A Twist in the River: A Jake Jackson Mystery

Jake Jackson #4

by Stig Abell

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.

Genres: Mystery, Contemporary

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Stephen "Stig" Paul Abell is an English journalist, newspaper editor and radio presenter. He currently co-presents the Monday to Thursday breakfast show on Times Radio with Aasmah Mir.

Abell was from 2016 to 2020 editor of The Times Literary Supplement and from 2013 to 2016 managing editor of The Sun. He was formerly a fiction reviewer at The Spectator and reviewer at Telegraph Media Group as well as The Times Literary Supplement. He was also a presenter on LBC Radio.

Abell educated at Loughborough Grammar School, and went on to graduate with a double first in English from Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

In September 2001, Abell joined the Press Complaints Commission as a complaints officer; he completed other roles at the PCC including press officer, assistant director and deputy director before being appointed Director of the PCC on 19 December 2010. In August 2013, Abell joined The Sun as managing editor, his role until the end of April 2016.

In March 2014, Abell started co-presenting a show on LBC Radio alongside Sky News television presenter Kay Burley from 8am to 11am on Sundays. Burley was the main presenter while Abell reviewed the papers and added political comment.

From August 2014, the show was co-presented by Abell and LBC's Petrie Hosken. In January 2015, he was given his own show from 8 am to 10 am on Sundays. From April 2016, Abell moved to the afternoon slot on Sundays of 3 pm to 6 pm.

Abell has been heavily criticized for publishing an article in 2015 by Katie Hopkins. The article argued for "gunships sending these boats back to their own country", and described migrants as "like cockroaches". It concluded that Britain should "force migrants back to their shores and burn the boats".

In May 2016, Abell became the editor of The Times Literary Supplement, succeeding Sir Peter Stothard, who had edited the newspaper for the previous 14 years. He held the post until June 2020, when he was succeeded by Martin Ivens.

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4-5 stars
Jake Jackson #4
A missing woman, identified as Claire Davidson, who has been out walking, her phone and shoes found by the river, but she seems to have disappeared without a trace. Jake and his partner Livia join the search and find her top in the river. A day later, her desperate husband Steve appeals for ex cop Jakes help in finding her. This is the start of the peace and quiet of this beautiful area being disturbed by increasingly dreadful set of circumstances.

It’s an absolute pleasure and joy to be back at Little Sky with these fantastic characters and another excellent mystery thriller to get ‘my teeth’ into. Jake, Livia et al are characters I’d like to know in real life and part of me envies the bucolic paradise Jake has created at Little Sky, although I think I’d miss the amenities and Wi-Fi! The characters in the nearby village are engaging too especially Rose. I love being introduced to the Riverside community too.

Stig Abell’s writing is just gorgeous, what a talent, what a glorious way he has with words, with the river in particular being made to feel like a living thing it’s so lyrically described. Here it is centre stage to the ever worsening situation and huge difficulty in identifying the perpetrator. As always along the flow to the conclusion there are some wonderful atmospheric descriptions that are the trademark of the series. There are multiple twists and bends in the river and an ending I so don’t predict. Well played sir. As for the ultimate conclusion, what a beautiful way to sign off. If this is the end of this outstanding series, then I’ll be sad because there’s still plenty of life there but if it is, it ends with a smile. Perfect.

If you haven’t read this series and like mystery thrillers then I highly recommend it - wonderful characters, great and grossing storylines in a perfect setting, what more could you ask for?

I love the inclusion of the river quotes from various sources and the many references to crime writers and fictional characters. Jake, like myself, is a lover of this genre and undoubtedly Stig is too!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, Harper Fiction/Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

A gorgeous cover to entice readers in!

[Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I requested this book I didn't know that it was part of a series, and I do not think I will be able to fairly read/review this book as a stand alone at this time. I am rating it a 4 star rating as the average on Netgalley was 5, and the average on Goodreads was 4.3 at the time of my posting this review.

PUBLISH DATE: June 23, 2026
BOOK TITLE: A Twist in the River
SERIES: A Jake Jackson Mystery
AUTHOR: Stig Abell
PUBLISHER: Harper Perennial and Paperbacks | Harper Perennial
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 352

I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: June 23, 2026

“Retired” police detective Jake Jackson is back in the fourth installment of Stig Abell’s mystery series. “A Twist in the River” sees our protagonist once again pulled into another murder investigation and this time his investigation puts the woman he loves at risk.

Jake Jackson loves his life on his secluded property he calls “Little Sky”. Since inheriting the land, Jake was able to give up his hectic busy life as a police detective and move to the isolated house by the river. Now, his girlfriend, Livia, is pregnant, and the two of them are excited and hopeful for the upcoming changes. When the dead body of a woman washes up on the shore of the river, the community is alarmed but it seems like nothing more than an accident. Until another body washes up, and then another. Jake is asked to join the investigation before more women end up in the water and, along with the local detective and some help from Jake’s eccentric group of friends, they work to solve the mystery before tragedy strikes.

As mentioned, “River” is the fourth novel in the “Jake Jackson” mystery series by author Stig Abell. I have been blessed to read all four novels in the series and I have enjoyed every one although, like most novels of this type, it is not necessary to read any of the preceding books in order to keep up with “River”, as the mysteries are always different.

