Burying Jericho

Scott Jericho #3

by William Hussey

MURDER WON'T STAY BURIED.

The brand-new 2025 thriller from award-winning crime writer William Hussey, author of Killing Jericho, the Genre-Busting Crime Novel of the Year award winner 2024 and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year shortlisted breakout hit.

While Scott Jericho is tasked with investigating the most baffling case of his career, his partner Harry is set upon his own fateful path.

In a rundown seaside town, a young man has vanished without a trace. Jericho's investigation of this disappearance will unravel a diabolical plot and expose a secret long buried. A secret hinted at by the paper men hanging from the trees in a nearby wood, by the ravings of the local 'wise woman', and by the eerie waxworks of a defunct fairground attraction.

As fates collide and an impossible murder is executed, a twisted killer from the past is closing in on Harry and Jericho. But is it already too late for Jericho to save himself and the man he loves?

PRAISE FOR WILLIAM HUSSEY'S JERICHO

'A detective who breaks every mould' - JANICE HALLETT
'An absolute cracker' - T.M. LOGAN
'A first-class thriller' - CHRIS WHITAKER
'One hell of a ride' - THE TIMES
'Revelatory' - VAL MCDERMID
'A genuine triumph' - IAN MOORE
'What more could a reader ask for?' - JOHN CONNOLLY
'A thrilling helter-skelter' - SARAH PINBOROUGH
'A fantastically gothic thriller' - SJ WATSON
'A blisteringly new brand of hero' - SARAH HILARY

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Contemporary, LGBT, Adult

416 pages, Paperback

Published January 29, 2026

Reviews

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hideous Beauty was my first William Hussey book, and it hooked me immediately. I still remember that YA story so vividly, and I really hope William writes something like it again, maybe even a sequel. So when I found out he also wrote adult mysteries, I couldn’t have been happier.

The first two Scott Jericho books kept me on the edge of my seat. I love Scott as a character, with all his flaws and quirks, but Harry is my favorite!

I’ve been waiting for this third installment for so long, ever since I first read the other two in 2021. And now that it’s finally here, I couldn’t be more excited. Once again, it’s compelling and immersive, even with the quieter setting. I love how William Hussey weaves the mystery with Scott’s personal life.

I highly recommend this series, and while you can read each book on its own, reading them in order makes it even more satisfying.

Thank you, Bonnier Books and NetGalley for this great ARC!

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[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great 3rd installment to the Scott Jericho series!

I love this series and so was very excited to receive an early copy and dive back into Scott's world and see what was next for our unorthodox detective. Scott owes a favour to his old employer, Noonan which takes him to the quiet village of Fenchurch and the mystery of a missing man with a whole load of suspicious characters and his childhood friend group who seem to know a lot more than they are letting on.

You can't trust anyone in this village and as Scott gets closer to the truth, danger is following not too far behind. I liked that this story makes Scott leave his safe haven home of the fairground as he has to deal with this new case mostly on his own, while Harry chases his own leads regarding Scott's old mentor Peter Garris. There are lots of secrets and surprise reveals as Scott tries to uncover what really happened to Wesley.

I really love Scott's character and each book provides more development for him as in this book he meets an old friend of his mother which showed a new, vulnerable side to him. I had no idea what had happened to Wesley and the story kept me guessing right until the end with a reveal that I did not expect at all.

The ending finishes on a climax that made my jaw drop and I can't believe I have to wait until the next installment to discover the fate of one of my favourite characters! This book certainly leaves the story on a cliff hanger and I can't wait to see what else Hussey has in store for the next Jericho book!

[Em Nightreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow
I've just finished this ...what an ending 🤯
A brilliant read
This book actually gave me a cold shiver down my spine
Hats off to you William Hussey
BURYING JERICHO is one top read 📚
5⭐️

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. From the very first book I have been completely drawn into the wonderful, and admittedly, dark and deadly world of Scott Jericho. William Hussey has created a character who is just so compelling that I have really been looking forward to this latest instalment. Although, having now read it, I'm not so sure anymore. Can I take it back? Rewind and pretend what has happened never happened? No - well it was worth a shot.

Now, don't read that statement and think that I didn't like this book, because nothing could be further from the truth. I loved the premise, loved the execution, loved the dark and treacherous intrigue that is infused in the narrative from he very beginning. Loved the strange sense of mysticism and superstition that informs what happens. I just don't like what Mr Hussey allowed to happen. I know authors often say that characters take over the story for themselves, but really. A modicum of control would have been nice - he knows why ...

When we join Scott and co this time around, he is suffering the after effects of events from his previous case. He is not quite the man we have come to know and that ultimate vulnerability adds a tension to the book that really elevated it for me. We might be used to seeing Scott power his way through danger, with a kind of disregard for his own safety that is born of a previously engaged self destruct button. But he has a lot more to lose now, and that, along with his physical condition, is something that the author explores throughout the story. There is an authenticity about his situation, and it allows us to see more of the intelligence that exists behind the braun we have been used to. But the tenderness he shows towards his partner, Harry, is so endearing, he just seems to become more of the perfect character the longer we spend time with him.

I really liked this story - a case of a missing young man whose mother has asked Scott's former employer and local gangster, Mark Noonan, for help in finding him. This would be a short book if foul play wasn't at the heart of his disappearance, but as to what and to who might be responsible, well, that's what Scott, and we, need to find out. The investigation leads Scott to Fenchurch-on-Sea on the Norfolk coast, and into a very close knit community with unexpected links back to Scott's own family. It allows us to learn more about Scott's past, somethign that I foudn really added to my understanding of him as a person.

There is a kind of sense of almost folk lore, or superstitious legend about what plays out in the heart of Fenchurch. The characters that William Hussey has created to inform and direct this story, are brilliantly fleshed out, and you can feel that sense of secrecy leach from each of them. There is much use of misdirection, although if you are paying attention several characters provide vital clues that challenge Scott, but ultimately point him towards the very tragic reality. This whole story is steeped in atmosphere and melancholy, perhaps a portent of what is yet to come. An all too brief moment of happiness before the author really finds the ultimate way to press Scott's buttons.

Am I excited for the future of this series? Well, despite what I've said (and I might eventually forgive Mr Hussey for what he is putting us through), yes I am actually. Scott has always been a character who was hard to control. One who sought out and embraced danger rather turned away from it. After this book I get the feeling all bets are off. Scott Jericho unleashed. I kind of like the sound of that. Mystery, danger and tragedy combined. Definitely recommended.

[Adam Woodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this. As someone who isn't into adult thrillers (give me teenagers solving a murder any day!), it's honestly shocked me how much I've fallen in love with the Jericho series - but that's a testament to William Hussey's ability to create complex characters and twisting plot-lines that, despite the darkness, you can't help becoming invested in. Everyone in the Jericho series is morally grey, even our hero, who wrestles with his innate desire to do good and to rid the world of evil whilst facing demons of his own. Three books in, Hussey is starting to draw on individual plot threads to weave together a more serialised narrative than I was expecting. I'm really excited to see how, in the inevitable book four, he pulls these together. Give me a hundred of these books! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great crime thriller.
Scott Jericho is still recovering from his last case and hates the fact that he needs to use a walking stick.
He’s asked to look into a missing person case by an old adversary who Jericho owes a favour to.
He heads off to try and find the young man but gets more than he bargained for, as there’s plenty of secrets and lies to unravel.
Harry is looking into Garris and Jericho asks Ben to keep an eye on him as he’s not used to the criminal world.
I had the sense that the story was building to a shocking end, and I was right. I won’t say any more on that though.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bonnier Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Rachel Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the first book, enjoyed the second but this third instalment is the best yet! Jericho is a great, flawed character and I really hope his story continues.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece from Hussey. This feels like a slow burner, but beware the misdirection…

[Susan J. Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final instalment (?) of the Scott Jericho thriller series took us away from the fairground (which I missed a little) to a quiet village and group of childhood friends who seemed to be keeping a lot of secrets.
There was a less action in this novel and a lot of speculation about who could have done what to whom, which impacted the pace and diluted the plot.
The mysterious lurker was an easy guess, but the unravelling of the murders was another matter, as there were so many potential options. It felt a little like a game of Cluedo at one point, with all the potential murder weapons and their owners being listed.
This one has a bit of a different feel to the first two books, probably to do with the change of setting (which was one of the things that charmed me originally).
While (almost) all the loose ends got tied up, it was an incredibly tangled knot.
There’s definitely room for another series, but it looks like it will go in a different direction.
I’m giving this one 3.5 stars, with thanks to NetGalley and BonnierBooks for the review copy. Burying Jericho is out on 10 April.

[Mary Picken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just closed the final page of Burying Jericho, and honestly? I’m still reeling. This is the third book in William Hussey’s Scott Jericho series, and without question, it’s the most intense, atmospheric, and emotionally layered yet. Hussey has been quietly carving out a space for himself in the upper echelons of British crime fiction — and this book just solidifies it.

