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Crampton of The Chronicle Mystery
Murder from the Newsdesk: Seven Crampton of the Chronicle mystery stories
Murder from the Newsdesk
Seven Crampton of the Chronicle mystery stories
By Peter Bartram
Join Colin Crampton, ace crime reporter on the Evening Chronicle in 1960s Brighton, in seven more cozy crime mysteries.
The Mystery of the African Charity: Amateur sleuth Colin discovers greed - and a murder mystery - behind what looks like a good deed.
The Mystery of the Two Suitcases: Colin interrupts a romantic Valentine’s date with girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith to unravel a case where love will find a way.
The Mystery of the Single Red Sock: Colin’s act of heroism plunges him into the hunt for one of the most violent criminals he’s ever confronted.
The Mystery at the Beauregard Hotel: Colin investigates when two guests disappear unexpectedly in this humorous crime mystery.
The Mystery of the Precious Princess: Colin finds that it’s not only a dog’s life for the canines up at the Greyhound Racing stadium.
The Mystery of the Clothes on the Beach: in another cozy crime story, a local fisherman helps Colin land a surprising catch.
The Mystery of the Phantom Santa: Colin uncovers more than he bargained for when he goes in search of a front-page crime story with a Christmas theme.
This book of cozy mystery stories will keep you smiling to the very last page.
Seven Crampton of the Chronicle mystery stories
By Peter Bartram
Join Colin Crampton, ace crime reporter on the Evening Chronicle in 1960s Brighton, in seven more cozy crime mysteries.
The Mystery of the African Charity: Amateur sleuth Colin discovers greed - and a murder mystery - behind what looks like a good deed.
The Mystery of the Two Suitcases: Colin interrupts a romantic Valentine’s date with girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith to unravel a case where love will find a way.
The Mystery of the Single Red Sock: Colin’s act of heroism plunges him into the hunt for one of the most violent criminals he’s ever confronted.
The Mystery at the Beauregard Hotel: Colin investigates when two guests disappear unexpectedly in this humorous crime mystery.
The Mystery of the Precious Princess: Colin finds that it’s not only a dog’s life for the canines up at the Greyhound Racing stadium.
The Mystery of the Clothes on the Beach: in another cozy crime story, a local fisherman helps Colin land a surprising catch.
The Mystery of the Phantom Santa: Colin uncovers more than he bargained for when he goes in search of a front-page crime story with a Christmas theme.
This book of cozy mystery stories will keep you smiling to the very last page.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2016
468 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Peter Bartram
50 books58 followersPeter Bartram brings years of experience as a journalist to his Headline Hero crime mysteries. Peter began his career during a “gap year” between school and university when he worked as a reporter for a local newspaper. After graduating from the London School of Economics, Peter resumed his life as a journalist working for newspapers and magazines in London.
Peter has done most things in journalism – from door-stepping for quotes to writing serious editorials. He’s covered stories in locations as different as 700-feet down a coal mine and Buckingham Palace. He’s edited newspapers and magazines and written 20 non-fiction books including five ghost-written for other authors.
Peter launched his Headline Hero series in 2015 with Headline Murder. As of Summer 2023, there are 15 books in the series with thousands of readers around the world. Crime book reviewers have variously praised the humorous series as “fast paced”, “superbly crafted”, “a breath of fresh air”, and “a romp of a read”. Ordinary readers had awarded the books more than 2,500 five-star reviews at the last count.
Peter has done most things in journalism – from door-stepping for quotes to writing serious editorials. He’s covered stories in locations as different as 700-feet down a coal mine and Buckingham Palace. He’s edited newspapers and magazines and written 20 non-fiction books including five ghost-written for other authors.
Peter launched his Headline Hero series in 2015 with Headline Murder. As of Summer 2023, there are 15 books in the series with thousands of readers around the world. Crime book reviewers have variously praised the humorous series as “fast paced”, “superbly crafted”, “a breath of fresh air”, and “a romp of a read”. Ordinary readers had awarded the books more than 2,500 five-star reviews at the last count.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 28, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This is a free novella on Amazon.
Colin Crampton is the crime writer for the Brighton Evening Post. Seven will written short stories by Colin Crampton of the mysteries that occur in Brighton. Some he writes for for the Brighton Evening Post. I would highly recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒😡🏰👑
This is a free novella on Amazon.
Colin Crampton is the crime writer for the Brighton Evening Post. Seven will written short stories by Colin Crampton of the mysteries that occur in Brighton. Some he writes for for the Brighton Evening Post. I would highly recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒😡🏰👑
May 17, 2016
Loved every one of the stories in this book!!!!
I really enjoyed the stories and the characters in this series, I didn't want it to end. The more I read the more engrossed. I truly fell in love with the main character, Crampton and even liked his crotchety editor. Would highly recommend.
I really enjoyed the stories and the characters in this series, I didn't want it to end. The more I read the more engrossed. I truly fell in love with the main character, Crampton and even liked his crotchety editor. Would highly recommend.
May 2, 2016
After reading Peter Bartram's first book "Headline Murder", and the short stories about Colin Crampton and his crime-solving adventures, I was eager for the next release. "Murder at the Newsdesk", I'm pleased to see, delivers the same intriguing, page-turning, witty writing that Bartram's previous work does. I see the next book in the series is coming out in August so I wont have to wait long for my next Colin Crampton fix!
April 12, 2017
I chose this book to read and review as part of the Crystal Lake Publishing Readers Book Club April challenge... and I'm glad I did.
Though it's a novella sized book of seven short stories there are two weightier tales, "The Mystery Of The African Charity" and "The Mystery Of The Phantom Santa". These bookend the much shorter stories and this is a brilliant layout as having the longest story at the beginning gives the reader a chance to familiarise themselves with the main characters, this, in turn, makes the shorter compositions more of a joyous quick romp, I say this as I pretty much devoured this book with a smile on my face; for that I thank you, Mr. Bartram.
Peter Bartram is an excellent writer with a steady and easily readable prose and narrative, who fills the whole story with observations and humour. I'll admit I'm not a big fan of writing in the first person, though Bartram is definitely a master of this style and crafts his words and characters so perfectly as to make them so believable they come off the page to live in your mind's eye.
Though I really enjoyed all the stories I particularly liked the second story "The Mystery Of The Two Suitcases" which goes to show how cunning and devious people can be.
Another thing I loved was that for most of the stories the clues are there for you to figure out; I didn't see or smell a single red herring. Though I tried, I never did quite figure it out, my detective skills must be slipping. The closest I got way in the last story... I was close, but not spot-on.
Even the book cover is as well thought-out as the mysteries within. Its simplicity and style actually drew me to the book. I notice the others in the series are in a similar style. Respect to the artist who designed them.
I am looking forward to reading the free novella Murder In Capital Letters and I will make an effort to read the other books in the Colin Crampton series. I really do like the idea of a crime reporter helping to solve a crime and the character is so well thought out and humorous it would be a shame not to read more.
If you like crime novels or just a good read you cannot go far wrong with this book.
Though it's a novella sized book of seven short stories there are two weightier tales, "The Mystery Of The African Charity" and "The Mystery Of The Phantom Santa". These bookend the much shorter stories and this is a brilliant layout as having the longest story at the beginning gives the reader a chance to familiarise themselves with the main characters, this, in turn, makes the shorter compositions more of a joyous quick romp, I say this as I pretty much devoured this book with a smile on my face; for that I thank you, Mr. Bartram.
Peter Bartram is an excellent writer with a steady and easily readable prose and narrative, who fills the whole story with observations and humour. I'll admit I'm not a big fan of writing in the first person, though Bartram is definitely a master of this style and crafts his words and characters so perfectly as to make them so believable they come off the page to live in your mind's eye.
Though I really enjoyed all the stories I particularly liked the second story "The Mystery Of The Two Suitcases" which goes to show how cunning and devious people can be.
Another thing I loved was that for most of the stories the clues are there for you to figure out; I didn't see or smell a single red herring. Though I tried, I never did quite figure it out, my detective skills must be slipping. The closest I got way in the last story... I was close, but not spot-on.
Even the book cover is as well thought-out as the mysteries within. Its simplicity and style actually drew me to the book. I notice the others in the series are in a similar style. Respect to the artist who designed them.
I am looking forward to reading the free novella Murder In Capital Letters and I will make an effort to read the other books in the Colin Crampton series. I really do like the idea of a crime reporter helping to solve a crime and the character is so well thought out and humorous it would be a shame not to read more.
If you like crime novels or just a good read you cannot go far wrong with this book.
December 22, 2018
The main character is a young man working for the Brighton Evening Herald during the sixties. While we can't expect tortuous mystery plots in short form, we do get some intriguing situations, great fun and wry observations. Journalists really do see it all - according to this book.
This is an unbiased review.
This is an unbiased review.
October 18, 2019
Reading this I got the feeling I might just not be the type of person who enjoys short stories. Or at least, not as short as these were. Most were only a few pages, and didn't have enough substance to actually read like a story. Some of them were really predictable as well. I did like the main character.
July 31, 2020
These were fun, simple stories, easy to read and a great way to spend reading time. Some were very short but that did not diminish enjoyment. I very much enjoyed the Crampton character and how he got to the root of the mystery, though he did not always included the reader on how he got there till after the fact.
Recommend for a quick, light read.
Recommend for a quick, light read.
May 22, 2018
Seven short mystery stories from Colin Crompton news reporter of the Brighton Evening Chronicle set in the early 1960's.
An enjoyable quick read
An enjoyable quick read
October 20, 2017
Brilliant book, looking forward to reading more of Peter Bartrams books
June 22, 2019
Murder from the Newsdesk is a purchase-for-free 69-page novella from Amazon. Author Peter Bartram presents seven stories which I believe fall into the category of “cozy” mysteries. There is no sexual language, which is good because there are no sexual situations. There is no violence. Throughout each of the stories, there is humor, but it is very dated. The collection was published in April 2016, but the jokes come from the 60s. Example: “What did Cinderella say when the developers mislaid her photos?” Answer: “Some day my prints will come.” All humor in the collection follows this vein. Another time reference internal to stories is “The Dave Clark Five were belting out Glad All Over on the juke box.”
Murder from the Newsdesk might frustrate US readers with British vocabulary that I believe is outdated. What is worse than unfamiliar slang? Answer: Unfamiliar slang that is outdated. Examples: In the field of gambling and horse racing, what are “gee-gees?” Outside the world of horse racing, what are “nobble, scarpered, and shufty?” A quick check of the Kindle dictionary gave me the meaning of two of the four terms, but not the remaining two. I am also unfamiliar with what a Bob, a Pence, and a Pound are worth. I don’t even know if they are in use or whether the Euro either replaced or is used as a tandem currency for financial transactions.
The Mystery of the African charity ***** An appropriately named villain, Septimus Darke, kicks off this mystery. Colin Crampton, the crime reporter for the Evening Chronicle, knew the name and that cursory knowledge would have been the end of it except for a favor he had promised a fellow employee at the newspaper morgue, Freda. Lennie Stapleton, the husband of Connie, an old friend of Freda, had died recently. A nephew, Denzil, had been bothering Connie about Lennie’s old clothes. Would she donate them to a charity Denzil was running? Connie thought something was wrong and was suspicious about Denzil and his request. She had gone to the police, but they ignored her. Freda had volunteered the help of the newspaper’s crime reporter to dig into Denzil’s activities. Not all charities come with charitable intentions.
The Mystery of the Two Suitcases ***** This story suggests an answer to the question “How can I give a receive an expensive gift from my lover without my husband knowing?” A solution the wife came up with did not work out well. Why? The answer, in this case, is unusual. I have no idea what “clears off in high dudgeon” means. (Location 418).
The Mystery of the Single Red Sock ***** Colin wanted to buy a bottle of gin from his favorite retailer and pick up hints of crimes to come from the elderly owner. There are hints that he wanted more than gin; his favorite retailer was only a favorite of Colin’s; most people wanting alcohol went somewhere else. It was unfortunate that the robber picked Colin’s shopping time to rob the owner. It was unfortunate for the robber because the infrequently visited shop had almost no money to hand over. It was unfortunate for Colin as he was minorly injured in a fight with the thief. Colin felt that his editor’s next assignment, to interview a woman who had reported the theft of a red sock one day and a blue sock the following day, was a punishment for Colin achieving fame and a front-page story about the burglary. Bartram ties up three elements and three crimes in this short story.
The Mystery at the Beauregard Hotel ***** Two couples checked into the Beauregard Hotel. The names of each pair were probably false. In the dining room for the evening meal, Mrs. Green made overt gestures to Mr. Brown, suggesting a later meeting. The following morning Mrs. Green and Mr. Brown had breakfast together before leaving the hotel together. The other couple, Mr. Green and Mrs. Brown, had disappeared and there was a bloodstain on the carpet in their room. Had a double murder occurred? Mrs. Gribble, Colin’s landlady, wanted him to check the situation out. The police had laughed at Mrs. Gribble’s account. My vocabulary mystery for this story is the meaning of “farrago?” (location 677). US readers also might puzzle over the phrase “eating their tea.”
The Mystery of the Precious Princess ***** Princess is a greyhound whose owner, Fred Dubbins, will run her in an upcoming race. Princess will be listed as a favorite. Fred has noticed that no favorite has won in the past three competitions and calls Colin to discuss the problems that Fred might encounter with possible criminal involvement. Three top owners make up the possibilities for dog race fixing. One mystery is, “Who is cheating?” But there is a better mystery, “How is the guilty party doing it?”
The Mystery of the Note on the Beach ***** A scam artist specializing in quick return investment schemes has disappeared into the Channel, the probable death was possibly a suicide. That is what the scammer wants everyone to believe. A pile of his clothing was found by the brother of Colin’s landlady, so he thought it logical to go to Colin rather than the police. Colin suspected, even knew that there was no suicide. Colin accompanied the brother to the pile of clothing. Colin stumbled across convincing evidence just in time.
The Mystery of the Phantom Santa ***** Colin met a small boy practicing football at a public park. Colin was there hoping for a visit from a muse telling him what to write for his newspaper on Christmas Eve. The boy suggested a story about Santa Claus or Father Christmas. The boy had seen Santa behind his house every night for three nights. Santa appeared to be taking, not leaving presents. The boy’s mother, Victoria, appeared to take her son shopping and found out the stories her son had been telling Colin. Victoria was visibly upset and denied the stories vigorously. She seemed to be far more emotional in her disagreements with her son than needed. On a whim, Colin followed the pair on their shopping trip. Were the mother and son buying or selling?
I gave this collection four Amazon stars because it kept my interest despite frequent appearances of British English slang, both old and modern. I liked the author’s humor even though it dangerously flirted with puns, deemed by many to be humor of the lowest form. This collection is a good “clean” read for a lazy weekend.
Murder from the Newsdesk might frustrate US readers with British vocabulary that I believe is outdated. What is worse than unfamiliar slang? Answer: Unfamiliar slang that is outdated. Examples: In the field of gambling and horse racing, what are “gee-gees?” Outside the world of horse racing, what are “nobble, scarpered, and shufty?” A quick check of the Kindle dictionary gave me the meaning of two of the four terms, but not the remaining two. I am also unfamiliar with what a Bob, a Pence, and a Pound are worth. I don’t even know if they are in use or whether the Euro either replaced or is used as a tandem currency for financial transactions.
The Mystery of the African charity ***** An appropriately named villain, Septimus Darke, kicks off this mystery. Colin Crampton, the crime reporter for the Evening Chronicle, knew the name and that cursory knowledge would have been the end of it except for a favor he had promised a fellow employee at the newspaper morgue, Freda. Lennie Stapleton, the husband of Connie, an old friend of Freda, had died recently. A nephew, Denzil, had been bothering Connie about Lennie’s old clothes. Would she donate them to a charity Denzil was running? Connie thought something was wrong and was suspicious about Denzil and his request. She had gone to the police, but they ignored her. Freda had volunteered the help of the newspaper’s crime reporter to dig into Denzil’s activities. Not all charities come with charitable intentions.
The Mystery of the Two Suitcases ***** This story suggests an answer to the question “How can I give a receive an expensive gift from my lover without my husband knowing?” A solution the wife came up with did not work out well. Why? The answer, in this case, is unusual. I have no idea what “clears off in high dudgeon” means. (Location 418).
The Mystery of the Single Red Sock ***** Colin wanted to buy a bottle of gin from his favorite retailer and pick up hints of crimes to come from the elderly owner. There are hints that he wanted more than gin; his favorite retailer was only a favorite of Colin’s; most people wanting alcohol went somewhere else. It was unfortunate that the robber picked Colin’s shopping time to rob the owner. It was unfortunate for the robber because the infrequently visited shop had almost no money to hand over. It was unfortunate for Colin as he was minorly injured in a fight with the thief. Colin felt that his editor’s next assignment, to interview a woman who had reported the theft of a red sock one day and a blue sock the following day, was a punishment for Colin achieving fame and a front-page story about the burglary. Bartram ties up three elements and three crimes in this short story.
The Mystery at the Beauregard Hotel ***** Two couples checked into the Beauregard Hotel. The names of each pair were probably false. In the dining room for the evening meal, Mrs. Green made overt gestures to Mr. Brown, suggesting a later meeting. The following morning Mrs. Green and Mr. Brown had breakfast together before leaving the hotel together. The other couple, Mr. Green and Mrs. Brown, had disappeared and there was a bloodstain on the carpet in their room. Had a double murder occurred? Mrs. Gribble, Colin’s landlady, wanted him to check the situation out. The police had laughed at Mrs. Gribble’s account. My vocabulary mystery for this story is the meaning of “farrago?” (location 677). US readers also might puzzle over the phrase “eating their tea.”
The Mystery of the Precious Princess ***** Princess is a greyhound whose owner, Fred Dubbins, will run her in an upcoming race. Princess will be listed as a favorite. Fred has noticed that no favorite has won in the past three competitions and calls Colin to discuss the problems that Fred might encounter with possible criminal involvement. Three top owners make up the possibilities for dog race fixing. One mystery is, “Who is cheating?” But there is a better mystery, “How is the guilty party doing it?”
The Mystery of the Note on the Beach ***** A scam artist specializing in quick return investment schemes has disappeared into the Channel, the probable death was possibly a suicide. That is what the scammer wants everyone to believe. A pile of his clothing was found by the brother of Colin’s landlady, so he thought it logical to go to Colin rather than the police. Colin suspected, even knew that there was no suicide. Colin accompanied the brother to the pile of clothing. Colin stumbled across convincing evidence just in time.
The Mystery of the Phantom Santa ***** Colin met a small boy practicing football at a public park. Colin was there hoping for a visit from a muse telling him what to write for his newspaper on Christmas Eve. The boy suggested a story about Santa Claus or Father Christmas. The boy had seen Santa behind his house every night for three nights. Santa appeared to be taking, not leaving presents. The boy’s mother, Victoria, appeared to take her son shopping and found out the stories her son had been telling Colin. Victoria was visibly upset and denied the stories vigorously. She seemed to be far more emotional in her disagreements with her son than needed. On a whim, Colin followed the pair on their shopping trip. Were the mother and son buying or selling?
I gave this collection four Amazon stars because it kept my interest despite frequent appearances of British English slang, both old and modern. I liked the author’s humor even though it dangerously flirted with puns, deemed by many to be humor of the lowest form. This collection is a good “clean” read for a lazy weekend.
June 20, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed Peter Bartram's latest edition of fictional journalistic capers featuring the popular investigative news reporter, Colin Crampton.
These stories follow a similar guise to the author's previous book, Headline Murder, but rather than concentrate on one plot it focusses on Colin's daily routine leading him to determine the factors that make a good story. While some tip-offs fail to make the fictional crime headline in the newspaper that week, others make incredibly interesting snippets and are shared here.
This is a wonderful array of cosier crime shorts, which are over a too quickly. Each story is totally different and equally snappy to keep me entertained in one sitting, although this would be perfect for dipping in to if you don't want to dive into a full length novel.
I love Colin & co's characters, there's something endearing about them and they way they conduct themselves, and now I'm very much looking forward to Stop Press Murder, which is published in August.
(I downloaded this from Amazon UK when it was a free download, courtesy of the author.).
These stories follow a similar guise to the author's previous book, Headline Murder, but rather than concentrate on one plot it focusses on Colin's daily routine leading him to determine the factors that make a good story. While some tip-offs fail to make the fictional crime headline in the newspaper that week, others make incredibly interesting snippets and are shared here.
This is a wonderful array of cosier crime shorts, which are over a too quickly. Each story is totally different and equally snappy to keep me entertained in one sitting, although this would be perfect for dipping in to if you don't want to dive into a full length novel.
I love Colin & co's characters, there's something endearing about them and they way they conduct themselves, and now I'm very much looking forward to Stop Press Murder, which is published in August.
(I downloaded this from Amazon UK when it was a free download, courtesy of the author.).
October 31, 2018
This collection of short stories was rather entertaining. However, it was far from extraordinary. It’s very appealing to me as much like the main character, I was a crime reporter for a number years – I was also a trainee reporter for a small local British newspaper (The Croydon Advertiser), so I can relate.
The stories are cleverly structured and there is a lot of humor. However, they’re just usual stories that you can find in any small British village – although Brighton is fairly big – I wished the author had made them a bit more exciting, which is a lot easier to do when you’re writing about crime and especially when you’re writing background is crime – the authr is a crime reporter.
However, it is worth a read, especially since the book is rather short and it won’t take much of the reader’s time to go over it. It’s a good laugh for the most part.
The stories are cleverly structured and there is a lot of humor. However, they’re just usual stories that you can find in any small British village – although Brighton is fairly big – I wished the author had made them a bit more exciting, which is a lot easier to do when you’re writing about crime and especially when you’re writing background is crime – the authr is a crime reporter.
However, it is worth a read, especially since the book is rather short and it won’t take much of the reader’s time to go over it. It’s a good laugh for the most part.
May 12, 2016
Nice short stories
If your after an interesting story but don't really have the time for a full on novel then these little bite size mysteries are just the ticket. And currently there is a link at the end of the book for another free novel direct from the author which is nice.
If your after an interesting story but don't really have the time for a full on novel then these little bite size mysteries are just the ticket. And currently there is a link at the end of the book for another free novel direct from the author which is nice.
July 21, 2016
Fun short stories of Crampton of the Chronicle.
April 20, 2017
I have mixed reviews about this books. It's really well thought out, but the execution could have been better.
This book has seven short stories, they were all nice, but I wished they were longer so we could also work out the clues as the story proceeded. But there are certain stories wherein that opportunity is there.
The Two Suitcases story had a very strong resemblance to a Roald Dahl adult short story, but again, the execution could have been better. Maybe it is unfair to compare to Dahl.
Having said that, I did enjoy the book as a whole and hence I would suggest it as a one-time read.
Overall, a decent book, and I would've liked if the stories were fleshed out a bit more.
After all, in a mystery book, we would surely want to have the satisfaction of trying to figure it out a la Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle.
What I liked:
- Most of the stories were fresh
- The main characters were well fleshed out
What I didn't like:
- A tad too short
- Not much opportunity to 'solve' the mystery as the story proceeds
This book has seven short stories, they were all nice, but I wished they were longer so we could also work out the clues as the story proceeded. But there are certain stories wherein that opportunity is there.
The Two Suitcases story had a very strong resemblance to a Roald Dahl adult short story, but again, the execution could have been better. Maybe it is unfair to compare to Dahl.
Having said that, I did enjoy the book as a whole and hence I would suggest it as a one-time read.
Overall, a decent book, and I would've liked if the stories were fleshed out a bit more.
After all, in a mystery book, we would surely want to have the satisfaction of trying to figure it out a la Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle.
What I liked:
- Most of the stories were fresh
- The main characters were well fleshed out
What I didn't like:
- A tad too short
- Not much opportunity to 'solve' the mystery as the story proceeds
October 22, 2023
A Totally Fun Sunday Read!
I don’t remember how this landed on my books to read pile but it did. By the way, it was especially good as it landed there free! One mustn’t complain about that.
Anyway, this light reading book of seven short stories certainly entertained me. It brought out the Sunday sunshine ☀️ and helped me slip away from daily life. Each story was fun and thrilling. This is the perfect book to keep with you in your ereader or even in book form.
I started to follow Peter Bertram in hopes he can entertain me some more.
Well done Peter, loved my introduction to your fine talent.
Michael
I don’t remember how this landed on my books to read pile but it did. By the way, it was especially good as it landed there free! One mustn’t complain about that.
Anyway, this light reading book of seven short stories certainly entertained me. It brought out the Sunday sunshine ☀️ and helped me slip away from daily life. Each story was fun and thrilling. This is the perfect book to keep with you in your ereader or even in book form.
I started to follow Peter Bertram in hopes he can entertain me some more.
Well done Peter, loved my introduction to your fine talent.
Michael
February 6, 2017
I think this is one of my first short story books.
I feel that overall it's a nice little read I enjoyed the realistic plots, makes a difference to not have to suspend your sense of disbelief for every page you turn.
I warmed to the man character throughout the book with his war, charm and wit.
I do feel it was lacking in detail and strong plots. A few of the stories were entirely pointless as in there was no real storyline line that could really make me care.
In saying that I did enjoy this easy read - nice and I would recommend.
I feel that overall it's a nice little read I enjoyed the realistic plots, makes a difference to not have to suspend your sense of disbelief for every page you turn.
I warmed to the man character throughout the book with his war, charm and wit.
I do feel it was lacking in detail and strong plots. A few of the stories were entirely pointless as in there was no real storyline line that could really make me care.
In saying that I did enjoy this easy read - nice and I would recommend.
June 28, 2018
Back to the sixties.....
If you like old timey stories these are for you. These short stories are presented as chapters and each is a self contained story about a reporter getting a story. They are easy to read if you just have a little time but also quite enjoyable to read consecutively I had to get used to the pace and at first felt frustrated hat I wasn't getting to the meat of the story Then I figured out they were the meat. I look forward to reading more by this author to see where they go.
If you like old timey stories these are for you. These short stories are presented as chapters and each is a self contained story about a reporter getting a story. They are easy to read if you just have a little time but also quite enjoyable to read consecutively I had to get used to the pace and at first felt frustrated hat I wasn't getting to the meat of the story Then I figured out they were the meat. I look forward to reading more by this author to see where they go.
June 29, 2018
Cute stories. Compared to many other mystery books, it brought - at least to me - the fresh element of cotidianity. Stories happen, combined with usual facts. I feel, however, that the stories were too short or could have been further developed, which, in my belief, would have added some suspense. The ideas are fine, but the lack of development makes it fall dull sometimes. In the overall it was a fine book and enjoyed reading it.
April 20, 2024
Mildly amusing
A mildly amusing set of stories that Colin Crampton was involved in over the years.
Quite an enjoyable read about being a crime journalist in the early 1960s with a typical stereotypical editor in charge of the newspaper.
Colin is a decent chap who is actually quite bright and can feel a story from the smallest snippet. Just a little comment and he can find a story.
Gives me enough of a taste of Colin Crampton for me to want more.
A mildly amusing set of stories that Colin Crampton was involved in over the years.
Quite an enjoyable read about being a crime journalist in the early 1960s with a typical stereotypical editor in charge of the newspaper.
Colin is a decent chap who is actually quite bright and can feel a story from the smallest snippet. Just a little comment and he can find a story.
Gives me enough of a taste of Colin Crampton for me to want more.
March 8, 2017
This is actually a collection of short stories that all involve the escapades of a crime correspondent on a newspaper. Readers get to follow along as Colin Crampton tells the tales of some quirky stories he has covered while doing his job. The stories are quick, fun reads and I think readers will enjoy all of them,
August 24, 2020
I love dime store detective characters but a version of Marlow or Spade with out the macho chip on the shoulder was great. Very entertaining, super short cases that contained real humor.
Well written unique quips that hold together to make a wonderful working hero even as bedtime stories for kids.
Well written unique quips that hold together to make a wonderful working hero even as bedtime stories for kids.
November 15, 2021
Colin Crampton, ace crime reporter in Brighton, has his hands full in these seven short mysteries! He need to help foil criminals from escaping England, bring Santa to justice, figure out what is going on with missing socks, and find out whether murder happened or not at the Beauregard. If you enjoy the Crampton series, you should give this collection a read!.
September 4, 2024
The old English dry humor is strong
This collection of short stories from British writer Peter Bartram are a delight to read. The dry humor the Brits are famous for makes this read especially enjoying. Sit back and soak in the ironies and humor in the well written stories from across the pond.
This collection of short stories from British writer Peter Bartram are a delight to read. The dry humor the Brits are famous for makes this read especially enjoying. Sit back and soak in the ironies and humor in the well written stories from across the pond.
June 12, 2017
Newsman Solves Crimes
While looking for a good crime story, journalist continually stumbles on tips that lead to both a good story and arrest. Written like short newspaper articles, each chapter is a complete story.
While looking for a good crime story, journalist continually stumbles on tips that lead to both a good story and arrest. Written like short newspaper articles, each chapter is a complete story.
January 10, 2018
Compact, cozy, comedic read! Colin Crampton is very funny and I enjoyed reading all the British/Aussie slang. Some of these are VERY short, so don't expect in-depth mysteries, but it's still a fun read on a rainy night with a cuppa by your side :)
January 21, 2018
Short short stories.
This was an interesting set of stories. Some of them were only a few minutes long but were a full little mystery. Very well written and complete and filled with English slang and based in the 1960's. On the last page you are offered a free novella.
This was an interesting set of stories. Some of them were only a few minutes long but were a full little mystery. Very well written and complete and filled with English slang and based in the 1960's. On the last page you are offered a free novella.
February 5, 2018
An excellent and entertaining read. I'd give it a five, but some of the stories fell a bit short on inspiration. Most were wonderful, especially the African Clothing Charity and the Phantom Santa. If you're looking for a nice relaxing read from a well-established author, this is it!
February 16, 2018
These aren't really novellas, just short stories -- a couple of them SHORT short stories. Still, they are Peter Crampton, skillfully crafted and quite fascinating. I've read 3 of the full-length books, and loved them all. Let's face it, Crampton is a fun read anytime.
April 30, 2018
LOVE it!
Each chapter is its own short story but it's put together so well it doesn't interrupt the flow at all. Well done! Great fun and enjoyable. Each story has itsbunique characters with the reported just keeping up with the beat and reporting the news!
Each chapter is its own short story but it's put together so well it doesn't interrupt the flow at all. Well done! Great fun and enjoyable. Each story has itsbunique characters with the reported just keeping up with the beat and reporting the news!
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