Jake and Livia are still going strong in “River”, and I love their quirky, secluded, life together. Jake’s eccentric group of friends who assist him in his investigations, Martha and Altheia especially, have returned in this novel and I am so glad they are back, as I love their witty banter and the humor they bring to the suspenseful, taut situations that Jake finds himself in. Although, after the choice Martha made in “River” regarding using Jake as an ‘experiment’, I have lost a little bit of respect for her and I’m not sure how I’ll feel when the next installment comes along, but I’m grateful they all rallied together again for this installment.

The mystery in “River” is more than just dead women washing up on shore, it has some complex themes, such as misogyny and feminism, that make “River” one of the more memorable Jackson stories. Obviously, Jake solves the mystery but it is the journey that he takes to get there that make Abell’s series such a tantalizing and gripping read and I look forward to book five.

[Dave Carmichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be sent an advance copy of the latest edition in my new favourite series.

This story involves a missing woman found in a river. Then more start to turn up. I do wonder if it was influenced by a particular recent missing female case that was very high profile.

I absolutely loved it and love how the characters are developing. However I've given it 4 starts not 5 as I do think it's lost some of it's initial countryside charm. The first one perfectly encapsulates the area and and of little sky and quietly getting away from it all. Jake seems to be getting forced to engage more and more with the community.

[Karen Chong · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 / 5.0

As always great book from start to finish, building on the events of the previous book. The twist had me in this book, I was confident on who I thought was the perpetrator but got it wrong. It’s a solid book, the plot the pacing is spot on where there isn’t a dull moment. Again we see the natural character development of Jake Jackson and his relationship with Livia. You can read this book as a standalone, but to understand Jake’s history, his character it makes sense to start from the beginning. There isn’t a dull moment and one thing I like about the book is the element of unpredictability, it’s able to steer the book in a direction that isn’t so obvious and still have a great solid plot build up.

The story revolves around a young Nurse Claire Davidson who goes missing leaving behind her phone and shoes. Her disappearance sparks an online frenzy with amateur investigators pilling on to figure out who is responsible with a bunch of conspiracies forming. But things take a turn when another women is discovered dead, and Jake Jackson who is a former detective who moved to the countryside searching for peace and tranquillity must investigate before more lives are lost!

Overall a solid book and solid series. I’m intrigued on how the book with develop and the direction it will go on in the next book. It’s been a great read so far and haven’t been disappointed one bit. Excited for the next one!

[Trevor Vick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rural crime at its meanest. No female is safe on the banks of the twisty river.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the original team leading the investigation very much with their witty, friendly relationship. The plot was definitely gripping up to the end with a bit of action in an atmospheric setting perfect for murder... However, I could not relate to Jake, the main character. He appears to me rather unrealistic and somehow unnatural. The pieces of music did not work for me, too much like Rebus, and some other fictional detectives. It just didn't fit in the book. Still, a good, gripping read.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm trying to string a lot of thoughts together into something that makes sense here, and I don't know how easy that's going to be because... well, I'll get to that. A super quick and easy review? Jake Johnson and friends return in a fourth book set in Little Sky. If you liked the earlier books you'll be pretty happy here. If you're new to the series, well you can jump in here and follow it perfectly but I still think you're better of going back to start at the first since then you won't have spoilers for what occurs in those previous books.

If you are new, then it's a nice cosy mystery that's pleasantly anachronistic at times. Lots of nods and references to classic mysteries, a modern man escaping the rat race with his isolated off grid cottage and such. It works really well in general but this book explores those contrasts more than previously and definitely pokes and pushes at a few aspects which tickled a few neurons in my brain. And that's where sensible people likely bail on this review and go read the book instead.

Jake's throwback ways make for an interesting contrast to the social media frenzy that descends on his little village when a young woman disappears alongside a river. Of course he has little interest in TikTok detectives crashing around his quiet life. Oh that rings a bell for you? That case a few years ago which filled the news for weeks? Yeah... not the subtlest thing you'll find in this book. It's not even the vague idea, there are a number of small details which are stunningly close to that case. Now, inspiration comes from many places and a little time has passed so it's not like the ghoulish AI books being published before the search had even finished, but it did sit a little awkwardly with me. I also realise I'm not the best person to hold an opinion on this due to it being fairly close to home for me. The blurb gave no hint just how on the nose this story would be and I did hesitate a little when I realised. I told myself this was going to go a different way and kept reading, and slowly I did find more space between the real world and the fiction, but I can't deny reality lingered more than I felt comfy with. That said, I have no doubt this will become a trope we see and hear more in fiction and I'm glad that I first encountered it here. Abell did manage a fine balance between the inspiration and a mystery for a book. It may have surprised me, but I think this played out the best way it could.

