Plot:

The Ghost Village Murders is a crime novel that follows DCI Lesley Clarke as she investigates the murder of DC Fran Dugdale, whose body is found in the abandoned village of Tyneham. The investigation uncovers a web of corruption within the Dorset Police force, linking Dugdale's death to the unsolved murder of DCI Tim Mackie three years prior. As Clarke delves deeper, she faces threats to her own family and team members.

The Crime:

DC Fran Dugdale's body is discovered in Tyneham village, poisoned with nonylphenol. Clarke's team investigates, finding evidence linking Dugdale to DI Rowan Angus. The investigation reveals Dugdale was in a relationship with both Angus and her fiancé Satvinder Gill. Clarke suspects DI Robert Collingwood, Dugdale's superior in the Professional Standards Department, of involvement in her death. CCTV footage later shows Collingwood pushing Angus off a cliff at Durdle Door, complicating the case further.

Sub Plots:

1. David Watson, a suspect in a previous case, kidnaps Clarke's daughter Sharon and leaves her in an orangutan enclosure at Monkey World. DS Dennis Frampton attempts a rescue but falls and suffers severe spinal injuries.
2. Clarke continues to investigate the three-year-old death of DCI Tim Mackie, suspecting it connects to Dugdale's murder and police corruption.

Main characters:

1. DCI Lesley Clarke
2. DS Dennis Frampton
3. DC Fran Dugdale
4. DI Robert Collingwood
5. DI Rowan Angus
6. David Watson
7. Vera Kelvin
8. Superintendent Anthony Carpenter

Relationship development:

• Clarke and Frampton: Their professional relationship strengthens as they work together, culminating in Frampton's heroic attempt to save Clarke's daughter.
• Clarke and her daughter Sharon: Their relationship is strained by Sharon's secretive behavior but improves after her rescue.
• Clarke and Carpenter: Initially distrustful, they develop a more cooperative relationship as they work to uncover corruption.
• Dugdale and Angus: Their secret relationship is revealed during the investigation.
• Collingwood and Vera Kelvin: Their corrupt partnership is exposed, linking organized crime to police corruption.

DCI Mackie investigation:

• Clarke discovers Mackie was investigating police corruption before his death.
• Evidence emerges linking Collingwood to Mackie's death.
• Former Detective Superintendent Phipps reveals he was forced to drop the Mackie investigation due to threats.
• CCTV footage and fiber evidence eventually link Collingwood to Mackie's death at Ballard Down.
• The novel concludes with Collingwood's arrest for both Mackie's and Dugdale's murders, as well as conspiracy charges.

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 Ghost Village 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 loyal and experienced second-in-command to DCI Lesley Clarke, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and traditional policing methods to their investigations.

Overview:
Dennis Frampton is a Detective Sergeant in the Dorset Police force, known for his meticulous attention to detail and old-school approach to policing. He struggles with modern technology and often relies on more traditional investigative techniques. Frampton's career has faced significant challenges, including a false accusation of murder, which has left lasting impacts on his psyche and working relationships.

Background:
Frampton has spent his entire career in Dorset, rising through the ranks to become a respected detective. He worked closely with the previous DCI, Tim Mackie, whose unsolved murder continues to haunt him. Frampton's traditional values and methods sometimes clash with more modern approaches, but his experience and local connections prove invaluable to the team.

Role in this Story:
In The Ghost Village Murders, Frampton plays a crucial role in the investigation of DC Fran Dugdale's murder. He grapples with his past connections to suspects and his own experiences with Professional Standards investigations. Frampton's dedication to the case leads him to heroically attempt to rescue DCI Clarke's daughter from an orangutan enclosure, resulting in a severe spinal injury that forces him into early retirement.

Basic Details:

• Name: Dennis Frampton
• Age: 59
• Place of Birth: Dorset, England
• Current Residence: Weymouth, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police Training College
• Weight: 80 kg (approx.)
• Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
• Occupation: Detective Sergeant
• Income Level: Middle Income
• Relationship Status: Married to Pam
• Car: Unspecified older model

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
• Weight: 80 kg (approx.)
• Build: Stocky
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Brown
• Hair Colour: Grey, thinning
• Face Shape: Round
• Distinguishing Marks: Wears glasses
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: Severe spinal injury sustained in the line of duty

Dennis Frampton embodies the old guard of policing, bringing a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the team. His personal struggles with false accusations and subsequent mental health issues add depth to his character. Frampton's heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice highlight his unwavering commitment to duty and his colleagues, making him a pivotal and sympathetic figure in the series.

DC Fran Dugdale:

Introduction:
DC Fran Dugdale is a pivotal character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. Her murder serves as the catalyst for the main investigation in the novel, uncovering a web of police corruption and organized crime.

Overview:
Fran Dugdale works as a Detective Constable in the Professional Standards Department of Dorset Police. She is known for her meticulous nature and dedication to uncovering corruption within the force. Dugdale's commitment to her job and her personal relationships create a complex character whose death sends shockwaves through the department.

Background:
Dugdale grew up in Dorset and joined the police force after completing her education. She quickly rose through the ranks, eventually joining the Professional Standards Department. Her work in PSD earned her a reputation as a thorough and uncompromising investigator, often putting her at odds with other officers.

Role in this Story:
Although Dugdale dies early in the novel, her murder drives the entire plot. The investigation into her death reveals her secret relationship with DI Rowan Angus and her engagement to Satvinder Gill. More importantly, it uncovers her investigation into police corruption, particularly focusing on her superior, DI Robert Collingwood. Dugdale's notes and the circumstances of her death lead DCI Lesley Clarke to unravel a conspiracy linking current crimes to the unsolved murder of DCI Tim Mackie.

Basic Details:

• Name: Fran Dugdale
• Age: Early 30s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Dorset, England
• Current Residence: Dorchester, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police Training College
• Weight: Approximately 60 kg
• Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
• Occupation: Detective Constable, Professional Standards Department
• Income Level: Middle Income
• Relationship Status: Engaged to Satvinder Gill, secret relationship with DI Rowan Angus
• Car: Unspecified

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 60 kg
• Build: Slim
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Unspecified
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None prior to her death

Fran Dugdale emerges as a complex character whose personal and professional lives intertwine in ways that ultimately lead to her demise. Her dedication to uncovering the truth, even at great personal risk, drives the narrative forward and exposes deep-rooted corruption within the Dorset Police force. Dugdale's meticulous nature, evident in her neat apartment and detailed notes, provides crucial evidence that helps solve not only her own murder but also connects to past crimes.

DI Robert Collingwood:

Introduction:
DI Robert Collingwood is a central antagonist in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. As a senior officer in the Professional Standards Department, Collingwood presents a facade of integrity while secretly orchestrating a network of corruption within the Dorset Police force.

Overview:
Robert Collingwood serves as a Detective Inspector in the Professional Standards Department of Dorset Police. He uses his position to manipulate investigations, protect corrupt officers, and maintain connections with organized crime. Collingwood's charismatic and authoritative demeanor masks his true nature as a ruthless and calculating criminal.

Background:
Collingwood rose through the ranks of the Dorset Police, eventually securing a position in the Professional Standards Department. He leveraged this role to build a network of corrupt officers and criminals, including connections to the Kelvin family's organized crime operations. Collingwood's history includes a rivalry with DI Rowan Angus, dating back to their time in police training.

Role in this Story:
Collingwood plays a pivotal role as the primary antagonist. He murders his subordinate, DC Fran Dugdale, when she uncovers evidence of his corruption. He also kills DI Rowan Angus to cover his tracks. Throughout the investigation, Collingwood attempts to derail DCI Lesley Clarke's efforts, using his position in PSD to interfere. His actions are eventually linked not only to the current murders but also to the historical death of DCI Tim Mackie.

Basic Details:

• Name: Robert Collingwood
• Age: Late 40s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Unspecified location in England
• Current Residence: Bournemouth, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police Training College
• Weight: Approximately 85 kg
• Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
• Occupation: Detective Inspector, Professional Standards Department
• Income Level: Upper Middle Income
• Relationship Status: Unspecified
• Car: Audi (model unspecified)

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 85 kg
• Build: Athletic
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Dark (described as "almost black")
• Hair Colour: Blonde
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned

Robert Collingwood embodies the corruption at the heart of the Dorset Police force. His ability to maintain a facade of respectability while orchestrating serious crimes makes him a formidable opponent for DCI Clarke and her team. Collingwood's actions drive much of the plot, from the initial murder of Fran Dugdale to the climactic revelation of his involvement in DCI Mackie's death. His arrest at the novel's conclusion represents a significant victory in the fight against police corruption.

DI Rowan Angus:

Introduction:
DI Rowan Angus is a complex character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. His involvement in multiple cases and mysterious death make him a central figure in the unfolding police corruption scandal.

Overview:
Rowan Angus serves as a Detective Inspector in the Blandford Forum CID of Dorset Police. He maintains a reputation as a competent and respected officer, despite his frequent appearances at crime scenes outside his jurisdiction. Angus's complicated personal life and connections to multiple cases make him a person of interest in several investigations.

Background:
Angus rose through the ranks of Dorset Police, establishing himself as a skilled detective. He previously worked with DS Dennis Frampton and maintained a rivalry with DI Robert Collingwood dating back to their police training days. Angus was formerly married to Dawn Stephens, a victim in a previous case, which raised suspicions about his involvement in her death.

Role in this Story:
Angus plays a crucial role as both a suspect and victim. His DNA appears under the fingernails of murdered DC Fran Dugdale, with whom he had a secret relationship. Angus's frequent presence at crime scenes in previous cases raises suspicions about his potential involvement in corruption. His murder at Durdle Door becomes a turning point in the investigation, leading to the exposure of DI Collingwood's criminal activities.

Basic Details:

• Name: Rowan Angus
• Age: Mid 40s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Unspecified location in Dorset
• Current Residence: Weymouth, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police Training College
• Weight: Approximately 80 kg
• Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
• Occupation: Detective Inspector, Blandford Forum CID
• Income Level: Upper Middle Income
• Relationship Status: Divorced, secret relationship with DC Fran Dugdale
• Car: Unspecified model

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 80 kg
• Build: Athletic
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Unspecified
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None prior to his death

Rowan Angus emerges as a morally ambiguous character whose true nature remains unclear until the end of the novel. His frequent appearances at crime scenes and complicated personal relationships initially cast suspicion on him. However, his murder reveals him as a victim of Collingwood's corruption rather than a perpetrator. Angus's death serves as a catalyst for uncovering the broader conspiracy within Dorset Police, making him a pivotal figure in the series' overarching narrative.

David Watson:

Introduction:
David "Day" Watson is a recurring antagonist in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. He operates as a member of an organized crime gang with connections to corrupt police officers.

Overview:
David Watson functions as a key operative in the criminal underworld of Dorset and Birmingham. He participates in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and murder. Watson's evasive nature and connections to both organized crime and corrupt police officers make him a persistent threat throughout the series.

Background:
Watson grew up in Birmingham and became involved in criminal activities at a young age. He joined the "Brum Boys" gang and quickly rose through its ranks. Watson played a role in the murder of Trevor Hamm, a Midlands crime boss, which brought him to the attention of Dorset Police.

Role in this Story:
Watson serves as a link between organized crime and police corruption. He evades capture multiple times, demonstrating his cunning and the protection he receives from corrupt officers. Watson kidnaps DCI Lesley Clarke's daughter, Sharon, and leaves her in an orangutan enclosure at Monkey World, escalating the conflict between the police and criminal elements. His actions and connections prove crucial in exposing the extent of corruption within the Dorset Police force.

Basic Details:

• Name: David "Day" Watson
• Age: Late 20s to early 30s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Birmingham, England
• Current Residence: Various locations (frequently moves)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Unspecified, likely minimal formal education
• Weight: Approximately 75 kg
• Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
• Occupation: Criminal operative
• Income Level: Variable, derived from criminal activities
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: White van with a dented rear wheel arch

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 75 kg
• Build: Slim, athletic
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Unspecified, described as slicked back
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None specifically mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None mentioned

David Watson embodies the intersection of organized crime and police corruption that plagues Dorset in the series. His ability to evade capture and his connections to high-ranking corrupt officers make him a formidable adversary. Watson's actions, particularly the kidnapping of Sharon Clarke, serve to escalate the conflict and push the investigation towards its climactic resolution. His arrest marks a significant victory in DCI Clarke's efforts to clean up Dorset Police and dismantle the criminal networks operating in the area.

Vera Kelvin:

Introduction:
Vera Kelvin is a recurring antagonist in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. She serves as the matriarch of the Kelvin crime family and maintains significant influence over criminal activities in Dorset.

Overview:
Vera Kelvin operates as the head of a powerful organized crime family in Dorset. She manages various illegal operations and maintains connections with corrupt police officers. Kelvin's shrewd intelligence and ruthless nature make her a formidable opponent for law enforcement.

Background:
Vera Kelvin inherited control of the family's criminal empire after the deaths of her husband, son Arthur, and grandson Kyle. She successfully transitioned the organization's operations and expanded its influence, particularly through connections with corrupt police officers.

Role in this Story:
Kelvin plays a crucial role in the background of the main plot. She collaborates with corrupt officers, including DI Robert Collingwood, to maintain her criminal operations. Kelvin provides protection and resources to David Watson, demonstrating her ongoing influence. Her arrest for drug possession with intent to supply marks a significant breakthrough in dismantling the criminal network.

Basic Details:

• Name: Vera Kelvin
• Age: Late 60s to early 70s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Unspecified location in Dorset
• Current Residence: Lulworth Cove, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Unspecified
• Weight: Approximately 65 kg
• Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
• Occupation: Head of organized crime family
• Income Level: High (derived from criminal activities)
• Relationship Status: Widowed
• Car: Unspecified luxury vehicle

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 65 kg
• Build: Slight
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Grey
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None specified

Vera Kelvin embodies the persistent threat of organized crime in Dorset. Her ability to adapt and maintain power despite significant losses in her family demonstrates her resilience and cunning. Kelvin's connections to corrupt police officers, particularly DI Collingwood, highlight the deep-rooted nature of corruption within the force. Her arrest represents a major victory for DCI Clarke and her team, striking a significant blow to the criminal underworld operating in Dorset.

Anthony Carpenter:

Introduction:
Superintendent Anthony Carpenter is a key supporting character in the Dorset Crime Series by Rachel McLean. He serves as the direct superior to DCI Lesley Clarke and plays a crucial role in navigating the complex political landscape of Dorset Police.

Overview:
Anthony Carpenter occupies a senior position within Dorset Police, overseeing major crime investigations. He balances the demands of his superiors with the needs of his investigative teams, often walking a fine line between bureaucracy and effective policing.

Background:
Carpenter has risen through the ranks of Dorset Police over many years. He has developed a reputation for political astuteness and an ability to manage complex, high-profile cases. Carpenter's experience with internal politics and external pressures informs his cautious approach to sensitive investigations.

Role in this Story:
Carpenter initially appears resistant to Clarke's methods but gradually comes to trust her judgment. He plays a pivotal role in the investigation of police corruption, secretly supporting Clarke's efforts while maintaining a public stance of caution. Carpenter's behind-the-scenes maneuvering proves crucial in bringing DI Robert Collingwood to justice and exposing the full extent of corruption within the force.

Basic Details:

• Name: Anthony Carpenter
• Age: Mid 50s (exact age unspecified)
• Place of Birth: Unspecified location in England
• Current Residence: Dorchester, Dorset
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: University degree (specific field unspecified)
• Weight: Approximately 90 kg
• Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
• Occupation: Superintendent, Dorset Police
• Income Level: High
• Relationship Status: Married
• Car: Unspecified police-issue vehicle

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 90 kg
• Build: Solid
• Skin Colour: Fair
• Eye Colour: Unspecified
• Hair Colour: Graying
• Face Shape: Unspecified
• Distinguishing Marks: None mentioned
• Physical Ailments or Injuries: None specified

Anthony Carpenter emerges as a complex character whose true motivations and allegiances remain unclear for much of the story. His initial skepticism towards Clarke's methods gives way to a grudging respect and eventual trust. Carpenter's ability to navigate the political landscape of Dorset Police proves instrumental in the successful resolution of the case. His support for Clarke, particularly in the face of opposition from corrupt elements within the force, demonstrates his commitment to justice and his skill in managing complex situations. Carpenter's role highlights the challenges of leadership within a police force grappling with internal corruption and external pressures.