‘The Chesil Beach Murders’ by Rachel McLean

Published by Ackroyd Publishing,
4 September 2026.
ISBN: 978-1-83560324-6 (PB)

The eleventh book in this series opens with the discovery of a man’s body at St Catherine’s Chapel which sits at the top of the hill outside Abbotsbury.

DCI Lesley Clarke is hoping for a quieter time, now the Kelvins’ are all dead or in prison. Or are they? 

Heading into Dorset Police HQ at Winfrith she muses on the two teams she is currently in charge of. DI Jill Scott, in charge of the Cold Case Team is fine. Apart from the occasional sulk, she didn’t give Lesley any trouble.  But DI Hannah Patterson, in charge of the MCIT, was a different matter, contradicting Lesley at every turn. Before she could exit her car Superintendent Anthony Carpenter slid into the passenger seat.  ‘You’ve got trouble, Lesley’ he said. I need you in my office in five minutes. 

Hell, was this to do with DC Johnny Chiles coming back. He had left for London in disgrace years earlier. She should never have listened to Dennis, just let Johnny continue to languish in the Met as she had intended. 

Also, on her first day back at work is DC Tina Abbott. Husband Mike is taking over now doing his stint as a ‘stay at home father’.  Walking into the MCIT team room she was surprised by how uneasy she felt.  After a welcome from DC Meera Vedra, DS Nathan Strunk strode in. Sarge said Tina I am back from Maternity. Virtually ignoring Tina, he said ‘Anyone seen DI Hannah?  Tina could sense that the room was full of tension, and no one seemed at ease! 

Attending Superintendent’s office as requested, Lesley finds also present Chief Inspector Zara Weathers of the Professional Standards Department. There has been a complaint against you Lesley, from DI Hannah Petterson. No surprise there thought Lesley.  On what grounds asked Lesley. Bulling and Harassment was the response, and DI Hannah has phoned in sick. 

Lesley is now SIO running two teams. Despite the difficulties in reaching the body found at St Catherine’s Chapel, the forensics are now on site. His DNA is not on the system, and his fingertips and teeth have all been removed. Why did the killer need to hide his identity?  Was he killed by an organised crime gang? 

Meanwhile Jackie Kendall and her partner Yiannis are currently in Norway. So far there had been no sign of anyone following them since they left the UK. Are they safe?  Being on the run may be keeping them alive but for how long? 

A terrific read. Cleverly plotted with many twists and turns. A real page turner.  Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett 

Rachel McLean writes thrillers that make your pulse race and your brain tick. Originally a self-publishing sensation, she has sold millions of copies digitally, with massive success in the UK, and a growing reach internationally too. She is also the author of the Detective Zoe Finch series, which precedes the Dorset Crime novels, and the spin-off McBride & Tanner series and Cumbria Crime series. In 2021 she won the Kindle Storyteller Award with The Corfe Castle Murders and her last five books have all hit No1 in the Bookstat ebook chart on launch.