Death at Porthcurno Cove

Cornwall Murder Mystery #5

by Sally Rigby

Golden sunlight bathes the rugged cliffs casting long shadows across Porthcurno’s sandy beach. Within a cove, lying on a blanket, are two bodies. Their limbs are twisted at unnatural angles, vacant eyes staring blankly at the sky. Beside them is an empty Prosecco bottle and a note with one chilling word written in black Sorry.

As the sun rises over a picturesque Cornish beach, Detective Lauren Pengelly makes a grim discovery while walking her border collies. A newly engaged couple lie dead in the sand. At first glance, it appears to be a tragic double suicide. But something doesn’t add up.

The victims – popular university students Jasmine and Finley – seemed to have it all. But as Lauren digs deeper, she and her partner Matt Price unravel a complex web of secrets and lies. Finley’s gambling addiction was threatening to ruin everything, and Jasmine had an unwanted admirer. With a double murder to solve and suspects mounting, Lauren and Matt must navigate the close-knit community to find the answers.

An empty ring box and traces of silk fibres found at the crime scene could be vital clues to cracking the case but when another life is on the line, have Lauren and Matt run out of time to catch the killer?

A completely gripping mystery that will have you turning the pages late into the night. Death at Porthcurno Cove will have fans of LJ Ross, Ann Cleeves and Joy Ellis hooked.

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2025

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]

The fifth book in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series and as usual I was drawn to it by its Cornish setting, and the place names like Porthleven and Porthcurno which bring back childhood memories of beautiful beaches and quaint fishing towns.

The story begins immediately when D.I. Lauren Pengelly discovers two dead bodies on the beach while walking her dogs one morning. At first it appears to be a double suicide but then certain clues indicate murder. The mystery was a tricky one with a number of suspects and a surprise ending. There were moments when I felt that everything was a little too easy, but then I reminded myself that this is a cosy mystery not a thriller and it was meant to be that way.

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

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

DI Lauren Pengelly was walking her two collies on the beach at Porthcurno when she discovered an unsettling scene. Two bodies on a blanket, a wine bottle plus a new engagement ring - and a note saying "Sorry". Was this a suicide, or was it something more sinister?

After the pathology results pointed to murder, Lauren and her team began their investigation. The evidence was frustratingly thin on the ground. But gradually things began adding up, and puzzle pieces started to align. Would they discover who had murdered the young couple, right on the cusp of their new and happy life?

Death at Porthcurno Cove is the 5th in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series by Sally Rigby and I found myself disappointed as I read the story. I am wondering if I received a faulty ARC, as there were so many errors - words missing from sentences; incorrect spelling ("new" instead of "knew" is just one example). I know ARCs aren't the final product, but the constant jarring which pulled me from the story, was disconcerting. That said, the plot was good, and I enjoyed the close-knit interactions between Lauren and her team. I've been thoroughly enjoying this series, and hope the next will be more readable.

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

[Karine · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I chose this book as I'm soon going to visit Cornwall, and when I saw the title I knew I had to read it, even if it is already the fifth installment. Luckily for me, it can easily be read as a standalone, I didn't seem to miss any background information to follow the plot.

I liked the story and the characters but it was a bit tame for my taste, almost a cozy mystery. There are no major plot twists and there is an important focus on the personal life of one of the police officers. I guess this is closer to real life than most procedurals where it seems that once you are part of the police force, your personal life is over. The mystery wasn't very difficult to unravel, but still satisfying and there were beautiful descriptions of the surroundings, so I took that as an absolute bonus.
So all in all, an easy read and perfect for the coming summer months!

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a good time reading this book and I suspected the killer very early on but I kept second guessing myself because of the plot twists.

I will say that for me, there were a couple of things that niggled at me with the timeline but I am not familiar with police procedures and evidence outside of the US so this may be a non issue for other readers. In the US it is very unlikely that the medical examiner would be able to report on some of the findings in one day as well as the forensics findings. I felt that the timeline was pretty quick which I appreciate but I felt it was a bit unrealistic with regards to the evidence.

Aside from the evidentiary timeline issue, I think this was a fun, engaging story and there were enough twists and turns to keep me reading and intrigued until the last page.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 3/19/25

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a good murder mystery in you life. Sally Rigby will never let you down!

