Written in Bone – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Wednesday, 16 March , 2011 at 8:02 pm
Author: Simon Beckett
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-553-81750-8
Once again we meet Dr. David Hunter. On his way home from an investigation in Scotland, Hunter is called in to investigate a body found on the remote Hebridean island of Runa. The body has been totally incinerated apart from its feet and a hand. The local police want to record it as an accidental death, but Hunter isn’t so sure. The small, quiet community of Runa seems to be hiding secrets as well as a murderer.
Unfortunately for Hunter and the local police, a severe Atlantic storm descends on the island, cutting any contact they had with the mainland and leaving them alone to solve the case. Only it’s not just the storm that is raging…
Written in Bone is the second book in Simon Beckett’s David Hunter series.
Having read just two of his books so far, Simon Beckett has now become my favourite crime writer. He’s a genius! Just when you think you know what’s coming or when you think something has been wrapped up, he just throws it all in the air again and shocks the reader. Even in the last few pages of the book I had my jaw hanging and saying “What?!”.
The scene for the story is set atmospherically. The reader could almost be there on the island of Runa with the characters in the book, Beckett describes it so well. I got a chilling feeling when reading the book… not just because of the murders, but because of the dark & stormy island.
Again, the forensic detail in the story is amazing and well researched, but not overwhelming. I found the technical terms weren’t too hard to understand.
Written in Bone is shocking and has more than its fair share of plot twists. It had me gripped until the very end, until the very last word, and I’m now itching to read the next book in the series, Whispers of the Dead (Good thing it’s already in my TBR pile!).
A highly recommended book and series!
Buy Written in Bone by Simon Beckett.
While Written in Bone can be written as a stand-alone book, I do recommend reading the first book of the David Hunter series. Read my review of The Chemistry of Death.
Simon Beckett is a British author who writes crime fiction.
This is the 9th book I’ve read for the British Books Challenge 2011.
Comments (5)
Category: Books,British Books Challenge,Crime,Mystery,Reviews,Thriller
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Comment by Annie
Made Thursday, 17 of March , 2011 at 8:29 am
A completely new writer for me, but from what you say one I should definitely explore. I’m off to investigate the library site now. Thanks for the recommendation.
Comment by Jess Haines
Made Thursday, 17 of March , 2011 at 7:42 pm
Oooh, I’ll have to give these books a shot! You’ve got me intrigued!
<3,
-J
Comment by Jerome Parisse
Made Friday, 18 of March , 2011 at 9:47 am
Sold! 
I’m going to get the first one in the series and this one as well. Can’t wait to get started… I have two books I have promissed to read first, and then I’ll be onto it…
Comment by Samantha
Made Sunday, 20 of March , 2011 at 5:44 pm
I’m intrigued as well!!! I feel like I’ve said this before but I love a good thriller and this sounds like it would fit the bill. Great review!
Comment by Beth Kemp
Made Sunday, 20 of March , 2011 at 8:26 pm
Glad you liked it, I enjoyed this too. I’ve not got 3 and 4 yet, but definitely will do at some point, teetering TBR pile notwithstanding! Great review, thanks!