The story drops us into the crumbling seaside town of Fenchurch-on-Sea, the kind of place that feels like it’s slipping off the edge of the map. Hussey creates such a vivid, unsettling backdrop that it practically pulses off the page. The sense of place is one of the book’s greatest strengths. You feel the decay and the secrets buried just beneath the surface. It’s gothic, eerie, and utterly immersive.

A young man has vanished without a trace. It’s a haunting setup — and it only gets creepier from there. Paper men hanging from trees, a deranged “wise woman,” and a forgotten waxwork museum all weave together to create this lingering sense of dread. Hussey’s gift for atmosphere is something else. You don’t just read this book — you inhabit it.

The pacing is a slow burn, which I really appreciated. There’s time to soak in the strangeness, to walk beside Jericho as he starts pulling at the threads. But make no mistake: once those threads start to unravel, it all comes undone fast. There’s a sharp acceleration midway through, and the tension just doesn’t let up. Hussey really knows how to twist a narrative without losing the emotional stakes.

A missing person case becomes something much darker, with old horrors resurfacing and a twisted killer circling ever closer as Scott uncovers what lay behind the missing young man and the tragic death of his friend Katrina, following on from that of her young brother.

I’ve followed Scott Jericho since Killing Jericho, and he’s easily one of the most compelling characters in modern detective fiction. He’s sharp, damaged, loyal to a fault — and in this book, we see him more vulnerable than ever. Recovering from the coma he sustained during his last brutal case is long and slow and his physical vulnerability is palpable.

What’s always stood out to me, though, is how Hussey writes Jericho’s heritage. Jericho comes from a Romani showman background, and that’s not just flavour — it deeply informs who he is. His instincts, his mistrust of authority, his moral code — all of it feels shaped by that identity. It adds an authenticity and richness to his character. It also places him in a good position to understand the meaning behind some of the rituals and superstitions that he encounters in Fenchurch.

And then there’s Harry. Jericho’s partner is on his own dangerous path this time around, and the emotional weight that brings is enormous. “The emotional core of this novel isn’t the murder — it’s the relationship between Jericho and Harry, and what it costs to protect someone you love. Their relationship is the heart of this book, and watching it tested like this was genuinely gut-wrenching at times. I won’t spoil what happens, but the emotional payoff is raw and powerful.

Verdict: Hussey’s writing is razor-sharp, the characters are raw and real, and the plot will keep you up way past bedtime. Burying Jericho isn’t just a brilliant mystery — it’s a deep character study, a slow-burning gothic thriller, and a story about identity, love, and reckoning with the past. It’s dark, yes, but also beautifully written and deeply humane.

If you’re already a fan of the series, you’re in for something special. If you’re new to Jericho, I’d actually say start from the beginning — not because you can’t jump in here, but because watching the emotional build across the series is so worth it.

Highly, highly recommended. But be warned: this one lingers

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burying Jericho by William Hussey.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the third book in the Scott Jericho series since reading the first two (Killing Jericho and Jericho’s Dead) around this time last year. And wow, it was worth the wait.
Hussey has created something truly unique and special in the Jericho series. Scott is a new kind of (anti?)hero, a Travelling Showman and casually, yet unapologetically, gay. His background deeply informs how he reacts to, and interacts with the world around him, giving him innate detective skills, a mistrust of authority, and a deep sympathy for the underdog. Being gay plays a significant part in who he is and how he views the world too, but his sexuality is just part of this complex, flawed, brilliant man.
In this book, Jericho is a shadow of his former self physically, having been in a coma following his last case. Emotionally, he’s more open, sharing more things with his partner, Harry, and finally allowing Harry (albeit reluctantly) into the darker side of his life.
Jericho is recruited by former boss, mobster Mark Noonan to find out what happened to a young man called Wesley, who went missing in the small town of Fenchurch in Norfolk. Scott owes Mark a favour, so reluctantly goes.
Hussey masterfully evokes Fenchurch, so powerfully that you feel you’re walking the streets of the town alongside Scott. There’s a creepy waxworks, a local ‘wise woman’, and some mysterious Ravens. And a mysterious hooded figure pursing Scott (yikes).
What I love about all three Jericho books is the Gothic, creepy elements to each case. The darkness of the crimes runs alongside the darkness within Scott himself, which is why he’s so uniquely suited to investigating these crimes. While there are plenty of nods to Golden Age crime fiction, there’s a distinctly M.R. Jamesian flavour too, especially given the setting, and the role of the ancient church (a certain scene put me in mind of Canon Alberic’s Scrapbook for example). Poe is here too, especially with those ravens.
While Scott investigates in Norfolk, Harry is set on his own dark path, investigating an old nemesis of Scott’s.
The case is superb, a slow burner that nevertheless kept me intrigued and kept me guessing. As always, the side characters – the residents of the village and the suspects – are well-drawn, not cardboard cutouts (or paper men, heh).
And then there’s the emotional, character-driven elements of the book. Scott’s slow journey towards recovery. His deep love for Harry, and Harry’s for him. His coming to terms with his past, accepting both the good and the bad. Scott is deeply compassionate, and we see it time and again in his interactions with certain characters. But he also possesses a dark anger, a draw towards violence and that makes for an intriguing combination.
As for the ending…..well excuse me while I pick up the pieces of my absolutely bloody shattered heart off the floor. It just absolutely broke me. But it will change everything, and I’m very excited to see what’s next for Scott.
The Jericho series is Gothic, intelligent, heartfelt crime fiction and I hope there are many more to come.

