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Detective Sebastian Clifford #6
Wake the Past
Family ties. Buried lies. A life on the line.
Detective Sebastian Clifford and his partner Lucinda "Birdie" Bird are about to embark on their most challenging case yet when Lady Angelica Charing tasks them with finding the son she secretly gave away when she was only sixteen.
Time's running out. This long-lost son isn't just a missing puzzle piece; he's the last hope for a life-saving kidney transplant for his dying half-brother. The stakes couldn't be higher.
With the Charing family's reputation on the line, Clifford and Birdie must operate under the radar, cutting through years of concealed truths.
As the deadline approaches, they race to find the missing son and persuade him to make a life-altering choice. Can they solve the case and save a life before time runs out?
Dive into a world of hidden identities and urgent choices in Wake the Past.
Detective Sebastian Clifford and his partner Lucinda "Birdie" Bird are about to embark on their most challenging case yet when Lady Angelica Charing tasks them with finding the son she secretly gave away when she was only sixteen.
Time's running out. This long-lost son isn't just a missing puzzle piece; he's the last hope for a life-saving kidney transplant for his dying half-brother. The stakes couldn't be higher.
With the Charing family's reputation on the line, Clifford and Birdie must operate under the radar, cutting through years of concealed truths.
As the deadline approaches, they race to find the missing son and persuade him to make a life-altering choice. Can they solve the case and save a life before time runs out?
Dive into a world of hidden identities and urgent choices in Wake the Past.
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First published April 1, 2024
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About the author
Sally Rigby
44 books489 followersSally 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 9, 2024
Seb and Birdy are hired by Lady Angelica Charing to look into the past to find the son she was forced by her parents to give up for adoption when she was a teenager.
Not because she suddenly wanted to find him. Oh no. But because her younger, 'real' son needs a kidney and he might be a match. The son she gave up is having a hard time finding work, and his wife sees dollar signs.
Lady Angelica hires Seb & Birdie to find him, and time is running out.
Secrets lead us down several paths and a revelation that Seb never saw coming but is thrilled with.
Many will say this isn't the serial killer book they look forward to. But they are P.I.'s and not all crimes are murders. Such is the life of a P.I...
Loved this tamer installment!
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am giving you my honest review.
Not because she suddenly wanted to find him. Oh no. But because her younger, 'real' son needs a kidney and he might be a match. The son she gave up is having a hard time finding work, and his wife sees dollar signs.
Lady Angelica hires Seb & Birdie to find him, and time is running out.
Secrets lead us down several paths and a revelation that Seb never saw coming but is thrilled with.
Many will say this isn't the serial killer book they look forward to. But they are P.I.'s and not all crimes are murders. Such is the life of a P.I...
Loved this tamer installment!
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am giving you my honest review.
February 7, 2024
I love team Seb and Birdie so much! This book was very different as there weren’t any life or death scenarios and nail biters but I enjoyed every single word. The investigation and mystery piece was there as well as multiple family dynamics. I can’t wait to see what Keira gets up to ;)
February 17, 2024
This is my favourite of Sally's series of books and, trust me, I read them all. She always writes terrific and (mostly) likeable characters but something about Sebastian and Birdie appeals to me more, somehow.
This one was quite fascinating as it features a hunt for a long-ago adopted child and it came at a time that Birdie had of course recently embarked upon her own personal quest so she could properly empathise. And Sebastian also gets his own shocker in this story, which made me chuckle !
I love how Seb always manages to put his snootier clientele right back in their boxes each and every time they've not wanted to share information with or seem to have the slightest doubts about Birdie. I like this about him a great deal.
I am imagining Sally had to put some real legwork into researching this story, too, since it also featured a storyline on organ transplantation, which gives it an intriguing edge.
I did laugh to myself at the name of a town-Wells-next-the-Sea......I highlighted it, thinking it was a mistake and then googled it later and it wasn't at all, so I did the author down there in my mind. Apologies, Sally !!
