Tightly wound narrative from Abell as expected. Marked as the 3rd in the Jake Jackson series, however can be read as a standalone. Beautifully scenic settings and a pleasure to read.

I've not read the first of the series but that didn't stop me getting to know the character from this book. I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue around who was doing what and why but did find it a little slow paced at time and my interest started to wander.

Another enjoyable outing for Jake and co.

This is the third book in the series and whilst they can be read as standalone ones I'd reccomend reading the other two first ( infact book two is my favourite so far).

Jake continues in his life as a semi hermit who is unable to put his aptitude for crimesolving to bed.

The writer is descriptive which I always like, I think it is time Jake cut his beard back though as currently it sounds as though critters could live in it.

Speaking of critters I'd like to see a dog join the 'family', no self respecting country vet would be without one.

I look forward to book number 4.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC which was very much appreciated.

Three and a half stars.

Jake is consulted by the local archaeological dig, they have been receiving flowery threats from someone who claims to be a local folk hero, quoting verses from the bible. The dig is being televised in a long-running series. Separately, close to the dig, four of the archaeologists were lucky enough to discover a treasure hoard worth millions whilst metal detecting, although their trove is subject to identifying the owner of the land (who would be entitled to half the proceeds). Coincidentally, Rose (the local weed dealer)'s sister is one of the students at the dig. No sooner does Jake get involved than one of the diggers dies after drinking poison from a water bottle. Now Jake must assist the local police in investigating the murder and uncovering the identity of their letter-writer.

This is the third book in the series about Jake Jackson, a former police detective, who inherits a remote house in the English countryside, full of mod-cons such as a purpose-built library with speakers in the ceiling but no indoor bathroom. Despite the tiny size of the village, which is (apparently) exclusively populated by knuckle-dragging yokels, a middle-aged shopkeeper who also runs an underground (literally) bar, and a beautiful single-mother vet, Livia, there seems to be a disproportionate amount of violent crime. I enjoyed the first book, despite the somewhat lurid descriptions of Livia's body and public hair. I missed the second book, but I am pleased to announce I saw no references to pubic hair in this book, although the first third had an unusually high number of references to peoples clothes FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON eg Jake weas wearing beige shorts and a white vest - then it goes on to something else - why? Again, luckily, this dissipated.

I enjoyed the mystery, although Jake's group of rag-tag super sleuths is beginning to look alarmingly like the cast of the excellent Slough House series - beware if Jake starts farting LOL. What let this down for me was that I suspected the murderer almost from the start, unfortunately I can't say why without spoilering it, so I was alert to the other clues and felt a bit like rolling my eyes as Jake and his team went round and round in circles.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is the third in the series featuring ex-detective-now-amateur-PI Jake Jackson. I say “amateur” because there’s no sense that anybody is being paid for solving these murders, other than the new local police chief, who seems unable to resist involving Jake and his extensive support network in criminal investigations.

This time, there’s an archaeological dig, local enough to Jake and his isolated house that he can walk to it and yet never mentioned before, in all his runs and walks across the landscape. Some crank has been sending poison pen letters to the team, who as well as digging up the remains of a roman settlement have managed to stumble across a treasure hoard. Jake is called in to assess the threat, which may have been a mistake because the bodies begin to pile up.
In the first novel, Jake is running away from his life, attracted by the isolation of the setting, and relishing the fact that he’s cut off from such modern amenities as telephone reception and the internet. I suppose it was a way of writing a traditional murder mystery without getting bogged down in the modern ways of crime solving: computers, CCTV, electronic records.
By this third outing, however, you gain a strong impression of the author chafing against those self-imposed restrictions. One of the characters now has a magic phone that always has a connection, and suddenly Jake can host case conferences including a video link. People who are supposed to have jobs manage to find the time to help him out. The sense of Little Sky being cut off from everything has been lost.
All that said, this was entertaining enough, enjoyable and even moving at times, and plays fair with the reader in terms of the identity of the killer. I just don’t know how I ended up reading three of them.

Another great installment un this series. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about Jake and reading as his relationship with Livia and Diana develops. This is a gripping read, a great mystery that kept me guessing almost until the final reveal. I can’t wait to read the next.

"He [Jake] wants to ponder and plot. And he has a plan building in his brain, a suspect he feels has been staring him in the face since the beginning. Not taunting him exactly, but aloof and confident in how unknowable all of their crimes have been."

Book three of the Jake Jackson rural crime series sees Jake helping the police with deaths at a nearby archaeological site where a dig is taking place and will form part of a TV documentary.

As ever, the countryside, seasons and wildlife are a character in their own right in this eloquent and escapist mystery series. It was wonderful to be back there, with Jake, girlfriend Livia and her daughter Diana along with other locals and Jake's investigate team. A number of mysteries are connected to this site included someone writing poison pen letters as historical figure, Wulfnoth. Blending archaeology with folklore, rural living and friendship, this has quickly become one of my favourite series. Start with book one, Death Under A Little Sky for the full, immersive experience of Jake's life.

Stig Abell’s The Burial Place is the third book in the Jake Jackson series. This book intertwines the serenity of the English countryside with the escalating tension of a murder investigation, delivering a compelling crime thriller that engaged me from start to finish. Though it is part of a series, each book has a single mystery, and can easily be read as a stand-alone.

Abell’s detective, Jake Jackson inherited a large but very basic farmhouse and accompanying land from his uncle Albert. The house has no internet, no landline, no washing machine and no hot water. It’s literally in the middle of nowhere. No real neighbours, no roads to speak of near the property. This is a hamlet with one shop that has a cellar which serves as a place to drink alcohol on occasion.

This inheritance could not have come at a better time. Once a policeman in the city, he burnt-out. He was a husband, but his marriage foundered amid the heartbreak of failure to conceive a child.

Now Jake has embraced a tranquil life in the rural village of Caelum Parvum. All he wants is to work away on his farmhouse, grow things and keep animals enough to serve his needs. He runs, swims and takes a lot of exercise, which is just as well for a man whose non-alcoholic drink of choice after a long day is a mug of warm cream with melted chocolate. He has also inherited his uncle’s library of crime and mystery thrillers which he loves to dip into. Indeed he has taken to naming parts of his land after authors and their principal characters so we have the Agatha Wood and the Wolfe Orchard.

But it seems that the more Jake wants to say away from the stresses and strains of a detective’s life, the more that life reaches out to draw him back in. Not only that, but in his now solid new relationship with vet Livia, a past problem may also be rearing its ugly head again. Their bond adds a personal dimension to the narrative, entwining Jake’s investigative endeavours with his personal life. The inclusion of Livia and her daughter enriches the story, offering readers a glimpse into Jake’s softer side and grounding what is a suspenseful plot in genuine human connection.​

Jake’s character is richly developed, embodying a blend of rustic charm and sharp investigative acumen. This, combined with his love of mystery novels, his lack of interest in social media and his love of a bit of weed now and then, adds depth to his character, making him both relatable and intriguing.

It is Spring, a time of rebirth and renewal and the novel’s setting plays a pivotal role in establishing its atmosphere. An archaeological dig is taking place on a picturesque hill, and this, combined with the season’s rejuvenation, contrasts sharply with the dark events that unfold. Stig Abell’s descriptive prowess brings the landscape to life, immersing readers in a world where beauty and menace coexist.

Someone has been sending threatening notes to members of the dig, suggesting that continuing to dig up this precious land will bring nothing but harm to those undertaking this endeavour. Abell skilfully builds suspense through the mysterious threats received by the archaeologists and when a death occurs in a most gruesome manner, Jake is asked by the new Chief Inspector McAllister to offer some consultative help. And when matters escalate, Jake brings in his own crew of advisors, each of whom has both a fascinating backstory and a real investigative skill. Notable amongst these are Martha and Aletheia, both of whom would make great protagonists in their own right.

The pacing of The Burial Place is deliberate, allowing for thorough character development and atmospheric immersion. The progression never felt slow to me because we are steeped in atmosphere and character. The the narrative momentum builds steadily, culminating in a pacy, satisfying and well-executed conclusion.

Though the investigation throws up some clear perpetrator possibilities, the puzzle was sufficiently complex to keep both my engagement and my interest, maintaining intrigue even when I had a clear suspicion. A curve ball here and there added to the enjoyment, as did elements of humour and the sheer joy of watching friends hang out over dinner as they roast a baby goat and enjoy the lush countryside.

Verdict: The Burial Place is a great addition to the Jake Jackson series, offering a harmonious blend of character depth, evocative setting, and a gripping plot. Stig Abell’s nuanced storytelling ensures that I was are both emotionally invested and intellectually engaged, solidifying this series’ place within the crime thriller genre.​ I have grown to enjoy this series more with every book. Roll on Jake Jackson #4.

I'm afraid I have to admit to being a bit disappointed by this latest in the Jake Jackson series. I'd been hoping since the start that the cases would take priority over the personal stories. On the other hand, if you like a very healthy dose of the detective's personal life being intermingled with a case then this is most definitely the book and series for you.

The Burial Place is set on a dig near Jake's home at Little Sky. A horde has already been found but the dig continues with a tv series being connected with the findings.

However there are rumblings of disquiet from someone calling themselves Wulfnoth who wants the archaeologists to pack up and leave the earth alone. This culminates in murder and mayhem. Jake, of course, still unable to leave his Police past behind, is first on the scene and ready to follow the clues. This time with the agreement of girlfriend, Livia.

The story itself is quite interesting as it brings in historical digs and local history. If you like classical music, a glossary is available at the end for you to follow. There's also the game you can play trying to figure out the literary detective references scattered throughout the book.

My only real problem with this book (and it is most definitely personal preference) is that there's too much of Jake's personal life. It sometimes reads like a lifestyle magazine for healthy living what with the outdoor swimming, running at the crack of dawn, outdoor showers and lots of hanky panky all over the place. If you were someone who wanted to change their life after the rat race this would be your blueprint- mind you it helps that Jake inherited a huge house and enough money not to worry.

I'm sorry I don't like this book better. I'd hoped the case/personality ratio would tip in favour of the cases. I also figured out whodunnit very early on so perhaps not twisty enough for me.
I hope enough people like this 50/50 split because the books are well written and the use of landscape is excellent.

Not my cup of tea but it's purely personal preference.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advance review copy.

Blissful location for murder.


This is apparently the third book by Stig Abell in his Jake Jackson series. Unfortunately I had not read the two previous outings and felt myself lacking in background information about the various characters who follow from the previous stories.

Jake Jackson, an ex police detective, and his girlfriend, Livia, with her daughter, Diana, live happily between their rural homes, not far from an archeological site dating back to Roman times. It is not explained why Jake is an ‘ex detective’ or why he has relocated to such a rural situation. Nor is it explained, even approximately, where this rural idyl is located. It is in England, but there are no references to place it - and this too was a worry in the back of my mind.

Having said that, I suppose one would describe this as a ‘cozy murder mystery’ and it is taken at a very gentle pace and spread out over about a year. The descriptions are beautifully done, whether of people or places, but in many cases are not pertinent to the plot, other than for setting the scene.

Despite these observations I did enjoy the book and the story was the more believable by virtue of it being somewhat drawn out. It is, however, in sharp contrast to the tighter plots which are the norm for the crime genre.

I read this book from a pre-publication copy kindly supplied by the publisher, without any obligation to submit a review. This is an honest review with no concession to the publisher’s generosity.

The third book in the Jake Jackson series by Stig Abell is another captivating read. It’s another well-written story with great prose and wonderful descriptions of Little Sky and it’s surroundings. (I do however agree with a reviewer who said that there’s too much frolicking by Jake and Livia). The characters are very familiar to us now and settled into their lives. We know what has gone before. Then there’s the archaeological dig with it’s rivalries and intrigue. Plenty of suspects when things start to go awry. A very clever plot with so many twists. I encourage you to read the earlier books before The Burial Place for the maximum enjoyment. Looking forward to reading more from Stig and his Jake Jackson. Recommend

The Burial Place by Stig Abel continues the story of Jake as he settles down to life in the countyside, with his soon to be live in girlfriend Lilia and her daughter Rose.
As happened in the previous two books, Jake is asked to help solve a case, when a local archaeological dig starts to go awry. It seems someone wants this dig to stop and will do anything to stop it. Including violence.
I do enjoy these stories, they’re steady, we know the outcome and are secure in knowing that, but I struggled a bit to get into it fully.. It may just have been me!!
Many thanks to HarperCollins Uk for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #HarperCollinsUk, #TheStigAbell.

A wonderful thrill ride that kept me reading till the early hours. Full of engaging characters and a plot to keep you on the edge of your seat. At an archeology dig they are receiving threats then one is murdered, Jake Johnson is asked to help. This series just gets better with each book. Thanks to Harpercollins and Netgalley for this review ARC.

The third eagerly awaited instalment of the Jake Jackson series, a character first introduced in the modern crime classic, as far as I am concerned, "Death Under A Little Sky” (2023) which made it into my end of year Top 10.
In that novel I loved the balance between the crime and the main character giving up his career as a police officer to escape into a rural life and adapting to new circumstances. I think book number 2 “Death In A Lonely Place” (2024) tweaked with this balance a little placing Jake back into the real world more and upping the crime elements of the plot.
Here, I think we’ve edged back a bit and with the crime focused on a nearby rural location at an archaeological dig Jake’s escape from the rat-race is not too compromised.
Jake is now fully ensconced in his new existence. Fitness has become his obsession; we’ve lost some of the struggle as to whether he’s done the right thing by moving to the inherited property at Little Sky. He’s far more focused on the future, trying for a baby with vet girlfriend Livia and I have to say I don’t find him as likeable as I did in the first novel where he was more of a fish out of water and found solace in his dead uncle’s impressive library of crime fiction.
“Death In A Lonely Place” introduced new characters and they are back here to offer assistance which ensures there’s plenty more potential for this as a series. You could read this as a stand-alone, but why would you, when the introductory novel is a real gem. In “Lonely Place” you could sense the author playing around with the crime fiction genre, there were grittier elements, tense action sequences and a country house section redolent of “The Golden Age”. Here, it actually veers more towards the cosier end of the spectrum as well as recalling with its archaeological dig setting a whole sub-genre in itself, with its echoes of the Egyptian mysteries of Agatha Christie going on to the present day and the Ruth Galloway novels of Ellie Griffiths. This is another aspect I like about Stig Abell’s books, an author with both a deep love for and impressive knowledge of the genre. He toys with us putting in little references for us to pick up on. Jake has named areas around his home after authors and characters and one of the suspects here lives in a village called Sexton Blake. This playing around with crime fiction elements and ideas shows how much the author is enjoying what he is writing and that is infectious.
“The Burial Place" is published by Hemlock Press, a crime imprint of Harper Collins on 27th March 2025. Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the advance review copy.

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.