I hadn't come across Stig Abell's books before so I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to read both Death under a Little Sky and Death in a Lonely Place before tackling his latest novel in the series, 'The Burial Place'

I've been hooked in from the start. Jake is an ex-detective, who has inherited an old house, deep within the countryside from his uncle, who has also given him the means to live independently without the need for a job. The house, 'Little Sky' is remote- cut off from the outside world with no phones, internet or television and offers him the solace he needs to recover from the end of his marriage.

I think this is the best yet in the three books so far -this time focusing on an archaeological dig where a series of anonymous notes become more and more threatening until tragedy strikes.

As the books have progressed, I've really enjoyed watching the main characters develop - Jake and Livia, Aletheia, Martha and Rose. I really want another installment!

These novels are dark and sinister in the very best of ways - keeping you on the edge of your seat as Jake works around the edges of the law.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Those who read the first two novels by Abell will be delighted to see that there is now a third book to enjoy. Here are many familiar faces including Jake (who continues to live off the grid), Livia (his romantic interest), Diana (Livia's daughter), Rose (not quite on the narrow path) and, Martha and Aletheia, whom Jake knew when he was a full time police officer. There is also a new police detective for Jake to get to know. Why is there someone new? Those who've read the earlier novels will know but those new to the series can just accept this and move on.

This time the plot centers on an archaeological dig and the goings on there. Someone is sending poison pen letters and wants the dig to stop. REALLY wants it to stop. A murder takes place. Was it because of the dig or for other reasons? There are many involved with the excavation of an ancient Roman site. Are they involved in nefarious events as well? Read this one to find out.

In addition to offering up a good story, I like how Abell comments on Jake's physical world. The setting very much comes to life.

Recommended to those who already know Jake and to those who enjoy British set mysteries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this title. All opinions are my own

Before I launch into my review, I would like to say a huge thank you to Stig Abell, Harper Collins UK, Hemlock Press, and Netgalley for the Advanced Digital Reader Copy of this title. For anyone with their eye on this novel, here is my personal review of the book to help you decide whether you are interested or not. All opinions offered are my own.

The AbelI books and I have a weird relationship. I originally sought to read this novel, and was lucky enough to receive access to the earlier books in the series. I was unable to complete the first novel, relatively enjoyed the second, and developed a disliking for the third. Consequently, I was unable to complete the novel. Having stopped and started the book several times, reaching the mid-point with little interest and, thus, understanding of the plot and character development.

The books are overly descriptive, and I find the reading laborious. Whilst this title did not suit me, it would be best placed with readers that like a traditional mystery plot with a side of literary vibe. The book is as much about the scenery and the well-crafted characters as it is about the crime.

Having read the two previous books in this ‘Little Sky’ series I was fairly confident over what to expect, and the reality after reading The Burial Place confirms my expectations: a larger than usual cast of characters; some quite beautiful descriptions of settings and scenes; a local detective who would involve himself with Jake’s (the lead character’s) investigations; and a growing relationship between Jake and a local vet. So far, so good, but also, as expected, was a mystery that ran the risk of turning the location around which the action happens into the kind of setting that makes it more of a murder capital than a tiny rural village. The author also seems to enjoy some vicarious semi new-age life as he describes Jake’s leisure pursuits with seeming envy.
For all that, though, just like we learned to live with the implausible exploits of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five, there is plenty to enjoy in this tale of murder and mystery. The plot raffles along with plenty of pace and the reader is left with plenty of distractions as well as more useful clues to help reach the end feeling satisfied with the way it all came together.

This is an interesting author as he has a different take on things.
Very much a whodunit, but with the twist of an archeological dig and a cast of several women. It seems another female name crops up every few chapters. It is a very intelligent read.
I enjoyed it.

The Burial Place (the third in the Jake Jackson series) is a beautifully written and atmospheric mystery that transports readers to an archaeological dig in the English countryside. When threatening letters escalate to murder at a Roman settlement excavation, former detective Jake Jackson is pulled back into the world of crime. Abell masterfully blends a compelling whodunit with vivid descriptions of nature and a rich sense of place, creating a taut and immersive read that will appeal to fans of character-driven crime fiction and those who enjoy a strong sense of atmosphere.

Well Jake has definitely grown on me, much like the author Stig. I still say that there’s some over description, and it can become quite distracting., but overall I’ve enjoyed the series so far.

The Burial Place by Stig Abell

Jake is a young, retired detective living a somewhat secluded life in the beautiful English countryside. He lives part time with his girlfriend, Livia and her daughter Diane and part time in Little Sky, his own little piece of paradise. Even though Jake is retired, he consults with the local police from time to time. Near by a group of archeologists are working to uncover the remains of an early Roman settlement when they start to receiving threatening letters. Cue our favourite ex-detective Jake. Jake once again works along side the police to find the person responsible for the threats.

The Jake Jackson stories are different than most mysteries I’ve read. I would say the best way to describe this series is slow burn, half mystery and half contemporary. Abell builds the mystery while also building the characters and their relationships/personal life a lot more then other mysteries. Abell also beautifully describes Jakes home, Little Sky, and the community of Caelum Parvum. I would recommend you take your time with this one, enjoy the scenery as Jake and his friends do.

This is the third instalment in the series but each story could be read as a stand alone or part of the series. Abell does a great job of mentioning things from previous stories to help build this story without it feeling like a complete tangent.



