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Cavendish & Walker #11
Dark Secrets
An uninvited guest…a deadly secret….and a terrible crime.
When a well-loved family of five are found dead sitting around their dining table with an untouched meal in front of them, it sends shockwaves throughout the community.
Was it a murder suicide, or was someone else involved?
It's one of DCI Whitney Walker's most baffling cases, and even with the help of forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish, they struggle to find any clues or motives to help them catch the killer.
But with a community in mourning and growing pressure to get answers, Cavendish and Walker are forced to go deeper into a murderer's mind than they've ever gone before.
Dark Secrets is the eleventh book in the Cavendish & Walker series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Joy Ellis and Rachel McLean.
When a well-loved family of five are found dead sitting around their dining table with an untouched meal in front of them, it sends shockwaves throughout the community.
Was it a murder suicide, or was someone else involved?
It's one of DCI Whitney Walker's most baffling cases, and even with the help of forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish, they struggle to find any clues or motives to help them catch the killer.
But with a community in mourning and growing pressure to get answers, Cavendish and Walker are forced to go deeper into a murderer's mind than they've ever gone before.
Dark Secrets is the eleventh book in the Cavendish & Walker series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Joy Ellis and Rachel McLean.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
About the author
Sally Rigby
55 books594 followersSally Rigby was born in Northampton, in the UK. She has always had the travel bug, and after living in both Manchester and London, eventually moved overseas. From 2001 she has lived with her family in New Zealand, which she considers to be the most beautiful place in the world. During this time she also lived for five years in Australia. Sally has always loved crime fiction books, films and TV programmes, and has a particular fascination with the psychology of serial killers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 1, 2022
*A Deadly Supper*
This is a puzzling case for DCI Whitney Walker and Dr Georgina Cavendish (Aka George) There a five bodies all posed, tied up and a untouched meal laid out in front of them plus an additional plate. Only one victim has their mouth gagged. What could it all mean? What is the significance?
As the team dig into the case sadly for Whitney she has to work in direct contact with her nemesis her old boss now her Chief DSI, this is because his wife has a family connection to the case.
The team unearths secrets about both of the parents and they soon realise that the prime suspect has already been questioned. This suspect thinks they have committed the perfect crime and is hiding behind a name change, but Whitney & George are hot on the trail, which becomes a cat and mouse chase as one of her detectives inadvertently uses the victims birth name…
The best one so far for me. There is also a personal case that Whitney needs to be reopened will she get the go ahead? If so she knows exactly who she wants to investigate it.
One thing one of my connections on Goodreads Meredith reminded of re a different book is that at the end of the audio the author Sally Rigby shares a serial killer fact. I read & listened to this book.
This is a puzzling case for DCI Whitney Walker and Dr Georgina Cavendish (Aka George) There a five bodies all posed, tied up and a untouched meal laid out in front of them plus an additional plate. Only one victim has their mouth gagged. What could it all mean? What is the significance?
As the team dig into the case sadly for Whitney she has to work in direct contact with her nemesis her old boss now her Chief DSI, this is because his wife has a family connection to the case.
The team unearths secrets about both of the parents and they soon realise that the prime suspect has already been questioned. This suspect thinks they have committed the perfect crime and is hiding behind a name change, but Whitney & George are hot on the trail, which becomes a cat and mouse chase as one of her detectives inadvertently uses the victims birth name…
The best one so far for me. There is also a personal case that Whitney needs to be reopened will she get the go ahead? If so she knows exactly who she wants to investigate it.
One thing one of my connections on Goodreads Meredith reminded of re a different book is that at the end of the audio the author Sally Rigby shares a serial killer fact. I read & listened to this book.
November 1, 2021
Sally has knocked it out of the park with this outing of Cavendish and Walker! I was fascinated by ‘Dark Secrets’ - I read it in one sitting. It had a sense of evil permeating off the pages as soon as you found out that the crime involved a whole family being killed whilst sitting around their dining table. This is the 11th book in the series but it definitely can be read as a standalone but you should go.and read the whole series as they are so good!
Whitney has taken some well deserved time off work as her daughter has just given birth to her daughter! Whitney is now a granny! However, she is called back into work as a family have been found murdered whilst sat having their dinner. It turns out to be a very complicated case and therefore needs George’s help more than ever.
This is a series which really grips the reader, both the characters and the narrative are all very well-formed! I loved that this time Whitney was giving George advice on her life as it's normally the other way round! But, it was definitely the case that hooks you this time as it's devilishly dark, complex and enthralling. With many suspects, twists and turns it will captivate your imagination.
Let me know if you read this one!
Whitney has taken some well deserved time off work as her daughter has just given birth to her daughter! Whitney is now a granny! However, she is called back into work as a family have been found murdered whilst sat having their dinner. It turns out to be a very complicated case and therefore needs George’s help more than ever.
This is a series which really grips the reader, both the characters and the narrative are all very well-formed! I loved that this time Whitney was giving George advice on her life as it's normally the other way round! But, it was definitely the case that hooks you this time as it's devilishly dark, complex and enthralling. With many suspects, twists and turns it will captivate your imagination.
Let me know if you read this one!
October 29, 2021
Dark secrets by Sally Rigby.
Cavendish and Walker book 11.
When a well-loved family of five are found dead sitting around their dining table with an untouched meal in front of them, it sends shockwaves throughout the community.
A brilliant read. On the edge of my seat. The scene that Whitney and Brian walks into blew me away. I had no clue who it was. I'm really looking forward to the next book. 5*.
Cavendish and Walker book 11.
When a well-loved family of five are found dead sitting around their dining table with an untouched meal in front of them, it sends shockwaves throughout the community.
A brilliant read. On the edge of my seat. The scene that Whitney and Brian walks into blew me away. I had no clue who it was. I'm really looking forward to the next book. 5*.
September 16, 2021
Dark Secrets is book 11 in the Dr Georgina Cavendish & DCI Whitney Walker series. Loved it from the very beginning, when a family are found bound and dead sitting around a table with an untouched meal in front of them. And so a tense investigation follows. Plenty of humour throughout the book and the story flowed very well. There is great interaction between all the characters, but particularly Whitney and George. George’s family are causing her some grief and it is not hard to see why she is the way she is. Claire Dexter, the pathologist, is her usual abrupt self but still likeable. The characters have maintained their peculiarities throughout, although some have softened with time.
October 10, 2021
I received an advance ARC copy from the author for my honest review and I also purchased it from amazon.com. Something I like to do too support my favorite authors.
With 'Dark Secrets', you have an intertwining storyline that could be ripped right out of the headlines. It's probably the most intense one yet, suspenseful, twist and turns, the usually red herring offering's and the unthinkable of Whitney's nemesis the Chief Super getting taken down by her team.
Like the addition of both DCI Walker's and Dr. Cavendish's personnel lives, adds to the story, makes them more real and relatable for the reader. The ending sets you up for the next Sebastian Clifford book, with a tie-in with DCI Walker and definitely a worthy author to read.
With 'Dark Secrets', you have an intertwining storyline that could be ripped right out of the headlines. It's probably the most intense one yet, suspenseful, twist and turns, the usually red herring offering's and the unthinkable of Whitney's nemesis the Chief Super getting taken down by her team.
Like the addition of both DCI Walker's and Dr. Cavendish's personnel lives, adds to the story, makes them more real and relatable for the reader. The ending sets you up for the next Sebastian Clifford book, with a tie-in with DCI Walker and definitely a worthy author to read.
July 29, 2022
POLICE PROCEDULE WITH A LOT OF PERSONAL ISSUES GOING ON IN THE LIVES OF CAVENDISH & WALKER. ;D
September 22, 2021
Another terrific tale in this series. At book 11 now and I still enjoy these characters and situations very much indeed. As usual it is good to get together with the regular cast of characters and to learn what's going on with them all.
The case is a fascinating one with a whole family found murdered all at the same time. Certainly one to get your teeth in.....and we get to learn all about what members of the family were all up to in private, which was pretty eye-opening in some cases !!
There were some funny moments as usual that gave me a chuckle and I really liked that the author's brother had a character named in his honour in this story. How neat.
The next book where it seems Whitney and George will be in collaboration with Sebastian from the author's other series looks like it is going to be a very interesting one, too. I look forward to reading it. We also have things occurring in George's and Ellie's personal lives I want to learn more about as well.
As usual I've read an ARC and will be forwarding any errors I spotted onto the author direct.
The case is a fascinating one with a whole family found murdered all at the same time. Certainly one to get your teeth in.....and we get to learn all about what members of the family were all up to in private, which was pretty eye-opening in some cases !!
There were some funny moments as usual that gave me a chuckle and I really liked that the author's brother had a character named in his honour in this story. How neat.
The next book where it seems Whitney and George will be in collaboration with Sebastian from the author's other series looks like it is going to be a very interesting one, too. I look forward to reading it. We also have things occurring in George's and Ellie's personal lives I want to learn more about as well.
As usual I've read an ARC and will be forwarding any errors I spotted onto the author direct.
July 14, 2022
Secrets
This was okay. Not great and not bad. Could have done without the f-bomb in the middle, which only detracted from the story.
This was okay. Not great and not bad. Could have done without the f-bomb in the middle, which only detracted from the story.
October 21, 2021
This is book 11 in the Cavendish & Walker series and another great read. I love this series of books especially the relationship between the three female protagonists DCI Whitney Walker, forensic pathologist Dr Georgina Cavendish and pathologist Claire Dexter. Three very different ladies but each with their own very unique personalities - love them all. And what a great storyline the author has come up with, it certainly wasn’t easy to spot the killer.
