The Marazion Murders

Cornwall Murder Mystery #6

by Sally Rigby

Dawn Cross sits motionless in her recliner, her eyes staring sightlessly at the television screen. Death is no stranger to Silver Fern House… but when Detective Lauren Pengelly arrives at the scene, it’s clear she’s got a cold-blooded murder on her hands.

What should have been a routine investigation at a care home for former entertainers quickly becomes Lauren's most complex case yet. When a second resident is found dead and then a third is targeted, Detective Lauren Pengelly knows she's hunting a killer with a twisted agenda. Each death is different, but there's a pattern emerging that chills her to the bone.

As Lauren and DS Matt Price dig deeper into the famous residents' pasts, they uncover secrets that some would kill to keep buried. In a building full of people who've spent their lives playing roles, everyone is a suspect and anyone could be the killer’s next victim…

Get ready to be totally hooked! From the bestselling author of the Cavendish & Walker series, you won't be able to put this murder mystery down. Fans of LJ Ross, Rachel McLean and J M Dalgliesh will love it.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Procedural

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 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 sixth book in this detective series begins with D.S. Matt Price being called to the morgue where an elderly woman, thought to have died from natural causes, has been found to have been murdered by poisoned chocolates. Detective Lauren Pengelly leads the team in their investigation into the woman's care home. More deaths and near misses occur before the guilty person is discovered.

I am really enjoying this series. The detective work is good and the characters are all worth following, especially Lauren and Matt who make great team. I also like the way the author moves the investigations around various Cornish towns. This time they are in Marazion which is why the cover has a beautiful view of St Michael's Mount.

Well worth reading and luckily it did not put me off my favourite strawberry cream chocolates.

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

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price were called to the morgue where Henry was working on his latest patient. What had been thought to be a natural death, albeit to a fit and healthy ninety plus year old, was murder. The evidence of the autopsy proved it. The care home Dawn had been living in was a place for retired artists; actors, singers and so on. Dawn had been well loved by all, so it was a shock to hear what had happened to her. When another of their clan was murdered the following night, Lauren & Matt knew they had a twisted serial killer on their hands. The race was on; the rest of the team worked tirelessly to find a motive - but would they before someone else died?

The Marazion Murders is the 6th in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series by Sally Rigby and it was an excellent addition to the series. This one made me think - how could the killer get past the security of the care home? I had no idea who the killer was until the reveal. Another thoroughly enjoyable read by this author, I'm looking forward to the next. Highly recommended.

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

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

Death by chocolate in a Care Home, Oh my!

Another great read from Sally Rigby!

Our story starts quickly and keeps going.

An innocent box of chocolates in a Seniors Care Home gets the story off quickly, but sadly.

Suspicion abounds, rumors and panic take hold, and everyone is under the microscope.

Lauren and Matt want to solve this quickly to give the seniors some peace of mind.

Red herrings abound, and the past rears its ugly head for some.

It's a satisfying read for sure! Sally never disappoints.

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

[Tove R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death is no stranger to Silver Fern House… — and neither is drama. I really enjoyed this twisty and engaging mystery set in a care home for former entertainers. The idea itself is brilliant — a group of aging performers, all with secrets, rivalries, and past grudges — it’s the perfect setting for a murder mystery, and it delivers!

Detective Lauren Pengelly is a great lead: sharp, determined, and human. The pacing is tight, and while the tone is fairly easy to read, the suspense builds nicely as the deaths start to pile up. I also liked the dynamic between Lauren and DS Matt Price; their partnership adds warmth and realism to the otherwise chilling storyline.

