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Murder Mystery Collection
Bruce Beckham’s Murder, Mystery Collection includes a psychological whodunit, the Orange/Scotsman Award-Winning 'Cross Words'; a true ‘ghost’ story featuring an enigmatic heirloom in 'Grandmother’s Clock'; and the suspenseful 'Gardyloo', long-listed for the Crime Writers’ Association Margery Allingham Award, 2016. This volume also presents the COMPLETE edition of 'Murder in Adland', book 1 in the growing and popular series, 'Detective Inspector Skelgill Investigates' set in England's rugged and beautiful Lake District.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2013
About the author
Bruce Beckham
217 books466 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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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 17, 2016
I found this to be rather disappointing. This is the second of Beckham's books that I've read, the first being a lovely detective novel, Murder in Adland. Sadly, this book isn't anywhere near as good.
First off, it's padded. Nearly half the book is a preview of Murder in Adland, which, I suppose, would be nice enough if I hadn't already read it. And even then, a preview shouldn't be taking up that much of the book. If you haven't written enough short stories to fill a book, then perhaps a book of short stories isn't a good idea just yet.
Secondly, too many of these stories have endings that are just plain confusing. Either Beckham is a much more subtle writer than anyone I've previously read, or I'm having an exceedingly off week and just constantly missing crucial details all of the sudden. Of all the stories in this collection, there were, I think, two that were worth the read. The rest, while they had their moments, all finished in ways that prompted me to ask, "Okay, and why is that the ending? What does it even have to do with anything leading up to it?" I have one more Beckham novel in my To Be Read pile, and we'll see how it goes. I suspect that I may be giving future short story collections a wide berth though.
First off, it's padded. Nearly half the book is a preview of Murder in Adland, which, I suppose, would be nice enough if I hadn't already read it. And even then, a preview shouldn't be taking up that much of the book. If you haven't written enough short stories to fill a book, then perhaps a book of short stories isn't a good idea just yet.
Secondly, too many of these stories have endings that are just plain confusing. Either Beckham is a much more subtle writer than anyone I've previously read, or I'm having an exceedingly off week and just constantly missing crucial details all of the sudden. Of all the stories in this collection, there were, I think, two that were worth the read. The rest, while they had their moments, all finished in ways that prompted me to ask, "Okay, and why is that the ending? What does it even have to do with anything leading up to it?" I have one more Beckham novel in my To Be Read pile, and we'll see how it goes. I suspect that I may be giving future short story collections a wide berth though.
August 15, 2015
Although the stories in this book are technically well written -- good word choice, nice descriptions of place, etc., they feel quite formulaic, almost like exercises for a creative writing class. Several follow the pattern of a few pages of set up and a final paragraph with a "twist" ending. The problem is the twists are pretty predictable and the set ups not that interesting. As a result, these stories feel quite lifeless. In that sense, this book is a perfect illustration of just how hard it is to write a good short story; you can do everything right and still come up short. I think Mr. Beckham has talent as a writer and is quite likely capable of writing good short stories (I thought he came quite close in Magnetic North), but he needs to continue to refine his craft, figure out what is essential to a story and will make it compelling, and focus the entire story on that one core element.
August 22, 2015
I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway. Thank you LUCiUs books. The following is my honest review.
This is a slim collection of short stories by United Kingdom writer Bruce Beckham. My favorites were Crosswords, Great Uncle Archie, Ukraine Girls and GardyLoo. Some of the stories are one page or so in length. A few left me trying to figure out the ending and that is why this collection appealed to me. Each story is a puzzle, and I like puzzles. Gardyloo still haunts me, a young woman kidnapped and locked away. Will she be found? A few stories I found uninteresting and confusing like Magnetic North. I enjoyed this collection of stories that are set in Edinburgh, Scotland. I went back and forth between 3 and half stars, but settled on four due to the strength of Gardloo and Ukraine Girls. I could see these short stories becoming a novel.
This is a slim collection of short stories by United Kingdom writer Bruce Beckham. My favorites were Crosswords, Great Uncle Archie, Ukraine Girls and GardyLoo. Some of the stories are one page or so in length. A few left me trying to figure out the ending and that is why this collection appealed to me. Each story is a puzzle, and I like puzzles. Gardyloo still haunts me, a young woman kidnapped and locked away. Will she be found? A few stories I found uninteresting and confusing like Magnetic North. I enjoyed this collection of stories that are set in Edinburgh, Scotland. I went back and forth between 3 and half stars, but settled on four due to the strength of Gardloo and Ukraine Girls. I could see these short stories becoming a novel.
December 19, 2022
My favorite mystery writer by far! Short stories are in fact harder and this author has been able to take both the mystery novel and the short story to another level. This collection includes some of his first Skelgill novel which I am about to reread. I recommend reading this collection to grasp the genius of the genre, the development of the style of the author and take notes. A dictionary wouldn't hurt either. Bruce is a smart author who trusts his readers to glean understanding from the flow and ebb of the narrative. Reading one of his novels goes deep into how human nature works, how evil intentions permeate the soul of an offender and how law enforcement struggle to bring true and lasting justice to the victims. Do yourself a favor; grab a cuppa and an extra bacon butty ( it's not for you, trust me!!!). Download or buy any one the Skelgill books, no particular order, and make this year to come your best reading year ever!
December 5, 2022
Short stories and Murder in Adland
I had read Murder in Adland before and I enjoyed just as much as the first time I read it. The short stories were entirely different than the Skellgill series. They reminded me of some of the short mysteries written in the late 19th century. Poe comes to mind... They were all really well written but I didn't like them as well as the usual Beckham novels. They were very thought provoking and, in some cases, unsettling. I do recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery. I also recommend the Skelgill series even though I haven't finished all of them yet. So far I am loving them!
I had read Murder in Adland before and I enjoyed just as much as the first time I read it. The short stories were entirely different than the Skellgill series. They reminded me of some of the short mysteries written in the late 19th century. Poe comes to mind... They were all really well written but I didn't like them as well as the usual Beckham novels. They were very thought provoking and, in some cases, unsettling. I do recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery. I also recommend the Skelgill series even though I haven't finished all of them yet. So far I am loving them!
January 17, 2024
surprisingly boring
I never thought this I would give Beckham less than 4 or 5 stars but these eight short stories left me limp. Some were slightly better than others…
I never thought this I would give Beckham less than 4 or 5 stars but these eight short stories left me limp. Some were slightly better than others…
February 17, 2020
Quirky and humourous collection of short stories, as I lived in Edinburgh for a while I recognised the scenes, another gem Bruce
August 13, 2015
I received this book for free through the GoodReads first reads program in exchange for an honest review.
Bruce Beckham's Murder Mystery Collection is a bizarre group of short stories reminiscent of the early Twilight Zone episodes, if they had all been vaguely noir in scope. The collection is slim, coming in at only 75 pages or so, the rest of the book being taken up by an excerpt from one of the author's many books.
As far as short story collections go, this one runs the gamut. There are murders, mistaken identities, and a memorable tongue in cheek reflection of an unsavory reflection. The stories are for the most part engaging, if rather short. The trouble of this genre is that something has to be really quite good in order to stand out, and although the short stories are not particularly bad, there is nothing all that memorable about them. Quick paced as they are, there isn't a lot of time to really feel the characters and what they're going through.
There's not enough time to really immerse yourself in Bruce Beckham's imaginative world - with the exception of the final story "Ukraine Girls" which is easily the best, and longest, of the bunch. The collection ends up being a bit frustrating due to that. The stories are all interesting, all entertaining, but would benefit from either a slower pace, or there simply being more of them. Not a horrible problem to have.
Murder Mystery Collection isn't altogether a terrible way to spend an hour or two. Just try to savor the stories, as you'll go through them quickly.
Bruce Beckham's Murder Mystery Collection is a bizarre group of short stories reminiscent of the early Twilight Zone episodes, if they had all been vaguely noir in scope. The collection is slim, coming in at only 75 pages or so, the rest of the book being taken up by an excerpt from one of the author's many books.
As far as short story collections go, this one runs the gamut. There are murders, mistaken identities, and a memorable tongue in cheek reflection of an unsavory reflection. The stories are for the most part engaging, if rather short. The trouble of this genre is that something has to be really quite good in order to stand out, and although the short stories are not particularly bad, there is nothing all that memorable about them. Quick paced as they are, there isn't a lot of time to really feel the characters and what they're going through.
There's not enough time to really immerse yourself in Bruce Beckham's imaginative world - with the exception of the final story "Ukraine Girls" which is easily the best, and longest, of the bunch. The collection ends up being a bit frustrating due to that. The stories are all interesting, all entertaining, but would benefit from either a slower pace, or there simply being more of them. Not a horrible problem to have.
Murder Mystery Collection isn't altogether a terrible way to spend an hour or two. Just try to savor the stories, as you'll go through them quickly.
October 9, 2015
I received this book through First Reads.
It is a collection of short stories linked to Scotland and the first part of a novel by the same author. I was surprised that the short stories were only 80 odd pages of the book and that the rest of what was the size of a novella was chapters of a new book. If I had bought it I think I would have felt let down by that.
The short stories had a macabre quality along the lines of Tales of the Unexpected. As would be expected some are better than others for example the first story is very strong. They are not however all murders but rather are mysteries. Overall they were OK.
I was more intrigued by the new book and will look out for it in book shops.
It is a collection of short stories linked to Scotland and the first part of a novel by the same author. I was surprised that the short stories were only 80 odd pages of the book and that the rest of what was the size of a novella was chapters of a new book. If I had bought it I think I would have felt let down by that.
The short stories had a macabre quality along the lines of Tales of the Unexpected. As would be expected some are better than others for example the first story is very strong. They are not however all murders but rather are mysteries. Overall they were OK.
I was more intrigued by the new book and will look out for it in book shops.
September 12, 2015
This was a delightful collection of short mystery essays by the excellent writer, Bruce Beckham. It includes at the end, the first 10,000 words of his longer work, "Murder in Adland," which I have previously read. I enjoyed the off-beat narratives, many done in first person in the voice of the perpetrator. There is a sense of humor and a high-brow educated voice that is so sadly lacking in much of today's writing; a voice that is well-educated and understands how words can be used so effectively to portray not only meaning but also set the tone of a piece. Beckham has mastered this in his writing. There are friends who are not yet on Goodreads who I will be sharing this gem with as I really think they would understand this sense of literature at it's best.
June 27, 2016
Bruce Beckham is a terrific author. I have read several of his novels. Every one was very entertaining.
This collection of short stories is just what one would expect. The characters are interesting. The plots are filled with surprises. When you have completed reading each story, you are satisfied that you have been entertained.
If you are looking for quick stories which keep you interested, this is a book you will enjoy.
I have read Murder in Adland, this book will give you an introduction to Detective Inspector Skelgill and how he works. This book provides the reader with just enough to make it imperative you finish the story.
This collection of short stories is just what one would expect. The characters are interesting. The plots are filled with surprises. When you have completed reading each story, you are satisfied that you have been entertained.
If you are looking for quick stories which keep you interested, this is a book you will enjoy.
I have read Murder in Adland, this book will give you an introduction to Detective Inspector Skelgill and how he works. This book provides the reader with just enough to make it imperative you finish the story.
October 25, 2014
A bizarre set of stories, some good and some not-so-good.
Want to Read
September 11, 2015Haven't had a chance to read it yet.
February 19, 2016
Interesting read.
April 10, 2017
Interesting Set of Short Stories
Interesting bunch of stories and, more interesting, the endings. Nearly every story ends entirely different than you would expect it would. I enjoyed the variety.
Interesting bunch of stories and, more interesting, the endings. Nearly every story ends entirely different than you would expect it would. I enjoyed the variety.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews