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DI Skelgill Investigates #16
Murder Unseen
Nobody saw her. Nobody can find her.
When 37-year-old Lisa Jackson sets out for work one Friday morning she is in high spirits. Things are going well with her new boyfriend. But when she does not reach her desk, or answer her mobile phone, her colleagues and family raise the alarm.
Suspicion immediately falls on co-worker Ray Piper. A married man, he and Lisa have recently ended an affair. But steely-eyed Piper denies any knowledge of Lisa’s disappearance.
Yet as the police begin to piece together her last movements – and match them to those of her ex-lover – a narrative emerges that leads to only one possible conclusion.
With Skelgill and DS Leyton otherwise engaged, it falls to DS Emma Jones to head the investigation – a chance for the bright young detective to shine. But soon she finds herself engaged in a deadly battle of wits with a cold and calculating adversary.
Will she hold her nerve? Will she succeed alone? And what will happen if she does not find Lisa – for no body undermines her case.
As the trial date nears, hopes begin to fade – Lisa is gone without trace. And a scheming killer may walk free.
When 37-year-old Lisa Jackson sets out for work one Friday morning she is in high spirits. Things are going well with her new boyfriend. But when she does not reach her desk, or answer her mobile phone, her colleagues and family raise the alarm.
Suspicion immediately falls on co-worker Ray Piper. A married man, he and Lisa have recently ended an affair. But steely-eyed Piper denies any knowledge of Lisa’s disappearance.
Yet as the police begin to piece together her last movements – and match them to those of her ex-lover – a narrative emerges that leads to only one possible conclusion.
With Skelgill and DS Leyton otherwise engaged, it falls to DS Emma Jones to head the investigation – a chance for the bright young detective to shine. But soon she finds herself engaged in a deadly battle of wits with a cold and calculating adversary.
Will she hold her nerve? Will she succeed alone? And what will happen if she does not find Lisa – for no body undermines her case.
As the trial date nears, hopes begin to fade – Lisa is gone without trace. And a scheming killer may walk free.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2020
352 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Beckham
89 books463 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 19, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
When a woman disappears, her former lover, a married man is immediately the primary suspect. Skelgill is on vacation, out fishing, so DI Jones is in charge. She tries every which way to make her case, but she can't even find the body. Skelgill finally comes back.
Fairly good, but at the end, Skelgill does something totally stupid, no one should ever do, and he should definitely know better.
When a woman disappears, her former lover, a married man is immediately the primary suspect. Skelgill is on vacation, out fishing, so DI Jones is in charge. She tries every which way to make her case, but she can't even find the body. Skelgill finally comes back.
Fairly good, but at the end, Skelgill does something totally stupid, no one should ever do, and he should definitely know better.
July 31, 2023
DS Emma Jones is in charge of this missing persons case that proves to be a challenge for her and the team pitted against a determined and cruel opponent.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
April 6, 2022
This book is on ration.
I enjoy the series so much , and I know that I only have 2 left, that I ration them to make them last a bit longer. However, I was drawn to start this one after a couple of mediocre reads and I was certainly not disappointed.
It has everything that I have come to enjoy in this series.
Other authors, please take note. These books dont have to resort to sex or violence; there is little booze or swearing. They are good reads without that and tell stories with a touch of humour.
Its the cups of tea and slices of Ennerdale cake but mostly its the bond that we, as readers, know has built up between the leaders of the team, DI Skelgill, DS Jones and DS Leyton. The story isnt particularly exciting although it has its moments, its the authors ability to bring the mundane to another level that makes it worth the effort to read.
There is almost a George Dixon homeliness about Skelgill - perhaps reinforced by his recipes - but there is more, isn't there?
A good story and in case your mind dozed off or you didn't concentrate , a nice excuse for a full summary of all the facts known so far at about the three quarter stage.
One of the best yet, but only a couple more left for me.
I enjoy the series so much , and I know that I only have 2 left, that I ration them to make them last a bit longer. However, I was drawn to start this one after a couple of mediocre reads and I was certainly not disappointed.
It has everything that I have come to enjoy in this series.
Other authors, please take note. These books dont have to resort to sex or violence; there is little booze or swearing. They are good reads without that and tell stories with a touch of humour.
Its the cups of tea and slices of Ennerdale cake but mostly its the bond that we, as readers, know has built up between the leaders of the team, DI Skelgill, DS Jones and DS Leyton. The story isnt particularly exciting although it has its moments, its the authors ability to bring the mundane to another level that makes it worth the effort to read.
There is almost a George Dixon homeliness about Skelgill - perhaps reinforced by his recipes - but there is more, isn't there?
A good story and in case your mind dozed off or you didn't concentrate , a nice excuse for a full summary of all the facts known so far at about the three quarter stage.
One of the best yet, but only a couple more left for me.
January 15, 2021
I’ve enjoyed this series ever since I looked for crime fiction set in the Lake District as part of my experience at an embroidery retreat in that part of England about four years ago. It served my purposes well - giving me a background and setting I’d be hard pressed to absorb from a tourist guide - and good crime fiction to boot.
So I was delighted, on the other side of the world, with no prospect of travelling in a pandemic, to discover an addition to the series and be able to purchase and read it within 3 days of publication.
I was not disappointed. This is a great read on many fronts. The familiar characters are there and so is the landscape and lifestyle detail that makes the story hum and grab. More than that, there is a transition happening, Beckham bringing forward DS Jones and focusing on her thought processes, fears, deductions, insecurities and growth, all within reach of Skelgill’s guidance. By the end, this reader is ready, if not to simply transfer allegiance, to have more than one interest and loyalty in future narratives. Clever in both plot and writing.
My only criticism is in the length of the trial sequences. I see the narrative summary purpose, but think it is a bit lengthy and laboured. Nevertheless, this is a treat, a perfect antipodean Summer read in a year when a Lake District retreat is unobtainable.
So I was delighted, on the other side of the world, with no prospect of travelling in a pandemic, to discover an addition to the series and be able to purchase and read it within 3 days of publication.
I was not disappointed. This is a great read on many fronts. The familiar characters are there and so is the landscape and lifestyle detail that makes the story hum and grab. More than that, there is a transition happening, Beckham bringing forward DS Jones and focusing on her thought processes, fears, deductions, insecurities and growth, all within reach of Skelgill’s guidance. By the end, this reader is ready, if not to simply transfer allegiance, to have more than one interest and loyalty in future narratives. Clever in both plot and writing.
My only criticism is in the length of the trial sequences. I see the narrative summary purpose, but think it is a bit lengthy and laboured. Nevertheless, this is a treat, a perfect antipodean Summer read in a year when a Lake District retreat is unobtainable.
February 18, 2021
I'm not finished; I just can't wait to cheer for this book. Beckham has always been an excellent writer; this volume showcases how much of a craftsman he's become. It's wonderful to watch him work, but not intrusive: His descriptions especially are as engrossing as ever. Enjoy!
January 12, 2021
Winner
Enjoyment like a good wine and pleasant conversation with old friends.
Looking forward to next book as read all of them so far.
Enjoyment like a good wine and pleasant conversation with old friends.
Looking forward to next book as read all of them so far.
March 9, 2024
always a pleasure
I enjoy Beckham’s series with DI Skelgill and his team as they make inroads on solving crime in their area. With Skelgill’s knowledge of Cumbria and its waters and his unusual manner of looking at things, the three solve their cases in the end, although in Murder Unseen it appeared that they were going to end their string of successes. I love that I don’t have to cringe with language or sex. It’s just good investigative work and camaraderie among colleagues. There’s an undercurrent going on this time. We’ll see where (if) it goes.
I enjoy Beckham’s series with DI Skelgill and his team as they make inroads on solving crime in their area. With Skelgill’s knowledge of Cumbria and its waters and his unusual manner of looking at things, the three solve their cases in the end, although in Murder Unseen it appeared that they were going to end their string of successes. I love that I don’t have to cringe with language or sex. It’s just good investigative work and camaraderie among colleagues. There’s an undercurrent going on this time. We’ll see where (if) it goes.
April 1, 2022
Great as Always!
This one in the series is a tad different in that DS Jones is assigned to be in charge of the case. Also, shall we say there weren't as many suspects as usual. The Ennerdale cake sounds yummy, especially since DS Leyton couldn't say no to it. Would love the recipe. A different emphasis on the main actors this time and even Leyton's nippers make an appearance. Fortunately, there is less of that obnoxious DI Smart. The how and the who of the mystery were worked out relatively early...but where was the body as proof????? The gutsy women in the story take pride of place.
This one in the series is a tad different in that DS Jones is assigned to be in charge of the case. Also, shall we say there weren't as many suspects as usual. The Ennerdale cake sounds yummy, especially since DS Leyton couldn't say no to it. Would love the recipe. A different emphasis on the main actors this time and even Leyton's nippers make an appearance. Fortunately, there is less of that obnoxious DI Smart. The how and the who of the mystery were worked out relatively early...but where was the body as proof????? The gutsy women in the story take pride of place.
January 14, 2021
Old friends
Skelgill, Leyton,and Jones are some of the best literary characters created by a very talented author. Excellent descriptive writing takes you to the beautiful Lakes district where a missing person case is given to Jones, as lead detective for the first time. If this is your first read by this author I strongly suggest you start with the first book and enjoy the ride.
Skelgill, Leyton,and Jones are some of the best literary characters created by a very talented author. Excellent descriptive writing takes you to the beautiful Lakes district where a missing person case is given to Jones, as lead detective for the first time. If this is your first read by this author I strongly suggest you start with the first book and enjoy the ride.
January 15, 2021
Giving 5 stars to Beckham for this one. I'd say it's his best yet and I have thoroughly enjoyed most of them.
This one keeps you guessing to the end and the excitement never ceases. By the way, I think Skelgill is definitely mellowing. Wonder that will mean for Emma in the future!
With those three characters and that wonderful English Lakes setting, I think Beckham's books would make a wonderful television series. How can we advance that idea?
This one keeps you guessing to the end and the excitement never ceases. By the way, I think Skelgill is definitely mellowing. Wonder that will mean for Emma in the future!
With those three characters and that wonderful English Lakes setting, I think Beckham's books would make a wonderful television series. How can we advance that idea?
March 11, 2021
Don't think the author has ever ventured to Carlisle!
I've read all of Bruce Beckham's books but he writes Cumbrians like they are from Yorkshire! As a Cumbrian myself, this is quite annoying. Most people do not speak the way they are written in this book, and I have never ever heard anyone from Carlisle say "happen instead of "mebbe". The story was entertaining as usual but it dragged on a bit too long.
I've read all of Bruce Beckham's books but he writes Cumbrians like they are from Yorkshire! As a Cumbrian myself, this is quite annoying. Most people do not speak the way they are written in this book, and I have never ever heard anyone from Carlisle say "happen instead of "mebbe". The story was entertaining as usual but it dragged on a bit too long.
March 26, 2021
Another book I won from Goodreads Giveaway/Amazon Kindle. I believe I would enjoy reading these books from the beginning #1. This is #16. I enjoy reading authors from their 1st books! DS Jones seems to be a really good detective and I bet DI Skelgill is wonderful to read about from the beginning. I was expecting to have a different murderer in this book but kind of expected it to be who it was. I like the way they include other cases with the main case.
June 4, 2021
This is the second book I've read in the DI Skelgill series and I enjoyed it as much as the first. I really like the low-key British crime investigations; they seem to engross me in the plot more. I also like the interaction between the three detectives and enjoyed seeing DS Emma Jones getting her due recognition. Since these books seem to work as stand alones, I will have to go back and hunt down some of the earlier ones.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
January 9, 2021
Wow!
Excellent but very different from others in this terrific! DS Emma Jones is in charge of a missing person's case while Skelgill is on required vacation. D S Leyton has his own case of thefts of shotguns from rural farms . The 3 still aid BBC each other and all are involved in the exciting conclusion!
Excellent but very different from others in this terrific! DS Emma Jones is in charge of a missing person's case while Skelgill is on required vacation. D S Leyton has his own case of thefts of shotguns from rural farms . The 3 still aid BBC each other and all are involved in the exciting conclusion!
February 11, 2021
Another delightfully spun . . .
Another delightfully spun Lake District mystery. Nice to see both of DI Skelgill's DS' standing front and center. Great camaraderie and team effort sleuthing. A bonus treat to myself is following LakeDistrict on Instagram and enjoying the scenery in living color. Waiting ever so patiently for the next book!
Another delightfully spun Lake District mystery. Nice to see both of DI Skelgill's DS' standing front and center. Great camaraderie and team effort sleuthing. A bonus treat to myself is following LakeDistrict on Instagram and enjoying the scenery in living color. Waiting ever so patiently for the next book!
January 2, 2022
Maybe the best in the Series
A different role for the characters makes this a thoughtful and interesting episode. There was a lot of suspense and not all of the plot was obvious until close to the end. As always the scenic descriptions and colloquial place names add depth to the narrative.
A different role for the characters makes this a thoughtful and interesting episode. There was a lot of suspense and not all of the plot was obvious until close to the end. As always the scenic descriptions and colloquial place names add depth to the narrative.
February 17, 2022
When slow and brooding becomes boring
I do like slow-paced mysteries and brooding characters. I really do. But this book crosses some very thin line and becomes just boring.
Couldn’t put my finger on it - if I were to make this book better I wouldn’t really know where to start - but boring it was.
I do like slow-paced mysteries and brooding characters. I really do. But this book crosses some very thin line and becomes just boring.
Couldn’t put my finger on it - if I were to make this book better I wouldn’t really know where to start - but boring it was.
April 29, 2024
Murder Unseen (review)
Once again Bruce Beckham has written another Skelgill investigates book that I couldn’t put down . Absolutely brilliant series of crime books and would recommend reading them. The only problem is don’t expect to read any other books until you have finished this whole series. On to the next one I go.
Once again Bruce Beckham has written another Skelgill investigates book that I couldn’t put down . Absolutely brilliant series of crime books and would recommend reading them. The only problem is don’t expect to read any other books until you have finished this whole series. On to the next one I go.
April 2, 2021
Thank you to author Bruce Beckham for this FREE Kindle copy of Murder Unseen. And thanks to Goodreads for hosting the opportunity.
Very nicely done. Well written, well edited. Nice cover, characters, interaction, atmosphere, pace, etc. A good read.
Very nicely done. Well written, well edited. Nice cover, characters, interaction, atmosphere, pace, etc. A good read.
April 18, 2021
Great read. The characters are realistic and well drawn. Lots of twists and turns. Read it quickly but was sorry when I got to the end because I didn't buy the next one yet won't make that mistake again. Great book.
January 19, 2021
For me the best of an excellent series
February 21, 2021
Always a team effort. Great read, great characters.
March 19, 2021
Another adventure with DI Skelgill, but this time he is assisted by his fellow DIs. Knowing who the killer is but trying to prove it and find the body is difficult.
April 11, 2021
Held my attention throughout
April 15, 2021
Just gets better
Very book gets better you are involved with the main character s. And look forward to the next book release
Very book gets better you are involved with the main character s. And look forward to the next book release
July 29, 2021
Another intriguing investigation, this time with DS Jones taking the lead, with the help of the team.
September 17, 2021
3.5 stars
November 3, 2021
The excellent series continues with a slight twist.
I look forward to the next episode.
I look forward to the next episode.
February 25, 2022
Great series
I continue to enjoy Skelgill and his unique ways. His mind doesn't function like many others which I believe gives him a significant edge.
I continue to enjoy Skelgill and his unique ways. His mind doesn't function like many others which I believe gives him a significant edge.
August 31, 2022
Book 16.....Excellent mystery, exciting, page turner. Very likable characters, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews