A gripping crime mystery with a sinister twist (Detective Inspector Skelgill Investigates Book 4)

Although I have read only two books of this series (neither sequentially nor in order), the characters are so engaging that I intend to fix that asap. The descriptions of the countryside, and the reality of the fishing scenes draw me into the suspended reality of this author. I can't wait to visit Inspector Skelgill again!

Happily, this author obviously ignored current advice to aim writing to the fifth grade vocabulary. Although the first few complicated sentences required a shift in reading gears, once into the rhythm I was hooked like a pike and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Another excellent Detective Inspector Skelgill murder mystery book. Set in England and Scotland the book offers a glimps into the English and Scottish ways of live, lots of red herrings, and more lessons in fishing.

This series of books are very enjoyable and realistic. The characters are believable and interesting. I really enjoy the descriptions of the settings. It's also funny to see how much food the lead detective can consume!! I look forward to reading next book in series.

Although I have read only two books of this series (neither sequentially nor in order), the characters are so engaging that I intend to fix that asap. The descriptions of the countryside, and the reality of the fishing scenes draw me into the suspended reality of this author. I can't wait to visit Inspector Skelgill again!

Happily, this author obviously ignored current advice to aim writing to the fifth grade vocabulary. Although the first few complicated sentences required a shift in reading gears, once into the rhythm I was hooked like a pike and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Another excellent Detective Inspector Skelgill murder mystery book. Set in England and Scotland the book offers a glimps into the English and Scottish ways of live, lots of red herrings, and more lessons in fishing.

I have now read all 10 Skelgil books. Beckham has spoiled me for any other crime writer. I am now starting to re-read them again. I love the atmosphere rich with details that are not decidedly about the crime but nevertheless add tone and meaning to the characters and their personalities. The only weak link in the story is Alec Smart, so one-dimentional and really made of cardboard; little relieves his repetitive persona: there are sketches of other people that are only given a few traits, yet spring alive. I have loved the descriptions of the Lake district with all its quirks, its flora and fauna, as much as I have loved Skelgil with all HIS quirks. It is obvious to me that he hides a sensitive and caring personality under the prickly exterior; it is equally obvious to me that his high intelligence distracts him at times from mundane preoccupations. If he were as dislikeable as some readers see him, how would he keep the friendship and loyal devotion of his two sargeants ?? A sideline that has kept me happy has been my research into that part of England, I have googled cities, hamlets, plants, birds, etc. As a result I have learned a lot. Surely any title in this genre falls inevitably into the formulaic, however Beckham is able to vary the subject matter sufficiently that the repetitions flow easily into the story.

Something about the Detective Inspector Skelgill mysteries grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I had read every one of them...can hardly wait for the new one due out in a few months. I can't even describe what, exactly, captured my fancy. I just couldn't put the books down. DI Skelgill is so well-drawn that I envisioned him on The Beeb with a weekly procedural. The way Bruce Beckham describes the denizens of this rich and raw lake country in the north of England does make them come to life. Not to mention the landscapes and flora and fauna. Beckham also uses some little "tricks" that are, well, twisty and charming in their intricacy. If I'm not mistaken, Murder on the Lake is the one with the writer's group stranded on an island. I must admit I did have the culprit pegged fairly early on in this one, but still an extremely enjoyable read, as are all of the books in this series.

Sooooo disappointed! Hate the 3rd person writing style. I thought it was slow and boring.
So many 4 & 5 star reviews. Surprising. Maybe it is just me....?
Only read chapter 1. Won't waste your money or time on these books.
Also purchased another of Beckham's books. Should have read a sample. Usuallly love writers from the U.K. BUT NOT THIS ONE!

Slightly overlong, I thought but, as with this author's preceding books, so pleasing because of the language (I've grown accustomed to the present tense), including touches of gentle humour, which appeal to me. I didn't guess the identity of the perpetrator until it was disclosed.
The descriptions of the writer's other books don't appeal to me but I shall stay with this series and look forward to the release of the next episode, Murder by Magic, hopefully later this year.

The first three books in the Inspector Skelgill series were pure joy to read. Each was better than the one before. Well developed plots and very detailed yet nuanced quirky characters and relationships - adding that extraordinarily special dimension to the stories. Who done it almost becomes secondary to what will happen to Skelgill and Jones. Compared to those, this story is flat. Yes, the plot is okay, but that's all. It's missing the character development and their relationships that differentiates an okay mystery from a great story. This one could have been investigated by DI Joe Shmoe. The more I read, the more I felt like Mr. Beckham was only phoning it in. Hopefully this is just an aberration and that book 5 will continue where book 3 left off. Thanks.

Riveting story, keeps the reader completely engaged trying to figure out who all the suspects are. Main characters are completely developed so the reader feels he knows them. Looking forward to the next book.

I love Detectives Skelgill, Leyton, and Jones, but I do wish the author would stop writing in present tense. The mystery is an intriguing one with shades of "Ten Little Indians" at first. As always, Skelgill' s love of fishing plays a major part in the story. I do love this series and look forward to many more books.

This writer's protagonist is likable, bright and just a tad off kilter so as to keep one guessing what he will do or think next. This plot is brilliant (as is all his plots) and keep one in the dark right up to the end. I really would like to read much less about fishing in this series as I am buying mystery, not angling books! Distracting at best and falls into downright boring at times!

This series of books are very enjoyable and realistic. The characters are believable and interesting. I really enjoy the descriptions of the settings. It's also funny to see how much food the lead detective can consume!! I look forward to reading next book in series.