What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Skelgill Investigates #18
Murder Unsolved
A BLIND EYE TURNED, AN INJUSTICE DONE. High in lonely Swinesdale, notorious burglars Jake and Boris Baddun perish in a burnt-out stolen Mercedes. Known associate Dale Spooner leaves his biological signature and the predatory DI Alec Smart moves in for the kill. Spooner is convicted, and now languishes in jail.
A rumour reaches Skelgill: Spooner is innocent and can prove it – a cast-iron alibi, a video on a hidden mobile phone. But Spooner will not talk. At stake is the safety of his girlfriend Jade Nelson and their young child.
While Spooner remains the fall guy, the real killer walks free – and organised crime pulls the strings. Realising the jeopardy, unable officially to re-open the case, Skelgill and his team walk a tightrope. Their challenge: to penetrate a mystifying wall of silence, and ‘unsolve’ a murder – while nobody notices.
A rumour reaches Skelgill: Spooner is innocent and can prove it – a cast-iron alibi, a video on a hidden mobile phone. But Spooner will not talk. At stake is the safety of his girlfriend Jade Nelson and their young child.
While Spooner remains the fall guy, the real killer walks free – and organised crime pulls the strings. Realising the jeopardy, unable officially to re-open the case, Skelgill and his team walk a tightrope. Their challenge: to penetrate a mystifying wall of silence, and ‘unsolve’ a murder – while nobody notices.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2022
126 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Beckham
89 books462 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 10, 2022
I loved every page of this latest "crime mystery" from favorite author Bruce Beckham.
When there is a description of scenic landscape required, this author delivers generously. The reader can truly feel transported to the northern reaches of England, and this particular book delivers a trip to Isle of Man as well.
The timing of events in this investigation centers around Christmas and all its tinsel. The scenes described at Skelgill's family gathering are rich in hilarious incidents Skelgill has no control over. One particular embarrassing dance is captured for internet distribution and found by nemesis DI Smart who proudly displays it at the office.
Skelgill's team takes up a challenging investigation with truly unique individuals pulling the strings of deception. They have a rather rough start considering it is Christmas Eve and bad things happen. I will not ruin it for others. GET THIS BOOK and enjoy. All the books in this series are wonderful.
They are also available through Kindle Unlimited
When there is a description of scenic landscape required, this author delivers generously. The reader can truly feel transported to the northern reaches of England, and this particular book delivers a trip to Isle of Man as well.
The timing of events in this investigation centers around Christmas and all its tinsel. The scenes described at Skelgill's family gathering are rich in hilarious incidents Skelgill has no control over. One particular embarrassing dance is captured for internet distribution and found by nemesis DI Smart who proudly displays it at the office.
Skelgill's team takes up a challenging investigation with truly unique individuals pulling the strings of deception. They have a rather rough start considering it is Christmas Eve and bad things happen. I will not ruin it for others. GET THIS BOOK and enjoy. All the books in this series are wonderful.
They are also available through Kindle Unlimited
January 20, 2022
Most of this series I have read while staying in The Lake District. Since there is no hope of that at the moment I had to make do with reading this one at home in Australia. It still worked it’s magic. The setting is so powerfully evoked and the people strengthen its presence. I love the intelligence-gathering process and the teamwork, which only seems to get stronger as the series progresses.
A favourite.
A favourite.
December 30, 2025
Skelgill is investigating a crime, at the request of his cousin, which was closed by the incompetent DI Smart. She is sure the man who was accused of killing two villains and setting their car on fire is not guilty. Skelgill with his team Jones and Layton start looking into the case, where they find a weed growing operation and a luxury car theft ring along the way. Bruce Beckham is one of my favorite writers of British police procedurals, both for the well thought out plots and the great characters.
January 13, 2022
Excellent!
DI Skelgill, DS Jones and DS Leyton are my favorite team of detectives. Author Bruce Beckham has created an amazing cast of characters (even the slimey DI Smart) and in each successive book you learn more about them to the point you are sure they are real people that you would like to have a mash with. A tip-off from a relative finds the trio investigating a closed case where a possibly innocent man has been found guilty. Twists and turns and multiple threads lead the detectives into the fells of the Lake District. Beckham’s beautiful description of this area is breathtaking. This series has my highest recommendation.
DI Skelgill, DS Jones and DS Leyton are my favorite team of detectives. Author Bruce Beckham has created an amazing cast of characters (even the slimey DI Smart) and in each successive book you learn more about them to the point you are sure they are real people that you would like to have a mash with. A tip-off from a relative finds the trio investigating a closed case where a possibly innocent man has been found guilty. Twists and turns and multiple threads lead the detectives into the fells of the Lake District. Beckham’s beautiful description of this area is breathtaking. This series has my highest recommendation.
July 11, 2022
As my regular review readers will know the Skelgill series is on my 'strictly rationed' list, because I was nearing the end of a series that I didn't want to finish. I thought that this was the last available - little did I know that my wife had found and read the next. As this means that there are two books on the shelf now, my choice for next read immediately turned Mr Beckham's way.
I don't think that I can add to the praise that I have given the previous books other than to say that the final exciting stage was longer and better this time.
Congratulations to the author for still coming up with interesting, entertaining and relevant storylines.
So as Skelgill and Jones disappear once again into the sunset/Indian restaurant at the conclusion of another case, am I the only one to wish that we had witnessed the bit of departmental 'come uppence' that surely happened.
I don't think that I can add to the praise that I have given the previous books other than to say that the final exciting stage was longer and better this time.
Congratulations to the author for still coming up with interesting, entertaining and relevant storylines.
So as Skelgill and Jones disappear once again into the sunset/Indian restaurant at the conclusion of another case, am I the only one to wish that we had witnessed the bit of departmental 'come uppence' that surely happened.
October 4, 2022
While I find most murder mysteries interesting, I struggled while reading this book. It is the 18th book in the w=series and that may be why I struggled. When I was reading, I really had to concentrate on the characters and their roles. I think if I read an few earlier books, I may have enjoyed this book more.
May 5, 2024
another excellent mystery
DI Skelgill and his team work on what had previously been considered a solved case. With the perpetrator found guilty and in prison, it may be difficult to start a new investigation. But as they look further, they discover evidence of several crimes.
Beckham has given us another book that’s hard to put down.
DI Skelgill and his team work on what had previously been considered a solved case. With the perpetrator found guilty and in prison, it may be difficult to start a new investigation. But as they look further, they discover evidence of several crimes.
Beckham has given us another book that’s hard to put down.
January 18, 2022
Skelgill. Read the series it does not disapoint!
Read them start from the first book. If you are a nature lover, fishing enthusiast, hiker, runner, swimmer you will love reading about this talented DI. Go Bruce keep them coming!
Read them start from the first book. If you are a nature lover, fishing enthusiast, hiker, runner, swimmer you will love reading about this talented DI. Go Bruce keep them coming!
January 21, 2022
Bruce is getting better and better
I find the story extremely compelling and I wonder where he comes up with the stories. He is a compelling writer and I always learn a new word or two. Thank you!
I find the story extremely compelling and I wonder where he comes up with the stories. He is a compelling writer and I always learn a new word or two. Thank you!
January 23, 2022
Another excellent Skellgill novel
Wonderful knowledge of the Lake District, good plots and fascinating characters. Well written, I even had to look a up a couple of words!
The only criticism is references to the soap opera Ennerdale, it should be Emmerdale.
Wonderful knowledge of the Lake District, good plots and fascinating characters. Well written, I even had to look a up a couple of words!
The only criticism is references to the soap opera Ennerdale, it should be Emmerdale.
March 15, 2022
This series is marvelous.
I love the main characters and their sub stories. They always get the villain but each case is different. Unlike so many series the good guys are rarely hurt or falsely accused.
The scenery might change but only because of seasonal changes.
I love the main characters and their sub stories. They always get the villain but each case is different. Unlike so many series the good guys are rarely hurt or falsely accused.
The scenery might change but only because of seasonal changes.
April 14, 2022
Okay but a bit uneven. Didn't know where the plot was going most of the time. Jones and Layton continue to come into their own. Love the author's play on names like Kendall Minto and Mallory George with dog, K2. Looking forward to new one out in July.
May 2, 2022
I always enjoy DI Skelgill's investigations, even though he is a little bizarre sometimes. Leyton and Jones are great too! I've read 17 out of the 18 published so far and look forward to reading the last one.
August 13, 2022
Good story, but you need to be able to concentrate to follow the story because of the strong dialect. This got easier as I read, but I almost put it down because of it. Glad I didn’t as the mystery was good. All the pieces fit in the end. A good read!
January 10, 2022
Skelgill Rides Again
Better book as more action and lots of twists. Gotta love detective Leyton. But where was the dog? Skelgill needs the dog to keep him more human.
Better book as more action and lots of twists. Gotta love detective Leyton. But where was the dog? Skelgill needs the dog to keep him more human.
January 15, 2022
Love it
This book is every bit as good as all the others in the Skepticism series. Can't wait for the next one.
This book is every bit as good as all the others in the Skepticism series. Can't wait for the next one.
January 16, 2022
One of my favorites!
I love the characters in these books. I also love getting to know more about Cumbria, tge scenery, the people & the food.
I love the characters in these books. I also love getting to know more about Cumbria, tge scenery, the people & the food.
January 19, 2022
Murder Unsolved
What a great read, have followed D I Skelgill and team throughout never disappointed will look forward to the next book
What a great read, have followed D I Skelgill and team throughout never disappointed will look forward to the next book
June 19, 2022
The language is a bit jarring at at first.
July 28, 2022
Great stuff
A very good book and interesting series. The characters draw you in and is very well written. I highly recommend.
A very good book and interesting series. The characters draw you in and is very well written. I highly recommend.
September 21, 2022
I generally love D.I. Skelgill and his cohorts, but I wasn't so fond of this particular adventure. Found much of it difficult to follow. Could be my brain isn't up to speed, so I'll definitely try another one.
November 12, 2022
I reaaally enjoyed this one! It seemed faster the pace for some reason
April 4, 2024
Who really killed Jake and Boris and why??? So, she wrote it into a book??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
April 26, 2024
Another great book about DI Skellgil!
1
1
July 25, 2024
One of the best in this series. Highly recommended!
Read
January 20, 2022This one took a while to pique my interest, but second half was what I really like about this series. Lots of Jones and Leyton also. I think its time to see a bit more of the Skelgill-Jones romance.
February 1, 2022
Always a thrill ride
Once again the intrepid team go to all lengths to solve the case. Action packed with just a hint of sexy.
Once again the intrepid team go to all lengths to solve the case. Action packed with just a hint of sexy.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews