Hello Friends!
I have read Rachel McLean’s books before and I always loved them. They had a balance and certain elements of crime and thriller that I had no idea I would enjoy. She was one of the first authors that got me curious about the genre and the endless possibilities.
“The Corfe Castle Murders“, written by Rachel McLean, is a Crime Novel, published on 15th July 2021.
I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachel McLean for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Synopsis
Meet DCI Lesley Clarke. She’s a straight-talking city copper who doesn’t suffer fools gladly… and she’s been transferred to rural Dorset.
After being injured in a bomb attack, Lesley is presented with a choice – early retirement, or a period of respite in a calmer location.
But things don’t stay calm for long.
Before she’s even started her new job, Lesley is dragged into investigating a murder at one of England’s most iconic landmarks, the imposing Corfe Castle.
Lesley must hit the ground running. Can she get along with her new partner DS Dennis Frampton, a traditionalist who doesn’t appreciate her style? How will she navigate the politics of a smaller force where she’s a bigger, and less welcome, fish? And most importantly, can she solve the murder before the killer strikes again?
The Corfe Castle Murders is a compelling, character-driven mystery perfect for fans of Ruth Rendell, Colin Dexter, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis.
Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US
About the Author
My name’s Rachel McLean and I write thrillers that make you think.
What does that mean?
In short, I want my stories to make your pulse race and your brain tick.
Do you often get through a thriller at breakneck pace but are left with little sense of what the book was really about? Do you sometimes read literary fiction but just wish something would damn well happen?
My books aim to fill that gap.
If you’d like to know more about my books and receive extra bonus content, please join my book club. I’ll send you a weekly (sometimes fortnightly) email with news about my writing research and progress, stories and bonus content for each book. And I’ll let you know when my books are on offer.
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My Review
“The Corfe Castle Murders” isn’t my first book by Rachel McLean and I can see the same tone she has on her previous books, something I loved and continue to enjoy.
In this book, we are introduced to DCI Lesley Clarke, a woman as and investigator is just the best. Since this is the first book in a brand new series, we are still getting to know her and I honestly can’t wait to see what will happen in the next books. Seeing her journey throughout the story was fantastic. The interactions with the other characters, the tensions, the uncovering of her background and personality… It made me connect with her, and I would love a tv series with her and the mysteries at Dorset.
Having this series in a more rural setting no only gave me a sense of familiarity, since I live in a small town and I’m not really a city person, but it also allowed certain topics of conversation to come to light. Specially with Lesley’s new coworkers. Having the story being driven by the relationships, the interactions and the dynamics between the characters in this setting that is sometimes unused for crime novels – most I have crime stories tend to be in cities – left me focus and interested in learning more.
Overall, I loved the book and it was a good start for a series. Rachel McLean did not disappoint me. She gave me the perfect amount of politics, police procedural, character development and crime. Do I want to go reread the book again so that I can see if I missed something? Yes, I do. Will I be patiently waiting for the second book? Yes, I will. Do I recommend it? If this is your genre, yes, go for it.
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Love,
Jess
Jess Bookish Life 