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Detective Sebastian Clifford #0.5
Nowhere To Hide
A Sebastian Clifford novella featuring DC Lucinda Bird (Prequel)
36 pages, ebook
First published April 28, 2021
3 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Sally Rigby
44 books491 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 34 reviews
August 7, 2021
“Nowhere To Hide” is billed as a prequel to Sally Rigby’s currently three-book (private eye) Detective Sebastian Clifford series. Perversely, the protagonist herein, however, is newly minted, after three years as a beat cop, Detective Constable Lucinda Bird, aka “Birdie” – with nary a mention of the detective she later pals up with, an odd couple to say the least. At any rate, Birdie gets a first-day assignment to interview a homeless man victim of a gang beating. At first insulted, she soon takes a personal interest in the case after learning the man was a good friend of her own grandfather. Knowing the official investigation will probably go nowhere in favor of more pressing matters, Birdie goes rogue after hours and poses undercover as a homeless woman, with of course no backup – but conveniently soon breaks the case wide open.
We’ve noticed in many current crime stories a tendency to have the policewomen go off the book, proceed without backup into all manner of mayhem, and frequently lose their firearms and/or take a beating before more senior cops come save the day. That said, this reasonably well-written novella is fun enough reading for a maybe half an hour, even if one is not interested in pursuing the set to follow.
We’ve noticed in many current crime stories a tendency to have the policewomen go off the book, proceed without backup into all manner of mayhem, and frequently lose their firearms and/or take a beating before more senior cops come save the day. That said, this reasonably well-written novella is fun enough reading for a maybe half an hour, even if one is not interested in pursuing the set to follow.
June 19, 2021
This was a prequel story to Sally Rigby's Sebastian Clifford set of books. She kindly gifted it to her advance readers. I enjoyed it although I'm not a fan of novellas as a rule. I only read it as it helps flesh out the character of Lucinda Bird AKA Birdie.
Any errors I spotted I've passed on directly to the author.
Any errors I spotted I've passed on directly to the author.
August 9, 2021
I received a free copy of this prequel, for the Seb Clifford series and it's an introduce to DC Lucinda Bird aka Birdie. She's a likable character, can see how she just has taken over this series, much like DI Whitney Walker, she's tough, dedicated to her job, even if it's three days on the job and obvious why the author's new series really should be the DC Lucinda Bird Series.
June 8, 2022
The story was good, but the main character was a prima donna who on the first day on the job thinks she knows better than the detectives who were experienced detectives.
July 30, 2021
Nowhere to Hide - a review by Rosemary Kenny
New CID Officer Lucinda, aka Birdie, Bird arrives in the small market town's police station and is introduced to her mentor/partner Officer 'Twiggy' Branch and the rest of their team, who all, (except for the Sargeant), have nicknames.
Sent on her first case - that of a violent attack on a homeless man - somewhat reluctantly, she soon changes her tune...when it turns out he was a close friend of her late Granddad's...as does 'Nev', the victim. What does he tell her that changes many things going forward?
An almost 'cozy' mystery, Sally Rigby packs a lot into her short novelette, Nowhere to Hide, making you feel as if you were there with Birdie, our 'gung-ho' heroine, every step of the way.
My only objection is that it ends on a semi- cliffhanger and then spends 25-30% of the end pages, listing the author's many other series'/ books.
Get Nowhere to Hide today and see what you think!
New CID Officer Lucinda, aka Birdie, Bird arrives in the small market town's police station and is introduced to her mentor/partner Officer 'Twiggy' Branch and the rest of their team, who all, (except for the Sargeant), have nicknames.
Sent on her first case - that of a violent attack on a homeless man - somewhat reluctantly, she soon changes her tune...when it turns out he was a close friend of her late Granddad's...as does 'Nev', the victim. What does he tell her that changes many things going forward?
An almost 'cozy' mystery, Sally Rigby packs a lot into her short novelette, Nowhere to Hide, making you feel as if you were there with Birdie, our 'gung-ho' heroine, every step of the way.
My only objection is that it ends on a semi- cliffhanger and then spends 25-30% of the end pages, listing the author's many other series'/ books.
Get Nowhere to Hide today and see what you think!
May 30, 2021
This book is a great chance for fans of the Sebastian Clifford series to see one of it’s main characters, DC Bird aka Birdie, at a time before she meets Clifford. Birdie has just been promoted to Detective and has joined the small team at Market Harborough. Her usual impulsiveness gets her into a little trouble from time to time but she’s got a strong moral compass and is a good detective. She is tasked with investigating the brutal assault on a homeless man, which she initially is happy to do. Sally Rigby has created another compelling character with Birdie and this book not only showcases the character brilliantly but also the author's skills writing crime fiction. A really enjoyable short read that works well as an introduction to the series or as an interesting prequel for those of us already hooked. As always brilliant crime fiction from Sally Rigby,
April 29, 2021
After reading several books by Ms. Rigby ( Lethal Secret, Ritual Demise, Mortal Remains, Kill Shot, and Web of Lies) I loved this short to the point book. I enjoyed reading this short to the point book. Wow! Brilliantly written! Enjoyable! Sharp, real, relatable, likeable characters. Characters you would want to be friends with! A straight forward, easy to follow plot! Smooth! Easy flow of dialogue. Wow!