Aside from that it also felt this was an attempt to take a look at the manosphere. Now Jake is a great character to explore this - he is a nice contrast to the toxic masculinity dynamic, even if his throwback ways do sneak through a little in a few places. The thing is, and this seems to apply to so many attempts to look at the problems in the manosphere, is it ultimately felt a little empty. It's easy to find people saying it's wrong, but not much diving into the depths. Now I can argue this book isn't the forum to do that in the first place. I can point out that Abell has always portrayed Jake as a pretty decent bloke happy to stand up to bullies and do the right thing. And if he'd stuck to those positive nods towards a more positive role model then I think it was done extremely well. But there are points where it goes full head to head with the negative evils of these men and then... not much. Timing may be a factor here too. We're just a few weeks after Louis Theroux was hyped to expose the manosphere and delivered a well made yet underwhelming look at the obvious. I don't know what needs doing, but even well made things like this feel more like virtue signally than a real effort to address the problems. Abell may have done a decent enough job at poking the alpha male toxicity here, but I maintain he's done far more good in simply writing Jake as well as he has over four books than this more blatant approach ever will.

Anyway, my head is still swirling with these weird nit-picky quibbles. And that is all they are, minor items that just don't sit quite right. It is the weakest of the series for me, and that's why these little points at stuck in my head, but it's still a better book than most.

[Mary Picken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stig Abell’s A Twist in the River is the fourth 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, Little Sky, 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 serving 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. His relationship with vet Livia has taken another step forward, and the two, with Livia’s daughter, are blissfully happy, though still living in separate houses. This 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 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, and his enjoyment of a bit of weed now and then, adds depth to his character, making him both relatable and intriguing.

In A Twist in the River, a woman has gone missing, later found dead in the river. It’s not clear whether this was an accidental drowning, a suicide, or something more malign, but there’s no evidence to suggest the latter.

However, when two further women turn up dead in the same river, still displaying no obvious signs of murder, this stretches coincidence beyond reasonable bounds, so Jake, together with the police and his very useful friends, the eccentric and fabulously caustic Martha and the technologically savvy Alethia, sets out to solve the mystery.

I enjoy Stig Abell’s prose. He writes well and beautifully encapsulates the slow pace of rural life in a way not dissimilar to that of Tana French’s character, Cal Hooper, and the rural Irish setting of those books.

The wonderful cast of characters is distinctive, and the mysteries themselves are engaging and dark enough to draw me in and keep me hooked. This one especially brings the TikTok generation to Little Sky in the form of an influencer amateur detective, and there are also two radical feminist potters.

Verdict: I am loving this series more and more. There’s tension, suspense, danger and a cleverly plotted mystery, with a plethora of suspects and just one clue tying the deaths of these women together. It’s the recurring characters that make this series special, though. And I’m in it for the long haul.

[Margaret Agnew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twist in the River is the fourth in Stig Abell’s Jake Jackson series, and unlikely to be the last. Set in a rural town, where Jake moved to escape his previous life as a cop, all of the action centers around the titular river. A missing jogger kicks off the classic “missing white woman” search, mobilizing the entire town - and the Tiktok crowd - into a frantic search for her. The longer she is missing, the more reporters flock to the location. But just when it looks like things will calm down, as she is found drowned with no signs of foul play, another body appears. And then another. 

As the local police force is so small, and unused to dealing with this many deaths in a row, Jake is asked to consult on the problem. He brings along a colorful crew - clever former intelligence worker Martha, current badass police officer Aletheia, and jaded sharp eyed journalist Jo. Billed as a “super cop” thanks to his three previous cases in town, he quickly attracts the attention of “detective” Dani, a flamboyant young woman who reports on true crime on Tiktok.

Unfortunately, all this attention gets Jake in hot water with the lead detective, who thinks he’s showboating, and jealous and pregnant girlfriend Livia. Feeling like he’s spinning his wheels, Jake almost withdraws from the case entirely, but he can’t quite let go of the idea that all these murders are connected - and that no woman is truly safe alongside the river until the killer is stopped.

The sour note, for me, was Livia. Though she may have been dynamic in previous books, in this one her singular personality trait seemed to be “jealous of Dani”. Dani is implied to be late teens or early twenties, and Livia’s immediate dislike, suspicion, and light slut shaming of her is uncomfortable. Livia’s exact age isn’t completely clear, but is probably thirties or forties. Old enough to know so much better. Of course, this likely was just part of the larger message. 

There was a recurring thread, and examination, of the online manosphere. From an extremist feminist to an older man who misses when he could make women uncomfortable freely like in the old days, the book allows a range of points of view on the issue. It was engaging to see the nuance, even if I was irritated with Livia every time she showed up - after all, if she really thought Jake would cheat on her with a near child, you have to wonder why she stayed with him.

Overall, though, this is an interesting, well told mystery. Little bits are parceled out about the case as the book goes, told through flowery purple language that I mostly very much enjoyed. Though this was the fourth book, it was easy to slide into Jake’s world. He is a recognizable type, the still capable former cop that is a bit of a male fantasy, and easy to follow. His friends by and large, were interesting, diverse, and fun. It was a fun perk, for me, that so many of them were women.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Jake Jackson series and, although the main story is self-contained, there is a heap of backstory and a vast and eclectic cast of recurring characters, so you really should read the first thee books before diving into this one.
So... having loved books one and two, I was a little frustrated with the slow pace of book three... I am happy to report that we are back on track for this book. Yes, it's still rather wordy and descriptive, and that's half its charm, but the main story gets on with itself much better.
We start with the search for a missing woman, Claire, who was last seen walking by the river. All that's left as evidence are her phone and shoes. All the locals get in on the search and it also attracts amateur investigators due to its online presence. Her husband is distraught, and begs Jake to help find his wife. But when a body is dragged from the water, it's not Claire. And once again, Jake is dragged back into the world he left behind when he quit the force and moved to the middle of nowhere...
I'm not saying anything more about the story as it does get rather convoluted and interconnected and twists and turns more than the river on which the action is set! Suffice to say that Jake rallies the troops and, eventually, all the characters that you'd expect come to the fore to assist Jake in figuring out firstly whether there is a crime to be solved in the first place, and then what on earth is happening.
I do enjoy this series despite it being wordy - I really do prefer my books to get on with themselves, but, tbh, Little Sky and the area surrounding it are pretty instrumental to the stories being told so I don't mind as much. As long as it doesn't drag, and this book definitely didn't do that.
As with most series books, as well as the stories, I also invest in the returning characters and delight in reconnecting with them, lie old friends. Especially the quirky ones such as Martha, Alethia, and Rose. And of course have an interest in Jake and Livia's own story!
And the story, when it did eventually come to a conclusion, delivered a wholly satisfying, and indeed interesting, ending.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is shaping up to be another favourite series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stig Able has earned his place on my favourite authors list, I love his style of writing, I love his cast of diverse but relatable characters, I love how he makes the countryside come to life, especially the river that takes on a life of it's own.
When nurse Claire Davidson goes missing her distraught husband pleads with Jake to help find her. Ex London detective, Jake Jackson, had left the hustle and bustle of the city to live in the beautiful isolation of Little Sky, the farmhouse left to him by his uncle, the farmhouse that had no mains utilities, no Wi-Fi, no neighbours but what it did have was a library where he could lose himself, a lake where he could swim and hills where he could run, and it was only a short walk away from Parvum where Livia, and her daughter Diana, lived, Livia who he had come to love, Livia who was expecting his baby.
The close knit town turns out to search for Clair but when a body is found in the river, it is not the missing nurse ..........the mystery begins.
When two more bodies are found in the river questions are asked, but will the river give up it's secrets ? had they been swimming ? had they slipped ? was it suicide ? or had they been put there ? there were no obvious signs of foul play on the bodies, all had drowned, was three too many for coincidences ?
Because of his background, Jake had become friends with Chief Inspector McAllister and often acted as a sounding board.
As the story unfolds, the frustration, the anger and the fear becomes palpable, popping up through the story, much to the disgust and anger of Livia, and reporter Jo, , is sassy, sexy Dani who is doing her own investigation and posting her thoughts and pictures on social media at the same time as stroking Jake's ego.
The author builds up the suspense, the suspects are many, the clues are few but Jake, Livy, the wonderfully forthright, sarcastic Martha and Jakes ex colleague the straight talking, inimitable, and computer savvy Aletheia, gather to pit their wits against a serial killer........I didn't guess the answer until almost the end, just as I like it.
Thank you Harper Collins and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story:
A river can be a beautiful but also a deadly thing; and when a woman goes missing from the riverbank near Jake Jackson’s home of Little Sky, both locals and those from further afield are drawn into the search. Is Clare Davidson the unfortunate victim of a swim gone wrong, or is something more sinister at play? As amateur detectives flood social media with their theories, the police have their work cut out finding answers. So when a woman’s body is found in the river, Chief Inspector McAllister hopes the case has reached an end, albeit a tragic one. But the body is not Clare Davidson…

My thoughts:
“A Twist in the River” is the fourth book in author Stig Abell’s series featuring former police detective Jake Jackson, and it was great to be back at Little Sky again!

I’ve said in previous reviews of this series how envious I am of Jake – particularly of his library and the delicious sounding meals he eats! He also has a great network of people around him, despite his hermit-like tendencies, from his relationship with local vet Livia to his friendships with the various residents of the nearby village of Caelum Parvum. Many of these began in book one of the series and I’ve loved seeing them develop, particularly his relationship with Livia.

But relations do become a bit strained this time around with Chief Inspector McAllister. When the hunt for a missing woman draws national interest, McAllister accuses Jake of purposely seeking the limelight. But McAllister needs all the help he can get when another woman is found dead in the river. A coincidence? Or a killer targeting women? To find out, Jake pulls together his loyal (and highly effective!) team to try and work out if and how the women are connected, and even if they were murdered at all.

As always (and as the name of this book specifically implies!), this is a twisty plot and the author gives us plenty of potential suspects to consider. The pace ramps up as the book nears its conclusion, and I was kept guessing right to the end who the culprit would be. Another strong addition to this series that I highly recommend!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twist In The River is the fourth book in the series and follows Jake Jackson, a former detective who came to the countryside searching for peace. But when young nurse Claire Davidson goes missing on the riverbank, and another woman is discovered dead in the river, Jake must investigate before more lives are lost. Is Claire Davidson just the story of a swim that went wrong, or is there more to the mystery?

At the heart of every good series is its protagonist, and Jake is a thoughtful and richly developed character who was a pleasure to read. The characters around him are also strong - eccentric, distinctive, full of personality, and equally compelling in their own right. I genuinely look forward to reading more of them in the series.

Stig Abell’s prose is the highlight of this book for me. The setting is described so vividly that it was easy to feel completely immersed within it. Then the river itself reads like a living, dangerous, almost alluring force, creating an ominous atmosphere throughout.

The narrative is just as impressive, beautifully complex and full of twists and turns that kept me constantly guessing. It’s so intricately layered that even when I wasn’t entirely sure where it was heading, I found myself completely captivated throughout.

With lots of suspects and very few clues, the mystery keeps you constantly on edge. The slow pace of rural life contrasts brilliantly with the tension of the fast-moving investigation, delivering both emotional resonance and narrative satisfaction. And when it all comes together, it does so in a way that’s both surprising and satisfying, with an epilogue nothing short of beautiful to leave the story at for now.

I picked up the first two books myself, and Harper Fiction kindly sent me the third, so I’ll definitely be going back to start the series from the beginning before the next instalment arrives - but this works perfectly well as a standalone too!

Thank you so much to Harper Fiction for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire, a young nurse, went for a walk by the river, and never came back. Her phone and shoes were found on the bank. Accident, suicide or murder? It is still summer and the weather was hot, so the first of these is plausible – went for a paddle, slipped, drowned. A search is organised by the police, and a number of locals turn out for this, accompanied (if that’s the right word) by a number of people who are mainly interested in putting stuff on line, burnishing their profiles on socials, or more dedicated bloggers working for clicks. Jake Jackson, ex Met detective, and his pregnant lover, Livia the local vet, join the search, and it is Jake who finds a body – only it isn’t Claire! Two young women deciding to go for a swim! Coincidence? Then a third one! Even the police decide that there is killer on the loose. They all died by drowning but there is no evidence of struggle, so not held down, no weapon, and no motive. Jake and his eccentric team are brought in to assist.
This is the fourth book in the Little Sky series. It can be read as a standalone, because the murders are different, although it does involve all of the old cast of investigators. That’s not unusual, of course, but a big shift in perspective is needed because Livia is now pregnant and they are heading for the altar. This provides a big part of the story (not the plot) and might seem a bit much for readers who aren’t familiar with the relationship. Otherwise, the writing continues to display the author’s lyrical writing about the countryside; still bucolic, but not as much as is in the earlier books. As to the plot, I found it rather flat, maybe because I identified the killer very early on, although the method for the murders is hard to guess. Anyway, it’s a good addition to the series, and worth reading in that context.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into A Twist in the River with fairly low expectations, having not enjoyed (and not even finished) Death Under a Little Sky. However, the overwhelmingly positive response to this instalment persuaded me to give Stig Abell another try, and I’m glad I did.

Although this is the fourth book in the Jake Jackson series, I found it works well as a standalone. Abell provides just enough context to ground new readers without slowing the pace.

Jake Jackson remains an intriguing protagonist - living a deliberately remote, almost hermit-like existence, yet somehow continually drawn into complex and unsettling mysteries. That contrast between isolation and entanglement gives the novel much of its tension and charm. There’s a reflective quality to Jackson that adds depth, and his observations about rural life, people, and the undercurrents of human behaviour elevate the story beyond a straightforward crime novel.

What stood out to me most, and seems to echo other readers’ opinions, is the atmosphere. Abell creates a vivid sense of place, with the river setting almost becoming a character in its own right - quiet, watchful, and occasionally menacing. The pacing is measured rather than frantic, but it builds effectively, with a slow-burn mystery that rewards patience. The plot itself is cleverly layered, with enough twists to keep things engaging without feeling overcomplicated.

Compared to my experience with the first book, this felt more confident and cohesive. The writing is sharper, the storytelling more assured, and the emotional beats land more effectively. While I wouldn’t say it completely converts me into a devoted fan just yet, it has certainly made me reconsider the series—and I’d now be open to exploring the earlier instalments I skipped.

Overall, a strong four-star read: atmospheric, thoughtful, and more engaging than I expected. Definitely worth picking up, even if, like me, you weren’t entirely sold on Abell’s earlier work.

[Voluntarystress · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to Netgalley and publishers Harper Collins for an ARC of this book. This is the fourth book in this series, and I've loved them all. It's been great fun to follow Jake on his dropout journey after he inherits a large country house and estate from his uncle. He gives up his career with the metropolitan CID and reverts to a keep-fit hippy, making a new life for himself. His new estate has no mod cons such as a phone or internet connection and no TV. Not even a shower, so he rigs one up outside and later a sauna on the edge of his large lake. He has a large cellar stocked full of wine and an equally large library containing every detective novel ever published. He runs several miles through his estate every morning, finishing with a long swim in his lake. And using his old police skills, he manages to solve a local crime as he does in all the later books. It's a fantasy. The dream of every avid reader of crime fiction, which is what drew me to it.
In the next novel, he acquires a girlfriend, the local vet. This allows him to cheat a bit. She not only has an old Volvo which he borrows when he absolutly has to, but obviously a computer for her work as well, which he makes use of. At the end of the third novel, there is a baby on the way. I was keen to see how the author had him cope with that in his escapist lifestyle. Babies tend to disrupt everything. At the end of this novel, Jake has married his vet, and the baby is imminent. He knows there will be big changes as she moves into his escapist home. I'm beginning to think that this might be an exercise in managing the escapist dream with the realities of modern life. I can't wait to see how this is managed. And the crimes solved in each book are pretty good, even if our hero's working in cooperation with the police is also a bit of a fantasy, too.
Four highly recommended books. Great fun.

[Alicia Garcia-Webster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh boy. **Insert massive eye roll here** The premise of this book, the crimes committed, the person implicated, for the reasons stated, are so absurdly ridiculous that is difficult to wrap my head around. If this book had been written as comedic satire, then maybe, but holy smokes, the "logic" employed here was completely off the rails. It's a shame too, as the author is clearly talented and knows his way around the written word, but the world in which his protagonist lives is not a world that exists, nor ever has, and most certainly never will. The result is similar to that of watching Dallas back in the day, and finding out that a crucial timeline in the characters' lives was merely "all a dream". In A Twist in the River, the baddies have zero relation to any ne'er-do-wells in real life, in which case the book is no longer a mystery, but instead becomes science fiction, or more aptly, fantasy. To further suspend disbelief, the "good" people in this story (the police, the townspeople, the media, etc) seem to operate from the assumption that "as long as I am operating from a position of self-righteousness, then I am allowed to operate with impunity". Yeah, I've seen that before. We in the biz call that "the end justifies the means". Good to know that in this "fictional" rural village in jolly, ol' England, one's cohorts will all conspire to look the other way as long as you are fighting on behalf of the "right people" to benefit a common goal. This book was so bad, especially the last four chapters or so, that I can't, in good conscience, recommend it to anyone for any reason. Not even to be used as fire starter, because I don't support book burning. (Although I am tempted to make an exception in this case). **I received this book for free from the publisher, but all opinions are my own.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a great affinity for this author and his writing in this series. In the crowded market of crime drama, and murder mysteries, these Jake Jackson books are refreshingly different and a unique variation of a “police” procedural story.

‘A Twist in the River’ is the fourth novel now by Stig Abell and I have followed Jake and Livia’s journey from the very beginning, eagerly reading each new episode as they have been published. The writing is so engaging and captures the locations effortlessly with creative prose and bold storytelling. The sentences build an immersive picture of the dramatic countryside across words and detailed language. I become lost in the story as the paragraphs float by like the clouds transversing the sky.

The river is the star feature of this latest novel. I really enjoyed the role it played in fashioning the story. It is the majestic constant that both delights and provides death for the local population. How the plot twists and turns like the river itself provides evidence that this author has great creative skill and original thinking.

I especially like the mystery buried in these stories. Here the police are close to ascribing accidental deaths to two recent drownings in the river. But as all good detectives know there really is no such thing as coincidence in crime fiction. Of course ex copper, Jake Jackson isn’t one to let things go without a thorough investigation.

A perfect series for fans of this genre. An author to get behind who in my experience doesn’t leave his readers short. There is drama, action and of course increasing tension. While the idyllic lifestyle is interrupted by the thought of a local serial killer; the pursuit of the perpetrator brings imminent danger and threat to Jake’s world.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: A Twist in the River
Series: Jake Jackson Mystery #4
Author: Stig Abell
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Oliver Hembrough
Publisher: Harper Perennial and Paperbacks | Harper Perennial
Pub Date: June 23, 2026
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 352

This is my first Jake Jackson.
The blurb read ~ 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.

Although this is my first Jake Jackson, the blurb got my attention as the story seems to be an interesting story.
However, I found I was having a difficult time staying focused which might have something to do with bad timing.
I just finished a Wow Audiobook with multiple narrators who were ALL outstanding performers. Our narrator Oliver Hembrough had a really tough act to follow.

About the author” Stephen "Stig" Paul Abell is an English journalist, newspaper editor and radio presenter. He currently co-presents the Monday to Thursday breakfast show on Times Radio with Aasmah Mir.

Abell was editor of The Times Literary Supplement and then managing editor of The Sun. He was formerly a fiction reviewer at The Spectator and reviewer at Telegraph Media Group as well as The Times Literary Supplement. He was also a presenter on LBC Radio.
He has written eleven novels.

I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks | Harper Perennial for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 23, 2026.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twist in the River begins with the kind of disappearance that feels deceptively simple: a young nurse, Claire Davidson, vanishes on a bright summer day, leaving only her shoes and phone by the riverbank. But Stig Abell turns that single moment into a layered, unsettling mystery that ripples far beyond the water’s edge.

The novel captures the strange, modern phenomenon of online sleuthing with sharp insight. As Claire’s case goes viral, the rural calm of the riverside community is disrupted by speculation, conspiracy theories, and amateur investigators who blur the line between help and harm. It adds a clever, contemporary tension to the story—one that feels all too believable.

Jake Jackson is a wonderfully compelling lead. A former detective seeking peace in the countryside, he’s drawn back into the world he tried to leave behind when another woman is found dead in the river. His quiet intelligence and steady presence anchor the novel, and watching him navigate both the investigation and the emotional weight of returning to police work gives the story real depth.

The writing is elegant and immersive, full of vivid natural detail and a sense of place that lingers. Abell balances atmosphere with momentum, letting the mystery unfold at a thoughtful pace while keeping the stakes sharp and the danger close.

A smart, absorbing thriller with heart, nuance, and a setting that feels alive on the page. Fans of Louise Penny, Ann Cleeves, and Tana French will find plenty to love in this beautifully crafted mystery.

With thanks to Stig Abell, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following retired detective Jake Jackson since I saw the author speak at a book event for his first novel in the series and as well as enjoying reacquainting myself with the main characters I love trying to solve the well plotted mysteries contained in each book.
In this novel a woman goes missing, her clothes found on the bank of the river and when she is found drowned, Jake and the local police try and work out whether it is suicide, bad luck or murder. In fact I do remember a case similar to this in the press a few years ago- maybe this is where Mr Abell got his inspiration!
However as more bodies are found in the river, it becomes clear that there is a serial killer on the loose but with very few clues it is difficult for Jake and his friends to find the murderer.
Jake and Livia’ s relationship is now well established and with a baby on the way they are very happy. However the first dead woman, Claire, really upsets Livia and she is keen to help Jake solve the mystery.
I love the fact that Jake is an avid mystery fan and has named features on his land after famous literary detectives and writers - Reacher Island and Chandler Lake being notable examples.
We even have a Spotify list of music Jake has listened to in the novel added at the end of the book. A fun extra!
These books continue to be well written with believable characters and fast moving plots and I am always excited to be able to read a new one in the series.
I definitely recommend “A Twist in the River” and indeed all the books in the Jake Jackson series as they are all compelling and enjoyable reads.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

[Karen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
A Twist in the River Stig Abel

5 stars

The 4th book in the Jake Jackson series

I read and reviewed the first book in this series and really enjoyed it. Somehow I managed to miss the second and third books which will now go on to my 'want to read' list! However this book was fine to read as a stand alone and I enjoyed it more than the first one.

Jake's relationship with Livia has moved on and she is now expecting his baby but their idyllic lifestyle is still continuing as Jake has settled into Little Sky and made friends with the locals. The story begins when a local woman, Claire Davidson is found drowned in the river. There are no signs of struggle and it is presumed that it was a tragic accident. However more bodies are discovered and although there are no marks on the bodies it is obvious that they cannot all be accidents, there is a murderer at work.

Jake becomes involved as the local police recognise how good he was as an ex-detective and request his expert help. There are many potential suspects and, as in any good story I did not work out who the murderer was. However I think the strength of this series of books is the description of the day to day life of people living in a rural area and in this book in particular how the river pays an integral part.. I love the style of writing of the author,not only in the way he develops the plot but in the wonderful descriptions of life in a small village and the interactions between the characters.

I really hope there are more books to come in this series and I will try not to miss any more!

.
Karen Deborah
NetGalley

[Mrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not realise until I finished the book that this is one of a series. I could not tell that I had missed Jake’s past life in book form but I will definitely read the others to find out why he is living where he is. The book begins with a missing person called Claire. She is found drowned in the river. Is this foul play or just a terrible accident. Maybe Claire went swimming after her run and got into trouble in the water. This is investigated but to no avail. Jake is asked to help by Claire’s husband to help find out the truth as he knows Jake is an ex Policeman. Then another person goes missing. The body is again found in the river not far from Jake’s home Little Sky. There are now full scale searches for clues. Jake decides to investigate with the assurance from the Police that he can do this only when asked at certain times in the case. When another woman is found and they all have no clues on how they died except water in their lungs, clothing missing and pink nail varnish on their toes things become extremely confusing. The story winds its way through investigations, Jake’s home life with Livia and her daughter and an altercation with a man who abuses his wife. It sounds crazy but it all works together with the narrative of the surrounding area around the area which sounds lovely. As the story progresses characters come into the story to help with the investigation and the rapport between these people was fun to read and interesting on a level of how did they get to that scenario. What makes the book good is that I did not even guess who the murderer was until actually named. A fab book

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the seemingly idyllic English countryside village of Little Sky, I flew through this atmospheric thriller. While it's the newest installment in the Jake Jackson series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone. The characters' shared history did make me curious about what had come before, but there was enough context for this to work well as an introduction to the series.

When a woman disappears by the river, no one knows whether it was an accident or something far more troubling. But after another woman is found dead, it becomes impossible to ignore the possibility that something sinister is happening in Little Sky. Drawn back into detective mode, Jake Jackson is determined to uncover the truth and calls upon past friends and colleagues to help.

This was a strong introduction to the series for me. The mystery kept me guessing throughout. While the pace slowed slightly in the middle, I suspect that's more because I was eager to uncover the truth and see how everything would come together.

I appreciated the map included at the beginning of the book, which helped bring the setting to life and made it easier to visualize the various locations. I also loved the playlist Stig shares of the music he listens to while writing Jake's stories, along with the songs Jake himself plays throughout the novel. These thoughtful extras always add something special and help create an even richer reading experience.

If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries, small-town secrets, and detectives who can't resist one last case, this is definitely worth adding to your TBR. Many thanks to Harper Perennial for an early copy of this book.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may find an actual murder mystery as “A Twist in the River”, but you will not find one that is more beautifully written.

I love flowing epic novels that are like a stroll along a country lane. “Huckleberry Finn”, “A Painted House”, or “To Kill A Mockingbird” come to mind. You don’t want it to hurry. You want to soak in every word of this piece of art.

Then on the other hand, I love a good mystery. Or a well written thriller that has you sitting on the edge of your seat. A procedural that has you thinking through every choice being made and sitting in on the thoughts of the one investigating.

Stig Abell’s writing is a perfect blend of both of these styles. He is not going to hurry a scene. At the same time, the scene will not overstay it’s welcome. It is truly a work of art.

The characters had so much depth. I enjoyed each and every one of the characters for this small little village.

And the mystery, well, I was so sure I had this one figured out. The clues were there. The finger was ready to point. And then Abell pulled the rug out from under me. And what was so aggravating was the fact all the clues were there to point to the culprit.

This was my introduction to the series. And to be quite honest, there is an exit sign for the series to end after this novel, if the author so chooses. I, for one, will be going back to read the previous three novels and hope for further novels. At the same time, if this is the end, what an ending.

Stig Abell, Well Done!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘈 ����𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 is the latest installment in the Jake Jackson mystery series. While each book features a new case that is solved by the end, Jake's personal life and connection to his small town continue to develop throughout the series, making this 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲.

🔎 Slow Burn Mystery Thriller
🔎 Missing Person Case
🔎 Former Detective
🔎 Established relationship
🔎 Serial Killer Investigation
🔎 Atmospheric countryside setting

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I haven't picked up a mystery in quite some time, and this book reminded me why I enjoy the genre so much.

The 𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 was my favorite part of the story. The river itself feels like a character, quietly holding onto secrets while the investigation slowly unfolds. Rather than relying on nonstop action, the story builds suspense through careful detective work, layered clues, and a growing sense that something isn't quite right.

𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗼𝗻 is a retired detective trying to enjoy a quieter life while preparing for a new chapter of life with 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮. As the mystery unfolded, I found myself constantly trying to piece together the clues alongside him.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
This is first and foremost a mystery novel, but Jake and Livia's relationship adds so much 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺. I loved seeing their partnership woven throughout the investigation.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲
• Atmospheric mysteries
• Character driven investigations
• Small town vibes
• Mysteries that focus on clues rather than shock value
• Cozy settings with darker undercurrents

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* A Twist in the River - Stig Abell. Another stunner in the Jake Jackson series.

A woman goes missing and her body is subsequently found in the local river. Did she try to cool off on a hot day and get overwhelmed by the current, did she fall in or could there be something more to it. The sad tragedy grips the locals and the media alike. Then another body is found in the river …

Jake Jackson is a former Met Detective who moved to the countryside and off the grid, when he inherited the rambling Little Sky, along with land and a lake. Having now become part of the community, he is never far from getting dragged in to support the local police. This is his fourth outing and the mystery and the centre of the plot is ingenious and will keep the reader guessing about both the who and the how.

It’s fantastic to be back with this cast. Jake, Livia and Diane are where we left them and the wider group also make an appearance (Martha, Alethia, Rose, Lily, Jo, Sarah and McAllister). I feel like I know them all and this book is a complete treat from beginning to end. It is beautifully written and you feel like you are part of the Little Sky gang.

While this is the fourth in the series, it would work as a standalone. However, it really is worth starting at the beginning of the series to get under the skin of the place and the characters.

Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of A Twist in the River, the fourth book in the Jake Jackson series, and boy did I enjoy it! I think it's fair to say that this is exceedingly good indeed. Well, that's my humble opinion anyway. 🌳
We are back at Little Sky, the place that Jake calls home. The local community is shocked by the disappearance of a nurse, Claire Davidson, who vanished whilst out for a run. Folk rally 'round, with volunteers organising searches along the river. It is Jake who eventually finds her body. She has drowned. 🌳
But then, three more bodies are found in the river. All of them women, and all of them involved in the searches for Claire. What happened to these women? Is there a serial killer in the community? 🌳
The serenity of Little Sky serves as a soothing contrast to the dark themes of the book, namely misogyny, domestic abuse and murder. 🌳
As well as the traditional investigators, i.e the police, internet sleuths are also on hand, mainly for clicks and likes. 🌳
Dark themes aside, this was an engaging read, well paced and peopled with interesting characters. I love that Jake is a fan of crime fiction, and has named areas of his property after fictional detectives. He's even started listening to Jazz, just like one of the fictional detectives he likes, Harry Bosch. 🌳
I keep meaning to circle back to the first book in the series, just to see where it all began. Some day, I hope. 🌳
Thanks to HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the ARC.

[DeeG Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for the free book.

A Twist in the River is the fourth book in the Jake Jackson series, but I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. While I'm sure reading the previous books would provide more background on the characters, I never felt lost and was able to enjoy the story on its own.
When a young nurse disappears from a riverbank, leaving behind only her phone and shoes, the case quickly captures national attention. As online sleuths and conspiracy theories take over, former detective Jake Jackson is drawn into the investigation after another woman is found dead in the river.
The pacing was just right from beginning to end. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, keeping me engaged and eager to see how everything would come together. It was one of those books that was hard to put down.
One of the standout features was the setting. The river and the surrounding countryside created such a vivid atmosphere that they almost felt like characters themselves.
I also really enjoyed Jake's group of friends. They were an interesting and diverse cast who added plenty of personality to the story. Marsha was definitely a standout for me.
Overall, this was a well written mystery with a strong setting, engaging characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Even as someone new to the series, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily pick up future Jake Jackson books.