The use of metaphor and simile in scene setting was just beautiful. Really enjoyed this. Guessed a little of the end but the build up was so great it didn't matter.

`Death in a Lonely Place` is Stig Abell`s second Jake Jackson mystery. Although great to have read the first mystery it is not absolutely necessary as Abell provides enough background detail, although not too much, for the reader to enjoy this as a stand-alone.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable and twisty enough story to maintain the reader`s interest and involvement. With the development of the characters` relationships the story gains credibility and the ending is even more interesting.

I really hope the third in the series matches up to the first and second and that it isn´t too long before it´s available!

Thank you to Hemlock Press (Harper Collins) and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Death in a Lonely Place by Stig Abell

Jake Jackson is becoming settled two years after his Uncle Arthur died and left him his home at Little Sky. It’s also two years since the subsequent murder case that threatened everything he’d built there. Now he splits hist time between Little Sky and the cottage shared by his partner Livia and her daughter Diana. His quiet routine is disrupted by the abduction of a little girl and local detective Watson, asks for his help. When they recover her in an isolated empty house, it almost feels too easy. The abduction seems to linked to a shadowy organisation whose calling card says ‘No Taboo’. Their business is providing experiences for bored rich people, where no request is taboo. Using his contacts, analyst and retired detective Martha and investigator Aleitha, can Jake uncover the people behind the organisation? When Livia receives a job offer from a new businessman in the area, she’s excited to view his stables and the horses. His offer seems to come with unusual conditions, including Jake and Livia’s presence at his mansion, Purple Prose, for a weekend of entertainment. Is it possible these two things are linked? Jake has never trusted coincidences.

This is a hard case for Jake, not just a small step up from his first case at Little Sky, but a whole staircase. He’s gone from local cold case murder to an international conspiracy run by people with seemingly endless means and reach. I wondered how on earth Jake’s small team would crack this one - it’s a real David and Goliath situation. There’s also a sense of something wholesome up against something unremittingly evil; the desire to have extreme experiences is one thing, but this is debauched. No sexual desire, bloodlust or act of cruelty is too much - as long as you can pay for it. Of course that leaves wealthy customers open to blackmail, especially those with responsible jobs or famous faces. I could understand Livia’s concerns about her safety and Diana’s. As Jake’s case starts to warm up, he is warned off. He’s attacked and also has a rather horrifying home delivery at Little Sky. There’s a part of Jake that can’t resist the investigative world but it does put those he loves in huge danger. I don’t think I would be as patient as Livia.

I have to say how much I loved Martha. She’s intelligent, shrewd and absolutely no nonsense. She was medically retired from the police after a shoot out left her so badly injured she had to have both legs amputated. I loved her calls with Jake and their crime writer sign offs. She proves herself a strong investigator without leaving her desk. There are great strong women in these novels and she’s definitely my favourite. I do have a soft spot for Sarah at The Nook, the local shop with a downstairs drinking establishment. She’s almost a mother figure to Jake, shaking her head at his more eccentric ways and making sure he has a warm drink ad slice of cake. In turn he lifts and stacks her heavy produce. It would be interesting to consider that apart from Rose, Jake surrounds himself with women. Could this possibly be a response to the loss of his mother? We haven’t met Jake’s ex-wife Faye, but it would be interesting to look at their difficulties conceiving and whether never seeing her maternal side contributed to the breakdown of their marriage. He certainly appreciates Livia’s nurturing characteristics with Diana.

This is much tougher and more brutal case for Jake than the last. I was surprised at his survival instinct, he seems like such a gentle person at home, but can mete out some serious violence where necessary. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this latent side to him, but he really takes some punishment too and suffers one ordeal that genuinely make my breathing a little panicky. I’m no good with small spaces. His judgement is impeccable though and when he’s asked to make a choice that tests the loyalty of those around him, he does make it, sending me tearing back through the pages for the clues. It’s a very tense ending and you will be on the edge of your seat through to the finale. I’m always so pleased that Jake, Livia and Diana have the peace of Little Sky to retire to when it’s all over.

Death in a Lonely place follows Detective Jake Jackson, who moved to the countryside for a quieter life but he finds his peace disrupted when an old case resurfaces. The investigation leads him into a secretive group catering to the dangerous desires of the wealthy. As threats close in, Jake realizes just how far some will go to protect their secrets.

I enjoyed this book which is part of a series and one i enjoyed reading and will return to read again. I recommend adding this to your selection of books,

This is the second book in the series by Stig Abell. I was so impressed by the first novel, his debut, that I went straight on to reading this one. I had been so charmed by the honest, open ex-detective, Jake Jackson that I wanted to discover how his life had moved on from his last cold case. It is written in the same engaging style with beautifully written descriptions of the rural surroundings and his rather reclusive life. This time he is drawn back into old cases from his detective career and gradually finds himself being dragged away from his determination to avoid technology and the stresses of the outside world. I was totally gripped by the plot and admit to being genuinely shocked by the denouement. The perfect detective mystery with a twist. I'm totally hooked and can't wait to start my next book in the series as soon as possible!

Death in a Lonely Place is book number two in the Jake Jackson series and although it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading book number one for the back story.
Jake is an ex police detective who is enjoying his off grid lifestyle, living in a remote house, until Inspector Watson asks for his help to find a missing girl. As an expert in cold cases he sees a likeness to a previous case of his and starts to dig deeper. With the help of his old police researcher Aletheia, and Martha, a genius in finding out anything and everything, a troubling organisation comes to light and he is dragged into another investigation.
For a small village there is an awful lot going on in the criminal world. I found this story so far fetched it spoiled my enjoyment but having said that it will not put me off reading book number three in the series.
3 stars ***

There are some things in life that you just can’t get away from. When Jake moves to the countryside to pursue a quieter existence he doesn’t count on big crime being just around the corner. Nor does he count on it putting his own life and those whom he loves at risk. Beautifully written once again, a compelling story to keep you turning pages. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.

The second book in the series from Stig Abell. We return to Little Sky and the life of retired policeman Jake Jackson. First half of the book was a bit slow in parts but the second half made up for that. Enjoyed reading about the continuing relationship between Jake and Livia and the community surrounding them.

This is the second Stig Abell book that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. I love the setting of Little Sky and how Jake Jackson has adapted from his old life in the Met and settled into this remote rural community. Jake's policeman friend Watson asks for Jake's help in locating a missing child. This leads to trying to uncover a secret 'club' known as No Taboo. I loved meeting some of the same familiar characters and also, some not very nice new ones! Abell very deftly tells the story and links all the details together. Again, Jake seeks to protect his girlfriend Livia and her daughter Diana. This is another suspenseful story with twists and turns resulting in a very surprising ending. Many thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this great book.

The second novel in the series from Stig Abell. Much as I enjoyed the first I felt more 'at home' with this one. It is often the case I find with a series, probably due to getting to know the characters and locations.
I like the humour that runs through these books, the naming of the areas after authors or characters and look out in this book for the spook like sign off code.
Whilst the physical setting is fictional Stig has created a very believable village and surrounding area. I also have a serious case of library envy.
I've just started the third in this series and it promises to be as good, if not better.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC which was very much appreciated.

Beautifully written and very twisty. I loved all the clues and investigations running through this book. The descriptions of the area was very vivid. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is the second installment in the Jake Jackson series. The story involves a blend of mystery and suspense, with a plot that delves into the "shadowy world of a secretive group serving the extravagant whims of the elite."

I really enjoyed this second book in the series about, supposedly, retired detective Jake and his new life in the countryside. The book is beautifully descriptive and well written. The main characters are extremely likeable and engaging and the setting wonderfully easy to envisage. Whilst I picked up on certain clues and, to some extent, foresaw the twist at the end it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of an engrossing and dark story. I am very glad Jake’s self imposed retirement is not going to go to plan and look forward eagerly to his future involvement in other dark and mysterious cases.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review and to the author for another piece of excellent writing.

Another gripping read in this detective series. I’ve enjoyed the characters and relationship development from book 1. This is a difficult read at times with some interesting themes around money and power and the lengths people will go to. I was kept guessing for the final twist and the tension built brilliantly to a terrifying finale.

Following on nicely from the first book, we are reintroduced to the main characters and how they are all gelling together. This time Jake and Livia are being enticed to "live it up " with the local millionaire however they are right to be wary. The local DI , once again conscripts Jake into looking into a group known as No taboo and gets him to find out as much as he can with his unauthorised help. But there is a traitor among them. Fast paced with lots going on and a great twist at the end that I did not see coming. This series is developing nicely.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ebook to review.

My find of his year. The second in a wonderful tranquil location where a threat hangs over Jake and the new life he is forging in splendid isolation.

As an ex-detective he has gained a connection with a local police officer, Chief Inspector Watson during the mystery they solved in the first book. Now Watson approaches Jake for help on another case which has links to his own former police work and a couple of unsolved cases he was involved with. This leads them into a confrontation with a criminal organisation, No Taboo, where money seems able to buy any desire. From sexual abuse to the thrill of murder, without the fear of discovery or repercussion in law.

A conspiracy seemingly infiltrating the higher levels of the establishment and with influence within the police and legal systems. A cancer Jake confronts, risking his independence, new relationships and placing his own life in danger.

As before, I really enjoyed the countryside location; the idealism of a life outside the elements of social media, fake news and societal demands for perceived success and normality. This place of isolation is both a benefit and a curse as his property is so off the grid, roads and Sat nav cannot take you there; it is almost too out of the way; like outer space, where someone once said, “no-one can hear you scream”.

This paradox of gaining independence but losing control plays out again in this novel but the stakes have been raised and the power and money behind No Taboo are not playing games.

Loved the repeat character appearances and the development of relationships and the path of Jake’s journey. The author clearly loves this genre and I love the constant reminders to crime fiction and the peaceful relaxation of the classical play list that is the background music in Jake’s life.

Book 3 is out shortly, If these standards are maintained I simply can’t wait and plunge into the next Stig Abell thriller, The Burial Place, due out 27th March 2025.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the chance to read this ARC.

Whilst the story was good, it could have done with being a little more to the point as I find myself skim reading or zoning out at certain points.

Would recommend as a one off read

A full review has been left on Goodreads

So good! I was hooked on this crime story, with excellent characters and a detailed plot. Brilliant author, and thoroughly enjoyable read.

I loved book one in this series, Death Under a Little Sky and book two did not let me down. This was another well written, fast-paced enjoyable read with Jake this time helping in the search for local missing girl. I loved seeing Jake's relationship continue to grow with his new community, girlfriend Livia and her daughter, he is really continuing to grow as a character.
This was another very descriptive & atmospheric read with a great plotline, lots of twists; a real page-turner.
I look forward to what comes next.

This is book two in the series, it is both descriptive and eloquent.
The plot is twisting and unexpected.