The Scent of Death cover art

The Scent of Death

Harry Treadaway is Dr David Hunter: the darkly compelling new TV series ‘The Chemistry of Death’ – streaming now on Paramount+

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The Scent of Death

By: Simon Beckett
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

* Don't miss 'THE CHEMISTRY OF DEATH' TV SERIES - debuts on Paramount+ on 19 Jan 23 *

Based on The Chemistry of Death and Written in Bone - starring Harry Treadaway as Dr David Hunter

Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Scent of Death written by Simon Beckett, read by Jonathan Keeble.


It's been a good summer for forensics expert Dr David Hunter. His relationship is going well and he's in demand again as a police consultant. Life is good.

Then a call comes from an old associate: a body has been found, and she'd like Hunter to take a look.

The empty shell of St Jude's Hospital now stands awaiting demolition, its only visitors society's outcasts, addicts and dealers. A partially mummified corpse has been discovered in the hospital's cavernous loft, but not even Hunter can say how long it's been there. All he knows for sure is that it's the body of a young woman. And that she was pregnant.

But the collapse of the loft floor reveals another of the hospital's secrets. A sealed-off chamber, still with beds inside. Some of them occupied...

For Hunter, what began as a straightforward case is about to become a twisted nightmare that threatens everyone around him. And as the investigation springs more surprises, one thing is certain.

St Jude's hasn't claimed its last victim . . .

With its viscerally authentic forensics, menacing atmosphere and nerve-shredding tension, Simon Beckett's new crime thriller will leave you gasping.

Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedurals Suspense Thriller & Suspense Crime Fiction

Critic reviews

Simon Beckett’s sixth novel featuring the forensic anthropologist David Hunter is arguably his best . . . a superbly strong read. (Marcel Berlins)
Beckett's masterful storytelling and macabre forensic details make his novels utterly chilling reads. (TESS GERRITSEN)
All stars
Most relevant
Well worth a listen, had me gripped throughout, and as always beautifully read by Jonathan Keeble.

Gripped...

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Very good read I have fits so Audible books are so good cos I can listen intead and you picture what the characters are like

S ent of death

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Excellent listen, good storyline and first class narration . One question why did Dr Hunters girlfriend suddenly have an Australian accent?

Excellent

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Brilliant JK excellent as usual enjoyed story Look forward to next book will reread this book again

Excellent

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All the classic ingredients of a Hunter novel:
1. Forensic anthropologist plays dumb at opportune moments with the key thought "something niggled at me, a thought just out of reach.." or "a vague thought I just couldn't grasp".
2. Private police consultant does all the things police tell him not to..
3. Man trained to recognise key skull features completely unable to recognise faces...until he needs to.

You get the idea. I've listened to all his books and I do like them but I also really hope the next one gets more original. This plot was too predictable because Hunter does whatever the most inappropriate thing is. In this book that gets a little jarring and I think, if you weren't familiar with the character, borders on the unbelievable at times.

Still, a decent book for die hard fans and I'm still looking forward to the next one.

Keeble is, as ever, an hugely talented narrator.

Dr Hunter at it again!

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