Murder at the Bridge

DI Skelgill Investigates #20

by Bruce Beckham

NEW FOR 2023 – STAND-ALONE, #20 IN THE SERIES. MEET MAVERICK BRITISH DETECTIVE DI SKELGILL... "A COMPELLING BRITISH CRIME MYSTERY."AN ATTEMPTED MURDER in the United States … a tragic road death in a Cumbrian forest … an old photograph stolen from an ancient coaching inn. Unrelated events – until a midnight drowning below Ouse Bridge exposes a connection. After two decades, has a killer returned to Cumbria to ply their trade? Does a suspect hide in plain sight among loose acquaintances? Who is truthful and who is lying? Skelgill must patiently circle … until finally he picks up the scent.

BRUCE BECKHAM 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

Genres: Mystery

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2023

About the author

BRUCE 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.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book a second time to see if I would enjoy it as much as I usually do. Skelgill is usually a sure bet for me. After a second reading I was able to award four stars in fairness. This one has continual mystery reveals that tested my patience and credulity. I can't get specific in describing my negative reactions without spoiling plot for other readers. The plot is overly clever and complicated, requiring reader to question every exchange no matter how seemingly trivial. I still like the descriptions of nature and fishing (though there is no time left for that activity) whatever I may think of the "clever" criminals. Thankfully there is comic relief with Smart appearances.
I do wish the second reading had inspired five stars, but not for me.

Kindle Unlimited

[John Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in this excellent series.
Although it is sold as a 'stand alone', which in essence I suppose it is, without following the series to this point, you will miss some of the subtle comments (ie re DI Smart or the Taj Mahal).

With most books I sense a ramping up of excitement approaching the denouement, here the build up seems to start much earlier. As usual, I won't comment on the actual story line except to say that it being set firmly on home ground is a bonus.

Another bonus is the learning of new words - 'Pleonasm', for example, had me pressing the dictionary button.

One question remains or rather changes, from 'Will they-wont they?' to 'Did they-didnt they?'

And a wager is set as to whether Ruth Robinson's treacle scones or Aust Sandra's ginger drops gets their recipe in the author's newsletter first.

This book ticked all the boxes for me. Roll on June for the next.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest addition to Bruce Beckham’s DI Skelgill series is among his very best, a classic whodunit mystery with Beckham’s inimitable personal touch. As an avid fan of this series, I knew to expect the unexpected, sure that nothing is ever exactly what it seems in a Skelgill mystery, and that some sudden revelation is not only always possible, but probable. There are suspects aplenty, each with his or her own murky past, each with a possible motive and ample opportunity. The collaboration between the three detectives—DI Skelgill, DS Jones and DS Leyton—is a pleasure to see in this book, as they work together more than usual to bring all the facts forward. The reader needs to be alert in this mystery, as clues are hidden in plain sight and only understood as clues in retrospect. It was a joy to read. I give Beckham an A+ on this book.

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love to read more about DI Skelgill, and DS Jones...This one was no exception. A murder before a flood, a fake identity, ties to a past murder, and more. The ending left me hopeful for Skelgill and Jones.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Kyle Betony and why??? Lots of to and fro from the constublary, isn't there??? I enjoyed the story and recpmmend the book.

[R Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently re-read the DI Skelgill series partly to get No. 20 in context. I really enjoy these books and find that they certainly bear re-reading (which is not true of all books)!
They are entertaining; well written; amusing (I find myself laughing out loud on occasions) and the characters are well rounded. I love the way Bruce interjects quotes from songs quite casually and invents names that often reveal some of the character of the people involved.
I also enjoy the fact that each plot is quite different despite all being set in the Lake District - which is beautiful described.
In short, these are currently amongst my favourite books and July seems a long way away.

[Susann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I Gave Up at Page 118

Just couldn't get into this book. Not exciting, over wordy, boring non-fleshed out characters, plot tedious. It just isn't going anywhere and I don't care anyway. Too bad...I liked all the other books. Has the author been reading an infusion of Dickens or Austen? A bit too overfond of "clever" wording that adds nothing to mood or atmosphere or sense of place. And why does Skelgill have to grimace, gurn and bare his front teeth so much? It is irritating. Sorry to leave a negative review after so many positive ones.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Terrific series with each entry providing an excitung, unusual mystery! I read in order because of the characters in each rntry, Skelgill's team of investigators . The team interaction is an essential part of each mystery! Would love to visit the area, described so well and such an integral part of the story. DI Smart is his usual sneaky self, trying to poach DS Jones for his team! Enjoy this intricate mystery!

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the other books in the series, I found this one slow going. A lot of time was spent with the team dissecting the major suspects in the case. I’m sure that would be interesting to lots of readers but it definitely slowed down the action. Still the characterizations of the suspects are interesting and his methods always work.

[Jon Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Skelly classic.

I look forward to every new Skelgill release.
Bruce Beckham's knowledge of the lake district, the writing style and the character I interaction is unfailingly brilliant.
The main protagonists become like old friends.
This is no different.
Another story with unexpected twists and turns.
The only thing I regret is the wait between stories.

[Carola Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed this one I always do. But I must admit I enjoyed the first ones in the series more. The last ones have to many scenes for DS Jones I prefer more Skellgill and less Jones . I would like more DS Leyton also. But I will continue reading them.

[Carole Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some were disenchanted apparently but I find Skelgill more interesting, the plots more complex, and the character development deeper, and insights more interesting as the series goes on. And, yes, I have read all 20. Bring on more puzzles and new characters, Bruce Beckham. Well done!

[sue emsley smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Excellent as always, and set in my favourite part of the UK. Love the way the places are real, except I assume The Partridge is actually The Pheasant.

[Julia Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of his best. Greatly enjoyed reading it.

[Dave Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, as were the first 19!

Twists and turns, with a variety of temptations and surprising resolutions.

Very enjoyable read. I highly recommend the entire series.

[Annepickles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps getting better

Always a good read keeps you guessing to the end nice descriptive commentary of area and surround Inge waiting for next book

[Marilynn Marvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Mystery

I have enjoyed reading this story and each of the previous ones in this series. I look eagerly to the next one.

[Sylvia B Wallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like these books. There is murder, mystery, humor. I like the characters and settings. I look forward to the new one coming out in July.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Skelgill at his best, up against the clock to solve the case not just before it is taken off him and handed to Smart, but also before someone else is killed.

[T.Bills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read every book in the series and enjoyed them all, and look forward to the next one. Interesting characters and plot.

[michelle debney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ive enjoyed all the books in the series except this one.very boring.gave up half way through and just skipped to the end to find what happened.

[Nancy Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real whodunit to the end !

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent investigation with Skelgill and his team. I've read every book in the series so far and now on to the newest one.

[Floyd E Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Excellent as usual. Interesting characters and difficult to determine who the guilty party is till the end. An enjoyable read.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Competent.

[David G Halford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it keeps you guessing till the end. Skelgill doesn’t get too much fishing in this story unless it’s for a killer.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed this one - overly complicated and felt as if the characters had slipped into predictable stereotypes. I could do without the DI Smart routine interference and predictable outcome, a sun-plot that just gets in the way of a decent story. Teamwork is still good and the setting superb.