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Murder in the Round
NEW FOR 2024 – STAND-ALONE, #23 IN THE SERIES. MEET MAVERICK BRITISH DETECTIVE DI SKELGILL... "A COMPELLING BRITISH CRIME MYSTERY."LAKELAND’S MOST FAMOUS 24-hour fell running feat was accomplished by local man Bob Graham, who in June 1932 scaled 42 peaks over a distance of 66 miles, with an attendant height gain just a little shy of Mount Everest – arriving back at Keswick Moot Hall with 21 minutes to spare. ‘The Bob Graham Round’, as this route came to be known, is etched into Cumbrian folklore, not least because the 42-year-old Keswick B&B owner ran in tennis shoes, long shorts and a pyjama jacket. His record stood for 28 years.
Fell running gear has evolved beyond recognition in the near-century since, but the Bob Graham’s arduous nature, the fickle mountain weather, and man’s (and woman’s) competitive spirit mean that this challenge is fraught with risk. And, when something goes wrong in the fells, help is not always at hand.
BRUCE BECKHAM brings a lifelong love of the outdoors to the contemporary crime novel. He is an award-winning author and copywriter. A resident of Great Britain, he has travelled and worked in over 60 countries. He is published in both fiction and non-fiction, and is a member of the UK Society of Authors.
His series ‘Inspector Skelgill Investigates’ features the recalcitrant Cumbrian detective Daniel Skelgill, and his loyal lieutenants, long-suffering Londoner DS Leyton and local high-flyer DS Emma Jones.
Set amidst the ancient landscapes of England’s Lake District, this expanding series of standalone murder mysteries has won acclaim across five continents, with over 1 million copies downloaded, from Australia to Japan and India, and from Brazil to Canada and the United States of America.
"Great characters. Great atmospheric locale. Great plots. What's not to like?"Amazon Reviewer, 5 Stars
Fell running gear has evolved beyond recognition in the near-century since, but the Bob Graham’s arduous nature, the fickle mountain weather, and man’s (and woman’s) competitive spirit mean that this challenge is fraught with risk. And, when something goes wrong in the fells, help is not always at hand.
BRUCE BECKHAM brings a lifelong love of the outdoors to the contemporary crime novel. He is an award-winning author and copywriter. A resident of Great Britain, he has travelled and worked in over 60 countries. He is published in both fiction and non-fiction, and is a member of the UK Society of Authors.
His series ‘Inspector Skelgill Investigates’ features the recalcitrant Cumbrian detective Daniel Skelgill, and his loyal lieutenants, long-suffering Londoner DS Leyton and local high-flyer DS Emma Jones.
Set amidst the ancient landscapes of England’s Lake District, this expanding series of standalone murder mysteries has won acclaim across five continents, with over 1 million copies downloaded, from Australia to Japan and India, and from Brazil to Canada and the United States of America.
"Great characters. Great atmospheric locale. Great plots. What's not to like?"Amazon Reviewer, 5 Stars
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2024
177 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Beckham
85 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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 2, 2024
Another excellent story in this Lakeland series.
I have previously mentioned how these stories have featured the team rather than just Skelgill himself. That we have come to know almost as much about DS Jones and DS Leyton as we do about their boss is what adds depth to the stories and makes them so enjoyable. This is proved here, as it is the two detective sergeants who lead the investigation of a suspected hit and run.
Skelgill is by no means left out of the story as he is using one of his rare holidays to try out an adaptation of a gruelling 24 hour fell race to include catching fish along the route. Who else but Skelgill would come up with such an unlikely biathlon.
How could he and a group of elderly walkers that he befriends become involved?
Once again we are spoilt with the descriptions of the sights and sounds of the Lake District's fauna and flora . This time included is a route guide across the peaks and tarns too.
I didn't miss the passing reference to previous colleague D I Smart and I appreciated the way the story includes regular summaries, in various guises, to ensure that as the reader we are kept abreast of the information received. Even so, although I had some of the jigsaw completed, as usual the final piece eluded me and so I particularly liked the final unexpected twists.
Perhaps I would have appreciated a little more detail about the mechanics of the final piece of theatre, that is the murder attempt and not the Blencathra bivvy later!
I have previously mentioned how these stories have featured the team rather than just Skelgill himself. That we have come to know almost as much about DS Jones and DS Leyton as we do about their boss is what adds depth to the stories and makes them so enjoyable. This is proved here, as it is the two detective sergeants who lead the investigation of a suspected hit and run.
Skelgill is by no means left out of the story as he is using one of his rare holidays to try out an adaptation of a gruelling 24 hour fell race to include catching fish along the route. Who else but Skelgill would come up with such an unlikely biathlon.
How could he and a group of elderly walkers that he befriends become involved?
Once again we are spoilt with the descriptions of the sights and sounds of the Lake District's fauna and flora . This time included is a route guide across the peaks and tarns too.
I didn't miss the passing reference to previous colleague D I Smart and I appreciated the way the story includes regular summaries, in various guises, to ensure that as the reader we are kept abreast of the information received. Even so, although I had some of the jigsaw completed, as usual the final piece eluded me and so I particularly liked the final unexpected twists.
Perhaps I would have appreciated a little more detail about the mechanics of the final piece of theatre, that is the murder attempt and not the Blencathra bivvy later!
May 28, 2024
Great read!
I enjoyed this one though I was sometimes a bit confused by all the geography. And of course I would have liked more Skelgill investigating than DS Jones. DS Leyton has quite a big part and I enjoyed that. The end was surprising, I had realised that the photos and photographer were important, but was surprised. I want to read the next one,it’s already in my calendar.
I enjoyed this one though I was sometimes a bit confused by all the geography. And of course I would have liked more Skelgill investigating than DS Jones. DS Leyton has quite a big part and I enjoyed that. The end was surprising, I had realised that the photos and photographer were important, but was surprised. I want to read the next one,it’s already in my calendar.
May 27, 2024
I know that many readers of mysteries reserve the 5 star review for only Pulitzer-prize level novels, but I'm unable to give these Inspector Skelgill books by BRUCE BECKHAM less than 5 stars. I find his writing superb in every way, and this new book is no exception. It carried me along from start to finish with its descriptions of the fells and lakes of the English Lake District, so vivid that I feel I’m walking there myself; characters I’ve come to love and feel I know (the three indomitable detectives as they rush to find a murderer before another murder is committed), along with new appealing characters; and an intriguing plot that kept me guessing till the end. The ability to tell a really good story is what makes for an excellent writer of fiction, and Beckham has that ability in superlatives.
May 27, 2024
This is the 23rd book in my favorite detective series featuring Inspector Skelgill and his fine team during the crucial time of fitness preparation leading up to a well-known race, the Bob Graham Round. Inspector Skelgill is looking forward to participating in this challenging race when events lead to the necessity for a seriously challenging death investigation for his team. I must limit my descriptions as I have no wish to ruin this suspenseful book for others. Read this book!
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June 3, 2024
I too have worked through all of the Skelgill novels, and I have to say the last two - Murder at Home and Murder in the Round (this one) - have definitely been among the best I have read so far. It seems Bruce Beckham is allowing DS Jones and DS Leyton to become much more real characters, and at the same time really toning down Skelgill’s grimaces, frowns, muttering, and other distracting habits of what could be interpreted as just a delayed teenager’s habits. I hope to see more of the same in the future in this enjoyable series!
June 23, 2024
Another Skelgill I'll delight! Never disappoints!
These books don't come out fast enough - as soon as I can I get the next one and read it in in one or two sittings. There is so much to love - the characters are always so well fleshed out - old friends, new friends and villains; the interesting and amusing nuances; the beautiful descriptive settings, the story itself with the side stories that always come together. I'm never disappointed, just sad to have to wait for the next one!
These books don't come out fast enough - as soon as I can I get the next one and read it in in one or two sittings. There is so much to love - the characters are always so well fleshed out - old friends, new friends and villains; the interesting and amusing nuances; the beautiful descriptive settings, the story itself with the side stories that always come together. I'm never disappointed, just sad to have to wait for the next one!
June 14, 2024
Lakeland Police Procedural at its best
As a lover of crime fiction; passionate Lakeland lover; and ultra trail runner registered to attempt The Bob Graham Round this summer, this was absolutely my cup of tea. Cracking plot and visual tapestry I've fell walked and ran in many a time.
As a lover of crime fiction; passionate Lakeland lover; and ultra trail runner registered to attempt The Bob Graham Round this summer, this was absolutely my cup of tea. Cracking plot and visual tapestry I've fell walked and ran in many a time.
June 2, 2024
As always, Bruce Beckham has produced a wonderful tale. I have enjoyed everyone of his Detective Inspector Skelgill books. Fascinated by his adventures, i have purchased a Kelly Kettle. I have not used it yet, however, i will when i find myself in the wild.
June 10, 2024
Terrific series
I really enjoy all this series. They are so well written. The characters are believable and develop well. The plots are great and I really love the writing style. Can't wait for the next one.
I really enjoy all this series. They are so well written. The characters are believable and develop well. The plots are great and I really love the writing style. Can't wait for the next one.
June 14, 2024
Another excellent book
I always enjoy reading these books. I never guess the murderer which is nice. I enjoy learning about the area and the language and the people.
Already looking forward to the next book.
I always enjoy reading these books. I never guess the murderer which is nice. I enjoy learning about the area and the language and the people.
Already looking forward to the next book.
April 12, 2025
Engrossing yet. clean !
I have enjoyed each of the Detective Inspector Skegill investigations and hope that they will continue for years. I especially enjoy that each one is clean-up foul language nor bedroom scenes. I commend the author.
I have enjoyed each of the Detective Inspector Skegill investigations and hope that they will continue for years. I especially enjoy that each one is clean-up foul language nor bedroom scenes. I commend the author.
June 16, 2024
Great read
Work till does it again, with fishing, humor, and intelligence. I enjoy a quiet evening with a beer and Skelgill to entertain me as the sunsets.
Work till does it again, with fishing, humor, and intelligence. I enjoy a quiet evening with a beer and Skelgill to entertain me as the sunsets.
November 8, 2024
Brilliant
Descriptions take me there , to the Lakes, the story draws me in .....wonderful!
Guessing to the end.Thank you Bruce.
Descriptions take me there , to the Lakes, the story draws me in .....wonderful!
Guessing to the end.Thank you Bruce.
January 2, 2025
Enjoyable
Characters are fun and enjoyable. The approach to solving crime is some what unique and refreshing. Light and easy reading and most enjoyable.
Characters are fun and enjoyable. The approach to solving crime is some what unique and refreshing. Light and easy reading and most enjoyable.
February 20, 2025
Guess what. I discovered a 24th book
April 30, 2025
Absolutely love these books totally invested in the series
December 22, 2025
Another mystery solved by this amicable team of detectives! A pleasure reading through this set of Murder Mysteries!
February 15, 2025
Another great read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews