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McBride & Tanner #2
Death and Poetry
Birnam Wood shall come to Dunsinane...
DI Jade Tanner's new Complex Crimes Unit is finding its feet. DS Mo Uddin is settling into his new Scottish home, Dr Petra McBride has stopped receiving anonymous calls, and Jade is working to support her son over the loss of his dad.
But then a mysterious crime is added to their workload. The body of a young man is discovered at the top of Dunsinane Hill, with soil from Birnam Wood in his pockets.
The two sites are sixteen miles apart, so this is no fluke. Petra and Jade immediately spot the Macbeth reference. And when another body is found at a second location linked to the play, they worry there could be more killings.
Can the team solve the puzzle and work out where the killer will strike next, or will it be too late?
Death and Poetry is the second gripping instalment in the McBride and Tanner series. Perfect for fans of Alex Gray, Val McDermid and JD Kirk.
DI Jade Tanner's new Complex Crimes Unit is finding its feet. DS Mo Uddin is settling into his new Scottish home, Dr Petra McBride has stopped receiving anonymous calls, and Jade is working to support her son over the loss of his dad.
But then a mysterious crime is added to their workload. The body of a young man is discovered at the top of Dunsinane Hill, with soil from Birnam Wood in his pockets.
The two sites are sixteen miles apart, so this is no fluke. Petra and Jade immediately spot the Macbeth reference. And when another body is found at a second location linked to the play, they worry there could be more killings.
Can the team solve the puzzle and work out where the killer will strike next, or will it be too late?
Death and Poetry is the second gripping instalment in the McBride and Tanner series. Perfect for fans of Alex Gray, Val McDermid and JD Kirk.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2023
701 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
108 books615 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 54 reviews
June 8, 2023
I adore everything written by Rachel McLean including the crime locations and how the various series intertwine. This book in the McBride & Tanner series involves many locations in Scotland bringing back memories of my various visits there (without the murders I should add!).
DI Jade Tanner has been warned by her boss that her Complex Crimes Unit based in Glasgow may be disbanded, but he has assigned her to a case he believes her consultants, including Dr. Petra McBride, may be helpful (and may save the Unit). A major issue, however, is that multiple jurisdictions become involved based on the various locations found in Macbeth where murders occurred and the connection to the Macbeth Society participants. Jade is not the chief investigative officer and therefore has to deal with chief investigators from other police units that are suspicious of her involvement and not eager to allow her team access to crime scenes or information. The connections to academia, theater and Macbeth are ingenious. At the end there is a race to protect another potential victim with Jade's investigative skills combined with Petra's knowledge and connections teasing out the solution. It seems clear now that the Complex Cases Unit will continue and bring readers more wonderful mysteries to savor.
I also enjoyed getting to know more of the personal lives of the Unit, Petra's romantic entanglements, Mo Uddin's family's move from Birmingham to Scotland, and Jade's single parenting difficulties. These are relatable characters with believable back stories who are dedicated to bringing justice to victims and their families.
Just a side note I was told by Ian Rankin, another wonderful Scottish mystery writer, that my first name means "witch"* in Scottish Gaelic and that Sir Walter Scott's poem about the Three Carlins represented Shakespeare's three witches in Macbeth! Quite the personal connection!
*witch plus healer, sage, and wise woman!
DI Jade Tanner has been warned by her boss that her Complex Crimes Unit based in Glasgow may be disbanded, but he has assigned her to a case he believes her consultants, including Dr. Petra McBride, may be helpful (and may save the Unit). A major issue, however, is that multiple jurisdictions become involved based on the various locations found in Macbeth where murders occurred and the connection to the Macbeth Society participants. Jade is not the chief investigative officer and therefore has to deal with chief investigators from other police units that are suspicious of her involvement and not eager to allow her team access to crime scenes or information. The connections to academia, theater and Macbeth are ingenious. At the end there is a race to protect another potential victim with Jade's investigative skills combined with Petra's knowledge and connections teasing out the solution. It seems clear now that the Complex Cases Unit will continue and bring readers more wonderful mysteries to savor.
