This is Stig Abell’s debut novel - he is a journalist by trade.

Jake Jackson is a high-flying detective in the city, until he discovers that his reclusive uncle has died and left him his property, located in the depths of the countryside. Jake’s marriage has imploded, and work is affecting his wellbeing, so he jumps at the opportunity to start a new life. Jake loves his new home, which has absolutely no creature comforts and did I mention how remote it is - Abell mentions its remoteness - a lot. The locals are eccentric, of course, but seem friendly enough. That is until a young woman’s bones are uncovered. The local police are more than happy to have Jake join their team as they investigate the apparent murder of a young woman decades ago. Members of the community make it apparent that they don’t appreciate Jake sticking his nose into their business.

What works in this book? Abell’s descriptions of the rural landscape are lovely. I like the many references to the cannon of crime fiction. Jake’s self-discovery adds an unusual element to the novel.

What doesn’t work? The ‘romance’ with the local vet. His descriptions of her are cringe-worthy - she sounds like a playboy pin-up and their dialogue is truly awful.
There are too many words, written in an overly elaborate way: ‘Loud sounds always appear perverse in the depths of the countryside, especially on a balmy, gentle evening, and this one jolts him utterly. He looks around. The noise returns, and he recognises the articulation of his own name.’

This is, as I said, a debut novel. I’ve given it a 3/5 and am interested in seeing if his next novel is more accomplished.