The plot kept me guessing, and I loved how the author wove the residents’ pasts into the mystery. It’s full of showbiz nostalgia and hidden motives, and the twists are satisfying without being over the top.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say some of the side characters could’ve been developed a bit more — there are so many interesting personalities that I wanted to know even more about them. Still, it’s a solid and entertaining read that delivers exactly what it promises.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great tale by Sally Rigby. This isn't my favourite series by her and I miss Whitney and George from her main series (hint, hint) but this series features a main character from that set of books so I'm partly swayed....hehehe....and hopefully Ellie may yet be down in the West Country, perhaps. It was a shame she didn't feature much in this one as she did in the last couple.
Poor Matt has been a busy chap since he moved down that way himself, thinking he might get to take things a little easier there !! However, my only slight criticism there is that, like the fictional Midsomer on television, it starts to defy belief that there could be that many killers living in what's a supposedly quieter area.....
She had an interesting cast of characters here, in more ways than one, since they were mainly retired thespians or "luvvies"....I liked the relationship between Charlie and Kenneth. A bit like an old married couple.
Sally kindly sent me an ARC copy so any errors I happened upon I'm forwarding directly.
It's another great and twisty story in this series, though, so enjoy !!

[DoneReadThat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent an early copy of this book by the publisher thru NetGalley for my honest review.

When I requested to be a reviewer for this I didn't realize it was the 6th book in the series. I was really concerned that I wouldn't know what was going on and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to read all of the others before this book releases. My fears were unfounded. While yes they do seem to build off each other there were no cliff hangers at the end of book 5 (Death at Porthcurno Cove).

This is such a freaking good book. Killer in an old people home? Heck yes I'll read that. The killer was a complete surprise to me. They weren't even on my radar, and I'm normally quite good at picking out the baddie.

I'm thrilled to have found another author with plenty of books to devour.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marazion Murders by Sally Rigby
A Standout Mystery with Strong Characters and Real Emotion.

I absolutely loved this book and the whole Cornwall Murder Mystery series. Sally Rigby is such a great author her characters are strong, believable, and easy to connect with. The story is set in a care home for former entertainers, full of secrets and tension. When suspicious deaths begin to happen, Detective Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price are drawn into another gripping case. The Cornish setting is beautifully described and adds so much atmosphere. This book has the perfect mix of mystery, emotion, and suspense. It kept me guessing right to the end. A brilliant read and a fantastic addition to the series! Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dawn Cross is found dead at the Silver Fern retirement home, DI Pengelly and DS Price are both busy with personal matters. They soon take a back seat, however, when the ex-actress's death is quickly followed by another fatality. Is there a link? Maybe it's a coincidence? Whatever the reason, the team is soon investigating the home for ageing stars, all of whom have always been able to convince an audience of their sincerity and have a lifetime's worth of secrets to keep.

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 was compelling from the start, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. The atmosphere the author conveyed at the retirement home was realistic, and the small team of detectives are some of my favourites. Highly recommended.
 

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the DI Pengelly series although it could very much be read as a standalone book too. Great characters that you get into very easily, not just the (regular) main characters but the ones for this book. A great, uncomplicated storyline too, that keeps you intrigued/wanting to read on to see what happens next. Definitely a book to recommend!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marazion Murders is book 6 in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series. I'm going to be honest with you peeps, I haven't read the five preceding books. I've never let that stop me before though, and reading this one without the benefit of background context didn't really detract from my enjoyment of it. 🔎
The premise was simple; someone has begun murdering residents at Silver Ferns Care Home, a care home for former actors and entertainers. Who is targeting the victims, and why? That's what DI Lauren Pegalley, DS Matt Price and their team must find out, before the body count rises. 🔎
This was an easy read, with no complex plotting or plot twists. The characters are likeable, even the killer. If you like no nonsense, old fashioned murder mysteries, then this is the book for you. Can be read as a standalone. 🔎
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

[Chris Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another engrossing read from Sally Rigby. Personally, I didn't feel it was quite as good as some of her other books but still a top-notch police procedural. A murder at a care home for retired entertainers, an eclectic cast of characters and the return of DI Pengelly with a crime to solve, was it ever jot going to be a fun read?

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This is the 6th book in the wonderful Cornwall Murder Mystery series. It begins with a Theatre Magazine article from March of 1972. Thea Drake a rising, bright star on November 12, 1969 collapsed on stage. Her dressing room full of pills and empty gin bottles. Thea has an image to live up to, expectations and she lost herself. She felt her life was a cautionary tale.