I also enjoyed getting to know more of the personal lives of the Unit, Petra's romantic entanglements, Mo Uddin's family's move from Birmingham to Scotland, and Jade's single parenting difficulties. These are relatable characters with believable back stories who are dedicated to bringing justice to victims and their families.
Just a side note I was told by Ian Rankin, another wonderful Scottish mystery writer, that my first name means "witch"* in Scottish Gaelic and that Sir Walter Scott's poem about the Three Carlins represented Shakespeare's three witches in Macbeth! Quite the personal connection!
*witch plus healer, sage, and wise woman!
August 3, 2023
I felt as jaded as the main protagonist (Jade ) by the end
I very much enjoy R McLeans other books. But the main protagonist in this book spent her time travelling between one major city in Scotland (complaining about being tired and without an interesting idea to share) and another. I felt as jaded as her (aptly named Jade ) by the middle of the book and I really couldn’t work out why she was an Inspector. The forensic psychologist seemed rather foolish for an expert on human psychology . The author herself is perhaps like her protagonist overstretched and should concentrate on quality not quantity of output.?
I very much enjoy R McLeans other books. But the main protagonist in this book spent her time travelling between one major city in Scotland (complaining about being tired and without an interesting idea to share) and another. I felt as jaded as her (aptly named Jade ) by the middle of the book and I really couldn’t work out why she was an Inspector. The forensic psychologist seemed rather foolish for an expert on human psychology . The author herself is perhaps like her protagonist overstretched and should concentrate on quality not quantity of output.?
June 1, 2023
Not so clever.
DI Jade Tanner was told by her boss, that she would be working with another DI, Lyle Wallace and he would be SIO.
The crime scene she had just come from, looked like a dump site. Very little evidence, no identity and situated near the top of a pretty steep climb. She contacted Petra &Carla, a physiologist and a evo biologist respectively.
Why experts eating into the budget so early in the case? ? A pocket full of pine needles. Shakespeare. Macbeth to be precise.
In one act.of the play, Macbeth is told he will be safe, unless Birham Wood moves to the hill, which was the crime scene. Carla will be blind testing various pine woods, trying to identify the origin of the needles.
So Jade's brief is to work with Wallace's team as expert support, but neither he or his team don't want to share their info with her team or the experts.
Another murder and further references to the 'Scottish play'.
A very good read as usual, from the talented. Ms. McLean.
DI Jade Tanner was told by her boss, that she would be working with another DI, Lyle Wallace and he would be SIO.
The crime scene she had just come from, looked like a dump site. Very little evidence, no identity and situated near the top of a pretty steep climb. She contacted Petra &Carla, a physiologist and a evo biologist respectively.
Why experts eating into the budget so early in the case? ? A pocket full of pine needles. Shakespeare. Macbeth to be precise.
In one act.of the play, Macbeth is told he will be safe, unless Birham Wood moves to the hill, which was the crime scene. Carla will be blind testing various pine woods, trying to identify the origin of the needles.
So Jade's brief is to work with Wallace's team as expert support, but neither he or his team don't want to share their info with her team or the experts.
Another murder and further references to the 'Scottish play'.
A very good read as usual, from the talented. Ms. McLean.
July 4, 2023
In the second Tanner and McBride novel, it looks like a serial killer has an unhealthy interest in Macbeth, which calls for the skills of the Complex Crimes Unit, whose future hangs in the balance. However, they have to work with local CID units, which adds to the tensions.
With two murders at locations linked to the Scottish play, attention is focused on members of the local Macbeth society. Their treasurer has gone missing and the team are struggling to find him.
It’s a fascinating and different plot, thanks to the Shakespearian links. The characters and their relationships are developing well. The whole story moves along at a nifty pace, shifting between personal issues and the investigation, with a neat twist at the climax.
This has all the ingredients for an interesting and entertaining series.
With two murders at locations linked to the Scottish play, attention is focused on members of the local Macbeth society. Their treasurer has gone missing and the team are struggling to find him.
It’s a fascinating and different plot, thanks to the Shakespearian links. The characters and their relationships are developing well. The whole story moves along at a nifty pace, shifting between personal issues and the investigation, with a neat twist at the climax.
This has all the ingredients for an interesting and entertaining series.
August 31, 2025
"DI Jade Tanner's new Complex Crimes Unit is finding its feet. DS Mo Uddin is settling into his new Scottish home, Dr Petra McBride has stopped receiving anonymous calls, and Jade is working to support her son over the loss of his dad." Huh - the Unit is on the chopping block - not finding its feet, Mo and wife talked one or twice much less than the last book where at least he missed them a lot. Jade spent very little time with her son this book, missing saying good night etc Anyway, I guessed the person doing the killing quite early. The whole working with another team was weird and did not work well. There was not much of a why the person started staging MacBeth started doing it... because he lost their job? How did they choose the victims they choose.
September 8, 2023
A Good Read
I wouldn't say it is quite as good as the Dorset series, but near enough. A body is found and although DI Jade Tanner and her team are not investigating the death, they are needed as it seems the killer might be a Shakespeare expert. Jade soon enlists the help of Dr Petra McBride to help. Before they can progress, another body turns up and Jade and Petra must pull out all the stops to help solve the mystery as soon as possible as the killer might already have the third victim in sight. I am not a fan of Shakespeare's works myself but I still enjoyed the book. I hope there will be another in the series.
I wouldn't say it is quite as good as the Dorset series, but near enough. A body is found and although DI Jade Tanner and her team are not investigating the death, they are needed as it seems the killer might be a Shakespeare expert. Jade soon enlists the help of Dr Petra McBride to help. Before they can progress, another body turns up and Jade and Petra must pull out all the stops to help solve the mystery as soon as possible as the killer might already have the third victim in sight. I am not a fan of Shakespeare's works myself but I still enjoyed the book. I hope there will be another in the series.
February 19, 2025
Death And Poetry
I do like this series but, for me, it’ll never be as good as the Dorset series. Perhaps that’s because I spent 16 years living in Somerset so therefore recognise many of the places that are mentioned.
That said, the storyline for this had to be one of my dreaded. Shakespeare!! Although it was very well written and the characters themselves really stood out. Jade and Petra had their work cut out for them having to deal with two other Police Forces, adding to the difficulties already posed in a murder enquiry. But as per usual, they get their man. Only this time it’s someone else who gets to interview and do all the paperwork.
I do like this series but, for me, it’ll never be as good as the Dorset series. Perhaps that’s because I spent 16 years living in Somerset so therefore recognise many of the places that are mentioned.
That said, the storyline for this had to be one of my dreaded. Shakespeare!! Although it was very well written and the characters themselves really stood out. Jade and Petra had their work cut out for them having to deal with two other Police Forces, adding to the difficulties already posed in a murder enquiry. But as per usual, they get their man. Only this time it’s someone else who gets to interview and do all the paperwork.
August 3, 2023
More please!!!😁
This 2nd book was even better than the first; with lots of action and intrigue!!! 😃
The fact that the unit may be disbanded before it even gets started is upsetting.
It seems that no matter how hard these police work, and even risk their lives, it's just not enough.
I would be happier if they would get good attention for a job well done!!!😉
I am involved with the characters and I wait in anticipation for the next book!!!😊
I am quite curious about the way Jade's husband died...
This 2nd book was even better than the first; with lots of action and intrigue!!! 😃
The fact that the unit may be disbanded before it even gets started is upsetting.
It seems that no matter how hard these police work, and even risk their lives, it's just not enough.
I would be happier if they would get good attention for a job well done!!!😉
I am involved with the characters and I wait in anticipation for the next book!!!😊
I am quite curious about the way Jade's husband died...
March 2, 2024
A quick and easy read but sadly not up to the author's best standard.
I've enjoyed the Zoe Finch and Dorset Crime series but this one lacked the richness of character and plots of the earlier works. Even Jade and Mo's characters seemed lacklustre in this outing.
The killer's identity was fairly obvious from early in the book and the plot felt far-fetched.
The author has talent and produces books at a fast pace but perhaps this has started to affect the quality of the writing.
I hope she returns to her best form.
I've enjoyed the Zoe Finch and Dorset Crime series but this one lacked the richness of character and plots of the earlier works. Even Jade and Mo's characters seemed lacklustre in this outing.
