The Scent Of Death is a fantastically gripping, fast paced and addictive read. I found myself unable to put the book down, turning the pages faster and faster as I desperately wanted to find out more. It was one of those books that when I wasn’t reading I was constantly thinking about it and wondering when I could fit a few more pages in!

The deserted hospital creates a wonderfully creepy and unpredictable setting that gives the reader the impression that anything could happen at any minute. I found myself holding my breath everytime Hunter enters the hospital wondering what was going to happen next and from where. The lack of light in the hospital increases this impression further as there are lots of dark corners where anything could be discovered.

The characters are all fabulous creations and well developed through the book, with the wide range of characters helping to make the story believable. I liked the main character Hunter who seemed to be a very capable pathologist who’s had a bit of a hard life up until now. The author includes bits of his life outside of the police investigation so that the reader can get to know his character almost personally. I felt this really added to the story as sometimes I was able to predict how he was going to react before he did.

There is some fantastic forensic details in this book, which while a bit graphic at times, I found utterly fascinating. The author manages to include details about the clues and processes used to help determine cause of death without ever seeming to lecture the reader or doubt their intelligence which made for very interesting reading. I think I know more about flies and their role in decay then I ever have in my life!

This book is incredibly fast paced with lots of different story lines to keep the reader glued to the page. There always seemed to be something happening or a feeling that something was which made it difficult to put down as there was no obvious place to stop! I found myself trying to hide away from the kids to read a bit more or, to their delight, offering them their tablets so I could read a tiny bit more always a sign of a fantastic book!

This is actually the 4th book in the series but I feel it could easily be read as a standalone, as I have read it, as anything you need to know is explained. However I’m very excited to have found a new series to enjoy so I will definitely be going back to devour the rest soon!

Huge thanks to Hayley from Transworld publishers for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book which I received in exchange for an honest review. If you like fast paced, intelligent crime thrillers then you need to read this book!

I always look forward to the new David Hunter book. He’s a great, quirky character. But most of all, I like to read about all the new forensic techniques out there that he uses to help solve crimes. It’s always an interesting read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an advance copy of The Scent of Death, the sixth novel to feature forensic anthropologist Dr David Hunter.

When a mummified body is found in the loft of St Jude’s, a hospital scheduled for demolition, Dr David Hunter is called in to examine the remains. Unfortunately these are not the only ones found as two more bodies are discovered in a sealed room under the loft floor. This is only the start of a dangerous investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Scent of Death which is another exciting addition to an excellent series. I wouldn’t call it a complicated read as it is extremely easy to follow but there is a lot going on, so I imagine that Mr Beckett spent a good few hours on his plotting and it shows as it all fits together well and most of his twists come as a surprise, except perhaps the last one which was a bit obvious. The opening chapters with the discovery of the bodies is an attention grabber and after that the novel never lets up with plenty of action, personality clashes and an unusual solution. It held my attention from start to finish.

The novel is narrated in the first person by David Hunter so the reader gets to live events with him. I don’t know about this as he seems to me to be such a neutral character I never feel particularly close to him. Yes he gets angry and riled up but he never lets rip or expresses any kind of schadenfreude when those that wish him harm get their just deserts. It’s all a little too controlled for my liking. Having said that he’s a decent, brave and occasionally impulsive man which is to be admired.

The Scent of Death is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

While I'm unfamiliar with the rest of the David Hunter books (just purchased them after finishing this!) it was easy to get into The Scent of Death and I was upset when I reached the end. Tense, thrilling and brilliantly written. 5/5!

An enjoyable read but enough of the grace storyline. This one seemed to drag at first but eventually picked up.