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David Hunter #6
The Scent of Death
It’s been a good summer for forensics expert Dr David Hunter. His relationship is going well and he’s in demand again as a police consultant. Life is good.
Then a call comes from an old associate: a body has been found, and she’d like Hunter to take a look.
The empty shell of St Jude’s Hospital now stands awaiting demolition, its only visitors society’s outcasts, addicts and dealers. A partially mummified corpse has been discovered in the hospital’s cavernous loft, but not even Hunter can say how long it’s been there. All he knows for sure is that it’s the body of a young woman. And that she was pregnant.
But the collapse of the loft floor reveals another of the hospital’s secrets. A sealed-off chamber, still with beds inside. Some of them occupied...
For Hunter, what began as a straightforward case is about to become a twisted nightmare that threatens everyone around him. And as the investigation springs more surprises, one thing is certain.
St Jude’s hasn’t claimed its last victim . . .
With its viscerally authentic forensics, menacing atmosphere and nerve-shredding tension, Simon Beckett’s new crime thriller will leave you gasping.
Then a call comes from an old associate: a body has been found, and she’d like Hunter to take a look.
The empty shell of St Jude’s Hospital now stands awaiting demolition, its only visitors society’s outcasts, addicts and dealers. A partially mummified corpse has been discovered in the hospital’s cavernous loft, but not even Hunter can say how long it’s been there. All he knows for sure is that it’s the body of a young woman. And that she was pregnant.
But the collapse of the loft floor reveals another of the hospital’s secrets. A sealed-off chamber, still with beds inside. Some of them occupied...
For Hunter, what began as a straightforward case is about to become a twisted nightmare that threatens everyone around him. And as the investigation springs more surprises, one thing is certain.
St Jude’s hasn’t claimed its last victim . . .
With its viscerally authentic forensics, menacing atmosphere and nerve-shredding tension, Simon Beckett’s new crime thriller will leave you gasping.
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2019
350 people are currently reading
3055 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 571 reviews
March 12, 2019
This is the sixth in Simon Beckett's stellar series featuring the forensic anthropologist, Dr David Hunter, often serving as a police consultant. For the first time in some time, David's life is going well at work and his personal relationship with Rachel is good with them living in the brutalist architecture of the highly secure and luxurious development of Ballard Court. This is a temporary arrangement after evidence was found of the murderous and deranged Grace Strachen at his old flat, she hasn't given up on her efforts to kill him. DCI Sharon Ward calls him to look at a mummified body of a young pregnant woman in the loft of a abandoned and empty North London Infirmary, St Jude's, inhabited in more recent times by society's outcasts, drug addicts and dealers with the attendant paraphernalia and detritus. It could not have come at a better time as it serves to occupy his mind whilst Rachel, a marine biologist, works in the Mediterranean for 3 months. He could hardly have forseen just how much danger he will find himself and the deadly threats to be faced those he knows and loves.
Whilst examining the dead woman in the loft, the rotting floor collapses to reveal a deliberately sealed room, where two further dead bodies are strapped into beds. This is a twisted and hugely compelling story as the police and David seek to try and identify the bodies and the truth of what happened amidst intense media scrutiny and protests at St Jude's led by the commanding and charismatic ex-human rights lawyer, Adam Oduya. Subject to various forensic tests and disturbing procedures, the dead begin to eventually speak about the nature of their grisly fates. Serving as a main character in it's own right, the atmospherically gothic and malevolent presence of St Jude's is writ large in the narrative. An oppressive and dismally congealing aura hangs heavily in the monstrously derelict hospital, stinking of damp, mould, squalor and urine, with its darkness and claustrophobia that seeps into all who enter the building. It is bone chilling in its creepiness and menace, harbouring dangers and ambushing the police and David with its host of nasty, unexpected surprises.
Beckett constructs a beautifully gripping and intelligent plot with it's multiple threads, with the short chapters serving to deliver a fast paced story that keeps the reader totally engaged, whilst building up the suspense and tension to sky high levels. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, the various twists shift it into entirely unexpected directions. The central protagonist, Dr David Hunter, is an experienced expert in his field, with a interesting and traumatic background with the death of his wife and child in a car accident. He is compassionate and curious, qualities that often serve to put him in danger as he refuses to stay purely within the dry confines of his area of expertise. This is a brilliant addition to the series, thoroughly entertaining, and the quality of storytelling is remarkably high. I can this series appealing to those who want to know about the field of forensic anthropology and the authentic depiction of its techniques and practices in modern policing. David theorises and engages in the skilful building up of a picture of what has happened to the dead, seeking to ensure justice is served in what appears to be impossible circumstances . To be honest, I think any crime fiction aficionado will enjoy reading this. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
Whilst examining the dead woman in the loft, the rotting floor collapses to reveal a deliberately sealed room, where two further dead bodies are strapped into beds. This is a twisted and hugely compelling story as the police and David seek to try and identify the bodies and the truth of what happened amidst intense media scrutiny and protests at St Jude's led by the commanding and charismatic ex-human rights lawyer, Adam Oduya. Subject to various forensic tests and disturbing procedures, the dead begin to eventually speak about the nature of their grisly fates. Serving as a main character in it's own right, the atmospherically gothic and malevolent presence of St Jude's is writ large in the narrative. An oppressive and dismally congealing aura hangs heavily in the monstrously derelict hospital, stinking of damp, mould, squalor and urine, with its darkness and claustrophobia that seeps into all who enter the building. It is bone chilling in its creepiness and menace, harbouring dangers and ambushing the police and David with its host of nasty, unexpected surprises.
Beckett constructs a beautifully gripping and intelligent plot with it's multiple threads, with the short chapters serving to deliver a fast paced story that keeps the reader totally engaged, whilst building up the suspense and tension to sky high levels. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, the various twists shift it into entirely unexpected directions. The central protagonist, Dr David Hunter, is an experienced expert in his field, with a interesting and traumatic background with the death of his wife and child in a car accident. He is compassionate and curious, qualities that often serve to put him in danger as he refuses to stay purely within the dry confines of his area of expertise. This is a brilliant addition to the series, thoroughly entertaining, and the quality of storytelling is remarkably high. I can this series appealing to those who want to know about the field of forensic anthropology and the authentic depiction of its techniques and practices in modern policing. David theorises and engages in the skilful building up of a picture of what has happened to the dead, seeking to ensure justice is served in what appears to be impossible circumstances . To be honest, I think any crime fiction aficionado will enjoy reading this. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
April 2, 2019
It is always a pleasure to get my hands on another Simon Beckett novel, as he forges deep into the world of forensic anthropology and delivers a stellar crime thriller. Dr. David Hunter is still trying to come to terms with the loss of his wife and daughter in a car accident, though has been able to find some comfort in the arms of a new relationship. However, that is tested as well when Rachel is sent off for a stint on the other side of Europe, leaving Hunter to bide his time in London with a serial killer potentially still on the loose and looking for him. When he is called out to offer his expertise at an abandoned hospital, Hunter helps assess a mummified corpse, which appears to have been left in a ceiling. As things are being analysed, Hunter is shoved aside by a new and vibrant new forensic taphonomist, eager to show off his cocky training and varied knowledge. While Hunter cannot be bothered, he comes to realise that his time in the limelight might be fading. When shelved from being an active player in the investigation, Hunter comes across a woman who was seen near the crime scene and whose home life is anything but stellar. A jagged acquaintanceship leads to some interesting revelations, while Hunter is also subjected to a strong wave of protest by locals who object to the old St. Jude hospital being turned into office space. Hunter discovers a few key players who help thicken the plot, which offsets the discovery of two bodies in a hidden wall. While police realise that they have a conniving killer in their midst, it would seem flashy tophonomy is not always what it’s lived up to, leaving David Hunter to come in with his well-established forensic anthropological techniques to make some interesting and groundbreaking discoveries. However, peering at bones may not be enough to catch a killer who has their targets set on neutralising anyone who may want it dig deeper. Beckett delivers another stellar novel in this well-established series. Those who enjoy forensic thrillers will surely want to acquaint themselves with Dr. David Hunter in short order, as this book is the perfect British complement to those I have read with a North American twist.
While I binge-read the first few novels in this series, Beckett took a break and left me hanging for years, only to return with some stellar follow-ups. His attention to detail and presentation of forensic anthropology keeps the reader engrossed throughout as they learn and are entertained in equal measure. David Hunter has seen much in his life, first as a GP and eventually honing his skills in forensic anthropology, as well as trying to come to terms with the loss of his family in a single night. Now, with a serial killer still lurking in the shadows, Hunter is trying to reinvent himself while helping out wherever he can. He seems sure of himself, yet also realises that he is no longer the shiny toy that attracts the attention of the locals at every turn. Reputation and detailed analysis work to help forge a strong character, though he has his own foibles throughout this piece. There are many characters who, both returning cast members and new faces, enrich the story with their presence and offer the reader some entertainment value. Beckett has created the perfect mix to keep the story moving and the plot evolving. The premise is wonderful and spooky at the same time; an abandoned hospital that is decaying with bodies left to mummify and rooms of torture where a killer had their way with victims. Without getting too gruesome, Beckett sets the scene well and keeps the reader wanting more. I, for one, love these books and am always eager to see what Dr. David Hunter will come across while trying to guess what discoveries await. The perfect novel for those who like forensics with a British spin.
Kudos, Mr. Beckett, for another superior novel. You have firmly found your place in the genre and I hope the ideas keep flowing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
While I binge-read the first few novels in this series, Beckett took a break and left me hanging for years, only to return with some stellar follow-ups. His attention to detail and presentation of forensic anthropology keeps the reader engrossed throughout as they learn and are entertained in equal measure. David Hunter has seen much in his life, first as a GP and eventually honing his skills in forensic anthropology, as well as trying to come to terms with the loss of his family in a single night. Now, with a serial killer still lurking in the shadows, Hunter is trying to reinvent himself while helping out wherever he can. He seems sure of himself, yet also realises that he is no longer the shiny toy that attracts the attention of the locals at every turn. Reputation and detailed analysis work to help forge a strong character, though he has his own foibles throughout this piece. There are many characters who, both returning cast members and new faces, enrich the story with their presence and offer the reader some entertainment value. Beckett has created the perfect mix to keep the story moving and the plot evolving. The premise is wonderful and spooky at the same time; an abandoned hospital that is decaying with bodies left to mummify and rooms of torture where a killer had their way with victims. Without getting too gruesome, Beckett sets the scene well and keeps the reader wanting more. I, for one, love these books and am always eager to see what Dr. David Hunter will come across while trying to guess what discoveries await. The perfect novel for those who like forensics with a British spin.
Kudos, Mr. Beckett, for another superior novel. You have firmly found your place in the genre and I hope the ideas keep flowing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
June 23, 2025
Кримка по мой вкус - завъртяна интрига, интересни загадки и динамично действие.
Д-р Хънтър се впуска в разследването на нов странен случай, докато зловещи персонажи от миналото му дебнат търпеливо своя шанс в сенките.
Отлично четиво, най-добрата книга от серията до момента!
Д-р Хънтър се впуска в разследването на нов странен случай, докато зловещи персонажи от миналото му дебнат търпеливо своя шанс в сенките.
Отлично четиво, най-добрата книга от серията до момента!
February 17, 2022
David Hunter ist forensischer Anthropologe & die Fakten, mit denen man als Leser, auch hier im 6. Band, immer wieder konfrontiert wird, lassen keinen Zweifel daran aufkommen. So informativ & wahnsinnig gut recherchiert von Simon Beckett - genau das macht die Reihe für mich so besonders! Das Setting des verlassenen Krankenhauses hat mir gut gefallen & generell war es wieder, wie gewohnt, sehr atmosphärisch geschrieben. Die David Hunter-Vibes waren spürbar & ich hab das lesen genossen. Es war jedoch an einigen Stellen schon sehr vorhersehbar & für mich hätte es insgesamt noch ein wenig mehr Spannung vertragen können. Trotzdem war es ein guter Thriller & ich bin einfach ein Fan der Reihe!
July 5, 2021
"De oplossing zelf is misschien iets te simpel, maar het motief is wel sterk. De David Hunter reeks blijft me zonder twijfel boeien en ik hoop echt dat er nog meer boeken volgen."
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2021...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2021...
May 11, 2025
Звичного спаду не сталося і ця книга вийшла непоганою. Зав’язка дуже крута, кіноматографічна, атмосферна. Були моменти, де відчувалося, що драми забагато, але це і не давало нудьгувати. Єдине, лінія з Грейс мене втомила, вважаю її зайвою.
Думаю, автор думав закінчити на цій частині серію, але минуло 6 років і на листопад 2025-го таки анонсована 7-ма частина - The Bone Garden. Уже чекаю!
Думаю, автор думав закінчити на цій частині серію, але минуло 6 років і на листопад 2025-го таки анонсована 7-ма частина - The Bone Garden. Уже чекаю!
June 15, 2020
3 STARS ★★★✩✩
⤐ Overall.
I do not expect Simon to invent a completely new sub-genre in crime with the 6th instalment of a series with a given formula. A bit more originality, however, would have been nice. Of course, I can't even vaguely recall what the previous five books have been about other than David frequently managing to get himself in dire situations, including a psychopathic ex-girlfriend. Consequently, it did not surprise me that David once again is lucky enough to be much more central to the investigation than is typical for forensic anthropologists. I honestly believe it's part of his essence.
That being said this book is highly predictable until we get down to the last 10 per cent. I literally figured out the better part of the crime be the halfway point and was not immensely flabbergasted by anything that came after. If you trust in well-tested formulas and can't take too much action anyway, I'd say go for it. If anything I've just said is rubbing you the wrong way, I'm positive you can find something in your library more worthy of your attention.
⤐ What’s happening.
An abandoned hospital offers several bodies to the police mere moments before it was supposed to be made into ash and dust, one of them pregnant, the others with severe burn marks, hidden behind an artificial wall. With every investigative step, David and his team get closer to a gruesome past: St. Jude's has many stories to tell and none of them are bedtime stories.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some thinks irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
Interesting enough to recommend?… That's a matter of how much innovative content you expect from a book that's the 6th in a series. It didn't quite hit home for me.
⤐ Overall.
I do not expect Simon to invent a completely new sub-genre in crime with the 6th instalment of a series with a given formula. A bit more originality, however, would have been nice. Of course, I can't even vaguely recall what the previous five books have been about other than David frequently managing to get himself in dire situations, including a psychopathic ex-girlfriend. Consequently, it did not surprise me that David once again is lucky enough to be much more central to the investigation than is typical for forensic anthropologists. I honestly believe it's part of his essence.
That being said this book is highly predictable until we get down to the last 10 per cent. I literally figured out the better part of the crime be the halfway point and was not immensely flabbergasted by anything that came after. If you trust in well-tested formulas and can't take too much action anyway, I'd say go for it. If anything I've just said is rubbing you the wrong way, I'm positive you can find something in your library more worthy of your attention.
⤐ What’s happening.
An abandoned hospital offers several bodies to the police mere moments before it was supposed to be made into ash and dust, one of them pregnant, the others with severe burn marks, hidden behind an artificial wall. With every investigative step, David and his team get closer to a gruesome past: St. Jude's has many stories to tell and none of them are bedtime stories.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some thinks irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
April 10, 2019
Wieder ein super David Hunter Fall - Ich mag den forensischen Anthropologen einfach gerne und der Fall war abwechslungsreich. Die Charaktere waren interessant und gut gezeichnet. Übrigens als Hörbuch auch gut gesprochen. Auch der rote Faden mit Grace wird weitergesponnen.
Trotzdem einen Stern Abzug weil mir zuviel am Ende zu vorhersehbar war. Ich möchte nicht spoilern, aber eine große Überraschung kam für mich nicht und das fand ich schade, da ich gar kein großer „Miträtsler“ bin und trotzdem ahnte was passiert.
Trotzdem einen Stern Abzug weil mir zuviel am Ende zu vorhersehbar war. Ich möchte nicht spoilern, aber eine große Überraschung kam für mich nicht und das fand ich schade, da ich gar kein großer „Miträtsler“ bin und trotzdem ahnte was passiert.
February 28, 2021
Ein Großartiges Buch, spannend bis zur letzten Seite. Großes Highlight!
Wichtig: Dies ist der 6. Band einer Reihe, die zwar in sich geschlossen ist, es gibt aber an einigen Stellen Rückblicke auf die vorigen Bände.
Wichtig: Dies ist der 6. Band einer Reihe, die zwar in sich geschlossen ist, es gibt aber an einigen Stellen Rückblicke auf die vorigen Bände.
May 25, 2024
Smagiai susiskaitė ši gaila jau paskutinė Simon Beckett serijos dalis. Jo knygos tokios gana lėto veiksmo, bet tikrai įdomios. Sakyčiau visai šauniai praleistas laikas buvo. 😉
February 24, 2019
I’ve been a long time fan of Simon Beckett’s novels, both the Hunter series and the standalone books, ever since I picked up The Chemistry of Death on one of my book shop journeys many years ago- so it was with great anticipation and a huge smile on my face that I immersed myself into this one.
As usual it did not disappoint, a clever, multi layered mix of forensic detail, character driven drama and mystery with a thrilling edge and huge page turning quality.
I don’t think there are many crime fiction fans who don’t get fascinated by the forensic details and this author does those in a complex yet highly accessible and absorbing way, the heart around which the rest of the story builds.
David Hunter is a beautifully drawn main protagonist, very human, not infallible therefore highly relatable, he’s certainly faced some huge challenges both in his professional life and his personal one, this case will test both his skill and his sense of self. As such it is completely compelling with often unexpected moments and a slow, absorbing build to a clever and emotional finale.
Easily read as a standalone but for constant readers an absolute gem, The Scent Of Death is an intelligent, beautifully written and deeply layered novel that I read in one sitting – I highly recommend it and the ones before it – quality crime fiction at its very best.
As usual it did not disappoint, a clever, multi layered mix of forensic detail, character driven drama and mystery with a thrilling edge and huge page turning quality.
I don’t think there are many crime fiction fans who don’t get fascinated by the forensic details and this author does those in a complex yet highly accessible and absorbing way, the heart around which the rest of the story builds.
David Hunter is a beautifully drawn main protagonist, very human, not infallible therefore highly relatable, he’s certainly faced some huge challenges both in his professional life and his personal one, this case will test both his skill and his sense of self. As such it is completely compelling with often unexpected moments and a slow, absorbing build to a clever and emotional finale.
Easily read as a standalone but for constant readers an absolute gem, The Scent Of Death is an intelligent, beautifully written and deeply layered novel that I read in one sitting – I highly recommend it and the ones before it – quality crime fiction at its very best.
May 12, 2025
4,5⭐️
Написано добре, пʼятірку заокруглив, бо як інакше, видно що старався Саймон.
У принципі ця частина завершує цикл про Гантера, але є нюанс - Бекетт вирішив через пʼять років написати ще щось, і на нас очікує нова книга, яка вийде у вересні чи жовтні 2025!
У цій частині динаміка з перших сторінок, а ще таке враження, що автор готує читачів до курсу по антропології, ну дуже багато деталей, і загалом за увесь цикл можна багато дізнатися як діють профі у таких ситуаціях. Ця історія класна, Гантер без пригод для себе ну ніяк не може, і це у кожній книзі. Всі сюжетні повороти норм і навіть є декілька прям напружених моментів. Історія зі Стракан якби завершена (ну він точно у 2019 все для цього зробив), проте фінал таки залишає питання, які саме, це вам читати і чекати на неочікуване продовження.
Написано добре, пʼятірку заокруглив, бо як інакше, видно що старався Саймон.
У принципі ця частина завершує цикл про Гантера, але є нюанс - Бекетт вирішив через пʼять років написати ще щось, і на нас очікує нова книга, яка вийде у вересні чи жовтні 2025!
У цій частині динаміка з перших сторінок, а ще таке враження, що автор готує читачів до курсу по антропології, ну дуже багато деталей, і загалом за увесь цикл можна багато дізнатися як діють профі у таких ситуаціях. Ця історія класна, Гантер без пригод для себе ну ніяк не може, і це у кожній книзі. Всі сюжетні повороти норм і навіть є декілька прям напружених моментів. Історія зі Стракан якби завершена (ну він точно у 2019 все для цього зробив), проте фінал таки залишає питання, які саме, це вам читати і чекати на неочікуване продовження.
March 15, 2025
Aš be galo mėgau serialą "Kaulai", esu pražiūrėjusi jį visą kelis kartus. O vienas iš pagrindinių veikėjų, Būtas, buvo mano dievukas, paauglystėje buvau slapta jį įsimylėjus 🥰 tad nieko nuostabus, kad ši knygų serija man buvo must read. Deja, bet ši dalis manęs neįtraukė taip, kaip tikėjausi, neįtikino vis atsirandanti įtampa tarp Roberto ir detektyvų, o Mirso personažas buvo iš vis vienas didelis nesusipratimas. Nepatikėjau ir išaiškėjusiomis visomis paslaptimis, bendrai paėmus, detektyvinė linija nebuvo stiprioji knygos pusė. Bet už tai labai patiko Roberto darbo scenos. Nežinau kas man užėjo, pastaruoju metu sunku surasti patinkantį detektyvą/ trilerį, vis plaukioju kažkokiame kabinėjimosi prie smulkmenų liūne🫤
May 8, 2020
wie immer, und das heißt bei simon beckett nunmal: ein toll geschriebener, unterhaltsamer thriller. von mir aus kann diese reihe ewig weitergehen.
April 8, 2021
Разкошна!
April 19, 2019
The Scent of Death is the sixth thriller to feature forensics expert Dr David Hunter, and if you're a reader who enjoys the forensics involved in investigating a crime then this is a series not to be missed. The forensic techniques throughout are authentically portrayed so you actually learn some fascinating science whilst reading. I find it mindblowing that Beckett, despite being a bestseller, is still relatively unknown in Britain - a travesty if ever there was one. This is an intelligently written, complex and thoroughly gripping thriller with various threads to the plot which all come together as the book progresses.
The tension is palpable from the beginning but Beckett continues to ramp it up until your biting your nails and racing through the short, snappy chapters to find out what happens in the grisly murder case. I thought I knew where it was heading several times and then the rug is whipped out from under you and you quickly realise that the author has fooled you again. The Scent of Death is a masterclass in how to write wholly engaging and highly entertaining crime fiction and the including of modern forensic practices makes this an original series. Highly recommended to crime connoisseurs and particularly those interested in the field of anthropology and how it can help bring justice. Many thanks to Bantam Press for an ARC.
The tension is palpable from the beginning but Beckett continues to ramp it up until your biting your nails and racing through the short, snappy chapters to find out what happens in the grisly murder case. I thought I knew where it was heading several times and then the rug is whipped out from under you and you quickly realise that the author has fooled you again. The Scent of Death is a masterclass in how to write wholly engaging and highly entertaining crime fiction and the including of modern forensic practices makes this an original series. Highly recommended to crime connoisseurs and particularly those interested in the field of anthropology and how it can help bring justice. Many thanks to Bantam Press for an ARC.
August 12, 2021
Grundsätzlich ein super spannendes Setting. Ich liebe Krimis und Thriller die in England spielen. Mir wurde das Buch geschenkt und der Schenker hat sich keine Gedanken gemacht, dass es sich um ein Buch aus einer Reihe handeln könnte. Ich hatte dann aber mehrfach gelesen, dass man alle Teile unabhängig voneinander lesen könne. Dem kann ich leider nicht zustimmen. Die Handlung hier im Buch ist zwar unabhängig von allen anderen Teilen, jedoch die Nebenszenen und Charaktere sind einem nicht bekannt, da man keinerlei Vorkenntnisse hat und diese auch nicht aufklärend erläutert werden. Daher hatte ich an einigen Stellen immer ein Fragezeichen im Kopf. Ansonsten habe ich das Buch genossen und mich an einigen Stellen sogar gegruselt. Ich würde die Reihe dann gerne nochmal bei Band 1 beginnen. 😊
December 7, 2021
Голям почитател съм на серията Доктор Дейвид Хънтър. От една страна любителят на криминални загадки в мен примира от кеф, а от друга се наслаждава и рентгенологът, защото медицинската част в тези истории е обилно подплатена с факти от съдебната антропология, която има доста допирни точки със специалността ми.
Дребните минуси в шестата част - на моменти образът на експерта ми идваше твърде нереално идеален. Допълнителната сюжетна линия, останала отворена от минал случай в предна книга почти успя да пресоли манджата на финала. Но оценката ми все пак е максимална.
Дребните минуси в шестата част - на моменти образът на експерта ми идваше твърде нереално идеален. Допълнителната сюжетна линия, останала отворена от минал случай в предна книга почти успя да пресоли манджата на финала. Но оценката ми все пак е максимална.
October 29, 2024
Нарешті прочитала цю серію, і нарешті дізналась що ж там з Грейс Страхан. Щодо вбивці були підозри на цю людину, але якісь мінімальні напевно, хоча вони і були. Так і не зрозуміла будуть Хантер і Рейчел разом чи ні🤷🏻♀️
March 4, 2019
David "Selbstzweifel" Hunter ist zurück - leider nicht in Bestform
Der forensische Anthropologe David Hunter, bekannt aus Becketts früheren Romanen in dieser Reihe, wird diesmal zu einem Leichenfund in einem ehemaligen Krankenhaus, dem St. Jude, gerufen. Dort angekommen wird sehr schnell klar, daß sich ein größeres Geheimnis hinter den abrissreifen und finsteren Mauern des St. Jude verbirgt. Damit steht die Kulisse für einen ebenfalls eher düsteren Krimi mit gelegentlichen “Ausrutschern” in beinahe schon poetische Sprache und ein wenig Humor.
Ich freute mich auf einen neuen Krimi mit Hunter, der mir aus früheren Bänden sympathisch und interessant in Erinnerung war. Das bleibt auch bei diesem Buch so, jedoch wird es leider von den permanenten Querelen zwischen Haupt- und Nebencharakteren massiv überschattet - ein forensischer Taphonom verärgert Hunter, Hunter verärgert seine Auftraggeber bei der Polizei, ein frustrierter Bauunternehmer verärgert alle.
Als wäre das noch nicht genug, läßt sich auch Hunter von all dem Ärger ins Boxhorn jagen und an sich selbst zweifeln. Angesichts seiner Erfahrung und seines Renommees ist das aber nur sehr bedingt plausibel und hat mich zumindest doch sehr gestört.
So viel Ärger und Selbstzweifel machen einfach keinen Spaß mehr und trüben das gesamte Lesevergnügen deutlich ein. Völlig unnötigerweise noch dazu, denn Beckett schreibt – wie immer – gut und zeitweise geradezu poetisch...
“Die Stille, die auf allem ruht, hat eine andere Textur als tagsüber, ist besinnlich und noch gedämpfter. Sie hat ein fast spürbares Gewicht.”
… gepaart mit Einschüben (direkt auf das vorhergehende Zitat folgend) trockenen Humors...
“Vielleicht liegt es auch bloß an mir.”
Hemmend auf den Lesefluß wirken sich zudem die Zeitsprünge aus – da wird von einer dramatischen Entwicklung erzählt und an deren Höhepunkt ein Sprung in die Zukunft im nächsten Kapitel vollführt, von dem aus dann in Form einer Rückblende erzählt wird. Das nimmt Tempo heraus und mindert – ebenfalls völlig unnötig - die Spannung.
Ganz am Schluß tritt dann etwas ein, anläßlich dessen ich nur noch innerlich leise aufstöhnte, “nicht schon wieder!”. Völlig überflüssig und ärgerlich wird hier eine Nebenhandlung erneut in den Vordergrund gerückt, die besser einfach in der Vergangenheit verbleiben wäre.
"Die ewigen Toten" läßt mich insofern ein wenig ratlos zurück: Einerseits ist es ein durchaus gelungener Krimi, andererseits ist die Atmosphäre übermäßig angespannt und bedrückend. Darüber hinaus zieht sich das Buch bis zur Mitte reichlich in die Länge, um dann am Schluß im “Schweinsgalopp” zu einer mäßig glaubwürdigen Auflösung unter Einbeziehung “oller Kamellen” zu kommen.
Ich glaube, für mich ist der Zeitpunkt gekommen, mich von David Hunter und Simon Beckett zu verabschieden.
Der forensische Anthropologe David Hunter, bekannt aus Becketts früheren Romanen in dieser Reihe, wird diesmal zu einem Leichenfund in einem ehemaligen Krankenhaus, dem St. Jude, gerufen. Dort angekommen wird sehr schnell klar, daß sich ein größeres Geheimnis hinter den abrissreifen und finsteren Mauern des St. Jude verbirgt. Damit steht die Kulisse für einen ebenfalls eher düsteren Krimi mit gelegentlichen “Ausrutschern” in beinahe schon poetische Sprache und ein wenig Humor.
Ich freute mich auf einen neuen Krimi mit Hunter, der mir aus früheren Bänden sympathisch und interessant in Erinnerung war. Das bleibt auch bei diesem Buch so, jedoch wird es leider von den permanenten Querelen zwischen Haupt- und Nebencharakteren massiv überschattet - ein forensischer Taphonom verärgert Hunter, Hunter verärgert seine Auftraggeber bei der Polizei, ein frustrierter Bauunternehmer verärgert alle.
Als wäre das noch nicht genug, läßt sich auch Hunter von all dem Ärger ins Boxhorn jagen und an sich selbst zweifeln. Angesichts seiner Erfahrung und seines Renommees ist das aber nur sehr bedingt plausibel und hat mich zumindest doch sehr gestört.
So viel Ärger und Selbstzweifel machen einfach keinen Spaß mehr und trüben das gesamte Lesevergnügen deutlich ein. Völlig unnötigerweise noch dazu, denn Beckett schreibt – wie immer – gut und zeitweise geradezu poetisch...
“Die Stille, die auf allem ruht, hat eine andere Textur als tagsüber, ist besinnlich und noch gedämpfter. Sie hat ein fast spürbares Gewicht.”
… gepaart mit Einschüben (direkt auf das vorhergehende Zitat folgend) trockenen Humors...
“Vielleicht liegt es auch bloß an mir.”
Hemmend auf den Lesefluß wirken sich zudem die Zeitsprünge aus – da wird von einer dramatischen Entwicklung erzählt und an deren Höhepunkt ein Sprung in die Zukunft im nächsten Kapitel vollführt, von dem aus dann in Form einer Rückblende erzählt wird. Das nimmt Tempo heraus und mindert – ebenfalls völlig unnötig - die Spannung.
Ganz am Schluß tritt dann etwas ein, anläßlich dessen ich nur noch innerlich leise aufstöhnte, “nicht schon wieder!”. Völlig überflüssig und ärgerlich wird hier eine Nebenhandlung erneut in den Vordergrund gerückt, die besser einfach in der Vergangenheit verbleiben wäre.
"Die ewigen Toten" läßt mich insofern ein wenig ratlos zurück: Einerseits ist es ein durchaus gelungener Krimi, andererseits ist die Atmosphäre übermäßig angespannt und bedrückend. Darüber hinaus zieht sich das Buch bis zur Mitte reichlich in die Länge, um dann am Schluß im “Schweinsgalopp” zu einer mäßig glaubwürdigen Auflösung unter Einbeziehung “oller Kamellen” zu kommen.
Ich glaube, für mich ist der Zeitpunkt gekommen, mich von David Hunter und Simon Beckett zu verabschieden.
October 6, 2023
Nuo pirmo puslapio įtraukė taip, kad tereikėjo dviejų gerų prisėdimų ir knyga kaip mat buvo perskaityta.
Šv. Judo Tado ligoninė ir katastrofinis tyrimas prikaustys jūsų dėmesį. Lavonai,rasti joje užmins daug mįslių, ir reikės išsiaiškinti kas už to slypi. Garantuoju, kad žudiko neatspėsite, net pagalvot negalėsite, nes būsite stipriai supainioti ir suklaidinti.
Šv. Judo Tado ligoninė ir katastrofinis tyrimas prikaustys jūsų dėmesį. Lavonai,rasti joje užmins daug mįslių, ir reikės išsiaiškinti kas už to slypi. Garantuoju, kad žudiko neatspėsite, net pagalvot negalėsite, nes būsite stipriai supainioti ir suklaidinti.
January 28, 2022
In meinen Augen einer der besten Hunter-Romane der ganzen Reihe.
Spannend, abwechslungsreich, immer in Bewegung.
Auch die Charaktere waren wieder authentisch und wirklich vielfältig.
Das Setting in einem alten, verlassenen Krankenhaus ist richtig übel, das hat der Autor super rüber gebracht.
Auch wie sich nach und nach die ganzen Handlungsstränge zusammen fügen, hat mir diesmal richtig gut gefallen.
Und natürlich wurde auch Grace nicht vergessen - ich war mir sicher, dass das noch nicht ausgestanden sein kann.
Ich hoffe wirklich sehr, dass dies nicht der letzte Teil war :(
Spannend, abwechslungsreich, immer in Bewegung.
Auch die Charaktere waren wieder authentisch und wirklich vielfältig.
Das Setting in einem alten, verlassenen Krankenhaus ist richtig übel, das hat der Autor super rüber gebracht.
Auch wie sich nach und nach die ganzen Handlungsstränge zusammen fügen, hat mir diesmal richtig gut gefallen.
Und natürlich wurde auch Grace nicht vergessen - ich war mir sicher, dass das noch nicht ausgestanden sein kann.
Ich hoffe wirklich sehr, dass dies nicht der letzte Teil war :(
February 22, 2024
Gerai susukta istorija, zinoma kaip visada liudna ir su daug netekciu🥺❤ pradzia ir veiksmo vystymas buvo nuobodokas ir ilgas, Deividas labai nervina su savo zyzimu, bet kaip sakiau- viskas issirituliavo tai tikrai wow I pabaiga🤩
Daug siuzeto vingiu ir labai netiketa pabaiga😱- butent tai pataise pradini poziuri i visa istorija, galvojau, kad kaltas kazkas kitas, bet va daug netiketu posukiu... Tikiuosi Deivido asmeninis gyvenimas pasitaisys ir rysys su Reicele nesibaigs taip kaip baigesi su ta kita mergina- pasirodzius Greisei... Lauksiu tolimesniu posukiu- gal vestuves ar kazkokiu nauju netiketu siuzetu ateityje ir labai tikiuosi, kad Beckettas dar ilgai neissisems🥰
Daug siuzeto vingiu ir labai netiketa pabaiga😱- butent tai pataise pradini poziuri i visa istorija, galvojau, kad kaltas kazkas kitas, bet va daug netiketu posukiu... Tikiuosi Deivido asmeninis gyvenimas pasitaisys ir rysys su Reicele nesibaigs taip kaip baigesi su ta kita mergina- pasirodzius Greisei... Lauksiu tolimesniu posukiu- gal vestuves ar kazkokiu nauju netiketu siuzetu ateityje ir labai tikiuosi, kad Beckettas dar ilgai neissisems🥰
October 23, 2019
Die David-Hunter Reihe gehört zu meinen liebsten Krimi/Thriller Reihen. Ich mag die ruhige, nachdenkliche Art des Forensischen Anthropologen. Die Beschreibungen von Tätigkeiten und Analysen finde ich spannend zu verfolgen.
Der Fall mit den Leichen im stillgelegten Krankenhaus war spannend und für mich war lange nicht klar, wer der Täter ist.
Das Ende des Buches verleitet mich zu der Frage, ob es der letzte Band war, oder ob die Reihe zukünftig eine kleine Neuausrichtung erfährt. Zweiteres würde ich sehr begrüßen.
Der Fall mit den Leichen im stillgelegten Krankenhaus war spannend und für mich war lange nicht klar, wer der Täter ist.
Das Ende des Buches verleitet mich zu der Frage, ob es der letzte Band war, oder ob die Reihe zukünftig eine kleine Neuausrichtung erfährt. Zweiteres würde ich sehr begrüßen.
October 8, 2019
Armer David 😔 aber echt wieder gut.
April 28, 2020
An einigen Stelle leider etwas too much und vorhersehbar
April 14, 2022
Hasta aquí hemos llegado David y yo.
Aunque la historia es entretenida y el escenario, un hospital abandonado, da juego, echo en falta una evolución del personaje principal.
Aunque la historia es entretenida y el escenario, un hospital abandonado, da juego, echo en falta una evolución del personaje principal.
May 17, 2025
Inizio lento, svolgimento prevedibile.
Mediamente coinvolgente con un David Hunter più stolido del solito. Non giustificabile con i traumi passati.
Non lascia traccia.
Mediamente coinvolgente con un David Hunter più stolido del solito. Non giustificabile con i traumi passati.
Non lascia traccia.
July 19, 2021
This is the 6th book with the central character of Doctor David Hunter but as with other similar books, it is perfectly suited to read as a standalone. The story centres around St Jude's hospital in North London which has lain empty and derelict for several years awaiting demolition. Slowly rotting, it has become a haven for outcasts, addicts and dealers. David Hunter is a forensic anthropologist and is called into the hospital by the police when workmen discover a partially mummified skeleton in a loft, whom they soon discover was a young pregnant woman.
While exploring the scene, a floor collapses and more bodies are found, this time in a sealed off hospital room, tied to the beds. The story revolves around trying to identify who these people are and how they died.
The police investigation is touched upon but this book concentrates on forensics and how it can help solve crime. The opening couple of pages talk about the different smells that accompany the decay of a human body which is not for the weak stomached! There are also descriptions of how the bones are treated and dealt with and I found it fascinating how much information the experts can gleam from them.
As well as the science, we also get to know David quite well - quite a bit has happened to him in the past including loosing his wife and child and also almost being murdered himself. I'm assuming these events happen in previous novels, but the author does a good job of weaving his past into this story without it feeling like the reader was missing anything.
There is lots of excitement in this book - after a slow steady start the story suddenly ramps up and for the last half I was reading at any opportunity. There is a lot of tension and several shocks! I've read a lot of crime thrillers over the last few months and this is definitely up there as one of the best. Well researched and gritty, I'd like to go back at some point and read the earlier books in this series. I'd recommend this for fans of Jeffrey Deaver and Tess Gerritsen.
While exploring the scene, a floor collapses and more bodies are found, this time in a sealed off hospital room, tied to the beds. The story revolves around trying to identify who these people are and how they died.
The police investigation is touched upon but this book concentrates on forensics and how it can help solve crime. The opening couple of pages talk about the different smells that accompany the decay of a human body which is not for the weak stomached! There are also descriptions of how the bones are treated and dealt with and I found it fascinating how much information the experts can gleam from them.
As well as the science, we also get to know David quite well - quite a bit has happened to him in the past including loosing his wife and child and also almost being murdered himself. I'm assuming these events happen in previous novels, but the author does a good job of weaving his past into this story without it feeling like the reader was missing anything.
There is lots of excitement in this book - after a slow steady start the story suddenly ramps up and for the last half I was reading at any opportunity. There is a lot of tension and several shocks! I've read a lot of crime thrillers over the last few months and this is definitely up there as one of the best. Well researched and gritty, I'd like to go back at some point and read the earlier books in this series. I'd recommend this for fans of Jeffrey Deaver and Tess Gerritsen.
January 11, 2020
GDY AUTOR SAM ZNIECHĘCA
To nie był najlepszy pomysł, żeby na pierwsze spotkanie z autorem wybrać jego najnowszą książkę.
Nareszcie wiem, dlaczego tak mnie wkurzają niedokończone wątki. Właściwie, już wcześniej wiedziałam, ale teraz mogę wam przedstawić dowód czarno na białym. Zaczęłam od końca i teraz nie mam żadnej motywacji, żeby przeczytać wcześniejsze książki autora.
Skoro w „Zapachu śmierci” Beckett wyjaśnił, co stało się z jego żoną i córką, to nie będę przecież sięgać po powieść, która tego wątku dotyczy, jeśli dobrze wiem, jak się skończy.
Skoro autor powiedział mi, że w poprzednich odcinkach bohater dostał nożem w brzuch i przeżył, a sprawca uciekł i zapadł się pod ziemię, ale właśnie powrócił w najnowszym odcinku, to czytanie części dotyczącej nożownika nie ma najmniejszego sensu. Czy jest tu ktoś, kto lubi spoilery?!
Autorzy! Szanujcie czasem swoich czytelników. Nie tylko tych już „złapanych”, ale też potencjalnie nowych.
A tak poza tym, to trochę mnie pan Beckett wynudził. Za dużo profesjonalnych opisów (z całym szacunkiem dla rzetelnej dokumentacji tematu antropologia sądowa), za mało suspensu, ciągnące się zakończenie. Całość przeciętna, można przełknąć, ale do pana Becketta już nie wrócę, z powodów, jak wyżej.
„Sam tego chciałeś, Grzegorzu Dyndało”.
www.czytacz.pl
To nie był najlepszy pomysł, żeby na pierwsze spotkanie z autorem wybrać jego najnowszą książkę.
Nareszcie wiem, dlaczego tak mnie wkurzają niedokończone wątki. Właściwie, już wcześniej wiedziałam, ale teraz mogę wam przedstawić dowód czarno na białym. Zaczęłam od końca i teraz nie mam żadnej motywacji, żeby przeczytać wcześniejsze książki autora.
Skoro w „Zapachu śmierci” Beckett wyjaśnił, co stało się z jego żoną i córką, to nie będę przecież sięgać po powieść, która tego wątku dotyczy, jeśli dobrze wiem, jak się skończy.
Skoro autor powiedział mi, że w poprzednich odcinkach bohater dostał nożem w brzuch i przeżył, a sprawca uciekł i zapadł się pod ziemię, ale właśnie powrócił w najnowszym odcinku, to czytanie części dotyczącej nożownika nie ma najmniejszego sensu. Czy jest tu ktoś, kto lubi spoilery?!
Autorzy! Szanujcie czasem swoich czytelników. Nie tylko tych już „złapanych”, ale też potencjalnie nowych.
A tak poza tym, to trochę mnie pan Beckett wynudził. Za dużo profesjonalnych opisów (z całym szacunkiem dla rzetelnej dokumentacji tematu antropologia sądowa), za mało suspensu, ciągnące się zakończenie. Całość przeciętna, można przełknąć, ale do pana Becketta już nie wrócę, z powodów, jak wyżej.
„Sam tego chciałeś, Grzegorzu Dyndało”.
www.czytacz.pl
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