The rest of the story takes place in current time between February 10 and 14. DI Lauren Pengelly is in court to testify as a character witness for her Aunt Julia who is accused of killing her husband Roy after years of abuse.

DS Matt Price receives a call that there has been a suspicious death at the Silver Fern Care Home in Marazion, We learn from Matt's mum that it's a home for retired entertainers. Dr. Henry Carpenter says that the victim is 92 year old Dawn Cross. Obviously natural causes but that's not what her post-mortem suggests. How would ethylene glycol get into her chocolates and how did no one else get sick when she was always sharing her chocolates with everyone.

The manager of the care home Gill Trelawny is helpful but she admits that the CCTV is not working out back, they are always short-staffed. Anyone could have poisoned Dawn's chocolates because they all knew of her great love of the sweets. Dawn's son is hiding something. He's a solicitor, acts very strange, has a perfectly maintained house, controlling behaviour and why would he refuse an FLO?

The team finds several suspects including Hazel an electrician who regularly worked at the home.

The team is soon notified of another death at the home, Charlie Cook a comedian. Are old grudges and resentments behind these deaths? The team starts to think that perhaps because Dawn and Charlie planned to write memoirs someone might not want certain things to come to light.

A third incident at the care home involves Kenneth who was usually at odds with Charlie but the team learns that a lot of the residents were at RADA together or performed together.

What does an old play have to do with the current deaths? A shocking revelation about one of the residents pulls all the pieces together and it's a race to prevent anyone else from being killed.

A career destroyed, miscommunications, an obsessive quest for revenge, and a 50 year old grudge brings a sad conclusion to this brilliantly crafted story.

There is a hint at the end that a much loved team member might be back but we'll have to wait until the next book in the series to see if that's true.

[Samia Vermeulen · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ — The Marazion Murders
by Sally Rigby
(A Cornwall Murder Mystery #6)
This series continues to be such a reliable, unputdownable joy, and The Marazion Murders is another strong installment that kept me hooked from the very first chapter.
What begins as what appears to be a natural death quickly turns sinister when an elderly woman is discovered to have been murdered—by poisoned chocolates, no less. From there, D.S. Matt Price and Detective Lauren Pengelly are drawn into an increasingly unsettling investigation centered around a care home for retired artists and performers. As more deaths and near-misses follow, it becomes clear they’re dealing with someone methodical, dangerous, and disturbingly close to their victims.
One of the highlights of this book (and the series as a whole) is the detective work itself. Lauren and Matt make such a solid, believable team—professional, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in protecting the vulnerable residents they’re trying to help. Their partnership continues to be a pleasure to follow, and the wider team adds depth without ever overwhelming the story.
I also really enjoyed the setting this time around. Marazion, with its beautiful Cornish atmosphere and iconic views of St Michael’s Mount, is vividly brought to life. Sally Rigby has a real talent for making Cornwall feel like more than just a backdrop—it adds mood, charm, and a slightly eerie contrast to the darker events unfolding. The care home setting was especially effective, raising the tension as suspicion spreads and no one feels quite safe.
The plot is well-paced, with plenty of red herrings and twists to keep you guessing. I genuinely didn’t see the final reveal coming, and I loved how the mystery made me stop and think about how the crimes were even possible in what should have been a secure environment.
Overall, this is a gripping, satisfying cozy crime novel with strong characters, a clever mystery, and a beautifully atmospheric setting. If you’re already a fan of the Cornwall Murder Mystery series, this one won’t disappoint—and if you’re new, it’s a great reason to start.
Highly recommended… and thankfully, it didn’t put me off my favourite strawberry cream chocolates 🍫😉
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

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

The Marazion Murders by Sally Rigby is a highly recommended police procedural/cozy mystery and the sixth book in the Cornwall murder mystery series. It can be read as a standalone novel.

Opening with the story of Thea Drake, an actress whose career ended in 1969 due to drug and alcohol abuse, the narrative then jumps ahead to the present day when a retire actress is found dead at the Silver Fern Care Home/nursing home for retired entertainers. It is determined that Dawn Cross, 92, was poisoned via ethylene glycol in her chocolates. Detective Lauren Pengelly, DS Matt Price, and the team immediately start investigating. Why would someone target Dawn when, reportedly everyone liked her, but, apparently, back in the day she could be a diva. They are making progress in their investigation when another murder occurs.

It's always enjoyable when procedurals actually proceed logically and all the clues are followed. The narrative moves at a fast-pace as the investigation progresses quickly. This is not a complicated procedural, but it is entertaining and well plotted. The uncommon setting makes this almost a locked room mystery as the murderer would have to have access to the nursing home. It also serves to keep the list of suspects limited to some extent, but the identity of the perpetrator is still unpredictable.

Personally, I enjoy the characters in this series. The main characters are well known to those following this series, however, there is enough background information provided for new readers to easily follow along. They are all well-developed as unique individuals.

The Marazion Murders is a great choice for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and police 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/2025/1...

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marazion Murders by Sally Rigby is the sixth book in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series. I jumped into this series with this book, and although I prefer to read books in order, I had no problem figuring out the dynamics of the characters and how they relate to each other.

DS Matt Price was enjoying a day off when he was called in to the morgue to check out a corpse (apparently not his favorite thing). Detective Lauren Pengelly joined him, and they discovered the deceased was 92-year-old Dawn Cross, a former actor living in a care home for other aged actors. As she was murdered via antifreeze in her strawberry cream chocolates, her favorites, it seemed apparent that the killer knew Dawn well.

Soon after they started investigating, there was another murder in the care home. It became more obvious the murders were committed by someone with inside knowledge. After those murders, there was an attempted murder. Lauren began to feel pressure from her boss and the community to solve these events.

The way her team worked together to solve this was impressive. I liked how this book touched on events from the past so that you know why people acted the way they did, like Matt’s rocky start with Lauren and Billy’s relationship with Ellie. The ending was sad as to the reason why the murders occurred.

I’ve read Ms. Rigby’s Detective Sebastian Clifford Series, which I like a lot, and this story has proven to be just as an enjoyable read. I think readers will like the characters and the process they go through to solve the crimes.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maisy-Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — Book Review: The Marazion Murders by Sally Rigby

The Marazion Murders is a wonderfully atmospheric cosy crime novel that pulled me in from the very first chapter—made all the more compelling because my old house in Marazion once served as a care home, just like the setting in the book. That personal connection gave the story an extra layer of intrigue, and Sally Rigby captures the spirit, history, and quiet eeriness of a seaside community beautifully.

Cornwall shines throughout the novel, not just as a backdrop but almost as a character in its own right. Rigby paints Marazion with affection—the sweeping coastline, the charm of the town, and the close-knit community create a vivid stage for her mystery. The result is a cosy crime story that feels warm and comforting even as it dives into secrets, shadows, and long-buried tensions.

The theatrical twists and turns keep the plot lively and engaging without ever tipping into the overly dramatic. Rigby balances suspense with character development, and the ensemble cast—each with motives, quirks, and hidden nuances—adds delightful richness. The pacing is steady, the clues are well-planted, and the final reveal is satisfying without giving everything away too early.

Overall, The Marazion Murders is a thoroughly enjoyable, easy-to-sink-into read. It’s perfect for fans of cosy mysteries, Cornish settings, and stories with just enough drama to keep you guessing. A strong 4.5 stars from me—an atmospheric and memorable mystery that felt close to home in more ways than one.

Thank you NetGallery for an ARC copy.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cornwall Murder Mystery series never disappoints. This one was especially good.

When an elderly woman is found dead in her chair, you would think the cause of death would be a no-brainer - natural causes. However, the autopsy shows she was murdered. There are two things that make this murder mystery even more exciting and original than the usual police procedurals. One of which is that Dawn Cross was a resident of the Silver Fern Retirement Home, and secondly she is one of the many former famous entertainers who call Silver Fern Retirement their home now. As tragic as her death may be, when a second resident dies, the stakes become much higher and the eeriness of the whole situation is notched up. I kept thinking to myself how and why would someone want to kill folks in an retirement home.

Pengelly and Price have to find this nasty individual who is preying upon those who cannot fight back before other bodies start piling up. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, and no one can be trusted.

This was a brilliant plot. Crime solving readers will devour this book. The author knows how to pull you into the book from the first few pages, so that you are fully invested in the story and cannot let go until you have the answers to the questions of who is a killer and why did they kill.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pournami Rathnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping mystery that proves murder doesn’t retire

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow — this book was such a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t realized it was the sixth in the series when I requested it, and I was worried I’d be lost. Thankfully, those fears disappeared within the first few chapters. While there are references to past cases, this one stands perfectly well on its own, with no confusing backstory or dangling threads.

The premise immediately hooked me — a killer lurking in an old people’s home? Sign me up. Sally Rigby takes what could have been a simple whodunit and turns it into a layered, atmospheric mystery filled with tension, sharp dialogue, and just the right touch of dark humor. The pacing was spot on, never dragging, and every chapter left me eager to read just one more.

What I especially loved was how unpredictable it was. The reveal completely blindsided me — in the best way possible. Rigby knows how to keep readers second-guessing themselves right up to the final page.

This was my first book by Sally Rigby, but definitely not my last. Her writing is clean, engaging, and full of character depth. I’m thrilled to have stumbled into a new series with plenty more installments to dive into.

If you enjoy clever mysteries, unexpected twists, and a cozy-meets-creepy setting, this should be your next read.

[Liz Krummell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read some of the author's other series and them much better than this one. It is a procedural police case - they get a case and they solve it. Lauren and Matt and their staff have no growth personally or professionally. It was nice Matt's daughter was not seen in this book - previously that was all his character did was be worried about her. Here is where Lauren turns down a lead - felt they were getting closer to understanding what connected these deaths. - but no thanks I don't want to talk to her family “Lauren nodded, understanding all too well the pain of watching a loved one fade away. ‘Please let us know if any of her family do visit because we’d like to ask them a few questions.’ ‘I can find their contact details, if you’d like. They live a few hours away though.’ ‘Not for now, thanks. We need to get going.’ The information was scant, but Lauren felt they were getting closer to understanding what connected these deaths. As they prepared to leave, she couldn’t shake the image of Cynthia’s face, momentarily transported back to a time when everything changed. When her life had changed forever.” If they would have talked to her family it might have saved a life as they found an employee who was connected to a patient Plus there are 4 wings - could they have not stationed someone to watch each wing so another patient does not disappear. Plus the officer watching Kenneth did not do a very good job. The mystery itself was interesting

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Fern House is a care home for former entertainers, so as you might imagine there is never a dull moment. Elderly people dying at a care home is not really a remarkable or unusual event, but luckily the coroner pays attention and discovers that the death of Dawn Cross is not natural. She has been poisoned by the chocolates she ate. That she was no random victim is deduced by the fact that the poison was only injected in the strawberry cream chocolates she loved so much that nobody else was allowed to touch them.

In keeping with the setting in a care home for former entertainers there is a lot of play-acting and smoke and mirrors going on which makes it pretty hard for the detectives to find out who the killer is. And they have to work fast because it doesn't stay with one victim. The book is wel written with a lot of red herrings and plot twists, but if you reed very carefully en pick up on the small signals it is possible for the reader to discern who did it before the murderer is revealed at the end.
What I like about this series is that there is also a development in the main characters as well as the supporting roles.

I hope Elly will return permanently to the series, she was such a nice addition in the previous two books.
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs B E Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story with a shock reveal at the very end

This may be a story set in a retirement home but it’s definitely not old hat.

A story told with real respect and feeling for elderly residents of a care home who were once famous thespians.

Sally is called away from court, where she is supporting her elderly aunt, to attend the sudden unexplained death of one of the care home residents.

Lauren and Matt are conducting interviews at the home, speaking to a group of the residents who, like the deceased, have been rehearsing a production of a play they intend to present to the local community.

