It has been about seven years since Simon Beckett has released a novel from his David Hunter series and fans of the series have eagerly been waiting including me. But the release of The Restless Dead has been one of the most confusing releases I so far have had to endure. Beckett first released The Restless Dead in German back in October of 2016 and it is not until today that the English version has been released but only for the folks in the UK, not the US. Perhaps this is Beckett’s way of punishing America for electing Donald Trump as president, who knows? Needless to say, I have ordered my copy from the UK and hope to have it soon. So stay tuned for my review.

Once one of the country’s most respected forensics experts, Dr David Hunter is facing an uncertain professional – and personal – future. So when he gets a call from Essex police, he’s eager for the chance to assist them.

A badly decomposed body has been found in a desolate area of tidal mudflats and saltmarsh called the Backwaters. Under pressure to close the case, the police want Hunter to help with the recovery and identification.

It’s thought the remains are those of Leo Villiers, the son of a prominent businessman who vanished weeks ago. To complicate matters, it was rumoured that Villiers was having an affair with a local woman. And she too is missing.

But Hunter has his doubts about the identity. He knows the condition of the unrecognizable body could hide a multitude of sins. Then more remains are discovered – and these remote wetlands begin to give up their secrets . . .

With its eerie, claustrophobic sense of place, viscerally authentic detail and explosive heart-in-mouth moments, The Restless Dead offers a masterclass in crime fiction and marks the stunning return of one of the genre’s best.

Available on e-book, hardcover, and paperback in the UK.