Written in bone - Simon Beckett

'I took the skull from its evidence bag and gently set it on the stainless steel table. 'Tell me who you are...'

Forensic anthropologist Dr David Hunter should be at home in London with the woman he loves. Instead, as a favour to a beleaguered colleague, he's on the remote Hebridean island of Runa to inspect a grisly discovery.

Hunter has witnessed death in many guises, but even he is shocked by what he finds: a body almost totally incinerated but for the feet and a single hand. Could it be a textbook case of spontaneous human combustion? The local police are certain it's an accidental death but Hunter is not convinced. Examining the scorched remains, he finds the evidence he feared. It's clear to him that this was no accident, this was murder.

But as the small, isolated community considers the enormity of Hunter's findings, a catastrophic storm hits the island. The power goes down, communication with the mainland ceases, and then the killing begins in earnest...

Exploding in a series of violent acts and shocking twists, this is the compelling new crime thriller from a brilliant British storyteller.

Simon Beckett is a freelance journalist. He writes for national newspapers and colour supplements and is the author of the acclaimed international bestseller,The Chemistry of Death. He is married and lives in Sheffield. For more information visitwww.simonbeckett.com