When a funeral unearths a second body in the same grave, the quiet village of Lower Gladdock finds itself at the center of a murder mystery. Enter DS Guy Poole, a man trying to shake off his past and make a fresh start, and DI Sam Brock, a gruff veteran detective juggling a case and a crumbling home life. Together, they work to unravel a tangled web of secrets buried beneath the surface of this seemingly tranquil community.
This is the first in A.G. Barnett’s Brock & Poole mystery series, which now includes five novels of classic whodunit flavor with a modern procedural heart.
Meet the Detectives
- Guy Poole: A quietly complex figure, Poole arrives on the scene with personal baggage and a strong sense of duty.
- Sam Brock: A blunt, emotionally guarded detective who’s not as invulnerable as he tries to seem. His chemistry with Poole is the book’s emotional spine.
Their dynamic gives the novel much of its weight, and some unexpected warmth.
My Thoughts
A slow burn? Definitely. It took me time to connect with the characters. I kept wanting more depth, more detail, those rich, sensory touches that help me fully visualize a scene. Early chapters felt a bit sparse on that front.
But what kept me reading was the dialogue. The conversations between Brock and Poole felt lived-in and natural. As the plot thickened, their personalities sharpened, and I started to feel more from them, emotionally and narratively. Plus, I enjoyed learning that boiled sweets (British English) is really just what we call hard candy here in the States. It had me wondering if Brock has a low blood sugar issue, but it’s probably the whole trying not to smoke thing that Poole deduced.
Was the mystery twisty? Not exactly. I figured out the culprit early, but I was still invested in how the story unfolded. Barnett managed to make the journey worthwhile, even when the destination wasn’t a surprise.
Also… lightning. There’s a weather motif that might be a bit much. But weirdly, it helped paint the scene when other sensory details were lacking, so I didn’t mind it as much. It just felt slightly out of sync with the otherwise grounded tone.
Worth Continuing?
Yes. The second half really worked for me, more tension, more emotion, better pacing. It left me curious enough to pick up the next book in the series. And I already have.
Final Take
An Occupied Grave isn’t flashy or fast, but it’s thoughtfully written and emotionally grounded. If you can settle into its rhythm, it rewards you with strong character work and a satisfying close. I’d recommend it for fans of slow-burning village mysteries with a bit of grit.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Would love more vivid detail—but I’m here for the Poole & Brock partnership.
And we always end with music, so here it is for this one. Trust me, it makes sense once you’ve read the book!
