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Twist of Fate
Not yet published
Expected 10 Jul 26A rekindled friendship. A web of deceit. A father's worst nightmare.
Private investigators Sebastian Clifford and Lucinda 'Birdie' Bird are tracking a sophisticated theft ring targeting Leicestershire's wealthiest estates. Priceless, valuable antiques and collectables vanish without a trace, and the thieves always seem one step ahead.
When Seb's daughter, Keira, reunites with an old school friend, he's pleased she's found a connection she lost years ago. But as the investigation intensifies, unsettling coincidences begin to pile up—and Seb realizes his daughter may be closer to the case than anyone could have imagined.
Torn between keeping Keira safe and solving the case, Seb faces an impossible choice. And when she defies his orders to stay away from a high-profile event, everything he's fought to protect is suddenly at risk.
Twist of Fate is the latest in the Detective Sebastian Clifford series. Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Michael Connelly, and Angela Marsons.
Private investigators Sebastian Clifford and Lucinda 'Birdie' Bird are tracking a sophisticated theft ring targeting Leicestershire's wealthiest estates. Priceless, valuable antiques and collectables vanish without a trace, and the thieves always seem one step ahead.
When Seb's daughter, Keira, reunites with an old school friend, he's pleased she's found a connection she lost years ago. But as the investigation intensifies, unsettling coincidences begin to pile up—and Seb realizes his daughter may be closer to the case than anyone could have imagined.
Torn between keeping Keira safe and solving the case, Seb faces an impossible choice. And when she defies his orders to stay away from a high-profile event, everything he's fought to protect is suddenly at risk.
Twist of Fate is the latest in the Detective Sebastian Clifford series. Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Michael Connelly, and Angela Marsons.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 10, 2026
About the author
Sally Rigby
47 books556 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Twist of Fate is another outstanding addition to Sally Rigby's Detective Sebastian Clifford series and a reminder of why Seb and Birdie are among my favourite crime-fiction partnerships.
Their relationship and rapport continue to be one of the highlights of the series. There is a warmth, wit, and authenticity to their dynamic that feels reminiscent of classic detective pairings such as Holmes and Watson. No matter how complex the investigation becomes, Seb and Birdie ground the story with their humanity, humour, and unwavering loyalty.
The supporting cast continues to shine as well. Keira and Twiggy have grown into increasingly important and engaging characters, adding extra depth to the series, while Sarge's appearance was a welcome bonus. It's a testament to Rigby's writing that every character feels fully realised and contributes meaningfully to the story.
The mystery itself is brilliantly crafted. What begins as an investigation into a sophisticated theft ring quickly develops into something far more intricate and compelling. The blend of fine art, valuable antiques, ceramics, and cutting-edge technology creates a unique and original backdrop that sets this novel apart from many others in the genre.
Sally Rigby has an incredible talent for creating mysteries that are both intelligent and entertaining. The plot unfolds with a satisfying slow-burn pace before building to a thrilling and breathless conclusion packed with tension, twists, and surprises.
Over the years, Rigby has transformed Market Harborough and its surrounding villages into one of the most fascinating crime-fiction settings around. The crimes are always clever, unexpected, and meticulously plotted, and Twist of Fate is no exception.
An engrossing, intelligent, and thoroughly enjoyable mystery that showcases everything fans love about this series. Highly recommended.
Twist of Fate is another outstanding addition to Sally Rigby's Detective Sebastian Clifford series and a reminder of why Seb and Birdie are among my favourite crime-fiction partnerships.
Their relationship and rapport continue to be one of the highlights of the series. There is a warmth, wit, and authenticity to their dynamic that feels reminiscent of classic detective pairings such as Holmes and Watson. No matter how complex the investigation becomes, Seb and Birdie ground the story with their humanity, humour, and unwavering loyalty.
The supporting cast continues to shine as well. Keira and Twiggy have grown into increasingly important and engaging characters, adding extra depth to the series, while Sarge's appearance was a welcome bonus. It's a testament to Rigby's writing that every character feels fully realised and contributes meaningfully to the story.
