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Cavendish & Walker #5
Last Breath
Winner, Earphones Award 2020
Has the Lenchester Strangler returned?
When a murderer leaves a familiar pink scarf as his calling card, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is forced to dig into a cold case, not sure if she's looking for a killer or a copycat.
With a growing pile of bodies, and no clues, she turns to forensic psychologist Dr. Georgina Cavendish despite their relationship being at an all-time low.
Can they overcome the bad blood between them to solve the unsolvable?
For fans of Rachel Abbott, Angela Marsons, and M A Comley, Last Breath is the fifth book in the Cavendish & Walker crime fiction series.
Includes a special bonus note from the author.
Has the Lenchester Strangler returned?
When a murderer leaves a familiar pink scarf as his calling card, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is forced to dig into a cold case, not sure if she's looking for a killer or a copycat.
With a growing pile of bodies, and no clues, she turns to forensic psychologist Dr. Georgina Cavendish despite their relationship being at an all-time low.
Can they overcome the bad blood between them to solve the unsolvable?
For fans of Rachel Abbott, Angela Marsons, and M A Comley, Last Breath is the fifth book in the Cavendish & Walker crime fiction series.
Includes a special bonus note from the author.
Audible Audio
First published February 24, 2020
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317 people want to read
About the author
Sally Rigby
45 books498 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 119 reviews
November 2, 2022
*Tensions*
This instalment sees DCI Whitney Walker & Forensic Psychologist Dr. Georgina (Aka George) Cavendish working on a case of a woman being murdered and a pink scarf left at the scene. On returning to the police station one of Whitney’s seasoned soon to retire detective starts to describe things such as the pink scarf🧣 before Whitney had the chance to describe the scene. He was referring to a cold case where the culprit was known the Lenchester Strangler. Is this there a copycat at play? The eerie thing is the latest murderer must have details of the original case, how? The victims are all women who live alone and they all have paintings from the same artist bought from the same gallery.
This case also sees Whitney and George’s relationship tested due to a secret that Whitney is not privy to as George would not discuss it as she is keeping a confidence. So they need to dig deep to get on with the case. Can they find a way to put the case first and mend things once Whitney finds out?
As more victims stack up Whitney decides to do a sting to catch the culprit and when the suspect is revealed it turns out to be someone who has been sacked with a grudge against the force trying to settle a score. He knows all the details of the original case and more
This instalment sees DCI Whitney Walker & Forensic Psychologist Dr. Georgina (Aka George) Cavendish working on a case of a woman being murdered and a pink scarf left at the scene. On returning to the police station one of Whitney’s seasoned soon to retire detective starts to describe things such as the pink scarf🧣 before Whitney had the chance to describe the scene. He was referring to a cold case where the culprit was known the Lenchester Strangler. Is this there a copycat at play? The eerie thing is the latest murderer must have details of the original case, how? The victims are all women who live alone and they all have paintings from the same artist bought from the same gallery.
This case also sees Whitney and George’s relationship tested due to a secret that Whitney is not privy to as George would not discuss it as she is keeping a confidence. So they need to dig deep to get on with the case. Can they find a way to put the case first and mend things once Whitney finds out?
As more victims stack up Whitney decides to do a sting to catch the culprit and when the suspect is revealed it turns out to be someone who has been sacked with a grudge against the force trying to settle a score. He knows all the details of the original case and more
February 4, 2020
Another murder in the (fictitious) town of Lenchester is offered us by prolific writer Sally Rigby (5 novels in a year and that without losing anything in quality or thrill-level!) A rich older woman is found dead in her bed, strangled with a pink chiffon scarf. A MO that resembles that of the never caught Lenchester strangler who was active in the 1980ies when he killed 6 women. There was a suspect but when he murdered his own wife and was put in jail for that, the investigations were suspended and the murders stopped. DCI Walker tries to get in touch with her old boss who was SIO on that case but he’s in Egypt. It’s unlikely that the original suspect has anything to do with this murder as the man is in his 80ies and suffering from dementia (but maybe less than he lets on?) It doesn’t take long before 2 other murders on rich elder ladies occur. What do the victims have in common; gardening, art, volunteer work, clubs, …?
Then there is a problem with Tiffany, Whitney’s daughter. She wants to put her university education on hold and travel to Australia for a working holiday. She knows that this will hurt her mother and asks George for advice. She tells her to inform her mother ASAP but agrees not to say anything to her friend yet. George is a terrible actor and this secret puts a big strain on her relationship with Whitney who sees right away that something is up.
We’re also fed snippets of thought from the killer. He’s so certain that he is superior and far more clever than the ‘incompetent’ police. He has another 4 victims already lined up and mimics the original murders, but we don’t know why. At first, I thought that he can be a relative of 1 of the victims who’s angry because the murders were never solved. But that would make him just as evil as the original killer and for sure that the police will concentrate their efforts on the new killers instead of on the old ones where they have already a suspect. Or not …?
This story is very well put together and is full of red herrings that I kept following until they hit me hard. I tell you that the real outcome is something so brilliant that I would not have dreamed it up in a million years. The main characters are very likeable and credible. Neither woman is perfect or always right but I love to read how they weld their differences into a unique bond that’s much stronger than the individuals; You see how important their friendship is to both ladies. George feels terribly uncomfortable that Tiffany confided in her and swore her to secrecy, it hurts her that she can’t tell Whitney what her daughter wants to do. But she’s also a woman of strict morals and a promise is a promise, even though she urged Tiffany from the beginning g to be honest with her mother. And Whitney who feels that George is retreating behind her defences is also unhappy with the inexplicable change in her behaviour, she feels like they travelled back in time to how their relationship was at the start. She even wonders if she did something out of order to get this reaction. This is not the only strain on Whitney, the relationship with her daughter is also tested. In the end, it’s her dementing mother that points out that she can’t live Tiffany’s life for her.
I thank Sally for a free ARC from this book, but it is my own honest unbiased opinion that is expressed in this review.
Then there is a problem with Tiffany, Whitney’s daughter. She wants to put her university education on hold and travel to Australia for a working holiday. She knows that this will hurt her mother and asks George for advice. She tells her to inform her mother ASAP but agrees not to say anything to her friend yet. George is a terrible actor and this secret puts a big strain on her relationship with Whitney who sees right away that something is up.
We’re also fed snippets of thought from the killer. He’s so certain that he is superior and far more clever than the ‘incompetent’ police. He has another 4 victims already lined up and mimics the original murders, but we don’t know why. At first, I thought that he can be a relative of 1 of the victims who’s angry because the murders were never solved. But that would make him just as evil as the original killer and for sure that the police will concentrate their efforts on the new killers instead of on the old ones where they have already a suspect. Or not …?
This story is very well put together and is full of red herrings that I kept following until they hit me hard. I tell you that the real outcome is something so brilliant that I would not have dreamed it up in a million years. The main characters are very likeable and credible. Neither woman is perfect or always right but I love to read how they weld their differences into a unique bond that’s much stronger than the individuals; You see how important their friendship is to both ladies. George feels terribly uncomfortable that Tiffany confided in her and swore her to secrecy, it hurts her that she can’t tell Whitney what her daughter wants to do. But she’s also a woman of strict morals and a promise is a promise, even though she urged Tiffany from the beginning g to be honest with her mother. And Whitney who feels that George is retreating behind her defences is also unhappy with the inexplicable change in her behaviour, she feels like they travelled back in time to how their relationship was at the start. She even wonders if she did something out of order to get this reaction. This is not the only strain on Whitney, the relationship with her daughter is also tested. In the end, it’s her dementing mother that points out that she can’t live Tiffany’s life for her.
I thank Sally for a free ARC from this book, but it is my own honest unbiased opinion that is expressed in this review.
January 28, 2020
I am lucky enough to get an early copy of Sally’s books. I have enjoyed each and every Cavendish and Walker novel. Sally has a lovely writing type, her characters are well crafted and memorable. I seldom remember names when I have finished reading a book but I do remember Whitney, George, Claire, Frank and Matt. Sally’s plots are also a delight - with numerous red herrings caught throughout the pages yet the denouement is always a surprise. LastBreath does not disappoint- surprises to the last. I wholeheartedly recommend Sally’s books. Enjoyment guaranteed!
January 15, 2022
These books are easy to read and there is a flow to the story, but I found this quite a frustrating read.
I found the domestic drama with Whitney's daughter Tiffany annoying, I can only presume the author thought it would be interesting to disrupt the relationship between Whitney and George. The problem is it seems the author has never really worked out what is their relationship.
