Fear the Truth

Detective Sebastian Clifford #5

by Sally Rigby

The truth will set you free...except when it doesn't...

Private investigator Sebastian Clifford and his partner Birdie, step into the world of celebrity when a star of children’s TV turns to them for help. She’s being blackmailed by someone who knows about her murky past and she’s desperate to keep it hidden. But silence comes at a price, and it's one she can't afford to pay.

Clifford, who knows better than anyone what it's like to be punished for one mistake, agrees to help. But, as they dig deeper, they discover that everyone has secrets, and some are dark enough to kill for. Can they find the blackmailer before it’s too late and save the reputation...and the life...of a beloved star?

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Procedural

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2023

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Condensed

It is short of 5* as I feel that the entire plot, and sub plots to the storylines were rushed, not as much character development as I feel should have been done, not as much scene setting as I expected but enjoyable nonetheless.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private investigator Sebastian Clifford and his partner Lucinda 'Birdie' Bird have a new case. These two have been featured in previous books. Seb was a police officer. He decided to start his own detective agency. While working as a police officer, Birdie, was introduced to us. She is a quirky girl, also a police officer. She likes to do her own thing. She took Seb up on his offer to work with him. Their new case involves a television personality who is being blackmailed. She has some past history that will destroy her television career if it gets out. I love the two main characters. Seb is proper and sophisticated, coming from an aristocratic background. Birdie is the exact opposite. I love the way the two of them interact while solving their case. An unlikely pair but it works. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Randi Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sally Rigby's writing style. It is so easy to read, realistic and conversational. I thoroughly enjoy the often humorous interaction between Seb and Birdie. They are like oil and water but they work so well together. Birdie is especially good at pretending to be what she is not as the case demands. Since starting their private investigation firm they have not been inundated with work. Afraid they will have nothing but cheating spouse cases, Birdie is thrilled when a blackmail case comes to them. The person being blackmailed is a presenter on a children's television show with a secret in her background that someone has discovered. The case might have been a little easier if she had been truthful from the beginning, but Seb and Birdie manage to solve the case, with a twist in the end. I look forward to much more of Seb and Birdie.

[Geri Seavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Rigby delivers again!

Another mystery ! Who is blackmailing Florrie? A popular television host. Plot twists, a murder, secrets revealed. Then - finally Birdie prepares to meet her birth mom.
I must say I love a happy ending!

[Christine Guice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this set of Sally’s books

[Mrs B E Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read - Many surprises and discoveries along the way!

The case that Seb and Birdie take on this time is far removed from their usual. It involves celebrity, blackmail, a dark past and hidden truths. The two private detectives must work hard to protect their client but what is she hiding from her past.

Meanwhile, is Birdie any nearer to hearing from hee birth mother.

A many faceted, gripping story. Highly recommended. Just love the dynamics of this duo.

[Roisin Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest Clifford and Bird book is a thrilling story of blackmail and intrigue. A minor celebrity is being blackmailed about an incident in her past and Seb & Birdie are on the case. The book takes place in London and Peterborough, with a number of individuals who could be the blackmailers. With a few twists and turns including a death they finally find out who the blackmailers are. I read this book in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Well worth a read, I’d highly recommend it

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

She realized her life and the friends would bring trouble for her.
She changed her name and her outer appearances. Till twenty years later
blackmail came. Did they really know or because she was a known TV person
When murder happened the stakes changed can Seb and Birdie help her.
Good flowing plot as they work the case. I enjoyed reading .
Given ARC for my voluntary review

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this series and I especially adore the character of Birdie and Sebastian's "special power" which keeps things interesting. I was pleased to see Birdie is still keeping in touch with her ex-colleague and pal Twiggy.....that warmed my heart.
A very intriguing phrase caught my eye, which made a great deal of sense, when they were discussing whether someone was lying or not...."if he believes what he's saying, it's harder to pick up the body-language tells."
I was quite irritated at how economical a character was with the truth in this story. She needed a kick up the backside !!
I loved the very ending to this one and look forward to learning how a particular relationship goes on in the next story, which I'm looking forward to.
This was an ARC edition and I did still happen upon some errors but this time the author requested no feedback so I'll keep schtum !!
Once again the author has written a great story which as usual held my interest and wanting to read the next in the series soon !

[Ed Napiorkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same. Consistent with the earlier books (plus the usual early on in the piece rehash for those who may not have read the earlier works).
I found the story entertaining but not earth shattering and the repeated phrases of "adrenalin pulsed through (insert name here)'s veins" or "need to ascertain" plus a number of others is growing a tad tedious five books into a series.
I also feel the main character has perhaps too quickly deviated from the commitment to the truth previously displayed when a police officer and now is prepared to bend or withhold the truth or even lie when it's convenient. Apologies for sounding potentially over critical.
I'll persist with one more book as I purchased books 4 5 & 6 in a combined single audible audio book edition though I'm not sure I'll progress to the recently released book 7.
A solid three stars from me.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear the Truth by Sally Rigby is book 5 in the Sebastian Clifford series. Seb and Birdie, his partner, haven’t been inundated with work since Birdie joined him in partnership at Clifford Investigation Services. Florrie is a TV presenter for a children’s show and is being blackmailed for something that happened when she was a teenager. She comes to them for help. But what starts as blackmail becomes more sinister. Seb and Birdie are like chalk and cheese but they really gel and work well together. I just love their combination. A fair bit of humour results from their interaction. Birdie can’t sit still and Seb is calm and dignified. Thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have the rest of the series.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear The Truth - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Sally Rigby writes an exciting, fast-paced murder-mystery in Fear The Truth, where expert investigators Lucinda 'Birdie' Bird and Sebastian Clifford are hired by a tv presenter with a secret past, that's come back to haunt her.
Simultaneously, Birdie's contacted someone from her own past...will that have a satisfying result too?

A riveting twist in this fast-paced crime case will quickly draw you into the action, trying to work out what really happened and unmask the guilty, before the thrilling denouement confirms if you got it right.

To get your answers, grab a copy of Fear the Truth by Sally Rigby today - your mystery-thriller bookshelf will have a new star once you do!

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

One would hope that as a series of books progresses the author would understand the characters more, have more back story to include, more character quirks to add layers and have a real sense of what works to write an engrossing story. This is book 5 of this series and Sally Rigby has clearly learnt all of the above and more. She delivers another first class read full of mystery and twists and turns. It's a slightly more complex tale too with a lot of interwoven threads all adding to the overall picture. Is it the best yet? I don't know because I always think each new book Sally Rigby releases is the best she's written but this is certainly top class and worthy of readers time.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private investigator Sebastian Clifford and his partner Birdie are back again in Fear The Truth, the fifth book in the series. When the duo is hired by a children’s TV star because she is being blackmailed, it would have helped if Florrie had been completely honest with them. The more they dig, the more secrets they discover, and the more dangerous the case becomes. Filled with twists and turns and great characters, this book is a great addition to the series. I am looking forward to the next book by this wonderful storyteller. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters. Sebastian and Birdie work so well together and are very good at investigating their cases. They take the case of a children's television personality with a hidden past that's threatening her new life that she built from the ground up including changing her name. There are many twists and turns in this one. It doesn't help that their client keeps withholding vital information, but they keep digging until the discover the truth. On a personal note for Birdie and for anyone who's read all of these books, she may finally hear from her birth mother. You have to read the book to find out.

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear the Truth takes us on a different journey than Seb and Birdie have been on so far. Working for the star of a children’s television show may seem pretty benign but it’s not long before the clues are leading them in a number of directions.
The more they dig, the more they begin to wonder if their client is being completely honest with them, and the bigger the suspect list becomes.
I love how the characters’ idiosyncrasies follow them from book to book. Sally has a way of making her characters consistent and real while leaving them room to grow.
Another winner I recommend.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an dynamic story. The writing is captivating and makes it hard to put down. The friction between the characters make it even more realistic. She writes the characters so well you cannot help but be drawn in. It is also great to read a private investigator series that has a good variation in the cases they take on. Sebastian and Birdie are a pairing I would like to see go for a long time. The case in this book has enough twists to keep you intrigued until the end. Can you predict the end? I couldn't which is what I love about the book!

[Holly Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Sally Rigby’s book. I so enjoy the interaction between Sebastian, Seb and Birdie. As beginning private investigators, they are a great team, and this latest case of blackmail, seems very straight forward. But as life would have it, things get messy and complicated. An under current thread, is Birdie’s hunt for her birth mother.

I enjoyed this book and found it to be a quick read. 4.5 stars.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear the Truth is a great addition to the series. It's about a case of blackmail that turn out to be much more complicated and uglier but the duo, Seb & Birdie, discover the mystery and help to place the culprits behind bars. Birdie continues to search for her birth mother and things are looking bright, also her work relationship with Seb is growing, and both characters are learning from each other.
I thank Ms. Rigby, and her publisher for this ARC.

[Christyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do like this series. The books stand alone, but I like to read them all because I do like Seb and Birdie a lot! Their dynamic is evolving with each book in the series. I like their banter and their relationship feels natural. The case they are working on in this book was interesting and had a few twists and turns. I'm always happy to get another in this series, so am already looking forward to the next.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a compelling read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Suspenseful and thrilling. I felt every emotion. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sebastian and Birdie, two wonderful PI's. this is another wonderful story in the series filled with enough interesting complex and quirky characters, lots of twists and turns and unpredictable situations to keep you entertained and wanting more! This informative story is a real page turner and a must must read! Each book in the series gets better and better! I can hardly wait for the next book!

[Jady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burner

I find it hard to take to this series, I’m not sure if it’s because I don’t like this Birdie character. She’s very full of herself and seems to take the lead a lot . Her partner Seb seems too laid back . One thing seems really ridiculous & that’s her name , who would introduce themselves as Birdie Bird?
She could have Lucy or Cindy . The plot was good and full of twists.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth in the series and it’s still interesting and not full of plot holes. Our investigators take evidence and do their best to resolve what is happening. It’s nicely paced and again, this was an audiobook with the same narrator who has really given life and character to this couple. Weirdly portrays birdie well for a female voice but this guy is Seb! I wouldn’t have voiced him like that and it’s perfect!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Sebastian Clifford and Birdie detective story. I really like this stories and the mysteries the duo investigate. This story started a little slow for me and took me a while to get into, but I flew through the second half. Just like the others the story is complex and well thought out, the additional characters all bring something to the story, and you keep guessing throughout. I think the ending of this book was just wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking.

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the newest story of Birdy and Seb. Dealing with blackmailers is never easy, and a time limit makes it even tougher. I enjoy the characters and their interactions with each other. They are so different but compliment each other. The story was great and kept me guessing all the way.

I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

It`s the 5th in the series and the best yet.
Sebastion Clifford and Lucinda Bird are on a new case where a TV presenter is being blackmailed over her past when she was a teenager.
Loved the twists and turns and especially the banter between Seb and Birdie, they are like chalk and cheese but are fantastic together.
Can`t wait for the next one.

Thanks to Sally for the ARC

[Cathy Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in the Sebastian Clifford series. I like that this book brings a little more of the back story and personal lives of the characters. Seb and Birdie are trying to help a celebrity to find out who might be blackmailing her. There's lots of twists and turns in their search and it's easy to follow the storyline.

[Liz Krummell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best of the books so far. Birdie acted much more appropriately - I don't think she was ever late and utilized some good cyber search skills. Appreciate the line regarding a prior relationship - I don't want to change the storytelling with Seb and Birdie becoming involved. THe story was good with lots of twists.