THE CEMETERY PLOT: A Psychological Thriller

by J.J. Jax

At Cedar Hill Cemetery, the dead were supposed to stay buried.

When cemetery worker Tess Calder notices subtle disturbances near a recently prepared grave, Sheriff Luke Brennan and Deputy Maria Alvarez uncover something no one in Cedar Ridge is prepared for. What begins as a quiet local investigation quickly spirals into a chilling search for answers hidden beneath years of routine funerals, missing women, and carefully controlled access to the cemetery grounds.

As pressure mounts and fear spreads through town, the investigation reveals that whoever is responsible understands Cedar Hill better than anyone should.

And they may have been hiding in plain sight the entire time.

The Cemetery Plot is a grounded psychological thriller filled with escalating tension, buried secrets, and a small town forced to confront what was hidden beneath its feet.

549 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2026

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE CEMETERY PLOT: A Psychological Thriller, my fifth read from author J.J. Jax. A 549-page psychological thriller that I finished in a single sitting. It was a wonderful read, perhaps Jax's best work to date. I was given a complimentary Kindle copy of this book & I'm voluntarily reading & reviewing it. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to my next read from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 549 page psychological thriller is also a police procedural, building tension right to the end. When Tess Calder notices disturbed earth at a grave she's just dug, this sets off the chain of events leading to finding extra bodies concealed in graves in a diabolical manner, identifying them, identifying and capturing their killer. It's like finding a needle in a haystack and will certainly keep you guessing. I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly recommended psycholigical thriller. Good descriptions, in-depth details and creepy vibes. Nefarious burials are discovered, but the case is happening live. Authorities are tormented and teased with the murderer always one step ahead and running rings around them. The chase is on. I received a free copy from Booksprout and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[karin whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess, working at the cemetery notices pf irregularities in grave sites. Noting it she calls in the police. The town of Cider Ridge sees women missing, vanishing. and the town calls on the police to sort things out. The sheriff Luke and deputy Maria are searching for answers. A disturbing storyline, fast paced with great characters. A bit creepy, well-written, a great read!

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess works at Cedar Hill Cemetery. She was inspecting a recently dug grave ready for burial when she noticed an irregular area in the dirt. A cooler was buried and a body in concrete was inside. A page turning thriller.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a chilling, page turn in psychological thriller. The plot is tense and gripping. It will keep you on the edge of your seat! I enjoyed it. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Patricia Mccammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book kept my interest all the way. Great story