Poole Harbour — Dorset Crime Series Location Guide

Poole Harbour — at a glance

Key facts about Poole Harbour, a real location featured in the Dorset Crime series by Rachel McLean:

• Name: Poole Harbour

• Type: Large natural harbour (real place)

• Real-world basis: Poole Harbour, a real natural harbour on the Dorset coast — one of the largest natural harbours in the world — lying between Sandbanks and Studland, with Brownsea Island at its centre

• Region: Poole, Dorset

• Series: Dorset Crime by Rachel McLean

• Featured in: A recurring location across the series, including The Poole Harbour Murders (Book 10)

• Genre: British police procedural / crime fiction

Where is Poole Harbour?

Poole Harbour is a large natural harbour on the Dorset coast in southern England, beside the town of Poole. It is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It lies between the Sandbanks peninsula and Studland, with Brownsea Island sitting in the middle. It is a recurring location in Rachel McLean's Dorset Crime series.

Is Poole Harbour a real place?

Yes. Poole Harbour is a real and well-known feature of the Dorset coast, famous for its shallow waters, wildlife, islands and waterfront homes. Rachel McLean draws on its real geography throughout the Dorset Crime series.

What is Poole Harbour in the Dorset Crime series?

Poole Harbour is one of the series' recurring real-world settings, giving its name to The Poole Harbour Murders, the tenth novel. Its waterside locations and islands feature in several of DCI Lesley Clarke's investigations.

Which Dorset Crime books feature Poole Harbour?

Poole Harbour and its surroundings appear across the Dorset Crime series and give their name to The Poole Harbour Murders, Book 10.