Plot:

The Clifftop Murders is a crime novel featuring DCI Lesley Clarke investigating two connected murders in Dorset. The story begins with the death of lawyer Ameena Khan, found at the bottom of Old Harry Rocks. As Clarke investigates, her colleague Harry Nevin becomes the prime suspect. However, Nevin is then murdered, leading Clarke to uncover a complex web of relationships and motives involving Nevin's law firm and local organized crime.

The Crime:

The novel centers on two murders:

1. Ameena Khan, a junior partner at Nevin, Cross and Short law firm, is pushed off Old Harry Rocks.
2. Harry Nevin, a senior partner at the same firm, is found dead behind beach huts in Boscombe.

Clarke initially suspects Nevin of killing Khan due to DNA evidence. Her investigation reveals both victims were involved in an affair, leading her to Priscilla Evans, Nevin's girlfriend. CCTV footage shows Evans and two accomplices disposing of Nevin's body. The investigation also uncovers connections to the Kelvin family, a local organized crime group.

Sub Plots:

1. Clarke's relationship with Elsa Short, another partner at Nevin, Cross and Short, complicates the investigation and forces Clarke to disclose their relationship to her superiors.
2. Clarke investigates the suspicious death of her predecessor, DCI Mackie, after discovering potential links to the Kelvin crime family.
3. DS Dennis Frampton struggles with loyalty to his team and his connection to the Kelvin family through DC Johnny Chiles.

Main characters:

1. DCI Lesley Clarke
2. DS Dennis Frampton
3. Elsa Short
4. Harry Nevin
5. Ameena Khan
6. Priscilla Evans
7. Arthur Kelvin
8. Aurelia Cross

Relationship development:

• Clarke and Elsa Short: Begin a romantic relationship that complicates the investigation
• Clarke and Dennis Frampton: Initially tense, but develop mutual respect
• Harry Nevin and Ameena Khan: Revealed to have been having an affair
• Harry Nevin and Priscilla Evans: Long-term relationship ends in Evans murdering Nevin
• Elsa Short and Arthur Kelvin: Professional relationship revealed to involve illegal activities

DCI Mackie investigation:

• Clarke discovers a photo of Mackie with Arthur Kelvin, suggesting corruption
• The location and circumstances of Mackie's apparent suicide are questioned
• Superintendent Carpenter warns Clarke to keep her investigation quiet
• The novel ends with Clarke continuing to pursue the truth about Mackie's death

DCI Lesley Clarke:

Introduction:
DCI Lesley Clarke is the central character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Clarke is a highly skilled and determined detective whose personal and professional life intersect dramatically as she investigates complex crimes in the picturesque yet perilous setting of Dorset.

Overview:
Lesley Clarke serves as a Detective Chief Inspector in Dorset Police, having relocated from the West Midlands. Throughout the series, she balances her trauma from previous cases with the demands of being a top-tier investigator. Highly competent and dedicated, she leads her team with a mix of sharp intellect, unwavering determination, and a deep sense of justice.

Background:
Lesley Clarke hails from Birmingham, where she spent most of her career with the West Midlands Police. Over the years, she has built a reputation for her meticulous and effective investigative techniques. Despite facing personal challenges, including a recent bomb attack that left her with emotional scars, Clarke remains committed to her role in law enforcement. Her transfer to Dorset represents both a fresh start and a test of her resilience.

Role in this Story:
In The Clifftop Murders, DCI Clarke relocates to the quaint village of Corfe Castle to lead the investigation into the brutal murders of archaeologist Archie Weatherton and his girlfriend, Laila Ford. As she delves into the case, Clarke navigates local resistance, uncovers financial fraud, and confronts her team's initial distrust. She faces off against hidden motives and long-buried secrets while also contending with her own personal struggles. Clarke's leadership and investigative prowess ultimately bring the truth to light, solidifying her position as an indispensable force within Dorset Police.

Basic Details:
• Name: Lesley Clarke
• Age: 46
• Place of Birth: Birmingham, England
• Current Residence: Wareham, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree in Criminology
• Weight: 70 kg (approx.)
• Height: 5'8" (172 cm)
• Occupation: Detective Chief Inspector
• Income Level: Middle to High Income
• Relationship Status: Married (currently separated)
• Car: Unspecified; typically uses police vehicles for work

Physical Attributes:
• Height: 5'8" (172 cm)
• Weight: 70 kg (approx.)
• Build: Medium, athletic
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Blue-grey
• Hair Colour: Short blonde
• Face Shape: Oval
• Distinguishing Marks: None specified
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: Emotional scars from a previous bomb attack

Lesley Clarke emerges as a multi-dimensional character, facing her challenges head-on while never losing sight of her commitment to justice. Her resilience and skill make her a compelling figure within the Dorset Crime Series, and her evolving relationships add depth to her persona.

DS Dennis Frampton:

Introduction:
DS Dennis Frampton is a key character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Frampton serves as the reliable and experienced sergeant to DCI Lesley Clarke, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and old-school policing techniques to their investigations.

Overview:
Dennis Frampton is a seasoned detective sergeant with the Dorset Police. He embodies traditional policing values, often clashing with more modern approaches. Frampton's extensive experience and deep connections within the local community make him an invaluable asset to the team, despite his occasional resistance to change.

Background:
Frampton has spent his entire career with the Dorset Police, rising through the ranks to become a respected detective sergeant. He worked closely with the previous DCI, Mackie, and initially struggles to adapt to Clarke's leadership style. Frampton's strong moral compass and dedication to his job have earned him the loyalty of his colleagues, particularly DC Johnny Chiles.

Role in this Story:
In The Clifftop Murders, Frampton plays a crucial role in the investigation of Ameena Khan and Harry Nevin's murders. He provides essential local insight and serves as a bridge between Clarke and the rest of the team. Frampton's relationship with Clarke evolves from initial skepticism to mutual respect. He also grapples with protecting DC Chiles from potential involvement with the Kelvin crime family, showcasing his loyalty and the complexities of long-standing local relationships.

Basic Details:
• Name: Dennis Frampton
• Age: Late 50s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Dorset, England (specific town unmentioned)
• Current Residence: Dorset (specific town unmentioned)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training (specific level unmentioned)
• Weight: Approximately 80 kg (estimated)
• Height: 5'10" (178 cm) (estimated)
• Occupation: Detective Sergeant
• Income Level: Middle Income
• Relationship Status: Married to Pam
• Car: Vauxhall Astra

Physical Attributes:
• Height: 5'10" (178 cm) (estimated)
• Weight: Approximately 80 kg (estimated)
• Build: Sturdy, slightly overweight
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Brown (unspecified, assumed)
• Hair Colour: Greying
• Face Shape: Round
• Distinguishing Marks: Wears glasses
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: Pulls cruciate ligament during arrest in this story

Dennis Frampton represents the old guard of policing, bringing stability and local knowledge to the team. His evolving relationship with DCI Clarke and his protective nature towards his long-time colleagues add depth to his character and the overall dynamics of the Dorset Police force.

Elsa Short:

Introduction:
Elsa Short is a significant character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. She serves as both a romantic interest for DCI Lesley Clarke and a key figure in the complex legal landscape surrounding the murder investigations.

Overview:
Elsa Short is a partner at Nevin, Cross and Short, a prominent law firm in Bournemouth. She specializes in criminal law and has represented numerous clients connected to the Kelvin crime family. Short's professional life becomes entangled with the murder investigations, while her personal life intertwines with DCI Clarke's.

Background:
Elsa Short grew up in Dorset and pursued a career in law, eventually becoming a partner at Nevin, Cross and Short. She has built a reputation as a skilled criminal defense lawyer, often taking on high-profile cases. Short's brother, Tom, runs the Duke of Wellington pub in Wareham, where she occasionally helps out.

Role in this Story:
In The Clifftop Murders, Short becomes romantically involved with DCI Clarke, complicating the investigation into the murders of Ameena Khan and Harry Nevin. She represents clients connected to the Kelvin family, raising questions about her potential involvement in the case. Short faces danger when Priscilla Evans mistakenly believes she had an affair with Harry Nevin. Her relationship with Clarke forces both women to confront professional and personal boundaries.

Basic Details:
• Name: Elsa Short
• Age: Mid-30s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Dorset, England (specific town unmentioned)
• Current Residence: Bournemouth, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Law degree (specific university unmentioned)
• Weight: Approximately 60 kg (estimated)
• Height: 5'7" (170 cm) (estimated)
• Occupation: Criminal Defense Lawyer, Partner at Nevin, Cross and Short
• Income Level: High Income
• Relationship Status: In a relationship with DCI Lesley Clarke
• Car: Unspecified

Physical Attributes:
• Height: 5'7" (170 cm) (estimated)
• Weight: Approximately 60 kg (estimated)
• Build: Slim, athletic
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Blue
• Hair Colour: Dark, wavy
• Face Shape: Oval
• Distinguishing Marks: None specified
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: Breaks ankle in two places during attack by Priscilla Evans

Elsa Short emerges as a complex character, balancing her professional obligations with her personal desires. Her relationship with DCI Clarke adds depth to both characters and introduces ethical dilemmas that drive the story forward. Short's connections to the local legal and criminal worlds make her a pivotal figure in the unfolding mysteries of the Dorset Crime Series.

Harry Nevin:

Introduction:
Harry Nevin is a central character in Rachel McLean's The Clifftop Murders, part of the Dorset Crime Series. He serves as both a victim and a suspect, his complex personal and professional life driving much of the plot.

Overview:
Harry Nevin is the founding partner of Nevin, Cross and Short, a prominent law firm in Bournemouth. He specializes in criminal defense and has built a reputation for representing high-profile clients, including members of the Kelvin crime family. Nevin's personal life is marked by infidelity and deception, which ultimately leads to his demise.

Background:
Nevin established himself as a formidable criminal defense lawyer in Dorset, building his firm from the ground up. He cultivated relationships with influential clients, including organized crime figures. Nevin's professional success contrasted with his tumultuous personal life, marked by multiple affairs and a strained marriage.

Role in this Story:
In The Clifftop Murders, Nevin initially emerges as the prime suspect in Ameena Khan's murder. His DNA is found under her fingernails, and CCTV footage reveals their affair. However, Nevin becomes the second victim when his body is discovered behind beach huts in Boscombe. His death unravels a complex web of relationships and motives, exposing the darker aspects of his personal and professional life.

Basic Details:
• Name: Harry Nevin
• Age: Late 50s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Dorset, England (specific town unmentioned)
• Current Residence: Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Law degree (specific university unmentioned)
• Weight: Approximately 90 kg
• Height: 6'0" (183 cm) (estimated)
• Occupation: Criminal Defense Lawyer, Senior Partner at Nevin, Cross and Short
• Income Level: High Income
• Relationship Status: Married, with multiple affairs
• Car: Unspecified luxury model

Physical Attributes:
• Height: 6'0" (183 cm) (estimated)
• Weight: Approximately 90 kg
• Build: Slightly overweight
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Grey, thinning
• Face Shape: Round
• Distinguishing Marks: Wears an engraved signet ring on his right hand
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: Fatal head wound from murder

Harry Nevin's character embodies the complexities of power, ambition, and moral compromise. His actions and relationships set in motion the central conflicts of the novel, and his murder serves as a pivotal point in the investigation. Nevin's legacy continues to influence the characters and events long after his death, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of his choices in both his professional and personal life.

Ameena Khan:

Introduction:
Ameena Khan is a pivotal character in Rachel McLean's The Clifftop Murders, part of the Dorset Crime Series. Her murder sets the main plot in motion and her life and relationships become central to the investigation.

Overview:
Ameena Khan serves as a junior partner at Nevin, Cross and Short, a prominent law firm in Bournemouth. She specializes in criminal defense and has quickly risen through the ranks due to her skill and dedication. Khan's personal life becomes entangled with her professional world, leading to fatal consequences.

Background:
Khan earned her law degree and joined Nevin, Cross and Short, quickly establishing herself as a talented and ambitious lawyer. She balanced her demanding career with family life, often pursuing her hobby of photography during early morning hours. Khan's professional success, however, masked complex personal relationships within the firm.

