Dive into the pulse-pounding world of the Dorset Crime series, where the idyllic landscapes of rural England hide a sinister underbelly! Penned by Rachel McLean, this gripping police procedural saga follows DCI Lesley Clarke, a tough-as-nails detective unraveling twisted mysteries in Dorset. With its breakneck pace, richly drawn characters, and a knack for keeping readers guessing, it’s no wonder this series snagged the prestigious Kindle Storyteller Award in 2021.
From crumbling castles to windswept cliffs, McLean transforms Dorset’s serene beauty into a haunting backdrop for crime, blending cozy rural charm with dark, thrilling plots. Whether you’re a fan of Ann Cleeves or just love a good whodunit, Dorset Crime delivers suspense that’ll keep you up past bedtime.
How Dorset Crime Began
Rachel McLean, a Birmingham-based author with a lifelong love for thrillers, crafted the Dorset Crime series as a spinoff from her popular Detective Zoe Finch books. Inspired by her childhood holidays in Dorset, McLean wanted to create stories that married the region’s picturesque settings with high-stakes drama. DCI Lesley Clarke, first introduced as Zoe’s boss, took center stage when McLean saw her potential to anchor a new series. The result? A saga that kicked off with The Corfe Castle Murders in 2021, winning hearts and awards for its fresh take on the genre.
McLean’s goal was to write thrillers that not only thrill but also provoke thought, weaving complex characters and moral dilemmas into fast-paced plots. Her Dorset-based series struck a chord, selling over a million copies and earning praise for its sharp writing and immersive storytelling.
The Heart of Dorset Crime
The series begins with The Corfe Castle Murders, where Lesley, fresh off a traumatic bombing incident in Birmingham, dives into a murder case at the iconic Corfe Castle. As she navigates a new team and local politics, she uncovers secrets that hit close to home. In The Clifftop Murders, a young lawyer’s death at Old Harry Rocks entangles Lesley’s personal life when her girlfriend becomes a suspect, raising the stakes. The Island Murders sees Lesley tackling a death in Poole Harbour’s nature reserve, where a web of local corruption threatens her investigation. The Monument Murders delivers another twisty case, with a body found at Swanage’s Globe monument, hinting at a hate crime.
Themes of trust, betrayal, and resilience run deep, with Lesley’s PTSD and personal struggles adding emotional weight. McLean’s Dorset is both a character and a canvas—its cliffs, beaches, and villages like Swanage and Corfe Castle amplify the tension, contrasting idyllic settings with grim crimes. The series’ style is character-driven, with layered detectives like Lesley and DS Dennis Frampton facing moral quandaries amid tightly plotted mysteries.
McLean’s knack for blending rural charm with urban grit sets Dorset Crime apart. Fans love the interplay between Lesley’s no-nonsense attitude and Dennis’s old-school quirks, like his swear box, which adds humor to the darkness. The series also explores social issues, from corruption to community dynamics, making each book a thought-provoking ride.
Why Dorset Crime Resonates
The Dorset Crime series has carved a niche in the crime fiction world, blending the best of police procedurals with the atmospheric pull of cozy mysteries. Its million-plus sales and the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award for The Corfe Castle Murders highlight its impact, with fans praising McLean’s ability to craft page-turners that linger. The series’ relatable characters—especially Lesley, a flawed yet fierce heroine—resonate with readers, while its vivid Dorset settings draw tourists and locals alike to explore the real-life locations.
McLean’s storytelling has also inspired spin-offs, like the McBride & Tanner series, expanding her crime universe. By balancing heart-pounding suspense with emotional depth, Dorset Crime keeps fans hooked, eagerly awaiting each new release.
- Publication Years: 2021–2025
- Number of Books: 10 (as of 2025)
- Awards: Kindle Storyteller Award 2021 for The Corfe Castle Murders
- Setting: Dorset, England
Ready to lose yourself in a world of secrets and suspense? Grab The Corfe Castle Murders and step into Dorset Crime’s thrilling universe today!