The Calling of the Grave – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Saturday, 26 March , 2011 at 5:18 pm
Author: Simon Beckett
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-593-06346-0
The Calling of the Grave is the 4th and latest book in the Beckett’s David Hunter series. We’re taken back 8 years to when they found the body on the moor. The police were certain it was a teenage victim of psychotic rapist and murderer Jerome Monk and there were two more bodies to find. The moor wasn’t going to give them up easily and the search ended badly. With Monk in prison, Hunter and the rest of the recovery team moved on.
Now, Monk has escaped, but he hasn’t moved on, and the members of the original recovery team could be in danger, including Hunter. After a call for help, Hunter heads back to the moors, but finds the past is far from dead & buried…
Each of the David Hunter books in the series begins with a description of something to do with his work, something to do with the forensic anthropology and the decomposition of a body. I find it quite interesting, though a little disturbing! However, it does suit the nature of the books.
I did find that this book featured less of Hunter’s forensic anthropology work than the previous books in the series. The story is more of a crime thriller than a forensic one, but it’s still a Simon Beckett book through and through. Once again, this David Hunter book is fast-paced and has plenty of twists & turns. It’s on-the-edge-of-your-seat stuff and doesn’t disappoint!
Like stormy remote Scottish island of Runa in Written in Bone, the backdrop of the damp and foggy moors in The Calling of the Grave is very atmosphere and very much sets the tone. It’s almost as if the reader is there.
Simon Beckett gives depth to his characters and while the taunting murderer isn’t a man I’d ever want to meet, you do get to see a side to a killer that you wouldn’t normally see
While the story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it does leave you wondering what Hunter’s next case will be. That’s a good thing in my opinion, because I assume it means there’s going to be another book!
If you’ve read the other books in the series then you’ll definitely enjoy The Calling of the Grave too. Each of the books can be read as a stand-alone book, but I do think they are more enjoyable if you read them as a series. I’ve certainly come to know the character of David Hunter well and look forward to reading what else Simon Beckett has planned for Hunter.
Other books in the David Hunter series:
1. The Chemistry of Death (Read my review)
2. Written in Bone (Read my review)
3. Whispers of the Dead (Read my review)
Simon Beckett is a British author.
This is the 11th book I’ve read for the British Books Challenge 2011.
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Please note: I received this book free from Transworld Publishers. However, this in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Comments (4)
Category: Books,British Books Challenge,Crime,Mystery,Reviews,Thriller
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Comment by Jo
Made Saturday, 26 of March , 2011 at 5:56 pm
Great Review!
You have done well with these books in a short space of time!
Comment by Shelley Munro
Made Sunday, 27 of March , 2011 at 5:53 am
Another book to add to my to-read pile. I enjoy your reviews, Nikki-ann.
Comment by Annie
Made Sunday, 27 of March , 2011 at 5:36 pm
The first one came from the library yesterday on your recommendation. I hope I enjoy them as much as you have clearly done.
Pingback by March Roundup « The Book Jotter
Made Friday, 1 of April , 2011 at 9:59 pm
[...] that I may go back to Simon Beckett’s novels and enjoy some more of them. Nikki-Ann over on Notes of Life who has read all of Beckett’s novels and has some excellent [...]
