Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Scream all you want, no one can hear you....
When an attempted murder is linked to a string of unsolved sexual attacks, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is incensed. All those women who still have sleepless nights because the man who terrorises their dreams is still on the loose.

Calling on forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish to help, they follow the clues and are alarmed to discover the victims all had one thing in common. Their birthdays were on the 29th February. The same date as a female officer on Whitney’s team.

As the clock ticks down and they’re no nearer to finding the truth, can they stop the villain before he makes sure his next victim will never scream again.

Broken Screams is the twelfth book in the acclaimed Cavendish & Walker series and is perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Helen H Durrant and Rachel McClean.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2022

454 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

About the author

Sally Rigby

44 books490 followers
Sally Rigby was born in Northampton, in the UK. She has always had the travel bug, and after living in both Manchester and London, eventually moved overseas. From 2001 she has lived with her family in New Zealand, which she considers to be the most beautiful place in the world. During this time she also lived for five years in Australia. Sally has always loved crime fiction books, films and TV programmes, and has a particular fascination with the psychology of serial killers.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,083 (61%)
4 stars
528 (29%)
3 stars
134 (7%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 3, 2022
*Distorted Revenge*

A sexual predator is on the loose. He is raping women and the one thing they all have in common is that they all share the same birthday 29th of February. There is a social media group for people who share the same birthday. Why is this date so significant?

DCI Whitney Walker & forensic psychologist Dr. Georgina Cavendish (Aka George) are on the case. As they investigate all roads lead to one suspect and when a disabled man and a woman ring in after a press conference to visit the police station their information adds weight to their case.

When the perpetrator changes to murder the team pull out all the stops, they end up in a race against time when they discover there is someone out there who is toying with them and one of their own with the same birthday is in grave danger.

This is book 12 of 12 and feel that there may be more scope for more. It has been a great series.
Profile Image for Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze .
512 reviews45 followers
April 5, 2023
Fast-paced Police story

Sally's done it again!

A great police investigation, and team, working on a serial rapist case that progressed to murder that they are determined to solve before another woman dies. There's a unique link to all the victims that has been kept out of the press.

Of course there is always some personal drama to deal with with George and/or Whitney while they are trying to solve the case.

Waiting for Book 13...
Profile Image for pawsreadrepeat.
617 reviews31 followers
August 21, 2022
Broken Screams is the 12th book in the Cavendish and Walker Series and the first book I've read in this series. In Broken Screams and attempted murder is linked to a string of unsolved sexual attacks. Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is incensed and calls on forensic psychologist Dr. Georgina Cavendish to help solve the case. Together they follow the clues and learn that all of the victims have one thing in common. Their birthdays (Feb 29th).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was hooked immediately. The storyline is brilliant and unpredictable. The characters are well developed and have a depth to them that creates suspense. There is also a HUGE twist at the end you won't see coming. I look forward to reading more from this author and will be going back to read the first 11 books!

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @sallyrigby4 and @ZooloosBT for my #giftedbook!
Profile Image for Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze .
512 reviews45 followers
December 5, 2022
Fast-paced Police story

Sally's done it again!

A great police investigation, and team, working on a serial rapist case that progressed to murder that they are determined to solve before another woman dies. There's a unique link to all the victims that has been kept out of the press.

Of course there is always some personal drama to deal with with George and/or Whitney while they are trying to solve the case.

Waiting for Book 13...
Profile Image for Lynda Kelly.
2,206 reviews106 followers
July 21, 2022
Another cracking instalment in this series by Sally Rigby. This is the dozenth one in this set and they never let me down. Plus I know all the personnel and thankfully the author doesn't keep us waiting a year or more as a rule till the story continues, so you don't lose your way with what is going on in the personal lives of Whitney's team.
Plenty of relationship changes in this story as well.
I think it is a great idea having all the victims being born on February 29th. It is a very simple but effective trope, I think. It has to be a strange one having a proper birthday only every four years. We used to tease a lad at school and point out to him with glee that he was only 3 years old......thought we were SO original !!
I didn't guess who was behind the crimes in this one, which is usual for me. I was quite surprised that both Whitney and George were both a little off their game, however.....a rare thing for one of them, let alone them both !!
I'm really looking forward to the next in the series to see where and how things are going to develop with the ladies' personal lives. I think it's time Ms Rigby gave young Tiffany a bit of a personal life as well...hehehe !!
As the author kindly provided an ARC, I will forward any other comments, or my highlights, directly onto her.
342 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2022
Reading a Cavendish and Walker book is like catching up with old friends after not seeing them for a long time, there's something comforting but also thrilling about the series, Sally Rigby manages to keep it fresh and yet continues to develop the characters to add to their depth.

I loved how the team made the connection between an attempted murder and a string of unsolved sexual assaults. And what linked the victims ~ very clever.

As usual, Sally Rigby manages to interweave the personal and professional lives of the team without disrupting the flow of the story. While this is the 12th book in the series, it's as fresh as any/all of the others. It was a joy to read, I was frantically turning the pages to find out what was happening, but equally didn't want it to end.

More please!!

I received this as an ARC from the author and am voluntarily submitting my review.

Profile Image for HornFan2 .
766 reviews46 followers
July 28, 2022
I received an advance ARC copy from the author and I also purchased a copy from amazon.com. Something I like to do, to support one of my favorite indy authors.

With 'Broken Screams', you have an intertwining storyline that could be ripped right out of the headlines. Another intense read, from Lenchester the most crime riddled fictional town in England. It's fast paced, the writing puts you into the pages, tension filled, suspenseful, with red herrings, twist and turns and builds to a great twisted conclusion.

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. DCI Walker's old team, with the new editions are working like a well oiled machine, mix in the pathologist Claire , even 'Dickhead' Douglas plays nice sort of and liked the undercover part, that ultimately caught the bad guy.

Really like the author Sally Rigby's, Cavendish and Walker series a lot, her Sebastion Clifford series is also really good, in love with "Birdie" and definitely give her a read.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,626 reviews54 followers
August 23, 2022
Broken Screams by Sally Rigby is a character-driven, fast-paced thriller that I barely could put down. The plot is absolutely suspenseful and twisted. I always read these types of books at night and wonder why I don’t sleep well! What a scary murderer!

I love the characters. The time this author spends on ensuring her characters feel real and are well-rounded and developed. I liked reading about the police work and how they approached these horrific crimes.

I’m finding it hard to review this because it was just so good, I want to write THIS IS AMAZING, READ IT, and finish my review! So, I’ll leave it there. If you enjoy this genre, you’ll absolutely enjoy Broken Screams! Highly recommended.

Thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
July 19, 2022
Whitney, Dr. George and the team are after a serial rapist. The victims all have an interesting and unusual thing in common, so they are definitely targeted. But when another victim is attacked, and murdered time is not on the side of law and order. Why is this unusual thing so important to the rapist and why did he escalate to murder? Plus, both Whitney and George have personal issues to resolve. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,284 reviews40 followers
July 18, 2022
I love this series! It gets better and better with each new book! Complex, interesting and quirky characters, intriguing details and an unpredictable story throughout capture your attention and make it a real page turner! I feel as if I know the characters and am part of the story! Lots of twists and turns, mystery and intrigue make this a must read! I cound not put this book down and once finished reading I wished it could be longer! Cannot wait for more!
864 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2022
Another winner in the series. This one pulled me in on the first page and I really couldn't stop reading. I was intrigued by the mystery and there were a few really good suspects. I loved all the personal bits in this story too. i love Whitney and George and how close of friends they have become. The book moves quickly and has a very satisfying ending. Though I'm anxiously awaiting the next. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Toni Simpson.
354 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2022
Great Mystery

Sally, you've done it again ; a fantastic mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a twisty and surprising story. I read straight through and it's now 12:26 am. Whew! My only problem is that I now have to wait for #13.
1,814 reviews14 followers
July 18, 2022
A series of rapes and a murder put Detective Inspector Whitney Walker and the forensic psychologist, Dr. George Cavendish on the hunt. It looks like they found their killer, only to realize he may not be the one. The rapist and killer chooses women born on February 29th. Whitney and George work together to find the truth. An exciting novel with an unexpected conclusion.
Profile Image for Patricia Harris.
594 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2022
A fast paced read that you can’t put down.
Walker and Cavendish are on the hunt for a serial rapist and they must rush to solve before another victim shows up.
We also got into their personal relationships some.
Enjoyed reading this one and couldn’t put it down.
1,277 reviews
July 13, 2022
Broken Screams is book 12 in the Cavendish and Walker series by Sally Rigby. There has been an attempted murder and sexual assault and the hunt is on. I love the combination of George, the forensic psychologist, and Whitney, the DCI. They are like chalk and cheese but work so well together. Whitney is a compassionate person and George is more clinical. The rest of the team work well together – Frank and Doug bounce off each other and lighten the mood at times. This was a great addition to the series and would recommend it.
735 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2022
Broken Screams, the newest Cavendish and Walker procedural is a twisty mystery that kept me reading into the night.
I love the way the personal lives of the characters are woven seamlessly into the plot. It elevates the story and makes connection with the reader.
I’ve been invested in this series since book one and will continue to be a fan.
If you haven’t read this series, now’s the time!
559 reviews12 followers
July 15, 2022
Walker and Cavendish have their hands full trying to solve assault cases and little clues to follow. The characters are well developed and will keep you guessing.
12 reviews
March 25, 2024
Brilliant storyline. Sally Rigby always comes up with the goods and never disappoints. 🙋🏼‍♂️👋
85 reviews
July 21, 2022
Loving the twists that Sally puts in the Cavendish and Walker series. The women in the area of Lenchester have a new fear to deal with. It appears that there's a serial rapist in the area who is accelerating his violence with each new attack. Lorna Knight is the first victim that Whitney comes in contact with. Lorna managed to kick her attacker away while he was trying to strangle her. The phrase, "scream and I'll cut your tongue out" is what leads Whitney to other rape victims of this man. There is another thing all the victims have in common. They all share February 29th as their birth dates and are all members of an online group for people who share that birth date.

When Ellie's research came up with similar rapes, they were spaced 6 months apart, the oldest attack being 18 months earlier. The only attribute the women shared was their birth date and the online group. Whitney shows all those women a picture of Fraser Clark who is Lorna's rather hot-tempered ex-boyfriend. Fraser is their number 1 suspect, as an ex-boyfriend, until they're called to a rape and murder scene on Tuesday. The victim is Paula Moore. It's obvious from the bruises on her face and neck and the fact that her birthday is Feb. 29th, that this murder was committed by the rapist. He only went a couple of days instead of 6 months. George and Whiteney are figuring that it's because Lorna was supposed to be his first murder and she got away. Things are looking much more serious since the rapist/murderer has upped his timeline and his game.

When the book opens, we see Whitney singing a solo with the Rock Choir at her church. Her daughter Tiffany is there to watch her while her Granddaughter Ava is being watched by one of the neighbors. Of course, Whitney gets the call about Lorna's attack while she's there and has to leave early. At least she is done with her solo and able to sneak out.

We see George unpacking at her new house, which she is now going to be living in with Ross, her successful sculptor boyfriend. Ross surprises her with a marriage proposal, which George decides to seriously consider. George is not one to jump into anything without much thought. When Ross asked her earlier in their relationship, she broke up with him but decided she was less happy without him.

Whitney talks to George about her relationship with Martin, the man who is actually Tiffany's father. She's not sure she wants to be anything more than friends because she's not getting the tingles from him. He surprises Whitney with plans to take her to the Maldeves. This happens to be on Whitney's bucket list. Martin is a man who pays attention and cares enough to do things to show Whitney he cares about her. She has a decision to make about what constitutes a lasting love relationship.

Whitney's old sergeant Matt comes for a surprise visit with his 2-year-old daughter Dani. Whitney is thrilled to see him. He worked with her for many years before he quit to allow his wife to get ahead in her career. Later in the book there is an incident that will change Matt's life decisions.

There are other men being considered as possible suspects for the rapes and killing. It's interesting to see the evidence that shows up. This criminal is smart, patient, and sneaky. He knows how to stay under the radar and how to avoid crowds and cameras. Is one of the suspects being framed or is he just good and making it look like he is?

When it ends, I'd have to say the thought that occurred to me was, "Will the real rapist/murderer please stand up."
Profile Image for M.
1,576 reviews
August 10, 2022
A better title would be “Don’t Scream.” Warning: There are spoilers in this review.

I’ve skipped a few Cavendish & Walker books, but it was easy to slip back into their lives and cases again. This was a very well-plotted book about a cunning serial rapist, who escalates to murder, as George predicted. Most interesting is the unique victimology, which is noted in the book blurb.

Author Sally Rigby gives few to zero clues about her villains, so I just went with her storyline. As a crime fiction fan, I knew the initial suspect was caught too early in the case. Then, Whitney is all but handed the next suspect, so she doesn’t investigate the most incriminating piece of evidence.

My biggest problem: the murderer is not believable. Yes, the reveal is a surprise. But not in a good way. Physical disability cannot be hidden as well as the author thinks. The villain, who’s been in a wheelchair for 2+ years, rents a two story house. No boarders. Who has that kind of money? Who takes him places if he’s in a wheelchair? His very nosy neighbor noticed nothing unusual and didn’t check on him? Plus, how’d George the psychologist miss all his tells? No cop re-interviews him or nosy neighbor?

This man in a wheelchair Is big and strong enough to overpower women, drag them through hedges, and take them to dark places to rape them. He kidnaps a young policewoman from her car while she resists him. He drags her over a two-feet high brick wall; through undergrowth, thistles & thorns; and to a clearing. Finally, he’s thrown off his victim by a cop, but he manages to run off. He’s finally stopped by the cop who brings him down with a flying tackle.

My believability has limits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lynda.
2,213 reviews119 followers
August 20, 2022
The 12th book in the Cavendish and Walker series and another great police procedural/crime read. I’ve followed this series from the start and love our three feisty ladies Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker, forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish and forensic pathologist Dr Claire Dexter. Another well written and well plotted instalment with some brilliant red herrings.

Briefly, following a sexual attack on a woman walking through a park Whitney and her team soon discover that there have been other cases with the same modus operandi and they are potentially looking at a serial rapist. As more attacks take place it is clear that his actions are becoming more brutal, the last victim is murdered. All the victims have the same birthday, the 29th of February, what is the reasoning behind this and can the team stop this man before another woman is killed?

I love how the personal lives of the characters are neatly interwoven into the storyline without losing any of the continuity. George’s concern over her latest marriage proposal are literary gems, she is probably my favourite character and is clearly on the Spectrum; her comments often make me smile, although she isn’t intending any humour. I also have to give this author 10 out of 10 for her plot line. It’s quite rare that I don’t suspect who the killer is but in this case I didn’t have a clue. A great read
Profile Image for Claire.
1,106 reviews183 followers
August 27, 2022
February 29th is one of those magical dates. That date when those whose birthday it is can only really properly celebrate every 4 years. They’re quite a special group of people. But they’re also the unlucky ones in Broken Screams.

Our killer is an odd ball, targeting those special people – no one can control when their birthday is can they? So why kill them?

I really liked the relationship between Whitney and George. Despite not working with each other day in day out, it felt like they had a relationship where they did. Mixed in with their professional lives, I got to see the trials and tribulations of their downtime, their love life issues. The impact their professions had on their nearest and dearest.

Broken Screams is a fast paced police procedural that I read in two sittings. I raced through the pages following the investigation trying to work out who this killer was and why they targeted the ones born on that extra leap year day. I didn’t feel I’d missed out on the previous novels by diving into the series at book 12. Rigby gave me enough background to the cast of characters to be able to enjoy the story. This is a decent crime thriller and I’m sure I’ll be back to the world of Cavendish and Walker before long.
Profile Image for Lynsey.
750 reviews34 followers
August 31, 2022
‘Broken Screams’ is the 12th book in the Cavendish and Walker series and it was a welcome return to characters that now feel like friends! I always know that when I pick up one of Sally’s books I am going to enjoy it - they are action-packed, extremely well-paced and plotted, have a great depth of characters and unique storylines.

DCI Whitney Walker and her team are asked to solve an attempted murder and they soon link it to a series of sexual assaults over the past 18 months. She calls in forensic psychologist George Cavendish and they soon discover that all the victims shared a birthday - 29th February. What is worrying is that so does a member of the team…

There are also personal developments for both ladies - Ross proposes to George again which puts her in a head spin. This makes her more relatable in a way as she makes some very human reactions! Bless her. Whitney meanwhile has decided that she needs to break up with Martin. It was also lovely to see Matt pop back into the series as I felt that was a shame to lose the close working relationship between Whitney and Matt.

Once again this was a story with twists and turns and I certainly did not guess the killer this time. I did my normal half-point stock take and didn't even have an inkling!

Roll on book 13!

Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
July 17, 2022
Scream all you want, no one can hear you....
When an attempted murder is linked to a string of unsolved sexual attacks, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is incensed. All those women who still have sleepless nights because the man who terrorises their dreams is still on the loose.
Calling on forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish to help, they follow the clues and are alarmed to discover the victims all had one thing in common. Their birthdays were on the 29th February. The same date as a female officer on Whitney’s team.
As the clock ticks down and they’re no nearer to finding the truth, can they stop the villain before he makes sure his next victim will never scream again.

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Charlotte Baddeley.
291 reviews14 followers
August 27, 2022
This is the 12th book in the series but don’t let that put you off. It is perfect as a stand alone but I must confess that I enjoyed it so much I immediately bought the box set of the first three novels in the series and a prequel novella.

The main protagonists, DCI Whitney Walker and her colleague and friend forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish work perfectly together, as do the whole team. I found the back story of DCI Walker and her team, working to catch this killer before he strikes again absolutely gripping and I loved the insight into their personal lives. I imagine, once you have read the full series, they become like old friends as you watch their lives evolve and wait eagerly for the next instalment. And that is without the main storyline about a ruthless sexual predator who is becoming more vicious with each new attack. What do his victims have in common and will Whitney and her team catch him before he strikes again? There are so many red herrings along the way and a very intriguing twist at the end.

I am absolutely delighted to have discovered, what is for me a new author and what a treat I have in store catching up on the series.
Profile Image for Randi Robinson.
657 reviews15 followers
July 22, 2022
I think this is my favorite book of the Cavendish and Walker series. Whitney and George continue to grow and develop. Their relationship has developed to the point they consider each other best friends. They both have quite a bit going on in their personal lives that almost gets in the way of the investigation. We learn a little more about Whitney's team members, both past and present, and we see a little more of Claire Dexter, the forensic pathologist. The case is interesting, a sexual assault where the latest victim escaped. It is tied to other cases in the past 2 years, and it has a very surprising twist for both the reader and the police. I love the way the Ms. Rigby develops the case with solid police work. There are a couple of chapters giving us a look into the killer's mind, but for the most part we are following the clues as the police discover them. It is not necessary to have read earlier books to enjoy this book. It is not a cliff hanger but as usual the ending leaves me wanting more of Whitney and George.
Profile Image for Donna Morfett.
Author 9 books71 followers
August 27, 2022
I came into this series late, but it hasn't impacted on my enjoyment of it in any way. I soon picked up on all the characters stories, and may have missed some backstory but not a lot.
I forgot how odd George is. Despite being brilliant, she struggles with human things, relationships, living together, and in this book, a marriage proposal. You'd wonder how something that seemingly last seconds in real life can be stretched over a whole book, but you'd soon see.
The case at the backbone of this, unusually, isn't murder, but a particularly vicious rape. Whitney Walker works brilliantly with the psychologist George. They bounce off each other.
It's soon discovered there is a link with this sexual attack and some previously, along with a link to a birthday of February 29th.
This rattles along quickly once it gets going and I was so swept up in the narrative, I followed the twists and turns before being shocked by the conclusion and the whodunit.
Another brilliant outing by Sally Rigby and i will be eagerly awaiting book 13.
Profile Image for Alyson Read.
1,160 reviews56 followers
August 22, 2022
DCI Whitney Walker of Lenchester CID and her close friend forensic psychologist Dr Georgina “George” Cavendish have worked together for several years on many cases. George has just moved into a house with boyfriend Russ, despite still trying to dodge the question of children and marriage, when they acquire a new case, that of the brutal rape and attempted strangulation of a woman in a park. A suspect emerges in the form of a nasty ex-boyfriend but can it be that simple? When the team discover solid links to three previous rapes in less than two years, it appears they have a vicious serial rapist to catch, and one who is escalating. Can they stop him before he murders someone?
Walker and Cavendish make a great team, despite being poles apart personality wise. Featuring a dedicated team of officers, this is a clever and twisty story full of red herrings for the reader to stumble over ending in a daring plan to apprehend a careful and ruthless attacker. 4.5*
Profile Image for Mrs B E Woods.
287 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2022


Book 12 in the Cavendish and Walker series is possibly the best so far.
Having followed the series since Book 1, it has been a entertaining series and a look into the personal and professional lives of George Cavendish, Whitney Walker and the members of her team, and their ever changing working dynamic.

A seemingly elusive serial rapist suddenly and inexplicably changes his modus operandi and, unusually, Whitney, George and the team are on the back foot. Just as they are celebrating the arrest of a suspect, there is another woman found. The perpetrator leaves no clues or DNA. Who is this person or are there two working together?

In addition to the crimes we are treated to the developments in the personal lives of some of the characters and a traumatic event which leaves the whole team stunned.

So much going on - no time to get bored as there is action all the way through.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
931 reviews
August 11, 2022
Walker and Cavendish are going strong in Broken Screams, the twelfth novel in the series. When DCI Whitney Walker links several unsolved crimes to an attempted murder, she will need Dr. Georgina Cavendish’s help to sort out the clues and profile the unknown subject. With time running out before another crime is committed, and when so many are waiting for the justice they deserve, Walker and Cavendish will have to use all their wits to bring the guilty party to justice. Another wonderful police procedural filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. The whole series is great, and I look forward to the next read in these well-written books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.