Available now

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperFicton Hemlock Press and author, Stig Abell for the advanced copy.

I enjoyed the story but found the beautiful descriptions of the surroundings a distraction from the plot.
I thought myself as articulate, but had to look up quite a few words that I was not familiar with.
However I enjoyed reading more about Jake’s antics, his relationship with Livia and his ex colleagues.

I enjoyed it, however didn't find it the easiest read. Maybe if I'd read the first in the series first I would have more empathy with the characters.

A Roman settlement is being uncovered in the English countryside. Threatening letters start to circulate leading up to the killing of one of the team. Treasure has been found so the possibility of wealth a lure. Jake Jackson will commence investigating with the help of friends and support of police. The dig is now a very dangerous place to be.

Very well written novel. Great characters in this well paced murder mystery. Can Jake identify the killer before more die?

As I already read for another mystery by Stig Abell: A classic whodunit, a well plotted and intriguing mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Jack is an interesting character and the plot is gripping.
Interesting setting and excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

The book has some creepy aspects. The book is suspenseful and atmospheric. A group of archeologists discovers the remains of a roman settlement in the countryside yet someone doesn’t want them to find out the buried truths and secrets so they begin sending them threatening letters and something from a person who was against the dig. Anyway so the book takes a suspenseful turn and the unthinkable happens. Jack must find the person behind threats and unthinkable before it’s too late. The book will keep you on the edge.

This crime mystery series is really intriguing. Things I loved the most in these books are the description of nature and characters deep analysis. The books were just not about the mystery that consumed the characters but it was also about themselves, their perspectives and making a choice in both personal and professional life. And consequences of those choices.

Book 2 is my favourite in this series

Thanks to the Publisher

The third in Stig Abell's series featuring former detective Jake Jackson. As archeologists excavate a roman settlement they begin to receive threatening letters for the historical figure said to rule the land centuries ago. Then there is a murder. We paced thriller that works up the tension, develops the characters and continues a very promising series of books. Recommended

Thank you net galley for giving me this opportunity to read this book.
The story takes place in England.
There is a group of archeologists who are uncovering an ancient settlement.
A woman by the name of Janet is missing and other members of the dig are getting threatening letters.
Jake a retired police officer is asked to help find the culprit.
Jake devises a scheme to lure the culprit in.
These are my own opinions.

A traditional murder mystery with an unusual detective in Jake Jackson, who is a retired detective living off-grid. The background of an archaeological dig seems to have become a bit of a murder mystery cliche though, due to the potential for a bit of ritual hocus pocus and rivalry between treasure hunters.

Good fun but not startlingly original.

With thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

I have loved this series of books since the first one captured my imagination and have been delighted when I see another one appear. Jake Jackson continues to enjoy his off grid life after the stresses of being a police detective, but somehow troubles seem to find him! The discovery of the remains of a roman villa as well as signs that there have been people here since the iron age along with a treasure trove have resulted in a lot of excitement, Archaeologists and keen amateurs flock to the site. Not everyone is in favour. Some of the team get threatening letters from the mysterious 'Wulfnoth' but when it goes beyond threats and someone is murdered Jake finds himself involved in finding the killer.

For me, a good book has to have good characters that you care and root for. Stig Abell is certainly able to provide that, but his style of writing and vocabulary is something I really enjoy- I have to look up the meanings of many words and have learned many new ones. This book was as good as the previous two and I hope the next one will be along fairly soon! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read & review this book

I'm new to this murder-mystery series and even though I was jumping in at book three, everything still made sense and I was riveted. The characters are strong, the setting fresh and the story-telling interesting. I will definitely be going back to read books one and two and looking forward to book four. There's an air of Agatha Christie to it with the archaeological dig setting and limited list of suspects. It's a series any mystery fan will love.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Having binge-read all three of Stig Abell's Jake Jackson mysteries, I'm already looking forward to the next in the series. It takes moments to settle into his beautifully written evocations of his natural surroundings (from the perspective of a newcomer to country life, which makes each discovery sound so new and awesome both to the narrator and the reader). Jake is an engaging character, surrounded by the usual gang of friends: Livia, Rose, Alethia and Martha, who help him wrestle with this latest cold case he happens upon. This time it is set on an archaelogical dig with a fair amount of twists and turns along the way. I enjoyed this so much, but I do hope the author does not slip into the common habit of following a formula for his next books in this engrossing series. At the moment I find them fresh and gripping with an acceptable touch of familiarity to make them feel like meeting up with an old friend. Long may it continue!

I really enjoyed The Burial Place by Stig Abell. It’s a solid, atmospheric mystery with just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages. What stood out to me most, though, was how well Abell blends the main character’s personal life with the mystery he’s trying to solve. It made the story feel more grounded and gave the character real depth.

The emotional threads running through the book made it more than just a standard whodunnit—I found myself just as interested in the character’s inner world as I was in the case itself. That balance worked really well and gave the book a more thoughtful, human feel. Jake Jackson felt real, slightly flawed, and deeply human, and his personal struggles added richness to the mystery he was trying to unravel. Rather than distracting from the central plot, these introspective moments deepened my investment in both the character and the case.

I did predict the ending, which is why it’s not quite a five-star for me, but overall it’s a really engaging read. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Stig Abell writes next.