This book is part of a series, however it can be read as a standalone and be very enjoyable

I love Nicki and Pierce as a couple. Their jobs as police detective and journalist and writer clash on a daily basis which makes it interesting.

The mystery of The Third Grave needs to be resolved by both parties and they are up for the challenge. Although unfortunately sad things happen along the way it is a good journey and the end satisfies the journey.

Thank you Net galley for this ARC.

A disappointment. I tend to like series--I feel like I can know the characters and their quirks and am prepared to love/hate them for it in each novel. In THE THIRD GRAVE though, I felt like I was reading any other book in this series.
Nikki Gillette has written 3 true crime novels, but her heart is in the slag of everyday newspaper work--she wants to feel the crime up close--as she had in the past, again and again.
She is married to cop Pierce Reed who has to tell at every breakfast, lunch, and dinner meeting that he can't share confidential meeting.
OK--so Nikki will put herself in danger and get her own scoop. And Pierce has to save here and..........I'm asleep.
Yada, Yada, Yada. Works once, maybe twice, but this has gotten to a disappointing bore.

2.5 stars

In The Third Grave, Lisa Jackson offers readers a Southern Gothic mystery story featuring a possibly haunted crumbling old mansion, prominent family hiding generations of secrets, and rumors of a long-hidden treasure. The book’s plot is as twisty and tangled as Spanish moss, and while the answer to one mystery is signaled fairly early on, the ultimate resolution of the main story came as a surprise to me. Unfortunately, the book’s writing is often clunky and needed a thorough pass by a sharp-eyed editor to take out the frequent repetitions of information and catch some continuity errors. (Note: I read an advance copy of The Third Grave, so it is possible that some of those issues were caught before the final printing.) An exchange toward the end in which two characters inadvertently confess to their crimes while having a conversation with each other is especially stilted and tough to read. But the desire to know how all the puzzle pieces fit together kept me turning from one page to the next, despite my disappointment with the prose.

Absolutely loved this book and will now read more from Lisa Jackson. This was a great story that held my attention all the way through. Terrific plot and very cleverly put together. I loved the character of Nikki, so strong and determined even though at times her actions caused grief to many, she was the star of the story. I read this book in a day as I couldn't wait to see how it would all turn out. Very satisfied with the ending that wrapped up the story beautifully. A five star read for me and I highly recommend this book to all. Thank you to Netgalley , the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book, mush appreciated.

My Ratings : ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (4.5 of 5)

⚜️ SPOILER FREE REVIEW ⚜️

♡ I usually don't jump to any book which isn't the first part in a book series. But, 'The Third Grave' came as a surprising exception because I was truly intrigued by the plot and it also was promising enough to be read as a perfect standalone. So, this book written by Lisa Jackson is the 4th installment of the 'Savannah' book series. The rest 3 also has a great reputation and I'm planning to read them soon if time permits.

♡ Coming to this book, I truly enjoyed reading 'The Third Grave'. The dual POV's from both Reed and Nikki 'the protagonists' were perfect and fitting. Oh god, Reed and Nikki....I loved them. Reed is the lead Police Investigator of solving this particular cold case this book revolves around. And Nikki, his wife works for press who is a reporter and also publishes her own books. You see that ? Truly opposite yet the same goal. The way how both had their own ways to investigate the case to delve deep was great. Also the way how the interviews conducted and the police investigation process went were shown perfectly.

♡ The author also gave so much background story to both the environment and the characters involved. It made the story more lively and more real.

♡ The last 80 pages were so nerve racking and also erupted so much enthusiasm and eagerness to find how the book ends. And yes, am truly satisfied with the ending. I'm wondering if there'll be another part to this series and if it's there I'll be more than happy to continue.

Three graves are found ... though only two skeletal remains are found within. The Duval sisters .... Holly, 12, and Poppy, 10, disappeared 20 years ago along with their 4-year-old sister who has never been found. The three girls went to the movies with older brother, Owen, and never returned. To this day, Owen is still the prime suspect.

Crime writer / journalist Nikki Gillette and her Detective husband Pierce Reed are looking into this cold case. Nikki believes this will be the story that jump-starts her career. Reed just wants the killer ,, and the third victim ... found.

What the couple find are many more questions than answers. There is more to the sisters’ disappearance than anyone ever guessed. Far from an isolated act, those deaths were just the beginning. And there will be no rest, and no relenting, until the killer has buried the twisted truth along with his victims…

This story has been a long time coming. This series started in 2003, the last story was published in 2013. Any fans of this author will be thrilled to see this one in print. Although 4th in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone, although i would recommend reading them in order.

There's plenty of action, especially with Nikki putting herself in constant danger, much to her husband's annoyance. The reader is taken from the streets of today's Savannah to the old mansions still standing to the swamps filled with alligators.

