Scent of death - Simon Beckett

'A superbly strong read' The Times What began as a straightforward case is about to become a twisted nightmare .

Once a busy hospital, St Jude's now stands derelict, awaiting demolition.

When a partially mummified corpse is found in the building's cavernous loft, forensics expert Dr David Hunter is called in to take a look.

He can't say how long the body's been there, but he is certain it's that of a young woman.

And that she was pregnant.

Then part of the attic floor collapses, revealing another of the hospital's secrets: a bricked-up chamber with beds inside.

And some of them are still occupied.

And it soon becomes clear that St Jude's hasn't claimed its last victim .

Chilling, visceral and masterfully paced, Simon Beckett's new crime thriller will leave you gasping.