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DI Skelgill Investigates #1-4
Detective Inspector Skelgill
The first four novels in the popular DI Skelgill series: Murder in Adland, Murder in School, Murder on the Edge and Murder on the Lake.
Introducing the recalcitrant Cumbrian detective Daniel Skelgill, and his loyal lieutenants, long-suffering Londoner DS Leyton and local high-flyer DS Emma Jones.
Set amidst the ancient landscapes of England’s Lake District, this expanding series of standalone murder mysteries has won acclaim across five continents, from Australia to Japan and India, and from Brazil to Canada and the United States of America.
Introducing the recalcitrant Cumbrian detective Daniel Skelgill, and his loyal lieutenants, long-suffering Londoner DS Leyton and local high-flyer DS Emma Jones.
Set amidst the ancient landscapes of England’s Lake District, this expanding series of standalone murder mysteries has won acclaim across five continents, from Australia to Japan and India, and from Brazil to Canada and the United States of America.
963 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2020
2955 people are currently reading
2556 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Beckham
89 books463 followersBRUCE BECKHAM brings a lifelong love of the outdoors to the contemporary crime novel. An award-winning, Amazon best-selling writer and member of the UK Society of Authors, he pens fiendish plots, vivid wild scenes and compelling dramas.
His series 'Detective Inspector Skelgill Investigates' now extends to 24 standalone murder mysteries and 8 boxsets, and sells across five continents, from Japan and India to Brazil and the United States of America. Over one million copies have been downloaded worldwide.
Murder at Blind Beck (#25) was released in May 2025 and can be ordered at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK2XQ46Z
You are welcome to contact Bruce directly through the Goodreads message system or via his publisher, at this address: lucius-ebooks@live.com
To sign up for his monthly newsletter please click the website link above, or send a friend request or click 'follow' - to receive updates of free Kindle downloads and Goodreads giveaways.
His series 'Detective Inspector Skelgill Investigates' now extends to 24 standalone murder mysteries and 8 boxsets, and sells across five continents, from Japan and India to Brazil and the United States of America. Over one million copies have been downloaded worldwide.
Murder at Blind Beck (#25) was released in May 2025 and can be ordered at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK2XQ46Z
You are welcome to contact Bruce directly through the Goodreads message system or via his publisher, at this address: lucius-ebooks@live.com
To sign up for his monthly newsletter please click the website link above, or send a friend request or click 'follow' - to receive updates of free Kindle downloads and Goodreads giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 12, 2025
Love this series! The mysteries are a bit more thought provoking, the characters more complex and setting more interesting.
March 24, 2021
Great British Sleuthing I love Characters and Stories
I will first confess I love British authors who write great crime mysteries while entwining the lives of the characters into the plot. Also I love the different approach vs US criminology tactics...at least when there is both cerebral and forensics involved.
This novel package contains the first four about DI Skelgill. As I always say...I do not like revealing entire storylines in my reviews as many are compelled to do. Just because I read them, I am not the author and do not want you to lose the pleasures along the way. What I want to say is if you love this genre of books, enjoy examining the peoples, their characteristics, and foibles from the various areas of the British Isles...of which each are profusely proud...then this package of novels is for you. The novels are not rip roaring roller coaster crime chasing novels as employed by so many American writers...who seem to have to keep attention of video generations, sadly.
Nope these novels are the careful thought provoking stories of which you are provided many facts and use the techniques similar to logic technique games or tests. These are some of the tools Skelgill uses. I thoroughly enjoyed and hope you do also. Read them.
I will first confess I love British authors who write great crime mysteries while entwining the lives of the characters into the plot. Also I love the different approach vs US criminology tactics...at least when there is both cerebral and forensics involved.
This novel package contains the first four about DI Skelgill. As I always say...I do not like revealing entire storylines in my reviews as many are compelled to do. Just because I read them, I am not the author and do not want you to lose the pleasures along the way. What I want to say is if you love this genre of books, enjoy examining the peoples, their characteristics, and foibles from the various areas of the British Isles...of which each are profusely proud...then this package of novels is for you. The novels are not rip roaring roller coaster crime chasing novels as employed by so many American writers...who seem to have to keep attention of video generations, sadly.
Nope these novels are the careful thought provoking stories of which you are provided many facts and use the techniques similar to logic technique games or tests. These are some of the tools Skelgill uses. I thoroughly enjoyed and hope you do also. Read them.