The plot is exciting, the suspense starts from the very first page and holds steady until the final unexpected conclusion. The characters are richly drawn and I really enjoyed the blend of professional with the personal. It's a real page turner and there were times I just couldn't put it down.

Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

After an eight years gap, The Third Grave by Lisa Jackson sees the return of the fourth adventure in the Gillette/Reed series. Nikki Gillette is a journalist who along with her husband, Detective Pierce Reed solve crimes in Savannah, Georgia. This time a twenty-year-old case, the subject for Nikki’s latest book, causes increasing tension over her involvement in police business. Two dead bodies, a prime suspect with no alibi and a killer who wants the truth to stay buried, unleashes new tensions. Promoted as Southern Gothic and romantic, fans of the series will probably enjoy it but as a first-time standalone novel, it is disappointing. One of the characters is mostly unlikable, the romance thread bland and warning of a graphic medical description that may disturb some readers (especially pregnant women) was an unnecessary detailed incident. So only a one-star rating, with thanks to Kensington Books and the author for a poof copy for review purposes.

After an eight-year break, The Third Grave is the fourth thriller in the Savannah series.

Three sisters disappear together twenty years ago. Their brother is suspected but has an alibi. No one is charged. A treasure hunter finds three graves and two skeletons in a hidden basement room in a derelict mansion in Georgia. The skeletons are two of the sisters. What happened to the third?

I love this author’s thrillers! Unfortunately, I found the main character in this series, Nikki, so annoying that if I wasn’t reviewing the book, I would have quit reading it at the 30% mark. Nikki is a reporter. She puts herself and her family in stupid and dangerous situations constantly. Her detective husband is constantly rescuing her. It’s the had-I-but-known gothic feeling of screaming at the character (in my head) on steroids. For that reason alone, I’m rating The Third Grave 3 stars.

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Third Grave is the fourth instalment in Lisa Jackson's series featuring Pierce Reed and Nikki Gillette.

Nikki is a crime writer and her husband, Pierce is a detective in Savannah Georgia. When Bronco Cravens, the grandson of the former caretaker of an old and crumbling mansion goes looking for treasure and artefacts following a hurricane, he gets a lot more than he bargained for. The storm has uncovered some grisly finds in the cellar. Of course, Nikki, being a crime author, feels the pull to investigate...

The atmospheric setting is brilliantly described in terms of the rotting and decaying mansion and the post-hurricane scene. The unfolding cold case was intriguing with all of its emotional depth including regret, sadness and despair. Some creepy characters and misfits add to the mystery as it gathers momentum with lies and withheld evidence. The swift pace and many twists meant I was engrossed for the most part. A very worthwhile read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

The Third Grave
Lisa Jackson
June 29, 2021

This is the 4th in the Reed/Gillette series that Jackson has published. She is known for her intense mystery books with series including the Cahills, Alvarez/Pescoli and Benz/Montoya among others. In The Third Grave we find detective Reed investigating the cold case murders of 3 local girls who went missing twenty years ago. When Bronco Cravens was headed to the old Beaumont estate he hoped to discover the original owner’s riches.
His grandfather, Wynn Cravens was caretaker of the family grounds until he passed away 2 months ago. Bronco had been waiting for the opportunity to check out Wynn’s claim that old Mrs. Beaumont hid her gold, silver and jewelry in a vault in the basement. He was overjoyed that the police and sheriff's department would all be tied up with the hurricane that had passed by the Georgia terrain. He uses his granddad’s old key to enter the historic house and make his way through the varmints and cobwebs to the basement. The main floor had been water free but as he worked his way down the cellar steps he saw the water flowing in from the broken windows. He crept through the sludge, grabbing an old rag to cover his nose. The odor was rancid. By the time he found the old crypt he could hear Wynn’s voice telling him to quit, leave before he was arrested for trespassing. After attempting several times to push on the old bricks the door opened. With glee he shined the light from his phone into the crevasse. What he saw inside was unspeakable; no shining baubles, no money. Instead he saw two skeletons dressed in girls clothing.
Once again Jackson gives us a pulse pounding thriller. With each clue we are certain a different character is to blame for the age old murders of the girls. The Third Grave by Lisa Jackson will be published on June 29, 2021 by Kensington Publishing. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this latest title by Lisa Jackson,LLC. Mystery/suspense lover that I am, I appreciate the opportunity. Jackson’s series are excellent and can be read as stand alones. The protagonists in each are the same but the stories enable the reader to follow her investigations. This one was tough to put down, another 5 star hit! Enjoy!!

