Picture a British storyteller who spins crime thrillers that keep you up past midnight, heart racing and mind buzzing—meet Rachel McLean! This award-winning author has carved a niche in contemporary crime fiction with her interconnected series, blending pulse-pounding plots with themes that linger long after the last page. From the rugged cliffs of Dorset to the gritty streets of Birmingham, McLean’s stories captivate readers worldwide, with over 1.5 million books sold.
Known for her Dorset Crime series and Detective Zoe Finch novels, McLean crafts tales that are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling. Her unique ability to weave complex characters and societal issues into gripping narratives has earned her a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, including the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award for The Corfe Castle Murders.
The Making of Rachel McLean
Rachel McLean grew up soaking in the scenic beauty of Dorset, where childhood holidays sparked her love for the landscapes that now haunt her novels. Based in Birmingham with her wife, three children, and two cats, she balances family life with her passion for storytelling. Before becoming a full-time author, McLean honed her writing skills in business, crafting everything from press releases to training manuals. Her leap into fiction was driven by a lifelong love for stories that grip and challenge, leading her to publish her first novel, The Flood, in 2017.
Rachel McLean’s Unforgettable Stories
McLean’s bibliography is a treasure trove of crime and mystery, with 32 books across seven series. Her Dorset Crime series, starting with The Corfe Castle Murders, follows DCI Lesley Clarke, a city detective navigating murders in Dorset’s deceptively serene countryside. This series, which won the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award, is praised for its rich characters and vivid settings, with fans loving the humorous quirks of Dorset life.
The Detective Zoe Finch series, set in Birmingham and Cumbria, introduces a bold, ambitious inspector tackling cases that test her resilience. Titles like Deadly Wishes and Deadly Choices explore corruption and justice, earning rave reviews for their fast-paced plots. McLean also ventures into dystopian thrillers, such as Unborn, a chilling tale of reproductive rights, showcasing her versatility. Her interconnected series mean characters cross paths, delighting readers who follow their journeys across books.
McLean’s style is a perfect blend of adrenaline and intellect. She aims to write thrillers that make your “pulse race and brain tick,” avoiding shallow page-turners or slow literary tomes. Her novels tackle real-world issues—corruption, surveillance, family dynamics—while keeping you hooked with twists and relatable heroes.
Why Rachel McLean Matters
Rachel McLean’s impact on crime fiction lies in her ability to make readers think while delivering unputdownable stories. Her Dorset Crime series has resonated globally, with fans praising her knack for grounding thrilling plots in familiar settings. By donating pre-order proceeds from The Corfe Castle Murders to COVAX during the pandemic, McLean showed her commitment to social good, blending her success with purpose.
Her relatable characters, like the tenacious Zoe Finch or the sharp Lesley Clarke, inspire readers to root for justice. With over 141,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 4.34, McLean’s influence is undeniable, proving that indie authors can rival traditional publishing giants. Her stories bridge the gap between entertainment and reflection, making her a standout voice in British crime fiction.
- Pen Name: Rachel McLean (also writes non-fiction as Rachel McCollin)
- Key Works: The Corfe Castle Murders, Deadly Wishes, Unborn
- Awards: 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award
- Books Sold: Over 1.5 million
Ready to dive into a thriller that’ll keep you guessing? Snag The Corfe Castle Murders and lose yourself in Rachel McLean’s gripping world of crime and mystery!