Also Whitney’s team are still just a collection of names she uses when giving out the jobs, there were a couple of sentences concerning Matt and Frank’s home life, but there is no insight into them as people, you never know what they are thinking.
I found the domestic drama with Whitney's daughter Tiffany annoying, I can only presume the author thought it would be interesting to disrupt the relationship between Whitney and George. The problem is it seems the author has never really worked out what is their relationship.
Also Whitney’s team are still just a collection of names she uses when giving out the jobs, there were a couple of sentences concerning Matt and Frank’s home life, but there is no insight into them as people, you never know what they are thinking.
February 2, 2020
Another brilliant novel following DCI Whitney Walker as she solves a new case of a copycat murder of 30yr ago with the help from Dr Georgia Cavendish a forensic psychologist.
Love the characters and how they work together it was a page turner and looking forward to reading more from her.
Love the characters and how they work together it was a page turner and looking forward to reading more from her.
January 31, 2020
Novel starts off with a murder and the killer has strangled his victim with a pink chiffon scarf, and one of her detectives who will be retiring in a few years remembers a very cold case where the same kind of murder and the same method and the killer also took a lock of hair from the victim that was never revealed to the public so is there a copy cat out there and has the killer started up again the only problem with that one it was years ago and the killer was never caught but must be quite old so that looks very unlikely, only thing was the person who they thought did the deadly dead served life for killing his wife and then when he was sent down the killings stopped. Whitney and her sidekick Georgina Cavendish start the process of elimination and while all this is going on Whitney's daughter approaches George with a personal problem and first, thing George's advice is was to tell her mother quick because she does not like working with her mother and keeping secrets it's not her so Whitney can sense there is a problem with George and her but can't work it out. Tension with work and tension at home it's not a good place for Whitney and at the moment, with the boss wanting results everything seems to be in slow motion. Good pace and dialect between the two women albeit their difference of opinions the author has got them down to a fine art, and each can be read as a standalone novel but read in sequence does give the reader an insight into how these two women met and what their home lives are like.
March 11, 2023
Another fantastic and interesting case for Cavendish and Walker! Love this series.
February 1, 2020
Ah, another great story starring DCI Whitney Walker and Dr Georgina (George) Cavendish. If I haven't mentioned it before you would do well to start your journey with Sally Rigby's books about this pair of crime busters with book 1 "Deadly Games".
Not quite as many murders in this one as usual, however as usual Whitney and George's friendship gets focus, this time with Tiffany, Whitney's daughter, causing some unusual strain between the two friends. But as always they overcome these personal distractions as these murders are based on murders that took place in the 1980's, now being emulated by a copycat killer who seems to know quite to much about the original murders. Problem, the original murderer is now in his eighties, has dementia, and lives in a care facility. So it can't be him can it? With lots of red herrings again, and great police procedural work, the murderer is finally apprehended. An exciting and gripping story wonderfully presented once again by Sally Rigby! Heartily recommended!
Not quite as many murders in this one as usual, however as usual Whitney and George's friendship gets focus, this time with Tiffany, Whitney's daughter, causing some unusual strain between the two friends. But as always they overcome these personal distractions as these murders are based on murders that took place in the 1980's, now being emulated by a copycat killer who seems to know quite to much about the original murders. Problem, the original murderer is now in his eighties, has dementia, and lives in a care facility. So it can't be him can it? With lots of red herrings again, and great police procedural work, the murderer is finally apprehended. An exciting and gripping story wonderfully presented once again by Sally Rigby! Heartily recommended!
February 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this new Cavendish and Walker mystery. George finds herself in a difficult position when Tiffany uses her for some advice that she doesn't want her mother, Whitney to know about. With George's already difficult time of knowing how to act with people it makes it funny to listen to her try to keep the secret from Whitney. The ladies are on the lookout for someone who seems to be targeting more mature single women. This is a great story with all the twists and turns as one after another people seem to be the lead the ladies are looking for. I also enjoyed all the banter between George and Whitney until it hit a feverish pitch. We also have a visit with Whitney's mother and brother that was really nice to see.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion of a book I enjoyed.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion of a book I enjoyed.
February 24, 2020
This is author Sally Rigby's 5th installment in her Cavendish and Walker police procedural series. It is an excellent novel, as were her prior chapters in the series. While each can be read as a stand-alone project, it entertains me to see the progression of development of its primary characters, and their relationships.