The only bad thing is, this prequel was way to short! I wanted more! I can't wait to get my hands on another book featuring DC Lucinda Bird. Thanks! This is a "Don't Miss" read! Pick up a copy today. This was a well spent 45 minutes out of my day! A perfect treat for my birthday! Read and enjoy!
The only bad thing is, this prequel was way to short! I wanted more! I can't wait to get my hands on another book featuring DC Lucinda Bird. Thanks! This is a "Don't Miss" read! Pick up a copy today. This was a well spent 45 minutes out of my day! A perfect treat for my birthday! Read and enjoy!
May 1, 2021
It's Birdie's first day out of uniform and joining the CID team at Market Harborough, a new station for her. She's hoping for a series case after three years on the beat. She finds herself partnered with Twiggy, who quickly finds she doesn't believe in following the rules and has a serious problem with getting to work on time.
Sally Rigby's prequel to her new series featuring Seb Clifford and Birdie is a fine introduction to one of her most interesting and quirky characters. It also looks at how we often forget the plight of the many homeless people in England and treat them all as second class citizens. Birdie breaks all the rules to fight for justice - and this is obviously just the very beginning.
Sally Rigby's prequel to her new series featuring Seb Clifford and Birdie is a fine introduction to one of her most interesting and quirky characters. It also looks at how we often forget the plight of the many homeless people in England and treat them all as second class citizens. Birdie breaks all the rules to fight for justice - and this is obviously just the very beginning.
May 10, 2021
This is a prequel story introducing one of the main characters in Sally Rigby's new series about former DCI Sebastian Clifford. This is the introduction to "Birdie", aka DC Lucinda Bird. I like the story, but the jury is still out on the character. I find her a little hard to like, which makes it harder for me to enjoy the story. This story follows her first case as a DC. She's trying to figure out who is beating up homeless people. I enjoyed the storyline of how she works the case, which kept me going with the story. I'm hoping that she is a character that just takes getting used to. Looking forward to more of the series.
February 5, 2023
I read this in the anthology "Turning the Tide".
Nowhere to Hide
Sally Rigby
1.5 stars
I read the first two chapters and had to quit. The lead character "Birdie" is ridiculous. This is supposed to be her first day as a DC having spent three years on the beat. She doesn't come off as stupid, but she is highly unlikable. Birdie starts with an attitude towards her new partner and then proceeds to tell her boss she doesn't want to do the job assigned to her. Taking a statement from an elderly homeless man is beneath her. Nope. Life is too short to read about someone whom I would never wish to be in the same room.
Nowhere to Hide
Sally Rigby
1.5 stars
I read the first two chapters and had to quit. The lead character "Birdie" is ridiculous. This is supposed to be her first day as a DC having spent three years on the beat. She doesn't come off as stupid, but she is highly unlikable. Birdie starts with an attitude towards her new partner and then proceeds to tell her boss she doesn't want to do the job assigned to her. Taking a statement from an elderly homeless man is beneath her. Nope. Life is too short to read about someone whom I would never wish to be in the same room.
May 2, 2021
Sally Rigby’s Nowhere to Hide is a great introduction to DC Lucinda Bird, aka Birdie. She is an interesting and quirky character as we learn well when she imposes herself on the CID team. Her first day on the job and she is already pushing the Sarge’s buttons. Still, when she meets an old family friend when interviewing a homeless man who has been attacked, she is determined to solve this crime. And she will, even if she is bending the rules a tad. A very enjoyable short story. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
May 8, 2021
Rules are made to be broken...
A great prequel that introduces Birdie, a DC in the Seb Clifford series. She is quite a character who follows her instincts before procedures. She hasn't broken every rule, just yet but they are piling up and it's only day 3 of her new CID job!
An attack on a homeless man, hits close to home and Birdie won't rest until she finds the culprits, even if it puts her in danger!
Skilful or stupid, she gets the job done.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A great prequel that introduces Birdie, a DC in the Seb Clifford series. She is quite a character who follows her instincts before procedures. She hasn't broken every rule, just yet but they are piling up and it's only day 3 of her new CID job!
An attack on a homeless man, hits close to home and Birdie won't rest until she finds the culprits, even if it puts her in danger!
Skilful or stupid, she gets the job done.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 8, 2021
A big fan of Sally Rigby’s books so a new series was quite interesting to discover! This is a short story, a prequel to the new series that has one book available and another coming out soon. It’s always fun to read the character’s back story. Birdie is young, headstrong, and bound to clash with authority. Looking forward to seeing what else she can get herself into while working as a new CID officer.
May 24, 2021
A great, short read!
