When I read 'Chemistry of death' I had mixed feelings. It was okay but not... not amazing. Indeed, I was surprised by the way it ended and I didn't suspsected the person who turned out to be the murderer. Although this book lacked something I couldn't identify. 

Almost same here. 

I think the most important thing about my opinion regarding Simon Beckett's work is the fact that I don't like his protagonist. David Hunter somehow gets on my nerves. I can't say for sure whether it's about his slight tendency to feel pity for himself or maybe because of him sometimes trusting people too easily. Furthermore, very often I can't resist the feeling he tries to be a great, great hero who is able to redeem the world (although he probably spends the majority of his time with dead people). I like his job and I appreciate it. It's madly intresting and fascinating to get to know how many stories our bodies can bring. Though... I'm not the fan of his relationship with Jenny, of his manner and his... everything. Except for the job, of course. 

It's really unusual for me to read a book whose protagonist I don't like. If you asked me, I suppose I'd not be able to answer why I actually do it. I don't think I'm enchanted with the plot - there are many books this type. I don't admire Beckett's way of writing. So... the only conclusion I can make up is the job and all processes related to it. 

Enough about my dislike to Hunter. Let's talk about 'Written in bone'.

I suspected Grace. At the beginning, the moment she appeared, I thought 'That will be she'. And she was. But I must admit I doubted at some point of the story. You know, when the young copper was killed by a hit in the skull I lost my certainty. Grace wasn't described as a large and strong woman so it was really unbelieveable that she'd have managed to murder a man by a strike. I started observing Michael. It was quite likely that he beat his wife to turn suspicion toward someone else. For a second I considered the drunkers from the pub but they were too obvious.

I didn't ponder over two murderers. I didn't think about Brody. But, yeah, the darkest place is always under the candlestick, isn't it?

I was truly astonished at the end of the book. First, the scene during which Grace tried to kill the pub owner and her daughter (God, I can't recollect their names, it's horrible!). You know, I was sure Michael would blow them up and it all would be over. He knew exactly what his sister was like, that she probably would murder someone again. I assume it may have been really tough decison to sacrifice himself and Grace at once, they were family, I get it. But what? He thought that if he let her go, she would become a meek lamb?  It seemed like that.

On top of that Brody confessed his crimes and committed a suicide. Congrats, David, your behaviour was so appropriate according the situation.

I didn't expect Grace's appearance at David's door. First of all, I reckoned she was dead. Secondly, the visit of Brody's daughter made much more sense to me. And last but not least, I believed it's definitely not Beckett's style to end books this way. 'Chemistry of death' is the consisted story with the explicit ending. If you don't read the vol. 2, you'll live and won't feel like you're missing something. Alas it seems to be the only case like that, because 'Written in bone' has an open ending and I don't like it at all. It somehow forces me to reach the next book. I don't like being compelled.

I'd give it 6/10. It didn't change my mind and, honestly, didn't stimulate me to continue my journey with Beckett's work. It'll probably happen, I don't have a tendency to let stories end so openly, but for sure I don't feel encouraged.