The killer's identity was fairly obvious from early in the book and the plot felt far-fetched.
The author has talent and produces books at a fast pace but perhaps this has started to affect the quality of the writing.
I hope she returns to her best form.
June 23, 2023
I think I have read all of the McLean books (all 3(?) series). I admit this set of characters is not my favorite but I felt this book was not up to par with her previous work. Character development (which is important to me) seemed non-existent. The plotting was pretty unexciting. I plodded along 'til the end but I didn't really enjoy the experience. I think one of the things that troubled me was that the portrayal of a bunch of folks in a soon-to-be-disbanded organization just didn't feel realistic to me having gone through that more than a few times.
September 30, 2024
I am really enjoying the books written by this author. I read the Dorset series earlier this year and now have found that her ability to build a story and credible character relationships are equally as effective in this series. The locations were the draw for me as they are places I had not visited while I lived in England but the Dorset and Scottish sites are on my list of ‘Go To’ trips. The characters in this book have really come together as a likeable team and the personal issues for Jade, Petra and Mo do not interfere with the main plot of the story.
May 8, 2025
A great storyline. VERY enjoyable.
I liked this book as I have all the books I have read by Rachel McClean, (and I have read quite a few).
This book is about a series of murders of members of the local Macbeth appreciation society. All the murders are acted out as a scene in the Shakespeare play. Jade and her team have to move quickly when the killer is unmasked to stop a further murder during a live performance.
Excellent murder mystery. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I liked this book as I have all the books I have read by Rachel McClean, (and I have read quite a few).
This book is about a series of murders of members of the local Macbeth appreciation society. All the murders are acted out as a scene in the Shakespeare play. Jade and her team have to move quickly when the killer is unmasked to stop a further murder during a live performance.
Excellent murder mystery. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
June 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much even though I did realise who the killer was almost from the moment they first appeared. I was frustrated that Jade’s team were not leading the investigation and were coming into conflict with teams from other regions but I think that was a sense of empathy with the team which bodes well for the vicarious relationship between reader and characters.
June 8, 2023
Jade Tanner is on her game as usual but hampered by policing politics. Thrown together with not very likeable DIs she nevertheless manages to conduct her own investigation despite their best efforts to stop her. It was pretty obvious who the killer was going to be from his first appearance, but would Jade & Petra work it out before anybody else gets killed? A compelling read.
June 10, 2023
Another great read by Rachel McLean
This is book 2 in book 2 in the Mcbride & Tanner series.
I was unsure if I would like this due to it referencing Macbeth and I have never read that.
I needn’t have worried the book was clear and c
Gripping from the start of you babe read Macbeth or not.
I really enjoyed it
This is book 2 in book 2 in the Mcbride & Tanner series.
I was unsure if I would like this due to it referencing Macbeth and I have never read that.
I needn’t have worried the book was clear and c
Gripping from the start of you babe read Macbeth or not.
I really enjoyed it
June 26, 2023
I’ve always enjoyed Rachel’s books but this one just didn’t hit the spot. I got bored with it quite early on and I realised who the killer was when they first appeared. Rachel churns out a LOT of books and I really do love them. However, I’m now wondering if she’s rushing each one and should concentrate on making the main characters more rounded.
July 5, 2023
Death and Poetry.
Another good yarn but the plot is a well worn path that most of the writers are following lately. The characters are what make it work though. Bodies in woods on hillsides, beside monuments etc are becoming a bit tired lately. Maybe change the venues a bit for your next offering, just saying.
Another good yarn but the plot is a well worn path that most of the writers are following lately. The characters are what make it work though. Bodies in woods on hillsides, beside monuments etc are becoming a bit tired lately. Maybe change the venues a bit for your next offering, just saying.
January 1, 2024
Great book two of a new series.
I enjoy this author's stories, British crime, and that some characters move to different parts of the country. I like the writing style, however, I am surprised about the incorrect use of capitals (should be 'sir' and 'ma'am', no capitals needed in this context).
Fast-paced, engaging and enough mystery to keep us guessing.
Recommended.
I enjoy this author's stories, British crime, and that some characters move to different parts of the country. I like the writing style, however, I am surprised about the incorrect use of capitals (should be 'sir' and 'ma'am', no capitals needed in this context).
Fast-paced, engaging and enough mystery to keep us guessing.
Recommended.
February 28, 2025
one clue too many!
I enjoyed this, BUT, I worked out the guilty party. Part of it was due to a review I’d read, and part of it was I could guess who it was. Too much given away, must’ve been that cos I’m rubbish at guessing who. And reviewers, please think before you give stuff away.
I enjoyed this, BUT, I worked out the guilty party. Part of it was due to a review I’d read, and part of it was I could guess who it was. Too much given away, must’ve been that cos I’m rubbish at guessing who. And reviewers, please think before you give stuff away.
July 20, 2025
Excellent and Well Wrapped up
Great plot. For once I guessed the killer tho I am still not sure what their motive was. I do not understand Stuart’s character. He isn’t very fleshed out and for some reason I don’t trust him. Still no clue about Jade’s or Petra’s back stories. Otherwise, an enchanting read.
Great plot. For once I guessed the killer tho I am still not sure what their motive was. I do not understand Stuart’s character. He isn’t very fleshed out and for some reason I don’t trust him. Still no clue about Jade’s or Petra’s back stories. Otherwise, an enchanting read.
June 3, 2023
This was everything I hoped it would be.
The plot was interesting but not too complicated. I did guess the killer though! I enjoyed the way the characters and the relationships between them are developing
The plot was interesting but not too complicated. I did guess the killer though! I enjoyed the way the characters and the relationships between them are developing
June 6, 2023
Clever, as usual.
Great number of characters and job descriptions keep focus on the process of investigation and deliberations. Also getting to know about the character's private lives gives a roundness to the story.
Great number of characters and job descriptions keep focus on the process of investigation and deliberations. Also getting to know about the character's private lives gives a roundness to the story.
June 12, 2023
Brilliant
Utterly compelling storey unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you guessing,marvellous plot believable characters first-class.really enjoyed reading this book at its some more please
Utterly compelling storey unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you guessing,marvellous plot believable characters first-class.really enjoyed reading this book at its some more please
June 26, 2023
disappointed
All the way through I was expecting it to get better and it didn’t it was to bitty and all over the place . So unlike the other books . I’ll keep on reading her books though .
All the way through I was expecting it to get better and it didn’t it was to bitty and all over the place . So unlike the other books . I’ll keep on reading her books though .
Read
September 21, 2023Birnam Wood shall come to Dunsinane...
DI Jade Tanner's new Complex Crimes Unit is finding its feet. DS Mo Uddin is settling into his new Scottish home, Dr Petra McBride has stopped receiving anonymous calls, and Jade is working to support her son over the loss of his dad.
OK
DI Jade Tanner's new Complex Crimes Unit is finding its feet. DS Mo Uddin is settling into his new Scottish home, Dr Petra McBride has stopped receiving anonymous calls, and Jade is working to support her son over the loss of his dad.
OK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
Excellent
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of her work . I will definitely be recommending this author to members of my book club and friends .
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of her work . I will definitely be recommending this author to members of my book club and friends .
May 13, 2025
A Twist
A consultant makes use of a consultant that turns out to be the perpetrator of two murders and is prevented from killing again. His reasons for carrying out the murders escaped me.
A consultant makes use of a consultant that turns out to be the perpetrator of two murders and is prevented from killing again. His reasons for carrying out the murders escaped me.
June 2, 2023
Good mystery
A mother you can not wait to read but do not want to end waiting for the next book to come out
A mother you can not wait to read but do not want to end waiting for the next book to come out
June 3, 2023
Not for me this one Hard going with too much McBethI like a decent detective story,not an insight of the lives of people who are not on the force
Disappointed
Disappointed
June 3, 2023
Kept me guessing
Well written with Fulbright amount of drama and intrigue
You won't be disappointed until you have to put it down both the day job
Well written with Fulbright amount of drama and intrigue
You won't be disappointed until you have to put it down both the day job
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews