Unfortunately we have started this year in a very dark way. The resolution of the mediatic disappearance of the young woman Diana Quer not by suspecting his end and arresting his confessed murderer has been less tragic. Again, forensics have come to the fore and we have heard of terms like saponification and other physical processes of death as natural for them as they are rugged for the citizen of the street. Here in Spain we have some of the best and I couldn't help but remember this one tetralogy of the english writer Simon Beckett.

It fell into my hands precisely four years ago around this time and I think I read it in just over a month. The cases of his brilliant forensic anthropologist David Hunter, protagonist of the novels, I was hooked as much as I was fascinated (because horror always fascinates) the deep and detailed description of the work that these professionals do. I invite you to take a look, especially and of course, the darker readers.

Simon Beckett

Beckett He was born in Sheffield and this year he turns 50. He studied English philology and he worked for some time as a teacher here in Spain. It was journalist . for several English media newspapers and some of the reports he made served as the basis for his novels.

Has sold more than 8 million copies of his books around the world thanks, above all, to this series starring David Hunter. He has published more novels, always within the black genre, and was a finalist for awards such as the Gold dagger and winner of others, such as Marlowe.

David Hunter Series

The chemistry of death (2006)

David Hunter is a London forensic anthropologist specialized in corpse decomposition processes. He has been established as a country doctor in a Norfolk village for three years. He left everything behind after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident that he can't get over. His peaceful life changes when the already very decomposed body of a young woman who has swan wings attached To the back.

The local police ask him for help, but the problem is that the oppressive village environment with the paranoia created by the parish priest, he will not help in his inquiries. And when a second body of another woman appears, Hunter will have to work against the clock. Fortunately, he has friends left and manages to recover a romantic interest by Jenny, the village teacher.

Among the ashes (2007)

Hunter has been involved in an investigation in Glasgow, but the discovery of a charred corpse in a small and remote island of the Hebrides it forces him to go there. In the company of two policemen and with the help of a retired detective, he will be involved in a mystery of serial crimes where from the few inhabitants of the islands to the couple patrons of the place can be suspects.

So we have again a closed and isolated environment where the author masterfully handles the characters to make you doubt everyone. Hunter will also have to consider his relationship with Jenny, as he is not doing well. The ending surprises again, as in the first novel, and it will almost cost Hunter his life.

The whisper of the dead (2009)

Hunter has left him with Jenny and also due to the traumatic ending of the previous book decides to go to United States. Studied on the call Body farmin Tennessee, the only place in the world where forensics practice on real corpses. There he meets again with his mentor and friend, the doctor. Tom lieberman. Both will have to face a unprecedented killer who not only kills mercilessly, but also seems to know all about forensic techniques.

Again history has pretty good narrative twists and they maintain tension at all times. In addition, Hunter will be attracted to the detective partner of the lead inspector on the case, but will be in for a surprise.

the voice of the dead (2011)

Ago eight yearsWhen Hunter was still married and with his daughter, he participated in the search for the bodies of two girls killed by a psycho named Jerome Monk… But the corpses did not appear. Now Hunter receives a visit from inspector terry, who was involved in the investigation and with whom he never got along.

Terry informs him that Monk has escaped from jail and Hunter will have to return to the scene, a rural area of ​​moorland. Hunter will discover that Nothing is what it seems and that those involved in that case have something to hide. And again we have that intrigue from start to finish, with its dangerous situations and its final twists so trademark of the Beckett house.

Concluding ...

A very good black series, with agile narration and easy to read. For the most rugged lovers of the genre.