I received an advanced copy of this story so any errors or other remarks I may have I will forward directly to the author.
However, this series is a terrific one and I highly recommend it.
This one was quite fascinating as it features a hunt for a long-ago adopted child and it came at a time that Birdie had of course recently embarked upon her own personal quest so she could properly empathise. And Sebastian also gets his own shocker in this story, which made me chuckle !
I love how Seb always manages to put his snootier clientele right back in their boxes each and every time they've not wanted to share information with or seem to have the slightest doubts about Birdie. I like this about him a great deal.
I am imagining Sally had to put some real legwork into researching this story, too, since it also featured a storyline on organ transplantation, which gives it an intriguing edge.
I did laugh to myself at the name of a town-Wells-next-the-Sea......I highlighted it, thinking it was a mistake and then googled it later and it wasn't at all, so I did the author down there in my mind. Apologies, Sally !!
I received an advanced copy of this story so any errors or other remarks I may have I will forward directly to the author.
However, this series is a terrific one and I highly recommend it.
February 17, 2024
This is by far the best Sebastian Clifford book yet! The case they are working on is an interesting one and there are lots of surprises here. We see Seb and Birdie's relationship developing an almost "old married couple" feeling. Hmmmm. Their work relationship continues to become more intuitive with each picking up on subtle clues by the other. The case involves a search for a son adopted in infancy that no one knew about. There are a lot of emotions flowing here. The client Lady Angelica is less than honest, leading to new roadblocks daily for Seb and Birdie. They spend a lot of time in the car in this one. I love Sally Rigby's style of writing. As usual the book is highly readable, drawing me in from the beginning. Her plots are detailed with realistic detective work, and the characters are wonderful and believable. The surprise was really totally unexpected by everyone! Seb and Birdie have become old friends and I look forward to more.
February 20, 2024
Sally Rigby’s books get better and better and keeps you guessing until the end.
Love the dynamic between Seb and Birdie, a highly recommended read.
I received this as an ARC book and loved it from the first chapter.
Love the dynamic between Seb and Birdie, a highly recommended read.
I received this as an ARC book and loved it from the first chapter.
February 18, 2024
I love Sally Rigby’s books. The Clifford series has been a great spin off, however this book lacked the exciting pace or intrigue of the others.
Incredibly well written with a couple of sub plots just needed a bit more gripping pace.
Are we ever going to see anything more than friendship between the two main characters?
The latest arrival is a great twist.
Incredibly well written with a couple of sub plots just needed a bit more gripping pace.
Are we ever going to see anything more than friendship between the two main characters?
The latest arrival is a great twist.
February 18, 2024
Great read
Wow. What a read! Sally always puts twust and turns in her books, but this one! Read it over 2 days, so hard to put down . Hope there is another book with Seb and Birdie and, of course, the newcomer. Highly recommend if you have read the other books.
Wow. What a read! Sally always puts twust and turns in her books, but this one! Read it over 2 days, so hard to put down . Hope there is another book with Seb and Birdie and, of course, the newcomer. Highly recommend if you have read the other books.
February 19, 2024
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous 5, it was just ok. There were also quite a lot of grammatical errors which I don't recall from the previous books either.
February 14, 2024
Wake the Past is one of the best books in this series so far. We'll find Seb being surprised regarding his family and Birdie finding in Keira - an unexpected addition to the team - an unexpected match in humor and way of being. They are hired to search for a son given for adoption which will unravel family secrets and a murder. The story also highlights parental relationships and any possible conflicts when children are adopted and not told about it, or brought up without knowing one parent.
I thank Ms. Rigby and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Rigby and her publisher for this ARC.
February 15, 2024
Totally Gripping! A tough, tense and touching case for this dynamic duo.
Time is of the essence when the mistakes of the past must be addressed in the present if a life is to be saved. This case takes an almost impossible search whilst using the utmost secrecy in order to save a young man’s life whilst protecting the mother’s position and reputation. Definitely the toughest and most heart wrenching case so far, and one that Birdie can relate to. Highly Recommended.
Time is of the essence when the mistakes of the past must be addressed in the present if a life is to be saved. This case takes an almost impossible search whilst using the utmost secrecy in order to save a young man’s life whilst protecting the mother’s position and reputation. Definitely the toughest and most heart wrenching case so far, and one that Birdie can relate to. Highly Recommended.
February 16, 2024
Seb and Birdie's newest case has a hidden secret that must be kept secret if at all possible. But they must find someone to see if this 'relative' can help save the life of his half brother. Of course, royalty is involved and some unsavory characters. But that isn't the only surprise that is found out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
February 17, 2024
Well another great read and catch up with Sebastian and Birdie. I do like the dynamics of this duo, like chalk and cheese but it works. A great storyline as I’ve come to expect from the author, never disappoints.
February 15, 2024
I've loved all of Sally Rigby's novel thus far and this series is a great example of the excellent work she does. This time around Clifford and Birdie face some tricky situations as well as some very personal moments too. The author balances both sides of the story well. Another great read by a personal favourite.
February 14, 2024
Wake the Past by Sally Rigby is book 6 in the Seb Clifford series. Seb and Birdie, private investigators, have taken on a case for Lady Angelina Charing. She wants him to track down an illegitimate child she had 50 years ago, when so much secrecy surrounded adoption. The lies, mystery and silence that surrounded adoption then, particularly in the upper classes, makes the search difficult. Birdie and Seb make such a good pair. They are opposites in so many ways and this makes for great scenes with plenty of humour and great banter. The case keeps getting murkier with side investigations cropping up. There are surprises along the way. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 16, 2024
Detective Sebastian Clifford and his partner Lucinda ‘Birdie’ Bird work as private investigators. Both were police officers. Seb comes from higher society with his father being a Viscount. Luckily, he doesn’t have to live that life. He occasionally has to attend functions to represent the family. Birdie is a quirky girl who I love. The two work well together. They get a new case. A high society lady, Angelica Charing, needs to find a son she gave up for adoption when she was 16 years old. No one knows about the pregnancy, and she does not want this exposed. One of her sons needs a kidney and perhaps her adopted son is a match. Time is of the essence. Seb and Birdie take off on their case as usual. They make a plan and cover all the bases. They need to find him fast, with absolutely no information, and convince him to help. This is another good story with Seb and Birdie. I love the books with these two so far. Seb seems tall and polished in my mind while Birdie is quirky and provides quite a contrast. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
April 24, 2024
I was very disappointed by this installment. There were no stakes, I wasn’t invested and it all felt terribly like a filler. I realised quite late on that there was no further story, that the set-up was it… I’ll try the next book when it comes out but this wasn’t for me.
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February 27, 2024Great! I LOVE the new character, Keira! Can’t wait to see how she develops in future books. Brilliant to add her to the mix!
February 15, 2024
Sally Rigby's new novel is a roller-coaster of emotion and suspense. It's a crime novel with broad shoulders, equally able to command a place in mainstream fiction.
In this story of a search for a son not seen since he was a baby, and the man's father, the author presents a master class in character driven narrative but still manages to throw in plenty of shocks and surprises.
Seb and Birdie's partnership is maturing and in this novel they both have plenty of personal concerns adding to an already totally engrossing plot. Lady Angelica, Conrad, Devon, Keira, Tina and Pappas are all extraordinary characters, each awarded individuality and strong voices of their own in a story which moved me constantly with an overflow of empathy. One of the best books I have read this year or any year.
In this story of a search for a son not seen since he was a baby, and the man's father, the author presents a master class in character driven narrative but still manages to throw in plenty of shocks and surprises.
Seb and Birdie's partnership is maturing and in this novel they both have plenty of personal concerns adding to an already totally engrossing plot. Lady Angelica, Conrad, Devon, Keira, Tina and Pappas are all extraordinary characters, each awarded individuality and strong voices of their own in a story which moved me constantly with an overflow of empathy. One of the best books I have read this year or any year.
December 26, 2023
I never really got into this series I can't get on with the characters. I have found issues with them that no company would tolerate even if you had your own company as this is about Clifford's Detective Agency, and he seems to get cases that are in part of his upbringing which is posh, and his partner is very ordinary but slapdash, always late but not bothered I have found that in this last case, Lady Charring has asked Sebastian to find her long-lost son she gave away at birth and lo and behold he has just found out that he has a daughter from his college days he never knew about. Just seems so cheesy, the case would have been better if not for the new daughter bit, so no this was not at all gripping very if you have got something so has I.
February 15, 2024
I love Seb and Birdie, their differences make the the best team. Seb is upper class yet down to earth while Birdie is a streetwise ex cop, yet their friendship and professional lives work perfectly together.
In this book they are called upon to find a society lady’s secret son. Her other son is dying and he might just be the only one who can save him. The clock is ticking. Will they find him in time, and if they do will he be willing to help?
This book had all the mystery I’ve come to expect from this series with the addition of a family dynamic when one person’s life is on the line. I could feel the emotion right along with the characters which makes this the best kind of book.
Great addition to the series!
In this book they are called upon to find a society lady’s secret son. Her other son is dying and he might just be the only one who can save him. The clock is ticking. Will they find him in time, and if they do will he be willing to help?
This book had all the mystery I’ve come to expect from this series with the addition of a family dynamic when one person’s life is on the line. I could feel the emotion right along with the characters which makes this the best kind of book.
Great addition to the series!
March 16, 2024
Another great book in this series! This has been my favorite series of the three, although now, I'm really liking the Cornwall series too. I think it boils down to how much we get into the characters lives as well as the mysteries. And boy do we get into their lives here, in addition to Birdie's successful search and now the new twist for Seb, and the wonderful similarities in this twist, that just makes me love these stories. Now for mystery part - Lady Angelica Charing needs to find her son that she gave up decades ago, to help her younger son. I struggled with Lady Angelica, although I didn't hate her at the end, so push through if you don't like her character (literally). It's still an excellent story and a great ending.
March 31, 2024
PIs Sebastian Clifford and Birdie Bird may be facing their most demanding case to date, but not for the reasons you'd imagine. Engaged by Lady Angelica Charing to locate the son she gave up for adoption, Seb and Birdie are working not only below the radar to protect the family's reputation but also to a tight time frame. Not only does Lady Angelica want to be reunited with her child, she's also hoping that he'll be able to save the life of one of her other children.
The partnership of Seb and Birdie works really well, each bringing a unique skill set to the table.
I've thoroughly enjoyed everything that Sally Rigby has written, her various series are very different from one another, but share the commonality that they're all well-written.
The partnership of Seb and Birdie works really well, each bringing a unique skill set to the table.
I've thoroughly enjoyed everything that Sally Rigby has written, her various series are very different from one another, but share the commonality that they're all well-written.
April 28, 2024
I’ve just finished the latest book in the Sebastian Clifford series. I love the series a lot. I love the dynamic between Sebastian and Berdie and now Kierra. I really enjoy Sally Rigbys writing. The faster pace is really great.
This book was a little bit more complex than the rest of the series since there were a lot of subplots and a lot of twist and turns with the case.
***spoiler alert***
I found it very out of character for Sebastian‘s character to have a child out of wedlock, even from uni days. I feel Sebastian would have been careful in university especially with his aristocrat background but maybe not. Maybe he would’ve been more wild in college. His teenage daughter did come out of nowhere, but I’m sure it will be a great character edition for the next book.
This book was a little bit more complex than the rest of the series since there were a lot of subplots and a lot of twist and turns with the case.
***spoiler alert***
I found it very out of character for Sebastian‘s character to have a child out of wedlock, even from uni days. I feel Sebastian would have been careful in university especially with his aristocrat background but maybe not. Maybe he would’ve been more wild in college. His teenage daughter did come out of nowhere, but I’m sure it will be a great character edition for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
Wake The Past, the sixth book in the Detective Sebastian Clifford series, reveals a challenging case for Sebastian and Birdie, his partner. Lady Angelica Charing had given her son up for adoption when she was a teenager. Now married with grown children, she must rely on the duo to find her lost child as the life of one of her sons depends on it. Unfortunately, unearthing the past will reveal the good and the bad. This is another great novel in this series, hooking you into the drama straight away and does not let you go. As with all of Sally Rigby’s stories, it is fast paced and thrilling. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 1, 2025
Could not put this book down, I enjoyed every moment of it. I love the duo of Seb and Birdie, seeing their friendship and working relationship develop is great to see. In this book we get to see an investigation and personal issues run along side each other, and this works so well. We meet Keira, Sebs daughter who seems to be a wonderful addition to the series. The investigation starts out as a missing person, but this soon is discovered to be to find an adopted son to save another son. This links in well with Birdies own adoption journey. Highly recommend this series! I've now finished it so am hoping to start another by Sally Rigby as her writing style is so good.
February 12, 2024
I think Seb and Birdie are my favorite characters by this author. I like her other series too, but Seb and Birdie are truly my favorites. This book is a great addition to the series. The case they are working on is different than some of their others, but I found it extremely interesting. It kept me reading and I finished the book in a day. And the surprise addition to the regular characters was such a bonus! I loved it! I'm already looking forward to the next book! I received and advance copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2024
A thoroughly intriguing and enjoyable read. Wake the Past sets Clifford and Birdie on a very intriguing sleuthing journey. The more they delve into their current assignment, the more they find to question. Puzzles within puzzles and mysteries within mysteries abound! Added to this, their working partnership which has further evolved and is more intuitive, sees them even more in tune with each other. Consequently, their interaction flows effortlessly and adds substance to their quest to find answers.
February 24, 2024
The best in the series yet.
Sebastion and Lucinda (Birdie) are on another case the 6th in the series, one of Sebastions friends Lady Angelica has a son who needs a Kidney transplant and wants Seb to find a son she had when she was 16 and she was forced to put him up for adoption and none of her family know about him so lots of secrets are to be told.
Seb also has a long past he didn`t know about finally catch up with him which brings out the soft part of him,
A great storyline that is well written.
Definitively recommend.
Thanks to the author for the Arc and I give my honest review
Sebastion and Lucinda (Birdie) are on another case the 6th in the series, one of Sebastions friends Lady Angelica has a son who needs a Kidney transplant and wants Seb to find a son she had when she was 16 and she was forced to put him up for adoption and none of her family know about him so lots of secrets are to be told.
Seb also has a long past he didn`t know about finally catch up with him which brings out the soft part of him,
A great storyline that is well written.
Definitively recommend.
Thanks to the author for the Arc and I give my honest review
February 26, 2024
Sebastian and Birdie have a case that truly has a life at stake. The case is very complicated and interesting. I loved spending time with Sebastian and Birdie. Their relationship is one of the reasons I enjoy the books in this series so much. Sebastian is thrown a huge curve ball in his personal life. I enjoyed reading about this. I think it enriched the story and makes me excited for more books in this series. As I have come to expect, the case was solved satisfactorily and I got the resolution I wanted. I would recommend this book.
February 4, 2024
Lady Angelica had a child when she was 16 years old. Her parents sent her away to an aunt's home to give birth and set up an adoption. Her parents kept it a secret because of the stigma. Lady Angelica's one son needs a kidney transplant in order to live. She hires Seb to find her son she gave up for adoption. She is trying to find a match for a kidney donation. A very good story line that kept the pages turning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews