The Calling of the Grave - Tapa blanda

When a body is found on an isolated region of Dartmoor, forensic anthropologist Dr David Hunter is asked to join the search for further remains also believed to be buried nearby. The body belongs to a victim of Jerome Monk, a violent rapist and serial killer now serving a life sentence after one of the longest manhunts in UK history. Abnormally strong, Monk is a physical freak believed to have murdered at least five teenage girls, although only one has ever been found. With Monk remaining silent as to the fate of his victims, it's hoped the discovery of the first grave will prove a breakthrough. Hampered by the harsh conditions on the Moor as well as internal disputes, the entire operation seems doomed to failure. When Monk undergoes an apparent change of heart and agrees to assist with the search, Hunter is unhappy at the prospect of the killer being brought out to Dartmoor, and convinced his motives are far from what they seem. But the imminent arrival of Monk is the least of his problems. Because a dangerous woman from Hunter's past has reappeared. Beautiful and insane, Grace Strachan tried to kill him once before. Now she's back, leaving a trail of innocent blood in her wake - and this time she is determined to succeed ...

Simon Beckett is a freelance journalist and writes for national newspapers and colour supplements. The author of three international bestsellers featuring his forensic anthropologist hero, Dr David Hunter, The Chemistry of Death, Written in Bone and most recently Whispers of the Dead, he lives in Sheffield.