Short and Curlies: The CSI Eddie Collins Novellas

by Andrew Barrett

Welcome to a gripping collection from the exciting world of the CSI Eddie Collins series! This book is packed with five novellas that will have your head in a spin, that will have you questioning how you’d deal with each suspenseful situation. Most of these novellas are written in first person, so you get to dive into Eddie's shoes and see the world through his eyes. Buckle up and join Eddie on an unforgettable journey!

The Lift
CSI Eddie Collins finds himself in a lift with two unsavoury characters. All is well until the lift breaks down.

The Note
Eddie wraps up at a murder scene only to find a death threat waiting for him on his desk.

The Lock
Eddie is in a big old house after its elderly occupant died. He’s about to leave, but there’s a noise coming from the cellar.

The Crew
Eddie takes a ride-along to an armed robbery scene. He finds the one piece of evidence that turns him into a target.

Eye Contact
Eddie and his father, Charles, head into town for a surprise shopping spree when they come across an armed robbery at a jeweller’s.

What people say about The What people are saying about The Note. What people are saying about The Lock. What people are saying about The Crew

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2023

About the author

Hi everyone,

My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.

My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.

And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.

Thanks for looking,

Andy

Reviews

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short & Curlies is an ebook box-set collection of five novellas/short stories featuring England’s most sarcastic CSI, Eddie Collins. I had read all of them separately, receiving some free with subscription to the author’s newsletter, one came with the first book, one was an ARC and one was included in the Criminal Shorts charity anthology. Any of these can be read pretty much anywhere after the first book, or even as an introduction to the series, but their place in the series is given below (as per GoodReads) for those who like to read in chronological order.

The Lift (2.5) - on his way to a crime scene in a block of flats, Eddie meets an unpleasant duo.
The Note (3.5) - Eddie receives a death threat, but ignores it - which he lives to regret. (This one is a prelude to Book 6, This Side of Death.)
The Lock (4.5) - After finding a dead body, Eddie explores the man’s cellar, finding a nasty surprise.
The Crew - Eddie is showing a new recruit how he works a scene, then notices something wrong.
Eye Contact - Eddie takes his father birthday shopping - and interrupts a robbery.
(For more detailed reviews see my individual posts for each novella.)

While I don’t usually read many short stories, these are a welcome addition to the main series, which is one of my favourites. Eddie is a unique character, and these only scratch the surface of his personality, but the first person narration makes an interesting change from the main series. While you could read these as stand-alone stories, you’ll get far more out of them if you already know him. They’re quite dark, but not overly gory, and you’ll learn a few interesting facts about the life and work of a CSI.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One new novella involving Eddie's dad, includes former novellas. They just keep getting better. His dad's character just adds substance to the story. May Andrew write on into infinity! I'd be perfectly happy with these two.

[Sheila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word what a mind this author has

These short novellas will keep you entertained and an odd bit of sadness too. Eddie gets himself in more pickles than a jar of onions, yet he doesn't realise how brave he is. If you haven't read his books reading these stories will spirt you on. It's fun to see another side to Eddie. Recommend read

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and loved these short stories that go along with it. Each one is excellent and interesting with lots of surprises along the way.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Format : e-book )
"A pot noodle and a tin of beans.)
Author, Andrew Barrett, knows about unexpected death up close and personal because he has worked as a crime scene investigator (previously called a Scene of Crime Officer) in England since the 1990s. This gives a depth of reality to his work, li!e the arrival of slugs seeking out the blood spilled from a body, that other authors sometimes struggle to achieve and his story lines are unique, his characters very 'real' people. It makes his works simultaneously brilliantly vivid, often amusing and occasionally hard to face.

This book not only has a brilliant cover which reaches out to capture it's audience,it also contains five Eddie Collins short stories:
- The Lift
- The Note
- The Lock
- The Crew
- Eye Contact

All exceptional and highly recommend.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of these stories. They are all great.

[Sara Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love all the Andrew Barrett books. Fantastic writing & a wicked sense of humour. Thank you looking forward to your next creation.