Briefly, when a family of five are found dead, posed at a dining table, with an uneaten meal in front of them Whitney is given the case; not knowing that the family are related to her nemesis, chief superintendent Douglas. This is clearly not going to be an easy ride. On the face of it this was the perfect family but when Whitney and her team start digging into their lives there are some surprising revelations.
Very well written and I love how the case runs alongside the changes in the characters personal lives so seamlessly. I’m totally invested in the characters in this series and am already looking forward to the next instalment. A great and easy read, thoroughly enjoyed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, when a family of five are found dead, posed at a dining table, with an uneaten meal in front of them Whitney is given the case; not knowing that the family are related to her nemesis, chief superintendent Douglas. This is clearly not going to be an easy ride. On the face of it this was the perfect family but when Whitney and her team start digging into their lives there are some surprising revelations.
Very well written and I love how the case runs alongside the changes in the characters personal lives so seamlessly. I’m totally invested in the characters in this series and am already looking forward to the next instalment. A great and easy read, thoroughly enjoyed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 30, 2021
Detective Chief Inspector Whitney a new role being a grandmother
Taking vacation time to help Tiffany with the adjustment of being a mom.
Vacation interrupted with a murder of a family, was it a drug overdose
Seeing their house it was like a show room, was it a calculated killing.
A person who felt justified, having been rejected for what he wanted.
Even to kidnapping a young boy.
Good plot into the thoughts of a calculated killer.
DVI Whitney with Martin, Tiffany and new baby was enjoyable
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest
Taking vacation time to help Tiffany with the adjustment of being a mom.
Vacation interrupted with a murder of a family, was it a drug overdose
Seeing their house it was like a show room, was it a calculated killing.
A person who felt justified, having been rejected for what he wanted.
Even to kidnapping a young boy.
Good plot into the thoughts of a calculated killer.
DVI Whitney with Martin, Tiffany and new baby was enjoyable
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest
September 17, 2021
Walker and Cavendish team up to solve another murder this time its a whole family, no apparent motion. Following the clues will keep you guessing until almost the end.
July 21, 2022
I’ve just listened to this book for the second time, and even though I remembered all the details of the book, thoroughly enjoyed it again. I loved ve this series.
October 21, 2021
I have been a fan of Sally’s work for a while now and I especially love the series featuring Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker and forensic psychologist Dr. Georgina Cavendish. ‘Dark Secrets’ is the eleventh book in the bestselling and brilliant series. I haven’t quite caught up with the rest of the books in the series but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘Dark Secrets’ and it certainly sounded like the tense and dramatic sort of story that I have come to expect from Sally. Well it sounded so good that I just couldn’t wait to start reading and I dived straight in. Oh boy, ‘Dark Secrets’ was one hell of a read and then some. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dark Secrets’ but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker and Dr. Georgina Cavendish? I think that both ladies are ace. DCI Walker is a hard working police officer and single mother too. She hasn’t always had the easiest of times. Whitney has a strong bond and relationship with her daughter. Her daughter has recently had a baby and Whitney is helping her daughter to care for her. Whitney has a strong relationship with her team and they each seem to have each other’s backs. She has a good relationship with most of her superiors but there is one superior officer that gets under her skin and makes her see red. Whitney has a strong friendship with Georgina, who has been known to work with the police when her specialist skills are needed. Georgina has a bit of a strained relationship with her family, who sound like a complete nightmare. Georgina is superb at her job and an asset to the police office.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘Dark Secrets’. In fact just seeing Sally’s name on the cover of a book was enough to grab my attention and the synopsis sealed the deal as it was. To say that reading ‘Dark Secrets’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed and I ended up with a ‘lack of sleep’ hangover the following morning. I just found it nigh on impossible to put the book to one side for any length of time. This was one of those books that stayed with me and was always on my mind. If I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about it. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Dark Secrets’ and I had to say farewell (for now) to Whitney and Georgina. I found ‘Dark Secrets’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable, page turner of a book. I found ‘Dark Secrets’ to be a dark, gripping, tense and dramatic story, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Dark Secrets’ is superbly written but then that is certainly true of all of Sally’s books. Sally has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to take to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a compelling story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Dark Secrets’ felt like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride of a read, with many twists and turns along the way. I always find that Sally has the knack of being able to make the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of all the action so to speak.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dark Secrets’ and I will definitely be recommending this book, author and series to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Sally’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
What can I say about Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker and Dr. Georgina Cavendish? I think that both ladies are ace. DCI Walker is a hard working police officer and single mother too. She hasn’t always had the easiest of times. Whitney has a strong bond and relationship with her daughter. Her daughter has recently had a baby and Whitney is helping her daughter to care for her. Whitney has a strong relationship with her team and they each seem to have each other’s backs. She has a good relationship with most of her superiors but there is one superior officer that gets under her skin and makes her see red. Whitney has a strong friendship with Georgina, who has been known to work with the police when her specialist skills are needed. Georgina has a bit of a strained relationship with her family, who sound like a complete nightmare. Georgina is superb at her job and an asset to the police office.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘Dark Secrets’. In fact just seeing Sally’s name on the cover of a book was enough to grab my attention and the synopsis sealed the deal as it was. To say that reading ‘Dark Secrets’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed and I ended up with a ‘lack of sleep’ hangover the following morning. I just found it nigh on impossible to put the book to one side for any length of time. This was one of those books that stayed with me and was always on my mind. If I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about it. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Dark Secrets’ and I had to say farewell (for now) to Whitney and Georgina. I found ‘Dark Secrets’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable, page turner of a book. I found ‘Dark Secrets’ to be a dark, gripping, tense and dramatic story, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Dark Secrets’ is superbly written but then that is certainly true of all of Sally’s books. Sally has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to take to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a compelling story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Dark Secrets’ felt like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride of a read, with many twists and turns along the way. I always find that Sally has the knack of being able to make the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of all the action so to speak.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dark Secrets’ and I will definitely be recommending this book, author and series to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Sally’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
October 23, 2021
I didnt realise when I started reading this that it was book 11 in the series. It didnt feel like it, it worked perfectly well as a standalone.
The murder is one of the strangest and most intriguing I have ever read about. I dont want to mention any details without spoiling it, but I urge you to read this book for that alone.
As the detectives investigate more questions arise, and the perfect family seem to be nothing of the sort.
This book is very much a whodunnit, the murder is in the first chapter or so and follows the teams efforts to uncover it.
I liked the main character of Whitney, she obviously cared deeply about her team, and she wants to push them forward. She also has a young daughter, and a new granddaughter, and managed to balance both.
George, as she is frequently known throughout the book is a really strange one. I would guess at some kind of autism as the reasons for her behaviour. She only softens around Whitneys daughter which is sweet. Whitney seems used to her and doesnt pay too much attention to her little idiosyncrasies and just laughs them off.
The pathologist, Claire, was blunt, and rude, abrubt, prickly, and dressed quirkily, somehow was married. I couldnt warm to her at all. I suppose it is just a character affectation, and it makes her effective at her job.
This book also shows that you never know what is going on behind closed doors, all the people questioned thought they were the perfet family which wasnt the case, and it also shows that those watching may not be as happy for you as they make out.
This was an enthralling read that I couldnt put down as I had to find out the truth. Especially when there was a sneaky chapter from the killer to whet the appetite even more.
The murder is one of the strangest and most intriguing I have ever read about. I dont want to mention any details without spoiling it, but I urge you to read this book for that alone.
As the detectives investigate more questions arise, and the perfect family seem to be nothing of the sort.
This book is very much a whodunnit, the murder is in the first chapter or so and follows the teams efforts to uncover it.
I liked the main character of Whitney, she obviously cared deeply about her team, and she wants to push them forward. She also has a young daughter, and a new granddaughter, and managed to balance both.
George, as she is frequently known throughout the book is a really strange one. I would guess at some kind of autism as the reasons for her behaviour. She only softens around Whitneys daughter which is sweet. Whitney seems used to her and doesnt pay too much attention to her little idiosyncrasies and just laughs them off.
The pathologist, Claire, was blunt, and rude, abrubt, prickly, and dressed quirkily, somehow was married. I couldnt warm to her at all. I suppose it is just a character affectation, and it makes her effective at her job.
This book also shows that you never know what is going on behind closed doors, all the people questioned thought they were the perfet family which wasnt the case, and it also shows that those watching may not be as happy for you as they make out.
This was an enthralling read that I couldnt put down as I had to find out the truth. Especially when there was a sneaky chapter from the killer to whet the appetite even more.
September 26, 2025
DCI Whitney Walker is on leave following the arrival of her granddaughter. However, her dedication to her work leads her to return early so that she can investigate the multiple murders of a family including three teenagers.
Dark Secrets is the 11th book to feature Whitney Walker and Georgina Cavendish. It is the first book that I have read by this author but I have now got the first 10 books to review, woohoo!
Arriving new to the series, I felt an instant affinity with Whitney Walker in the opening chapters. Her devotion to her family is immediately obvious. She has a lovely sense of humour and a strong friendship with Georgina Cavendish. George has a less positive relationship with her family and again I felt this created a realism to her character which made her instantly relatable.
The two lead characters have an irritable pathologist to contend with and a tragic and confusing case to investigate. Five members of a family are discovered dead, staged to sit around a table for a final meal they never ate. There are no obvious signs to indicate cause of death which is highly unusual.
However, professional and personal tensions soon emerge as it is discovered that the family are related to Whitney’s unpleasant superior officer. The author has carefully balanced the complexities of the criminal investigation with the personal stories of the police team. There are plenty of twists in the case and Whitney and George are determined and thorough in their approach in order to find justice for the victims.
Dark Secrets is a fab crime and police novel and I can’t wait to catch up with the characters’ lives in the first books in the series.
Dark Secrets is the 11th book to feature Whitney Walker and Georgina Cavendish. It is the first book that I have read by this author but I have now got the first 10 books to review, woohoo!
Arriving new to the series, I felt an instant affinity with Whitney Walker in the opening chapters. Her devotion to her family is immediately obvious. She has a lovely sense of humour and a strong friendship with Georgina Cavendish. George has a less positive relationship with her family and again I felt this created a realism to her character which made her instantly relatable.
The two lead characters have an irritable pathologist to contend with and a tragic and confusing case to investigate. Five members of a family are discovered dead, staged to sit around a table for a final meal they never ate. There are no obvious signs to indicate cause of death which is highly unusual.
However, professional and personal tensions soon emerge as it is discovered that the family are related to Whitney’s unpleasant superior officer. The author has carefully balanced the complexities of the criminal investigation with the personal stories of the police team. There are plenty of twists in the case and Whitney and George are determined and thorough in their approach in order to find justice for the victims.
Dark Secrets is a fab crime and police novel and I can’t wait to catch up with the characters’ lives in the first books in the series.
October 12, 2021
Dark Secrets is the eleventh instalment in Dr Georgina Cavendish and DCI Whitney Walker series but can be read as a standalone book.
The story begins with a horrible, nightmarish murder, a family of five is found dead in a very unusual manner, posed around their dining table with a whole roast dinner untouched in front of them.
And so a tense investigation follows especially as the family is related to Walker’s arch nemesis Douglas who is breathing down her neck to catch the culprit.
We get to see more of Whitney’s family life as she welcomes a new granddaughter to her home and we get to meet her brother who was attacked as a teenager.
There is great interaction between all the characters, but particularly Whitney and George.
George’s family are trying to convince her to move away from Lenchester to be more involved for when her father’s health will deteriorate further.
As well as managing the fallout with her family, juggling her academic work and supporting the police, she is also is planning a new life with her boyfriend and is tentatively house hunting.
It’s these personal parts that really bring the book to life but the police story that grips the reader.
There’s plenty of humour throughout the book and the story as usual from Rigby flowed very well.
As usual there is a lot of weaving and in and out with clues as to what makes sense and what doesn't.
Another brilliant read from Rigby and it looks like a new Sebastian novel will follow which will see our two protagonists meet up again if he agrees to take on Whitney’s brother’s cold case.
The story begins with a horrible, nightmarish murder, a family of five is found dead in a very unusual manner, posed around their dining table with a whole roast dinner untouched in front of them.
And so a tense investigation follows especially as the family is related to Walker’s arch nemesis Douglas who is breathing down her neck to catch the culprit.
We get to see more of Whitney’s family life as she welcomes a new granddaughter to her home and we get to meet her brother who was attacked as a teenager.
There is great interaction between all the characters, but particularly Whitney and George.
George’s family are trying to convince her to move away from Lenchester to be more involved for when her father’s health will deteriorate further.
As well as managing the fallout with her family, juggling her academic work and supporting the police, she is also is planning a new life with her boyfriend and is tentatively house hunting.
It’s these personal parts that really bring the book to life but the police story that grips the reader.
There’s plenty of humour throughout the book and the story as usual from Rigby flowed very well.
As usual there is a lot of weaving and in and out with clues as to what makes sense and what doesn't.
Another brilliant read from Rigby and it looks like a new Sebastian novel will follow which will see our two protagonists meet up again if he agrees to take on Whitney’s brother’s cold case.
September 28, 2021
Another wonderful outing for Cavendish and Walker, I've got to admit I've loved this series from the first novel. Each new novel feels like you're coming home to family, the family being DCI Walker's wonderful team, an eclectic collection of dedicated professionals who always bring their A game. Added to the police officers is Dr George Cavendish, an academic forensic psychologist by profession but a source of invaluable insight for Whitney and her team.
At first the team are at a loss trying to discover who was responsible for the murder of a family of 5, found posed around the dinner table with an untouched meal in front of them. Add to the mystery the personal involvement of Whitney's nemesis, "Dickhead" Douglas and you know the team are up against it to solve the murders. But when it seems as though they're getting nowhere, the team catch a break and they finally solve the case. I love how Sally Rigby puts in a vignette from the killer's point of view, it gives an insight into their motive without revealing their identity.
As well as the family murder, Whitney discovers something about her brother Rob's serious assault from when he was 17, what will it mean for Rob ~ and for Whitney? And who will investigate the cold case?
