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Death Leaves a Bookmark
Attempting the perfect murder, a killer encounters the perfect cop
After years of get-rich-quick schemes, Troy Pellingham’s bank account is empty and his options are down to one: take a job in his uncle’s rare book shop, and spend his days working for an unpleasant man whose only redeeming quality is a mammoth bank account. Though well into his eighties, Uncle Rodney is the picture of good health, and the day when Troy will inherit the old man’s money seems very far away. But then Troy gets a brilliant idea—why shelve books for a living, when he can kill for a fortune?
After the deed is done, a peculiarly shabby police detective comes to call. Lieutenant Columbo seems dimwitted, and Troy expects he will have no trouble putting him off the scent. But as the noose tightens around his neck, Troy realizes that no murder is too perfect for Columbo.
After years of get-rich-quick schemes, Troy Pellingham’s bank account is empty and his options are down to one: take a job in his uncle’s rare book shop, and spend his days working for an unpleasant man whose only redeeming quality is a mammoth bank account. Though well into his eighties, Uncle Rodney is the picture of good health, and the day when Troy will inherit the old man’s money seems very far away. But then Troy gets a brilliant idea—why shelve books for a living, when he can kill for a fortune?
After the deed is done, a peculiarly shabby police detective comes to call. Lieutenant Columbo seems dimwitted, and Troy expects he will have no trouble putting him off the scent. But as the noose tightens around his neck, Troy realizes that no murder is too perfect for Columbo.
47 pages, ebook
First published December 11, 2012
25 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
William Link
41 books10 followersWilliam Link (b. 1933) is an author, screenwriter, and producer. In the early 1960s, he and Richard Levinson created the character Lieutenant Columbo, a Los Angeles police detective known for wearing a shabby raincoat, smoking cheap cigars, and snaring murderers by playing dumb. The character first appeared in an episode of the Chevy Mystery Show, and was then featured in Prescription: Murder, a successful mystery play that was turned into a television movie in 1968. Although originally played by other actors, the part was made famous on television by Peter Falk, whose comic timing brought life to the idiosyncratic homicide detective. Beginning in 1968, Falk played the part off and on until Columbo Likes the Nightlife (2003).
Besides his work in television, Link has written plays, novels, and films, including the movie The Hunter (1980)—the last screen appearance of Steve McQueen. Link’s latest work is The Columbo Collection (2010), a volume of short stories starring the iconic cop.
Besides his work in television, Link has written plays, novels, and films, including the movie The Hunter (1980)—the last screen appearance of Steve McQueen. Link’s latest work is The Columbo Collection (2010), a volume of short stories starring the iconic cop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 7, 2025
1 star
short review for busy readers:
Wow. If I could give this mangled, sex-obsessed, bargain basement excuse for a "mystery" with dialogue dumber than a pig's britches zero stars, I would.
Grade-A cardboard, stereotyped characters, laughably foreseeable 'reveal' ...and apparently, it comes from the creator of Columbo. (So guess who the investigator is??) At one point I thought the author might be satirising himself and his creation...no, it just is that bad.
CJ Box, Ken Bruen and Anne Perry delivered godawful stories for the Bibliomystery series IMHO, but this doesn't even deserve to take home a dinky participation trophy. The best thing about it? The title.
short review for busy readers:
Wow. If I could give this mangled, sex-obsessed, bargain basement excuse for a "mystery" with dialogue dumber than a pig's britches zero stars, I would.
Grade-A cardboard, stereotyped characters, laughably foreseeable 'reveal' ...and apparently, it comes from the creator of Columbo. (So guess who the investigator is??) At one point I thought the author might be satirising himself and his creation...no, it just is that bad.
CJ Box, Ken Bruen and Anne Perry delivered godawful stories for the Bibliomystery series IMHO, but this doesn't even deserve to take home a dinky participation trophy. The best thing about it? The title.
July 12, 2023
A quick, clever whodunit exploring the fine line of human tendencies between greed and justice.
January 7, 2023
That was a very short story with Inspector Columbo solving a murder.
December 2, 2018
não existe crime perfeito! Às vezes você pensa que está usando as pessoas; na verdade você está sendo é usado!
April 4, 2018
Can someone be that stupid? Really?
February 18, 2021
A surprising short story by the co-creator of Columbo and Jessica Fletcher. I heard the voice of Peter Falk in my head as soon as a certain rumpled raincoat wearing cop showed up.
March 2, 2021
I had no idea that this Columbo gem even existed! It was so much fun to read. My dad and I bonded over watching Columbo. I even own the box set. Peter Falk's portrayal definitely captured what William Link created in this beloved character.
Troy quickly turned away and was about to head for the rear door when Columbo said, “Oh, just more thing, sir.”
Troy quickly turned away and was about to head for the rear door when Columbo said, “Oh, just more thing, sir.”
March 30, 2021
A Brief, Shining Moment with Columbo and Then It’s Gone
Being both a bibliophile and Columbo fan, this original short story by Columbo co-creator William Link seemed made to order for me. However, as to be expected in any story featuring the rumpled LAPD homicide detective, most of the focus is on the murderer, in this case the nephew of a rich, elderly, antiquarian bookseller who’d rather not wait for his uncle to die of natural causes.
This is no master criminal that plays a cunning game of cat-and-mouse with the lieutenant, and the interaction between the nephew, his beautiful distant cousin-by-marriage, and Columbo are over all too soon, but after all, it IS a short story. And the ‘gotcha’ clue at the end was good.
Basically, the short story was an appetizer that made me hungry for a bigger meal, like a Columbo novella. Three stars.
Being both a bibliophile and Columbo fan, this original short story by Columbo co-creator William Link seemed made to order for me. However, as to be expected in any story featuring the rumpled LAPD homicide detective, most of the focus is on the murderer, in this case the nephew of a rich, elderly, antiquarian bookseller who’d rather not wait for his uncle to die of natural causes.
This is no master criminal that plays a cunning game of cat-and-mouse with the lieutenant, and the interaction between the nephew, his beautiful distant cousin-by-marriage, and Columbo are over all too soon, but after all, it IS a short story. And the ‘gotcha’ clue at the end was good.
Basically, the short story was an appetizer that made me hungry for a bigger meal, like a Columbo novella. Three stars.
December 4, 2012
Lt. Columbo is back! William Link’s story introduces the reader to a wealthy old book dealer and his nephew, who is too greedy and impatient to wait for his inheritance. The desperate, flawed characters in this classic noir tale are vividly drawn but their schemes are no match for the unflappable Lt. Columbo, who pursues the criminal with his typical humor and wit.
April 28, 2024
Strange that another book in this series wouldn't let me write a review but this one does.
I got this for free for Kindle from Amazon and love this series. But this was really short, in that I didn't really grasp the clue that clinched the killer. Both the two cousins were a piece of work! And I find it hard to believe that any bookstore owner, even for limited first editions could be a multi-millionaire. Maybe he had a good investment banker.
He sure never had to answer this question!
I got this for free for Kindle from Amazon and love this series. But this was really short, in that I didn't really grasp the clue that clinched the killer. Both the two cousins were a piece of work! And I find it hard to believe that any bookstore owner, even for limited first editions could be a multi-millionaire. Maybe he had a good investment banker.
He sure never had to answer this question!
September 9, 2023
Man kills old rich uncle for inheritance. He would have gotten away with it except he lives in LA and has the misfortune to have the famous Lt. Columbo on the case. Unfortunately, all the other characters are horrible people, so you kinda hope they all did something to be punished for, but they didn't. Would have made a terrible episode. Way too short, so not enough of Columbo bothering the perp, which was much of the fun. And jerk perp with no redeeming qualities at all can't banter, he's always sullen.
July 21, 2023
It is Columbo
Nothing needs be said after it is Columbo. There is nobody like Columbo when you have a murder case to solve. I. This short story Lieutenant Columbo has a case of death by book to solve. It makes you wonder why the criminal just doesn't give up after their first encounter with Columbo. The man is going to get you in the end. This was just a joy to read makes me want to find the show on T.V. and watch it.
Nothing needs be said after it is Columbo. There is nobody like Columbo when you have a murder case to solve. I. This short story Lieutenant Columbo has a case of death by book to solve. It makes you wonder why the criminal just doesn't give up after their first encounter with Columbo. The man is going to get you in the end. This was just a joy to read makes me want to find the show on T.V. and watch it.
July 31, 2025
Fun short story
I admit that I was picturing the detective Colombo from the TV show as I read this story. It enhanced my enjoyment reading how he came up with the solution and the final clue. It was the right length to tell the story but I wanted more and will have to track down more detective Colombo adventures.
I admit that I was picturing the detective Colombo from the TV show as I read this story. It enhanced my enjoyment reading how he came up with the solution and the final clue. It was the right length to tell the story but I wanted more and will have to track down more detective Colombo adventures.
October 4, 2023
A novella worth reading
A very well written novella with interesting characters, a fast action story line and a quick ending. A mystery I would recommend too anyone who enjoys a mystery. Enjoy reading
this is a local library e-book
A very well written novella with interesting characters, a fast action story line and a quick ending. A mystery I would recommend too anyone who enjoys a mystery. Enjoy reading
this is a local library e-book
August 11, 2022
Classic Colombo
Classic Colombo murder investigation, down to the trademark “I have one more question….” move of the detective. What’s not to like?
Classic Colombo murder investigation, down to the trademark “I have one more question….” move of the detective. What’s not to like?
March 7, 2023
Really poorly written and sloppy plot !
Hard to believe one of the creators of Colombo
wrote this ! Do not waste your time !
Hard to believe one of the creators of Colombo
wrote this ! Do not waste your time !
June 15, 2023
I hate Columbo
July 20, 2023
Short book. If you love Colombo on TV, then this book is for you. The series is based on this author's books.
April 28, 2024
Columbia makes his debut and solves the crime, revealing who the murderer is.
October 26, 2024
A fun Columbo story...
November 6, 2024
Not one of the better Columbo stories.
December 12, 2024
Makes me want to stream the old Columbo's.... Kristi & Abby Tabby
September 6, 2025
A strange Columbo story about a dysfunctional family of an antiquarian bookseller.
January 21, 2024
45/100
Nothing out of the ordinary, familiar beats. Engaging though.
Nothing out of the ordinary, familiar beats. Engaging though.
December 2, 2015
WER ANDEREN EINE GRUBE GRÄBT...
Troy Pellingham ist der Neffe des reichen Antiquars Rodney Haverford, der mit seltenen Büchern handelt und eine exklusive Buchhandlung betreibt. Obschon recht betagt, erfreut sich der Antiquar der Gesundheit eines Ochsen und leitet das Geschäft mit eisener Hand. Troy dagegen ist in nichts wirklich erfolgreich und muss sich von seinem Onkel als Angestellter und Mädchen für alles herumschikanieren lassen. Da darf man doch mal von den Millionen träumen, die nach dem Ableben des Onkels auf einen warten würden? Als der Antiquar von einem umstürzenden Regal erschlagen wird, beginnt Inspektor Columbo zu ermitteln.
Es gibt eine Buchvorlage des berühmten Inspektor Columbo! William Link ist der Vater dieses Ermittlers, und tatsächlich erinnern einige Verhaltensweisen Columbos auch in dieser Kurzgeschichte an den berühmten TV-Serienhelden... Wer die Serie kennt, weiß, dass die oftmals unkonventionellen Ermittlungsmethoden Columbos letztlich immer zur Auflösung eines Falls führen, und so überrascht das Ende hier in der Kurzgeschichte nicht sonderlich.
Insgesamt ist dieses kleine Buch eine nette Unterhaltung ohne allzu großen Spannungswert, für meinen Geschmack etwas zu durchsichtig - aber die Begegnung mit dem berühmten Inspektor war eine gelungene Überraschung...
Dies war Band 2 der Biblio-Mysteries Reihe (13 Folgen gibt es insgesamt), in der es immer um Kriminalfälle geht, die im Zusammenhang mit Büchern stehen: mit alten Büchern, seltenen Manuskripten, unschätzbaren Stücken. Und natürlich geht es auch um diejenigen, die sie unbedingt haben wollen: Buchhändler, exzentrische Sammler, Bibliothekare, Buchliebhaber - oder einfach: Leser.
Ich freue mich auf mehr!
© Parden
Troy Pellingham ist der Neffe des reichen Antiquars Rodney Haverford, der mit seltenen Büchern handelt und eine exklusive Buchhandlung betreibt. Obschon recht betagt, erfreut sich der Antiquar der Gesundheit eines Ochsen und leitet das Geschäft mit eisener Hand. Troy dagegen ist in nichts wirklich erfolgreich und muss sich von seinem Onkel als Angestellter und Mädchen für alles herumschikanieren lassen. Da darf man doch mal von den Millionen träumen, die nach dem Ableben des Onkels auf einen warten würden? Als der Antiquar von einem umstürzenden Regal erschlagen wird, beginnt Inspektor Columbo zu ermitteln.
Es gibt eine Buchvorlage des berühmten Inspektor Columbo! William Link ist der Vater dieses Ermittlers, und tatsächlich erinnern einige Verhaltensweisen Columbos auch in dieser Kurzgeschichte an den berühmten TV-Serienhelden... Wer die Serie kennt, weiß, dass die oftmals unkonventionellen Ermittlungsmethoden Columbos letztlich immer zur Auflösung eines Falls führen, und so überrascht das Ende hier in der Kurzgeschichte nicht sonderlich.
Insgesamt ist dieses kleine Buch eine nette Unterhaltung ohne allzu großen Spannungswert, für meinen Geschmack etwas zu durchsichtig - aber die Begegnung mit dem berühmten Inspektor war eine gelungene Überraschung...
Dies war Band 2 der Biblio-Mysteries Reihe (13 Folgen gibt es insgesamt), in der es immer um Kriminalfälle geht, die im Zusammenhang mit Büchern stehen: mit alten Büchern, seltenen Manuskripten, unschätzbaren Stücken. Und natürlich geht es auch um diejenigen, die sie unbedingt haben wollen: Buchhändler, exzentrische Sammler, Bibliothekare, Buchliebhaber - oder einfach: Leser.
Ich freue mich auf mehr!
© Parden
February 18, 2017
I hadn't realized this would be Columbo! Interesting and light short story
November 16, 2014
This was the last book that I read during my Kindle Unlimited trial. It is the third Bibliomystery that I have read. These are short stories in which books play a central role in some way. In this story, a bookstore owner is killed, and it is up to Columbo to not only figure out who it was, but to find enough evidence to prove it, as well.
I am not a Columbo fan. He is a bit before my time. I may have seen one or two episodes, but I am not sure. From what I can tell, though, this read follows the typical format of an episode with the crime being committed and then Columbo trying to figure it out afterwards despite us knowing. This mystery was too easy, though. There was not much to the story or the mystery. It was an okay way to kill the last hour of my subscription, though. I would not buy this one unless you are a Columbo fan.
I am not a Columbo fan. He is a bit before my time. I may have seen one or two episodes, but I am not sure. From what I can tell, though, this read follows the typical format of an episode with the crime being committed and then Columbo trying to figure it out afterwards despite us knowing. This mystery was too easy, though. There was not much to the story or the mystery. It was an okay way to kill the last hour of my subscription, though. I would not buy this one unless you are a Columbo fan.
June 3, 2021
Troy, der mit Büchern nichts anfangen kann, will seinen steinreichen Onkel, einen Buchhändler, umbringen. Die Kurzgeschichte beginnt mit einem Mord, den der Ermittler Columbo aufklären soll. Und es handelt sich tatsächlich um denselben Columbo, aus dem eine Fernsehserie gemacht wurde. Allerdings spielt seine Ermittlungsarbeit hier kaum eine Rolle. Vielmehr begleiten wir Troy und seine Cousine, die beide auf das Erbe aus sind. Die Erzählweise habe ich als plump empfunden. Mal wird jeder Gedanke geäußert, z.B. warum der Mann sterben sollte, und bei der Benachrichtigung der Angehörigen wird nicht mal gesagt, dass er tot ist. Die Auflösung hat zwar einen Funken Humor, kann aber nicht viel herausreißen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews