David Hunter is certain he is not running away from London to the United States. He ran away from tragedy before when his daughter and wife were killed. However, after an uncaptured lunatic tried to kill him and precipitated a breakup with his lover, David feels justified in trying to bury himself in his work in a different locale, trading tea in England for coffee in Tennessee.

To that aim, he allows his friend, the director of the Forensic Anthropology Center, to talk him into assisting on an unusual body that has been found. Trying to find his professional sea-legs after time away from human interaction, while also dodging suspicion from the local Tennessee police, an attention-seeking profiler and one of the forensic pathologists, Dr. Hunter feels insecure and often questions his involvement on the case. However, as the bodies accumulate and the clues left by the killer become more unusual, David can feel himself drawn back into the world of professional inquiry.

A fast-paced mystery in the style of CSI or Bones, WHISPERS OF THE DEAD leads the layperson into the world of forensic science with skill and precision, never elucidating above the reader's potential understanding nor talking down in a condescending manner. Instead, Beckett allows the reader to feel a part of the investigation. In fact, most readers will find themselves jumping to conclusions, identifying possible suspects and second-guessing themselves throughout the book. This kind of interaction with the tale creates an engaging experience with an excellently written book.