This prequel novella gives us further insight into the fiery Birdie as she manages to make waves on her first day as a DCI.
But it's personal.
Even though she knows better, she goes undercover alone. Without telling anyone except her Mum. This can go really bad, really fast....
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
This prequel novella gives us further insight into the fiery Birdie as she manages to make waves on her first day as a DCI.
But it's personal.
Even though she knows better, she goes undercover alone. Without telling anyone except her Mum. This can go really bad, really fast....
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
November 6, 2021
We are introduced to DC Lucinda Bird (Birdie) as she starts her first day as a detective. She presses her luck right away with the Sarge and doesn't do any better afterwards. This story had me shaking my head at her antics and praying she wouldn't get hurt. If you enjoy short reads that pack a punch, you will love Nowhere To Hide. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 9, 2022
I’ve had this short story in my collection for a while. No apologies, just “too many books, too little time”.
Once I got thru the Brit police jargon, this was a quite enjoyable story: tight plot, good characterizations, clear scene descriptions.
As intended, this short story makes a good prequel to the author’s series of novels.
[Available from the author as a promotion, or in the Turning the Tide anthology to benefit the people of Ukraine (limited availability).]
Once I got thru the Brit police jargon, this was a quite enjoyable story: tight plot, good characterizations, clear scene descriptions.
As intended, this short story makes a good prequel to the author’s series of novels.
[Available from the author as a promotion, or in the Turning the Tide anthology to benefit the people of Ukraine (limited availability).]
May 3, 2021
I was very pleased when the author sent this to me. It came just as I finished a book and, I admit, I do not normally read novellas as I like books I can get my teeth into, so to speak. However, I loved this, it was such an easy, interesting and immersive read and has totally changed my perception of novellas. Thanks you Sally for a great story that is beautifully written
January 29, 2022
A GOOD START.
DC Lucinda Bird (Birdie) stood in front of the small police station in Market Harborough.
After three years in Oadby police station, she began a new position, a new adventure.
She felt nervous...
----------------
A good start for this prequel in which we get to know DC Birdie, implusive and determined.
A good background story, very pleasant to read.
I recommend !
DC Lucinda Bird (Birdie) stood in front of the small police station in Market Harborough.
After three years in Oadby police station, she began a new position, a new adventure.
She felt nervous...
----------------
A good start for this prequel in which we get to know DC Birdie, implusive and determined.
A good background story, very pleasant to read.
I recommend !
April 9, 2022
A novella to the Sebastian Clifford series with DC Birdie.
Great characters the pair of them work well together and well written.
Birdie has just joined the team and her first job is to investigate the brutal attack on a homeless man.
A great start to introduce them to the new series.
Thanks to Sally for the ARC
Great characters the pair of them work well together and well written.
Birdie has just joined the team and her first job is to investigate the brutal attack on a homeless man.
A great start to introduce them to the new series.
Thanks to Sally for the ARC
January 28, 2023
This is the prequel to the Sebastian Clifford series and introduces Birdie, a newly promoted DC on her first few days in the position. A short but very enjoyable story and I look forward to listening to Seb & Birdie's exploits in the main series.
I received a free a copy of this ebook from the author at my request and am voluntarily writing this unbiased review.
I received a free a copy of this ebook from the author at my request and am voluntarily writing this unbiased review.
May 24, 2025
Second read of study leave! I haven't read any books by Sally Rigby before and this novella was a great start to the world of Sally Rigby. The characters have amazing development in this short book that in some books just never happens! I love the way this book is written and I'm itching for more already!
May 20, 2021
Gripping, gritty and compelling are just a few words I’d used to describe this simply great story. The larger than life characters burst from the pages in reality, the plot and surrounding stories are just brilliant. So worth reading and falling in love with them all.
June 13, 2021
Quick intro to a cool quirky character in the Sebastian Clifford series. Birdie is a young new detective still trying to pave her way. Despite her faults, she is a determined feisty woman. I loved this prequel novella. I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
July 13, 2022
This was my introduction to Sebastian Clifford and I have since read the rest of the series and really love them. The combination of Seb with Birdie works so well. The saying is that opposites attract and this is certainly true here. Wonderful series
January 31, 2025
Lucinda just made dc and is assigned to her hometown. She is gung ho and outspoken so she thinks it is a put down when she is assigned to investigate the beating of an elderly homeless man. She is able to get him to talk because he was friends with her grandfather. Fast paced exciting reading
April 29, 2021
An introduction to Birdie's career and starting her dective life. You'll enjoy learng about the characters in this series.
May 2, 2021
Quick little intro into Birdie , loved it! Thanks Sally for the free copy. Definitely enjoy Birdie's determination.
May 8, 2021
Awesome Prequal. Love the character of Birdie. Can't wait to read more with her in it. 😁
May 30, 2021
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. Fantastic book quick read. Lots of action and suspense in just a few pages.
March 31, 2022
Another great read, highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews