Larceny in Liverpool

Cozy Beatles Mystery #1

by Kal Smagh

How did you first discover the Beatles?

For British teenager Helen Spencer it was in 1962, right before the Beatles exploded across Britain, America, and the rest of the world. A local band on the verge of stardom...

Helen didn’t realize she’d rise from obscure Liverpool fan club employee to acceptance into The Beatles’ inner circle, propelling her through a fun-filled, world-changing decade, figuring out one big mystery at a time.

This is how it all began...with Helen rising from small timer to solve the big time case of Larceny in Liverpool.

This is book 1 in the 4-book Cozy Beatles Mystery Series featuring smart Helen Spencer solving mysteries for the Beatles...following their rise, triumphs, and music through the 60s!

Liverpool, England, late 1962…Hilarious whodunit with quirky characters for fans of the Beatles. A clean, fun read!

Helen Spencer feels awkward in the Beatles fast moving show business world...they’re cheeky, confident and popular...she’s thrilled to meet the boys...answering their fan club mail...attending their loud electric concerts...until the robbery...who stole the lyrics to their upcoming recording...days before their session?? And why is Helen made out to be the culprit?

Helen finds herself in the middle of an investigation headed by a Liverpool Inspector who is doubtful of her story...but the Beatles help her to set a trap...an exciting, pulse pounding, heart-racing time to be alive in the midst of their soaring popularity…

With John, Paul, George and Ringo she’s in fun-loving company and on a hilarious ride to recover those lyrics. Together they work against time to figure out who did the crime. Was it the beautiful fan, the wanna-be rocker, the Cavern Club’s rival club owner, the needy banker or someone else…?

What does a fan club girl know about saving the Beatles’ dreams? Nothing! But she must risk her safety and her thrilling job to solve the robbery, learning how much the Beatles need her help, and her hidden talent for putting it all together…a new sleuth. (this fictional novel is intended for most ages. A Clean Cozy...no Beatles are harmed...author not responsible for spontaneous and irresistible cravings to play Beatles music while reading...oh, sod it, put on an LP and let's rock it!)

Genres: Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Mystery

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2021

About the author

A 3 year writer for his college humor magazine, and a Beatles enthusiast, Kal Smagh combines these passions to craft fun Beatles stories.

Newest series is Bonnie Writes The Beatles! …previous series: A Cozy Beatles Mystery Series Both are set in the 1960s and follow an amateur sleuth (Bonnie Bell or Helen Spencer) as they solve mysteries for the Beatles as a journalist (Bonnie), or Fan Club helper (Helen). These are clean cozies, suitable for most ages.

Kal grew up in Colorado and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

[ReadBecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Larceny in Liverpool was a quick little entertaining cozy mystery novella, without murder! Helen is approached about a theft that happened decades ago in her youth, in the early 1960s, this is her account looking back at her younger days having just begun working for the Beatles fan club when the crime happened. She was of course quickly caught up in the drama of an important item for the band having been taken, then amateur sleuthing her way to solve the crime while getting to know the Beatles.

[Jo Lynn Bruno-Diehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a Beatle fan of the first degree, I decided to give this series a try. While the "Liverpool Lads are supporting characters, it is really the story of Helen Spencer a teenager in Liverpool who becomes an employee of Brian Epstein quite by accident. The Beatles manager hires her to help with fan mail and recruit young people for the growing Beatles fan club.
When the lyrics to a new Beatles song are stolen from her purse, she sets out to find the thief and clear her name. With youthful exuberance and naivete, she stumbles into a larger plot that she eventually unravels.
The story moved along and had a few twists and turns, but what was missing was a true English voice. I have read enough books set in England (and written by English authors) to know that certain vernacular terms were missing. The Beatles were in some scenes, but I would have liked more of them. There was some truth in the possible inuendo in the lyrics of Please Please Me though I don't know if parts ever had to be re-written as they were in this story.
So, as a true Beatles fan I will read the other books in this series and look forward to Helen becoming a bigger part of their inner circle.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little slow to start but I soon was very much enjoying Helen the MC, and this cozy mystery about the Beatles. I really liked how the author described the energy of the crowds, to describing the Beatles themselves and their personalities. The story line was well written and I will be reading more in this series.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a fun premise

What a totally unique idea for a cozy mystery. It’s fun to read about secrets within the inner circle as the Beatles first struck out in their career. There are lots of components people will be familiar with but the story and larceny are unique I look forward to reading more of Helen’s story telling

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Mystery

I could really get into this Beatles Mystery. It seems like a true story. A teenager goes to work for the band helping with the fan mail. She gets into more trouble than she can take.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising enjoyable!

I did find this 1st book in the series entertaining and very
interesting. I grew up in the Beatles era and enjoyed their
music immensely. I found this book bringing back some
nice memories. I will definitely enjoy this series!

[M. A. Ivaskewitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cool concept. I just wish the execution had been better. Writing style could have been better, cleaner, clearer.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. Beatles fans will enjoy this cozy mystery.

[Kal Smagh]

Hi Everyone! A Cozy Beatles Mystery: Larceny in Liverpool is my first release in the Cozy Beatles Mystery Series.

About me: I wrote for my college humor magazine for 3 years and am a Beatles enthusiast...I merged both of these in crafting a fun book set in 1962 before the Beatles are famous. I hope you enjoy it and the entire Cozy Beatles Mystery Series! I grew up in Colorado and live in Atlanta.

Buy it now at this Amazon Kindle link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092HG9JSC

1962...She's smart, and needed a job. They're colossally talented and needed a break.

She feels awkward in their fast moving show business world...they're cheeky, confident and popular.