I received this book as an ARC from the author and am submitting my honest review
At first the team are at a loss trying to discover who was responsible for the murder of a family of 5, found posed around the dinner table with an untouched meal in front of them. Add to the mystery the personal involvement of Whitney's nemesis, "Dickhead" Douglas and you know the team are up against it to solve the murders. But when it seems as though they're getting nowhere, the team catch a break and they finally solve the case. I love how Sally Rigby puts in a vignette from the killer's point of view, it gives an insight into their motive without revealing their identity.
As well as the family murder, Whitney discovers something about her brother Rob's serious assault from when he was 17, what will it mean for Rob ~ and for Whitney? And who will investigate the cold case?
I received this book as an ARC from the author and am submitting my honest review
October 18, 2021
My fifth Sally Rigby blog tour! How exciting. One of my favourite authors featuring one of my favourite duos – Cavendish and Walker. When you get to read a Sally Rigby crime novel you know it’s going to be short, sharp, pacy detective fiction at its best.
And Dark Secrets is no exception. Five victims, all tied up round the dinner table, a fully cooked meal in front of them. But there’s a sixth place set with no body. Who should have been there and were they the killer?
So many suspects. So many motives. But are any of them evil enough to do something as terrible as this? And who was the intended victim and were the others simply collateral damage? This is one of DCI Whitney Walker and forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish’s most baffling cases.
To the outside world, David Barker was the perfect husband and father but was he really so perfect? And what about his wife – any skeletons hiding in her cupboard? And what’s the relevance of the order in which they were killed or was it just random? George really has her work cut out trying to read the body language of the suspects, but none of them really stand out or appear evil enough to kill three innocent teenagers. But they could just be very clever at hiding something.
The clock is ticking – can Whitney and George solve the murders before the press have a field day and Chief Super ‘Dickhead’ Douglas takes them off the case. Another great read and what’s more, to let you into a little secret, they might just need the help of my favourite character Sebastian Clifford in the next book.
Many thanks to @zooloo2008 for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
And Dark Secrets is no exception. Five victims, all tied up round the dinner table, a fully cooked meal in front of them. But there’s a sixth place set with no body. Who should have been there and were they the killer?
So many suspects. So many motives. But are any of them evil enough to do something as terrible as this? And who was the intended victim and were the others simply collateral damage? This is one of DCI Whitney Walker and forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish’s most baffling cases.
To the outside world, David Barker was the perfect husband and father but was he really so perfect? And what about his wife – any skeletons hiding in her cupboard? And what’s the relevance of the order in which they were killed or was it just random? George really has her work cut out trying to read the body language of the suspects, but none of them really stand out or appear evil enough to kill three innocent teenagers. But they could just be very clever at hiding something.
The clock is ticking – can Whitney and George solve the murders before the press have a field day and Chief Super ‘Dickhead’ Douglas takes them off the case. Another great read and what’s more, to let you into a little secret, they might just need the help of my favourite character Sebastian Clifford in the next book.
Many thanks to @zooloo2008 for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
November 6, 2021
Complex multiple-murder mystery with good twists
This book can be read as a stand-alone, although there is continuing melodrama about Dr. George Cavendish’s dysfunctional family. It helps if you’ve read an earlier book and are familiar with police and police-affiliated characters. I counted about 35-40 new civilian characters, but I may have missed a few.
DCI Whitney Walker attends a horrific death scene: a family of five posed at their dining table; each roped to a chair; and before each victim is an untouched plate of lamb, lentils, and leeks. The sixth chair and another lamb plate seems to await a visitor. Oddly, the stoneware plates don’t belong to the family, and the pathology and forensic findings add complexity and puzzlement.
Dr. “George”Cavendish, DCI Walker and team are soon hunting a multiple/mass murderer, who hides amongst the family’s friends and/or acquaintances. The murder team scrutinizes family finances, reconstructs each victim’s social spheres, and uncovers past relationships. They discover more possible unfriendlies and suspects than first thought possible for an “upright” nuclear family.
As with earlier books, I didn’t bother ticking boxes to find the murderer, because author Sally Rigby tends to keep her stories close to her chest. I highly recommend this book to crime fiction readers.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, although there is continuing melodrama about Dr. George Cavendish’s dysfunctional family. It helps if you’ve read an earlier book and are familiar with police and police-affiliated characters. I counted about 35-40 new civilian characters, but I may have missed a few.
DCI Whitney Walker attends a horrific death scene: a family of five posed at their dining table; each roped to a chair; and before each victim is an untouched plate of lamb, lentils, and leeks. The sixth chair and another lamb plate seems to await a visitor. Oddly, the stoneware plates don’t belong to the family, and the pathology and forensic findings add complexity and puzzlement.
Dr. “George”Cavendish, DCI Walker and team are soon hunting a multiple/mass murderer, who hides amongst the family’s friends and/or acquaintances. The murder team scrutinizes family finances, reconstructs each victim’s social spheres, and uncovers past relationships. They discover more possible unfriendlies and suspects than first thought possible for an “upright” nuclear family.
As with earlier books, I didn’t bother ticking boxes to find the murderer, because author Sally Rigby tends to keep her stories close to her chest. I highly recommend this book to crime fiction readers.
October 21, 2021
4 Stars from me
The formidable duo return in book 11 of the series to a most unusual crime - an entire family have been found dead at the dinner table by a young boy...
DCI Whitney Walker returns early from leave to help solve the case and is soon fully immersed in her attempts to trace the killer, with the help of forensic psychologist and best friend George Cavendish.
It is nice to read some snippets about the lives of these two outside of work, it makes them feel much more real and relatable.
As an added bonus, it seems that Chief Super 'di**head' Douglas is somehow connected to the case meaning Whitney is walking on eggshells even more than normal.
Although the apparent motive for the bizarre killings may seem obvious, it isn't so easy to establish who the killer of this popular family is.
Whitney and her team are dogged in their determination to find the murderer and they are soon on the right path which leads to an exciting climax to the book.
The book ends with a teaser for what is coming the future and I look forward to reading more - especially as my new favourite ex detective Sebastian Clifford will be taking centre stage.
All round, a good thriller, a good series and some hugely likeable characters.
The formidable duo return in book 11 of the series to a most unusual crime - an entire family have been found dead at the dinner table by a young boy...
DCI Whitney Walker returns early from leave to help solve the case and is soon fully immersed in her attempts to trace the killer, with the help of forensic psychologist and best friend George Cavendish.
It is nice to read some snippets about the lives of these two outside of work, it makes them feel much more real and relatable.
As an added bonus, it seems that Chief Super 'di**head' Douglas is somehow connected to the case meaning Whitney is walking on eggshells even more than normal.
Although the apparent motive for the bizarre killings may seem obvious, it isn't so easy to establish who the killer of this popular family is.
Whitney and her team are dogged in their determination to find the murderer and they are soon on the right path which leads to an exciting climax to the book.
The book ends with a teaser for what is coming the future and I look forward to reading more - especially as my new favourite ex detective Sebastian Clifford will be taking centre stage.
All round, a good thriller, a good series and some hugely likeable characters.
September 25, 2021
Dark Secrets, the eleventh book in the Cavendish & Walker series, begins with a horrible, nightmarish murder. A family of five is found dead in a very unusual manner, posed around their dining table. Whitney Walker, with the help of her dear friend George Cavendish and her team, will have their hands full trying to solve this case. Not only is it a difficult case because of the lack of clues, but the Chief Superintendent, a man with who Whitney has had confrontations in the past, has a familial interest in the case. And if this stressful situation is not enough, her brother hints at the attack which left him brain damaged several years ago. Filled with twists and turns, this fantastic story adds a great tale to an already wonderful series. I find that this series has become even more enjoyable as the characters develop. The ending does whet one’s appetite for the next one. I am looking forward to reading it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2021
With Dark Secrets Sally Rigby has ‘done it again’ with her excellent Cavendish and Walker series. The story revolves around DCI Whitney Walker trying to solve the murder of a family of five. She calls on her friend, and collaborator, Georgina ‘George’ Cavendish to help. The author then has the tale take many different turns with the duo discovering many things about the dead family. The relationship between the two is at the heart of the book, and the series, but there is a lot more to the characters. We get to see Whitney’s family life as she welcomes a new granddaughter to her home. George herself is planning a new life with her boyfriend and is tentatively house hunting. It’s these personal parts that really bring the book to life but the police story that grips the reader and refuses to let go. I think I enjoyed this book more than any other in this great series, if that’s even possible! Overall, another great read from an author writing with great skill and talent.
October 2, 2021
Another cracker from Sally Rigby this time a whole family sitting around the table ready to eat dinner. was this self-destruction or murder?. Whitney has her special vacation time with her daughter and new grand-daughter cut short, also George is having problems with her estranged and dysfunctional family, the author has done a wonderful job on the characters and Whitney & George are very best of friends but so very different in personalities which makes this series a joy to read.
As usual a lot of weaving and in and out with clues as to what makes sense and what doesn't, and low and behold an old enemy Dickhead trying as usual to take stock of the investigation which in this case he shouldn't as the dead family are related.
A brilliant read and a new Sebastian novel coming out later as our two protagonists meet up again.
As usual a lot of weaving and in and out with clues as to what makes sense and what doesn't, and low and behold an old enemy Dickhead trying as usual to take stock of the investigation which in this case he shouldn't as the dead family are related.
A brilliant read and a new Sebastian novel coming out later as our two protagonists meet up again.
