DI Skelgill Books in Order

How to Read the DI Skelgill Series

For readers diving into Bruce Beckham's DI Skelgill Investigates series, the primary recommendation is simple: read the books in publication order. While each novel presents a self-contained, standalone mystery, the personal lives and interpersonal dynamics of the main detective team develop gradually over time.

By starting at the beginning, you get to witness the introduction of Detective Inspector Daniel Skelgill, his adjustment to his team, and the slow-burn evolution of his relationship with his subordinates. If you prefer to jump around, you can do so without losing the thread of individual criminal investigations, but reading chronologically provides the most rewarding character-driven experience.

The Official DI Skelgill Reading Order

Here is the complete list of Detective Inspector Skelgill novels in their official publication order, which also matches the chronological sequence of the characters' lives:

1. Murder in Adland (2012) - The debut case that introduces DI Daniel Skelgill as he investigates a stabbing at an advertising agency retreat.
2. Murder in School (2014) - Skelgill probes a suspicious drowning at an elite public boarding school.
3. Murder on the Edge (2014) - A case that takes the team to the extreme coastal margins of the district.
4. Murder on the Lake (2015) - A writers' retreat on an isolated island becomes a deadly trap reminiscent of classic locked-room mysteries.
5. Murder by Magic (2015) - Skelgill untangles a dark mystery involving human trafficking with a touch of local folklore.
6. Murder in the Mind (2016) - A psychological mystery where the truth is buried deep within the suspects' psyches.
7. Murder at the Wake (2016) - A solemn occasion turns into a crime scene, forcing Skelgill to investigate close to home.
8. Murder in the Woods (2017) - A body discovered in the dense Cumbrian forests leads the team down a convoluted path.
9. Murder at the Flood (2017) - Natural elements clash with human malice as the Cumbrian weather complicates a homicide investigation.
10. Murder at Dead Crags (2018) - The rugged fells become a crime scene when a hiker meets a suspicious end.
11. Murder Mystery Weekend (2018) - A staged game turns all too real when a genuine corpse is uncovered.
12. Murder on the Run (2019) - A fast-paced pursuit that tests the physical limits and investigative stamina of the team.
13. Murder at Shake Holes (2019) - Deep geological formations hide dangerous secrets in the Cumbrian countryside.
14. Murder at the Meet (2020) - Traditional country pursuits provide the backdrop for a modern murder.
15. Murder on the Moor (2020) - A bleak and atmospheric investigation set in the desolate moorlands.
16. Murder Unseen (2020) - The team must solve a crime where the primary clues and witnesses seem invisible.
17. Murder in Our Midst (2021) - Suspicion falls on a close-knit community where everyone has something to hide.
18. Murder Unsolved (2021) - A cold case resurfaces, demanding Skelgill's intuitive, retrospective touch.
19. Murder in the Fells (2022) - High-altitude terrain and treacherous weather complicate the search for a killer.
20. Murder at the Bridge (2023) - A local landmark becomes the focal point of a chilling murder mystery.
21. Murder on the Farm (2023) - Skelgill digs beneath the surface of rural conflicts and agricultural disputes.
22. Murder at Home (2023) - Domestic secrets unravel in a highly personal investigation.
23. Murder in the Round (2024) - Intricate plots and theatrical settings challenge the local constabulary.
24. Murder Mere Murder (2024) - A deep dive into the watery depths of the Lake District's smaller bodies of water.
25. Murder at Blind Beck (2025) - A remote stream holds the key to a puzzling death.
26. Murder on the Menu (2025) - Culinary rivalries boil over into a deadly investigation.
27. Murder at Midsomar Manor (2026) - The team visits an historic estate shrouded in old secrets and new crimes.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Unlike some crime fiction franchises that utilize frequent prequels or jump back and forth in time, the DI Skelgill series progresses linearly. Bruce Beckham writes the books in a chronological timeline where characters age, seasonal changes affect the landscape, and the detectives' working relationships solidify. Therefore, there is no separate chronological list to worry about; following the publication order is the most natural way to experience the series.

The Core Cast and Character Dynamics

At the center of these mysteries is Detective Inspector Daniel Skelgill. Unlike flashier modern detectives, Skelgill is a traditionalist, a maverick Cumbrian native who relies heavily on his gut instincts, a keen understanding of human nature, and quiet hours spent fly-fishing or running on the fells. His sparse prose and dry wit match the landscape he patrols.

Skelgill is flanked by two key lieutenants who bring their own distinct flavors to the investigations:

• DS Emma Jones: Highly ambitious, smart, and driven, Emma is a local officer who acts as a sharp counterweight to Skelgill's eccentric, intuitive style. Underneath their professional partnership lies a subtle, unspoken mutual attraction that adds a layer of quiet tension to the series.
• DS Leyton: Originally hailing from London, Leyton is a practical, long-suffering detective who frequently finds himself out of his element in the wild, rural terrain of Cumbria. His dry adjustment to country life provides reliable lighthearted moments.

What to Know Before You Start

The DI Skelgill series sits comfortably in the cozy procedural subgenre. While it deals with serious crimes, it avoids excessive gore, graphic violence, and overly dark grit. Instead, the focus remains on the cerebral puzzle, classic whodunit mechanics, and the magnificent, moody setting of the Lake District. Beckham's evocative descriptions of the Cumbrian fells, local lakes, and shifting weather make the environment feel like a primary character in its own right.

Additionally, Bruce Beckham is the sole author of the series, published primarily through Lucius eBooks. There are no official co-authored entries, spin-off series, or companion novels, meaning readers can focus entirely on the main 27-book sequence without worrying about missing side stories.