In the first four novels, we have seen DCI Walker and forensic psychologist Georgianna ("George") Cavendish work together to solve several clusters of murders involving serial killers. They are quite different people with individual strengths and certain weaknesses or "blind spots". Despite their differences, or because of them, they have managed to combine their talents to become a very effective crime-solving team. Their "blind spots" have at times caused some frictions, but more often than not, humorous interactions. At times however, they have put themselves into perilous situations inadvertently. But mostly, they have grown to value their relationship, and their various strengths, to look after each other and their friendship.
In this installment of the series, there has been a new death investigation that looks very similar to a series of unsolved murders some 30 or more years ago. DCI Walker, who has been helping her Superintendent with his administrative duties because of his family needs, finds she must postpone some of that work to proceed with the investigation. She also reaches out to her colleague, Dr. Cavendish, to request her assistance as consultant. Surprisingly, Walker finds George distant and evasive. George does agree to assist, but Walker is disturbed by George's behavior.
Throughout the book there appears to be a theme of "Secrets". Personal and professional secrets. Secrets that affect relationships and trust; provide fodder for disputes, alter plans, and leverage for occasional disruptive behavior.
When more deaths occur, and pressure for a quick solution and resolution of the crimes is ramped up, it's unclear how the characters will react and respond. Which secrets will be discovered, which will be resolved, and which will allow for personal and professional relationships to recover and heal.
As with the previous novels I find Ms. Rigby's characters to ring true. Their relationships and behaviors are believable, as is their dialog. Actions of the police are interesting and believable as well. The main characters are likeable, their relationships and interactions interesting. Ms. Rigby's writing is crisp, well-paced, well researched, and enjoyable. I look forward to future installments and developments in this well written police procedural series.
I read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but expect any changes from the copy I reviewed would be minimal and not affect my review.
In the first four novels, we have seen DCI Walker and forensic psychologist Georgianna ("George") Cavendish work together to solve several clusters of murders involving serial killers. They are quite different people with individual strengths and certain weaknesses or "blind spots". Despite their differences, or because of them, they have managed to combine their talents to become a very effective crime-solving team. Their "blind spots" have at times caused some frictions, but more often than not, humorous interactions. At times however, they have put themselves into perilous situations inadvertently. But mostly, they have grown to value their relationship, and their various strengths, to look after each other and their friendship.
In this installment of the series, there has been a new death investigation that looks very similar to a series of unsolved murders some 30 or more years ago. DCI Walker, who has been helping her Superintendent with his administrative duties because of his family needs, finds she must postpone some of that work to proceed with the investigation. She also reaches out to her colleague, Dr. Cavendish, to request her assistance as consultant. Surprisingly, Walker finds George distant and evasive. George does agree to assist, but Walker is disturbed by George's behavior.
Throughout the book there appears to be a theme of "Secrets". Personal and professional secrets. Secrets that affect relationships and trust; provide fodder for disputes, alter plans, and leverage for occasional disruptive behavior.
When more deaths occur, and pressure for a quick solution and resolution of the crimes is ramped up, it's unclear how the characters will react and respond. Which secrets will be discovered, which will be resolved, and which will allow for personal and professional relationships to recover and heal.
As with the previous novels I find Ms. Rigby's characters to ring true. Their relationships and behaviors are believable, as is their dialog. Actions of the police are interesting and believable as well. The main characters are likeable, their relationships and interactions interesting. Ms. Rigby's writing is crisp, well-paced, well researched, and enjoyable. I look forward to future installments and developments in this well written police procedural series.
I read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but expect any changes from the copy I reviewed would be minimal and not affect my review.
January 30, 2020
Last Breath is another great book by Sally Rigby. She’s taken the British procedural to a new place with Cavendish and Walker.
I love the way they work together, using their differences to benefit each case. Despite their differences, they have formed a strong friendship which is tested in this book.
Sally has a knack for pointing the finger at many suspects without giving anything away. This book was no different. It had my mind running every imaginable scenario trying to figure out who the killer was.
Well worth the time to read—I recommend it.
I was given an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
I love the way they work together, using their differences to benefit each case. Despite their differences, they have formed a strong friendship which is tested in this book.
Sally has a knack for pointing the finger at many suspects without giving anything away. This book was no different. It had my mind running every imaginable scenario trying to figure out who the killer was.
Well worth the time to read—I recommend it.
I was given an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
January 31, 2020
Another Whitney and George mystery to solve. Whitney is a cop and George is a forensic psychologist who team up to solve tough cases. This time it’s a copycat murderer from a 30 year old case. The original murderer is in hospital with dementia so they must find out who would copy and why. Interesting trail of clues and the personal interactions between George and Whitney get a little strained. Enjoyed this one as much as the first four.
I was given an AVC but this is my honest review.
January 31, 2020
Wow!!!! Another five star read by Sall Rigby.....this series gets better with each book. I read this book in one sitting.
Lots of page turning excitement to hold you to the end. As always, the storyline flows well with twists and turns so you never know where it's going, to an unexpected and great end.
I would recommend this series.
I received an ARC of this book and am very happy to give an honest review.
Lots of page turning excitement to hold you to the end. As always, the storyline flows well with twists and turns so you never know where it's going, to an unexpected and great end.
I would recommend this series.
I received an ARC of this book and am very happy to give an honest review.
February 2, 2020
Totally recommended.
The fifth episode of the saga of DCI Whitney Walker and forensic psychologist Georgina Cavendish shows no sign of the story slowing down.
The solid policework of Whitney and the character insights of George combined with a well-drawn team make these books an interesting read.
Solid plots are acted out to the background of a relationship between the two strong lead characters growing in a totally believable way ... hiccups included.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. This had no impact on my review.
The fifth episode of the saga of DCI Whitney Walker and forensic psychologist Georgina Cavendish shows no sign of the story slowing down.
The solid policework of Whitney and the character insights of George combined with a well-drawn team make these books an interesting read.
Solid plots are acted out to the background of a relationship between the two strong lead characters growing in a totally believable way ... hiccups included.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. This had no impact on my review.
January 31, 2020
Another fabulous adventure with Cavendish and Walker! Red herrings and personal drama attempt to interfere with our duo's efforts to apprehend a serial killer who may, or may not, have struck in the past.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
February 2, 2020
When a murderer leaves a familiar pink scarf as his calling card, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is forced to dig into a cold case, not sure if she's looking for a killer or a copycat.
With a growing pile of bodies, and no clues, she turns to forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, despite their relationship being at an all-time low. Once again Sally has done it again! I love this series so much! She always keeps me guessing as to who the villain is. I was up til 2 am finishing this one! Thanks Sally!
With a growing pile of bodies, and no clues, she turns to forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, despite their relationship being at an all-time low. Once again Sally has done it again! I love this series so much! She always keeps me guessing as to who the villain is. I was up til 2 am finishing this one! Thanks Sally!
February 17, 2020
I received a free advance copy from the author Sally Rigby for my honest review.
With "Last Breath", author spins a clever copycat tale in fictional Lenchester, that could be right out of the headlines, full of twist and turns, full of suspense, red herring offerings as to whodunnit and it's connect the dots investigation.
Like that DCI Whitney Walker and Dr. Georgia Cavendish are friends, strong chemistry and with Tiffany confiding to George regarding leaving college to travel. It adds drama to the storyline as the two must work through it and it makes the "Last Breath" better by adding it to the mix. Definitely a worthy read enjoy and give the author a try.
With "Last Breath", author spins a clever copycat tale in fictional Lenchester, that could be right out of the headlines, full of twist and turns, full of suspense, red herring offerings as to whodunnit and it's connect the dots investigation.
Like that DCI Whitney Walker and Dr. Georgia Cavendish are friends, strong chemistry and with Tiffany confiding to George regarding leaving college to travel. It adds drama to the storyline as the two must work through it and it makes the "Last Breath" better by adding it to the mix. Definitely a worthy read enjoy and give the author a try.
February 4, 2020
Who is strangling rich, single, middle-age ladies? The latest case for Whitney and George is just as intriguing and filled with twists as the previous cases. Really good story. I received an ARC of this book.
February 25, 2020
Another fantastic mystery in a spectacular series that just keeps on getting better. The main characters and plot are perfect. Don’t miss out.
April 22, 2025
This series is great fun
February 6, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review. I absolutely loved it. George gets put in an awkward position in her relationship with Whitney when Whitney’s daughter confides in her. This puts some tension in their working relationship. I really like how their friendship is evolving and growing. On the mystery front this was an A+ it was a little twisty and kept you guessing
April 2, 2022
The books in this series are very well-written, interesting and relaxing British police procedural.
Murder mysteries without excessive descriptions of violence, No sex, no swearing.
Murder mysteries without excessive descriptions of violence, No sex, no swearing.
January 31, 2020
Another awesome read by Sally Rigby. The relationship between Whitney and Claire is both unconventional and more like family than friends. The story line flows well and keeps you wanting to know more.
March 17, 2020
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. Fantastic book plenty of action and suspense. Twist and turns that will keep you guessing.
February 26, 2020
I’ve only recently discovered author Sally Rigby’s series of crime books, which follow detective Whitney Walker through her professional -and private - life. It’s definitely a theme which can easily be slotted into the ‘crime fiction’ genre, but I think that risks underselling the novels.
For me, there are two main reasons why I’ve been drawn to the whole series of books… the quality of the writing, and the unusual relationship between Whitney, now a Detective Chief Inspector, and the university-based forensic psychologist, Dr. George Cavendish. This is a sometimes fraught relationship, with Whitney often struggling to cope with George - a woman who is a highly intelligent introvert, lacking in social skills and who, in her personal life, often struggles to understand other people’s emotions. Nevertheless, George’s skills as a forensic psychologist have a unique and profound impact when working alongside Whitney on criminal investigations.
It’s an odd, but endearing, pairing that, especially in the first books of the series, is perilously dysfunctional. But Whitney and George, at some level, realise that they do have a real and important connection, and they both persevere to develop their professional relationship and their slow-growing personal friendship.
I’ve ended up reading the books in a fairly random order, which is something I generally prefer not to do. However, Sally’s plotting and story-telling skills mean that I can happily take the books out of sequence, reading the earlier volumes as a sort of backfilling insight into Whitney’s life. In short, if this is your first Sally Rigby read, don’t worry - you’ll still fully enjoy the earlier stories too.
I’m aware that I’ve not outlined the plot of Last Breath. It’s not something I’m inclined to do, as a synopsis covering that is always provided by the publisher. What I want to do is highlight the reasons why I’ve awarded this book five stars and a strong recommendation. If you enjoy UK-based police procedural crime fiction, then this is a stand-out series of books that I’m confident you’ll enjoy.
Up until now, I’ve purchased Sally Rigby’s books but, as a new member of her advance reader group, I was given early access to a free copy of this book. Nonetheless, my review reflects my own opinions and isn’t at all affected by this.
For me, there are two main reasons why I’ve been drawn to the whole series of books… the quality of the writing, and the unusual relationship between Whitney, now a Detective Chief Inspector, and the university-based forensic psychologist, Dr. George Cavendish. This is a sometimes fraught relationship, with Whitney often struggling to cope with George - a woman who is a highly intelligent introvert, lacking in social skills and who, in her personal life, often struggles to understand other people’s emotions. Nevertheless, George’s skills as a forensic psychologist have a unique and profound impact when working alongside Whitney on criminal investigations.
It’s an odd, but endearing, pairing that, especially in the first books of the series, is perilously dysfunctional. But Whitney and George, at some level, realise that they do have a real and important connection, and they both persevere to develop their professional relationship and their slow-growing personal friendship.
I’ve ended up reading the books in a fairly random order, which is something I generally prefer not to do. However, Sally’s plotting and story-telling skills mean that I can happily take the books out of sequence, reading the earlier volumes as a sort of backfilling insight into Whitney’s life. In short, if this is your first Sally Rigby read, don’t worry - you’ll still fully enjoy the earlier stories too.
I’m aware that I’ve not outlined the plot of Last Breath. It’s not something I’m inclined to do, as a synopsis covering that is always provided by the publisher. What I want to do is highlight the reasons why I’ve awarded this book five stars and a strong recommendation. If you enjoy UK-based police procedural crime fiction, then this is a stand-out series of books that I’m confident you’ll enjoy.
Up until now, I’ve purchased Sally Rigby’s books but, as a new member of her advance reader group, I was given early access to a free copy of this book. Nonetheless, my review reflects my own opinions and isn’t at all affected by this.
July 26, 2020
Not as much time to write today, but I want to get my two cents in. I always enjoy Sally's books. They are a pleasure to read and I have a hard time putting them down. Sometimes I'm up at 2 a.m. from a busy day and still feel the need to read at least one chapter before I go to sleep. This story had the added complication of a guilty conscience for George after she spent time advising Whitney's daughter Tiffany and was asked not to let her mother know. It totally messed with their relationship because George's discomfort over hiding something from Whitney caused her to appear colder, like she had been in the beginning of their relationship.
There were red herrings that tricked me throughout the story and the final perpetrator was definitely a person with an axe to grind and he was a person with the knowledge of how things worked for the original strangler. The fact that the original strangler was more than happy to help, made things easier for his apprentice, made it even easier for the new strangler to excel in his chosen crime. I'm now on the next book and enjoying that. What slows me down is that there are some paper books I'm trying to get through so I can pass them on to others. Reading 2 or 3 different books at a time can slow me down on my Sally books but I still feel the need to get my ultimate relaxation and enjoyment with a good George and Whitney mystery.
There were red herrings that tricked me throughout the story and the final perpetrator was definitely a person with an axe to grind and he was a person with the knowledge of how things worked for the original strangler. The fact that the original strangler was more than happy to help, made things easier for his apprentice, made it even easier for the new strangler to excel in his chosen crime. I'm now on the next book and enjoying that. What slows me down is that there are some paper books I'm trying to get through so I can pass them on to others. Reading 2 or 3 different books at a time can slow me down on my Sally books but I still feel the need to get my ultimate relaxation and enjoyment with a good George and Whitney mystery.
April 5, 2023
Having read the 5th book I feel like there are phrases or parts that happen in every book - Whitney is storming mad every time she talks to her boss, Ellie is the best researcher she has and she had to fight to be able keep her. Matt just says Yes Gov, the older guy she will miss when he retires though he only sits at his desk all day so he is the guy who looks at CCTV footage has a wife who expects him home for dinner on time every night and yes Claire wears colorful clothes. I read a lot of series so I am used to descriptions of supporting characters - none of these have had any growth in 5 books and I feel like it is the exact same description each book. Then this is the 3rd book where George's brother is getting married - they go to the wedding and it was 1 paragraph and Ross has barely appeared since the book they met. Did we ever find out how the original strangler got his big stack of cash and organized the banking well enough back in the day so the money could be transferred to pay for his high end care
February 17, 2020
Has the Lenchester Strangler returned?
When a murderer leaves a familiar pink scarf as his calling card, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is forced to dig into a cold case, not sure if she's looking for a killer or a copycat.
With a growing pile of bodies, and no clues, she turns to forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, despite their relationship being at an all-time low.
Can they overcome the bad blood between them to solve the unsolvable?
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
When a murderer leaves a familiar pink scarf as his calling card, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is forced to dig into a cold case, not sure if she's looking for a killer or a copycat.
With a growing pile of bodies, and no clues, she turns to forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, despite their relationship being at an all-time low.
Can they overcome the bad blood between them to solve the unsolvable?
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 25, 2020
Sally Rigby’s Cavendish and Walker Series has really hit its stride now with book five Last Breath. The relationship between Dr George Cavendish and Detective Whitney Walker has grown and developed so much since they met in Deadly Games, book one of the series. It’s the focal point of the series for me and gives each book real heart. Sally Rigby writes each installment with skill and talent that makes for an easy read even if the story deals with some dark subject matter. This addition is no exception and starts out, of course, with a murder. This particular murder seems very similar to a series from the past and begs the question, ‘Is it the same killer?’ The investigation takes Whitney and her team to many different people and many different places before they’re finally able to track down the killer. This is great crime fiction that I love to recommend as it’s brilliantly written and addictive stuff.
March 16, 2020
Once again DCI Whitney Walker and her friend George Cavendish come together to investigate a series of deaths by strangulation that bear a striking similarity to a long forgotten and unsolved cold case. Despite a recent rifth in their friendship and apparent lack of clues, the ladies work hard with Witney's team of detectives to uncover any possible links between the cold case and recent spate of murders. The only immediately apparent link appears to be the pink chiffon scarf left at each crime scene. The suspense builds from the beginning and mounts as the investigation continues. Will Whitney and George resolve their differences and find the person or persons responsible for the latest murders. Will the murders of past and present be linked to the same perpetrator or are the latest murders the work of a copycat killer? Well the best way to find out is to read the book! A super Series with likeable characters, each with a fascinating back story. Highly Recommend.
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