Picture a British storyteller spinning gripping crime tales from the serene landscapes of New Zealand—meet Sally Rigby! Born in Northampton, England, this acclaimed author has carved a niche in contemporary crime fiction with her thrilling Cavendish & Walker and Sebastian Clifford series. With a knack for weaving complex characters and pulse-pounding plots, Rigby’s stories keep readers glued to the page.
Her lifelong love for crime fiction, fueled by a fascination with serial killers’ psychology, shines through in every book. Whether it’s a chilling murder mystery or a twisty psychological thriller, Rigby’s work is a masterclass in suspense. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this captivating author.
The Making of Sally Rigby
Sally Rigby’s story begins in Northampton, UK, where her passion for storytelling took root. After studying at university, she dabbled in magazines and radio before embarking on a career lecturing in further and higher education. A self-confessed travel enthusiast, Rigby lived in Manchester and London before making a bold move to New Zealand in 2001, with a five-year stint in Australia. She calls New Zealand the most beautiful place in the world, and its tranquil backdrop contrasts sharply with the dark, thrilling worlds she creates.
Rigby’s writing journey started with non-fiction, but her heart belonged to crime fiction. Inspired by her love for crime novels, films, and TV shows, she transitioned to fiction, channeling her fascination with human psychology into her gripping narratives. This shift marked the birth of a crime fiction star whose stories resonate with readers globally.
Sally Rigby’s Unforgettable Stories
Rigby’s flagship series, Cavendish & Walker, pairs DCI Whitney Walker, a tenacious single mother and detective, with Dr. Georgina Cavendish, a forensic psychologist stepping out of academia to solve crimes. The series kicks off with Deadly Games, where a serial killer targets students, pushing Walker and Cavendish to their limits. Fatal Justice follows, tackling a vigilante’s brutal justice, while Death Track hunts the elusive Carriage Killer. With 14 novels, including the 2024 release Death’s Shadow, the series blends gritty police procedurals with psychological depth.
The Sebastian Clifford series introduces a former Metropolitan Police detective turned private investigator in Market Harborough. Web of Lies sets the stage with a scandal-haunted Clifford unraveling a complex mystery. Never Too Late, the third book, sees him tackle a cold case tied to Whitney Walker’s brother, merging the two series’ worlds. Rigby’s style—fast-paced, character-driven, and rich with twists—captures the intrigue of small-town secrets and big-city stakes.
Under the pseudonym Amanda Rigby, she collaborates with Amanda Ashby to pen psychological thrillers, showcasing her versatility. Her Cornwall Murder Mystery series adds cozy yet suspenseful tales to her repertoire, proving her range in crafting compelling crime stories.
Why Sally Rigby Matters
Sally Rigby’s impact on crime fiction lies in her ability to blend psychological insight with relatable characters. Her series resonate with fans of Joy Ellis and Rachel Abbott, offering a fresh take on British crime thrillers. Readers praise her for creating dynamic duos like Walker and Cavendish, whose partnership balances grit and intellect, and Clifford and Birdie, whose chalk-and-cheese dynamic sparks humor and heart.
From her New Zealand home, Rigby has built a global following, with her books earning stellar reviews for their intricate plots and vivid settings, like the historic Market Harborough. Her exploration of serial killers’ motivations and her knack for tying personal stakes to high-stakes cases make her a standout in the genre. As Storm Publishing gears up for her 14th Cavendish & Walker novel, Buried Fear, Rigby’s legacy as a master of suspense continues to grow.
- Born: Northampton, UK
- Key Works: Cavendish & Walker series, Sebastian Clifford series, Cornwall Murder Mystery series
- Fun Fact: Rigby also writes psychological thrillers under the pseudonym Amanda Rigby
Snag Deadly Games or Web of Lies and dive into Sally Rigby’s thrilling crime fiction world—your next page-turner awaits!