Beckett’s Chemistry of Death adapted for screen

“The Chemistry of Death”, an adaptation of author Simon Beckett’s first two novels, has been optioned by Paramount and will be available to watch on Paramount+ later this month.

Beckett’s crime fiction thrillers, The Chemistry of Death and Written in Bone, which are published by Bantam, chronicle the work of forensic anthropologist Dr David Hunter, a retired English police investigator who is drawn back into his old profession following a mysterious and gruesome murder.

“After a mutilated body turns up in the woods, the local police unexpectedly ask David to help solve the murder case,” the synopsis reads. “Despite the painful memories this awakens in him, David agrees to work for the police again. The investigation leads him to a small Hebridean island, where he becomes involved in a case that is bigger than himself – and which is soon to put his life in danger.”

The series stars Harry Treadaway as Hunter. Following the tragic loss of his family, he builds a new existence in the small English village of Manham, working as a family doctor together with Dr Henry Maitland, played by Lucian Msamati.

Beckett said: “The last time I was in Norfolk I was researching for The Chemistry of Death. Now I’ve come back here to see the series being made, which is quite strange, but also a really good feeling.”

Produced in the UK by Cuba Pictures / Nadcon, in association with Paramount, the six-part series will air weekly on streaming service Paramount+ from Thursday 19th January 2023. Executive producer for the series is Richard R Clark with Matt Carver, Dixie Linder, Nick Marston and Peter Nadermann. The script was written by Sukey Venables Fisher.

The cast also includes Amy Nuttal, Katie Leung, Jeanne Goursaud, Nick Blood, David Hayman and Hardy Krüger Jr.