Role in this Story:
In The Clifftop Murders, Khan's body is discovered at the bottom of Old Harry Rocks, launching the central investigation. As DCI Lesley Clarke delves into the case, she uncovers Khan's affair with senior partner Harry Nevin. This revelation transforms Khan from a simple victim to a key figure in a web of deceit and rivalry within the law firm. Her death ultimately leads to the exposure of broader criminal connections and personal vendettas.

Basic Details:
• Name: Ameena Khan
• Age: 34
• Place of Birth: Unspecified (likely England)
• Current Residence: Christchurch, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Law degree (specific university unmentioned)
• Weight: Approximately 60 kg (estimated)
• Height: 5'6" (168 cm) (estimated)
• Occupation: Criminal Defense Lawyer, Junior Partner at Nevin, Cross and Short
• Income Level: High Income
• Relationship Status: Married to Tom Holroyd
• Car: Unspecified

Physical Attributes:
• Height: 5'6" (168 cm) (estimated)
• Weight: Approximately 60 kg (estimated)
• Build: Slim
• Skin Colour: Brown (of South Asian descent)
• Eye Colour: Brown (unspecified, assumed)
• Hair Colour: Black
• Hair Length: Long, straight, reaching halfway down her back
• Face Shape: Oval (unspecified, assumed)
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: Fatal injuries from fall/push off cliff

Ameena Khan's character represents ambition, complexity, and the challenges faced by women in high-pressure professional environments. Her murder not only initiates the main investigation but also serves as a catalyst for revealing the hidden dynamics within the law firm and its connections to organized crime. Khan's life and death continue to influence the narrative and the other characters long after her demise, underscoring the far-reaching impact of her choices and relationships.

Priscilla Evans:

Introduction:
Priscilla Evans is a key antagonist in Rachel McLean's The Clifftop Murders, part of the Dorset Crime Series. Her actions drive much of the plot and she emerges as the primary culprit behind the central murders.

Overview:
Priscilla Evans is Harry Nevin's long-term girlfriend and a woman of independent means. She maintains a luxurious lifestyle in Sandbanks, one of the most expensive areas in the UK. Evans' jealousy and possessiveness towards Nevin ultimately lead her to commit murder.

Background:
Evans' background remains largely mysterious throughout the novel. She cultivated a relationship with Harry Nevin, a prominent lawyer, and established herself in the affluent community of Sandbanks. Her financial independence suggests a successful career or family wealth, though the specifics are not detailed in the story.

Role in this Story:
In The Clifftop Murders, Evans plays a crucial role as both a witness and the ultimate perpetrator. She initially provides an alibi for Harry Nevin regarding Ameena Khan's murder. However, as the investigation progresses, DCI Lesley Clarke uncovers Evans' involvement in both Khan's and Nevin's deaths. Evans' jealousy over Nevin's affair with Khan motivates her to orchestrate both murders, enlisting her cousins to help dispose of Nevin's body. Her actions culminate in an attempt to murder Elsa Short, whom she mistakenly believes was another of Nevin's lovers.

Basic Details:
• Name: Priscilla Evans
• Age: Mid to late 40s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Unspecified
• Current Residence: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Unspecified
• Weight: Approximately 65 kg (estimated)
• Height: 5'8" (173 cm) (estimated)
• Occupation: Unspecified
• Income Level: High Income
• Relationship Status: Harry Nevin's girlfriend
• Car: Unspecified

Physical Attributes:
• Height: 5'8" (173 cm) (estimated)
• Weight: Approximately 65 kg (estimated)
• Build: Slim, athletic
• Skin Colour: Black
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Dark
• Hair Type: Wavy, shoulder-length
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: Breaks leg when kicked by Elsa Short during attempted murder

Priscilla Evans embodies the archetype of a scorned lover driven to extreme actions. Her character adds layers of complexity to the investigation, challenging the detectives' assumptions and forcing them to unravel a tangled web of relationships and motives. Evans' actions highlight the destructive power of jealousy and the lengths to which some individuals will go to maintain control over their relationships.

Arthur Kelvin:

Introduction:
Arthur Kelvin is a recurring antagonist in Rachel McLean's Dorset Crime Series, including The Clifftop Murders. He heads a powerful organized crime family in Dorset, influencing local politics, law enforcement, and business.

Overview:
Arthur Kelvin leads the Kelvin crime family, a longstanding criminal organization in Dorset. He presents himself as a legitimate businessman while orchestrating various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering. Kelvin's influence extends to law enforcement and local government, complicating investigations into his activities.

Background:
Kelvin inherited the family's criminal empire from his father, Sydney Kelvin. He expanded the organization's reach, diversifying into legitimate businesses to launder money and provide cover for illegal operations. Kelvin cultivated relationships with influential figures, including lawyers and police officers, to protect his interests.

Role in this Story:
In The Clifftop Murders, Kelvin's connection to the law firm Nevin, Cross and Short emerges as a key element of the investigation. His organization employed Steven Leonard, a client of the firm, linking him to the central murders. Kelvin's potential involvement in DCI Mackie's death also comes to light, suggesting a history of manipulating local law enforcement.

Basic Details:
• Name: Arthur Kelvin
• Age: Early 50s
• Place of Birth: Dorset, England (specific location unmentioned)
• Current Residence: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Unspecified
• Weight: Approximately 75 kg (estimated)
• Height: 5'11" (180 cm) (estimated)
• Occupation: Businessman (legitimate front for criminal activities)
• Income Level: Very High Income
• Relationship Status: Unspecified
• Car: Unspecified luxury models

Physical Attributes:
• Height: 5'11" (180 cm) (estimated)
• Weight: Approximately 75 kg (estimated)
• Build: Slim, athletic
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Dark, greying at the temples
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned

Arthur Kelvin represents the entrenched criminal element in Dorset, his character highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces when confronting well-connected and resourceful adversaries. His presence in the story adds depth to the local criminal landscape and provides a persistent threat that extends beyond individual cases. Kelvin's connections to various characters, including potentially corrupt police officers, create ongoing tension and moral dilemmas for the protagonists.

Aurelia Cross:

Introduction:
Aurelia Cross is a significant character in Rachel McLean's The Clifftop Murders, part of the Dorset Crime Series. She serves as a partner at Nevin, Cross and Short, playing a key role in the law firm's operations and the unfolding mystery.

Overview:
Aurelia Cross is a senior partner at Nevin, Cross and Short, specializing in criminal defense. She presents a formidable and somewhat intimidating figure, known for her no-nonsense approach to both legal matters and interpersonal relationships within the firm.

Background:
Cross built her career in criminal law, eventually becoming a named partner at Nevin, Cross and Short. She has established herself as a respected and feared figure in the Bournemouth legal community, handling many of the firm's high-profile cases.

Role in this Story:
In The Clifftop Murders, Cross becomes a person of interest in DCI Lesley Clarke's investigation following the murders of Ameena Khan and Harry Nevin. She provides limited cooperation to the police, citing client confidentiality. Cross's interactions with Clarke and her team reveal tensions within the law firm and hint at deeper connections to the local criminal underworld.

Basic Details:
• Name: Aurelia Cross
• Age: Early 60s
• Place of Birth: Unspecified (likely England)
• Current Residence: Bournemouth, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Law degree (specific university unmentioned)
• Weight: Approximately 70 kg (estimated)
• Height: 5'6" (168 cm) (estimated)
• Occupation: Criminal Defense Lawyer, Partner at Nevin, Cross and Short
• Income Level: High Income
• Relationship Status: Unspecified
• Car: Unspecified

Physical Attributes:
• Height: 5'6" (168 cm) (estimated)
• Weight: Approximately 70 kg (estimated)
• Build: Plump
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Grey
• Hair Style: Long, piled on top of her head in a bun
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned

Aurelia Cross embodies the archetype of a seasoned, hardened lawyer who has seen it all. Her character adds depth to the portrayal of the law firm and the legal community in Bournemouth. Cross's reluctance to fully cooperate with the police investigation raises questions about her loyalties and potential involvement in the broader criminal activities connected to the murders. Her presence in the story underscores the complex relationships between law enforcement, legal professionals, and the criminal underworld in Dorset.