It was all working...until the robbery happened.

Who stole the souped up Please Please Me song lyrics? Super smart, self appointed amateur sleuth Helen helps fun-loving local famous rock stars John, Paul, George and Ringo set a trap to catch the culprits...can she save their big break?

Liverpool record store girl, Helen Spencer, lands the plummiest job — in the Beatles Fan Club. She is new to the craziness...and the Beatles...thrilled to meet the boys and attend their insane concerts...in the midst of a growing legion of fans...answering mountains of fan club mail and seeing their 1962 shows… an exciting, pulse pounding, heart-racing time to be alive and in the midst of their soaring popularity...

...but one week before their long sought studio recording she is robbed of the souped up lyrics to Please Please Me...and goes on a desperate search to recover them before someone else records their song...

The Bobbies believe she’s the culprit...and as she gets closer to the truth is chased through the streets by mysterious men...to silence her.

With John, Paul, George, and Ringo she’s in fun-loving company and on an intense and hilarious ride to recover those lyrics. Together they work against time to figure out who did the crime.

What does a junior fan girl know about saving the Beatles’ dreams?

Nothing except she must risk her safety and her thrilling job to solve the robbery.

And she learns how much the Beatles need her help to make their big break happen.

(This fictional novel is intended for most ages. No Beatles are harmed, mild language, no graphic descriptions of violence, or bedroom activities)

Click BUY NOW and start your adventure! Here is the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092HG9JSC

Titles in the A Cozy Beatles Mystery series:

LARCENY IN LIVERPOOL: 1962, she needed a job...they needed a big break...all went well ...until the robbery! Who stole the souped up lyrics to Please Please Me? Helen helps the Beatles set a trap for the culprits to save their dreams (#1)

MAYHEM FOR HER MAJESTY: 1963, who is the culprit? Can Helen figure it out, and restore the Beatles to the Royal Variety Show playbill?...they've been mysteriously bumped...the Performance is in 1 day...and London is going crazy! (#2) (Releasing May 19, 2021)

THE BEVERLY HILLS BEATLES BURGLARY: 1964, STOLEN! Helen's with mum and dad in sunny California ...the Beatles are set to play at the Hollywood Bowl, only George's Rickenbacker 12-string is suddenly stolen...before the biggest West Coast show of the Beatles 1st American Tour...the chase is on! (#3) (Releasing June 22, 2021)

THE BEATLE CAR BANDITS: 1965-69: Who is stealing the Beatles' cars? And the crown jewel, John's famous psychedelic Rolls Royce, is prime for picking...Oxford student Helen aims to figure it out because the Bobbies and the Beatles are baffled! (#4) (Releasing July 20, 2021)

Short stories:

A Cozy Beatles Mystery Short Story: PUNCHING UP: Backstage at the Cavern Club, in chilly January 1963, the Beatles reveal a mysterious nemesis to Helen through a hilarious and highly embellished story told by Paul...oh, and it’s release day for Please Please Me…destined to be their first #1!

Buy the whole series and experience the excitement of yesterday, today!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beatlemania Mystery

This first in a series book was the most reading fun I've had in a while. I think it may not appeal to all readers.... But...it just may! If you are a Beatles fan and or a teen in the 60's you will like this series very much. The mystery was "lite" , but it was solved satisfactorily.
And you got to be with John, Paul, George and Ringo....what's not to enjoy!
I am on my way to the next in the series now!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatlemania revisited

As a 15 year old when the Beatles first came to America - this brought back sooo many memories. Loved it.

[NC Papa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series. For those of us growing up in Beatlemania, this is a must read.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fan fiction, even if a bit cheesey. But, it's got THE BEATLES. 🤦👨‍🔧🧑‍⚕️🧑‍💼

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was in need of a good editor, but it kept me entertained!
~2.62

[Theresa Morello · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. It was ok

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I have to admit, I'm of an age when Beatlemania hit all teenage girls and I was smitten by the group. Truth be known, I'm still smitten by them. So I picked up this book. It's totally fiction and probably self published. It was a quick read. But it was amusing and I liked it. I won't go out of my way to find the rest of the series but if I see them, I'd buy them.

Helen Spencer, of Liverpool, has a job working for Brian Epstein in a record store. You know- the famous Beatles' manager. That one. He asks her if she'd like to work n the mail room at the Beatles Official Fan Club. She does. She's 17 years old and this is 1962. She works with Fiona Kelly (I have to look her up and see if she's real) and they open up huge sacks of fan mail every day and sort it into piles for each of the Beatles. At this time the Beatles are playing in various small places around Liverpool, especially the Cavern Club where Fiona and Helen sign teens up for the fan club outside the venue.

Helen is to deliver a newly written song by John Lennon to Brian Epstein when she's mugged and her purse is stolen. The worry is that someone will record John's song before the Beatles can do so. With her job on the line Helen comes up with a plan. Okay, it was a rather fun book.

[Pat Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of the Beatles and a life-long mystery reader, this book was right up my alley. This is 2nd alternate history book I've read (both about the Beatles) and I really enjoyed the story. Read it cover to cover in 1 day. Will definitely be reading the others as well. Highly recommend!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read. Took me back to Beatlemania & the story was really clever.

[Terry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, fan fiction that wasn't for me!

[Jean Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt like it was written for 14 year old girls. I don't think I'll read the remaining books in the series.

[Durelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun romp! While it’s not going to win a Pulitzer, this was a fun book to read. It captured “the boys” pretty well, and took me back in time. Looking forward to the rest of the Series!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read, and felt like a fun, nostalgic trip to the 60’s.