1. About the Author: Sally Rigby
Sally Rigby is a prominent British author best known for her gripping crime fiction and psychological thrillers. With a background in psychology and a fascination with criminal behavior, she’s created several bestselling series, including The Cavendish & Walker and Penzance Mysteries.
Rigby’s writing style blends sharp procedural logic with layered characters and fast-paced narratives. Her novels often feature strong female protagonists and delve deep into small-town secrets, earning her praise from both readers and critics alike. She is regarded as one of the rising voices in contemporary British crime fiction.
2. About the Narrator: Clare Corbett
Clare Corbett is an award-winning voice actress and one of the most recognized names in UK audiobook narration. A recipient of the Audie Award, Corbett is celebrated for her emotional range, character versatility, and the immersive experience she brings to every audiobook she narrates.
In The Lost Girls of Penzance, her performance has been widely praised. Listeners highlight her ability to distinguish characters with nuance, bring regional accents to life, and build tension with expert pacing. Her voice becomes an extension of the setting — eerie, coastal Cornwall — making the story even more visceral.
3. About the Book: The Lost Girls of Penzance
The Lost Girls of Penzance is the first installment in Sally Rigby’s new Penzance Mysteries series, blending crime thriller and police procedural genres. The story begins with a disturbing discovery: human remains are found in an abandoned house in the coastal town of Penzance. At the same time, two young girls vanish from a nearby nursery school.
Detective Inspector Lauren Pengelly, a sharp and determined investigator, is paired with newcomer Detective Matt Price to unravel what initially appear to be unrelated cases. However, as they peel back layers of lies and buried secrets, disturbing connections begin to emerge.
With a misty Cornwall backdrop and suspense woven into every chapter, the novel pulls readers into a dark world where nothing is as it seems.
Average rating: 4.3/5 on Audible and Goodreads
Number of reviews: Over 5,000
Sales highlights: Ranked Top 20 Most-Listened Audiobooks in Crime/Thriller (UK, 2023)
4. Book Review: The Lost Girls of Penzance – A Layered and Addictive Crime Novel
This is a thriller that grips you from the first chapter and refuses to let go. Rigby expertly crafts a narrative that dances between present-day investigations and long-buried secrets. The alternating perspectives and timelines keep readers guessing, while the slow-burn partnership between Lauren and Matt adds emotional depth.
Strengths of the book:
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Intricate plot, full of twists: Red herrings, unexpected turns, and smart pacing create a constant sense of tension.
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Atmospheric setting: Foggy coastal Cornwall becomes a character in itself, enhancing the eerie tone.
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Strong character arcs: Lauren Pengelly is tough and guarded, while Matt Price offers a more intuitive, softer contrast. Their developing dynamic adds human complexity to the police work.
Criticisms:
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Some readers noted that the dialogue occasionally felt stiff.
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A few procedural elements may lack realism for seasoned crime readers.
Notable Reviews:
“Full of red herrings and dark secrets… This book deserves a spot on screen!” – BiblioBloggityBoo
“A suspenseful and chilling mystery that had me hooked till the last page.” – NetGalley Reviewer
My thoughts: If you’re a fan of Broadchurch, Tana French, or The Dry, you’ll find The Lost Girls of Penzance to be right up your alley. Sally Rigby’s balance of character depth and plot complexity makes it a standout in the genre.
5. Audiobook Review: A Masterclass in Voice Acting by Clare Corbett
The audiobook version is not just a companion to the book — it’s an entirely immersive experience. Clare Corbett’s narration transforms the already gripping narrative into a cinematic thriller in your ears.
Highlights of the Audiobook:
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Voice differentiation: Each character is distinct, from young children to police officers.
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Pacing and suspense: Clare knows exactly when to hold a pause, when to raise tension, and when to soften into empathy.
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Accent accuracy: The Cornish tones feel authentic, helping ground the story in its setting.
Critics and listener feedback:
“Clare Corbett performance … brilliant. A perfect voice for a Cornwall thriller.” – Audible UK
“Her intonation and pacing made the story even more gripping.” – Dr. Beth Nolan Reviews
My take: Whether you’re new to audiobooks or a seasoned listener, The Lost Girls of Penzance is an ideal pick. Clare Corbett doesn’t just read — she performs — turning every scene into a cinematic moment.
6. Who Should Read (or Listen to) This Book?
The Lost Girls of Penzance is a perfect match for:
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Fans of psychological crime fiction and police procedurals
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Busy readers who prefer audiobooks while commuting, cooking, or exercising
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Fans of slow-burn detective dynamics like those in Ann Cleeves’ or Elly Griffiths’ novels
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Readers looking for a compelling series to follow — this is book one!
7. Conclusion: Why The Lost Girls of Penzance Should Be on Your TBR
With a chilling premise, tightly woven plot, and atmospheric storytelling, The Lost Girls of Penzance is a compelling start to what promises to be an addictive new crime series. Add in Clare Corbett’s mesmerizing audiobook narration, and you’ve got an experience that’s hard to beat.
If you’re in the mood for a mystery that will leave you breathless and second-guessing every clue, this one should be your next listen or read.
Don’t wait — get wrapped up in the secrets of Penzance today.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
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