Shortly after returning to the station, they receive a second call to say that another member of the cast has died.

With no clues, seemingly no CCTV evidence of anyone suspicious entering the home, and nobody having noticed anything suspicious, will they discover what is causing these deaths.

The team are tasked with researching the backgrounds of all the staff, agency staff, residents, visitors and trades people who may have had access. No mean task and, as always, the team do their best against the odds.

What made this story so special was the fact that it was impossible to guess who was responsible for the deaths until the culprit was revealed towards the very end. And what a reveal it was!

What a splendid series this is - every book unique.

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got it, I didn't realise it was the 6th in a series so I was a little worried I would be lost. Thankfully, that didn't prove to be the case. There are established relationships here, and the occasional hint of things that had happened in previous stories but this stands perfectly fine on its own merit.

A very enjoyable murder mystery set in a care home to the stars, to entertainers from actors to comedians. It starts with a very deliberate murder, where it's clear that Dawn was the target - but who would want to kill a 90 year old woman who everyone seemed to like?

It doesn't take long for the mysteries to start to pile up, along with the bodies.

There were plenty of twists and turns, plenty of red herrings and lots of investigating going on, with a whole cast of shady and colourful characters. I was honestly a little sad when a certain character died, as I'd grown fond of them and had expected them to make it to the end.

The actual killer and motive was... maybe a little daft, I can see it happening but perhaps not in the way that the book explained, but I still very much enjoyed the journey.

A short but highly entertaining read, and one that makes me want to try and track down the previous books from this series.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Allan Brucato · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: Partial spoilers in my review, though I do not say who committed the murders.

The Marazion Murders is the sixth installment of the Cornwell Murder Mystery series. This story begins with the murder of Dawn Cross, aged ninety-two, at the Silver Fern Care Home in Marazion, a nursing home mostly for celebrities. Dawn was easy-going, so no one seemed to have a motive. However, she was planning on writing a memoir - could this have caused someone enough concern to murder her?

Charlie Wright, another resident at Silver Fern Care Home, ends up being the second victim. Later it comes out he was also planning to write a memoir. Same killer, same motive? Kenneth Blencoe, directing the Silver Fern Care Home play, “Arsenic and Old Lace”, becomes a third victim, but he does not die.

Detective Inspector Lauren Pengelly and Detective Sergeant Matt Price are on the case. They interview several potential suspects - other residents, relatives, and care-givers.

I’m never disappointed in a Sally Rigby novel. The characters are all well developed. The story moves along at a good pace. There are always some twists and turns, but they are never convoluted. I highly recommend this police procedural.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great series and the books can be read as a standalone if you're just discovering it now, at book 6.

Detectives Lauren Pengelly and Matt Price are the lead investigators in this series and are well written, likeable and relatable characters, not without their flaws, which makes them more believable. One thing I have particularly enjoyed is seeing Lauren's personal development in terms of how she relates to her team and the strong friendship that she has built with Matt and his young daughter. This book was more case based, with less of Lauren and Matt's personal lives than in previous books, but still enough to continue developing my relationship with them as a reader.

The setting for the crimes in a nursing home for the elderly gives a touch of a cozy crime vibe and with the people living in the home all having been performers, there is some cracking humour amongst the obvious fear that a serial killer is at large in their home.

The pace is relatively fast and there's loads of tension and twists as the plot races to it's conclusion.

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sally Rigby and Storm for an ARC of this book.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marazion Murders is a smart, suspenseful mystery set against the windswept backdrop of Cornwall, where fame, memory, and murder collide in a care home unlike any other. Sally Rigby delivers a tightly plotted whodunnit that’s both stylish and emotionally charged.

Detective Lauren Pengelly returns with quiet determination and sharp instincts, navigating a case that grows darker with each death. Silver Fern House, once a haven for retired entertainers, becomes a stage for secrets long buried—and the killer’s twisted agenda plays out with chilling precision. Rigby’s pacing is crisp, her characters layered, and the setting richly atmospheric.

This sixth installment in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series stands strong on its own, but fans of LJ Ross and Rachel McLean will especially appreciate its blend of classic detective work and modern psychological tension.

Perfect for autumn evenings and readers who love their mysteries with a touch of theatrical flair and emotional depth.

With thanks to Sally Rigby, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marazion Murders by Sally Rigby is book 6 in the Cornwall series featuring DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price. It is published on 6 November. The Silver Fern Care Home in Marazion is a home for retired entertainers. Lauren is in Court so when a body is found at the Home, it is up to Matt to attend the autopsy, not his favourite part of the job. It was initially thought she had died of natural causes. The body is that of actress Dawn Cross, 92. I really enjoy this series. Great characters. Lauren is continuing to mellow, but still a strong character. Matt is always a strong presence and contributes in a positive way to the story, which is tense and fast-paced. The talented team is now a more cohesive unit, and they all work together well. The Care Home residents add another layer to the interest. They are certainly characters and the different personalities, considering they are all actors, added to the story too. I really liked Charlie Cook, a stand-up comic in his earlier life. I always love the setting of Cornwall.

[Paul Sandiford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer Performance (Literally!) If you thought care homes were quiet places for early bedtimes and bingo, think again. The Marazion Murders turns a theatrical care home into a stage for secrets, suspicion, and sensational twists. Lauren, Matt, and their tireless team juggle red herrings like seasoned detectives while trying to unmask a killer who could be anyone—staff, family, or one of the resident thespians still waiting for their encore. Sally Rigby once again proves she’s the queen of “just one more chapter,” packing in subplots, side stories, and gasp-worthy reveals. Between Matt’s house-hunting drama, Lauren’s family scandal, and Billy’s pining to visit Lenchester, there’s barely time to breathe—let alone guess the culprit correctly (spoiler: you won’t). Do yourself a favour and don’t "SKIM READ" this book…. A clever, twisty delight that even sent me Googling a few things to see if they were real. Five stars for drama, deception, and detective brilliance—Sally deserves a standing ovation.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Marazion Murders because it had alot of interest to a reader like me. The story was set in Cornwall, England, which is a beautiful county. It revolves around a care home for retired entertainers called Silver Fern. All the murders happen at the Silver Fern care home, so it is very much a closed room mystery. This makes for an interesting cast of suspects. Both patients and staff are considered as possible murderers, so the list of murderers is small.
I loved the author’s writing of her characters. She wrote great characters. I must say that I liked every character that I read about. The author has a talent for writing realistic multidimensional characters. Her elderly characters were lovely and grouchy at the same time. I also loved the relationship between the police detectives. Lauren and Matt were a great team. They supported each other well throughout the murder investigations.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing, for the opportunity to read this story. I received a complimentary copy of this story, and I freely left this review.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver Ferns Care Home houses many stars of stage & screen. When Detectives Lauren Pengelly and Matt Price are called out after a resident is found dead in her chair one morning. As this is a home for elderly folk, death is not entirely unexpected but this one seems suspicious. It transpires that the lady was poisoned by her favourite chocolates. Whilst trying to find the culprit another resident dies. Lauren and Matt are becoming concerned that there may be more deaths to follow.

I have been a fan of this series of books since the first one. I was a bit disappointed in the last one, but this one was back to the standard I'd come to expect. I love the development of the team as the series has progressed. When you have a cast of characters it must be quite difficult to give them each a voice and personality but Sally Rigby manages that beautifully and I'm already keen to see what they will be up against next.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alerted by the coroner after the autopsy DI Lauren Pegalley, DS Matt Price and their team are called in to investigate the death of a nonagenarian famous stage actress at a care home for elderly thespians. Turns out that her chocolates were poisoned and that makes things even crazier. Then another but rather cantankerous actor/director is strangled. What's more, the whole home is rehearsing for Arsenic And Old Lace. Good investigating by characters who show depth as well as a sense of humor.
Pub Date Nov 06, 2025 Not an unbiased review! A favorite series!
I requested and received a temporary digital review galley from Storm Publishing via NetGalley
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