Death at Porthcurno Cove is book 5 in Sally Rigby's Cornwall Murder Mystery series, and for the most part is easily read as a standalone.

Detective Inspector Lauren Pengelly finds the bodies of a young couple while walking her dogs, and she and her team are immediately drawn into the mystery of the couple’s death.

Most of the novel is told in third person from the point of view of Lauren, or her partner Detective Sergeant Matt Price. For some reason I was expecting this to be a cosy mystery, but although it was more of a police procedural I was not disappointed.

I did guess the killer about half way through the story, but I’m not really sure it was obvious or just a lucky guess as there were a lot of red herrings that had me doubting myself at times.

The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, which I think may lead into the next story, but the mystery in this novel is fully resolved so picking up the next book is not necessary.

I really enjoyed Death at Porthcurno Cove. As I already stated, even though it is book 5, it is easily read as a standalone, although if you're like me, you'll become interested in the characters and their relationships and will want to read more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a twisty police procedural with a seemingly lovely, young couple found dead in a suspected suicide pact. However, the deeper the police looked into the case, the less the case matched the theory. Great read.

The fifth book in the Cornwall Murder Mystery series and as usual I was drawn to it by its Cornish setting, and the place names like Porthleven and Porthcurno which bring back childhood memories of beautiful beaches and quaint fishing towns.

The story begins immediately when D.I. Lauren Pengelly discovers two dead bodies on the beach while walking her dogs one morning. At first it appears to be a double suicide but then certain clues indicate murder. The mystery was a tricky one with a number of suspects and a surprise ending. There were moments when I felt that everything was a little too easy, but then I reminded myself that this is a cosy mystery not a thriller and it was meant to be that way. Four stars

This is the second book I’ve read by Sally Rigby, the first being The Camborne Killings, which is apparently the fourth book in this Cornish police procedural series. I gave that one a generous 3 out of 5 but sadly for me the writing isn’t any tighter in this fifth book and what slightly niggled me last time became a big irritation this time. For example the two main detectives discuss something on their tedious car journeys (a lot of irrelevant descriptions of the scenery) then they meet up with their team and repeat the same discussions and theories. Too much padding and not enough content. The attention to proper policing and law is woefully lacking. I skim read the last part as the writing was so loose that only one out of 20 words were relevant.

This is the fifth book in this series but the first that I have read, it can totally be read as a standalone.
As DI Lauren Penalty's dogs, Ben and Tia, disappeared from her sight, the sight that she saw when she caught up with them, at the entrance to a small cave on Porthcurno beach, was a sight that would stay imprinted on her mind.
Sitting side by side at unnatural angles were a young girl and boy, on the sand was a ring box and an empty bottle of prosecco, on the girls finger was a sparkling new engagement ring, by the side of the boy was a note that just said "sorry".
Lauren quickly called for backup and for her off duty DS, Matt Price.
This was the start of an incredible "whodunit".
The bodies were found to be of Jasmine Dodd and Finley Glenister, Jasmin was the only child of working class parents, Finley came from a wealthy family and had a twin sister.
Finley and Jasmine and some of their close Cornish friends were students at the same university, they had been a couple for many years, friends and family alike were horrified when it looked as though it could either be a suicide pact or a murder suicide, they were even more horrified when it was proved to be a double murder, who would want to kill the popular pair ?
As the story unfolds, it apparent that all was not as it seemed with their friends and family, everyone appeared to have a secret.
This is a great "whodunit", with a great ending that leads beautifully into the next story, I look forward to reading it.
Thank you Storm Publishing for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

I read this as a standalone having not previously read the first four, however the author gives you enough to surmise what the team's backgrounds are. With an idyllic setting on a beach in Cornwall, you do want to believe about a murder there, but there is and of a young couple. She aptly describes the roads there which are not the quickest or easiest to drive at times especially when they ate chasing a suspect ! I did guess the 'who' but not the why.

Thanks to Netgalley/Storm for the ARC to review

Death at Porthcurno Cove by Sally Rigby is a highly recommended procedural and the fifth book in the enjoyable Cornwall Murder Mystery series.

DI Lauren Pengelly is walking her dogs on the beach early one morning when they discover two bodies lying on a blanket. Beside them is an empty Prosecco bottle, a ring box, and a note that says, "Sorry." It appears they were celebrating their engagement. Lauren calls in the medical examiner and her team, including her partner DS Matt Price, to start the investigation. The victims are quickly identified as university students Jasmine and Finley, both 21-years-old. Now the team must follow the evidence to determine if this is double suicide or something more nefarious.

This is a another great, well-written addition to the reliably entertaining Cornwall Murder Mystery series. The plot moves quickly and logically as clues are followed and new information is uncovered. There are several twists as the investigation proceeds and focuses on a close knit group of friends. The only drawback was I predicted the ending early on this time, but following the clues to the conclusion was still satisfying.

These characters in this series are well known to me and are all portrayed as fully realized individuals. I like the interaction between them. In the ending a minor story line in the narrative indicates more changes and challenges for them, especially Matt, in the future.

Death at Porthcurno Cove is a great choice for readers who enjoy procedurals. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Whilst walking her dogs on a quiet Sunday morning, Lauren comes across the bodies of two young people. The first impressions is suicide, but when the pathologist confirms that it's murder, the team swings into action to track down the murder.
The couple that were murdered had got engaged just before they were killed and the killer has faked a suicide note.
Lauren and Matt have the horrible job of telling the families and trying to find out more about the couple in order to try and understand why someone would want to do this to them.
The trail takes them to interview family and friends, all of which seem have differing views.
Meanwhile, Matt's Dad is taken ill and he has to support his Mother in the middle of a major investigation.
A nice tidy read.

I really enjoy this series and DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price are one of my favourite crime fighting duos.

This is book 5 and can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone; I started with book 4 and loved it so much that I went back to the start in-between that one and this new instalment.

Lauren is walking her dogs when she comes across two bodies. A newly engaged young couple with the ring box and prosecco lying beside them have been murdered. As the investigation gets going, Lauren and Matt discover some secrets and several potential suspects.

I really enjoy the balance between the case and the two detectives' personal lives and in this book, I think liked the personal side more than the plot, which didn't grip me quite as much as the first four cases, but still a brilliant read.

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sally Rigby and Storm for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This police murder mystery was an easy read. I found the writing style slightly lacking and I guessed the final outcome early on so there wasn't much of a surprise by the end.

oh this one I saw coming from the beginning, but still a good read! Too many clues, too soon! oh well, you can't be tricked all the time! Anyway, I like these books, I like the fact that they take place in and around Penzance. I love the area. I also really like the characters, so want to know what happens with them. I'd like Elsie to stay! Looking forward to the next book! Highly recommend.

Detective Lauren Pengelly is running her dogs on the beach. Unfortunately, the dogs find a young couple, victims of murder or possibly suicide. Lauren and her team try to solve what happened that night. This is a solid mystery, but I felt for me it didn’t quite have the magic the others did. #netgalley

I havent read any of Sally Rigbys other books yet but the synopsis of this one grabbed my attention. Its definitely more cozy mystery than thriller but I absolutely loved it. I will be reading all her other books! The characters and world building are so wonderfully written. I finished this book very quickly its was difficult to put down! Recommend to any cozy book lovers.

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Sally Rigby and Storm Publishing 📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

I love the Cornwall setting, the mystery was well thought out! What more could you ask for! I will definitely be going back and starting at the beginning of this series!

When DI Lauren was walking her dogs one early morning, she discovers a man and a woman lying on the beach. She soon realizes that they are out sleeping, but rather dead. Lauren and Matt and their reliable team start their investigation, only to find little clues. At first when no suspects arise, Lauren and Matt are stymied as to who would kill these two young and well like university students.
This was an interesting book, wonderful characters as the whole team works together well. There was a twist and when the killer was discovered, it was a good twist. Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this interesting English mystery arc.
I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my personal opinion.

I've enjoyed the first books in this series so was thrilled to get the chance to read this ARC. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this.

You can happily read this as a standalone but to get full enjoyment from it I'd certainly try and read the others in the series.
In comparison to my quite dark usual reading matter these have a slightly cosier feel. This however doesn't take away from the mystery feel. I also like the focus on the characters rather than purely the procedural element.
Living in the South West I'm always drawn to books set in Devon & Cornwall and this is a perfect holiday read if you are coming to visit.

Another fabulous story in this series, it gets better with every new book. A murder mystery that had me gripped throughout
I look forward to reading thr next book

Death at Porthcurno Cove takes readers to a stunning Cornish beach, where the discovery of a double death sets off a thrilling mystery. Detective Lauren Pengelly is tasked with unraveling the circumstances behind the apparent suicide of a young, seemingly perfect couple, Jasmine and Finley. But as she digs deeper, secrets begin to surface, and nothing is as simple as it first appeared.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the atmospheric setting. The picturesque yet eerie beach was the perfect backdrop for a story filled with tension and hidden secrets. Lauren and her partner, Matt, make a strong investigative duo, and I appreciated how the narrative allowed us to slowly peel back the layers of the couple’s lives—no one is as innocent as they seem.

The twists kept me guessing, especially as new suspects and motives were introduced. I found myself fully invested in the case, wanting to know what would happen next. The only reason I didn’t rate it five stars is that, at times, some parts of the investigation felt a bit slower than I anticipated, with certain revelations unfolding a little too predictably. But overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging read with a strong mystery, complex characters, and a satisfying conclusion. If you enjoy a good crime story with a twist, this is a great pick!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Storm Publishing, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of ‘Death at Porthcurno Cove’, by Sally Rigby.

When Detective Lauren Pengelly is walking her dog along the Cornish coast, she finds a gruesome sight, which will put her and her team in a new mystery. What looks like a possible tragic, double suicide may not be what it seems. Along with DS Matt Price and her team, they search for the truth.

This was a well-written British murder/mystery, that has a nice story-line and some good characters. This series has been quite enjoyable.

Really good read with great characters and the lovely Cornwall location. I enjoyed the descriptions of how the police team worked together. I felt the first chapter from the perpetrator’s POV gave too much of the motive away.