Every so often, a book finds you that sits just outside your usual reading preferences — and yet proves difficult to put down once you begin. Jacob’s Well was one of those unexpected discoveries for me.

While the novel is rooted in Christian faith and spiritual themes — elements I don’t typically seek out — the story itself transcends genre boundaries. At its heart, this is a tense, emotionally charged small-town mystery driven by secrets, moral conflict, and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love.

Set in the coastal town of Weyport, the narrative unfolds through intertwined perspectives, particularly that of Mary-Jean Foley, a mother forced to confront unsettling truths about her own family, and Sheriff Angus Reid, a newcomer determined to bring order to a community steeped in quiet corruption. When two teenagers vanish, the investigation peels back layers of deception that run deeper than anyone is prepared for.

What stood out most to me was the emotional weight behind the mystery. This is not a story built on spectacle or relentless action, but on tension, conscience, and the uncomfortable realization that good people can make terrible choices under pressure. The faith element, while present throughout, feels less like preaching and more like a lens through which characters grapple with guilt, redemption, and accountability.

Angus Reid himself is a compelling introduction to what promises to be an engaging series — principled, persistent, and quietly burdened by the enormity of the task before him. The supporting cast enriches the narrative, creating a believable portrait of a close-knit town where everyone seems to know each other, yet no one knows everything.

Readers who enjoy twist-driven mysteries, morally complex characters, and stories that explore the human cost of secrets will likely find much to appreciate here. Even those who do not typically gravitate toward Christian fiction may be surprised by how accessible and suspenseful the story is.

Jacob’s Well is ultimately a reminder that mystery novels can do more than entertain — they can probe uncomfortable questions about truth, loyalty, and the consequences of silence.

A compelling start to the Angus Reid Mysteries, and one that left me curious to see where the series will go next.

Read the Goodreads review.

 
Rating: ★★★★☆

 Recommended for: Fans of small-town suspense, character-driven mysteries, and faith-tinged thrillers.