May 27, 2021
Like the books, good story lines but the "frisson" between Dan and Emma has become tiresome. I've gotten to book 5, half way through and curtailed the series. I won't be reading any more because the two of them have no personal life, just an inference that they might have a friend's with benefits relationship or more, maybe, possibly. Chapter after chapter with the elephant left floating in the room. Not even close to being true to life regards a relationship. He's the hunky all action man, she's the bright and attractive sergeant with an eye for Dan. Which is where it hangs, book after book. Tiresome, bored. Done.
January 27, 2025
A bit over the top IMHO
It’s a good read in many ways, but the detail of local locations does not add to the mystery. In fact it makes many parts boring, this is not a travel guide, tho you feel like it is.
I do appreciate the local language used as it ties the character to a general area in the UK. However due to the style of writing, I can only assume the writer will continue in the tour guide vein, thus leaving me behind going forward into future books.
It’s a good read in many ways, but the detail of local locations does not add to the mystery. In fact it makes many parts boring, this is not a travel guide, tho you feel like it is.
I do appreciate the local language used as it ties the character to a general area in the UK. However due to the style of writing, I can only assume the writer will continue in the tour guide vein, thus leaving me behind going forward into future books.
April 8, 2021
Tedious. The author spends paragraphs describing every plant species encountered, the characteristics of each bird or fish he spies or catches, the terrain, the weather, etc. There is little development of the humans personalities involved. I was able to slog thru only two of the four book set. Save your money and time. There are much better British detective stories available.
February 11, 2021
Great fun with murder
I totally loved this book. It’s quite quirky, with one of the things I loved being that it sent me internet searching for pictures of various items I had never heard of, and to the dictionary as well, very enjoyable. The descriptive language, local history and living identities were fascinating. The three main characters and supporting characters are well drawn, easy to love, loathe and sympathise with. The amount of food the skelgill eats is enormous but so is his physical prowess, I’m like wow. So thrilling to read, murders to fathom, characters to love. I must say I particularly liked the writing style, it may not
be to everyone’s taste but I found it to be like quicksand I didn’t want to get out of, it is brilliant, evocative, deep, humourous and also touches the soul. It’s clean too. Best of the best.
I totally loved this book. It’s quite quirky, with one of the things I loved being that it sent me internet searching for pictures of various items I had never heard of, and to the dictionary as well, very enjoyable. The descriptive language, local history and living identities were fascinating. The three main characters and supporting characters are well drawn, easy to love, loathe and sympathise with. The amount of food the skelgill eats is enormous but so is his physical prowess, I’m like wow. So thrilling to read, murders to fathom, characters to love. I must say I particularly liked the writing style, it may not
be to everyone’s taste but I found it to be like quicksand I didn’t want to get out of, it is brilliant, evocative, deep, humourous and also touches the soul. It’s clean too. Best of the best.
August 31, 2023
Excellence in the mystery genre
I very rarely give 5 stars to works that aren’t considered literary fiction. This series is 5-star-worthy. The protagonist, DI Skelgill, is intriguing and engaging beyond the norm. His assistants and his relationships with them are equally compelling. Set between England and Scotland with plenty of local color, these books are a fun trip into the workings of a detective who loves to fish. I don’t love to fish, but I have fond memories of my dad fishing and the joy it brought him. If DI Skelgill had a fishing friend, I feel as though my dad would have made him a great one. The mysteries are not easily solved by the reader ahead of time. This makes for avid reading!
I very rarely give 5 stars to works that aren’t considered literary fiction. This series is 5-star-worthy. The protagonist, DI Skelgill, is intriguing and engaging beyond the norm. His assistants and his relationships with them are equally compelling. Set between England and Scotland with plenty of local color, these books are a fun trip into the workings of a detective who loves to fish. I don’t love to fish, but I have fond memories of my dad fishing and the joy it brought him. If DI Skelgill had a fishing friend, I feel as though my dad would have made him a great one. The mysteries are not easily solved by the reader ahead of time. This makes for avid reading!
April 27, 2021
In this compilation (books 1-4) Inspector Daniel Skelgill is faced with four baffling mysteries. Each adventure tests his knowledge of both his surroundings and his fellow man. Cranky, difficult, and intuitive, Skelgill is assisted in his investigations by plodding but loyal DS Leyton (frequently on the receiving end of his superior’s irascibility, poor man!), and intelligent, capable DS Jones, a rising star in the department, and much put upon by Skelgill’s cryptic and often inconsiderate demands. As usual, Skelgill’s uncanny instincts and ‘fisherman’s patience’ are rewarded with flashes of insight that help him and his team solve the crimes. Set in the wonderfully described Lake District, I appreciated the side jaunts into the art of fishing and the joys of hillwalking. I couldn’t stop reading! Now, on to book 5...
August 2, 2024
After reading the first four books, I can now say I'm love this series. The first book didn't grab me like the second and third book. Skelgill is very likeable character but I didn't feel I got to know him as well in the first book. Bruce Beckham dose a great job in describing the Lake District in the U.K. He also writes about the linguistics of various locations in the book which gives defining depth to the places and people the reader meets along the way. I found myself often stopping to goggle the locations in the book.
I highly recommend this book. I would not be surprised to see this made into a show. It reminds me of Midsomer Murders.
I highly recommend this book. I would not be surprised to see this made into a show. It reminds me of Midsomer Murders.
Read
February 28, 2025Far too much description of the around. pages and pages of description which dd nothing to the story. I get that the Lake District is awesome but I didn't sign up for a travel guide. Also I am not interested in fishingg and while I don't mind some minor detail that adds to the plot, these books gown Ove the top. I skipped page after page of relevant information. Pare it down. Give a little info so we can feel in the lace and understand the characters, but I reckon that 50% was padding, and lots of lovely big words that also did nothing for the plot.
I enjoyed the stories but there was way too much information that did not add to either the plot or the characters.
I enjoyed the stories but there was way too much information that did not add to either the plot or the characters.
February 13, 2021
Outstanding drama
This was such an outstanding beginning to a series. Behold here a magnificent set of the first of many D.I. Skelgill stories. The author is masterful in the characterisation of the leaders in this series. Skeletal in particular is a masterpiece of a often grumpy, always wayward to authority and yet soft hearted Cumbrian based detective. These descriptive passages of the books actually transport the reader through the geographic and topographic aspects of the Lake District which is so beloved by Skelgill. A delight to read
This was such an outstanding beginning to a series. Behold here a magnificent set of the first of many D.I. Skelgill stories. The author is masterful in the characterisation of the leaders in this series. Skeletal in particular is a masterpiece of a often grumpy, always wayward to authority and yet soft hearted Cumbrian based detective. These descriptive passages of the books actually transport the reader through the geographic and topographic aspects of the Lake District which is so beloved by Skelgill. A delight to read
February 13, 2021
Elegy to the Lake District
Brilliant series of detective books, the hero is Detective Inspector Skelgill and his team of stalwarts who despite his grumpy nature are extremely loyal to him. The series is based around Blencathra any fell-Walker will be able to relate to the majesty of the scenery. Other lakes and tarns form the scene for other crimes. Skelgill is a member of the Mountain Rescue and has an all encompassing knowledge of his territory, visits often have to be made to London wen the action moves there. A good read.
Brilliant series of detective books, the hero is Detective Inspector Skelgill and his team of stalwarts who despite his grumpy nature are extremely loyal to him. The series is based around Blencathra any fell-Walker will be able to relate to the majesty of the scenery. Other lakes and tarns form the scene for other crimes. Skelgill is a member of the Mountain Rescue and has an all encompassing knowledge of his territory, visits often have to be made to London wen the action moves there. A good read.
April 5, 2021
Overall the books where good and set in the Lake District of England. Unfortunately the stories did not flow mainly due to stumberling over excessively obscure words which I constantly had to use the dictionary to understand the meaning. I am not the worlds best word Smith but these obscure words spoilt a potentially good read. My own view is the author is trying to be clever beyond words and should and must tone the use of these obscure words down so readers like me who hasn't got a degree in English literature can enjoy his stories to the full.
June 19, 2021
Need to read again!
Slowly I'll is a very believable character...so much so, I'm wondering if he is based on someone in Beckham's life. It took awhile to get thru the last one because I had to lay it aside due to other concerns. Now I want to go back and revisit at least the last two in the set. , murder at the school and murder at the lake (forgive me if I haven't named them correctly.). All 4 were great reads, and I will probably check Bruce Beckham's other Skelgill volumes.
Slowly I'll is a very believable character...so much so, I'm wondering if he is based on someone in Beckham's life. It took awhile to get thru the last one because I had to lay it aside due to other concerns. Now I want to go back and revisit at least the last two in the set. , murder at the school and murder at the lake (forgive me if I haven't named them correctly.). All 4 were great reads, and I will probably check Bruce Beckham's other Skelgill volumes.
January 17, 2025
For Two Fans!
This is a series for two recreational readers! One is the rather ordinary detective book fan. The other is the traveler (and fisherman).
From my perspective the detective story is one few would want to miss! Secondly the author is most surely a promoter of serious and detailed British travels. Describing the acts of fishing snare any angler. But even more, scenic detail will charms any reader who might like to follow realistically in the heroes footsteps. And the joy of it all is you can read selectively if you must or are pressed for time!
This is a series for two recreational readers! One is the rather ordinary detective book fan. The other is the traveler (and fisherman).
From my perspective the detective story is one few would want to miss! Secondly the author is most surely a promoter of serious and detailed British travels. Describing the acts of fishing snare any angler. But even more, scenic detail will charms any reader who might like to follow realistically in the heroes footsteps. And the joy of it all is you can read selectively if you must or are pressed for time!
May 24, 2025
Continuing with my UK experience...
Not really to my liking. I am not the target audience. Yes, it does fit the bill as a deep immersion into a segment of British culture, and that is where it lost me.
I knew I was not destined to continue this series when there was a detailed telling of a cricket match. I am totally unfamiliar with the game and had to gloss over it.
I did finish book #1, but I don't see completing this series. It is just too much on target to someone who understands British culture.
Have a GoodReads.
Not really to my liking. I am not the target audience. Yes, it does fit the bill as a deep immersion into a segment of British culture, and that is where it lost me.
I knew I was not destined to continue this series when there was a detailed telling of a cricket match. I am totally unfamiliar with the game and had to gloss over it.
I did finish book #1, but I don't see completing this series. It is just too much on target to someone who understands British culture.
Have a GoodReads.
February 2, 2021
An enjoyable and even educational read. I actually read the 1st 4 books of the DI Skelgill series. The mystery part was decent enough. A couple of things were left unexplained that I would have liked to understand more but I guess then it wouldn’t be a mystery! there was a also lot about fishing which I mostly but not totally skipped thru . As a language teacher I enjoyed checking out and learning the English/Scottish uses of words different from American English .
March 3, 2021
This is a really entertaining series mostly because of the characters. Inspector Skelgill is a somewhat unusual character: very much an outdoorsman, not at all polished and well-dressed but attractive to women, prone to leave his wallet at home. His long-suffering detective sergeants are interesting characters in their own way. The mysteries are mysterious but somehow Skelgill figures out the solution.
So far I've read three of the four books.
So far I've read three of the four books.
March 25, 2021
Low 3
The mysteries themselves are fine, but the style in which they're told brings the rating down for me. An omniscient narrator is used and a great deal of distance maintained from the characters, even the main character. This style keeps me from getting immersed in the story and I feel like I'm lacking the depth and connection I prefer to the characters. But if none of that is an issue for you, you'll probably rate these higher.
The mysteries themselves are fine, but the style in which they're told brings the rating down for me. An omniscient narrator is used and a great deal of distance maintained from the characters, even the main character. This style keeps me from getting immersed in the story and I feel like I'm lacking the depth and connection I prefer to the characters. But if none of that is an issue for you, you'll probably rate these higher.
April 27, 2021
Enjoyable read
Well written British police procedural with likeable main characters who solve crimes without resorting to macho unbelievable tactics so often found in many of today's crime novels. Quite refreshing to read a set of books that don't rely on sex and violence to fill up space. All in all a page turning read with fishing lessons to boot. Also appreciated that each book is a stand alone in its own right.
Well written British police procedural with likeable main characters who solve crimes without resorting to macho unbelievable tactics so often found in many of today's crime novels. Quite refreshing to read a set of books that don't rely on sex and violence to fill up space. All in all a page turning read with fishing lessons to boot. Also appreciated that each book is a stand alone in its own right.
August 24, 2023
great entertainment
DI Skelgill is a outdoorsman. He loves to run the fells and he loves to fish. One learns the minutiae of his sportsmanship in these stories. They are the subconscious fabric of his discernment abilities because he does not rely much on reading or writing. He deduces based on a set of seemingly unrelated details. He does not have too many deep dark secrets and he is likely very handsome and fit. He eats all the time and still maintains a fit physique.
