She Treads Softly: Twist of Fate

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Twist of Fate

Twist of Fate Book Cover

Twist of Fate by Sally Rigby
7/7/26; 240 pages
Storm Publishing
Detective Sebastian Clifford #8

Twist of Fate by Sally Rigby is a highly recommended investigative mystery and the eight novel featuring detective, now private investigator, Sebastian (Seb) Clifford.

Private investigators Sebastian Clifford and Lucinda 'Birdie' Bird are asked by the police, who are short handed, to assist Twiggy, Birdie's former partner, in the investigation of a series of thefts targeting Leicestershire's wealthiest estates. The thieves are not taking everything. They are taking very specific items, leaving other, more valuable antiques and paintings in place. The estates all have security systems and the thieves seem to have inside knowledge. Seb's daughter Keira is back from the university for the summer so she is available to help with research. Keira also reconnects with an old friend.

These are well written mysteries where the page count is low so the pace moves quickly. As information comes in, clues are uncovered, potential suspects identified, and clues are logically followed up on. There is a big break in the case that helps point the investigation in the right direction. Even though this is the eight book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. All the characters have very different personalities and investigative styles. Birdie brings the humor to the plot.

The plot has the feeling of a cozy mystery. Also, due to the limited page count, some details that would have made the plot more believable are often left out or glossed over. Personally, I have to admit I prefer Rigby's Cornwall Murder Mystery series over the Sebastian Clifford series. Sometimes Birdie gets on my nerves. In spite of that this is a satisfying mystery and fans will love it.

Twist of Fate is a good choice for those who enjoy investigative mysteries and are following the series. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

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John Updike's six rules for reviewing:

1. Try to understand what the author wished to do, and do not blame him for not achieving what he did not attempt.

2. Give him enough direct quotation--at least one extended passage--of the book's prose so the review's reader can form his own impression, can get his own taste.

3. Confirm your description of the book with quotation from the book, if only phrase-long, rather than proceeding by fuzzy precis.

4. Go easy on plot summary, and do not give away the ending.

5. If the book is judged deficient, cite a successful example along the same lines, from the author's oeuvre or elsewhere. Try to understand the failure. Sure it's his and not yours?

To these concrete five might be added a vaguer sixth, having to do with maintaining a chemical purity in the reaction between product and appraiser.....Review the book, not the reputation.... Better to praise and share than blame and ban. The communion between reviewer and his public is based upon the presumption of certain possible joys in reading, and all our discriminations should curve toward that end.