Sharp Scratch

'A brilliant and darkly compelling thriller, with a genuinely creepy mix of mystery, psychology and murder.' - S. D. Sykes, author of Plague Land 'A dazzling new voice in crime fiction. Taut, twisty and addictive. Martine Bailey is one to watch.' - Louisa Treger, author of Madwoman Five candidates. One job. A killer prepared to murder their way to the top. Salford, 1983. Lorraine Quick is a single mother, a member of a band going nowhere fast, and personnel officer at the grim Memorial Hospital. A new general manager position is being introduced, and Lorraine's recent training in the cutting-edge science of psychometric testing will be pivotal. As the profiles start to emerge, a chilling light is cast on the candidates. When a lethal dose of anaesthetic is deliberately substituted for a flu vaccine, and a second suspicious death quickly follows, it is clear a killer is at workin the hospital. Can Lorraine's personality tests lead her to the murderer?

Martine Bailey studied English Literature while playing in bands on the Manchester music scene. She qualified in psychometric testing and over her career, assessed staff for a top security psychiatric hospital and dealt with cases of sexual abuse and violence. Having written historical crime fiction, Bailey's writing has jumped to a modern setting. She lives in Chester.