Simon Beckett is a British journalist and author. Born on April 20, 1960, Beckett is renowned for his crime series featuring forensic anthropologist Dr. David Hunter. His books have sold 21 million copies worldwide, enjoying particular success in Germany and Scandinavia.

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

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

Beckett is married and lives in Sheffield. He is the author of six novels, with his second David Hunter book, Written in Bone, further solidifying his reputation as a master of the crime genre.