DI Skelgill is a outdoorsman. He loves to run the fells and he loves to fish. One learns the minutiae of his sportsmanship in these stories. They are the subconscious fabric of his discernment abilities because he does not rely much on reading or writing. He deduces based on a set of seemingly unrelated details. He does not have too many deep dark secrets and he is likely very handsome and fit. He eats all the time and still maintains a fit physique.
November 27, 2025
Very Interesting Reading!
The stories are very interesting reading, but the language makes it hard to read! It's not light, relaxing reading with all the English and Scottish and many dialects all mixed in. There is a lot of history and geography intertwined in the stories. I prefer the lighter reading that I don't have to work so hard to read, but I'm glad I stayed with this to read these 4 books in one.
The stories are very interesting reading, but the language makes it hard to read! It's not light, relaxing reading with all the English and Scottish and many dialects all mixed in. There is a lot of history and geography intertwined in the stories. I prefer the lighter reading that I don't have to work so hard to read, but I'm glad I stayed with this to read these 4 books in one.
February 13, 2021
Pleasant discovery!
Bruce Beckham and his DI Skelgill are a pleasant surprise. The first 4 books have been great reads with inventive crimes. Have learned probably more about cricket and fishing than expected but enjoyed the chaotic search for the villains. I will read more by this author for sure.
Bruce Beckham and his DI Skelgill are a pleasant surprise. The first 4 books have been great reads with inventive crimes. Have learned probably more about cricket and fishing than expected but enjoyed the chaotic search for the villains. I will read more by this author for sure.
March 17, 2021
Great introduction to Skelgill - a no-nonsense detective, plying his trade in my favourite corner of England - but willing to roam further afield as the cases dictate. Slightly maverick - but not dangerously out of control. Beckham perfectly captures the essence of the Lakes and his characters are vivid and endearing when they should be.
April 22, 2021
Great series
If you can look beyond the constant eating and tea time you'll enjoy the stories. Each book helps build the suspense and each story is a stand-alone tale of its own. Before you read, it would be helpful to review the geographical area of NW England to get a better feel of the area
If you can look beyond the constant eating and tea time you'll enjoy the stories. Each book helps build the suspense and each story is a stand-alone tale of its own. Before you read, it would be helpful to review the geographical area of NW England to get a better feel of the area
April 22, 2021
Nice Collection
This is a great collection of novels about a Cumbrian detective. The main character is a perfect example of the traditional view of a northern English middle class country male. The stories are interesting and the descriptions of the country and it’s people are interesting.
This is a great collection of novels about a Cumbrian detective. The main character is a perfect example of the traditional view of a northern English middle class country male. The stories are interesting and the descriptions of the country and it’s people are interesting.
April 15, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable series
I have not had so much fun reading a series in a long time. The story lines are great, the characters delightful, the pacing perfect, and getting exposed to the unique Scottish terminology was an unexpected delight. I loved this series. And to top it of, the copyediting is first rate.
I have not had so much fun reading a series in a long time. The story lines are great, the characters delightful, the pacing perfect, and getting exposed to the unique Scottish terminology was an unexpected delight. I loved this series. And to top it of, the copyediting is first rate.
June 7, 2024
Awesome Crime Mystery Series
If you're a crime mystery fan then you need to read about the adventures of Inspector Skelgill! The plots are intriguing, the characters are interesting and the stories will keep the reader fully engaged. I look forward to reading more from this incredibly talented author.
If you're a crime mystery fan then you need to read about the adventures of Inspector Skelgill! The plots are intriguing, the characters are interesting and the stories will keep the reader fully engaged. I look forward to reading more from this incredibly talented author.
March 26, 2025
Slowly but surely
Me of the best mystery novelas ive have read in a very Long time. I was distracted by the ellos y overwhelming descriptions of places, people, or background information, bit the what made this autor a genius in his trade. I still coulnt puf the book down too engaged in trying to solve the crimen along the inspector and his dedicated detectives. Wall done!
Me of the best mystery novelas ive have read in a very Long time. I was distracted by the ellos y overwhelming descriptions of places, people, or background information, bit the what made this autor a genius in his trade. I still coulnt puf the book down too engaged in trying to solve the crimen along the inspector and his dedicated detectives. Wall done!
February 13, 2021
Really Great Characters
Love this series . Skelgill is a unique character with all to real faults. He is engaging and , grumpy, and wicked smart all at the same time. These books are great stories with humor and wit.
Love this series . Skelgill is a unique character with all to real faults. He is engaging and , grumpy, and wicked smart all at the same time. These books are great stories with humor and wit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews