This is the third in the series featuring Jake Jackson, an ex-cop who is still trying (and failing) to leave that life behind him as he had (tried to) quit the rat race and relocate to a very remote doer-upper in the middle of nowhere and, apart from via his girlfriend, vet Livia, he tries to live completely off grid. Sadly for him, but good for the longevity of this series, he keeps getting drawn back into his previous life as crime is still rife out in the wilds...
In this, his third outing, and you will have already read his first and second, he is intrigued by an archaeological dig happening nearby. On further investigation though, things aren't all rosy in their lives. They have been receiving anonymous letters threatening the workers, suggesting that they shouldn't be doing what they are and that there will be consequences. Jake is roped in to try and keep them safe, mainly cos one of the people involved is Lily Rose, sister of his slightly dodgy friend Rose, and because what they are doing also intrigues him. But when threats turn into actions, specifically death, his involvement is stepped up, requested by new police chief on the block McAllister...
As with the two previous books in this series, this was a good solid read. Although, and I can't recall this from said previous, I found it to be very slow initially, and quite over-wordy all the way through. There was also a little too much of the personal and less of the crime included which also didn't help. This all meant that I kept putting it down and that probably exacerbated the issue I found with getting really deep into the book. But, I do have history enough with this author to trust in his process and know that I would get rewarded in the end. Which I was, thankfully!
But all that said, I did enjoy what I read, especially reconnecting with the characters I have previously bonded with, Jake, Livia, Rose, Diana, Altheia, and Martha, to name just the main ones! And, yes, I was sad once again when I had to leave them come the end of the book, Luckily I have heard that there are more books incoming. Well, they can't "income" soon enough for me!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

3rd in the series and it just keeps getting better.
A taut story history brought to life on a archaeological dig,with murders involved. This book grabbed me and didn't let go til the last page

I loved this book. The Burial Place is a deeply immersive multilayered mystery thriller. Full of history, drama, murder and love.
It’s gripping, atmospheric, well paced with suspenseful tension. I couldn’t put this book down. Book #3 in the series but can easily be read as a Standalone.
It’s beautifully written and so descriptive and just pulls you in to the brilliance and solitude of the countryside. Set on an archaeological dig when threatening letters start to arrive. Jake is asked to help investigate.
With real interesting likeable characters that just jump off the page and twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end.
I really enjoyed the authors writing style and can’t wait for the next instalment @stigabell
With thanks to #NetGallery #HarperCollinsUk @Harperfiction for an arc of #TheBurialPlace in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 27 March 2025

This is the third installment of this Jake Jackson series. You could read it as a standalone, but it would lack the background as to why Jake is living in Little Sky.
There is a dig going on nearby where Roman artifacts have been discovered. Rose's sister is one of the student archaeologists helping out. They have been receiving some threatening letters for quite some time, but now a member of the team has been killed.
The new detective visits Jake and introduces himself. He is aware of what happened with his predecessor and is at pains to explain to Jake that he is straight down the middle. He enlists Jake's help with the murder and slowly, with the help of Jake's friends, they find the connections to things that happened previously and who is responsible.
This builds quite nicely and the reader can almost taste the peace and quite of the area.

I was really looking forward to being back in the scenery of Big Sky. This series is all the reasons I enjoy reading a series as opposed to a stand alone. It’s like returning to a favourite holiday spot; familiar characters; your favourite haunts and a rhythm which you slip back into as though you never left. It is possible to read these books as a stand alone but I encourage readers to enjoy the others in the series so that they don’t miss out.

This series is unique in setting crime within beautiful rural scenery, featuring a retired detective who is sucked into crime by accident, and in its domesticity. When discussing detective series reviewers often talk about the detective’s “back story’. The story of the man or woman behind the role. Jake’s story is front and centre, inhabiting as much space as the crime. In Burial Place Jake is living the rural dream, listening to his music, cooking, growing vegetables and hoping to grow his family with his girlfriend Livia. A local archaeological dig which has attracted the interest of tv production companies, has also grabbed Jake’s attention. He is fascinated by the history they are unfolding, but things come to an abrupt halt when one of the archaeologists is killed, Jake is himself attacked and threatening letters are being sent by a mysterious individual called Wolfnoth
This is possibly the most domestic of the three books and as such the crime story slowly builds in between scenes with Jake and Livia and life in Big Sky. I think fans of the series will be invested in the scenery and the characters, but readers who are new to the series might possibly be less patient. Whether it was the presence of the fictional tv company on site or not, this did feel rather like a tv detective series and very visual. I have been pondering on Jake’s role as a freelance and what this adds to the uniqueness of the character. Jake very helpfully clarified this, “I’m also free to think my own thoughts, pursue my own leads.” I think the archaeological dig works as a great plot device and I really enjoy this story. I personally didn’t need quite so many body descriptions of Livia and Jake and I would have been happier with less time on the poor goat and more time on the missing eccentric!

It’s clear that the author really loves his characters and setting and his enthusiasm breathes so much life into the story. His characters are fully fleshed and the rural scenes bursting with beautiful descriptions of flora and fauna! I really feel very connected to these characters now and very keen to know what is in store for them next..

With many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for my digital copy of this book.

Jake Jackson is very quickly becoming my new favourite detective. The stories are deeply immersive, the settings fabulous with just a touch of humour to lighten the darkness. A great read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Haper Collins UK f8r the egalley of this novel.

A beautiful landscape…

It began as the project of a lifetime – a group of archaeologists, uncovering the remains of a Roman settlement on a beautiful hill in the glorious English countryside.

A looming threat…

But, the idyll is shattered when they begin receiving threatening letters. Former city detective Jake Jackson, now enjoying a quieter life in the local village, is pulled in to investigate.

A killer closing in…

Soon, threatening letters are the least of their problems, when a murderer strikes. And now the race is on for Jake to find them, before they kill again…

This is third book in the Jake Jackson series, and it is every hit as good as ghe first two books. Great character development. More us revealed about Jake's past. We also get hints of what his romantic future may hold.

4 out of 5 ⭐️

It began as the project of a lifetime – a group of archaeologists, uncovering the remains of a Roman settlement on a beautiful hill in the glorious English countryside.
A looming threat. But, the idyll is shattered when they begin receiving threatening letters. Former city detective Jake Jackson, now enjoying a quieter life in the local village, is pulled in to investigate.

This is the third book in the series and it’s every bit as good as the previous two. It would work as a standalone novel as the author has the knack of dropping the backstory into relevant places so all is revealed to the reader. It’s well paced with great and interesting characters and a good story line too. It’s a good read.

This is the 3rd in the series involving Jake Jackson; the books get better and better each time; as does your respect and liking for the characters and relationships! I thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition.

Jake continues to live at Little Sky, an almost idyllic retreat away from modernity and he's almost self sufficient; he's living his best life! His relationship with Livia is now well established and they are trying for a baby to add to the family.

Near his place, an archaeological dig is taking place and also some members of the dig have indeed uncovered "treasure", which is outside of the boundary of the dig! It's a huge haul and worth millions! Does this mean that someone will kill to keep and increase their share of the bounty??

Threatening letters start to arrive, and Jake is asked to help to investigate, as he knows the area so well and some of the people involved. Can he find out with the of Livia and the local police (Chief Inspector David McAllister) find out who is doing the threatening and can they be stopped? Pressure mounts as people are murdered and things get really too close to home!

A great addition to the series, what next for Jake, Livia, her daughter and perhaps a new addition. Time to get an indoor shower at the house!!!

One of the things that I really enjoy when reading any book from Stig Abell is the language. The quality of the prose and the use of descriptors is second to none.

Having got that off my chest, the story that is The Burial Place is every bit as well crafted as the language. The very real people that fill the pages just add another layer of enjoyment.

No clues from me as to any aspect of the plot, just a strong hint that you treat yourself to The Burial Place and hideaway from the world so you can enjoy it in peace.

This is the third Stig Abell book in this series. Jake is still enjoying his escape from the city but can’t give up his copper’s instincts. The action is in and around an archaeological dig, with a swathe of suspects to murders. As in both prior books, the author dwells on descriptions of the countryside, the branches, leaves and lake etc in impressive but over-long detail (for me), with a rather stretched-out storyline. The romantic interest continues but again with unnecessary details, and as ever too much about his hermit’s and family lives, food, music etc. We’re getting closer to the regulars though. As before, I enjoyed it – even though some aspects stretched my credulity – but I’ll keep Stig on my reading list. Overall “a good read”. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review!

I'll share on Amazon when I can - currently "not eligible for review"

Number three in a series that's become a favourite of mine.
Its lovely to be back in Little Sky with Jake, Livia and Diana and Jake’s somewhat unique friends.
Again beautifully written it pulls you into the splendour and solitude of the countryside.
An excellent main plot centred around an archaeological dig, the strange threats that the team are receiving and the subsequent murders.
The subplot and characters develop excellently with more insight into Jake’s past and glimpses of what might become of his and Livia’s futures. This book works perfectly as a stand a lone read but if you’ve not read the two previous instalments I urgue you to and I envy you the binge read.

It began as the project of a lifetime – a group of archaeologists, uncovering the remains of a Roman settlement on a beautiful hill in the glorious English countryside. But, the idyll is shattered when they begin receiving threatening letters. Former city detective Jake Jackson, now enjoying a quieter life in the local village, is pulled in to investigate. Soon, threatening letters are the least of their problems, when a murderer strikes.
The third outing for Jake & another well written page turner. I’ve grown to love Jake & also I’m enjoying his relationship with Livia. The characters are well portrayed but it’s the descriptions of the countryside which made me feel as though I was there. There are twists, turns & red herrings & I was left guessing as to who the villain was, which is always a plus. Whilst it could be read on its own I’d recommend reading the first two books too
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

This is the third book in the Jake Jackson series. Jake is still living alone on the land he inherited from his Uncle. He has formed a great relationship with the local vet, Livia and her daughter, Diana. Jake is called into action to help find out the poison pen letter writer, which leads to a body being found at the local archaeological dig on St Giles Hill. How is everything connected to a treasure horde? Why are these events happening? I found the story to be fast paced, a rollercoaster of a read and unputdownable. The characters are well written and the area is highly descriptive that I could see in it in my mind. All the sub plots, with a few red herrings thrown in, lead to a surprising conclusion.

In the third instalment of this series we meet a more outward looking Jake. Although still living alone, off grid he seems more content and sociable. A local archeological dog receives a series of poison pen letters leading to murders which Jake investigates alongside the police. Beautifully written as always but I found it less compelling than previous books in the series.

I always look forward to meeting up with Jake again in the beautiful Little Sky - this series really is a brilliant comfort read!

I don't usually like "cosy crime", but there's just enough edge to this series to make it exciting, tense, and mysterious. Beautifully written, it's so easy to be drawn in the homely setting and the warm characters. Because it's really the characters and setting that make these books so likeable. Although there is, of course, a curious crime at the centre of it all, too. And for those who don't like their crimes too dark, this one will be right up your street.

I didn't find this instalment as gripping as others in the series so far, but I loved being back with the characters all the same and there's a lot of great development for them. If you've not read any of these books before, I would suggest starting at the beginning to get to know them more closely, but I'm sure you could enjoy this just the same if you're new to the series too.

Perfect for fans of the <em>DCI Ryan Mysteries</em> and <em>Vera</em> series.

(I'm on the blog tour for this in April so my reviews will be live then)

Sadly I didn't realise when I requested this book that it was the third book in a series, it can certainly be read as a standalone but I found myself wishing that I knew more about the backgrounds of the main characters, it wasn't a deal breaker and it was totally my fault.
Jake Jackson, along with his vet girlfriend Livia, was living the dream, circumstances had enabled him to leave the police force and settle in a beautiful corner of England, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, he was able to swim in his own lake, run in the hills, grow his own food but once a policeman always a policeman.
This story centres around an archaeological dig a short distance away from Jake's home, there are a strange mix of eager and willing diggers.......one of which had disappeared. A treasure hoard had been unearthed in one of the fields and it could make several people very wealthy but there were boundary disputes and the owner of the land was untraceable, did it belong to the church ?
When "accidents" began happening at the dig Jake is asked for help by the new Chief Inspector, David McAllister.
Threatening letters were appearing with the signature of Wulfnorth, an ancient Anglo Saxon, who is Wulfnorth and why does he want the excavation stopped.
The author has written a really great, atmospheric mystery with very likeable characters, he has great descriptive powers, the love between Jake and Livie is palpable and I want to live in Little Sky, there are many unlikely suspects but which one would resort to murder, was someone desperate to get their hands on the treasure or was it something else? I look forward to hearing more of Jake Jackson.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

A group of archaeologists start a di looking for the remains of a Roman settlement on a hill in the countryside.
Then Jake Jackson, a retired detective is called in to deal with threatening letters sent to them then there is a murder.
Jake must solve this before there are more.

This is the third novel in the Jake Jackson series, and it feels like the series is going from strength to strength. Whilst Jake is no longer officially a detective, it doesn't stop him getting involved in solving local crimes. This time around, a group of archaeologists are carrying out a dig in the countryside, but begin receiving threatening letters. It gets a whole lot worse when a murderer strikes - can Jake get to the truth before someone else dies?

I really enjoy this series with it's unique characters, plus the writing draws you in to the isolation of the setting and Jake's way of life. It's a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of an inner city crime drama!

When archaeologists unearth treasure outside of their excavation site, death isn’t far behind. Former detective Jake is challenged with a new case to discover who is behind it all, and identify the mysterious Wulfnoth, a historic antagonist determined to undermine the dig.

Jake is accompanied by his cast of characters who band together to help him find the killer. Stig Abell manages to tell a fresh story whilst catching readers up on the latest news from Jake, Livia and co. I enjoyed the theme of the dig to set the scene and tone of the crime. However, I did find myself zoning out a bit and didn’t quite enjoy it as much as the last couple. I can’t tell if it was the number of new characters or that I didn’t connect with them as well. Nevertheless, I think fans of the previous Jake Johnson Little Sky series will enjoy the latest instalment.