Step into the misty fells of the English Lake District, where Detective Inspector Daniel Skelgill untangles cunning mysteries with a fishing rod in one hand and a sharp mind in the other! The 'DI Skelgill Investigates' series by Bruce Beckham is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and British crime fiction, perfect for readers who crave intricate plots and vivid settings. With Skelgill’s maverick charm and the stunning Cumbrian landscape as a backdrop, this series invites you to solve crimes alongside a detective who’s as addicted to fellwalking as he is to cracking cases.
Since its debut in 2012, the series has captivated fans with its standalone whodunits, each weaving clever puzzles that keep you guessing until the final page. Whether you’re a cozy mystery enthusiast or a fan of gritty detectives, Skelgill’s world offers a fresh, engaging escape.
How DI Skelgill Began
Bruce Beckham, an award-winning British author and copywriter, crafted the DI Skelgill series from his deep love for the outdoors and the rugged beauty of the Lake District. A resident of Great Britain with a passion for travel, Beckham drew inspiration from the ancient landscapes of Cumbria, where he set his tales of murder and intrigue. The series began with 'Murder in Adland' in 2012, introducing Skelgill as a recalcitrant yet intuitive detective whose unconventional methods set him apart. Beckham’s goal was to blend traditional whodunit storytelling with the atmospheric charm of the Lakes, creating a series that feels both timeless and modern.
The Heart of DI Skelgill
The series kicks off with 'Murder in Adland,' where Skelgill investigates the brutal stabbing of an ad agency boss during a company weekend in the Lake District. As he navigates a web of suspects, his rural roots clash with urban intrigue, setting the tone for the series’ clever mysteries. 'Murder in School' follows, with Skelgill probing a suspicious drowning at a prestigious public school, uncovering a sinister power struggle. 'Murder on the Lake,' a fan favorite, strands Skelgill on an isolated island during a writers’ retreat, echoing Agatha Christie’s 'And Then There Were None' as deaths pile up. 'Murder by Magic' adds a twist of sorcery, challenging Skelgill to unravel a case tied to human trafficking.
Each book is a standalone mystery, rich with themes of greed, betrayal, and human nature, all set against the Lake District’s dramatic fells and serene lakes. Beckham’s sparse, evocative prose brings the setting to life, making it a character in its own right. Skelgill, with his fishing obsession and intuitive sleuthing, is joined by DS Emma Jones, a sharp and focused counterpart, and DS Leyton, a Londoner adjusting to rural life. Their banter and camaraderie add warmth and humor, balancing the series’ darker crimes. The cozy mystery vibe—light on gore, heavy on character and puzzle-solving—makes it a perfect read for those who love cerebral crime stories.
Why DI Skelgill Resonates
With over a million copies downloaded worldwide, the DI Skelgill series has won hearts across five continents, from Australia to Japan. Its appeal lies in its blend of classic mystery tropes with a distinctly British flair, evoking the wit of Poirot and the grit of Morse. Fans praise Beckham’s ability to craft plots that are hard to predict yet satisfyingly credible, keeping readers hooked through late-night reading sessions. The Lake District setting, paired with Skelgill’s quirky charm, offers a refreshing escape for cozy mystery fans, while the series’ growing fanbase underscores its status as a must-read in the genre.
- First Book: Murder in Adland (2012)
- Total Books: 25 (as of 2025)
- Setting: English Lake District
- Author: Bruce Beckham, member of the UK Society of Authors
Ready to roam the fells with DI Skelgill? Grab 'Murder in Adland' and dive into a cozy mystery world where clever clues and Cumbrian charm await!