The Hidden Graves of St Ives

A Cornwall Murder Mystery, Book 2

By: Sally Rigby

Narrated by: Clare Corbett

Her eyes flutter open, but it’s dark, and she can only make out shadows. She winces as tight cords dig into the soft skin of her arms, immobilising her. Where am I? The last thing she can remember is Molly, pleading with her to come back inside. Her whole body hurts. She moans again, and then she hears it. Soft breathing nearby. She’s not alone...

As the sun sets into the sea over the pretty Cornish town of St Ives, a young woman, Freya Kempston, hasn’t returned home after a day out in the mall at St Austell. Panicking, her husband begs Detective Lauren Pengelly and her team to find her. Has Freya run out on her stable, loving marriage, or has something more sinister taken place?

Grainy security footage from the mall provides the first break in the case – capturing Freya talking intently with a well-known local mechanic on the day she disappeared. But when cornered, the mechanic denies even knowing her. It's a puzzle that Lauren and her new partner, Detective Matt Price, can't ignore. They scrutinise the video, hunting for missed clues…

Just as Lauren and Matt begin to untangle the man’s alibi, another woman vanishes after a late shift at the local supermarket. And then a third goes missing while at a nightclub in town. A shiver runs down Lauren’s spine when she realises they’re up against a serial predator, and he’s one step ahead of the police.

Digging deeper into the lives of the missing women, Lauren stumbles upon a series of concealed messages and covert meetings – a hidden life none of their families knew about. The three women were connected, bound by secrets that could hold the key to where they’re being held. The revelation sends Lauren and Matt on a heart-pounding race against time, knowing that with every ticking second there’s less chance of finding them alive…

A totally unputdownable mystery from the bestselling author of the Cavendish and Walker series. Guaranteed to have you racing to the end! This book is perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel McLean and J M Dalgliesh.

©2024 Sally Rigby (P)2024 Storm Publishing

What a team

I really hope we get another book to listen to, Matt is really bringing this team together like a family! This was better than the first book with Matt and his new boss and team

Ruth’s Opinion

The diversity of the characters and the gradual relationships changes. Delighted for the return of Sgt. Matt

Riveting

multiple-murder, investigations, Cornwall, abduction, procedural, local-law-enforcement, pet-dog, teamwork, thriller, suspense, tense, unputdownable, due-diligence, serial-murder*****

The beginning was mostly focused on Detective Lauren Pengelly's feelings and problems with one of her beloved dogs who needed immediate surgery. I can really relate, but some folks might have a problem with her priorities. However, Lauren is only recently transferred to this assignment, and her offsider is recently widowed with a small child.
A distraught husband comes to the station about a wife missing less than the usual allotted time, but they begin the process. Then comes another, similar case. And things only get worse from there. Total suspense and so many surprising twists and revelations! Fascinating read!
I requested and received an EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
But then there was a glitch with the Kindle and I really wanted to read this book, so I went ahead and bought the audio.
I enjoyed the narration by voice artist Clare Corbett who really does a fine job!

An OK Read

Not up to Sallyʻs usual standards. Dragged on a bit. The characters were not as vibrant, as the other duo teams. Seb and Berdie and George and Whitney....being a lot more interesting. Lauren Pengelly was a bit rude and I could not buy that her team would be so dedicated, not even giving them a bit of praise. I kept hoping she would leave and Matt would take over......oh well, still a pretty good listen...

love this author

this is a must read , listen to book one 1st lost girls of Penzance

Boring

I think this was an ok story, but I do not like the DI and some of the team. I was trying to find other authors and this is not one I will put on my list of authors I like.

Excellent detective story

Sally Rigby’ series in Penzance combines character development, a feel for the Cornwall environment with exceptional storytelling skills. I highly recommend her series.

Another great audio story from Sally

I got out of hospital at 2am (NZ time) and this book was waiting for me. A great story that made me forget all I had been thru and what it yet to come. I got lost in the story. Claire's performance was excellent. I am happily waiting for the other books from Sally that are due out soon

The narrative was terrible

I could not stand the story, I can’t believe I read it all but so much unnecessary details and reactions! Showing who is the boss! I really did not like it! Not strong story and not the best writing !

Did sally rigby really write this?!

This did not seem up to par for sally rigby. Not a lot of fact checking for one. In regard to Tia’s surgery: stitches would stay in for 2 weeks. Lauren uses the excuse of an all day meeting to take Tia in to have stitches removed about 5-6 days after surgery. Not scoping out the pub fully. Put your hand on the hood of his car to see if cold or how warm. And looking into other properties or storage facilities should have one of the first things tasked in a kidnapping much less of now 4 women.

I should have waited for it to go on sale rather than wasting a credit on a 6 hour book.