.
A gripping book that we also learnt more about the bombing in book 4.
A great read
A great series
May 3, 2021
Another fantastic book! DI Dawson is frustrating though! Zoe is such a likeable detective! So sad book 6 is going to be the end but I look forward to the new series with DCI Clarke! Highly recommend this series.
August 3, 2021
The twists and turns of the plot were really nailbiting and I liked how the team character development also spurred on the story. The corruption subplot is really starting to come to a head too. A hugely enjoyable and exciting read.
April 9, 2022
Engrossing series
This another engrossing series, love the characters and the ongoing plot of police corruption. The plot of this is clever but is secondary to the characters. It is best to read this series in order.
This another engrossing series, love the characters and the ongoing plot of police corruption. The plot of this is clever but is secondary to the characters. It is best to read this series in order.
April 26, 2023
Good storyline
I found this less traumatising than the previous two although still dealing with a sensitive and very real problem. I like the way the previous storyline still runs along side it.
I found this less traumatising than the previous two although still dealing with a sensitive and very real problem. I like the way the previous storyline still runs along side it.
December 12, 2023
my new obsession
I found this series looking for books based in Brum. Location doesn’t really matter though- this is a series with strong characters, realistic plots- you will want to read them all- like me
I found this series looking for books based in Brum. Location doesn’t really matter though- this is a series with strong characters, realistic plots- you will want to read them all- like me
December 14, 2023
deadly reprisal
DI Zoe Finch series by Rachel McLean book 5 was excellent. Great storyline and believable characters with a strong female lead. Good build up of tension that keeps your attention from start to finish. Would definitely recommend this series.
DI Zoe Finch series by Rachel McLean book 5 was excellent. Great storyline and believable characters with a strong female lead. Good build up of tension that keeps your attention from start to finish. Would definitely recommend this series.
January 7, 2026
Another great book in the zoe finch series. A couple of continuity errors I picked up including accents (audible). Looking forward to book 6 and seeing what will happen with the investigation into staff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews