The Gold Hill Murders

Dorset Crime #13

by Rachel McLean

DCI Lesley Clarke’s team is still reeling from the fallout of the Mudeford Spit case and the loss of a much-loved colleague.

But there’s no time to adjust. On the very day that they’re commemorating their friend, a new case comes in – a homeless man found dead at Shaftesbury’s iconic Gold Hill.

At first glance, the case looks a drug addict, a tragic accident involving the flame he used to cook his next fix. But fire investigators are convinced this wasn’t an accidental death.

Was the man really the nobody he appeared to be, or something more? And who could have staged such an elaborate attempt to fool investigators?

Set against a backdrop of grief, tension between two key investigators and a blossoming romance for the newest member of the team, The Gold Hill Murders continues the million-selling Dorset Crime series with even more intrigue and drama.

Genres: Crime

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2026

About the author

My 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.

Reviews

[Mary Darlow]

It’s like putting on a pair of comfy slippers, sitting in your favourite chair, feet up with a decent coffee … when you read a Rachel McLean book. This was the next in the Dorset Crime series and it did not disappoint. Further character development was good and I am already anticipating the next book.
Thoroughly enjoyed and a bit sad it’s over.

[Maryann (Mae)]

Always enjoy this author's work.

[Alok Bavadekar]

This was a much better read for me than the previous book in the series. I found the last one a little disappointing, so I was hoping this would bring back some of what I have enjoyed about the Dorset Crime series over the previous twelve books. Thankfully, it did.

The Gold Hill Murders feels sharper and better put together. The pacing is good, the story does not get unnecessarily complicated, and there is a better balance between the actual investigation and everything happening with the main characters.

The case begins with the death of a homeless man at Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. What initially appears to be an accidental death soon starts to look much more suspicious. The mystery itself is actually quite simple and I would not say this is one of the most complicated cases Rachel McLean has written, but that did not bother me. It is a decent police procedural that keeps moving and gives the characters enough room to breathe.

And I think the characters are really the reason I continue to enjoy this series.

By book thirteen, Lesley Clarke and the rest of the team are very familiar, and I liked getting back to them properly in this book. There is still fallout from what happened previously, and the continuing personal storylines give the series a sense of progression rather than every book simply being another case. Seeing the characters change, deal with previous events and develop their relationships has become just as important as solving the crime.

The Dorset setting is another big part of the appeal for me, especially because I live in Poole, Dorset myself. Reading a crime series set around the county where I live gives it an extra connection. Places and the general feel of Dorset are not just an unfamiliar backdrop, which makes following the series that little bit more enjoyable.

This is not an especially dark or complex mystery, and there are certainly crime novels with bigger twists and more intricate plotting. But I do not think this series necessarily needs to be that. At its best, it gives you a solid investigation, familiar characters you want to spend time with, a strong sense of place and enough development in the wider story to make you want to pick up the next book.

After being slightly disappointed by the previous instalment, The Gold Hill Murders felt like the series getting back on track for me. A simple but satisfying mystery, much sharper execution and some welcome development for the characters I have now followed through thirteen books.

A very good addition to the Dorset Crime series.

[Mrs Linda J Kitson]

All of Rachel McLean’s books, either on her own or in collaboration with other writers are good and this one is no exception.

I have followed DI Zoe Finch through three different series of books and the other main character, DCI Lesley Clarke, what a ride they have been on.

I don’t include spoilers, in the Gold Hill Murder you meet up with Zoe and Lesley at a memorial for a fallen colleague (from the last book). They are quickly thrown into a new case, the victim, partially burned local drug user, is found in an isolated field. The twists and turns this case takes keeps you hooked on the story. In the meantime ongoing threads are revisited and another DI in the team finds herself in difficulties.

Don’t want to spoil it for any readers, so the rest is up to you, if you haven’t yet read any Rachel McLean, I recommend you read her books in order.

[Caroline]

Whenever I buy a Rachel McLean book, I feel as though I'm reconnecting with an old friend. I always know that I'll enjoy her books before I even open the cover.
This story has familiar characters, whose personal problems and family lives are updated at appropriate points. Their professional lives are also under scrutiny. There are references to previous stories, if names recur. This particular story begins with a suspicious death. As the investigation progresses, similarities between the current case and at least two previous incidents are spotted. The MCIT team keep on digging, and they are eventually able to arrest someone for all three or four murders. The perpetrator is hidden in plain sight, and is obvious as the guilty party when you think back over the details given.

[Reader]

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?

[Ernest Engleby]

Strong characters

My review is not just about this book, it's about the whole series, they are very good as stand alone books but as a series they are brilliant. The continuity with the characters, the individual story lines. I can't say anything negative about them, the characters are so strong, so different from each other but they gell perfectly together and I feel they have become my friends. They each have their own quirks and problems but that just makes them feel human. The locations are expertly described making the reader feel they are there. Eagerly waiting for the next installment to see how they all progress.

[Denise]

I absolutely loved The Gold Hill Murders. This is book 13 in the Dorset Crime series, and Rachel McLean keeps getting better. DCI Lesley Clarke’s team are dealing with a huge loss, and then a homeless man is found dead on Gold Hill. What starts as a tragic accident quickly unravels into a clever, layered investigation.
The Dorset setting is perfect, the pacing is spot on, and I was genuinely surprised by the reveal. Plus there’s warmth and heart in how McLean writes the team dynamics and even a bit of romance. A must-read for crime fans.

[Angela Easton]

I read this book in one day. I couldn’t go to sleep until I had read to the last page. The characters continue to grow and there are always surprises in the narrative that catch you out- I didn’t see that coming reaction. It has left me knowing I will read the next one in the series as soon as it comes out. Sad when a book is finished just because I am leaving behind the characters I have come to know and empathise with. Enjoy reading it. Even if you have never read any before in this series as they re stand alone books as well as developing characters and their relationships further.

[Dave Wheeler]

Another great read

Well this is a great series and to be honest I can't get enough of it.

Intriguing, edge of your seat lots going ok but so well written that it's all relevant relating to the series this story and well it just continues to capture my attention. No new team this time but new characters connected to the case obviously.

Really recommend this and all the others in the series love that Zoe is part of the team Tina back and climbing be nice to see more of Leslie but the nature of her role is right for the tale.

[Julie Powell]

I enjoyed seeing familiar characters investigating another crime, this time, a body is found partially burned...suspicious or self-inflicted?

All the characters suited the plot, each with distinct personalities, strengths and weaknesses. I particularly like Zoe and how she treats others with respect.

Well-written, entertaining, engaging and believable.

[Yvonne Lynch]

Rachel McLean is in a league of her own!

Superb series with each book getting better and better! The characters are so realistic that you are invested in their lives both at work and home! Keep it up!

[Heather Love]

Oh no, I’ve got to wait until March 2027 for the next novel in the series. As I’ve said before it’s not classic literature, it’s a quick and easy read, however I’m enjoying the relationships and plots that Rachel creates throughout the series.

[Rubina Savage]

The women are taking over!

I do enjoy these books by Rachel McLean but feel there are too many women in positions of authority. The men seem to play minor role or are the 'baddies'.
I know this is an age of equality but I feel Rachel goes too far.

[Michael Rumney]

A body is found and things don't make sense, it could be accident or murder. I thought well this is interesting. And them the book veers off and reads like a soap opera, a soap opera where I don't care about the characters.
This book needs more crime less gossip

[Sue Denny]

Another winner

The latest in the Dorset crime series had me gripped from start to finish. All the old friends in Lesley’s team are back with Tina in a new role. Roll on the next instalment!

[Sandra Stoner-Mitchell]

Excellent story!

I enjoyed this story very much, it was strange reading about a murder in places I lived. I felt sorry for Jill, but she broke the law and had to lose her job. The murders and investigations were extremely well written. And a fabulous ending for Zoe.

[Jon Daly]

Another classic

Rachel McLean never disappoints and this was yet another classic.
The ongoing story continues outwith the main story which, yet again was full of plot twists and gripping.
I look forward to the next.

[Lynn]

One of the author's better books

I have read all the books in the series. Some story lines drag. But this one was fast paced, well structured with an interesting stand alone plot running alongside the ongoing thread. Good to have Zoe as a main character.

[Claire]

Really loved this one .

[Linda Park]

great read

Raced through this good story Iine as always wished the next one was ready for reading these stories really make you feel like you know the characters so well

[Elizabeth Paterson]

Great read

Really enjoyed this book couldn’t put it down, can’t wait for the next one. This has been a great series, thankyou

[Keith Booth]

Great read

Another cracking read only one thing I worked out about Jack Bering part of something off half way through the book

[Annepickles]

Good read

Story's get better every time and the location is part of the story as well as the caricatures in it

[julie Brotherston]

Another good Dorset series book. It’s nice to know Zoe is back working for Lesley again. I wonder if Mo will come to Dorset in future books

[Reader]

Another brilliant read

Great book as always. Just another book in a brilliant series. Couldn't put it down just like all the rest.

[Anne Laugharne]

Enjoyable read

I like this series of books by Rachel McLean. I live in the area and like to envisage the characters in the various settings.

[wendy geen]

Great series

I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.

[Ian Barnes]

Not one oof her better ones. OK plot but painting picture of Shaftesbury not really there compared with previous books. Jumps around a lot with the main characters.