Question of Guilt

Question of Guilt by Sally Rigby
6/12/25; 246 pages
Storm Publishing
Sebastian Clifford #7

Question of Guilt by Sally Rigby is a recommended procedural/cozy mystery and the seventh book in the Sebastian Clifford series. In this outing private investigators Sebastian (Seb) Clifford and Lucinda 'Birdie' Bird take on investigating a cold case. It can be read as a stand alone novel.

Thirty-six years ago Daryl Brackstone's mother Helen was murdered. Her father, who was convicted for the crime, recently died while still in prison. Daryl never believed her father was guilty. When a true crime podcaster  contacted her about her mother's murder, Daryl decided to hire a private investigator to look into the case, which brought her in contact with Seb and Birdie. 

The duo decide to take on the case and discover that the police didn't look at anyone but her father and her mother Helen was part of a secretive activist group investigating high-level corruption. Soon the investigators are being targeted which clearly indicates someone has something to hide.

This an even-paced investigative mystery. Clues and information are logically followed as more facts are uncovered in their inquiry, leading the two to further areas to examine. Admittedly, the plot is also very predictable this time. When the opening scene shows the reader that the father was not involved in the murder, it removed the question of guilt and thus some of the tension from the investigation. It might have been a better choice to not start with that scene.

It was entertaining to follow Seb and Birdie looking into the case and see their partnership develop further. Seb's college-aged daughter makes an appearance and is great at assisting with research. The inclusion of Birdie going on a date was a pointless addition to the story and felt like pandering. Personally, I have enjoyed Rigby's other mysteries more. Thanks to Storm for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.