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Cavendish & Walker #1–3

Cavendish & Walker: Volume 1

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Three gripping crime fiction thrillers featuring DCI Whitney Walker and forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish.

DEADLY GAMES

A killer is playing cat and mouse……. and winning.

DCI Whitney Walker’s in trouble. She’s threatened with demotion if she screws up another case. So, when a killer starts murdering female students, it’s a chance to redeem herself.

Forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, has spent her life inside the university walls, but when one of her students is murdered, she steps out from behind the text books and puts her skills to the test.

The two headstrong women join forces to stop the killer. But sparks fly when real world policing meets academic theory, and it’s not a pretty sight.


FATAL JUSTICE

A vigilante’s on the loose, dishing out their kind of justice…

A string of mutilated bodies sees Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker back in action. But when she discovers the victims have all been grooming young girls, she fears a vigilante is on the loose. And while she understands the motive, no one is above the law.

Once again, she turns to forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, to unravel the cryptic clues. But will they be able to save the next victim from a gruesome death?


DEATH TRACK

Catch the train if you dare…

After a teenage boy is found dead on a Lenchester train, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker believes they’re being targeted by the notorious Carriage Killer, who chooses a local rail network, commits four murders, and moves on.

Against her wishes, Walker’s boss brings in officers from another force to help the investigation and prevent more deaths, but she’s forced to defend her team against this outside interference.

Forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, is by her side in an attempt to bring to an end this killing spree. But how can they get into the mind of a killer who has already killed twelve times in two years without leaving behind a single clue?

808 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2020

994 people are currently reading
233 people want to read

About the author

Sally Rigby

45 books493 followers
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.

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5 stars
631 (55%)
4 stars
375 (32%)
3 stars
102 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
438 reviews47 followers
April 18, 2020
Finally, the 3 first books in the Cavendish and Walker series have been put together in a box set. If you haven’t bought the individual books yet, this is a great and cheap opportunity to meet this dynamic duo

1.DEADLY GAMES
One morning when she's walking to her lecturing job at the university, dr Georgina Cavendish discovers the dead body of one of her students. She offers her help as a forensic psychologist to DCI Whitney Walker who turns her down. If more similar murders occur, eventually she reluctantly accepts the help of George as a profiler. The 2 women are complete opposites and at first, they can't stand each other. As they start working together, they get to know one another and realise that there are things they have in common and that in a team opposites may be an asset. All the victims are students of the same university that’s attended by Whitney's daughter, Tiffany who also knew some of the murdered girls.
I absolutely loved this story! This is a British detective as I like them best. Well shaped and believable characters with a normal home life and backgrounds, an exciting and original story. Nearing the end I did have a hunch who the killer was, but wasn't sure nor completely right. I'm quite happy this is but the first book in a series, as it means there’s more to come.

2. FATAL JUSTICE
A couple of months after the 'Campus Killer' was caught, there's another murder in Lenchester. The victim was a football-hero in his school days and is found dead naked with only his socks on. His private parts are amputated and are later on found cooked in his stomach. Very soon the police discover that the deceased was active in a chatroom for teenagers where he prayed on several young girls. So, there’s more than enough suspects. Then, follows another murder with the same MO. There's hardly any cooperation from the general public, as most people seem to think that it's a job well-done. But as in George's own words: 'we can't let people get away with murder because we don't like their victims.'
And I have to admit that this is one of the very few books where I felt more sympathy for the killer than for the detectives. Well, I want to say that I disliked the fact that it is their job to catch this killer, not that I don't like their actual characters. Those are brilliantly done and absolutely credible. As DCI Whitney and dr. George was 2 complete opposites in the first book, now they've got to know each other and are slowly growing a real friendship. It's really beautifully worked into the story. Given time they'll be a better and more realistic policing duo than Tess Gerritsen's Rizolli and Isles (and I am a fan of those books, a little less of the TV-series)

3. DEATH TRACK

On the train from Newcastle to Lenchester a 15-year-old boy is murdered, first sedated with chloroform and then stabbed between the ribs. A MO that's known from the 'carriage killer', who over the last 2 years has killed 12 people in 3 cities, 4 victims in each over a 2 week period. So DCI Whitney expects more murders. The regional task force sends 2 officers to help with the investigation. Whitney is anything but happy and thinks them patronising and uncooperative, but has to work with them anyway. On top of that, her old nemesis 'dickhead Douglas' (her old boss in the prequel) turns up as well and tries to meddle.
What I like about Sally Rigby's books is that they're so down to earth and credible, from the storyline to the procedures and investigation techniques down to the characters and their behaviour. It's nice to see how Whitney and George influence one another over the course of the series and bring out the best in the other. Their relationship keeps growing and brings about changes in their attitudes and behaviours. George even starts dating a man she likes. This is rapidly becoming one of my favourite detective series.
Profile Image for Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze .
512 reviews45 followers
April 29, 2020
Deadly Games Book #1

A page-turner... serial killer who-done it

This was a mystery where along with Walker and Cavendish the reader also tries to figure out who-done it. Two uniquely different characters are drawn together to solve a murder..then another...and another...

We find out their individual quirks and what seems to make them tick as the try to work together to solve these murders.

If you're squeamish. you should be fine with this book.

Fatal Justice Book #2

A great 2nd book in a series. Got to get to know the characters more. I was disappointed that I nailed the killer early. unlike in book 1 when I kept changing my mind.... It will be nice to see the development of the series and characters as this series progresses.

Death Track Book #3

Once again Sally has come through with an AWESOME read! Each case is unique in it's own way and I look forward to trying to figure out who-done-it.

I Also enjoy watching the development of the characters and reading about their lives, loves, concerns and work related dynamics.

This series keeps getting better and better and I am already looking forward to the next in the series....

I received an ARC of each of these books from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give my honest review for this box set.
441 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2021
Engrossing

I read the fourth book in this series and decided I liked it enough to go back to the beginning. That took me to Night Shift, where I got to know Whitney Walker. Jump ahead ten years and we come to the this collection of mysteries. Walker has been promoted, and we meet her excellent team of officers. Added to these very real characters is George, forensic psychologist and university lecturer who wants to get involved in real police work rather than just theory. These characters are well-developed, and by now I feel like I know them.

One of the things that sets this series apart is that every few chapters delves into the mind of the perpetrator. This adds to understanding the motivation of each killer.

The one thing I don’t like is the use of the f-bomb. I know that it’s not unusual anymore but still find it to be unnecessary and off-putting.
38 reviews
January 12, 2024
Entertaining detective fiction

The relationship between DCI Whitney Walker and Dr George Cavendish, a psychologist, is at the heart of this series of novels. It seems that Lenchester could give Midsommer a run for its money for the title of most serial killers per square mile, but if you can suspend your disbelief, it is a good series. As you might expect, the private lives of the main characters play out against the backdrop of a series of connected murders. It’s worth reading the books in order to get the build up of knowledge about the world they inhabit, but they also stand up on their own.
I sometimes felt a bit irritated by descriptions of the outlandish clothes of the forensic pathologist, or the amazing research skills of the young DC, but overall I enjoyed it.
27 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2020
Cavendish and Walker Rock.

The series of 1 to 3 novels develope strong characters and relationships with the involvement of forensic pathologist Cavendish in the CID world of homicide detective Walker. The mix of wealthy, high class snobby Cavendish world with single mum,late teen daughter, early onset dementia mother and acquired brain injury brother of Walker's world rocks both female leads perceptions of themselves and others. The field of policing will never be the same as Cavendish get get to apply her extensive theory to the down and dirty world practical criminal world of Whitney Walker. Fantastic series. I must get book number 4 now and read it.
Profile Image for Bethanne.
618 reviews11 followers
June 16, 2020
Outstanding series!

This is my first experience with this writer and this team. The stories are horrifying and quite realistic. Walker is the Detective that doesn't work well with her boss who didn't start from the bottom as most cops do. She's fairly prickly but supportive of her team and her family. Dr Cavendish is a forensic psychologist who teaches at the university and helps out on cases. These two women clashed in the beginning but now work well. It's quite easy to imagine this series on television because it captures the readers interest and shows how plodding along the work is when dealing with smart killers. No miracles of science here..just reality.
Profile Image for Megan.
60 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2025
Lovely

I love a great British police procedure mystery series and I love the start of this series. Somehow I only recently discovered this author and I love her books. If you are a fan of Anita waller then I think you would love this series. Character development is great, storyline is easy to become engrossed in and the writing is great. She is quite a witty writer and found myself chuckling at times during these books. I'm going onto the next books in this series and can't wait to see what she does with cavendish and walker next! Really recommend this series if this is your thing!
169 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this series, the first I have read by this author. I liked it so much, I already have purchased the next book in the series. I love how the characters develop and part way through the story, there is a chapter written by the killer. It explains the motive behind the killings but very skillfully doesn't give away who is the killer. Cavendish and Walker so very different yet they compliment each other and it was very interesting to see their relationship develop into friendship with each novel.
Profile Image for Robin Price.
1,166 reviews45 followers
May 4, 2021
The first three novels in Sally Rigby's excellent series are a fine introduction to DI Whitney Walker and Dr Georgina Cavendish. Sally explores her fascination with serial killers in the three cases here. The quirky, off-beat relationship between Whitney and 'George' is one of the highlights of these books.
Police procedurals don't come any better than this.
I have given detailed reviews of each title separately on this site.
Profile Image for Atala   Ruth.
14 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2022
Great crime novel. It features friendships and relationships. The main characters are female and I appreciate the astute manner in which the crimes where solved. The irony of who one of the victims is makes it worthwhile. The connection between science and detective work is amazing. Great read. Will be sure to read all the other series. The suspense is gripping as one wonders what, and who will be unveiled next.
574 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2020
The first three novels in this series are superb. Rigby does a great job of setting the scene and developing the main characters. The relationships among the characters are set up and enhanced with each book. The mysteries are great and keep you guessing through the entire book.
I received free copies and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for JWG1973UK.
400 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2020
I loved this from start to finish. It definitely is a page turner for me. Had me guessing right to the end.

I cannot remember how I came to find this author but I am glad I did. My usual authors were not keeping me turning the page so I wanted to try something different. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Mimi.
112 reviews
July 4, 2022
Great series

The stories are well written and the characters are well thought out. Whitney and George are about as different as two women can be but they each have very strong characteristics, some of which overlap. These three books are a good beginning and I plan on getting the next three. They are interesting, compelling, and well thought out, besides being well edited!
103 reviews
January 25, 2023
I was in England with this group of books

Each of the 3 books had an interesting storyline. I have enjoyed getting to get to know the characters. I have enjoyed seeing the friendship develop between George and Whitney. I have the next 3 and plan to enjoy immersing myself in the Enlish lifestyle again.
41 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2020
Overrated

To simplistic. Main characters not likable. Plots also very uninteresting. I was able to figure out the protagonists fairly quickly. Sorry I spent $1.99 on this. Should never believe reviews
Profile Image for Charlene Davis.
1,143 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2020
Three in one

Exciting, Action, Psycho killers, Relationships developed in the book are very unique. The 1st book is an intro to those relationships, by 2nd book Dealing with those relationships In depth , by last book you are Really cheering for The good guys to win.
Profile Image for Ari Maayan.
179 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
Great murder mysteries with plenty of tension. And I loved the way that the 2 principals slowly enter into a friendship and then into s sisterhood. Great stuff!! Read Sally’s books. You will be glad that you did.
13 reviews
Read
January 19, 2021
Another entertaining Mystery

The author has developed an interesting heroine, warts and all. Theme was compelling and unfolded in a logical manner. The interactions between characters were well thought out.
8 reviews
December 1, 2021
Good fast paced reading

Well researched, gripping story lines. Totally believable with a good mix of characters and their personal foibles and how they mix in together adds humour to the plots
35 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2021
Looking forward to more

Likeable multidimensional characters who work on their own personal problems as well as solving the mystery. Spoiler alert... I wish that all the stories were not about serial killers.
Profile Image for Christine Smith.
62 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2024
I found these books easy to read, the plots were good and the pace was right.
However, the two main characters interacted more like teenagers than career women and the detective/boss friction is so overdone now
10 reviews
May 2, 2020
These are good reads, with excellent character development. Well done procedural mystery on many levels...
11 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2020
A real page turner

This series has right amount of action, mystery and character development. Cavendish and Walker are both quite interesting and quirky.
371 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2020
Enjoyed all 3 books, highly recommend

Great detective stories , an unlikely partnership, deepening to friendship, good plots, just the right amount of action and crime,
5 reviews
January 20, 2022
Character and story line development

This author develops her characters in a manner that you can picture them. Her story line is fluid and intriguing.
Profile Image for Stuart Sear.
219 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2022
I bought this set because I have not read book 2 and 3 I have read all of Sally's other books and have not been disappoint
Profile Image for Debbie.
280 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2022
great Stories

I have a new author to read! Excellent plots full of twists and turns. Terrific writing! Enjoyed having two strong women “in charge.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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