The Scent of Death

Dr. David Hunter returns in this sixth installment of Simon Beckett's forensic anthropology series, set entirely in London. Called to examine a mummified body in an abandoned hospital, Hunter faces a complex investigation when additional remains are discovered in a hidden room. The investigation centers on St. Jude's Hospital, a derelict building with a dark past. As Hunter works to uncover the truth behind the bodies showing signs of torture, he must navigate both the physical dangers of the crumbling structure and the mounting tension between key figures connected to the case. The novel combines forensic detail with an atmospheric urban setting, marking a departure from the rural locations of previous Hunter novels. Through alternating scenes of clinical examination and mounting suspense, the story explores themes of institutional corruption and the lasting impact of past crimes on present-day events.

Readers describe this as a solid police procedural that maintains suspense throughout, with strong forensic details that reflect Beckett's research. The pacing picks up significantly in the second half. Liked: - Detailed forensic procedures and investigation techniques - Complex relationships between characters - Quality of the writing, particularly scene descriptions - The cold case aspect interwoven with present-day crimes Disliked: - Slow start with too much backstory in first 100 pages - Some readers found the ending rushed - Several plot threads left unresolved - Main character David Hunter's personal life overshadows the investigation at times Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.4/5 (3,100+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) "The forensics are fascinating but never gratuitous," notes one Amazon reviewer. Another mentions "the atmospheric writing creates a real sense of dread" while a Goodreads review criticizes "too many coincidences in the final act."

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🔍 The novel is part of the acclaimed Dr. David Hunter series, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and been translated into 29 languages. ⚕️ St. Jude's Hospital setting draws on London's real history of abandoned Victorian-era hospitals, several of which have become urban exploration sites. 🔬 Author Simon Beckett developed his forensic knowledge by attending a body farm in Tennessee, where he studied decomposition processes firsthand. 📚 While previous books in the series took place in rural settings, this is the first Dr. Hunter novel set entirely in London, marking a significant shift in the series' atmosphere. 🏆 Beckett's forensic thriller series has earned him multiple awards, including the Raymond Chandler Society's "Marlowe" Award and has been praised by forensic anthropologists for its accuracy.