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Peter Bartram
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Headline Murder (The Headline Hero Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Peter Bartram (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 195 ratings

Murder, he typed… crime reporter Colin Crampton faces dangers they never mentioned at journalism school

★★★★★ “Hold the front page - BRILLIANT! Crampton has a sharp methodical mind, possesses a lovely style about him and delivers some funny little quips. Well worth reading.”

A new clue to an unsolved murder.
A dangerous killer on the loose.
A reporter desperate for a scoop…

It’s August 1962 and Brighton Evening Chronicle crime reporter Colin Crampton needs a front-page story. Then Colin gets a tip-off that Arnold Trumper, who owns the seafront’s miniature golf course, has disappeared. And that Trumper’s vanishing act is linked to an unsolved murder.

Powerful people don’t want Colin to find the truth. He uses every newspaper scam he knows to get his scoop. Trouble is Colin’s girlfriend, feisty Australian Shirley Goldsmith, carries the can when a scam misfires. Can Colin win a race against time to land his story - and keep Shirley on-side? The laughs are never far from the action when Colin and Shirley face dangers they never anticipated as they race to crack the case.

What other readers say:

“Holds the reader’s rapt attention from first page to last.”
- Midwest Book Review

“An engaging and entertaining mystery.”
- Crime Thriller Hound

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  1. Book 1 of 10
    The Headline Hero Series
  2. Print length
    258 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    September 9, 2023
  6. File size
    5.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Colin Crampton, crime correspondent of the Brighton evening Chronicle
Brighton is a great town on the south coast of England
Peter Bartram

Meet the author

Peter Bartram brings years of experience as a journalist to his Crampton of the Chronicle crime mystery series. His novels are fast-paced and humorous - the action is matched by the laughs.

The books feature a host of colourful characters as befits stories set in Brighton, one of Britain's most trend-setting towns. Peter began his career as a reporter on a local weekly newspaper before editing newspapers and magazines in London, England and, finally, becoming freelance. He has done most things in journalism from door-stepping for quotes to writing serious editorials. He’s pursued stories in locations as diverse as 700-feet down a coal mine and a courtier’s chambers at Buckingham Palace.

Peter is a member of the Society of Authors and the Crime Writers' Association.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Bartram brings years of experience as a journalist to his Crampton of the Chronicle crime mystery series. His novels are fast-paced and humorous - the action is matched by the laughs. The books feature a host of colourful characters as befits stories set in Brighton, one of Britain's most trend-setting towns.
 
Peter began his career as a reporter on the Worthing Herald newspaper before working as journalist and editor in London, England and finally becoming freelance. He has done most things in journalism from door-stepping for quotes to writing serious editorials.
 
He's pursued stories in locations as diverse as700-feet down a coal mine and a courtier's chambers at Buckingham Palace. Peter wrote 21 non-fiction books, including five ghost-written, in areas such as biography, current affairs and how-to titles, before turning to crime - and penning Headline Murder,the first novel in the Crampton series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CHQW4YRR
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 258 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 10 ‏ : ‎ The Headline Hero Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 195 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Peter Bartram

Peter Bartram

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Peter Bartram brings years of experience as a journalist to his Crampton of the Chronicle crime mystery series. His novels are fast-paced and humorous - the action is matched by the laughs. The books feature a host of colorful characters as befits stories set in Brighton, one of Britain's most trend-setting towns.

You can download Murder in Capital Letters, a free book in the series, for your Kindle from www.colincrampton.com.

Peter began his career as a reporter on a local weekly newspaper before editing newspapers and magazines in London, England and, finally, becoming freelance. He has done most things in journalism from door-stepping for quotes to writing serious editorials. He’s pursued stories in locations as diverse as 700-feet down a coal mine and a courtier’s chambers at Buckingham Palace. Peter is a member of the Society of Authors and the Crime Writers' Association.

Follow Peter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peterbartramauthor.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
195 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an enjoyable read with intriguing plots that keep readers guessing until the end. The characters are interesting, and one customer notes how well the 1960s England setting is evoked in the story.

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ReadabilityPlotCharacter developmentEra
7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read, with one describing it as a real page turner.

"I love these books. The evocation of 1960s England are spot on. The plots are intriguing and the characters interesting...." Read more

"Good storyline, very enjoying to read. I particularly liked the Brighton setting: Would like to read more from this author." Read more

"Colin Crampton is clever, quick thinking, a great detective and so entertaining...." Read more

"...And then there is Shirley… I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it." Read more

6 customers mention "Plot"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the intriguing plot of the book, with one customer noting that it keeps readers guessing until the very end.

"...The evocation of 1960s England are spot on. The plots are intriguing and the characters interesting...." Read more

"Good storyline, very enjoying to read. I particularly liked the Brighton setting: Would like to read more from this author." Read more

"...I especially loved some of the dry humor that makes this story shine. I’m already looking forward to the next Crampton mystery." Read more

"...The characters are all very real and believable and the plot had me guessing right up to the end. It's a real page turner." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters interesting.

"...The plots are intriguing and the characters interesting. Colin and Shirley are endearing and she is a true ocker...." Read more

"...Love the references to that time, the characters, the British dialogue and references. It is like being in a time machine!..." Read more

"I loved this book. The characters are all very real and believable and the plot had me guessing right up to the end. It's a real page turner." Read more

3 customers mention "Era"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of 1960s England, with one customer noting how it takes them right back to Brighton.

"I love these books. The evocation of 1960s England are spot on. The plots are intriguing and the characters interesting...." Read more

"...Love the references to that time, the characters, the British dialogue and references. It is like being in a time machine!..." Read more

"Headline Murder is a light and breezy read which takes you right back to 1960s Brighton and keeps you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Joanne Wakelin
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love these books. The evocation of 1960s England are spot on. The plots are intriguing and the characters interesting. Colin and Shirley are endearing and she is a true ocker.

    I have all of them and look forward to there being more.
    Helpful
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  • Jocelyn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun read!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Good storyline, very enjoying to read. I particularly liked the Brighton setting: Would like to read more from this author.
    Helpful
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  • Joanie K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great dialogue and great story
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Colin Crampton is clever, quick thinking, a great detective and so entertaining. Loving the series, which takes place in mid, 21st century England, after WWII. Love the references to that time, the characters, the British dialogue and references. It is like being in a time machine! Colin Crampton, Crime Reporter, and his girlfriend, Shirl from Australia, are fun, with quick and witty dialogue. Looking forward to the next book in the series, and the next, after that
    One person found this helpful
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  • Annette
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Read from Start to Finish
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    If you like Raymond Chandler you’ll like Peter Bartram’s novel about slightly crusty and witty investigative journalist, Colin Crampton, who stumbles upon a major crime in his town of Brighton, England. Set in the 1960s, Crampton navigates old-fashioned typewriters and pay phones while digging deeper into a story that at first appears pretty harmless. The nicely woven plot intensifies and offers several surprises as Crampton puts himself in harm’s way. I especially loved some of the dry humor that makes this story shine. I’m already looking forward to the next Crampton mystery.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Karin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Headline Murder by Peter Bartram
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The only thing worse than being a news reporter is having a boss who expects you to have a front page splash every time. Sometimes you need to stir the pot to get a splash. Colin seems to be very good at stirring things up. It’s a good thing Henrietta and the Clipping Cousins like sweets. And then there is Shirley… I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
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  • Spoke36
    4.0 out of 5 stars British reporter solves murders with tongue in cheek humor - 4.5 stars
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Colin Crampton is the crime reporter for the Brighton (UK) Evening Chronicle. It is August 1960. His boss needs a solid crime story to boost circulation. The beachfront town of Brighton is quiet; there is hardly any crime. Twenty years ago, there was a presumed murder, but it was during the war; a body was never found. Newspapers sell more copies if there is something sensational, preferably local, and there are corroborating pictures.

    Colin knows the ropes. He has been in town for several years and has a girlfriend who came to town recently. Where is Colin going to find the headline crime that the public wants to learn about (and his boss wants)? A local businessman has disappeared in a similar way that his wife disappeared 20 years ago.

    Be prepared for British colloquialisms as you step back in time to typewriters and coin box telephones. This story has romance, a tough real estate mogul, corrupt police, and a terrific capture of the early 1960s . Shaving the truth or making up barely plausible cover stories when trying to find facts is Colin's strong suite. A slightly obscure play on words make the story seem real. Tips finding the home address of "John Smith" or asserting previously undisclosed incriminating information are sprinkled throughout -- it is all in a day's work. People will talk if enough of their secrets can be outlined along with a suggestion that the authorities might be interested.

    Colin is dedicated to getting the full back story. He manages to miss appointments and promised evening night outs. The quest to figure out what happened in order to meet the newspaper's deadline comes first and foremost. In the end, multiple headline murder stories are only part of the outcome of Colin's investigative prowess. Headline Murder is a good story with enough unexpected quick side remarks to provide many chuckles along the way. Enjoy.
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  • J. Suchan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really Enjoyable Read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. The characters are all very real and believable and the plot had me guessing right up to the end. It's a real page turner.
    Helpful
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  • Sunny82
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Headline Murder is a light and breezy read which takes you right back to 1960s Brighton and keeps you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended!
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • ThillerMan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nostalgic Fun Mystery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have read all of the Headline Heroes books and love the series but on a whim I decided to reread the first book Headline Murder. As a child in sixties Brighton I recognise many of the places Peter writes about, like Hanningtons Department Store and the Aquarium, both now no more. Peter captures the feel of the sixties seaside and writes cleverly plotted thrillers with a likeable lead character in reporter Colin Crampton and a cast of quirky characters.
    If you are looking.for good escapism fun read I am sure you will enjoy Headline Murder.
    Report
  • Written Path
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting series
    Reviewed in India on October 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I've read all the books in this series. They are light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek reads. You get a lot of witty conversations and good, solid plot lines. Nothing flaky about the books and I love the way, the main character Colin Crampton, goes after those juicy stories for his newspaper, that he keeps sensing is right there waiting for him to uncover them. All he has to do is solve the problems in his jaunty, intelligent, intuitive, and at times, gutsy manner. It's actually a refreshing break from the plethora of "psychological thrillers" and hi-speed adventure novels out there because the books are based in the 1960s era, in Brighton, England. So, these books show how reporters did old-fashioned legwork in the days before the internet and mobile phones made it all so easy. And they still delivered results. Trust me, Colin always does!
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  • Kimmsie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Always fun to read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    As with all the books in the Colin Crampton series, this has some laugh-out-loud moments in it. You get a real sense of the 60's without having the period pushed down your throat.
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  • Maria M
    5.0 out of 5 stars A feel good mystery.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book; wonderful, believable, entertaining and humorous characters. A mystery with plenty of twists and turns....and chuckles throughout! Although not familiar with all the places mentioned, I have moved to the south coast recently and visit Brighton frequently. I also loved the reminders of the sixties; typewriters, telephone boxes and the much slower means of communication. The central character is a journalist seeking to find the story behind a missing person, and whilst looking for his big scoop, is also interested in bringing villains to justice and righting some wrongs. I think the author's good humoured view of life shines through. Excellent entertainment! It left me smiling!
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  • JohnnyN
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hold the front page - BRILLIANT!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is the second full length Colin Crampton story that I have read, having read (out of sync) Stop Press Murder, I should have read this one first. That said, it did not spoil the story, it just affects how you get to meet the characters.
    This book has a great investigative element with a great story line, we get involved with a variety of interesting people, it has clever little twists that ultimately all fall nicely into place.
    Written in the first person, Mr Crampton has a sharp methodical mind, possesses a lovely style about him and delivers some funny little quips. Well worth reading.
    Report

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