A Twist in the River: A Jake Jackson Mystery

by Stig Abell

Overview

Former London detective Jake Jackson finds his new life in the country threatened when women start disappearing in this beautifully written and deeply immersive novel that will challenge even the most diehard mystery lover’s deductive skills.

A beautiful summer’s day

When young nurse Claire Davidson goes missing on the riverbank, the only clues left behind are her phone and shoes.

A mystery that sweeps the nation

People disappear all the time, but this case sparks an online frenzy. Amateur investigators descend on the rural idyll. Everyone has a theory. Is Claire Davidson just the story of a swim that went wrong, or could there be truth to the conspiracies?

A killer growing bolder

But when another woman is discovered dead in the river, signs point to murder. Jake Jackson, a former detective who came to the countryside searching for peace, must investigate before more lives are taken.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063472419
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/23/2026
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

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, followed by Death in a Lonely Place and The Burial Place. 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).

Editorial Reviews

Tense but patient, fast but thoughtful, and twisty but substantial—this is a truly excellent debut, and I want the next installment now.” — Lee Child on Death Under a Little Sky
“What a gorgeous read. It has the halo of an instant classic. This is a deep, searching novel, as preoccupied with human nature and ordinary evil as it is with detection." — AJ Finn, #1 bestselling author of The Woman in the Window, on Death Under a Little Sky
"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 on Death in a Lonely Place

From the Publisher