[Aleksandr Popov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott Jericho on inimvare. Vähemasti peeglist vatab talle vastu kõike muud, kui enne viimase uurimise lõpukatastroofi sealt vastu naeratanud nägus hiiglane. Aga ikka on tema elu armastus Harry tema kõrval ning nende ühine elu tema isa rändkarnevali osana jätkub.
Kogu maailm usub, et Scott Jericho peaks võtma puhkuse. Isegi Scott Jericho ise usub seda. Aga ta ei oleks maailma kõige õnnelikum õnnetusehunnik, kui ta saaks alatasa seda, mida ta soovib.
Tema vana ülemus allilma aegades Mark Noonan nõuab oma "teenet". Ja Mark Noonan ei ole mees, kellele "ei" öelda. Eriti veel olukorras, kus tema teenele vastamata jätmine võib viia raskete tagajärgedeni mehele, kes tähendab Scott Jerichole kõike - tema elu armastus Harry.
Mark Noonani nõbu on teadmata kadunud. Tema ema usub, et poeg on surnud. Sama arvab ka Noonan, aga ta ei saa mitte reageerida. Veri on paksem, kui vesi. Ka siis, kui sa päriselt ka oled sotsiopaat, kes ei hooli kellestki, ega millestki.
Scott Jericho saab ülesandeks leida, kas poiss või tema surnukeha. Nii lihtne see ongi. Või kas ikka on?
Väikeses rannikulinnas Inglismaa äärealadel on peidus samapalju saladusi, kui seal on inimesi, kes tahaksid, et Sott Jericho lahkuks ja ei tuleks ealeski tagasi. Aga Scott Jericho ei ole mees, kes lihtsalt ära läheb. Ta on igihaljas nagu kurjad vaimud, keda kogukond varjata püüab.
Uurides poisi kadumise lugu, saab Scottile selgeks, et otsitav oli palju keerukam kuju, kui tema ema või kohalik kogukond arvatagi oskas. Oma osa tema otsingutes mängib ka Scotti enda onu - mees, kellest tal on vaid udused lapsepõlvemälestused, mis seostuvad tema kadunud emaga.
Uurides noore mehe kadumist leiab Scott Jericho teavet enda mineviku ning seda raputanud sündmuse kohta. Ta avastab, et pole esimene mees oma suguvõsas, kes armastuse tõttu kannatama on pidanud - ka tema onu oli ära aetud, sest mees, kellesse ta armus oli tema lähedastele vastuvõetamatu juba ainuüksi oma soo pärast. Nüüd on see õnnelik armunutepaar tema toeks nii otsingutel, kui ka muidu.
Samal ajal, kui Scott otsib vastuseid otsib Harry tema kunagist mentorit - end politseiniku rolli peitnud sarimõrvarit Peter Garrist. Nende otsingud põimuvad, kui Scott arvab, et Garris jälitab teda ning on temaga samas linnas. Hirm Harry heaolu pärast süveneb, kui Garris helistab ja hoiatab neid otsingute jätkamise eest. Mõlema armunud mehe jäärapäisus võtab aga oma osa ning vallapääsenud sündmuste ahelas leiavad oma lõpu nii unistus eluaegsest armastusest, kui ka uskumus, et Scott Jericho emaga juhtunud õnnetus oli kõigest õnnetus.
Scott leiab oma otsitava, kuid hinnaks on süüta hapra naise maailmapildi purunemine ning tumeda saladuse ilmsiks tulek, mis looritab kogu kogukonna edasise elu. Harry peaaegu leiab selle, mida ta otsib - ja pimedus võtab kalgi ning tapjaliku kuju ja ulatab oma jääkülmad kombitsad tema elu ja hinge järele.
Lõppude lõpuks on kõik osalised sunnitud aga tõdema, et juhtunud on midagi pöördumatut. Omaenda tegude tulemusel on mees, kes kandis pikka aega maailmade valukoormat ja usku õigluse ravitsevasse jõudu lõpuks pöördumatult murdunud. Scott Jericho on igaveseks maetud!

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I have not made a secret how much I love this series, and I really hope it goes on and on. The Jericho series is one of my all-time favourite thriller series. It's got no shortage of twists and turns and shocks and surprises, but it is also packed full of love and heart and beauty. I have also recently read William's latest non-Jericho book - The Boy I Love - which was a stunning piece of writing.

What I've loved about this series is seeing Scott Jericho's journey. Seeing him age, fall in and out of love, brush with death, and just progress personally and professionally. It also shows off William's writing and character creation skills.

I think what I love most about this series is that it's broken down barriers I usually link to crime protagonists. Jericho is a gay traveller. And I'm aware I haven't read every book in existence, but that was completely new to me in the first book, and I think it's really important to have such a character in a mainstream book. I don't want it to come across as patronising, but I think it's really important and powerful.

This one took a little while to get into the action but I quite liked that. It didn't feel too slow but gave me time to familiarise myself again with what happened in the previous book and with the characters.

This book gave Harry his own sort of side quest. I've always liked him as a character, always there supporting Jericho. But in this one, he gets to go on his own sort of adventure which opens him up a bit more as a character in himself, rather than just as Jericho's partner.

I can't say for certain, seeing as I have read them all, but I think you could read it as a standalone, but I do think you would lose some of its magic. Where it excels is in its progression, and so I highly recommend starting with book one.

This book is really...I was going to say clever, but that makes it sound like the other two aren't clever, which isn't what I mean. But it's less shoot-first-ask-questions-later. There's more investigation, deeper storytelling, more emotion, before it hits a crescendo towards the end. This shows William's ability to write great story and action, but also great characters.

It ends well and satisfyingly but I do wonder if there will be any more in the series (when you read the ending, you'll know what I mean). I do hope so as it's a really good series, but the way it ends...I won't spoil it, but it does give food for thought. But I, for one, would read this series forever.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspired piece of writing from William Hussey and although it took me longer to get into this story than the last one, it certainly makes up for it as the story unfolds.
I love the complex character of Scott Jericho, born into the world of the traveling fair, gay in a man's world, worked as an enforcer for a local villain, got his life together and attended Oxford University where he met the love of his life, the gentle, loyal Harry Moorhouse, joined the police force, got kicked out of the CID and set up as a successful PI.
Scott was approached by his ex employer, local villain Mark Noonan, the son of a friend had gone missing after the funeral of his best friend, he wanted Scott to find him.
This case took Scott to the small town of Fenchurch on sea on the Norfolk coast. After his last case it was a much diminished Scott Jericho that arrived in Norfolk, he was much weaker, much thinner, reliant on a walking stick and wracked with pain but this wouldn't deter Jericho.
This story centres around a group of young people who had been friends since childhood, a town that was steeped in suspicion, myths and legends, what was the meaning of the paper dolls strung between the trees and moving spookily in the wind ? what was the meaning of the deep, fathomless poetry ? what was the mystery of the ravens ?
This story is so atmospheric, the storyteller is so descriptive that he draws pictures in the mind, the wonderful characters are so diverse, there are so many suspects as this story twists and turns in so many sinister ways. Jericho once more needs the help of his new friend, Inspector Thomas Tallis but Jericho is careful to keep Tallis in the dark about the nemesis that pursues him, his ex police mentor, Peter Garris.
This story is compelling, it draws you in and leaves you open mouthed at the end, I hope that there is more stories involving Scott Jericho.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review id voluntary.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this most wonderful series featuring the eclectic character that is Scott Jericho. He is a colourful character, which is an understatement, with an intriguing back story so, as I always do, I will suggest you go back and meet him in Killing Jericho, and get to know him better in Jericho's Dead, before catching up with him once again here...
So... we start with a shout for help from a desperate mother whose son has gone missing. Scott's former employer, gangster Mark Noonan calls in a favour and asks Scott to help find him. With the fallout from what happened in the previous book and with his former mentor, and nemesis, Peter Garris, still at large, Scott really doesn't want to leave his partner Harry. But he is to be well looked after and, well, Scott really doesn't have a choice. Anyway, Harry has his own fish to fry and, in this book, gets his own side-story, looked after by Ben - yay!
And so begins a multi faceted interesting, intriguing, and convoluted plot that held me captive all the way through as I tried to second guess what was happening. I failed but was more than impressed when certain things were revealed along the way and wholly satisfied come the ending. An ending that I really do need to talk about as, well, you'll see when you get there!
One thing I really loved about this book was that we also got to hear more about Scott's past and how he is now facing it in his present. I'd love to wax lyrical more about this but, spoilers... Suffice to say that I hit the ground running with Scott as a character when I first met him and our connection has only grown stronger with each book. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long for book 4 to find out what's next in store for him...
All in all, a cracking addition to what is shaping up to be a brilliant series. Long may it continue. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the series, and its been a series I loved from the off. I knew it was something special when you throw a gay traveller detective into the world to see what happens.
This time Scott is struggling, physically and mentally after being in a coma. He is sent to Fenchurch on Sea to try and find a missing son. Lauded by most of the small town as a hero, after trying to save the life of a little boy from drowning.
This book is full of dark mysticism, and local legends, the creepiness and almost omniscient presence of the black ravens, the lady making paper boys and hanging them in the forest, and a decaying fun fair. All the perfect set up for a creepy tale.
All of the characters are important, and mostly unlikeable. They are however brilliantly created, and each one has their place, and their part to play. No matter how small.
I really got a feel for the setting as well. Told in the first person, I found myself imagining the dark streets, the wind blown trees, and everything else, giving the story an extra level of realism.
At no point does the author shy away from the gay traveller stereotypes, but he's not preaching, or shoving it in your face. He actually portrays the unique traits as gifts, and I would be hard pressed to disagree, and I think you will be too by the end. I think this side of Scott gives him a slightly harder edge, but he shows his soft side with the elderly dog, and his love for Harry.
The plot is so cleverly created and you are guided gently along going exactly where the author wants you to go, throwing many red herrings in along the way, and then bam, a powerful finale. Despite this being much darker than I imagine an Agatha Christie, or other book of that era would be, it definitely gave me those kind of vibes.
All in all an incredible read that I really struggled to put down.

[Andy Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already a fan of the Jericho series ,so had high hopes for this third outing - and I wasn’t disappointed! For those new to Scott Jericho, I definitely recommend visiting the previous novels in order, but reckon this could easily be enjoyed on its own!

When we last saw him, Jericho was in a bad way in hospital. There is no magic wand for Jericho in his latest case and so physically we find him very much on the mend, and not quite the rough and ready force he’s known for. Luckily his detective mind is still razor sharp – well mostly.

Scott Jericho is not your typical hero, he’s a gay traveller from showman heritage, had a promising police career until a fall from grace, spent time as hired muscle and is now a private detective. It’s refreshing to have a character like Jericho at the forefront with complexity and layers that sidestep the well-trodden stereotypes. The supporting characters are well drawn too with some great representation.

I really enjoyed this latest outing, the investigation into each of the Sancturists (the friendship group with close links to the mystery) was well paced and engaging. There were many twists and turns along the way and the plot certainly kept me guessing until the end. The cliffhanger at the end left me eager for more and sets up a new direction for book 4 – please please let there be another!

Reading Snack recommendation:
A piece of that fruit cake you’ve had at the back of the cupboard since Christmas.

Pairs well with:
A few swigs from a bottle of liquor of your choosing, preferably pilfered from your parent’s drinks cabinet.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the Scott Jericho Series and whilst it could be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading the whole series in order, they are so good. After Jericho’s last case he ended up seriously injured and in a coma. He is still suffering from these events both physically and emotionally. This time out, at the request of his former employer, Mark Noonan, Jericho is looking for a missing relative of Noonan. Jericho is such a good character. Bought up in a fairground, ex police and former personal enforcer,he is now a private detective. It took me a bit longer to get into this book than the previous books but once I did I was hooked.

Briefly, the search for the missing man, Wesley, takes Jericho to Fenchurch-on-Sea on the Norfolk coast and a group of people, who as teens were part of a close knit friendship group. The young brother of one of them died as a child and his sister recently committed suicide. It was at her funeral that Wesley went missing.