October 16, 2021
Another strange murder for Whitney and Georgina to solve. Whitney is on leave after the birth of her granddaughter Ava and Georgina has been summoned home by her family when they get the call for the murder of a family of 5 found tied to their chairs at the dinner table with no blood in site. To complicate matters more, one of the victims is related to Whitney's nemesis Chief Inspector "Dickhead" Douglas. The pressure is on to solve this case fast. With their usual flawless police work and the help of all the team, solve it they do. With twists and turns and more insight into the private lives of Whitney and George, this was a most satisfying book. Well, as satisfying as a murder of 5 can be. Thanks to Sally Rigby for allowing me to read and review this book. I am looking forward to the next one.
October 22, 2021
Cavendish and Walker series. How have I not heard of this author before? Talk about a grilling murder mystery thriller.
I adored DCI Walker and Dr. Cavendish in so many ways, the way they communicate together, work together, bounce or each other absolutely builds up the anticipation on getting this case resolved.
It’s one that I thought was quite morbid a family of 5 found dead around a dining room table. So it was a bit eerie for me and I definitely found it so unusual. I guess though that’s what made this book even more special. It was such an unusual plot.
This is the 11th book in the series and I want to buy each and every one. This duo need to come together to make the best new crime investigation show on TV.
There isn’t enough words to describe how captivating the words are in this book. It’s completely five star quality on every level. This author is spectacular.
I adored DCI Walker and Dr. Cavendish in so many ways, the way they communicate together, work together, bounce or each other absolutely builds up the anticipation on getting this case resolved.
It’s one that I thought was quite morbid a family of 5 found dead around a dining room table. So it was a bit eerie for me and I definitely found it so unusual. I guess though that’s what made this book even more special. It was such an unusual plot.
This is the 11th book in the series and I want to buy each and every one. This duo need to come together to make the best new crime investigation show on TV.
There isn’t enough words to describe how captivating the words are in this book. It’s completely five star quality on every level. This author is spectacular.
March 16, 2022
This is the 11th book in the series. Again, Sally Rigby has managed to keep it fresh and interesting without being overly complicated or convoluted. Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is enjoying time at home on vacation with her daughter and granddaughter when she is called into work because of a gruesome murder of an entire family. They have been killed and posed around their table including complete, uneaten dinners. The murder case is developed as different suspects are uncovered and either eliminated or further investigated. George Cavendish is glad to help with the case and avoid issues with her parents. On the personal front, Whitney is dealing with her mother’s dementia which seems to be worsening. Also, her brother says something that causes Whitney to want to reopen the unsolved case of his attack years ago. I can’t wait to read more about that in the next book.
October 21, 2021
Wow! I just finished reading this book and I have to share how amazing it was! My goodness the crime that was committed in this book is horrible! Whitney and Dr. Cavendish really have their work cut out for them to solve this crime. I'm so bursting at the seams to say how I feel about the conclusion that is reached but I won't because I don't want to ruin the story for you! There is also some really exciting news shared in this book that is going to come out in a future book and I'm so excited to read it! I just wish we didn't have to wait! We are also introduced to a new character that I'm sure will be making more appearances! Ms. Rigby you really hit a home run with this one!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
September 18, 2021
Dark Secrets grabs you from the very beginning when Whitney is drawn away from an overdue vacation with her daughter and new grandbaby, to a grisly scene—a family of four murdered and posed around their dining table. When she finds out the connection to her nemesis things can only get more complicated.
George is anxious to help with the case and avoid the pressure put on her by her dad’s diagnosis. She’s getting in the groove working with the new team and as usual is right on with her evaluations.
As always Sally knows how to lay out the clues to keep you guessing, pull on your emotions, and have you reading long into the night.
Excellent book!
George is anxious to help with the case and avoid the pressure put on her by her dad’s diagnosis. She’s getting in the groove working with the new team and as usual is right on with her evaluations.
As always Sally knows how to lay out the clues to keep you guessing, pull on your emotions, and have you reading long into the night.
Excellent book!
September 30, 2021
Yet another fantastic Walker and Cavendish book, I love the balance of police procedural but also their personal lives. I always find the storylines well written and engaging, finding it difficult to put down once I’ve started. Whitney and George find themselves yet again in the middle of a murder, several murders in fact. Our leading ladies doing what they do best, working well together and solving crimes. Although complete opposites in everything they are and do it’s a relationship that works brilliantly . I won’t write about the storyline as this is the job of the blurb but I will say you are in for a great read.
September 30, 2021
It's interesting that the more you read about one character the more you get used to their idiosyncrasies and how they react to things, and it has not been different reading the Cavendish & Walker series. Georgina is getting mellower and Whitney seems to be more affectionate to family and organized in her thoughts and actions. They'll need all their best traits to solve the terrible murder of a family and Whitney will need to be above her best as it seems that her brother's past is finally going to be unraveled. I'm looking forward to reading the next story, hopefully, it'll be out soon!
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
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