Plot:

The Blue Pool Murders is a crime novel featuring DCI Lesley Clarke investigating the murder of notorious criminal Arthur Kelvin, whose body is found in the Blue Pool near Wareham, Dorset. As Clarke and her team delve into the case, they uncover a web of family intrigue, organized crime, and a potential connection to the death of former DCI Tim Mackie. The investigation is complicated by the subsequent death of Kelvin's wife, Amanda Frobisher, and interference from other police departments.

The Crime:

Arthur Kelvin's body is discovered in the Blue Pool with stab wounds. The investigation reveals that Kelvin was last seen alive at a chip shop in Wareham with his nephew Kyle and wife Amanda. Forensic evidence, including a chip cone and DNA found in the Kelvin house, points to Kyle's involvement. The team also investigates Amanda Frobisher's death, initially reported as a suicide but later determined to be murder. Clarke and her team work to connect the two deaths and uncover the motive behind them, facing obstacles from organized crime units and internal police politics.

Sub Plots:

1. DCI Clarke's upcoming wedding to Elsa Short, a former lawyer for Arthur Kelvin, creates personal and professional tension as Clarke works to solve the case before her wedding day.
2. DS Dennis Frampton struggles with mental health issues related to a previous case involving DCI Mackie's death, which becomes increasingly relevant to the current investigation.
3. DC Mike Legg and his wife Tina navigate new parenthood while Tina, on maternity leave, attempts to stay involved in police work.

Main characters:

1. DCI Lesley Clarke
2. DS Dennis Frampton
3. DC Mike Legg
4. DC Tina Legg
5. Elsa Short
6. Arthur Kelvin
7. Amanda Frobisher
8. Kyle Kelvin

Relationship development:

• Lesley Clarke and Elsa Short: Their relationship is tested by the case but strengthens as they prepare for their wedding.
• Mike and Tina Legg: They adapt to parenthood and negotiate Tina's involvement in police work while on maternity leave.
• Lesley Clarke and Dennis Frampton: Clarke becomes increasingly concerned about Frampton's behavior and mental state.
• Kyle Kelvin and Amanda Frobisher: Evidence suggests they were having an affair prior to the murders.

DCI Mackie investigation:

The novel reveals that DCI Mackie was investigating Arthur Kelvin before his death. Journalist Sadie Dawes attempts to link Mackie's death to the current case. The book ends with DS Dennis Frampton being arrested for Mackie's murder, suggesting a deeper connection between the two cases that will likely be explored in future installments.

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 Blue Pool Murders, DCI Clarke leads the investigation into the brutal murders of Arthur Kelvin and his wife, Amanda Frobisher. 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, including her impending marriage to former Kelvin lawyer Elsa Short. 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 experienced and reliable second-in-command to DCI Lesley Clarke, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and old-school policing methods to their investigations.

Overview:
Dennis Frampton is a Detective Sergeant with the Dorset Police, known for his meticulous approach and traditional values. He possesses a deep understanding of the local area and its criminal elements, which proves invaluable to the team. Despite his experience, Frampton struggles with mental health issues stemming from past cases, particularly the death of former DCI Tim Mackie.

Background:
Frampton has spent his entire career with the Dorset Police, rising through the ranks to become a respected Detective Sergeant. He has worked closely with many senior officers, including the late DCI Tim Mackie, forming strong professional relationships. His long-standing connection to the area and its residents provides the team with crucial insights during investigations.

Role in this Story:
In The Blue Pool Murders, DS Frampton plays a significant role in the investigation of Arthur Kelvin's murder. He conducts key interviews, including a tense encounter with Kyle Kelvin, and provides valuable historical context about the Kelvin family's criminal activities. Throughout the story, Frampton's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, hinting at deeper involvement in past events. The novel concludes with his shocking arrest for the murder of DCI Tim Mackie, setting up a major plot point for future installments.

Basic Details:

• Name: Dennis Frampton
• Age: Late 50s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Dorset, England (specific town not mentioned)
• Current Residence: Dorset (specific town not mentioned)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training (specific level not specified)
• Weight: Not specified
• Height: Not specified
• Occupation: Detective Sergeant
• Income Level: Middle Income
• Relationship Status: Married to Pam
• Car: Unspecified personal vehicle

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin Colour: Not specified (likely fair)
• Eye Colour: Not specified
• Hair Colour: Greying (specific color not mentioned)
• Face Shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing Marks: Wears glasses
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: Suffers from mental health issues, including anxiety and possible PTSD

Dennis Frampton emerges as a complex character, balancing his extensive experience and local knowledge with personal struggles that increasingly impact his work. His arrest at the end of the novel adds a dramatic twist to his character arc, promising further exploration of his past and its consequences in future installments of the series.

DC Mike Legg

Introduction:
DC Mike Legg is a recurring character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Legg serves as a Detective Constable in DCI Lesley Clarke's Major Crimes Investigation Team, bringing youthful energy and dedication to the squad.

Overview:
Mike Legg is a young and ambitious Detective Constable with the Dorset Police. He demonstrates a strong work ethic and a keen desire to learn from his more experienced colleagues. Legg balances his professional responsibilities with his new role as a father, adding depth to his character as he navigates the challenges of both his career and personal life.

Background:
Legg joined the Dorset Police as a uniformed officer before transferring to the Major Crimes Investigation Team. He has quickly established himself as a valuable team member, showing particular aptitude for detail-oriented tasks and technological aspects of investigations. His recent marriage to fellow officer Tina Abbott and the birth of their son, Louis, mark significant milestones in his personal life.

Role in this Story:
In The Blue Pool Murders, DC Legg plays an active role in the investigation of Arthur Kelvin's murder. He conducts crucial CCTV analysis, participates in witness interviews, and assists with the reconstruction of the crime scene. Legg's home life, particularly his wife Tina's unofficial involvement in the case while on maternity leave, adds a subplot to the story. His willingness to share parental leave with Tina demonstrates his commitment to both his family and his career.

Basic Details:

• Name: Mike Legg
• Age: Late 20s to early 30s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified (likely Dorset or surrounding area)
• Current Residence: Sandford, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training (specific level not mentioned)
• Weight: Not specified
• Height: Slightly taller than average
• Occupation: Detective Constable
• Income Level: Middle Income
• Relationship Status: Married to Tina Abbott
• Car: Unspecified personal vehicle

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Slightly taller than average (specific height not given)
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin Colour: Not specified (likely fair)
• Eye Colour: Not specified
• Hair Colour: Not specified
• Face Shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned

Mike Legg emerges as a dedicated and promising young detective, eager to prove himself within the team. His recent transition to fatherhood adds complexity to his character, as he strives to balance his professional ambitions with his new family responsibilities. Legg's relationship with his wife Tina and their collaborative approach to police work, even during her maternity leave, highlights the evolving dynamics within modern policing families.

DC Tina Legg (née Abbott)

Introduction:
DC Tina Legg is a recurring character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Legg serves as a Detective Constable in DCI Lesley Clarke's Major Crimes Investigation Team, known for her sharp intellect and dedication to police work.

Overview:
Tina Legg is a skilled and ambitious Detective Constable with the Dorset Police. She demonstrates exceptional analytical abilities and a strong drive to solve cases. Currently on maternity leave, Tina struggles with the temporary separation from her work, often finding ways to contribute to ongoing investigations from home.

Background:
Tina joined the Dorset Police as a uniformed officer before transferring to the Major Crimes Investigation Team. She quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the team, showing particular strength in research and analysis. Her recent marriage to fellow officer Mike Legg and the birth of their son, Louis, mark significant changes in her personal life.

Role in this Story:
In The Blue Pool Murders, despite being on maternity leave, Tina plays a crucial role in the investigation of Arthur Kelvin's murder. She conducts unofficial research from home, uncovering key information about Kelvin's divorce proceedings. Tina's involvement in the case, while caring for her newborn son, highlights the challenges of balancing motherhood with her passion for police work. Her actions lead to discussions about shared parental leave, demonstrating the evolving nature of work-life balance in modern policing.

Basic Details:

• Name: Tina Legg (née Abbott)
• Age: Late 20s to early 30s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified (likely Dorset or surrounding area)
• Current Residence: Sandford, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training (specific level not mentioned)
• Weight: Not specified
• Height: Not specified
• Occupation: Detective Constable (currently on maternity leave)
• Income Level: Middle Income
• Relationship Status: Married to Mike Legg
• Car: Unspecified personal vehicle

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin Colour: Not specified
• Eye Colour: Not specified
• Hair Colour: Brown, curly
• Face Shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned, but experiencing post-partum recovery

Tina Legg emerges as a driven and intelligent detective, struggling with the temporary loss of her professional identity while on maternity leave. Her unofficial involvement in the Kelvin case demonstrates her unwavering commitment to police work, even as she adapts to motherhood. Tina's relationship with her husband Mike and their collaborative approach to both parenting and police work highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by modern policing families.

Elsa Short

Introduction:
Elsa Short is a significant character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Short is a criminal defence lawyer and the fiancée of DCI Lesley Clarke, playing a crucial role in both the personal and professional aspects of Clarke's life.

Overview:
Elsa Short is a skilled criminal defence lawyer who previously worked for the firm representing Arthur Kelvin. She has recently started her own practice, facing challenges in establishing her clientele due to her past association with Kelvin. Short navigates the complex dynamics of being engaged to a senior police officer while maintaining her professional integrity as a defence lawyer.

Background:
Short moved to Dorset from London, where she had established a successful career as a criminal lawyer. Her decision to leave her previous firm, Nevin, Cross and Short, stemmed from ethical concerns about representing clients like Arthur Kelvin. This decision has significantly impacted her career, forcing her to rebuild her practice from scratch in a new environment.

Role in this Story:
In The Blue Pool Murders, Elsa Short plays a pivotal role as both DCI Clarke's fiancée and a potential link to the Kelvin case. Her past association with Arthur Kelvin creates tension in her relationship with Clarke and raises questions about her potential involvement or knowledge of Kelvin's activities. Short struggles to establish her new practice while preparing for her wedding to Clarke, adding personal drama to the main murder investigation. Her ethical dilemma regarding potential representation of Kyle Kelvin highlights the ongoing conflict between her professional obligations and personal relationships.

Basic Details:

• Name: Elsa Short
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified (likely London or surrounding area)
• Current Residence: Wareham, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Law degree (specific university not mentioned)
• Weight: Not specified, described as slim
• Height: Not specified
• Occupation: Criminal Defence Lawyer
• Income Level: Currently unstable due to new practice
• Relationship Status: Engaged to DCI Lesley Clarke
• Car: Not specified

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Described as slim
• Build: Slim
• Skin Colour: Not specified
• Eye Colour: Not specified
• Hair Colour: Long, dark
• Face Shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned

Elsa Short emerges as a complex character, balancing her professional ethics with her personal relationships. Her struggle to establish a new practice while maintaining her integrity adds depth to her character. Short's relationship with DCI Clarke creates an interesting dynamic within the series, highlighting the challenges faced by couples on opposite sides of the legal system.

Arthur Kelvin

Introduction:
Arthur Kelvin is a central figure in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Kelvin serves as the primary victim in The Blue Pool Murders, but his influence as a notorious organized crime boss extends throughout the series.

Overview:
Arthur Kelvin operated as the head of Dorset's largest organized crime syndicate. He managed a network of illegal activities under the guise of legitimate businesses, including nail salons and other enterprises. Kelvin's ruthless tactics and far-reaching influence made him a formidable presence in the criminal underworld of Dorset.

Background:
Kelvin inherited the family's criminal empire from his father, Gerard Kelvin. He expanded the organization's reach and diversified its operations, solidifying his position as the dominant crime figure in the region. Kelvin maintained a veneer of respectability through his legitimate businesses while orchestrating various criminal activities behind the scenes.

Role in this Story:
In The Blue Pool Murders, Arthur Kelvin serves as the primary murder victim. His body is discovered in the Blue Pool near Wareham, setting off the main investigation. The circumstances of his death, including his recent divorce filing and complex family dynamics, drive the plot forward. Kelvin's past actions and criminal connections provide the backdrop for the investigation, with various suspects emerging from his professional and personal life.

Basic Details:

• Name: Arthur Kelvin
• Age: Early to mid-50s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Dorset, England (specific location not mentioned)
• Current Residence: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified, described as large
• Height: Not specified
• Occupation: Businessman and organized crime boss
• Income Level: High
• Relationship Status: Married to Amanda Frobisher (separated at time of death)
• Car: Land Rover Discovery (Black, Metropolitan model)

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not tall (specific height not given)
• Weight: Large build
• Build: Large, formerly slim
• Skin Colour: Not specified
• Eye Colour: Not specified
• Hair Colour: Dark, greying
• Face Shape: Square jaw
• Distinguishing Marks: None specified
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned prior to death

Arthur Kelvin emerges as a complex and influential character, even in death. His murder serves as the catalyst for the main plot, while his past activities and relationships provide a rich backdrop for the investigation. Kelvin's role as both a respected businessman and feared crime boss highlights the duality of his character and the far-reaching impact of his life and death on the Dorset community.

Amanda Frobisher

Introduction:
Amanda Frobisher is a significant character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Frobisher serves as the wife of Arthur Kelvin and becomes a central figure in The Blue Pool Murders as both a potential suspect and victim.

Overview:
Amanda Frobisher married into the notorious Kelvin family, becoming the wife of organized crime boss Arthur Kelvin. She maintained her own identity by keeping her maiden name and presented a complex persona, balancing the role of a criminal's wife with her own ambitions and relationships.

Background:
Frobisher's background before marrying Arthur Kelvin remains largely undisclosed in the novel. She chose to retain her maiden name after marriage, suggesting a desire for independence within the confines of her relationship with a powerful criminal figure. Her relationship with the Kelvin family, particularly her mother-in-law Vera Kelvin, appears strained.

Role in this Story:
In The Blue Pool Murders, Amanda Frobisher plays a pivotal role. Initially a suspect in her husband's murder due to their impending divorce, she quickly becomes a victim herself. Her death, initially reported as suicide, is later revealed to be murder. Frobisher's relationships with Arthur Kelvin and his nephew Kyle become central to the investigation, revealing a potential affair and adding layers of complexity to the case.

Basic Details:

• Name: Amanda Frobisher
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified
• Current Residence: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Height: Not specified
• Occupation: Not specified
• Income Level: High (through marriage)
• Relationship Status: Married to Arthur Kelvin (separated at time of death)
• Car: Not specified

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Described as willowy
• Skin Colour: Not specified
• Eye Colour: Not specified
• Hair Colour: Not specified
• Face Shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned prior to death

Amanda Frobisher emerges as a complex and enigmatic character in the novel. Her position as Arthur Kelvin's wife places her at the center of the investigation, while her own mysterious death adds another layer to the plot. Frobisher's relationships with both Arthur and Kyle Kelvin, as well as her apparent desire for independence, make her a pivotal figure in unraveling the complex web of motives and suspects in the Kelvin murders.

Kyle Kelvin

Introduction:
Kyle Kelvin is a key character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Kelvin serves as Arthur Kelvin's nephew and becomes a central figure and primary suspect in The Blue Pool Murders.

Overview:
Kyle Kelvin operates as a significant member of the Kelvin crime family, managing operations in Plymouth while maintaining connections to the Dorset-based organization. He balances his criminal activities with a facade of legitimacy, demonstrating a cunning and adaptable nature in his dealings with both family and law enforcement.

Background:
Kyle grew up within the influential Kelvin crime family, learning the intricacies of their operations from a young age. He established his own branch of the family business in Plymouth, expanding the Kelvin influence beyond Dorset. Kyle's relationship with his uncle Arthur appears complex, marked by both familial loyalty and potential rivalry.

Role in this Story:
In The Blue Pool Murders, Kyle Kelvin emerges as the primary suspect in the murders of both Arthur Kelvin and Amanda Frobisher. His presence in Dorset around the time of the murders, his potential affair with Amanda, and his evasive behavior during the investigation place him at the center of the case. Kyle's interactions with the police, particularly his tense encounter with DS Dennis Frampton, reveal his calculated and manipulative nature.

Basic Details:

• Name: Kyle Kelvin
• Age: Early to mid-30s
• Place of Birth: Likely Dorset (specific location not mentioned)
• Current Residence: Plymouth, Devon (with frequent visits to Dorset)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified, described as slight
• Height: Not specified
• Occupation: Ostensibly a businessman, covertly involved in organized crime
• Income Level: High
• Relationship Status: Has a girlfriend named Charlene, father to Bailey and Josie
• Car: Honda SUV (specific model not mentioned)

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Described as slight
• Build: Slight
• Skin Colour: Not specified (likely fair)
• Eye Colour: Green
• Hair Colour: Blond with highlights
• Face Shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing Marks: Moustache
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned

Kyle Kelvin emerges as a complex and formidable character in the novel. His involvement in both the legitimate business world and organized crime mirrors his uncle's approach, suggesting a continuation of the Kelvin family's criminal legacy. Kyle's potential involvement in the murders, his relationships with various family members, and his interactions with law enforcement make him a central and intriguing figure in the unfolding mystery of The Blue Pool Murders.