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The James Clatterbridge Mysteries #1
Murder as a Working Hypothesis
A body in the rhubarb patch was not part of the plan.
James and Inky Clatterbridge have come to Abbey Marina in search of a quieter life. Their houseboat at No. 7, Pontoon Pike offers exactly what they’d hoped eccentric neighbours, evenings at The Heron, and the slow satisfactions of tending an allotment beside the river.
Then Inky discovers a dead man half hidden beneath the rhubarb leaves.
The victim – a rough sleeper known only as G – seemed to drift unnoticed around the marina community. But murder has a way of exposing the hidden currents beneath even the calmest waters. And when the police recover the apparent murder weapon – James’s missing dibber – suspicion begins to settle alarmingly close to home.
The police believe the case is straightforward. But James, a writer of horror fiction with a professional interest in human darkness, has a working hypothesis of his own.
As he starts asking questions among the houseboats and pontoons of Abbey Marina, James discovers a community held together by secrets, loyalties and long-nursed grievances. The deeper he digs, the clearer it becomes that somebody in the marina knows far more about the murder than they are prepared to admit.
And somebody is willing to kill to keep the truth buried. Murder as a Working Hypothesis is the first novel in the Clatterbridge witty, atmospheric cosy crime with a dark edge, set among the waterways and allotments of Bedfordshire.
Small marina. Big secrets. One very stubborn sleuth.
James and Inky Clatterbridge have come to Abbey Marina in search of a quieter life. Their houseboat at No. 7, Pontoon Pike offers exactly what they’d hoped eccentric neighbours, evenings at The Heron, and the slow satisfactions of tending an allotment beside the river.
Then Inky discovers a dead man half hidden beneath the rhubarb leaves.
The victim – a rough sleeper known only as G – seemed to drift unnoticed around the marina community. But murder has a way of exposing the hidden currents beneath even the calmest waters. And when the police recover the apparent murder weapon – James’s missing dibber – suspicion begins to settle alarmingly close to home.
The police believe the case is straightforward. But James, a writer of horror fiction with a professional interest in human darkness, has a working hypothesis of his own.
As he starts asking questions among the houseboats and pontoons of Abbey Marina, James discovers a community held together by secrets, loyalties and long-nursed grievances. The deeper he digs, the clearer it becomes that somebody in the marina knows far more about the murder than they are prepared to admit.
And somebody is willing to kill to keep the truth buried. Murder as a Working Hypothesis is the first novel in the Clatterbridge witty, atmospheric cosy crime with a dark edge, set among the waterways and allotments of Bedfordshire.
Small marina. Big secrets. One very stubborn sleuth.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2026
About the author
R.J. Beynon
4 books8 followersI am a storyteller whose career was launched when, at the age of seven, I contracted polio and struck a bargain with my hospital ward mates: they would strap the intricate brace I had to wear onto my leg – and I would tell them stories.
Since then, I’ve spent my life telling stories in countless forms as a journalist, and writing for the page and screen.
Writing as RJ Beynon, I create cozy mysteries inspired by my life on the canals and rivers of England and Wales. Under my full name, Richard Beynon, I’ve written over 1,200 script episodes for drama and comedy, led television writers’ rooms, and authored a series of books for writers, Craft, Creativity and the Writing Life.
Together with novelist Jo-Anne Richards, I am the co-founder of All About Writing, a creative writing community and school that has helped thousands of writers realise their dreams.
For fifteen years I lived for months each year on my narrowboat, Patience, navigating the rivers and canals with my wife, Trish. We fetched up ultimately in a houseboat on a lake just off the River Great Ouse in Bedford, north of London.
Our houseboat is at the end of the pontoon – and, like James in the Clatterbridge series, I use crutches and drive a mobility scooter to make my way in the world.
Connect with me:
• Cozy Mysteries rjbeynon.com
• Writing Courses & Weekly Motivation: allaboutwritingcourses.com
Since then, I’ve spent my life telling stories in countless forms as a journalist, and writing for the page and screen.
Writing as RJ Beynon, I create cozy mysteries inspired by my life on the canals and rivers of England and Wales. Under my full name, Richard Beynon, I’ve written over 1,200 script episodes for drama and comedy, led television writers’ rooms, and authored a series of books for writers, Craft, Creativity and the Writing Life.
Together with novelist Jo-Anne Richards, I am the co-founder of All About Writing, a creative writing community and school that has helped thousands of writers realise their dreams.
For fifteen years I lived for months each year on my narrowboat, Patience, navigating the rivers and canals with my wife, Trish. We fetched up ultimately in a houseboat on a lake just off the River Great Ouse in Bedford, north of London.
Our houseboat is at the end of the pontoon – and, like James in the Clatterbridge series, I use crutches and drive a mobility scooter to make my way in the world.
Connect with me:
• Cozy Mysteries rjbeynon.com
• Writing Courses & Weekly Motivation: allaboutwritingcourses.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 21, 2026
BS Murder as a Working Hypothesis
James and Ingrid live on a narrowboat on a river in England. (Americans might call them a type of houseboat.) Ingrid (Inky to her friends) is a researcher for various clients. James is a writer who specializes in horror stories. Their boat is moored in a marina of similar boats whose owners form an informal community governed by a manager. James, who was afflicted by polio as a child, has nonfunctioning legs and uses crutches and a mobility scooter to get around on the ground. He is a strong swimmer and uses a kayak in the river that supports their home. A community breakfast was interrupted when two “street people” came by and were shooed off the private property by the manager. The marina owner came by and kindly walked the men off the property, sharing a bottle with them and defusing the matter.
Adjoining the property was a community garden where all residents could grow flowers or vegetables as they desired on an assigned allotment. James lost one of his tools that he thought he had locked away in the garden shed. Encouraged by others, he reported the loss to the police, who did not take him seriously. A few days later, Inky discovers a dead body in their rhubarb patch. And… as we later learn, the weapon of death was James’ very own garden tool. .And as we also learn, the dead man was one of the two would-be intruders from earlier.
James decides to investigate once the police “obviously” arrest the wrong man for the crime. He is confronted by the girlfriend of the arrested man, who assures him they were both together and too drunk to kill anyone.
As you can see, this mystery does not always take itself seriously, despite the serious crimes. James is a dogged and occasionally unwise witness and detective. I enjoyed this tale, and I think you will also, Read on to find out how James gathers his clues. Follow the big relay swim for charity. Find out just how resourceful he is when it appears all hope is lost.
I received an advanced free copy of this book for an honest review.
James and Ingrid live on a narrowboat on a river in England. (Americans might call them a type of houseboat.) Ingrid (Inky to her friends) is a researcher for various clients. James is a writer who specializes in horror stories. Their boat is moored in a marina of similar boats whose owners form an informal community governed by a manager. James, who was afflicted by polio as a child, has nonfunctioning legs and uses crutches and a mobility scooter to get around on the ground. He is a strong swimmer and uses a kayak in the river that supports their home. A community breakfast was interrupted when two “street people” came by and were shooed off the private property by the manager. The marina owner came by and kindly walked the men off the property, sharing a bottle with them and defusing the matter.
Adjoining the property was a community garden where all residents could grow flowers or vegetables as they desired on an assigned allotment. James lost one of his tools that he thought he had locked away in the garden shed. Encouraged by others, he reported the loss to the police, who did not take him seriously. A few days later, Inky discovers a dead body in their rhubarb patch. And… as we later learn, the weapon of death was James’ very own garden tool. .And as we also learn, the dead man was one of the two would-be intruders from earlier.
James decides to investigate once the police “obviously” arrest the wrong man for the crime. He is confronted by the girlfriend of the arrested man, who assures him they were both together and too drunk to kill anyone.
As you can see, this mystery does not always take itself seriously, despite the serious crimes. James is a dogged and occasionally unwise witness and detective. I enjoyed this tale, and I think you will also, Read on to find out how James gathers his clues. Follow the big relay swim for charity. Find out just how resourceful he is when it appears all hope is lost.
I received an advanced free copy of this book for an honest review.
August 3, 2026
I love all things British and always enjoy adding new authors to my to be read stash, so I was excited to read this first book in a new mystery series. The book started out a bit slow and it took a minute (or chapter or two), for the characters to fully develop. Hence the four stars instead of five. However, once the story arc and character development was fully in place it kept me engaged and eagerly reading to find out who done it.
James and Inky as the main characters are delightful. They are the quintessential English village folks who live on a houseboat. He’s the writer of horror novels or horribles as Inky refers to them and she is a researcher. He is tenacious even when he knows he should stand back and let the police do their jobs, and his desire for justice when the wrong man is accused is commendable. The story line normalizes James’s disability and he is open throughout about his limitations. While many authors seek to incorporate quirky or unique characters into their stories these days, the author gave a true picture of the challenges faced when one requires supports to get through daily life.
When Inky discovers a body in the rhubarb patch on their allotment the race is on to solve the mystery. As with all mysteries the fun is in seeing all the plot twists and trying to figure out which ones are red herrings vs. ones that lead to discovering who the murderer is. There are colorful friends, acquaintance’s and the by the book police detectives included but it is James who takes the lead to get to the bottom of things.
Overall this was a lovely read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
James and Inky as the main characters are delightful. They are the quintessential English village folks who live on a houseboat. He’s the writer of horror novels or horribles as Inky refers to them and she is a researcher. He is tenacious even when he knows he should stand back and let the police do their jobs, and his desire for justice when the wrong man is accused is commendable. The story line normalizes James’s disability and he is open throughout about his limitations. While many authors seek to incorporate quirky or unique characters into their stories these days, the author gave a true picture of the challenges faced when one requires supports to get through daily life.
When Inky discovers a body in the rhubarb patch on their allotment the race is on to solve the mystery. As with all mysteries the fun is in seeing all the plot twists and trying to figure out which ones are red herrings vs. ones that lead to discovering who the murderer is. There are colorful friends, acquaintance’s and the by the book police detectives included but it is James who takes the lead to get to the bottom of things.
Overall this was a lovely read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story: James and Inky Clatterbridge live on a houseboat in Abbey Marina. A horror fiction writer, James becomes intrigued by the case when his wife discovers a dead man in their allotment.
Having a theory of his own, he starts to ask questions, but things don't turn out way he thought. Even narrowly missing a jail cell of his own in the process.
But persistence, and a following a few not-so-obvious clues, he might just identify the killer before he gets killed himself.
The characters are well developed and despite the number of suspects and neighbours, it was not difficult to keep track of where the story was going. Geese, ducks, boats, and dogs, notwithstanding.
I liked James and Inky and the way the author handled James' mobility issues. The background story flowed around the characters as James and Inky went about their lives, and dealt with the police and their gathering of information.
The story in general reminded me of the old mysteries: the sleuth worked on the case, but also kept it low-key to gather the evidence to find the killer.
I liked the story and recommend it for lovers of the amateur sleuth genre.
Having a theory of his own, he starts to ask questions, but things don't turn out way he thought. Even narrowly missing a jail cell of his own in the process.
But persistence, and a following a few not-so-obvious clues, he might just identify the killer before he gets killed himself.
The characters are well developed and despite the number of suspects and neighbours, it was not difficult to keep track of where the story was going. Geese, ducks, boats, and dogs, notwithstanding.
I liked James and Inky and the way the author handled James' mobility issues. The background story flowed around the characters as James and Inky went about their lives, and dealt with the police and their gathering of information.
The story in general reminded me of the old mysteries: the sleuth worked on the case, but also kept it low-key to gather the evidence to find the killer.
I liked the story and recommend it for lovers of the amateur sleuth genre.
July 29, 2026
I was very happy to have the opportunity to read Murder as a Working Hypothesis. R.J. Beynon does a wonderful job building the characters of this book right from the start. The main man - James Clatterbridge - was not only an author but an amateur sleuth, a husband, as well as a part of his community. The story line flowed well right from the start introducing different characters but always keeping to the main storyline - the man found murdered in an allotment, specifically a rhubarb patch. James decides to help the Inspector with his investigation and doesn't give up.
James' wife, Inky, is a wonderful supporting character in the book with her own ideas and support of James' endeavor to help solve the murder. Inky keeps James on the straight and narrow and does this as a loving wife.
Murder as a Working Hypothesis was a pleasant and relaxing read during these warm evening of the summer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to A.J. Beynon and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this.
James' wife, Inky, is a wonderful supporting character in the book with her own ideas and support of James' endeavor to help solve the murder. Inky keeps James on the straight and narrow and does this as a loving wife.
Murder as a Working Hypothesis was a pleasant and relaxing read during these warm evening of the summer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to A.J. Beynon and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this.
July 23, 2026
The community of Abbey Marina was not without its controversies. The owner, a tedious man, didn't put his hand in his pocket, but he was willing to accept all accolades. Overall, however, James and his wife Inky enjoyed their peaceful riverside life until Inky found a dead man within their rhubarb patch. When the police arrest an unhoused person, James makes it his mission to get to the truth.
This book was packed with dry humour. I chuckled along with James as he views the world with a wry sense of wonderment. I loved the twists and turns, the red herrings, and the unique characters that I encountered. And I got a glimpse of houseboat life that has always called to me, though I've yet to answer its lure.
Thank you to R.J. Beynon and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this complimentary digital copy. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
This book was packed with dry humour. I chuckled along with James as he views the world with a wry sense of wonderment. I loved the twists and turns, the red herrings, and the unique characters that I encountered. And I got a glimpse of houseboat life that has always called to me, though I've yet to answer its lure.
Thank you to R.J. Beynon and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this complimentary digital copy. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
August 21, 2026
Murder as a Working Hypothesis was an enjoyable mystery with characters that were easy to like and a plot that kept me interested. One of my favorite parts of the book was the cast of characters. They were enjoyable to follow, and their personalities helped make the story more engaging.
The plot twist was another highlight for me. It was fun and added an unexpected element to the mystery. I enjoyed seeing how the story developed and how the different pieces came together. The twist made the book more interesting and kept me guessing.
Overall, I enjoyed Murder as a Working Hypothesis and would recommend it to readers who like mysteries with interesting characters and unexpected turns. I’m especially looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot twist was another highlight for me. It was fun and added an unexpected element to the mystery. I enjoyed seeing how the story developed and how the different pieces came together. The twist made the book more interesting and kept me guessing.
Overall, I enjoyed Murder as a Working Hypothesis and would recommend it to readers who like mysteries with interesting characters and unexpected turns. I’m especially looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2026
This was an interesting story. It was full of interesting characters and the main characters Inky and James were unique. They were a couple living in a narrowboat in a marina called Abbey Marina. They are an active couple with an allotment and unique jobs. Inky is a researcher and James writes. I think that the characters were well written. Their friends at the marina were just as well written. They could easily jump off the page and be accepted in the real world.
I think the storyline was interesting because the mystery was fun and full of secrets. You had to keep reading to see what was really happening.
I think that the writing style was nice. I like that the author chose first person narration. I also liked the dialogue. I think it was well done. It sounded nice in my mind.
Thank you to BookSirens for my complimentary copy.
I think the storyline was interesting because the mystery was fun and full of secrets. You had to keep reading to see what was really happening.
I think that the writing style was nice. I like that the author chose first person narration. I also liked the dialogue. I think it was well done. It sounded nice in my mind.
Thank you to BookSirens for my complimentary copy.
July 17, 2026
Despite its gruesome title, Murder as a Working Hypothesis is a charming read. The narrator, James Clatterbridge, takes the reader into his confidence, revealing his theories, his pet gripes, his weakness for speed and even his secret strategies for marital harmony. He pursues his eager investigations with boyish enthusiasm, even though his wife Inky points out that his recreational sleuthing is amateurish and crude. Will he be persuaded to hang up his deerstalker? Will any of his theories prove correct?
Richard Beynon writes with clarity and gentle humour, acquainting us with the way of life of boaters on the River Great Ouse while we are swept along with this cozy whodunnit.
Richard Beynon writes with clarity and gentle humour, acquainting us with the way of life of boaters on the River Great Ouse while we are swept along with this cozy whodunnit.
July 24, 2026
As always, RJ Benyon writes an entertaining story of murder in the English countryside. His familiarity with life on the water is evident and the unusual setting it presents is charming. The story itself is well composed and has a satisfying conclusion. Having read a couple of the books in this series, I find myself greeting the characters as old friends and can begin to anticipate their reaction in certain circumstances. I recommend RJ Benyon's books to anyone who wants an intriguing cozy mystery.
September 18, 2026
There are so very many cozy mysteries that it take something special to stand out as a 5-star. James Clatterbridge might be that something. His spouse, home, and disabilities combine to make him different, but not in an ostentatious manner; he's simply outside the norm for the genre. And while he also starts down wrong paths - as do most cozy detectives - he is reasonable and willing to change his mind. Truly a scientific approach. And even with the methodical approach, the character is human and likable.
Three cheers for this beginning.
Three cheers for this beginning.
July 29, 2026
R. J. Beynon's clever mystery is full of fascinating details about the hero's life on a narrow boat with his wife, Inky, the people who share the marina and the allotments with them, and the creatures on the riverside. The mystery, the policework and the buildup to the solution held my interest throughout. It's a totally different world to anything I know and I loved the way the author shared it. I thoroughly recommend this book.
August 22, 2026
I enjoyed this story! The mobility issues were very realistic and added a different element to the book, and the mystery was interesting! I liked the relationships between the characters too. At times, the story felt a little slow, but it was never boring. I’m excited to read more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2026
Great Cozy
Hooray to the author for giving us a male sleuth! James Clatterbridge is a writer, a survivor of polio, and a resident of a houseboat. When murder interrupts his quiet life, he and his wife search for clues, convinced that the wrong man has been charged. I really liked learning about life on an English river. The swans, ducks, and geese were a nice bonus.
Hooray to the author for giving us a male sleuth! James Clatterbridge is a writer, a survivor of polio, and a resident of a houseboat. When murder interrupts his quiet life, he and his wife search for clues, convinced that the wrong man has been charged. I really liked learning about life on an English river. The swans, ducks, and geese were a nice bonus.
October 8, 2026
Interesting amateur sleuth investigates a murder
As a disabled person, I appreciated reading a story featuring a detective dealing with his own physical strugles. And the mystery was very good too. The main characters are interesting and, if this were real life, I think they would be great people to become friends with and share bottles of wine.
As a disabled person, I appreciated reading a story featuring a detective dealing with his own physical strugles. And the mystery was very good too. The main characters are interesting and, if this were real life, I think they would be great people to become friends with and share bottles of wine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
James Clatterbridge is a lovable and fallible but determined sleuth, coming into his own. I liked the allotment gardening so much, I would have liked more of it. And I have sought out the tofu recipe James and his wife Inky sometimes cook up. An enjoyable, light comfort read.
September 3, 2026
My first dabble with cosy crime and I loved it! A page turner with interesting characters, twists and local landmarks that brought the whole story to life.
The next in the series is ordered!
The next in the series is ordered!
September 26, 2026
I want Jame as my friend
What a great read! A comical murder mystery that kept me gripped until the end. Looking forward to read the next book!
What a great read! A comical murder mystery that kept me gripped until the end. Looking forward to read the next book!
July 15, 2026
The first in a new cozy crime series, this is a relaxed read which immediately draws you in to the world of protagonist, James Clatterbridge, and his very patient wife, Inky. As you are gently introduced to various highly relatable characters, it is easy to picture the marina they inhabit and their day to day interactions, epitomising middle class life in the bucolic shires of England , albeit lived afloat.
Events become intriguing following the discovery of a body in the allotment - a murder that James just can’t help trying to solve. As he stumbles through a string of hypotheses, he draws you in as if you are an old friend familiar with his quirky and often irreverent nature. His character also does an excellent job of illustrating that physical disabilities don’t have to get in the way but rather engender resourcefulness and determination.
I was left wishing I could join James and Inky over a glass of wine or two! I look forward to the next story in the series.
Events become intriguing following the discovery of a body in the allotment - a murder that James just can’t help trying to solve. As he stumbles through a string of hypotheses, he draws you in as if you are an old friend familiar with his quirky and often irreverent nature. His character also does an excellent job of illustrating that physical disabilities don’t have to get in the way but rather engender resourcefulness and determination.
I was left wishing I could join James and Inky over a glass of wine or two! I look forward to the next story in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews