Simon Beckett is a British journalist and author. His books, particularly the crime series around forensic anthropologist Dr. David Hunter, have sold 21 million copies worldwide, achieving significant success in Germany and Scandinavia.

After earning an MA in English, Beckett spent several years as a property repairer before teaching in Spain. Upon returning to the UK, he played percussion in several bands. He has been a freelance journalist since 1992, writing for major British publications such as The Times, The Independent on Sunday Review, The Daily Telegraph, and The Observer.

In 2002, he visited the Body Farm in Tennessee as part of an article on the National Forensic Academy. This experience inspired his internationally bestselling novel The Chemistry of Death, which was shortlisted for the CWA's Duncan Lawrie Dagger and has been translated into 21 languages. Beckett, who is married, resides in Sheffield.