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The Calling of the Grave

(David Hunter 4): Harry Treadaway is Dr David Hunter: the darkly compelling new TV series ‘The Chemistry of Death’ – streaming now on Paramount+

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The Calling of the Grave

By: Simon Beckett
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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* Don't miss 'THE CHEMISTRY OF DEATH' TV SERIES - debuts on Paramount+ on 19 Jan 23 *

Based on The Chemistry of Death and Written in Bone - starring Harry Treadaway as Dr David Hunter

'At first glance it could have been anything - a stone, a knotted root - until you looked more closely. Thrusting out of the wet earth, its bones visible through rags of flesh, was a decomposing hand...'

It was eight years ago that they found the body buried on the moor. They were certain that this was one of psychotic rapist and multiple murderer Jerome Monk's teenage victims. Which left just two more bodies to find. But the ill-conceived search ended badly. And with Monk safely behind bars, the momentum faltered. For forensics expert David Hunter, and those others who were part of the recovery team, life moved on. And the dead were left undisturbed.

Now, though, a nightmare scenario unfurls. Monk has escaped and seems to be targeting anyone involved in that original ill-fated operation. Lured back to the moors by a desperate call for help, Hunter begins to realise that neither the events unfolding now - nor those of eight years ago - are quite what they seem. And as the maniac's violent trail edges ever closer, the past is suddenly anything but dead and buried...

Crime Thrillers Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Crime Exciting
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absolutely loved it
this author was new to me and i read it based on the previous review. i have not
been disapointed and spent all night listening to it. i had promised myself that i should go to sleep but couldnt help myself listen to more.
it is brilliantly narrated. probably the best narator i have come across so far and am certainly going to listen to more titles by simon beckett

brilliant

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I have mixed feelings about this book, I really didn't like the interaction between the police and Dr Hunter, nor that between different members of the police department.
There were chapters when situations arose that the characters responded in such a strange way, making ridiculous choices and ending up in dangerous situations. I cannot be more specific without writing Spoilers.
The story was OK, but my irritation by the interactions of the characters, and because of the idiotic errors of judgement I really didn't enjoy the book.

Disappointing

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This is the story of a forensic anthropologist which is a change from the alcoholic/divorced/depressed detective that seems to fascinate crime writers today. Our hero is a widower and does have an opportunity to find a new beloved when they both are engaged in searching for graves on Dartmoor. They are thrown together in a very physical way on the brink of discovering the truth and escaping with their lives.
As usual well read but does not make up for these rather cardboard characters that I, for one, would not have been sad had they perished. No sequel please.

The thrills of Forensic Anthropology

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Those familiar with Simon Beckett's character, David Hunter, will be aware of the portrayal of someone who has now become emotionally and socially dysfunctional - if not to say, completely inept! This latest book has the advantage of being well read but that said, surely it is time to kill off once and for all this wimp of a character whose portrayal turns a good plot into a farce.

David Blunkett MP

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Listening to this made me realise two things: 1. What a good story writer Simon Becket is, and 2. How I’d missed hearing Jonathan Keeble as the narrator. This is a great partnership between these two, and hopefully there will be more.

Fantastic book

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