When a newly engaged couple is discovered on the beach intertwined, one would assume they were being interrupted in a compromising situation. But for Detective Lauren Pengelly, the discovery is a grim one- the couple has been found dead.

She and her partner Matt Price must solve the mystery, and digging into the lives of a close knit community is anything but transparent.

A great read that keeps you on your toes, I did not see the turn coming and was entertained the whole time!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read and review prior to publication.

[Michelle Skelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fifth book I’ve read in the Cornwall Murder Series. I’ve stuck with it hoping for more depth, alas I’m finding the series increasingly forgettable.

The biggest appeal remains the setting, Cornwall’s rugged coast and small-town feel still offer a pleasant escape, and the books are short, making them breezy palette cleansers between heavier reads.

That said, I continue to struggle with the flat character development. We're told the team is close-knit, but the interactions are mostly polite and surface-level.

Lauren remains a prickly protagonist with untapped potential, her role as a woman in a male-dominated field could be compelling, but we rarely get interiority or genuine growth. The subplot about her criminal family resurfaces here but never truly lands with emotional weight.

The mystery itself had promise (two apparent suicides that turn out to be murder), but it felt rushed and overly simplistic.

With only a few suspects, the case wraps up without real suspense or complexity. The writing tends to tell rather than show, which left me feeling detached from both the victims and the investigation.

There's a mild cliffhanger at the end, but not enough to compel me to continue ... at least not right away. While I respect the author’s efforts, this series just doesn’t deliver the nuance or emotional pull I look for in a mystery.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is part of the cornwall murder mystery series it also works well as a standalone story as its only the investigating team that remain constant. An innocent dog walk at he beach finds 2 bodies with an empty bottle and a sorry note. Taken as suicide to start with as the investigation continues nothing is as it seems, with lots of red herrings and interesting side characters this will keep you guesing long in the night. I did correctly guesse the vilan and found this very enjoyable. The ending and reveal was a lit bit too quick for me. The characters were well developed and their arc was easy to follow if this was your first outing. Set in beautiful locations with in-depth police procedure research shinning through, this is a 4 star read, perfect for all mystery loves who like the police to be the solvers. Thank you netgallery, publisher and author

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The small jewellery box on the sand, a beautiful ring on a slender finger, and champagne flutes seem to suggest a promising and loving future but these young people won't ever exchange their vows. DI Lauren Pengelly was enjoying the beach at Porthcurno Cove with her dogs when she discovered the bodies but what was so devastating that the couple left a note and took their own lives? With DS Matt Price at her side and her team behind her can she find the answers before more lives are lost and other families are left shattered?

Book five in Sally Rigby's Cornwall Murder series is a tightly written, suspenseful police procedural which held my attention from the start. The storyline, added to a location I am very familiar with, produced a page turner with twists, turns, a secondary storyline, and cliffhanger which will definitely have me looking out for book six.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is  excellent and can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. Highly recommended.

[Ann]

This started out as suspense and grew more so as the story moved along. What was originally thought to be suicide of a newly engaged couple was fairly quickly determined to be murder. For some time it wasn’t clear who were the bonafide suspects, but finally details began to fall into place for the team at Penzance. I enjoyed the book! It’s the fifth installment in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series and this is my delightful introduction to this author.

This one is a four star read!

I received a copy of the digital ARC via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've pegged a suspect from git-go! Yeah, me! LOL 🙄

A well-paced who-done-it with several possible suspects and lots of secrets.

Starting at an idyllic crime scene, tragedy is revealed, but is it all it appears to be?

It's not as graphic as I prefer, but it's more of a cozy mystery. Of which I'm not a big fan of it. But I am a big Sally Rigby fan!

Not giving TMI as it will spoil the story.

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

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death at Porthcurno Cove” the 5th instalment in A Cornwall Murder Mystery series featuring DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price by Sally Rigby. This is the first book I have read in the series, if you love mysteries set in Cornwall, England this is for you! An empty ring box and traces of silk fibres found at the crime scene could be vital clues to cracking the case but when another life is on the line, have Lauren and Matt run out of time to catch the killer?

I love visiting Cornwall while not a lot of descriptive scenes as in some books there was just enough to know we were in Cornwall. I liked the dynamics between the investigative team and how they played off each other.

The mystery was really interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. There is a secondary storyline, and wow the cliffhanger has me looking out for book 6 as I have a few questions I want answers for hee hee...

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I messed up with this book. I thought I was up to speed with the series when I pressed play.
Turns out: I wasn't! 😶

Which totally explained why I felt like I had partial amnesia through out the book. 🤣



I'm embarrassed it took me so long (60% of the book!) to realise (and thoroughly check) I had only marked book 4 as "want to read", not "read". #awkward 😂🙈😂🙈😂🙈

I ended up enjoying the book in spite of feeling like I had missed a bit here and there - which is a good thing.

Lauren has become a quite likeable character thanks to Matt. They make a really good team!

Will most definitely show up for book 6! And 7... But in the right order, this time. 😆

[Saffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed Sally Rigby’s previous police procedurals set in Cornwall and Death at Porthcurno Cove was an enjoyable addition to the series.
When a newly engaged young couple’s bodies are discovered at Porthcurno Cove it initially looks like a double suicide but as Lauren, Matt and the team investigate further they find that the student couple and their close knit group of friends were all hiding secrets.
I love the Cornwall setting of the novels and have grown fond of Lauren and her team. This series is an easy read, the plots are never complex but if you enjoy a straightforward police procedural I’d recommend.
3.5 stars

[Mrs C M Tupper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series I come back to as I feel familiar with the places. An easy read when I need a break from something more intense. I think it would make a good TV series.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good police procedural story. It’s full of surprises and I was surprised by the ending.
It’s book five in this series but it seems to stand alone.
I don’t think you need to read the previous ones but it might give you some back story on all the characters.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are pulled straight into the story, as Lauren Pengelly finds a young couple on a beach in dire circumstances. The story is well written and is woven around several friends of the couple, who may or not be involved. Fast paced from start to finish.

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Reading & Close To Home

I live in Cornwall, know the locations and settings which makes this series all the more enjoyable.
This, the latest, following a good storyline comes with a twist at the end.
I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a Cornish detective walks her two dogs along a beach on a September morning and discovers two dead bodies one realises that Sally Rigby is at it again...turning the Duchy into a dangerous place to live...or die.
There's a flawless intensity to the investigation and a very deep layer of personal emotions. Love and hate come into sharp focus as two young men become prime suspects but with no actual evidence it is another difficult case for Lauren and Matt, the two detectives whose presence in the investigation makes this another compulsively readable thriller from Sally Rigby.
As always the author takes her readers through a labyrinth of clues, red herrings, and misdirection with a slight of hand every bit as impressive as Agatha Christie, Elly Griffiths and Robert Galbraith.
This is a must-read for every crime fiction fan.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Sally Rigby’s Death at Porthcurno Cove is a taut, atmospheric entry in her Cornwall Murder Mystery series, and it proves once again that the most picturesque places often hide the darkest truths. With its evocative setting, emotionally resonant characters, and a mystery that tightens like a noose, this novel is both a satisfying whodunit and a meditation on the fragility of appearances.

🧩 A picture-perfect scene—until you look closer.

Detective Lauren Pengelly is walking her dogs along the rugged Cornish coast when she stumbles upon a haunting tableau: two young lovers, lifeless on a blanket, an empty Prosecco bottle between them, and a single word scrawled on a note—Sorry. At first glance, it appears to be a tragic double suicide. But as Lauren and her partner DS Matt Price dig deeper, the cracks in the story begin to show.

The victims, Jasmine and Finley, were popular university students with a seemingly bright future. But beneath the surface lies a web of secrets: Finley’s gambling debts, Jasmine’s stalker, and a ring box with no ring. The deeper the detectives go, the more tangled the truth becomes.

Rigby doesn’t just use the Cornish coast as a backdrop—she makes it pulse with life. The cliffs, the sea mist, the shifting tides all mirror the emotional undercurrents of the case. The setting is both beautiful and isolating, a perfect metaphor for the secrets the characters carry.

While the novel follows the familiar beats of a police procedural, it’s the emotional texture that elevates it. Lauren and Matt aren’t just detectives—they’re people grappling with personal grief, professional pressure, and the moral weight of their work. Matt’s subplot involving his ailing father adds a poignant layer that grounds the narrative in real human stakes.

Rigby’s plotting is tight and deliberate. Clues are seeded with care, red herrings are plausible, and the final reveal—while not entirely unpredictable—is emotionally satisfying. The silk fibers, the empty ring box, the note: each detail clicks into place with a satisfying snap.

- DI Lauren Pengelly is a compelling lead—sharp, empathetic, and increasingly haunted by the emotional toll of her work. Her instincts are as honed as her compassion.

- DS Matt Price brings a grounded, often vulnerable counterbalance. His personal struggles never overshadow the case but enrich it.

- The supporting cast—victims’ families, university friends, and local townsfolk—are sketched with enough depth to keep the reader guessing without overwhelming the core narrative.

Death at Porthcurno Cove explores how easily we mistake curated appearances for truth. The victims’ social media-perfect relationship masks deep dysfunction. The idyllic setting hides a community riddled with secrets. Rigby asks: What do we owe the dead? And how do we live with the truths we uncover?

- Readers familiar with the genre may spot the killer early, though the emotional payoff still lands.
- A few secondary characters could have used more development, particularly the university friends who serve as suspects.

📚 For Fans Of:
- Ann Cleeves’ Vera series
- Joy Ellis’ Jackman & Evans books
- Tana French’s The Trespasser (for its emotional depth within a procedural frame).

Death at Porthcurno Cove is a gripping, emotionally intelligent mystery that balances suspense with soul. Sally Rigby continues to refine her craft, delivering a story that’s as much about the people left behind as it is about solving a crime. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Cornwall Murder Mystery series or diving in for the first time, this installment is a rewarding read.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts 🧠
Sally Rigby’s Death at Porthcurno Cove is another taut, atmospheric entry in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series. From the very first page, I was drawn in by the hauntingly beautiful Cornish coastline and the unsettling discovery that disrupts it. Rigby has a gift for making even the most picturesque locations feel charged with tension and secrets, and this book is no exception.

Summary 📝
DI Lauren Pengelly is enjoying a morning walk with her border collies along Porthcurno beach when they stumble upon a shocking scene: a young couple lying lifeless on a blanket, an empty Prosecco bottle, and a note with a single chilling word—Sorry. At first glance, it looks like a tragic double suicide. But as Lauren and DS Matt Price investigate, it becomes clear that nothing is as simple as it seems.

Jasmine and Finley, the victims, were beloved university students with promising futures, yet beneath their polished social facades lie secrets, debts, and complications that may have led to their deaths. Lauren and Matt must untangle a web of lies and deception before the killer strikes again. The cliffside cliffs, the shifting sea mist, and the rugged Cornish terrain all mirror the emotional undertones of the investigation, making the setting almost a character in its own right.

What I Loved
The procedural elements are well-executed, and Rigby balances them with emotional depth. Lauren is a compassionate and sharp detective whose instincts and empathy guide the investigation, while Matt brings a grounded, often vulnerable presence that complements her perfectly. The victims’ families, friends, and the small-town community are richly drawn, adding layers of tension and intrigue.

The pacing is excellent, with short chapters that maintain suspense and keep the reader hooked. Red herrings are skillfully placed, and while I had some early guesses about the culprit, the unfolding motives and personal stakes kept the tension high. I also loved how Rigby explored themes of appearances versus reality—what looks perfect on social media or in public may hide darker truths.

Overall Thoughts
Death at Porthcurno Cove is a gripping, emotionally intelligent mystery. It combines a classic whodunit with a thoughtful exploration of human relationships, grief, and moral responsibility. Fans of the series will enjoy returning to Lauren, Matt, and the team, while newcomers can easily jump in and be swept up in the suspense. This book delivers both intrigue and heart, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: Death At Porthcurno Cove
Author: Sally Rigby
Series: Cornwall Murder Mystery #5
Publisher: Storm Publishers
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Pub Date: March 19, 2025
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up
Pages: 231

This story is the fifth in this series and my third. I have read The Lost Girls of Penzance which was the first and The Camborne Killings Book #4 loved both!

Story features Detective Inspector 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.

In this story DI Lauren Pengelly is out walking her border collies Ben and Tia on Porthcurno Beach which is one of the most picturesque and her favorite of the Cornish beaches. (Based on the beautiful cover-it certainly would be mine as well!)
The dogs take off on a run and when Lauren caches up with them she finds they are sniffing at two bodies dead on a blanket. They are lying haphazardly with their arms and legs twisted in an unnatural position. Lauren also found an empty Prosecco bottle and a heart-shaped ring box – it seems the couple just got engaged!
At first glance, this appears to be a tragic double suicide.

The victims Jasmine Dodd and Finley Glenister who have been dating for years were both third year students at Southampton University. Jasmine an only child and Finley has a twin sister Faith.

As Lauren and her partner Matt Price unravel the case they find that Finley had a gambling addiction and perhaps was in debt. Jasmine has been bothered by an unwanted admirer. Was her admirer connected to Finley’s gambling?

An empty ring box and traces of silk fibers found at the crime scene could be vital clues.

This was a quick read. Have to admit I was on the right track as to whodunit it. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t enjoyable because it was!!!
I am now excited for Cornwall Murder Mystery Book #8!!!!

I want to thank to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this early this early eGalley
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 19, 2024.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storming Publishing for the opportunity to read "Death at Porthcurno Cove" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the fifth book in the exciting Cornwall Murder Mystery series. Ms. Rigby has once again crafted a brilliant story with interesting characters and the backdrop of the gorgeous scenery of Cornwall.

The story begins with someone - the reader can't tell if it's a male or female who has plans to end their pain, imagining the final moments. You get the sense of unhappiness and jealousy but who is it?

The rest of the story takes place between Sunday 10 September and Saturday 16 September. DI Lauren Pengelly is walking her border collies Ben and Tia on the beach when the dogs stumble upon 2 young people in a cave. She is soon joined by DS Matt Price and they wonder if they have a double suicide, a murder/suicide or or a double murder. We soon learn that the young people are Jasmine Dodd (21) and Finley Glenister (21) both students at Southampton University and they had just gotten engaged.

The families were worried when they didn't come home and neither was aware of the engagement happening. When the postmortem comes back confirming the cause of death they start wondering who could have done this and what was the motive. We learn that Finley had a gambling problem and he owed a lot of money yet he bought an expensive engagement ring. Their best friends tell a very different story. There appeared to be several other who were in love with Jasmine, bordering on the obsession. The shocking ending was one that was hard to see coming. A mark of a wonderfully crafted story is when you are kept guessing until the last page.

A couple of side stories also happened with Matt's father being ill and leading Matt to make some decisions. Tamsin is ready to come back to work from her injury and that means that Ellie will be leaving the team. Some feel that Matt brought the "murder vibe" with him when he moved from Lenchester. As the story ends we learn that there is trouble in Lauren's family and perhaps that sets up the next story in tis brilliant series. Always worth more than 5 stars!!

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series, though I think it's a shame Ellie will be now heading back to Whitney's team and not staying with Matt's, especially as she has Billy now. I look forward to seeing where this goes.
For once, and t'is a rare thing indeed, I guessed who the baddie was in this story, though it didn't spoil it for me in the least, probably because I didn't really convince myself I had it right, because I always get them wrong as a rule !
I'd capitalise Border Collies and Prosecco but my version is an ARC so the final article has probably fixed this. Also, a LOT of question marks got missed out, though I just finished a non-ARC by a best-selling author and he does the same, so maybe punctuation really isn't counted so much anymore, aside from by the pedantic readers like me !
I do think Finley and Jasmine were very patient taking along his sister to all their events. I think I'd have got fed up with this after a while myself. I thought it odd they attended Southampton for university as opposed to Exeter which was closer to home. One other little thing I wondered about was a buyer's name being attached to a purchase made in cash, which I hadn't expected. Sally's characters also do a lot of leaning.....hehehe....though I was pondering as to which word to use in its place to minimise repetition and none came readily to mind, I have to say.....
We're left with a new case for Lauren right at the end which is going to be close to home for her......but will no doubt be most interesting. And also I'm intrigued as to whether she'll let her team know about it as last time, when she had "family business" she only let Matt in on that secret, so we'll see.
Thanks again so much for the advanced read, Sally.....I greatly enjoyed it and I always like re-encountering the repeated team members of each set of characters you write about. They're like old buddies now after so long. Plus I know I'm guaranteed a good read every time as well.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌅 A breathtaking beach setting, Prosecco, the question of the promise of forever, until forever is taken away and never has the opportunity to come…Jealousy, deception, hidden secrets, lies, and an ultimate betrayal between those so deeply loved.

🐾 🐾 Inspector Lauren Pengelly is enjoying a beautiful, relaxing stroll on the beach with her border collies Ben and Tia. Ben and Tia stumble upon something that should never be discovered, along with a note with one word, SORRY. What appears to be is not at all what it actually is.

🍾 Inspector Pengelly and Detective Sergeant Matt Price have very limited information in trying to uncover who was behind this mysterious discovery and the motivation that led to it. Together with their team, they unearth surprising details through hard detective work. Can they find who would have access to the one piece of evidence that can wrap up this case and find the person responsible before any additional bodies are found?

🌊 Death at Porthcurno Cove is the fifth book in Sally Rigby’s Cornwall Murder Mystery series. I am not typically a fan of police procedural books, as I find them to be a bit repetitive, BUT NOT with this series. There is honestly something about this series that I absolutely LOVE! I am able to connect to these characters easily, enjoy their banter, and love the relationships they have together. Sally Rigby has developed something special here with this series. I have read books 4 and 5, and will be going back to read 1-3. They are quick, enjoyable reads.

The ENDING of this book was 🤯! The set up is there for the next book, and boy, I will be HERE FOR IT!! This book is out for publication now. This book is out for publication now.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to review this book. All opinions are my own. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at Porthcurno Cove by Sally Rigby is a highly recommended procedural and the fifth book in the enjoyable Cornwall Murder Mystery series.

DI Lauren Pengelly is walking her dogs on the beach early one morning when they discover two bodies lying on a blanket. Beside them is an empty Prosecco bottle, a ring box, and a note that says, "Sorry." It appears they were celebrating their engagement. Lauren calls in the medical examiner and her team, including her partner DS Matt Price, to start the investigation. The victims are quickly identified as university students Jasmine and Finley, both 21-years-old. Now the team must follow the evidence to determine if this is double suicide or something more nefarious.

This is a another great, well-written addition to the reliably entertaining Cornwall Murder Mystery series. The plot moves quickly and logically as clues are followed and new information is uncovered. There are several twists as the investigation proceeds and focuses on a close knit group of friends. The only drawback was I predicted the ending early on this time, but following the clues to the conclusion was still satisfying.

These characters in this series are well known to me and are all portrayed as fully realized individuals. I like the interaction between them. In the ending a minor story line in the narrative indicates more changes and challenges for them, especially Matt, in the future.

Death at Porthcurno Cove is a great choice for readers who enjoy procedurals. 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/2025/0...

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series.

When DI Lauren Pengelly takes her digs for a walk along the beautiful, peaceful Porthcurno beach little does she realise what a horrible site she'll discover. I was totally hooked on this cracking thriller. Although I did work out who it was it didnt take anything away from the storyline. Loved it and can't wait to read more.

Golden sunlight bathes the rugged cliffs casting long shadows across Porthcurno’s sandy beach. Within a cove, lying on a blanket, are two bodies. Their limbs are twisted at unnatural angles, vacant eyes staring blankly at the sky. Beside them is an empty Prosecco bottle and a note with one chilling word written in black ink: Sorry.

As the sun rises over a picturesque Cornish beach, Detective Lauren Pengelly makes a grim discovery while walking her border collies. A newly engaged couple lie dead in the sand. At first glance, it appears to be a tragic double suicide. But something doesn’t add up.

The victims – popular university students Jasmine and Finley – seemed to have it all. But as Lauren digs deeper, she and her partner Matt Price unravel a complex web of secrets and lies. Finley’s gambling addiction was threatening to ruin everything, and Jasmine had an unwanted admirer. With a double murder to solve and suspects mounting, Lauren and Matt must navigate the close-knit community to find the answers.

An empty ring box and traces of silk fibres found at the crime scene could be vital clues to cracking the case but when another life is on the line, have Lauren and Matt run out of time to catch the killer?

[TrishAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series but the first that I have read, it can totally be read as a standalone.
As DI Lauren Penalty's dogs, Ben and Tia, disappeared from her sight, the sight that she saw when she caught up with them, at the entrance to a small cave on Porthcurno beach, was a sight that would stay imprinted on her mind.
Sitting side by side at unnatural angles were a young girl and boy, on the sand was a ring box and an empty bottle of prosecco, on the girls finger was a sparkling new engagement ring, by the side of the boy was a note that just said "sorry".
Lauren quickly called for backup and for her off duty DS, Matt Price.
This was the start of an incredible "whodunit".
The bodies were found to be of Jasmine Dodd and Finley Glenister, Jasmin was the only child of working class parents, Finley came from a wealthy family and had a twin sister.
Finley and Jasmine and some of their close Cornish friends were students at the same university, they had been a couple for many years, friends and family alike were horrified when it looked as though it could either be a suicide pact or a murder suicide, they were even more horrified when it was proved to be a double murder, who would want to kill the popular pair ?
As the story unfolds, it apparent that all was not as it seemed with their friends and family, everyone appeared to have a secret.
This is a great "whodunit", with a great ending that leads beautifully into the next story, I look forward to reading it.
Thank you Storm Publishing for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

[Mrs Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 5 in Sally Rigby's Cornish series featuring Lauren Pengelly and Matt Price. In this story, it is Lauren who discovers the bodies of a young couple on the beach in an apparent suicide immediately after becoming engaged. When the autopsy shows they were drugged and smothered the murder investigation begins. Having read previous books in this series, and living in Cornwall myself, I was expecting a lot of the local vibes that I have felt from previous books. However, I felt the local references were quite superficial this time around so there was less of a sense of place. These are standard police procedural novels so the local references are what enhance the story. I guessed the murderer almost immediately so, for me, the story lacked suspense. Definitely not the best in this series.




At first glance, this appears to be a tragic double suicide.

The victims Jasmine Dodd and Finley Glenister who have been dating for years were both third year students at Southampton University. Jasmine an only child and Finley has a twin sister Faith.

As Lauren and her partner Matt Price unravel the case they find that Finley had a gambling addiction and perhaps was in debt. Jasmine has been bothered by an unwanted admirer. Was her admirer connected to Finley’s gambling?

An empty ring box and traces of silk fibers found at the crime scene could be vital clues.

[Big Bertha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth in Sally Rigby's Detective Inspector Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price series and the first I've read.

Lauren is walking her dogs on the beach at Porthcurno Cove when she comes across the bodies of newly engaged couple Finley and Jasmine a note next to the bodies indicating that they'd taken their own lives. Early enquiries soon reveal that there is more to this tragic event than first thought and its not long before a murder investigation is underway.

A well written police procedural set on the Cornish coast, the area as much a part of the novel as the characters. The pace was good and the characters engaging though I do feel I missed out somewhat by not starting this series at the beginning.

What I really liked about this novel was the team at Penzance CID, the obvious cameradrie and the very different approaches of Lauren and her Sergeant Matt, chalk and cheese but together they make a great team and they're the reason I'm going to add the earlier books in the series to my reading list.

Due for publication Mar 25 - My thanks to Storm publishing for the early read and the introduction to a series of books I know I'm going to love reading.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the series and certainly leaves enough at the end to hint at the 6th. Once again we meet Lauren, Matt and the team at Penzance in this Police procedural novel. The characters are gelling and at the same time developing that you feel you know them - almost like a TV programme that has several series. This story involves 2 young people found dead on Porthcurno Beach after a seeming proposal. Was it suicide or murder.? It quickly became apparent which it was. Lauren and her dogs did the finding - which was dealt with, empathetically. I had guessed the perpetrator very early on - which could’ve meant that the story wasn’t worth carrying on with but I wanted to know why - again this too became apparent before the end - but again it didn’t make me want to give up. Sally Rigby obviously has done her research into police procedures and maybe Matt did behave in an odd way but he reacted to the situation at the time - like we all do I thoroughly enjoy this series and looked forward to this instalment and I really hope that there will be another - this one left on a bit of a cliffhanger.