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DI Skelgill Investigates #5-7
The DI Skelgill Series #5-7
GREAT VALUE OMNIBUS EDITION. MEET MAVERICK BRITISH DETECTIVE DI SKELGILL... "MAD, BAD AND JUST A LITTLE BIT COZY."
Novels 5, 6 & 7 in the popular DI Skelgill series: Murder by Magic, Murder in the Mind and Murder at the Wake.
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.
Novels 5, 6 & 7 in the popular DI Skelgill series: Murder by Magic, Murder in the Mind and Murder at the Wake.
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.
895 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2020
About the author
Bruce Beckham
218 books469 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 22, 2026
The DI Skelgill Series #5–7 by Bruce Beckham is an entertaining collection of British mystery novels that combines clever detective work, memorable characters, and the breathtaking backdrop of England's Lake District into an engaging reading experience.
This omnibus edition brings together Murder by Magic, Murder in the Mind, and Murder at the Wake, offering readers three intriguing standalone mysteries featuring the unconventional DI Daniel Skelgill. His sharp investigative instincts, independent nature, and often unpredictable methods make him a distinctive detective whose cases remain consistently engaging from beginning to end.
One of the collection's greatest strengths is its balance of traditional detective fiction with subtle humor and atmospheric storytelling. The beautiful yet mysterious landscapes of the Lake District provide the perfect setting for complex investigations, while the dynamic between Skelgill and his trusted colleagues, DS Leyton and DS Emma Jones, adds personality and warmth to every case.
Each mystery presents its own unique puzzle, inviting readers to follow clues, uncover hidden motives, and navigate unexpected twists without sacrificing the character development that makes the series so enjoyable. The combination of intelligent plotting, vivid settings, and engaging dialogue creates a rewarding experience for longtime mystery fans as well as newcomers to the series.
For readers who enjoy British detective fiction, cozy mysteries, police procedurals, character-driven investigations, and atmospheric crime novels, The DI Skelgill Series #5–7 delivers three compelling mysteries that showcase the enduring appeal of classic investigative storytelling.
This omnibus edition brings together Murder by Magic, Murder in the Mind, and Murder at the Wake, offering readers three intriguing standalone mysteries featuring the unconventional DI Daniel Skelgill. His sharp investigative instincts, independent nature, and often unpredictable methods make him a distinctive detective whose cases remain consistently engaging from beginning to end.
One of the collection's greatest strengths is its balance of traditional detective fiction with subtle humor and atmospheric storytelling. The beautiful yet mysterious landscapes of the Lake District provide the perfect setting for complex investigations, while the dynamic between Skelgill and his trusted colleagues, DS Leyton and DS Emma Jones, adds personality and warmth to every case.
Each mystery presents its own unique puzzle, inviting readers to follow clues, uncover hidden motives, and navigate unexpected twists without sacrificing the character development that makes the series so enjoyable. The combination of intelligent plotting, vivid settings, and engaging dialogue creates a rewarding experience for longtime mystery fans as well as newcomers to the series.
For readers who enjoy British detective fiction, cozy mysteries, police procedurals, character-driven investigations, and atmospheric crime novels, The DI Skelgill Series #5–7 delivers three compelling mysteries that showcase the enduring appeal of classic investigative storytelling.
April 30, 2021
Great Reading
In this 3-book set (books 5-7), DI Skelgill and his trusty team are enmeshed in more puzzling cases. (Book 5 - Murder by Magic, has an especially edge-of-your-seat ending!) As always, curmudgeonly Skelgill uses his uncanny intuition to arrive at the solution. The characters and their interactions are frustratingly fun. (Jones and Leyton deserve medals for putting up with their acerbic superior!) I loved the wonderfully descriptive side jaunts into hillwalking, Lakeland lore, and the art of fishing. It felt like I was there without leaving the comfort of my favorite chair. I read one book after another — gleefully pausing to check locations on a map or research definitions of the delightful vernacular. Can’t wait for what happens next.
In this 3-book set (books 5-7), DI Skelgill and his trusty team are enmeshed in more puzzling cases. (Book 5 - Murder by Magic, has an especially edge-of-your-seat ending!) As always, curmudgeonly Skelgill uses his uncanny intuition to arrive at the solution. The characters and their interactions are frustratingly fun. (Jones and Leyton deserve medals for putting up with their acerbic superior!) I loved the wonderfully descriptive side jaunts into hillwalking, Lakeland lore, and the art of fishing. It felt like I was there without leaving the comfort of my favorite chair. I read one book after another — gleefully pausing to check locations on a map or research definitions of the delightful vernacular. Can’t wait for what happens next.
March 24, 2022
eccentric detective
As I began reading, I pictured a much different sort of man than proved to be Skelgill. I had an old Alfred Hitchcock in my head. Then I found a youngish athlete and didn’t quite know what to do with him. But I like him. He’s a real sort, likes the ladies, looks after his team, and doesn’t rush to judgment. These are excellent stand alone mysteries with quite unique plots. The characters are true-to-life people, and the errors are exceptionally few. I think I’m going to have to look for more.
As I began reading, I pictured a much different sort of man than proved to be Skelgill. I had an old Alfred Hitchcock in my head. Then I found a youngish athlete and didn’t quite know what to do with him. But I like him. He’s a real sort, likes the ladies, looks after his team, and doesn’t rush to judgment. These are excellent stand alone mysteries with quite unique plots. The characters are true-to-life people, and the errors are exceptionally few. I think I’m going to have to look for more.
May 22, 2022
A different kind of reading for me
I was looking for a distraction, something to take my mind off worries, and I found it in this series of DI Skelgill. The encapsulated everything that I like in a crime series, an unorthodox detective, references to wonderful countryside, a series of clues that seem to be a muddle but aren't, and the "closed and locked door" type of murder. I really enjoyed reading - thank you Bruce Beckham for diverting me from everyday stuff!
I was looking for a distraction, something to take my mind off worries, and I found it in this series of DI Skelgill. The encapsulated everything that I like in a crime series, an unorthodox detective, references to wonderful countryside, a series of clues that seem to be a muddle but aren't, and the "closed and locked door" type of murder. I really enjoyed reading - thank you Bruce Beckham for diverting me from everyday stuff!
March 31, 2021
A Great Set of British Crime Stories
I chose the five stars because the author delivers a great set of crime stories that keep you thinking. No ir is not a roller coaster ride a great study of perserverence, chasing threads in the chararistic British police manner. I highly recommend if you love British detective and crime novels.
I chose the five stars because the author delivers a great set of crime stories that keep you thinking. No ir is not a roller coaster ride a great study of perserverence, chasing threads in the chararistic British police manner. I highly recommend if you love British detective and crime novels.
January 26, 2022
Disappointed!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first set of books. This second set is done basically all in one tense which comes out as flat and one dimensional. How anyone can immerse themselves into, and enjoy, a story written in that manner is beyond me. Its like listening to someone speaking in a droning totally uninflected voice.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first set of books. This second set is done basically all in one tense which comes out as flat and one dimensional. How anyone can immerse themselves into, and enjoy, a story written in that manner is beyond me. Its like listening to someone speaking in a droning totally uninflected voice.
February 22, 2022
so good
If I could give this set of books that I have devoured 10 stars I would. They are exceptionally well written, often humours, insightful, and paint such a picture of beauty and awe in all scenes throughout the book.
The crimes are cagey, much like skelgill himself, especially with his feelings, which he keeps to himself. Great set of books, a must read.
If I could give this set of books that I have devoured 10 stars I would. They are exceptionally well written, often humours, insightful, and paint such a picture of beauty and awe in all scenes throughout the book.
The crimes are cagey, much like skelgill himself, especially with his feelings, which he keeps to himself. Great set of books, a must read.
February 26, 2022
Very difficult to review
When a "boxed set" is presented, it is very difficult to write a review. Overall, I enjoyed these books but would not rate them all the same. The stories were really interesting but with all the English, Irish, and scotch jargon, I would rate this much lower if I wasn't reading on a Kindle where I could select and get the usage.
When a "boxed set" is presented, it is very difficult to write a review. Overall, I enjoyed these books but would not rate them all the same. The stories were really interesting but with all the English, Irish, and scotch jargon, I would rate this much lower if I wasn't reading on a Kindle where I could select and get the usage.
February 28, 2023
So glad I happened upon these books!
I found delightful characters, despicable characters, truly human characters - flaws and foibles in full view. Each page evokes an image that captures the geography, the environment, the seasons, and/or the customs and traditions of the people of northwest England's Lake Country . Each book feels like a vacation with a personal tour guide!
I found delightful characters, despicable characters, truly human characters - flaws and foibles in full view. Each page evokes an image that captures the geography, the environment, the seasons, and/or the customs and traditions of the people of northwest England's Lake Country . Each book feels like a vacation with a personal tour guide!
February 28, 2021
Enjoying this series
Get a little perturbed with Skelgill's treatment of his sergeants and his leadership skills, but love being immersed in the Lake Country topography and flair a and fauna. His passion for fishing is contagious. The who-done-it leaves me guessing. Great escape.
Get a little perturbed with Skelgill's treatment of his sergeants and his leadership skills, but love being immersed in the Lake Country topography and flair a and fauna. His passion for fishing is contagious. The who-done-it leaves me guessing. Great escape.
November 10, 2021
These three books were each great. I love to think that when I pick up one of these I'm not only going to find a compelling mystery, an eccentric detective, but also go on a brief journey to the Lake District in all kinds of weather. And there's always the fishing spots to enjoy.
February 20, 2022
Another set of excellent Skelgill mysteries.
DI Skelgill and his hard working sergeants Leyton and Jones are off on another series of solving murders. An excellent box set of 3 fine books.
DI Skelgill and his hard working sergeants Leyton and Jones are off on another series of solving murders. An excellent box set of 3 fine books.
February 24, 2022
Engaging
Skelgill is a DI that likes to.keep.his findings and ideas to himself. He uses his fishing mind to puzzle out the answers and he enjoys his food. I read 5 and 6 separately, but the detective team is the same and the cases differ.
Skelgill is a DI that likes to.keep.his findings and ideas to himself. He uses his fishing mind to puzzle out the answers and he enjoys his food. I read 5 and 6 separately, but the detective team is the same and the cases differ.
March 16, 2022
I really enjoy reading these books, the stories are quite good and I love hearing about the different parts of the Lake District, one of my favourite places to visit. Particularly chuffed when I know exactly which road or fell they’re racing through 😂
August 6, 2022
Style outmoded
The extraneous descriptions, arcane verbosity, and endlessly extended metaphor (fishing - detection) are distracting. Resolutions seem less the function of police work than authorial machinations.
The extraneous descriptions, arcane verbosity, and endlessly extended metaphor (fishing - detection) are distracting. Resolutions seem less the function of police work than authorial machinations.
October 15, 2022
Murder is the subject
I enjoyed these three books and I like the characters. However, there are too many historical details given. Some is okay, but 2-3 pages of it before the next part of the investigation makes your eyes glaze,. Other than that, these books are excellent.
I enjoyed these three books and I like the characters. However, there are too many historical details given. Some is okay, but 2-3 pages of it before the next part of the investigation makes your eyes glaze,. Other than that, these books are excellent.
April 16, 2023
I didn't read this collection one after another so it took me several months to finish. I didn't like this series as well as the first. These are longer and the extra length wasn't especially helpful.
January 17, 2025
The more I read...
The more I like them! I like the mystery, the environment, the challenging vocabulary! I enjoy looking up words new to me! I like how more of the character personalities are revealed. Very enjoyable series. Give these books a try!
The more I like them! I like the mystery, the environment, the challenging vocabulary! I enjoy looking up words new to me! I like how more of the character personalities are revealed. Very enjoyable series. Give these books a try!
November 11, 2025
A Great Series
Great characters, superb scene and plot development. I have read the first 7 books in the Skelgill series. I am addicted. I compare his work to that of my favorite Swedish author...
Henning Mankell.
Great characters, superb scene and plot development. I have read the first 7 books in the Skelgill series. I am addicted. I compare his work to that of my favorite Swedish author...
Henning Mankell.
February 11, 2021
Brilliant series
I love this well written series with its quirky characters that reel you in. Skegill is alternately grumpy or eating. Rwists and turns galore
I love this well written series with its quirky characters that reel you in. Skegill is alternately grumpy or eating. Rwists and turns galore
February 19, 2021
The D I Skelgill Boxset 2, (books 5-7) by Bruce Beckham is outstanding, especially book 7 which was exceptionally good with multiple suspects and motives. Of course D I Skelgill himself is an interesting character in his own right.
March 1, 2021
Love all the local color and the character development given to his characters.
October 2, 2021
Gripping
Having read 7 books in a row, I still find I want to read more about this cantankerous and brilliant detective. The author sucks you into their lives.
Having read 7 books in a row, I still find I want to read more about this cantankerous and brilliant detective. The author sucks you into their lives.
February 25, 2022
A delightful introduction.
These are the kind I like, no direct bad language, no "steamy sex" just a magnificent set of clues with a few red herrings. Great reads.
These are the kind I like, no direct bad language, no "steamy sex" just a magnificent set of clues with a few red herrings. Great reads.
April 14, 2022
It is a lot different from others but still very worthwhile
July 14, 2022
Decent mysteries written in an unique style. We seldom are told about the characters feelings, but much more about their actions: "He blinks three times," Reminds me of stage direction. Just odd.
October 21, 2022
I didn't find these books really "compelling". They were ok but I found myself getting bored with the little tangents that the author tended to set off on frequently.
September 2, 2023
awesome
Such an erudite writer with deep knowledge of his natural environment. I enjoy the flow and precision of his words.
Such an erudite writer with deep knowledge of his natural environment. I enjoy the flow and precision of his words.
April 30, 2024
Hooked on this author and Skelgill.
I like learning about different sites of mountains, rivers and lakes in Northern England and Skelgalls supposedly family upbringing values, etc.
I like learning about different sites of mountains, rivers and lakes in Northern England and Skelgalls supposedly family upbringing values, etc.
October 6, 2025
Struggling with this first book. It seems to be written like a manuscript for a play or film. Have had to skip large chunks. Over descriptive and very little plausible story line. But it seems I am in a minority by the reviews maybe I will come back to it another time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews