The Monument Murders by Rachel McLean

DCI Lesley Clarke finds herself juggling two investigations in the fourth story in this enjoyable series set in Dorset. Thanks to a persistent and prying journalist, Lesley’s struggling to keep the lid on an investigation into the death of her predecessor.

Then there’s the man who was killed and hauled onto a local monument. While the victim is soon identified, his work with a controversial new development along the coast raises concerns about racism. Or is he simply an outsider who wasn’t liked? They’re complications Lesley could do without, particularly when progress is slow and your partner is the solicitor representing one of your prime suspects.

But just when it looks like a breakthrough is beyond the team, one of them spots something amiss and everything starts to fall into place for a breathless climax.

With lots of personal conflicts and complications to contend with, the backstory issues crackle along, threatening to derail the murder investigation. But it’s also these conflicts that bring the characters to life and make the story more enjoyable and compulsive.

While this story can be read as a standalone, you’ll enjoy the characters and books so much more if you start at the beginning of the series.

Description

When a body is found draped over Swanage’s iconic Globe monument, DCI Lesley Clarke is called in. A message points to the motive: Go Home.

Is this a hate crime? Or something closer to home?

Lesley must find the killer before he or she strikes again, all while dealing with a mutiny in her team and political pressure from her boss.

At the same time, a local journalist has been investigating the death of Lesley’s predecessor – and claims to have key information. Wary of involving her team, Lesley brings in her old colleague Zoe Finch to help.

Will Lesley come out of this case with her reputation, her team, and her career intact?