The mystery itself is brilliantly crafted. What begins as an investigation into a sophisticated theft ring quickly develops into something far more intricate and compelling. The blend of fine art, valuable antiques, ceramics, and cutting-edge technology creates a unique and original backdrop that sets this novel apart from many others in the genre.
Sally Rigby has an incredible talent for creating mysteries that are both intelligent and entertaining. The plot unfolds with a satisfying slow-burn pace before building to a thrilling and breathless conclusion packed with tension, twists, and surprises.
Over the years, Rigby has transformed Market Harborough and its surrounding villages into one of the most fascinating crime-fiction settings around. The crimes are always clever, unexpected, and meticulously plotted, and Twist of Fate is no exception.
An engrossing, intelligent, and thoroughly enjoyable mystery that showcases everything fans love about this series. Highly recommended.
June 4, 2026
Twist of Fate is book 8 in by Sally Rigby’s Detective Sebastian Clifford series about a private investigator, and his business partner, Birdie, who investigate crimes in Leicestershire.
In this book, Seb and Birdie, with Seb’s daughter, Keira, assisting, are hired to help the police investigate the thefts of high end art pieces.
Although Twist of Fate is the eighth book in the series it is easily read as a standalone novel.
While the main characters are private investigators, I would call this a police procedural. Sometimes a procedural can feel slow, but I didn’t feel that at any point in this book.
I enjoyed the fact that this mystery did not involve a murder, and yet the investigation still felt dangerous, and like the stakes were high. It was a nice change.
The other thing I really enjoyed was the relationships between the characters. They felt like real people, with real problems and personalities. You could tell they cared for each other, but still had conflicts to resolve in their personal lives.
I really enjoyed Twist of Fate, as I said, it was a nice change from murder but still kept my attention. I liked the characters and how they worked together, as well as the glimpses given into their personal lives. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys traditional mysteries.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this book, Seb and Birdie, with Seb’s daughter, Keira, assisting, are hired to help the police investigate the thefts of high end art pieces.
Although Twist of Fate is the eighth book in the series it is easily read as a standalone novel.
While the main characters are private investigators, I would call this a police procedural. Sometimes a procedural can feel slow, but I didn’t feel that at any point in this book.
I enjoyed the fact that this mystery did not involve a murder, and yet the investigation still felt dangerous, and like the stakes were high. It was a nice change.
The other thing I really enjoyed was the relationships between the characters. They felt like real people, with real problems and personalities. You could tell they cared for each other, but still had conflicts to resolve in their personal lives.
I really enjoyed Twist of Fate, as I said, it was a nice change from murder but still kept my attention. I liked the characters and how they worked together, as well as the glimpses given into their personal lives. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys traditional mysteries.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If I see a book entitled “Twist of Fate”, I’m gonna read it. Maybe it’s my childhood crush on Olivia Newton-John in the 80s. You add to that that the book is written by Sally Rigby, and definitely in.
I first came across author Sally Rigby with another series she writes. In both cases, I have joined her in a series in process. In both cases, she makes it so easy to join in.
I love Ms. Rigby’s writing. She writes fun mysteries that have heart but are also series in nature. These are not cozies. But her style allows her books to be fun.
You add to that the depth of her characters. In this case, we have a father and daughter relationship that is involved in the investigation. You FEEL what the characters feel. Sally Rigby finds a way to draw you into the emotion. You become a participant, rather than a casual observer just reading about it.
Did I mention that the mysteries are good? Really good. You can’t go wrong with any of her series work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
I first came across author Sally Rigby with another series she writes. In both cases, I have joined her in a series in process. In both cases, she makes it so easy to join in.
I love Ms. Rigby’s writing. She writes fun mysteries that have heart but are also series in nature. These are not cozies. But her style allows her books to be fun.
You add to that the depth of her characters. In this case, we have a father and daughter relationship that is involved in the investigation. You FEEL what the characters feel. Sally Rigby finds a way to draw you into the emotion. You become a participant, rather than a casual observer just reading about it.
