Web of Lies: Detective Sebastian Clifford, Book 1

New series. Good read. I like the way thus book is written. Why would a prominent investor take his own life and almost leave his wife and children broke? Life insurance want pay out on a suicide. Did he leave some clues? Was it suicide or murder? Good question, lets tags along with the investigators and finds out.

I began reading series books a long time ago. I read a couple of the Harry Boys, but to be different from everyone else, I took on Tom Swifft, Jr., by Victor App!eton Il. That led me to Tom Swift, by Victor Appleton. Sometime down the road I discovered that neither author was real - both series (and I believe the same was true for Nancy Drew and the Hardy boys) were written by contract writers and published as if by a single author.Later on, a similar phenomenon emerged as books serializing Star Trek and Star Wars came to market, although, to be fair, books in those later series were attributed to individual authors. But I stayed away from them - even if they were from authors I enjoyed, since the world where they occurred wasn't of their creation. My point? I've been looking at my relationship with serials and looking to compare and contrast.What I can surmise is that that the use of different authors kept the world of Tom Swift, et. al, tightly controlled. Today, however, in the world of self-publishing, authors are now creating worlds and characters as fast as possible. In some cases, such as this book, they find a branch in their world and develop it into something new. With elements of something old as well.I can't remember if the protagonist, Sebastian Clifford, shows up in Rigby's Cavendish & Walker series. If he does, it's briefly. Clifford is a 14 year veteran detective, second son of royalty (viscount level - for what that's worth) whose unit disbanded. Faced with returning to the life of a uniformed cop, he left the force. DC Lucinda Bird is an active duty detective in a small department in a tiny town. Clifford attends a funeral there, and, after speaking with the widow, decides to investigate his death. Ruled a suicide, his wife says it couldn't be. Birdie, an irrepressible and irresponsible one, is chafing at enforced desk duty when Clifford calls with questions and joins with him to investigate.The deceased was running a Ponzi scheme; the apparent suicide wasn't investigated thoroughly, and what transpires along the way makes up the book. Additionally, partnering the 38 year old Clifford with the 25 year old Bird sets up some interesting - if somewhat clumsy - interactions between them. At one point, Clifford does call Whitney Walker (from the Cavendish & Walker series) to keep these tied. So, Clifford and Bird exist as another thread in Rigby's universe. Once again pairing characters, she pairs the untamed Bird with the sophisticated Clifford. Misperceptions appear. Underestimation as well.As a first novel (in a series since Rigby has at least 8 others under her belt) it's a good start for a potential partnership. The biggest concern I have at this point is whether the small town setting will run out of population before Rigby runs out of characters and books! I'm signed up for the next one. Pick this one up and enjoy!

Some good characters to develop. Could end up being a rollicking series...Good dialog though But that could lead to some real fun. Unravels far too quickly. Could use some courtroom scenes. to liven thigs up.Looking forward to book No. 2.

At first, it was slow and not sure I would like it. But as I got further and further into the book, I could not put it down until I finished. All in all, I liked the PI and the police officer Birdie. Great couple and feel further books would or should pair them together again

Seb (mr nice guy) uncommitted, takes on a freelance task for his cousin Sarah. He was actually doing PI work. An unlicensed PI at that, plus no firearm…laws being laws.He hooks up with a floozball immature cop who can’t arrive anywhere on time. Often late for work she was on semi permanent desk work.Murder was a possibility but, they both admitted murder was a very remote possibility. But someone panicked, then murder became a distinct possibility. Most likely a reality.The game was afoot!

The characters in this novel drink a lot of coffee for a “caffeine boost;”perhaps the author Sally Rigby could use a “caffeine boost” to get her to pick up the pace of this novel!! If not, then the readers will definitely a strong cup of coffee to keep themselves awake while reading it!Although it isn’t identified as such, this novel belongs in the category of “Cozy Mysteries.” Not that there’s anything wrong with that! I just wasn’t expecting it to be one. If that category is your cup of tea, go for it!On a more positive note, the characters were well drawn and interesting. But sadly, the outcome was largely predictable. So I will not be reading any other books in this series; however, as I always do, I recommend potential readers download a sample of the book and decide for themselves!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Web of Lies and especially enjoyed the characters so count me in for the rest of the series.

Very good read. Kept you interested and trying to figure out who did it. Looking forward to the next book.

Having not read any of this author’s work before I was soon engrossed in Web of Lies. I wasn’t keen on Birdie at first- unpunctual and very disorganised also disrespectful. But after pairing up with ex DI Sebastian Clifford she soon realised she was enjoying being part of an investigation again. The story unfolded well and wasn’t full of useless dialogue some authors use to fill time with. I did find Sebastian a bit naive at times & this is where Birdie was the more sensible one . Maybe he will listen in future, they make a good team . Looking forward to reading more 😊

Characters aren’t as interesting as in Sharon Rigby’s last very pleasant series. Book didn’t have the same momentum. Sadly, I didn’t care much about any of it and after a while, I started skipping a lot of stuff. Ponzi plot not very interesting. If I had been late all the time at any of the jobs where I have worked, I would have been fired. Not a lovable trait, but a bore. And speaking of boredom, I was bored a good deal of the time. Sharon! You can do better!

I needlessly worried that a spin off wouldn't be as good, but I worried for nothing, it's fabulous. Once started I couldn't put it down. Well written, meaty, likeable and nasty characters, this new series has so much potential I'm anxiously awaiting book two. No spoilers from me, read it and I guarantee you will enjoy it. An excellent read. Try it you will love it.

Having read all the Walker and Cavendish series I was keen to start this one and find out more about Sebastian Clifford. I liked getting to know the characters and enjoyed the plot, plus we are obviously going to be following Birdie's search for her birth mother throughout this new series, I always like it more when some domestic life is added to the characters backgrounds. So for me this was a perfect read! Have already pre-ordered the second book in the series!

Clumsy dialogue that comes across as if asking questions that have just been answered. Head hopping within the same paragraphs meaning I had to reread. Not enough world building. Grammar errors and spelling errors.Just a few quibbles in this book. However, the characterisation is strong , particularly Birdie who is hilariously twenty something with all the preconceived notions of anyone over 30. I also enjoyed the plot which oversees the apparent suicide of a man responsible for carrying out a swindle on his investors. A further proofread of this book would possibly resolve its issues and elevate it.