Someone’s playing with fire…. There’s no escape. A serial arsonist is on the loose and as the death toll continues to mount DCI Whitney Walker calls on forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish for help.
But Lenchester isn't the only thing burning. There are monumental changes taking place within the police force and there's a chance Whitney might lose the job she loves. She has to find the killer before that happens. Before any more lives are lost.
Mortal Remains is the eighth book in the acclaimed Cavendish & Walker series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbot and L J Ross.
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.
This case is about an arsonist that DCI Whitney Walker hopes is a one off. But sadly no it is becoming clear that the arsonist is escalating. The arsonist is also blocking the victims escape.
Whitney calls on the services of Forensic Psychologist Dr. Georgina Cavendish (Aka George) as they set to work a lot of leads end nowhere until they go back to the beginning and things become clearer.
The arsonist’s motives catch up to them where a path has seemingly become clear for one couple there is a twist.
This case is doubly difficult for Whitney because there are changes within her force which mean Whitney and her team will all have to reapply for their jobs and there are too many DCI’s ….
There’s a merger coming between Willesden and Lenchester police and the restructure demands that everybody will have to reapply for their own jobs. That includes not only Whitney herself and her team, but much to his dismay also her boss Jamieson. This causes a lot of stress inside the team. Not all of them may remain but it’s also not certain that Whitney will remain their commanding officer as there is an abundance of DCI’s. She has to compete with both DCI’s from her own town as those from Willesden. Life has some excitement in store for George as well. Ross has an exhibition in a local gallery and she’s received an invitation. Was she on the mailing list, or did Ross send it? The fact that she has doubts about attending or not, proves that she’s not completely over him. Claire, the pathologist has a surprise as well. This time around, the team is dealing with an arsonist who made 2 victims when he/she torched a student house. Were the students the intended victims, the landlord or was it just the house? When they find out that the landlord was behind with his mortgages, he’s the obvious suspect. A few days later, an old factory that’s used as for theatre rehearsals goes up in flames and leaves 12 people dead. There are only 2 survivors.
18 months after their first meeting, George and Whitney have become best friends. They both have a stern moral compass but it’s very pleasant to see how they both have adapted some characteristics of the other that smooth out some of their own rougher edges. Great that 2 very different people can become such close friends. I still love the occasional banter between them though. As in the previous stories, there’s a nice mixture of personal and professional matters without the private overshadowing the case. But it’s definitely interesting that Tiffany’s biological dad turns up again. I was happy to see that they go after an arsonist this time as it was getting a bit too much with all those serial killers turning up in a small town. I think that Sally made a good point with this police-merger. They always take place under the excuse of efficiency but often cause a lot of heartache for the people involved. Officers and detectives that have specialised over the years in 1 field are suddenly thrown in a unit with totally different tasks. Sometimes this can be a good thing, but more often than not the obvious strengths of someone are overlooked. I fear the outcome of this restructure and what it may mean for ‘our’ team. I thank Sally for the free ARC she provided; this is my unbiased and honest review of it.
This book drew me in and held me delightfully-captive from beginning to end. The plot keeps you guessing, the characters are realistic, likable and identifiable and the scenery is described in such a way as to make you feel that you are an actual bystander in every scene. Once I started reading this story, the desperate need for sleep is the only thing that made me put my Kindle down. I am SO excited to move on to the next book in the series!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
DCI Whitney Walker's under intense pressure as a serial arsonist has struck three times, leaving seventeen people dead. She asks her friend and colleague, forensic psychologist Dr Georgina 'George' Cavendish, to analyse the suspects' body language, as she interviews those closely involved with the victims or crime scenes.
She's also apprehensive about staff redundancies and relocations, (including her own) as two precincts are merged. How will things work out, as more evidence comes to light? Who's the egomaniacal killer?
Join the case from the start and get your copy of Mortal Remains today, to find out if your verdict was right, before the grand denouement!
Recommended to fans of Ruth Rendell, Colin Dexter and Patricia Highsmith.
Mortal Remains, the eighth novel in the Cavendish & Walker novels, is another great thriller from author Sally Rigby. A serial arsonist is setting fires in the town of Lenchester and the death toll is rising quickly. It will be a race against time for DCI Whitney Walker and good friend forensic psychologist Georgina Cavendish as they try to profile and find the culprit before another fire is set, before another person dies. With this, Whitney must also deal with the fact that she may be losing her job as her department is being merged with another. An edge of your seat, nail-biting story. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
MORTAL REMAINS...Sally Rigby Detective Whitney sitting at a merger of the police corce to cut cost, and she had no say even in her team of who she wanted. A panel would be reevaluating all of them. Students who had come back early died when a fire was set in the dormitory The owner was in err on payment of the housing for students, to them finally getting information of who and why was doing them. . A good story of peer pressure, and being part of a gang. Good flowing plot, and leaving us of who will be going to the new precinct. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
I enjoyed it very much indeed. Not only was the plot good and gripping, but I felt it moved George’s and Whitney’s relationship forward too. An arsonist is loose in Lenchester, causing terrible destruction and deaths. Whitney takes charge on the hunt to stop who ever is doing it before any more get hurt. The unsettling reorganisation of the station is unnerving too, so you are doing emotional leaps through all the different story lines. I’m always left when I end one of these books wanting more! Just love these stories.
I received a free advance ARC from the author for my honest review.
'Mortal Remains' at the end left me wondering why the fictional Lenchester would merger with another force, with all the serial killings or breakup DCI Walker's team? Loved the fast pace to it, got an intertwining storyline ripped right out of the headlines, twist and turns, trickery, red herrings and written for TV. Like both Dr. Cavendish and DCI Walker, they are like the dynamic duo and they've taught each other skills. Just wish the author, didn't leave the reader hanging with the merger, regarding who is staying on her team and who is leaving.
9/14, Lenchester. Lenchester PD Incident Room. Detective Superintendent Tom Jamieson, Chief Constable, Sandra Littleton (Whitney’s boss), & DCI Masters (50+) were informing everyone in what will take place. The aim is for a smooth transaction into a new building with the new team members & hopefully no one will lose their position. A new HR & panel will do the interviews.
On # 122 Stanton Rd there was a fire at a house, & Chief Fire Officer confirmed it’s arson. There were 2 deaths. DCI Whitney Walker (Lenchester PD) & DS Matt Price went to interview the neighbor Mrs. Stephenson. 9/14, Sidney Drake is the owner/landlord of the property. Dr. Georgina “George” Cavendish (34, lecturer Lenchester U; forensic psychology, Edinburgh U) was thinking about Ross Wogan (ex-lover, sculptor). Drake Holdings. DCI Whitney Walker & Dr. Cavendish went to interview Mr. Sidney Drake. Then on to Mrs. Smythe (wife/mother) & Mr. Smythe (husband/father) house. Rex Newman was interviewed. 9/17, There’s another fire at an old factory building in Brook St. 12 bodies & still searching.
Dr. Paul Dominic Redford (husband, Dentist, Rotary Club) gave his statement. Believe it or not Dr. Cavendish & Ross got back together. Hospital. Jupiter Ward, 3rd floor. Aimee Edwards (# 4), Gavin Curtis (# 7), & Dale Edwards were next on the list. What did they find out from them? 9/28, There were 4 arson fires on Stanton Rd, Brook St., Rushmere Close, & Wellington St. & the death toll had risen to 27. Will the cases get solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, or expletive language which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written crime thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. An amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Top Drawer Press; BookZio; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Another enjoyable story in this terrific series. I always enjoy this set of tales and now the police personnel are all old friends. However, it seems that their little team is under threat this time with the upcoming merger with another force. I hope it will bode well for them and we won't lose any of them in the reshuffling exercise. She's cleverly held off confirming the new state of play so we're left waiting in anticipation for book 9 to learn how things have panned out. Thing have also changed somewhat for Claire, our super pathologist. In this case we have a serial arsonist setting fires all over the town with no apparent rhyme nor reason. At first you might think people died by mistake but as more fires are lit and more casualties arise, it's clear he/she's not concerned about loss of life at all. I like the cover on this one though it's different to the ARC one that I have, so I'm unsure which will be the final article. I was pleased to see George's ex-boyfriend Ross featuring again in this story. Delighted to see him back. I did find it surprising that Whitney, upon needing to re-interview for her own position said she'd be happy to accept a differing job if needs be.....I'd have expected her to be more honest, interview or not. I was also concerned at how she spoke to her staff in this instalment.....I made a note as I read that she used to say 'please' a lot more often as she gave orders....I was pleased at how this case was resolved, the reason behind the transgressor's capture. That was most satisfying to me. Any errors I will forward onto the author directly as she kindly sent me an ARC. I'm really looking forward to the next book.
Mortal Remains by Sally Rigby is a solid, engaging crime novel that delivers exactly what I want from a dependable police procedural, even if it doesn’t quite push into standout territory.
The real strength of the book lies in its characters. Rigby continues to write a cast who feel grounded and believable, with relationships that develop naturally rather than being forced for drama. I particularly enjoyed how the ongoing restructuring of the police department is woven into the story. It adds an effective undertone of tension and uncertainty, reminding us that the detectives aren’t just battling criminals but also bureaucracy, shifting priorities, and their own professional insecurity. This background pressure gives the novel extra texture and raises the stakes without overwhelming the main plot.
The investigation itself, centred on tracking down an arsonist, is handled with confidence. The procedural detail is clear and well paced, and the clues unfold in a way that keeps the reader invested without becoming overly convoluted. Rigby balances momentum with methodical police work, making the case satisfying to follow even when it adheres closely to genre conventions.
While the novel doesn’t radically reinvent the crime genre, it doesn’t need to. Mortal Remains succeeds because of its strong character work, a thoughtfully integrated institutional backdrop, and a compelling central investigation. For fans of the series, or readers who enjoy character-led police procedurals with a touch of realism, this is an enjoyable and reliable 3.75-star read and one of the best ones in the series.
Turmoil abounds in this next entry to a great series. The characters continue to develop which to me is extremely important.
Also, as is true of every work by Sally Rigby, there is a great deal going on in addition to the crime being investigated.
The Pathologist - Claire - reveals a rather surprising development.
Dr. Cavendish wrestles with her relationship with her ex love interest AND Whitney continues to possibly renew (or begin) a relationship with a very significant someone from her past.
Added to the personal issues are the case itself. A serial arsonist is on the loose and the body count continues to mount.
Why and who?
Of course, the criminal case in itself is an excellent read, but Sally manages to interweave so much more into the novel. As usual.
TURMOIL!
Did I mention that the entire precinct is going to merge with another?! Jobs will be eliminated. No position is guaranteed. Some staff may hold their jobs, but be faced with relocation. Interviews will be conducted.
All the while, there is a serious crime to be solved.
Another 5 Star entry in the Cavendish & Walker series.
A merger of Lenchester and another Police Force, to be housed in a newly built Station, means that jobs are at stake in both Forces due to duplication of roles. Every member of staff is forced to re-apply for their current positions in order to be considered for reinstatement or a new role in the amalgamated Force, relocation to another Force or early retirement.
In the midst of this trying and uncertain time Whitney, and her team, is faced with the challenge of solving a case where two young students have died under suspicious circumstances. Things escalate and there are more fires but are these random fires or arson as there appear to be no links. The team are keen to solve the case before the proposed merger, at a date as yet unknown.
In the midst of all this, both Whitney and George are attempting to juggle their private lives.
The end is a cliff hanger and will leave the reader wondering how everything will progress with the merger of the two Forces and the private lives of both these ladies'.
Mortal Remains No:8 in the series but all these can be read as a standalone, but the Walker & Cavendish & crew all have private lives that the author has put into a few words, that makes the team human. In this novel, there is trouble afoot as Lenchester is amalgamating with another police force and moving into new premises, and the team are having to look at their jobs again and re-apply for their positions, as not all will make it including Whitney. Then the trouble starts Fires!!! are they set deliberately the Fire Service thinks so 2 dead in the first instance then more fires more deaths it does seem they are looking at a serial arsonist. I do think this is one of her best in the series and hope there is more to come, it is well written the characters do have a human touch and as with all groups not everyone sees eye to eye, but generally, the teamwork well together and good police procedure I enjoyed it immensely lets hope we get some more!!
Another awesome outing for Cavendish and Walker, this time our dynamic duo are on the hunt for a serial arsonist, with the body count rising they're under pressure from Jamieson to solve the case as soon as possible. And as if the pressure of the case isn't enough, Whitney has got the uncertainty of whether she will keep her job when Lenchester and Wilesden forces merge, and if she does will her team all keep theirs and will they still be assigned to her team. George proves to be an invaluable source of information (as always), guiding the team as the evidence builds and the suspect pool narrows. George's scientific mind is the perfect foil to Whitney's inuition, and the fact that the two friends' lives are starting to be more than work just makes the series more enthralling ~ if that's possible.
I received this book as an ARC from the author, and am more that happy to post my honest review.
Ms. Rigby has come up with another winner! Whitney is a hoot, she can't see how she likes to be in control of everything around her. George is great also and Whitney's lighthearted ways are rubbing off on her. This time Whitney's team is trying to figure out who is setting fires and call on George to help. The team is really struggling to find the person responsible but not only are they dealing with that but they also have to interview to try to keep their jobs. The department is amalgamating with another small department to cut costs and the team could be split apart forever and Whitney could lose her job also. Lots of things happening to keep your attention and to give you a laugh or shed a tear. I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion
Sally Rigby takes us back to Lenchester to rejoin Dr George Cavendish and DCI Whitney Walker. There's lots happening both on the work front and the home front. Lenchester may have been plagued by serial killers in Sally's last seven novels but now there is a new menace in town: a serial arsonist. George is distracted by an invitation to an art exhibition. Did her ex, Ross, send it intentionally? And Whitney has been having serious thoughts about Tiffany's father, Martin. Is there hope for a rekindling of the affection she once had for him? Sally fills her new novel with drama and tension and surely a record-breaking death toll. Her two chalk and cheese heroines are as endearing as ever and make this novel an absolute joy to read. Be warned ... There's a real cliffhanger ending and the big question is will George and Whitney be back together for another case?
It’s an often overused cliché to say ‘this is the best yet’ but in this case it might just be true. Mortal Remains is certainly an excellent book, and my personal favourite of the series so far. As with all of Sally Rigby’s books it’s expertly written, well researched and above all, an engaging and entertaining story. Cavendish and Walker are always fun to read and I always look forward to reading a new novel featuring the duo. The author hasn’t disappointed me yet and certainly not this time. The story starts with a fire believed to be arson but who is to blame? When another fire follows a similar pattern, do Lenchesters finest have a serial arsonist on their hands. Sally Rigby takes the story through many turns before the finale and it’s a fun ride from start to finish. Another excellent police procedural that I recommend to all fans of crime and police stories.
Just as the team learns that Lenchester police force is combining with another division and not everyone will keep their job, an arsonist strikes, killing 2 students. This fire is quickly followed by another fatal fire, and it becomes clear that there is a serial arsonist at work in Lenchester. George is called in to help explain the type of person they may be looking for but they don't have a lot of clues to go on. As usual the book is tightly plotted with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. The relationship between Whitney and George has developed into a true friendship and they can now joke about their differences. Whitney is distracted by the upcoming merger and George manages to keep her on track. At the risk of giving spoilers I will stop here. I thoroughly enjoy this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Sally Rigby does it again! Another great read that will hook you in from the first page and keep you turning to the very end.
I don't usually enjoy arson books as I have a very unhealthy fear of fire but; knowing how great all of Sally Rigby's books are, I gave it a go. I'm so glad I did! The great interpersonal relationships coupled with wonderful, endearing characters made this book well worth putting my phobia aside.
I think just about everybody these days has been through at least one merger or reorganization experience. The author brings all the emotions and chaos surrounding these events into the story. This keeps it very real and adds to the plot. Well done Sally Rigby.
I received a free advanced copy but the review and opinions are my own honest comments.
Another great book by Sally Rigby. Another case for CDI Whitney Walker and forensic psychologist George Cavendish. Whitney and her team are now at risk of losing theirs jobs due to police merging. Everyone is on edge because of this. Right in the middle of this comes a serial arsonist with numerous deaths. Whitney calls in in her friend George Cavendish to help out. Follow the story as the team tracks down suspects, ultimately finding the guilty party. I love these characters and hope it doesn’t end. Each story brings out a little more back story on the characters so I can’t wait until the next one.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading Mortal Remains. The main characters - Whitney and George - are more and more getting comfortable with each other to the point of knowing what which other will do and how will react. At the same time, this fine tuning allows their work to flow faster and easily. Now even the very private George has started to talk about her private life! Mortal Remains besides crime and mystery has an underlying theme of strong friendship, partnership, a bit of romance, and lots of deceit and bad blood between people. As a member of Sally´s ARC team I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
The station where DCI Whitney Walker and she and her team work is merging with another station. ALL jobs must be re-applied for. Some will stay, some may get moved, some may get let go. It is quite stressful. Now they are dealing with a serial arsonist setting fires and killing or hurting many people. None of the victims have any ties to one another or the building owners. Who is setting all these fires and why? It is urgent that they solve this case ASAP as the interviews for jobs get closer. Can the team stay together? Is this case their make or break moment? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Another good case with Whitney & George. This time there is a serial arsonist plaguing the area and the body count is rising. At the same time, Whitney is facing losing her job and/or her team due to a merger with another precinct. The mystery was good and the personal issues were very interesting. We are learning a little bit more about all of the team so it would be a shame to split them up now. Can't wait to find out what happens with the merger. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Another installment of the Cavendish and Walker series. I like that I usually can't figure out who the bad guys are. There's always lots of action and, the more books in the series, the personal lives of the two main characters have really developed. In this book, there's a series of arsons being committed and each one is leaving more dead people than the last one. Plus Whitney has her interview for the imminent merge of two police forces and George is dealing with some personal issues of her own. Always and enjoyable mystery. Looking forward to the next one in the series =)
Another stunning installment in the Cavendish & Walker series. As a string of arsons lights up the area, a merger is threatening to burn through a well oiled unit. All of our detectives find themselves having to interview for their jobs again as the merger draws nearer. Who will not make the cut. How will the arson case affect their minds as they also must prepare for the inevitable future where they will no longer all be together . More personal life development occurs. Couldn't put it down. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review .
Cavendish and Walker are on the case as fire stalks the city. Is it one person setting the fires, or a group? How many lives will be lost before the culprit is caught? As usual there’s plenty of action as the clues stack up.
As they work the crimes together both are facing some big changes. Each of them are navigating personal relationships as they deal with changes coming to the station. Will the team break up or will they remain together?
This is another great installment in this series by Sally Rigby. Don’t miss it.
8Th book in the series, my favorite so far. This book takes you on the twists and turns of hunting a serial killer/arsonist. Drama ensues with Walker and Cavendish's personal and professional relationships. As they learn about changes in their offices they have to continue to work together to find the arsonist. Also takes you thru the continued development of their friendship and new/renewed relationships. This is another one those books that will keep you thinking and changing your mind about who you think is guilty. I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.