The Camborne Killings

Cornwall Murder Mystery #4

by Sally Rigby

From the international bestselling author Sally Rigby comes the next thrilling instalment in her beloved Cornwall Murder Mystery series!

Detective Lauren Pengelly is back on the case with DS Matt Price, unravelling a shocking series of crimes amidst the rugged beauty of Cornwall's wind-swept coasts and picture-perfect villages. Gripping, tense and full of shocking twists, The Camborne Killings will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Procedural

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2024

About the author

Sally Rigby was born in Northampton, in the UK. She has always had the travel bug, and after living in both Manchester and London, eventually moved overseas. From 2001 she has lived with her family in New Zealand, which she considers to be the most beautiful place in the world. During this time she also lived for five years in Australia. Sally has always loved crime fiction books, films and TV programmes, and has a particular fascination with the psychology of serial killers.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books set in place I know well. Camborne in Cornwall is such a place, so I definitely had to read this particular book.

Detectives Lauren Pengelly and Matt Price are almost overwhelmed in their latest case where three people are murdered in rapid succession, and there are clues that there may be more to come. Even worse they discover that someone in the police force is selling information to crooks and a suspicion it may be someone high up. Lauren is obliged to practice a lot of diplomacy.

This was a very twisty book and the case was one that might not have been solved without a new addition to the team with computer superpowers. Every time they were stuck she came up with some leading piece of information she had discovered out there on the net. There are no such things as secrets any more!

An easy read with a nice setting and friendly characters. I will be looking out for #5.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Lauren Pengelly and her partner DS Matt Price were called to a particularly brutal murder, with a message - Ten Green Bottles - near the victim. As Lauren and Matt began their investigation, they were concerned about that message, remembering the rhyme that went with it. With one of their team members off for some weeks due to injury, and Ellie, a DC from Matt's previous station, on a two week break to visit with Matt, they brought her on board to do the research. And it wasn't long before she had results.

Cornwall was a beautiful spot and the murders were hurting them all. With three people now dead, their connection had become clear - it was a matter of working from the other end, if they could. And what they found was horrifying. Could they confront this person and find the answers? It seemed to be uphill at the moment...

The Camborne Killings is #4 in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series by Sally Rigby and it was a great addition to the series. Lauren is losing some of her original grimness with her team - thanks I think to Matt - and the rest of the team work well together. Ellie was a big plus with her magical computer skills, and Matt's Dani is adorable, as are Lauren's two dogs. The Camborne Killings was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to #5 already. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed from the start this is another cracking who done in mystery with character we have grow to love and appreciate. Set in the beautiful surrounding countryside a series of murders with a criptic clues not only do we learn more about the personal side of the team and their relationships we also get a glimpse of wider police proccess and thinbking over the years. I loved this and the final reveal was a real treat. Please keep making these 5 stars. Thanks netgallery, publisher and author.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advanced copy of this for my perusal and whizzed through it. It's the fourth in this series and Sally's Sebastian Clifford series remains my big favourite but I'm yet to pick up one of her stories I haven't enjoyed. She creates some (in the main) extremely likeable characters and teams of police personnel. It's always nice in one of her series to pick up again with previous characters you've already met. With this story we got the added bonus of super-sleuth Ellie joining this team while on holiday in Cornwall !!
I found there weren't so many twists in this one as in previous stories but that didn't take away my enjoyment in the least.
Here we have retired police officers being targeted which makes for an interesting premise.....I had thought I'd figured out where it was heading till I got to reading about the third victim, however, then my theory went out the window !!
As I said, I really enjoyed Ellie being seconded here for a while and I hope she'll still be featured perhaps in the next story based in Cornwall. I look forward to getting my hands on it !

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast-paced police procedural did not miss a beat.

This is #4 in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series and although it was a compelling standalone read, I would have enjoyed the book more had I started with the first book.

I listened to the audiobook read by Clare Corbett, who did an outstanding job with the narration.

This was my first book by author Sally Rigby and I plan to read the earlier and future releases in this series.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, we have a stellar read by one of my favorite authors!

This one brings Ella to join Matt to help in the case of a serial killer who leaves a message. As they like to do...

An unexpected suspect emerges, throwing the team into a whirlwind of suspicion, unease, and even fear.

The boss isn't helpful but IS quite obnoxious.

Will the team be able to solve the case amidst doubt, suspicion, and possible betrayal?

Grab a copy to find out!

I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am giving you my honest review.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely awesome! I'm really enjoying this series and I blitzed through this book in two afternoons. The characters are great and the mysteries are intriguing. This time we have someone killing off ex-police who were involved in a case from 30 years ago, a corrupt policeman, and revenge. Lauren, Matt and the team are hard pressed to unravel all the strands in this case. A collegue from Matt's past at Lenchester also joins the team for this case and proves to be worth her weight in gold. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Sally Rigby for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Rigby's new thriller is not to be missed. It gripped me from the very first page and refused to let go. The plot is complex and clever with Sally's usual body count threatening to get higher than ever.
When it comes to crime fiction writers Sally Rigby has established herself as one of the very best in the business and still manages to add something new and exciting with every subsequent publication.
Lauren and Matt are great characters and make a brilliant team, and now they are joined by Ellie who has already made her mark elsewhere.
The pacing is faster than ever with a killer who leaves a deadly calling card and might just be able to outwit them all.

[Karen Kilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read from the first few pages. Sort of desperation thinking there were going to be ten murders before we knew what was happening and that keeps you reading at every opportunity as usual with Sally’s books. The plot was very intense and complicated but thoroughly captivating as always 5*

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first time in my life that I mixed up the order of two books. The first time! Of any books! Ever! 😱

I'm a bit traumatised. Sort of. I mean, I'm usually so in control of this thing, but oh, no... Not this time. (Maybe I need a really loooong vacation?) 🤣🤣🤣

Anyway! I didn't really feel the awkwardness of having picked up book 5 before number 4 when listening to this one. I feel like maybe book 5 is where the series really kicks into gear, while this one still is working on establishing Lauren and Matt as the great team they are becoming in book 5.

Either way: Now I'm all caught up and ready for book 6! 😁

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series never disappoints. Installment after installment it maintains the beauty of the beginnings. The crime is always very interesting and engaging and the developments incredible, I liked the addition of a new character that bacame an integral part of the group and the beautiful dynamic between the colleagues. Can't wait for further developments in the series.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a 3,5* rounded up to 4*. I immensely enjoyed the plot and the police team! Lovely characters I was happy to meet again. However, I feel the narration throughout the novel rather clumsy: the way the author conveys feelings and thoughts doesn't feel natural. Indeed, as though she thinks the reader will not understand, she tends to explain too explicitly when no explanation is actually needed. That's a shame, because when it comes to the plot, you really want to read on! Overall, a good read!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cambourne Killings by Sally Rigby is book 4 in the Cornwall Murder series featuring DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price. Thank you to Storm Publishing, Netgalley and the author for the advance review copy. A previous colleague of Matt’s from Lenchester, Ellie Naylor, is visiting him in Cornwall. However, she is a very different person from the last time Matt saw her before he left, having suffered some heartache. Their reunion is interrupted when the DI rings with news of a woman’s body being found near Penzance, murdered. There is a cryptic clue left with the body which signals more murders will happen. Revenge plays quite a big part and the steps taken to achieve it are astounding. I love how Lauren is mellowing slowly through each book, mainly due to Matt’s influence. Lauren won’t put up with any nonsense and you know where you stand. There is a great mix of characters and when Ellie steps in to help with the research with one of the team out of action, she fits in well with them all. I really love reading about the characters and of course the setting of Cornwall is a plus. Love this series and each book is a great addition.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: The Camborne Killings
Author: Sally Rigby
Series: Cornwall Murder Mystery #4
Publisher: Storm Publishers
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Pub Date: September 13, 2024
My Rating: 4.4 stars
Pages: 255

This story is the fourth in this series and I have read The Lost Girls of Penzance which was the first and loved it
That story featured DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price. Matt had transferred to small town of Penzance after his wife died and his parents want to help with his young daughter, Dani.

Now in Book 4 Detective Sergeant Matt Price is very much settled in Penzance.
Detective Constable Ellie Naylor a colleague of Matt’s who worked with him at Lenchester is in town for a visit. When Ellie joined the police department, Matt had taken her under his wing as she was so shy and reserved but had phenomenal research skills so he knew she would do well. He is enjoying seeing her and catching up on but cannot help but notice that something is wrong. She finally tells Matt that Dean her longtime boyfriend has been cheating on her so has called it quits and needed to get-away for a few days. Her parents were supportive. Thought it would be great to see him and spend some time with his little daughter Dani. Although it is his day off Matt gets a call.
Lauren has called Matt that they need to investigating a murder, When they arrive at the farm they find an elderly women who turns out to be Carmel Driscoll a retired police office. There was a note left next to her body ~ “Ten green bottles”.

Not long after there is another similar murder also a former police offer and a note. This note states – Nine green bottles.
Lauren and Matt are a bit overwhelmed in this investigation as they are short a team member. Ellie is still in town and offers to help. Matt is very aware of her research skills and is delighted to receive her help.
Lauren welcomes the help as well but is not all that happy about another from detective from Lenchester as Matt mentioned many times that the team worked well there. Lauren feels a bit jealous.

However, the team ends up working great together and Ellie’s research is ‘spot on’
It appears that the murdered officers had worked in CID (Criminal Investigation Department) at the Camborne station in the 1990s-
Hmmmm

I certainly enjoyed this and already looking forward to Book #5.


I want to thank to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this early this early eGalley
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 13, 2024.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read "The Camborne Killings" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 4th book in the "Cornwall Murder Mystery" series and it gets better and better with each new book. The stories are carefully crafted by the author, she has developed the characters into people that the reader will care about. The mysteries are gripping, the details are accurate and you just want to keep turning the pages to see what will happen next.

This story takes place between Sunday 14 July and Saturday 20 July. At a farm near Penzance a man appears and says he's had an accident and needs help.

DS Matt Price has an old colleague from Lenchester visiting DC Ellie Naylor is a research whiz. The team in Cornwall claim that Matt brought the "murder vibe" with him from Lenchester. He has also brought a calming effect on the team, Lauren is much less frosty than she was before Matt arrived in Cornwall. They make an excellent team and balance each other out.

DI Lauren Pengelly and Matt are called to the farm where they find Carmel Driscoll has been murdered. A note with 'ten green bottles' written on it is left next to her body. They learn that she is a retired police officer. The following day they find another body with another note 'nine green bottles', and learn that it's retired police officer Jayne Freeman. Thanks to Ellie helping the team out they learn that the two officers used to work together in Camborne. They also learn that the Chief Constable was the DCI in Camborne when the victims worked there. When another body is found DI Craig Garland with another note, and also a retired officer from Camborne. Lauren realizes that they have a serial killer on their hands who is targeting former police officers.

What link is there with a gangster who died in a Spanish jail? Why did someone buy 5 knives? How does the murderer know the victims and where they are living?

Things become convoluted involving the Chief Constable, his wife, his girlfriend, gambling debts, a killer with nothing to lose and the new head of the Whitlock gang having ties to the Chief Constable.

Lauren, Matt and the team piece together all the clues and find a complex case involving many moving parts and shocking revelations. Ellie gets seconded to the team while Tamsin recovers from her broken leg. Dani gets her longed for play date with Lauren's dogs Ben & Tia. Looking forward to the next case that arrives in Cornwall.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Camborne Killings by Sally Rigby is the fourth in this series and I could not wait to read this book in the series. I was not disappointed as the characters are great and the plot is complex and intriguing. The team of police led by Detective Lauen Pengelly and DS Matt Price soon get a call in the small Cornish town in Penzance that they have a body which they quickly identify as Carmel Driscoll who was a former police officer. They find a cryptic clue by the body with Ten Green Bottles written on it. When a second body is found Lauren and Matt realise, they could have a serial killer on their hands as this body is also another retired police officer and has 9 Green Bottles on the body.
It is now obviously urgent to the team to solve these murders quickly as somebody is targeting retired police. What cases are linked to the retired police officers when they worked together and what links them together. Luckily, they have Ellie who is filling in for Tasmin who as broken her leg. Ellie is also friend of Matt’s and is on holiday unthankful she has agreed to help as Ellie is a computer genius and will be a big asset helping find the missing links.

This book will have you glued to your seat as the story is engaging and intriguing as you follow the team who discover it could be one of their own with corruption involving a high ranking official. Lauren and the team must Tread carefully as they try to find out what links the official to this case and could they be at risk from the killer, or could they be involved in these murders.
A Truly brilliant read which is fast paced and full of twists and turns with great characters. It is a pulse ponding suspense and a gripping thriller that will keep you riveted till the last page. I cannot wait for the next one in this series to be released. Definably a hit if you love a great police procedural book which is addictive from page one. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Camborne Killings by Sally Rigby is a very highly recommended procedural and the fourth book in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series.

Detective Sergeant Matt Price has a former colleague from Lenchester, Ellie Naylor, visiting him in Cornwall when Detective Lauren Pengelly calls him about a murder outside Penzance. When Lauren and Matt arrive at the scene they see an older woman who has been killed. There is a note left by her body reading "Ten Green Bottles," which is part of an old English nursery rhyme. Since the department is down an officer, Matt ask Ellie, who has exceptional research skills, if she could assist. She quickly identify the victim as Carmel Driscoll, a former police officer, and additional helpful information for the investigation. When a second former officer is found murdered with the note "Nine Green Bottles" nearby, Lauren and Matt realize they could be dealing with a serial killer.

The Camborne Killings is a well-written, fast-paced murder investigation with ties to a decades-old case and the Camborne Criminal Investigation Department in the 1990s. The fast pace helps keep interest high while the complexity of the investigation, rumors of corruption, and the sense that more victims could soon follow create an intense atmosphere that will have you glued to the pages.

The team is working increasingly well together with Matt helping Lauren temper her abruptness with others. It was good to see Ellie providing excellent assistance to the case with her research skills. These are known characters for those who are following the series and author, but those new readers can easily read The Camborne Killings as a standalone novel. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Sally Rigby’s The Camborne Killings is a gripping addition to the Cornwall Murder Mystery series, delivering a potent mix of suspense, intrigue, and the atmospheric charm of Cornwall’s rugged landscapes. This fourth installment sees Detective Lauren Pengelly and her partner, DS Matt Price, embroiled in a chilling investigation that will keep readers captivated!

An eerie reference to an old English nursery rhyme sets the tone for a series of murders that are as perplexing as they are brutal. Rigby masterfully weaves together the threads of the investigation, creating a tapestry of clues that challenge the detectives (and the readers) to piece together the mystery.

What stands out in The Camborne Killings is Rigby’s ability to create a vivid sense of place. The windswept coasts and quaint villages of Cornwall are not just a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the story. 

Detective Lauren Pengelly is a compelling protagonist, balancing her sharp investigative skills with a deep sense of empathy. Her dynamic with Matt Price adds another layer to the story, as their professional and personal interactions provide moments of levity amidst the dark and intense investigation.

The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the suspense high. Rigby’s use of the nursery rhyme motif is particularly effective, adding a haunting and almost poetic quality to the murders.

The Camborne Killings is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and mystery novels.

Sally Rigby has once again proven her talent for creating intricate plots and memorable characters.

This book is a testament to her skill as a storyteller and her ability to captivate readers from start to finish.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Sally Rigby but hopefully it wont be the last, although it was the fourth in a series I didn't feel the need to have read the first three but I did feel that I wanted to.
DS Matt Price had reluctantly left Lenchester and moved to Cornwall after the tragic death of his wife, it was where his parents lived and he needed help looking after his young daughter.
He had settled well into the team in Cambourne and worked well with his partner and boss, DI Lauren Pengelly.
DC Ellie Naylor, an ex colleague and close friend of Matt was taking a break in Cornwall after a distressing few weeks at home.
A phone call from DI Pengelley interrupted their catch up chat, they had a gruesome murder on their hands, Matt needed to work.
This murder was complicated, even more so when the victim was found to be an ex police officer, The small team at Cambourne were stretched after their computer expert had an accident, Matt convinced Lauren that, if she would agree, Ellie could be a great help, her computer skills were legendary. Both Lauren and the team were reluctant at first but Ellie soon proved her worth, this was the most delicate and convoluted case that the team had encountered, the body count started escalating, worryingly all ex police officers, what was their common denominator ? what linked them together ? how many more would die ?
As Ellie dug deep for information the team became more and more astounded and worried, the clues were leading in a direction that non of them wanted to follow.
This is a suspense filled story with many twists and turns, red herrings and wonderful characters, I will definitely look out for the next book in the series.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Camborne killings is my first introduction to both the Cornwall series as the author Sally Rigby. I don't know how I managed to miss this one until now.
When a retired former WPC is murdered in her own barn DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price and their team start to investigate what seems to be a serial killing in the making (a note has been left with the body that quotes the nursery rhyme 10 green bottles, implying that it will count down).
The team is short staffed because one of the officers has broken her leg in several places and is out for the count for at least 6 weeks. Luckily a former colleague of DS Price is on holiday visiting him and willing to step in. Pretty soon more bodies start to turn up with the same MO, confirming the notion that there is indeed a serial killer on the loose. When all the victims turn out to be former police officers the focus of the investigation shifts to a former case and a very unexpected suspect in high places. But when you think you suspect where this is going to there are some unexpected twists.

I really liked this book, it has nice characters, a good plot, unexpected twists and red herrings and enough suspense so you want to keep reading without pause. Would have liked to have a bit more couleur locale and descriptions of Cornwall although I do realise it's not a travel guide ;-)

Four stars for this one and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Thank you Netgally and Storm Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for my unbiased review.

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Camborne Killings is book four in Sally Rigby's Cornwall Murder Mystery series; the first I have read. It is an intriguing page turner that hooked me from the first page to the last. Three ex- police officers are brutally killed, and at each murder site the knife used to kill was also used to pin down a note. At the first murder of Carmel Driscoll, the note simply said " Ten green bottles;" at Jayne Freeman's murder, "Nine green bodies," and at the site of Craig Garland's- no surprise- "Eight green bottles." Each victim had also been receiving anonymous emails simply stating: "watch your back." The team leading the investigation was made up of a very likable cast of characters: DI Lauren Pengalley, Detective Sergeant Matt Price, and Billy, Clem, and Jenna. A friend of Matt's from his former department, DC Ellie Naylorwas visiting, and as another team member was on medical leave she signed on temporarily to help as this was an all hands on deck priority case. It appears the three murdered officers were connected in the late 1990s when they worked in Camborne under the leadership of the current DCI Warren Johnson. Talk about a sensitive case, indeed it was. There were many twists and turns and surprises that kept me fully engaged and guessing the outcome. Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Sally Rigby for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Camborne Killings, this review reflects my honest opinion. A very suspenseful read, 5 stars.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cornwall Murder Mystery Book 4.

I was hooked from start to finish. It kept me reading til the early hours. Loved it.

A chilly morning mist blankets the Cornish countryside, shrouding the barn in an eerie silence. Inside, a woman lies motionless, her unseeing eyes fixed on the rafters above. A blood-stained note flutters in the breeze. Her death is only the beginning…

Detective Lauren Pengelly and her partner Matt Price are called to investigate a grisly murder outside Penzance. They quickly identify the victim as Carmel Driscoll, a former police officer, and find a cryptic note reading “Ten Green Bottles” next to her body – words from an old English nursery rhyme.

When a second former officer is found murdered with the note “Nine Green Bottles” nearby, Lauren and Matt realise they could be dealing with a serial killer. As they race to uncover the deeper connection between the victims, they discover this quiet part of Cornwall harbours some dark secrets. The key could lie in a decades-old case, thought to have been buried long ago…

With officers' lives on the line and rumoured corruption reaching the highest levels of the police, Lauren doesn't know who to trust. Could the killer be hidden in Lauren's force… maybe even within her team? And can she catch the monster before they strike again, or will she become the final verse in this twisted countdown?

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Camborne Killings is the fourth book in author Sally Rigby’s Cornwall Murder Mystery series. I hadn’t read the previous three books when I received this as an advanced reader copy. I read this in a little less than 48 hours, and was not disappointed.

Detective Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price are called to a grisly murder scene in a barn. The victim is a retired police officer. Next to her body is a note with “ten green bottles.” The saying is from a children’s nursery rhyme and after a second body is discovered with “nine green bottles” on a note near it, they are worried that they have a serial killer on their hands who targets police.

When one of the team members is injured, Matt brings in a friend from his earlier years at a different precinct who is a whizz at investigating on the internet. At first, there’s tension there, but she soon proves her worth to the team. Her research soon has them following leads within the police themselves, uncovering decades-old corruption at the highest levels.

To read my full review, please go to The Camborne Killings by Sally Rigby – A Gripping Cornwall Murder Mystery

[Michelle Skelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Camborne Killings" delivers another entertaining installment in Sally Rigby’s Cornwall Murder Mystery series. The setting of Cornwall, with its rugged coasts and charming villages, continues to be a major draw for me, offering an immersive escape from everyday life. The storyline itself is engaging enough, though I found the writing overly simple at times, and the depth in character development a bit lacking, especially with DI Lauren Pengelly, whom I’ve struggled to connect with across the series.

The plot moves along with a series of interviews and leads that appear a bit too conveniently, courtesy of the computer-savvy constable, which took away from the overall tension. While the ending wasn’t particularly surprising, there were details that kept me guessing until the final pages. I especially liked the character of Ellie, though her working so intensely while on vacation left me puzzled.

Overall, this book offers a light, entertaining read, perfect for a quick escape, though I still find myself hoping for more complexity in future installments. The setting remains a highlight, and I’ll likely keep coming back to the series because of that.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Lauren Pengelly and her partner Matt Price are called out to a murder in their patch of Cornwall. A woman's body lies discarded, with a note beside if 'Ten Green Bottles'. The note is reminiscent of a Cornish song and American fans will recognize the rhyme as 'One Hundred Bottles Of Beer On The Wall'. The body is soon identified as a former police officer and the hunt is on.

The next murder has another note that now says, 'Nine Green Bottles'. Does the killer plan on ten murders? When there is a police connection with this victim as well, the force realizes that it may be tied to a case years ago. Was there corruption then that is only now demanding that retribution be paid?

This is the fourth book in this series. Rigby builds the relationship between Lauren and Matt which is professional. One of Matt's friends, a female police officer on another force, is in town for a vacation, and comes to work with the Cornwall force when one of their officers goes out on an extended medical leave. Could there be a romance brewing there? The case is intriguing and readers will be interested to continue the series. This book is recommended for mystery readers.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Fast paced, gripping from the very start and the characters are really well written; relatable, believable and likeable - except for the ones we’re not supposed to like!

A body is found, gruesomely murdered, with a note that simply says “10 green bottles”. Police detectives Lauren and Matt know how the song goes and know they have to act fast before the countdown continues and the body count rises.

This is the first book I have read in this series and whilst there is a little history between the characters that I am not aware of, it was minimal and didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book, which worked really well as a standalone. That said, I will be grabbing the first three books as I’m interested in the rest!

The plot is so good with a balance of police procedural and the personal lives of the main characters. Some brilliantly executed twists that kept me on my toes!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sally Rigby and Storm for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Camborne Killings is an enjoyable romp in the countryside with Detectives Lauren Pengelly and Matt Price heading the investigation into three murders that happen in rapid succession.

This was a quick and pleasant read, I would class it firmly in the cosy arena. I found the characters a likeable bunch, they have a definite air of camaraderie about them, and it was as if we were all old friends, even though this is my first in the series. Matt is warm and fuzzy, like a teddy bear, while Lauren is a little more prickly and reserved - especially at work, but she softens towards the end.

Ellie is a great asset to the team (but will they keep her?), and I have rather a soft spot for the out-of-action Tamsyn, who broke a leg skateboarding when drunk. Because - in her own words - life is short.

The ending was a bit too 'pat' and convenient for my liking, I doubt dangerous criminals are quite as accommodating in real life! The pieces all fell into place a little too easily.

This is book four in the Cornwall Murder Mysteries series.

A solid three and a half stars.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price are part of the current Penzance Major Crimes team which is down one member who has a broken leg. At the same time, Ellie, a police computer genius and one of Matt's former colleagues in Lenchester is in town to recover from a very bad break-up. Ellie is asked to work as a per diem and her work is even better than the hype. Good thing, because a brutal murder of an ex-cop complete with calling card note pinned by knife to body turns out to be the first in serial murder. Ellie soon uncovers the relationship between the victims and a case from 30 years ago, then it seems that there might be some involvement with the Chief Constable. Fast paced with tension that just keeps ratcheting up along with the suspense.
I requested and received a free temporary advance reader's copy uncorrected e-proof from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. THANK YOU
#CornwallMurderMysteriesBk4 Pub Date Sep 13, 2024

[Joan Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detective Lauren Pengelly and her partner Matt Price are sent to a remote farm to investigate a woman's murder. A cryptic note left at the scene is also found at the scene of a second murder in a nearby jurisdiction, and suggests there could be more murders to come. The research expert on the investigative team discovers that both murdered women were former police officers, working under a now high-ranking police official, who the victims accused of sexual harassment when they were on the force. Lauren and Matt must walk a tightrope in their investigation and avoid accusing the police chief until they have solid evidence.

Though the plot of this book was intriguing, the writing style and use of language seemed to be on about a junior high level, with numerous statements of the obvious which was just plain boring after a while. After having read half of the book, the lack of subtlety caused me to skip to the denouement and move on to something that could hold my interest better.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is #4 in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series, but can easily be read as a standalone.

DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price are called out when a woman is found murdered in her barn, and they discover that she’s a retired police officer. There is a note beside her, pinned to the ground with the murder weapon, which says, “Ten Green Bottles”. Soon after, a second body is found and, again, the woman was a retired police officer. The note pinned beside her – saying, “Nine Green Bottles” – confirms that the perpetrator is the same in both cases, and may well be targeting police officers.

During their investigations into both murders, Lauren and Matt come across the possibility of police corruption in their own force. Is someone at risk or are they involved in the murders?

A brilliant and gripping read, which I read in record time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.