Description

Former London detective Jake Jackson—introduced in the acclaimed mystery Death Under a Little Sky—finds his new life in the country threatened by an old case from the past in this absorbing mystery that will challenge readers’ detective skills.

In a quiet village, a storm is brewing . . .

Detective Jake Jackson left London for a quiet life in Caelum Parvum. The idyllic country village offers the peace he craves—tending to his chickens, swimming in his lake, and spending long, lazy evenings with his new love, Livia. It’s the perfect setting for their relationship to blossom.

Then a case from the past re-emerges, shattering the calm and plunging Jake into the shadowy world of No Taboo—a clandestine group which serves the extravagant whims of Britain’s elite. And when Livia accepts a position working for a powerful publishing magnate, suspicions arise about her new employer’s connection to the mysterious group.

As unseen forces manipulate those around him, Jake races to expose the deception that threatens his peaceful world. Amid the desolate beauty and seemingly friendly faces of this small, cozy community, Jake must decide who he can really trust . . . or learn just how far No Taboo will go to protect their secrets.

About the author(s)

Stig Abell believes that discovering a crime fiction series to enjoy is one of the great pleasures in life. His first novel, Death Under A Little Sky, introduced Jake Jackson and his attempt to get away from his former life in the beautiful area around Little Sky. This book is the second in the series, and Stig is absolutely delighted that there are more on the way. Away from books, he presents the breakfast show on Times Radio, a station he helped to launch in 2020. Before that he was a regular presenter on Radio 4’s Front Row and was the editor and publisher of the Times Literary Supplement. He lives in London with his wife, three children and two independent-minded cats called Boo and Ninja (his children named them, obviously).

Reviews

"What a joy to spend time with these characters again! An immersive, intelligent delight with huge atmosphere and heart. My favourite new crime series." — Lucy Foley

"Loved this. Multiple layers of delight for crime fiction fans." — Lee Child

"Abell is a skilled storyteller and it’s easy to fall into the pages of Death in a Lonely Place. Highly recommend." — Karin Slaughter, Sunday Times and International Bestselling Author

“The second book can be tricky for authors; not so for Stig Abell! I adore the bucolic world of Jake and Livia and Little Sky, so was gripped in this story of conspiracy and deceit as someone tries to take it away. A wonderful tale, magnificently told.” — Sam Holland, author of The Echo Man

"A darkly elegant, thrilling, escapist slice of countryside crime. I adore this series." — Chris Whitaker

"A truly fiendish conspiracy, a heroic ex-police officer with a turbulent love life, multiple references to classic crime writing and utterly beautiful descriptive prose that brings Jake Jackson's world to life: it's hard to think of a more enjoyable combination of elements for crime-fiction lovers. Stig Abell's series started out brilliantly and is only getting better." — Jane Casey

"Like fine wine, the series gets better and better as it develops. The narrative carries you along like a runaway train. Beautifully written, as ever, and with a twist that truly knocked me sideways." — Andrew Taylor