Whispers of the Dead – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Sunday, 20 March , 2011 at 10:40 pm
Author: Simon Beckett
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-553-81751-5
David Hunter needs to get away from London after recent events and he needs to find out if he’s still up to the job, the job that has very nearly killed him on more than one occasion.
Hunter ends up in Knoxville, Tennessee, quietly working at the Body Farm when a body is found in a remote cabin out in the woods. It’s not the only body they find and Hunter finds himself wondering if he should have stayed in London. A manhunt begins, but the murderer seems to be outpacing them at every turn. Then the investigating team is targeted and nobody is safe.
Whispers of the Dead is the third book in the David Hunter series and gives us a bit more background and history to Dr David Hunter as he returns to the Body Farm in Tennessee where he’d trained early on in his career. The Body Farm actually exists. I’d heard of it previously when Stephen Fry had visited there in one of his programmes. The author, Simon Beckett, has also been there. It’s what gave him the idea for the series.
This story is pretty gruesome and I was quite glad that smell-o-vision hasn’t made its way to books, the description alone was enough to make me feel slightly queasy! This book isn’t for anyone with a weak stomach as you can almost imagine being there as you read on.
I’d worked out… no, guessed… who the murderer was early on, but I couldn’t be sure (I could find no particular reason as to why I’d guessed at that person, but I think I was going for one of the most unsuspecting people). Then I was pretty sure that it wasn’t who I thought it was… but then I know how Simon Beckett is. Just when you think something is all wrapped up he throws in a curve ball and everything changes.
As with all crime thrillers, there’s the expected (and the unexpected) twists and turns. One particular twist made me audibly gasp in shock. Simon Beckett really is that good.
This book truly is gripping. Take a look at the back cover of my copy and you’ll see the crease marks from where I’ve been gripping it tightly while reading it! I read most of the book in a day. Every time I thought I’d put it down at the end of a chapter, I fell the need to read on, to find out what happens.
Whispers of the Dead is another great addition to the David Hunter series. If you’ve read and enjoyed the first two books, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. If you haven’t read any of them then why not?! I have read the books in order (which I think is the best way), but I do think each book would also work as standalone novel. However, Simon Beckett’s David Hunter series really is a top notch crime and forensic thriller, and I’d highly recommend not just this book but the whole series!
Other books in the David Hunter Series:
1. The Chemistry of Death (Read my review)
2. Written in Bone (Read my review)
Simon Beckett is a British author.
This is the 10th book I’ve read for the British Books Challenge 2011.
Comments (3)
Category: Books,British Books Challenge,Crime,Mystery,Reviews,Thriller
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Comment by Shelley Munro
Made Monday, 21 of March , 2011 at 8:34 am
Excellent review, Nikki-ann. I’m not sure if I’d like this one or not. I don’t like things too gruesome.
BTW – I picked up a copy of Full Dark House after reading your review 
Comment by Annie
Made Monday, 21 of March , 2011 at 6:07 pm
‘The Chemistry of Death’ is waiting for me at the library. They may get annoyed if I find it as gripping as this one:)
Comment by jules
Made Monday, 21 of March , 2011 at 8:13 pm
I have this waiting in my TBR pile. Fantastic review!
Thanks for the welcome over at my blog, I’ve just finally started after wanting to for ages and I love the community, but my wishlist is getting ridiculously long.
Jules