This case is seeped in mysticism and local myth and there is a connection to Jericho’s family in the town. There are dark forces in this quiet seaside town and Jericho has a feeling of being watched, possibly by his nemesis and the epitome of evil, Garris. Although I really like Jericho his morals are becoming darker as the series continues, then just when you think he has gone too far you see his care and love for his partner and his old dog Webster. So I love him again! The red herrings are brilliant, the plot intricate and tight and the ending left me on a knife edge. Another cracking book.

[Chris Scotland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to call Scott Jericho a hero, as he's one of the best leads I've discovered in a relatively new series in the last couple of years. He brings a fantastic back story with him, with unique flaws I can believe in and empathise with; never overdone and never taking over the stories yet integral to the development of the character. I read the first two books in the series in quick succession and returned to see what Jericho gets up to now in this, the third outing: and the setting moves to a faded coastal town on the North Sea, in which I can almost smell the sea salt and hear the creaking of the old waltzer in the run-down fun-fair.

Tasked with what, at a first glance, seems to be a straightforward mystery - where did a local hero disappear to the night of a friend's funeral? - strange rituals in the woods, paper dolls and a drowned child years ago all come knocking at Jericho's door. Ranks are closed, and Jericho has the added distraction of his partner trying to track down a former nemesis too.

A lot of back and forth between the woods, the church and the pub, as well as a sneaky out of hours visit to the fun-fair, didn't really help in Jericho's physical healing from an earlier episode - it did seem to provide lots of opportunities for the enemy within to catch him out; however, method in this madness...?

Ends seem ready to get tied together neatly, but is anything ever what it seems?

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burying Jericho is the third book in the Scott Jericho series, I’ve loved the first two so was already aware that I was in for a treat and this dark, twisty crime thriller certainly didn’t disappoint. This time, Jericho—who’s still recovering from a traumatic case—gets pulled into a new investigation in a creepy old seaside town called Fenchurch-on-Sea. It’s got all the eerie vibes: abandoned buildings, strange symbols, and a wax museum straight out of a nightmare.

The story kicks off with a missing person case that quickly spirals into something much darker, involving a killer from the past and secrets that won’t stay buried. Jericho is a really compelling lead—sharp, damaged, and driven by a strong sense of justice, shaped by his Romani roots and showman background.

The writing is super atmospheric, with a slow, creeping tension that builds into a gripping, emotional payoff. The story ends on a cliffhanger that had me swearing in fright and I’m so glad that there is going to be a next book!

If you’re into gritty mysteries with a gothic twist and a flawed but fascinating main character (and I definitely am!) , this one’s a winner.

[James Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burying Jericho is another brilliant, twisty instalment in William Hussey’s highly regarded Scott Jericho series - reaffirming why Scott Jericho remains one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary crime fiction.

This time, Scott owes a favour to his old employer, Noonan, which takes him to the quiet Norfolk coastal village of Fenchurch-on-Sea. There, he becomes drawn into the mystery of a missing man and a tight-knit group of childhood friends who seem to know far more than they are letting on.

As always, Hussey creates a strong sense of place, and the village setting adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue. Nobody is quite who they appear to be, and as Scott gets closer to the truth, it becomes clear that trust is in short supply and danger is never far away.

Alongside the central mystery, Scott continues to develop as a thoughtful, resilient and quietly complex character, making his journey just as compelling as the case itself.

Another strong, satisfying read, Burying Jericho delivers suspense, emotion and plenty of unexpected turns, and is a must for fans of intelligent, character-driven crime fiction.

[Matt Peet · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Book19 and Hussey shows no signs of slowing down.

Scott Jericho is back—and this time, the stakes are impossibly high. What begins with the quiet disappearance of a young man from a faded seaside town soon spirals into something far darker and more diabolical. The imagery alone is haunting: paper men hanging from the trees, a defunct waxwork attraction full of eerie echoes, and a ‘wise woman’ whose ravings might just hold the truth no one wants to face.

While Jericho follows the breadcrumbs of a case that refuses to make sense, Harry is pulled onto his own fateful path—and the way their stories converge is nothing short of masterful. Hussey layers dread, atmosphere, and emotional weight with precision, and the tension never lets up.

But it’s the final pages that truly floored me. Just when you think you understand where it’s heading, Hussey yanks the rug from under you. The ending spirals into emotional and narrative depths you didn’t see coming—and can’t stop thinking about.

Hussey has done it again. Bold, brutal, brilliantly written—what a bloody good writer.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott Jericho is a wreck, after being left in a coma he is still weak and needs time to recuperate. However, when a friend from his previous life calls in a favour, Scott finds himself in a run-down seaside resort looking for a missing man. The man is part of a group of friends who have been visited by tragedy and as Scott investigates he discovers a history of sad events and folklore. Meanwhile, he partner Harry is involving in looking clues as to the man who left Scott for dead. As one case closes the other comes to the fore.
Several reviews comment on the need to read the other books in the series to get to grips with this story, I didn't find that to be the case. I love the character of Scott, he is enough of an outlier to be really interesting but neither being a traveller or being homosexual is traded as the main reason for the plot. They are integral but nicely played to just add an extra dimension. Other than that this is a very solid novel.

[CJ Enfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️’s rounded down.

‘Cases had come my way, strange and harrowing mysteries which called to that darkness that seemed to move inside me like a shadow self. And so yes, a hard, eventful life. Until recently, however, it seemed to have taken little out of me. I had never once looked my thirty-one years.
Now I looked it, and more. The best part of six weeks in a coma will do that to you I suppose.’

Admittedly, I reckon I would’ve loved this book even more had I actually read the series in order. Alas, I started with this one, and I still loved it a lot. The mystery was very gripping, and I enjoyed getting to know the residents of Fenchurch through Scott Jericho’s eyes, and, I suppose, getting to know Scott Jericho through solving this mystery.
I will definitely be going back to read the prior books, and possibly returning to this one with more knowledge!

[Ryan (Empire of Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. I’ve been a big fan of William’s work ever since the first Witchfinder book came out way back when. Watching his career grow and flourish has been a joy as he is such a great guy too! I’ve never been much of a crime fan but these books just do something to me and this book is no different. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it’s his best yet. More twists and turns than you can count, a plot that keeps you guessing right to the very end, and even then I guessed completely wrong. And a cliff hanger ending that has be absolutely gagging for the next one.

Brilliantly written. Fantastically paced. I could not have enjoyed this book more if I tried. Bravo, Mr. Hussey! Bravo!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I had the audiobook read by Damien Lynch who is a good fit for Scott Jericho

This series goes from strength to strength with this disgraced ex cop now working as a PI and making ends meet with some fair work. It brings something fresh to the genre. It’s middle of the road on the cosy/gore score so will appeal to a wide audience.

There are two separate threads one being looked at by his partner Harry.
There’s a decent plot complexity I love the inclusion of the traveller community which adds a new perspective. Jericho is a great mix of rough round the edges from his lifestyle combined with cultured from his education. It incorporates some elements of mysticism which adds another layer of interest.

[Jill Westerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the other Jericho books and was looking forward to reading this new installment. Initially I found it slow going and was slightly disappointed - I think the novelty of the fairground setting and language had passed but I was quickly hooked. The plot is intricate and I don't think anyone could have guessed the final outcome. Jericho's character is sufficiently nuanced and he is by no means an unambiguous hero. Having said that I find the ongoing duel between him and his personal Moriarty a bit unbelievable.

So 4 rather than 5 stars but still a cracking read. Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for a review copy.

[A.K. Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard one for me to give a star rating for. From an objective point of view, any lover of dark crime would find this top-notch. The mystery is excellent, it is twisty, suspenseful and surprising, and the language is above par.

For me personally, though, I found the vengefulness of the main character, Scott Jerico, offputting. I prefer my detectives a bit less morally ambiguous - although, it must be said, this ambiguity does add depth to an already stellar character.

So, I'm aware it deserves 5 stars on most counts, but I only want to give it 3... I'll be objective and round it up to 4!

[Jessica Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burying Jericho
4 star/5
I really enjoyed reading this Arc copy of this 3rd book in the Jericho trilogy. After reading Killing Jericho and Jericho’s dead I was hungry to read more and this book helped fill that void. Before this series I had never read anything to do with murder mystery and this has definitely set me on the path to discover more in the genre. I have enjoyed seeing Scott’s journey watching him fall in and out of love and also liked the representation of him being a gay traveller the author did really well to write such a great character. An overall enjoyable trilogy for me.

- 4⭐️/5
- A complete Trilogy
- Murder and Mystery
- Well written Character Scott

[Shaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't think you could top the last Scott Jericho book (a serial killer offing psychics in macabre ways, couldn't be more in) but Burying Jericho does just that.

Amazing small village lore vibes and a tragic back story are the set up to this book. I love how Hussey constantly blends gritty police procedural (yes yes he's not with the police anymore I know) with a sprinkling of something vaguely occult or otherworldly.

The last chapter had me hoping I'd turn the page, and it was all a dream, but alas not. Fingers crossed this isn't the end!