The Corfe Castle Murders by Rachel McLean is the first in a series of crime novels set in Dorset and featuring DCI Lesley Clarke. Lesley has been transferred to this rural community from a more urban environment after being injured in a bomb blast. She is straight talking (there is some swearing), a little resentful, and wary of her new team. Before she starts in her new post she, and her daughter, are walking past an archaeological dig when a body is found – a recent corpse. This means that Lesley is propelled immediately into a new case and has to get to know the other detectives as they work together to find the murderer.
This is not a particularly complex or unusual novel but it is enjoyable to read. It is good to see a female main character who is competent and respected, although she struggles with at least one member of her new team. Her home life is complicated, as you would expect, but she makes new friends and settles in well. The main suspect for the first murder turns out to be the subject of the second and the story includes a good number of twists and turns until it reaches a satisfactory conclusion.
I enjoyed the way that Lesley and her colleagues begin to break down the barriers between each other and how their preconceptions are challenged. The archaeological dig makes a good setting for the story and the solution to the mystery isn’t completely straightforward.
This was an enjoyable read and I shall look out for more books by the same author.
Anne Is Reading 