The Chemistry of Death – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Sunday, 6 March , 2011 at 7:30 pm
Author: Simon Beckett
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-553-81749-2
Having left his old life behind him after a personal tragedy nearly destroyed him, David Hunter finds himself working as a doctor in a remote Norfolk village. Three years later, a body of a woman is found. The body has been bizarrely mutilated and the police require David’s help to find the killer, but David is reluctant to dredge up a past he’d left behind. Then a second woman disappears and the village begins to turn on itself. Even David, the village doctor, isn’t above suspicion, especially as he’s an outsider in the villagers’ eyes.
The Chemistry of Death is the first book in the David Hunter series and it’s a cracking start to the series. I really enjoyed reading this book.
The story is written from David Hunter’s perspective, but every now and then we also get a chapter following a victim. So while this gives the reader a bit of a “head’s up” on who the next victim is going to be, it doesn’t detract from the story. In fact, I’d say it makes the story more compelling as you find yourself more eager to find out what happens to them. I also felt that I’d come to know David well. He’s likable too and at times I felt sorry for him.
As with every good thriller, there are a few twists and turns in the story, especially at the end when not one but two twists in the story really surprised me.
This book is written with well-researched detail of what happens to bodies after death. The story actually starts with a description of decomposition. So, as you can tell, this isn’t really a book for those with a weak stomach! Having said that, if you enjoy crime & thriller books then I whole-heartedly recommend this book. The end of the book even contains the 1st chapter of the second book in the series, Written in Bone, as if I needed any further reason to read the rest of the books in the series!
A top notch book!
Buy The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett at the Book Depository.
Simon Beckett is a British author who writes crime fiction.
This is the 7th book I’ve read for the British Books Challenge.
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Please note: I received this book free from Transworld Publishers as part of The Great Transworld Crime Caper. However, this in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Comments (10)
Category: Books,British Books Challenge,Crime,Mystery,Reviews,The Great Transworld Crime Caper,Thriller
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Made Sunday, 6 of March , 2011 at 7:34 pm
[...] 1. Birdman by Mo Hayder (Read my review) 2. The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen (Read my review) 3. The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett (Read my review) [...]
Pingback by Notes of Life » British Books Challenge 2011
Made Sunday, 6 of March , 2011 at 7:36 pm
[...] the 16:02 by Priya Basil (My review posted 1st March 2011) The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett (My review posted 6th March 2011) A book by Christopher Fowler Going Postal by Terry [...]
Comment by Jo
Made Sunday, 6 of March , 2011 at 8:13 pm
This is my third choice and I am waiting for it to be delivered. I chose this book a bit last minute and was a bit unsure. Now having read your review I am looking forward to getting into this one.
Comment by Samantha
Made Monday, 7 of March , 2011 at 1:18 am
This sounds like a really interesting read. I’m always looking for a good thriller and this sounds like it would fit the bill. Great review!
Comment by Beth
Made Monday, 7 of March , 2011 at 1:27 pm
Glad you enjoyed it. I like David Hunter too. Good review; I always worry about striking that balance between saying something worthwhile and not giving too much away. I hate reading reviews that tell me too much!
Comment by Petty Witter
Made Monday, 7 of March , 2011 at 4:56 pm
I enjoy Kathy Reich’s books. A forensic anthropologist turned writer her novels can also be pretty graphic. If you haven’t read any of her books, I recommend you give them a try.
Comment by Kathleen
Made Monday, 7 of March , 2011 at 9:30 pm
I have a strong stomach and love to read books like this. Thanks for letting me know about a series that I have not heard about before.
Comment by Shelley Munro
Made Tuesday, 8 of March , 2011 at 6:56 pm
Excellent review. This sounds like a great book, certainly one I’d enjoy.
Comment by Jerome Parisse
Made Wednesday, 9 of March , 2011 at 1:35 am
This one sounds good. I’m waiting on The Surgeon. I hope it gets here quickly!
Comment by Patty
Made Sunday, 13 of March , 2011 at 4:54 pm
Nikki-Ann…I have been reading Simon Beckett for years…his first book left me breathless and I wait patiently for each book…I think he only has three…and I see from your new post you might even have the third one…
