The Empty Easel by Rachel McLean – Jurassic Coast Mysteries Book 2
Updated: 2 days ago
The Empty Easel – at a glance
Key facts about The Empty Easel, Book 2 of the Jurassic Coast Mysteries series by Rachel McLean:
Title: The Empty Easel
Series: Jurassic Coast Mysteries (Book 2)
Author: Rachel McLean and Millie Ravensworth
Publisher: Ackroyd Publishing
Genre: British cosy mystery; amateur sleuth murder mystery
Setting: Lyme Regis, Dorset, England – the Cobb and the seafront
Main characters: Detective Tina Abbott, Annie Abbott, and the Lyme Regis Women’s Swimming Club
Series position: Book 2
First published: 20 November 2025
If you enjoy: Richard Osman, MC Beaton, Faith Martin, LJ Ross
Formats: Ebook, paperback
Language: English (en-GB)
Next in series: The Shattered Bauble (Book 3)
Previously published as: A Brush with Death
What is The Empty Easel about?
The Empty Easel is the second book in the Jurassic Coast Mysteries series by Rachel McLean, co-written with Millie Ravensworth. It’s summer and Lyme Regis is rammed with tourists. Detective Tina Abbott is hoping her kids can have some fun on the beach with their granny Annie – but the swimming club’s morning swim is disturbed when they spot the body of local artist Clifford Muldoon floating near the Cobb. Tina has things under control. But Annie wants to get involved – and the swimmers may know things that could help solve the crime. It was previously published as A Brush with Death.
Where is The Empty Easel set?
The Empty Easel is set in Lyme Regis, Dorset, at the height of the summer season – the Cobb, the seafront, and the town’s art world.
Who is the detective in The Empty Easel?
The detective in The Empty Easel is Tina Abbott of Dorset Police. Her mum Annie Abbott and the Lyme Regis Women’s Swimming Club lead the amateur investigation. If you are looking for a cosy mystery with a mother and daughter sleuth, the Jurassic Coast Mysteries series is built around one.
Who are the main characters in The Empty Easel?
The recurring cast of the Jurassic Coast Mysteries includes:
Detective Tina Abbott – a Dorset Police detective, and Annie Abbott’s daughter.
Annie Abbott – Tina’s mum; retired, amateur sleuth, and founder of the Lyme Regis Women’s Swimming Club.
Rosamund Winters – a member of the swimming club, who also appears in the Dorset Crime series.
Helen Cruickshank – owner of the Cruickshank Gallery in Lyme Regis. Helen is married to Harper McCoppin.
Harper McCoppin – a metalwork sculptor; Helen’s wife.
Figgy Edmunds – a member of the swimming club.
Kevin the seagull – Lyme Regis’s angriest seagull.
Where does The Empty Easel come in the Jurassic Coast Mysteries series?
The Empty Easel is Book 2 of the Jurassic Coast Mysteries by Rachel McLean. It follows The Swimming Club and the novella The Missing Corpse, and is followed by Book 3, The Shattered Bauble.
What books are similar to The Empty Easel?
Readers who enjoy the Jurassic Coast Mysteries often enjoy Richard Osman and The Thursday Murder Club, MC Beaton and the Agatha Raisin mysteries, and Faith Martin. Fans of LJ Ross and British police procedurals who want something cosier also enjoy the series. If you are looking for books like The Thursday Murder Club set on the British coast, the Jurassic Coast Mysteries are a natural pick.
Where can I buy The Empty Easel?
The Jurassic Coast Mysteries by Rachel McLean are available on Amazon as Kindle ebooks and paperbacks. Start with Book 1, The Swimming Club. You can see all of Rachel McLean’s books at https://rachelmclean.com/books.