Lisa Jackson is a favorite author of mine. But, I have to say with The Third Grave, I did not like the character development of the main character, Nikki. At times i was so frustrated with her, I had to stop myself from yelling out loud. She did the dumbest things! And, just seemed so heartless to me on many occasions. I really tried to get past my dislike of her so I could finish the book. Even by the end of the book I did not like her. How her husband puts up with her lack of empathy is beyond me.
With that said, The Third Grave was a ok read. The plot was interesting and intriguing.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

Two young girls have been murdered and there looks like there was a spot for a third. Reed & Morrisette know that this case is going to be a hard one to stomach for both of them. But things just take a turn for the worst when Reed’s wife Nikki tries to get involved in the case.
The dead girls have been identified as the Duval sisters who went 20 years previously but where is the third sister Rose? Will Reed be able to find out who did this to awful thing or will Nikki blow everything up beforehand? There are so many suspects but more victims are popping up will they ever find out the truth?
A good solid read. Reed has a heart of gold when it comes to his wife Nikki she does seem to make things worse. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This is the fourth book in a series; it is the first one I have read and it did not inspire me to go back and read the prior ones. The story itself was OK, but the telling of it tedious and I found myself frequently skimming. I also found the character of Nikki annoying. It was difficult to believe that she was so concerned about her pregnancy after two miscarriages, yet she put herself in danger by actions like traipsing around a slippery river bank right after a hurricane.

Lisa Jackson has been one of my favorite authors for years now and I've always enjoyed her writing. This lasted read was no different and as part of a series it's always to pick up with familiar characters.
I thought it was wonderful with all the right twists and the setting in Savannah was perfection!

It seems like years since I read the first books in the series about Pierce Reed and Nikki Gilette but they are back and a couple you ask yourself again and again why are they married. Nikki is bit of a selfish go-getter journalist that is the kind that gives many journalists a bad name for being intrusive to get that story. Throughout the novel Nikki's demands of her detective husband to tell her all he knows are so unprofessional. Yet their love holds strong but there are some actions that Nikki takes that has you wondering how long will this marriage last.

The story takes place in Savannah, Georgia which always is a perfect setting for a mystery as description really makes the setting. In an old mansion the bones of 2 are discovered and the questions about an old mystery come flying out from everyone, owners of the mansion, the parents of the children missing and denials come from those the town thinks guilty. Despite the dangers to herself, her husband, others and the child she carries, Nikki is bound to get the story and solve the mystery. There were originally 3 sisters that went missing where is the third? Will Nikki and the town find their answers? In this novel Lisa Jackson is back with description, mystery characters, and details as I've always liked from the first of her novels I picked up.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Third Grave by Lisa Jackson that I read and reviewed.
This is the fourth book in this series but it has been years since we have seen Pierce Reed and Nikki Gillette from Lisa Jackson and not much has changed from this married couple. Nikki is still poking her nose in Pierce’s cases looking for her big story or next book but this time her actions had deadly consequences for someone close to the couple and has put a bigger strain on their marriage then was ever been their before.
However, what happened does not stop Nikki from going after her story and trying to find out who killed two little girls and hid their bodies in a mansion that she use to go to when she was a young girl for parties with her family. She is also trying to find out what happened to the third child who had a grave waiting for her next to her sisters.
This book is full of twist and turns that Nikki uncovers and some that elude her and her husband and leave the reader going “Oh my”. This was a wonderful return for this series and as a fan I would love for Jackson to write more without such a long gap with how great this book was.
The Third Grave gets five out of five stars!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Journalist Nikki Gilette and husband Pierce Reed are both working, though not together, to find out what happened to two girls whose skeletonized bodies were found in a basement of an old estate after a hurricane. There is space for a third body, and there is a third child who is missing - what happened to her?

The premise of this book hooked me right away - I love a good cold case! However, the story was super slow and Nikki is a really unlikable character. I found myself wondering how Reed could even be married to her. It took me a week to read this book because it was slow and predictable, and I could not get into it.

Two decades ago, three young girls went missing. Today, two of them were found… dead… in a basement with three graves. Where’s the third girl?

I was so intrigued by the story so I dived head first into it when I got the ARC.
The plot was good, with all the mysteries and suspense that a good thriller needs.
But the pace’s SUPER SLOW!! It doesn’t have the gripping effect on me. Sometimes, after I put down the book, I’d have just totally forgotten about it. It took me over a week to finish it. Honestly I’m a bit disappointed

This psychological thriller is the fourth title in a series about crime writer, Nikki Gillette and her detective husband, Pierce Reed. Set in Savannah, the Beaumont mansion is a decrepit, old shell of a house. A discovery in the basement reveals a tomb with two skeletons and an empty spot for a third. The bodies are identified as two of the Duval sisters, missing for twenty years. But where is the third missing sister?

I found it difficult to route for Nikki as her selfish and risk taking actions in the book made her an unlikeable character. The plot was predictable and I was able to anticipate the outcome midway through the book. For those reasons, I would give this title 3 stars out of 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to review this book before the release on June 29.

Sadly, I really disliked this novel. I simply couldn’t believe the idiocy of the reporter who had several miscarriages, was now pregnant and made ridiculously dangerous choices to get her story. If I were her husband I would have been long gone
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review