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Cumbria Crime #2
The Mine
DI Zoe Finch is settling into her new role in Cumbria CID.
She’s solved her first murder with the help of her new team, averted a potential riot, and is starting to learn who she can trust inside Cumbria Police – and who she can’t.
But when a businessman and former miner is found dead at a new mine that’s the focus of local protest, Zoe is presented with a new challenge.
Her boss is trying to play the death down, and she’s being encouraged to ignore leads by colleagues whose motives seem increasingly suspicious.
Zoe’s sure they’re wrong. But as an outsider who knows little about the town’s history or grudges that stretch back decades, can she get to the bottom of the crime and prevent the killer striking again?
This is the second in the gripping new series featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ series.
She’s solved her first murder with the help of her new team, averted a potential riot, and is starting to learn who she can trust inside Cumbria Police – and who she can’t.
But when a businessman and former miner is found dead at a new mine that’s the focus of local protest, Zoe is presented with a new challenge.
Her boss is trying to play the death down, and she’s being encouraged to ignore leads by colleagues whose motives seem increasingly suspicious.
Zoe’s sure they’re wrong. But as an outsider who knows little about the town’s history or grudges that stretch back decades, can she get to the bottom of the crime and prevent the killer striking again?
This is the second in the gripping new series featuring DI Zoe Finch from the bestselling ‘Deadly’ series.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2024
1424 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
108 books619 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 62 reviews
July 4, 2025
I feel hooked on this series - already. That's really well done, McLean! 👏🏻
I kept having a creeping feeling that things had happened in the past here. That plenty of characters knew each other in a way that was far too well established for a new series, standing on its own.
After a moment of curiousness, I fell down a rabbit hole where I found out that there are MANY other books interconnecting with this series. 🤯
I don't know how to feel about this fact. I would like to jump onto the bandwagon and start picking through them, but the Cumbria Crime series is standing well and firmly on its own so at the same time... I feel like I don't have to. And this is a good thing, when there are SO many other series to pick from. 😆
Time will tell if I pick up the others, but at the moment, I'm quite invested in this one.
I kept having a creeping feeling that things had happened in the past here. That plenty of characters knew each other in a way that was far too well established for a new series, standing on its own.
After a moment of curiousness, I fell down a rabbit hole where I found out that there are MANY other books interconnecting with this series. 🤯
I don't know how to feel about this fact. I would like to jump onto the bandwagon and start picking through them, but the Cumbria Crime series is standing well and firmly on its own so at the same time... I feel like I don't have to. And this is a good thing, when there are SO many other series to pick from. 😆
Time will tell if I pick up the others, but at the moment, I'm quite invested in this one.
February 8, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
January 21, 2024
Rachel and Joel, what a team!
Wonderful book, #2 in the Cumbria Crime series, another 5* effort by these authors, and maybe my favorite so far. Coal mining history in Cumbria, but forces are trying to bring it back, protesters find a body....a must read!
I finished The Mine a couple of days ago but waited till I could read the novella, "The Business," mentioned at the end of The Mine to see if there was more about possible corruption in the police unit under Ralph Streeting. My goodness, he is a piece of work and Zoë is definitely right to be suspicious! I have a feeling her partner Carl with the Professional Standards unit is or will be getting involved as well...something about Myron Carter and all his various companies that DI Streeting is so anxious to keep away from Zoë's team.
Hope the wait for #3 The Cairn is not too long!
Wonderful book, #2 in the Cumbria Crime series, another 5* effort by these authors, and maybe my favorite so far. Coal mining history in Cumbria, but forces are trying to bring it back, protesters find a body....a must read!
I finished The Mine a couple of days ago but waited till I could read the novella, "The Business," mentioned at the end of The Mine to see if there was more about possible corruption in the police unit under Ralph Streeting. My goodness, he is a piece of work and Zoë is definitely right to be suspicious! I have a feeling her partner Carl with the Professional Standards unit is or will be getting involved as well...something about Myron Carter and all his various companies that DI Streeting is so anxious to keep away from Zoë's team.
Hope the wait for #3 The Cairn is not too long!
January 29, 2024
Great new series
Loving this new series, featuring Zoe, who has moved from Birmingham to Cumbria with her partner Carl, who has also transferred to Special Standards in Cumbria. Although Zoe was hoping for a fresh start, after her involvement in the case that resulted in the downfall of her previous boss, it seems that it is far from over. Zoe is just getting used to her new team, and also who she can trust. Loving the new character's and great stories, as with all this Authors books.
Loving this new series, featuring Zoe, who has moved from Birmingham to Cumbria with her partner Carl, who has also transferred to Special Standards in Cumbria. Although Zoe was hoping for a fresh start, after her involvement in the case that resulted in the downfall of her previous boss, it seems that it is far from over. Zoe is just getting used to her new team, and also who she can trust. Loving the new character's and great stories, as with all this Authors books.
January 22, 2024
As with all Rachel McLean books this is an excellent read. This is the 2nd of the new Zoe Finch books since she moved from Birmingham. This story is about the murder of a rich man with no enemies in fact no one has a bad word to say about him. Zoe and her team have few clues as to the perpetrator of the crime. When the culprit is finally discovered it is a great surprise, the last person you would suspect. A very good read.RECOMMENDED.
January 20, 2024
Absolutely thrilling
The plot in itself is complex and intriguing and it’s a great location but what I love is the sub plots, the relationships between the characters, between their partners and the hint of what’s to come. Will Zoe’s past catch up with her, is there a link between that and what’s going on in Cumbria? I hope we don’t have to wait too long to find out!
The plot in itself is complex and intriguing and it’s a great location but what I love is the sub plots, the relationships between the characters, between their partners and the hint of what’s to come. Will Zoe’s past catch up with her, is there a link between that and what’s going on in Cumbria? I hope we don’t have to wait too long to find out!
January 20, 2024
Another good read involving Zoe Finch, who seems irrepressible. Dealing with her past, which catches up with her again, her partner and her boss, not to mention her new team, all of whom seem to have some issues, she nevertheless pursues the evidence to seek out the perpetrators of this apparently motiveless crime. Looking forward to the next book.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, Eastg Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, Eastg Yorkshire
February 8, 2024
The mine I did not enjoy this book & cd not continue. Such a shame as I absolutely loved books 1_9 of deadly desires deadly secrets ect, I cd not read them quick enough but I feel the way these books are written has nothing to keep you turning the pages. Lack of excitement & lack of lovable characters where often certain descriptive sentences are repeated unnecessarily. Such a shame..sorry
March 10, 2024
Book 2 of the Cumbrian series and I feel it’s really bedding in now. Getting to know the new characters and loving Zoe as always. One of my favourite things about Rachel McLean is the way there is a complete story in the book but also a long running plot through the series. Also the cross references to characters from previous series. Perfect for a police procedural series nerd like me!
April 7, 2024
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story by Rachel Mclean, this time with Joel James in the Cumbria crime series. All the usual characters as well as some quirky new ones .Well crafted story line with plenty of twists and turns and an interesting ending.Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Another excellent story by Rachel Mclean, this time with Joel James in the Cumbria crime series. All the usual characters as well as some quirky new ones .Well crafted story line with plenty of twists and turns and an interesting ending.Looking forward to reading more in the series.
May 20, 2024
I’ve liked this series and the author/characters but this particular book seemed awfully chopped up - a good bit of it was 2-3 page chapters, then a total switch to different people, situations, happenings, and repeat — was almost painful to follow. Because I’d like the other books, I kept going but it wasn’t fun. At least it wasn’t gory.
June 19, 2024
DI Zoe Finch is starting to find her feet in Cumbria. When the body of an elderly man is discovered by a group of activists protesting against the reopening of a coal mine, the activists themselves come under scrutiny. We get to know her team in a bit more depth, which I enjoyed. This is a tangled web of an investigation and I loved they way it panned out.
May 2, 2025
Very Entertaining
I love this police team. They are each brilliant in their own way....and Tom is such a sweetie. A real dark horse coming into his own. Also love Yoda and hope he/she becomes more present in future plots. The dialogue is great and the clues leading up to resolution are seamlessly tight. Great addicting stuff!
I love this police team. They are each brilliant in their own way....and Tom is such a sweetie. A real dark horse coming into his own. Also love Yoda and hope he/she becomes more present in future plots. The dialogue is great and the clues leading up to resolution are seamlessly tight. Great addicting stuff!
July 3, 2025
It Kept Me Guessing
DI Zoe Finch is now running her own team and when a man is found dead near an old mine she is determined to find the killer, but it seems not everyone feels the same. There were plenty of twists and turns and the book kept me guessing all the way through. Looking forward to the next one.
DI Zoe Finch is now running her own team and when a man is found dead near an old mine she is determined to find the killer, but it seems not everyone feels the same. There were plenty of twists and turns and the book kept me guessing all the way through. Looking forward to the next one.
July 20, 2025
I found that I struggled to put this book down! Probably something to do with the short chapters that come thick and fast!
I had an inkling who did it at about 80%, but the final outcome and arrest didn’t come until almost the end. And there’s a twist at the end that will have you reaching for the next book in the series!
I had an inkling who did it at about 80%, but the final outcome and arrest didn’t come until almost the end. And there’s a twist at the end that will have you reaching for the next book in the series!
January 24, 2024
the Mine
Admittedly a slow starter but then once, underway, an excellent read. I’m not a huge fan of “Cosy” but because this story will spread over several books in the series, I’m prepared for the slow burn. The murdered man seems almost incidental to the story.
Admittedly a slow starter but then once, underway, an excellent read. I’m not a huge fan of “Cosy” but because this story will spread over several books in the series, I’m prepared for the slow burn. The murdered man seems almost incidental to the story.
February 6, 2024
Good story
As the series progresses the characters develop mood depth, which makes them more interesting to read. I also enough the layered plotlines. One big question will be resolved bit others tension to carry over into the next book.
As the series progresses the characters develop mood depth, which makes them more interesting to read. I also enough the layered plotlines. One big question will be resolved bit others tension to carry over into the next book.
February 12, 2024
THE MINE
Oh, I hadn’t realised just how much I’d missed DI Zoe Finch. She’s still not totally grabbed by the area of Cumbria but hopefully she soon will be. Can we have more of Zoe in Cumbria, please Rachel & Joel?
Oh, I hadn’t realised just how much I’d missed DI Zoe Finch. She’s still not totally grabbed by the area of Cumbria but hopefully she soon will be. Can we have more of Zoe in Cumbria, please Rachel & Joel?
March 20, 2024
Another great story in this British crime series set in Cumbria.
I liked the characters and how they suited the plot and the ongoing developing relationships.
Well-written, fast-paced and plenty of twists and turns made this an enjoyable read.
Recommended.
I liked the characters and how they suited the plot and the ongoing developing relationships.
Well-written, fast-paced and plenty of twists and turns made this an enjoyable read.
Recommended.
April 3, 2024
Another Fantastic Read
I'm totally hooked on Rachel's novels....eagerly awaiting the next episode in this series or any of them really. Can't wait to see what Zoe, Leslie, Rory and the gangs are up to next xx
I'm totally hooked on Rachel's novels....eagerly awaiting the next episode in this series or any of them really. Can't wait to see what Zoe, Leslie, Rory and the gangs are up to next xx
April 7, 2024
Struggled to finish, got very boring in the middle.
Too many names and chapters not following on, I had to keep going back chapters as I got very confused, jumped from one part of the investigation, then did not mention until few chapters on.
Not my kind of read , sorry
Too many names and chapters not following on, I had to keep going back chapters as I got very confused, jumped from one part of the investigation, then did not mention until few chapters on.
Not my kind of read , sorry
April 14, 2024
This was better. Zoe’s past is catching up. Her new team still has secrets but starting to open up, but does she want them knowing about it or putting them in danger. Can’t wait for the next book to come out
November 11, 2024
Sensational setting, action, characters and plot.
It's a must read ,and Rachel and Joel have created another brilliant task for our favourite DI ZOE FINCH who as always discovers the truth and does what's right!!! Loved it 💜
It's a must read ,and Rachel and Joel have created another brilliant task for our favourite DI ZOE FINCH who as always discovers the truth and does what's right!!! Loved it 💜
February 5, 2025
Feisty and fascinating!
True to style, this series started slowly but has now picked up pace and is, in my opinion, heading somewhere exciting. A solid 4-star read, which was both feisty and fascinating!
True to style, this series started slowly but has now picked up pace and is, in my opinion, heading somewhere exciting. A solid 4-star read, which was both feisty and fascinating!
April 22, 2025
Not read one of these for a while, good to get back in with characters.
Zoe and her team have a difficult murder to investigate but they all work together and soon reach the right conclusion.
Zoe and her team have a difficult murder to investigate but they all work together and soon reach the right conclusion.
January 22, 2024
Another great b
ook. Keep them coming Rachel. Can't wait for the next one. We'll up to the usual excellent standard
ook. Keep them coming Rachel. Can't wait for the next one. We'll up to the usual excellent standard
January 22, 2024
Good book
Gets better with every book good story with a thread running through getting to no the charities in the book
Gets better with every book good story with a thread running through getting to no the charities in the book
January 29, 2024
Loving the characters & the locations, probably a 4.5 rating.
February 3, 2024
wow … ⭐️
Another great adventure with Zoe and her team … Rachel has yet again not disappointed us … looking forward to the next case for DI Zoe Finch
Another great adventure with Zoe and her team … Rachel has yet again not disappointed us … looking forward to the next case for DI Zoe Finch
February 3, 2024
Brilliant read, gutted have to wait until May for the third book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews