The Hidden Graves of St Ives

Her eyes flutter open, but 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 & 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.

What readers are saying about The Hidden Graves of St Ives:

“Incredible book!!! So well written and sooooo very intriguing. I finished this in one single sitting. Highly recommend!!!!” Reader review, 5 stars

“I think I held my breath almost constantly for the last ten chapters apart from an occasional frantic gulp of air. Day became night and still I read on. I gave this novel five stars. Does it really deserve five stars? Is it really that good? Yes, and then some. I love the chalk and cheese approach to running an investigation that Lauren and Matt have… culminating in a profoundly chilling and never to be forgotten denouement.” Reader review, 5 stars

“Another fantastic crime novel with DCI Lauren Pengelly her sergeant Matt… Brilliant read and can’t wait for the next case.” Reader review, 5 stars

“What a great mystery… has you guessing from the get-go… this book is one you can’t put down from start to finish and has you on the edge of your seat.” Reader review, 5 stars

“With each twist, the tale masterfully tightens its grip… The characters were multi-dimensional and complex… The writing was engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat. I gave it 5 stars and can't wait to read more from this author!” Reader review, 5 stars

“What a page-turner! Fast paced and unputdownable… Great crime case and both the DI and DS nailed the culprit in the end. Highly recommended.” Reader review, 5 stars

Sally Rigby was born in Northampton, UK. After leaving university she worked in magazines and radio before finally embarking on a career lecturing in both further and higher education. Sally has always had the travel bug and after living in Manchester and London moved overseas with her family to New Zealand, which she considers to be one of the most beautiful place in the world. Sally now lives in Winchester, UK.Sally is the author of the acclaimed Cavendish and Walker series, the Detective Sebastian Clifford series, and the Cornwall Murder Mystery series. In collaboration with another author, Amanda Ashby, she also writes psychological thrillers.Sally has always loved crime fiction books, films and TV programmes. She has a particular fascination with the psychology of serial killers.Check out her website for a FREE prequel story.