Did I mention that the mysteries are good? Really good. You can’t go wrong with any of her series work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
TWIST OF FATE.
Seb and Birdie are without a doubt two of my favourite characters in crime fiction today. Their relationship and their rapport is quaint and illuminating and every bit as fascinating as Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. They anchor a reality to whatever plot they find themselves in.
Twiggy and Keira are growing in stature as well as the series progresses and 'Sarge' makes a welcome cameo appearance.
In five short years Sally Rigby has turned sleepy-Market Harborough and its surrounding villages into the crime capital of the Midlands. The crimes in these novels are never quite what one expects them to be - they are intricate, ingenious and intellectually astute.
Mixing the classic elements of high end fine art and ceramics with high-tech engineering brings class and originality to the plot which after a joyous slow burn opening gathers a breathless momentum as it reaches the denouement.
Seb and Birdie are without a doubt two of my favourite characters in crime fiction today. Their relationship and their rapport is quaint and illuminating and every bit as fascinating as Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. They anchor a reality to whatever plot they find themselves in.
Twiggy and Keira are growing in stature as well as the series progresses and 'Sarge' makes a welcome cameo appearance.
In five short years Sally Rigby has turned sleepy-Market Harborough and its surrounding villages into the crime capital of the Midlands. The crimes in these novels are never quite what one expects them to be - they are intricate, ingenious and intellectually astute.
Mixing the classic elements of high end fine art and ceramics with high-tech engineering brings class and originality to the plot which after a joyous slow burn opening gathers a breathless momentum as it reaches the denouement.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I understood this to be a heist mystery where the profile would be on a series of robberies of priceless artefacts from local houses. The focus instead was on personal relationships of the lead characters more than catch8ng the thieves. This is illustrated by the apprehension of two villains at the end was covered in a couple of sentences or so, with little or no detail on the actual arrest when they were caught in the act. There was also a flaw in the plot, where the attention at the end was to ensure the lead detectives daughter was safe, when she was not really involved, just as a potential ally for one of the thieves. Instead the thieves would be much more interested in a successful robbery rather than being bothered with a friend of the girl who planted the jamming device to block the security system the day before. Still despite not being convinced by the plot, the book is readable and those who enjoy the series it stands in will enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Private investigators, Sebastian Clifford and Lucinda 'Birdie' Bird have been contacted by her old boss and hired to help with a tricky case. Burglars have begun targeting wealthy local homeowners but they seem to bypass sophisticated alarm systems and leave no clues behind. Seb's daughter Kiera is home for the holidays, and working for her dad when she isn't catching up with old friends and enjoying her downtime. As they gradually close in on those responsible a link to Kiera is discovered. Sebastian is immediately on high alert but, with the danger far closer than any of them realised, that might not be enough!
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 a brilliant read, I galloped through it and enjoyed every word. I am already in need of book 9! Easily and highly recommended.
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 a brilliant read, I galloped through it and enjoyed every word. I am already in need of book 9! Easily and highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I enjoy this series but felt the last couple were getting a bit stale, so it was great that the dynamic duo of Sebastian Clifford and Lucinda Birdie Bird are back to their best in this one. They are called in to Birdie's former police team to help investigate some high value art thefts, assisting Sarge and Twiggy. Keira is home from university and moping because her boyfriend has gone to work abroad for the summer instead of their planned trip around Europe together, so she is also drawn in, alongside an old school friend. They quickly establish links between some of the burglaries and are able to predict where the thieves will strike next. It's a good mystery which moves along at a steady pace, with revelations and surprises along the way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to read and review, this is an honest review.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approval to read this book.
Such a beautiful mystery Twist of Fate was to dig into; the cleverness of criminials to target individuals of power and influence through their valuable art leaves the investigation continueously twisting in the wind was genius to the author's credit to keep readers guessing as we slowly piece this case together.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approval to read this book.
Such a beautiful mystery Twist of Fate was to dig into; the cleverness of criminials to target individuals of power and influence through their valuable art leaves the investigation continueously twisting in the wind was genius to the author's credit to keep readers guessing as we slowly piece this case together.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews