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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's clear a killer is at work in the hospital. Can Lorraine's personality tests lead her to the murderer?
'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's clear a killer is at work in the hospital. Can Lorraine's personality tests lead her to the murderer?
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2024
6 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Martine Bailey
9Ìýbooks131ÌýfollowersMartine is a writer and keen reader who enjoys crime, mysteries and the gothic. After writing four acclaimed historical novels she has created a chilling new crime series comprising Sharp Scratch and Isolation Ward, both set in northern England in the 1980s.
After studying English Literature while playing in bands on the Manchester music scene she worked as a hospital personnel officer and qualified in psychometric testing. Over her career she assessed staff for Ashworth top security psychiatric hospital and completed an MSc on the ‘Psychic Prisons� that can trap medical staff in negative behaviours.
Martine’s debut, An Appetite for Violets, takes sharp-witted cook Biddy Leigh on a murderous trip to Italy. Fay Weldon described its mix of crime, gastronomy and history, as a new genre, the ‘culinary gothic�. It was a Booklist top ten crime fiction debut of the year. The Penny Heart (A Taste for Nightshade in the US) is a Sunday Times Best Summer Read that draws on cooking, trickery and revenge. The stars, riddles and murder align in The Almanack, a historical mystery featuring fifty authentic riddles. In its sequel, The Prophet, destiny and murder weave an intricate web around Tabitha’s new life.
Martine’s influences include Ruth Rendell, Sarah Waters and the gothic tradition. She is married with one son and lives in Chester, UK.
Follow Martine at:
After studying English Literature while playing in bands on the Manchester music scene she worked as a hospital personnel officer and qualified in psychometric testing. Over her career she assessed staff for Ashworth top security psychiatric hospital and completed an MSc on the ‘Psychic Prisons� that can trap medical staff in negative behaviours.
Martine’s debut, An Appetite for Violets, takes sharp-witted cook Biddy Leigh on a murderous trip to Italy. Fay Weldon described its mix of crime, gastronomy and history, as a new genre, the ‘culinary gothic�. It was a Booklist top ten crime fiction debut of the year. The Penny Heart (A Taste for Nightshade in the US) is a Sunday Times Best Summer Read that draws on cooking, trickery and revenge. The stars, riddles and murder align in The Almanack, a historical mystery featuring fifty authentic riddles. In its sequel, The Prophet, destiny and murder weave an intricate web around Tabitha’s new life.
Martine’s influences include Ruth Rendell, Sarah Waters and the gothic tradition. She is married with one son and lives in Chester, UK.
Follow Martine at:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 3, 2024
It's a good mystery but the blurb made me think of Kind Hearts and Coronets even if there's not a lot of humour and Alec Guiness.
It's dark, twisty and a good representation of how carreer dynamics can push someone to the border and lose any moral.
I enjoyed it as it''s well plotted and well written.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's dark, twisty and a good representation of how carreer dynamics can push someone to the border and lose any moral.
I enjoyed it as it''s well plotted and well written.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 22, 2024
Intense thriller read!
Its been a minute since ive read a historical thriller but Martine definitely know how to write one. Once I started this book I found myself knee deep in the mystery and unable to look away. While you may find yourself a bit confused at the start I urge you to keep going because it definitely starts to make sense the deeper and deeper into the book you get.
I loved the layout of this novel! The questions at the Strat of each chapter were super fun and really had me wanting to go from chapter to chapter to see what was going to be next. The author does an amazing job of building tension through out this book and many times I felt like I was in this thriller until I sat back and realised I was in fact reading the book. For this being my first novel by this author I was blown away and would love to read more by them in the future!
Its been a minute since ive read a historical thriller but Martine definitely know how to write one. Once I started this book I found myself knee deep in the mystery and unable to look away. While you may find yourself a bit confused at the start I urge you to keep going because it definitely starts to make sense the deeper and deeper into the book you get.
I loved the layout of this novel! The questions at the Strat of each chapter were super fun and really had me wanting to go from chapter to chapter to see what was going to be next. The author does an amazing job of building tension through out this book and many times I felt like I was in this thriller until I sat back and realised I was in fact reading the book. For this being my first novel by this author I was blown away and would love to read more by them in the future!
February 16, 2024
I am afraid I did not enjoy reading this book. I was very confused by the beginning and the actions of the main character, Lorraine. I felt the plot lacked depth in order to become understandable. It was a difficult book to read in my opinion, or perhaps I just regretably didn't engage with the characters and the plot.
February 18, 2024
DNF at 20%. I struggled to follow the plot and get into the story. I loved the way each chapter started with a psychological or personality type question. Some real signs of promise but a little slower than your typical thriller
January 15, 2024
decent thriller. did not like any of the characters but that worked well. thanks for the arc, would recommend
January 26, 2024
I loved this murder mystery. Set in 1980’s Salford, the author took you right there with plenty of appropriate references to set the scene. These were born either of good research or personal experience. The plot was suitably tortuous, with plenty of red herrings and twists and turns. The main characters were easy to identify with and realistic. There was a love interest, but there were no rose tinted lenses here, they liked each other but it wouldn’t work out. There was plenty here to describe the state of the nhs in an inner city hospital, an institution that needed modernising but with many dedicated staff. It was interesting to see the start of psychometric testing, something that we now take for granted in many parts of industry. All in all, an enjoyable read with much to take from it.
January 20, 2024
Dnf @ 30%
This is a very boring story. I tried reading more and actually finishing the story because I received this as an ARC, but I can't bear the boredom. It has a psychometric question every chapter and the chapter revolves around that trait.
It is the 80s and they just found out about personality tests. So the head detective in the murder case has decided to ask a suspect of the case (she's the protagonist but that doesn't mean she's not an unreliable narrator) to give all suspects a personality test and find out the killer. She is just learning about the tests in college. She is not an expert. But somehow, she's qualified to find out the killer by handing out a bunch of questions. Smart detective (insert eye roll).
At this point, I had given up on the novel. It failed to draw my attention to it so far. I didn't have high hopes for the future.
This is a very boring story. I tried reading more and actually finishing the story because I received this as an ARC, but I can't bear the boredom. It has a psychometric question every chapter and the chapter revolves around that trait.
It is the 80s and they just found out about personality tests. So the head detective in the murder case has decided to ask a suspect of the case (she's the protagonist but that doesn't mean she's not an unreliable narrator) to give all suspects a personality test and find out the killer. She is just learning about the tests in college. She is not an expert. But somehow, she's qualified to find out the killer by handing out a bunch of questions. Smart detective (insert eye roll).
At this point, I had given up on the novel. It failed to draw my attention to it so far. I didn't have high hopes for the future.
March 9, 2024
NOTE: I received an advanced copy of this book from Allison and Busby via Netgalley
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's clear a killer is at work in the hospital. Can Lorraine's personality tests lead her to the murderer?
A dark, twisty thriller of murder, psychology/psychopath. Mysterious but rather slow storyline. Strong FMC role. Was quite an analytical read that kept you thinking right the way through, although there was no real direction to the storyline. I wanted to not finish this book but carried on just to see how it ended
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's clear a killer is at work in the hospital. Can Lorraine's personality tests lead her to the murderer?
A dark, twisty thriller of murder, psychology/psychopath. Mysterious but rather slow storyline. Strong FMC role. Was quite an analytical read that kept you thinking right the way through, although there was no real direction to the storyline. I wanted to not finish this book but carried on just to see how it ended
February 23, 2024
All my reviews can be found at
Lorraine Quick doesn’t really enjoy her job as a Personnel Officer at the Memorial Hospital in Salford. But it’s a means to an end whilst she and her band hold out for their big break. Plus, as a lone parent, she needs to support her young daughter. And despite the tedious nature of her role, it brings in a steady income. Offered the opportunity to train in psychometric testing, Lorraine accepts despite realising that it means time away from her daughter. And it’s another string to her bow at work, of course. Something that will always be useful in her role. When Lorraine’s friend and colleague dies suddenly from a deadly dose of anaesthetic, staff at the hospital realise there is a killer in their midst. When a second death follows shortly afterwards, everyone becomes a suspect. Luckily, following instruction from the Government, all of the top managers at the hospital are vying for the coveted General Manager role and are due to undergo a psychometric test as part of the recruitment process. Will Lorraine be able to use her new-found skills to work out which of her colleagues is the killer�?
Sharp Scratch is a slow-burn mystery from debut crime author Martine Bailey set in the early 1980s when Margaret Thatcher was in power. I really wanted to love this book as the premise revolves around Fpsychometric testing, which I find really intriguing (there was also a brief period in my life where I was drawn to studying Human Resources � don’t worry, it passed!). A test knows more about you than you know yourself! And that’s why our protagonist, Lorraine, agrees to undergo the training. Perhaps it will fill in the blanks in her life, show her that just because she doesn’t fit in with her colleagues at the hospital, that maybe there is a group or organisation out there where she can be her true self. Lorraine is particularly affected by the first death as Rose, the victim, was a work-friend who Lorraine knew wanted to share something with her. Sadly they never get the chance to have that chat. It’s also hard for Lorraine to ignore that the infection control nurse who delivered the fatal dose of anaesthetic gave Lorraine a flu jab only moments before. A close call, to say the least! The unexpected death brings the police into the hospital. There’s a dash of chemistry between Lorraine and DS Diaz which bubbles along throughout the book. Diaz sees himself as very knowledgeable on all of the latest crime fighting techniques making their way to the UK from the FBI in the US. Psychometric testing also piquing his interest which is what brings the two characters together. Diaz pushes for Lorraine to share the results of the test but Lorraine, understandably, is reluctant to do this.
Would I recommend this book? This is a tough one. If you’re a reader who enjoys a story that moves at a slower pace then there’s every chance you will enjoy this book. Normally, that would be me but for some reason this book was too slow for even my tastes. It took me longer than usual to read it. I also felt the characters were unlikeable and flat. Again, unlikeable characters would normally be ticking the boxes for me but Lorraine and DS Diaz, they didn’t inspire me to return to the book. The other thing I just couldn’t get my head around was how dated the book felt. Yes, it’s set in the early 1980s so you would expect a degree of that but if you had told me that it had been written over forty years ago, then I wouldn’t be surprised. There were a few unexpected twists but they happened so late in the story that I just couldn’t get excited about the turn of events. However, just because I wasn’t a fan of Sharp Scratch doesn’t mean you won’t be. I’m sure this book will find its audience and they will savour the 80s references and wonderful nostalgia which the author has so meticulously included.
Lorraine Quick doesn’t really enjoy her job as a Personnel Officer at the Memorial Hospital in Salford. But it’s a means to an end whilst she and her band hold out for their big break. Plus, as a lone parent, she needs to support her young daughter. And despite the tedious nature of her role, it brings in a steady income. Offered the opportunity to train in psychometric testing, Lorraine accepts despite realising that it means time away from her daughter. And it’s another string to her bow at work, of course. Something that will always be useful in her role. When Lorraine’s friend and colleague dies suddenly from a deadly dose of anaesthetic, staff at the hospital realise there is a killer in their midst. When a second death follows shortly afterwards, everyone becomes a suspect. Luckily, following instruction from the Government, all of the top managers at the hospital are vying for the coveted General Manager role and are due to undergo a psychometric test as part of the recruitment process. Will Lorraine be able to use her new-found skills to work out which of her colleagues is the killer�?
Sharp Scratch is a slow-burn mystery from debut crime author Martine Bailey set in the early 1980s when Margaret Thatcher was in power. I really wanted to love this book as the premise revolves around Fpsychometric testing, which I find really intriguing (there was also a brief period in my life where I was drawn to studying Human Resources � don’t worry, it passed!). A test knows more about you than you know yourself! And that’s why our protagonist, Lorraine, agrees to undergo the training. Perhaps it will fill in the blanks in her life, show her that just because she doesn’t fit in with her colleagues at the hospital, that maybe there is a group or organisation out there where she can be her true self. Lorraine is particularly affected by the first death as Rose, the victim, was a work-friend who Lorraine knew wanted to share something with her. Sadly they never get the chance to have that chat. It’s also hard for Lorraine to ignore that the infection control nurse who delivered the fatal dose of anaesthetic gave Lorraine a flu jab only moments before. A close call, to say the least! The unexpected death brings the police into the hospital. There’s a dash of chemistry between Lorraine and DS Diaz which bubbles along throughout the book. Diaz sees himself as very knowledgeable on all of the latest crime fighting techniques making their way to the UK from the FBI in the US. Psychometric testing also piquing his interest which is what brings the two characters together. Diaz pushes for Lorraine to share the results of the test but Lorraine, understandably, is reluctant to do this.
Would I recommend this book? This is a tough one. If you’re a reader who enjoys a story that moves at a slower pace then there’s every chance you will enjoy this book. Normally, that would be me but for some reason this book was too slow for even my tastes. It took me longer than usual to read it. I also felt the characters were unlikeable and flat. Again, unlikeable characters would normally be ticking the boxes for me but Lorraine and DS Diaz, they didn’t inspire me to return to the book. The other thing I just couldn’t get my head around was how dated the book felt. Yes, it’s set in the early 1980s so you would expect a degree of that but if you had told me that it had been written over forty years ago, then I wouldn’t be surprised. There were a few unexpected twists but they happened so late in the story that I just couldn’t get excited about the turn of events. However, just because I wasn’t a fan of Sharp Scratch doesn’t mean you won’t be. I’m sure this book will find its audience and they will savour the 80s references and wonderful nostalgia which the author has so meticulously included.
February 22, 2024
'Sharp Scratch' is the debut crime novel form Martine Bailey after her series of historical novels
Set in 1980s Salford, where Lorraine Quick is a working class single mother living in a condemned council flat in the middle of a rundown part of town with her young daughter Jasmine. Lorraine works as personnel officer in Memorial Hospital, a large city establishment, and also in a punk band in her spare time. She is keen to embrace new technologies of psychometric testing to help with her role. The results of the psychometric tests will be used by senior staff to find a new hospital manager to lead the hospital in a radical new direction so she is being rushed to pass her exams in order to help the hospital out. The five department heads are all being considered for this prestigious new role; Lorraine's insights into their personality style and management traits will be a key part of the decision making.
When a key member of the hospital staff is found murdered following a routine inoculation, all five candidates are potential suspects; can Lorraine use her knowledge from the psychometric tests to find out the killer.
Each chapter starts with a psychometric question at the outset, which I enjoyed thinking about, and as you learn more about each of the five candidates, you can guess what they might have put. Its interesting to think of a time when tests like these were seen as new fangled and unwelcome as they are so common now, but the sense of distrust and disgruntlement is palpable. 'Sharp Scratch' captures the clash of old world attitudes against new approaches, both in the NHS reform and with the varying approaches of the police officers investigating the murder.
There's a real sense of time and place, with the streets and rundown town centre of Salford being brilliantly described, as well as the hospital itself. It does feel like another world, with the characters using communal pay phones to contact their friends, cooking food on a fire inside a range, as well as the working styles so remote from what we take for granted now, with endless paper records for everything that are stored all over the country. I liked the background detail of the hospital redesign being as a result of Margaret Thatcher’s decision to review the NHS and how this was meant to move the service in a more modern direction..
The book does need some concentration and I actually started again after 30 pages as I was losing my way: but I’m really glad that I did, it merits the effort and attention taken to read it and is well worth sticking with.
Set in 1980s Salford, where Lorraine Quick is a working class single mother living in a condemned council flat in the middle of a rundown part of town with her young daughter Jasmine. Lorraine works as personnel officer in Memorial Hospital, a large city establishment, and also in a punk band in her spare time. She is keen to embrace new technologies of psychometric testing to help with her role. The results of the psychometric tests will be used by senior staff to find a new hospital manager to lead the hospital in a radical new direction so she is being rushed to pass her exams in order to help the hospital out. The five department heads are all being considered for this prestigious new role; Lorraine's insights into their personality style and management traits will be a key part of the decision making.
When a key member of the hospital staff is found murdered following a routine inoculation, all five candidates are potential suspects; can Lorraine use her knowledge from the psychometric tests to find out the killer.
Each chapter starts with a psychometric question at the outset, which I enjoyed thinking about, and as you learn more about each of the five candidates, you can guess what they might have put. Its interesting to think of a time when tests like these were seen as new fangled and unwelcome as they are so common now, but the sense of distrust and disgruntlement is palpable. 'Sharp Scratch' captures the clash of old world attitudes against new approaches, both in the NHS reform and with the varying approaches of the police officers investigating the murder.
There's a real sense of time and place, with the streets and rundown town centre of Salford being brilliantly described, as well as the hospital itself. It does feel like another world, with the characters using communal pay phones to contact their friends, cooking food on a fire inside a range, as well as the working styles so remote from what we take for granted now, with endless paper records for everything that are stored all over the country. I liked the background detail of the hospital redesign being as a result of Margaret Thatcher’s decision to review the NHS and how this was meant to move the service in a more modern direction..
The book does need some concentration and I actually started again after 30 pages as I was losing my way: but I’m really glad that I did, it merits the effort and attention taken to read it and is well worth sticking with.
February 22, 2024
This book ticked so many boxes for me - medical thriller, retro vibes (set in the 80s with some flashbacks to the 60s), northern setting (Salford), strong, independent female protagonist, psychology.
The opening chapter from the point of view of our mystery narrator provides a chilling introduction to the story. The settings were expertly described, and I loved the description of Christie's 'treatment room' and room 7. Bailey’s writing is evocative, and the pace is perfect. The tension builds deliciously over time, and the more we learn, the more questions are raised.
Lorraine is a perfectly flawed and likeable character. She's a tough cookie but shows vulnerability, too. The depiction of 1980s workplace politics and sexism is uncomfortable, as is the economic climate and Lorraine’s personal situation as a single parent in unsuitable housing. Lorraine’s band is a welcome subplot and adds interest as well as some intrigue in the later part of the book.
The narrator/killer and Christie dynamic is exquisitely executed, dark, and fascinating. There was one scene with sister Ince that really evoked a sense of fear and dread.
There were many threads to the story that were meshed together and gradually became apparent. Eric / Rikki's story was fascinating, and I thought he was cleverly constructed together as a character.
Each chapter begins with a question form.the psychometric test that Lorraine is being trained to administer, and they are relevant to the body of the chapter, which works really well.
The whole time I was reading, I didn't want to stop, and I would definitely read it again. Chilling, thrilling, disturbing, and interesting, Sharp Scratch is an intelligent, well researched novel that draws on the author's experience. Bailey is definitely an author to put on your radars - a fantastic read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The opening chapter from the point of view of our mystery narrator provides a chilling introduction to the story. The settings were expertly described, and I loved the description of Christie's 'treatment room' and room 7. Bailey’s writing is evocative, and the pace is perfect. The tension builds deliciously over time, and the more we learn, the more questions are raised.
Lorraine is a perfectly flawed and likeable character. She's a tough cookie but shows vulnerability, too. The depiction of 1980s workplace politics and sexism is uncomfortable, as is the economic climate and Lorraine’s personal situation as a single parent in unsuitable housing. Lorraine’s band is a welcome subplot and adds interest as well as some intrigue in the later part of the book.
The narrator/killer and Christie dynamic is exquisitely executed, dark, and fascinating. There was one scene with sister Ince that really evoked a sense of fear and dread.
There were many threads to the story that were meshed together and gradually became apparent. Eric / Rikki's story was fascinating, and I thought he was cleverly constructed together as a character.
Each chapter begins with a question form.the psychometric test that Lorraine is being trained to administer, and they are relevant to the body of the chapter, which works really well.
The whole time I was reading, I didn't want to stop, and I would definitely read it again. Chilling, thrilling, disturbing, and interesting, Sharp Scratch is an intelligent, well researched novel that draws on the author's experience. Bailey is definitely an author to put on your radars - a fantastic read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 19, 2024
An interesting debut with an unusual format. Each chapter starts with a psychometric testing question and result, then the content of the following chapter has some relationship to the question. Set in Salford in 1983 the main character is personnel officer and single Mum Lorraine Quick who works in Salford Memorial Hospital and in her spare time is member of a not very successful girl band. I was an HR manager myself in 1983 so am very aware of the psychometric tools in use at that time. However, I did find reading these, before each chapter, broke up the fluidity of the story and I stopped reading them about 20% in and it was so much smoother.
Briefly, it’s the Thatcher era and the hospital has a number of internal candidates in line for the new top job being created as part of Thatcher’s vision for change in the NHS. Lorraine is expected to facilitate and mark the tests but she hasn’t completed her training yet! However, before the testing date a member of staff is killed with a lethal injection and Lorraine is convinced that one of the candidates is responsible.
This was a bit confusing at the beginning but it’s definitely worth continuing with it. Detective Sergeant Diaz is investigating the murder and he is also interested in psychometric testing which is being used effectively in criminal investigations by the FBI. The twists and turns were excellent and I changed my mind about the killer a number of times and the big reveal was a complete shock. An enjoyable read.
Briefly, it’s the Thatcher era and the hospital has a number of internal candidates in line for the new top job being created as part of Thatcher’s vision for change in the NHS. Lorraine is expected to facilitate and mark the tests but she hasn’t completed her training yet! However, before the testing date a member of staff is killed with a lethal injection and Lorraine is convinced that one of the candidates is responsible.
This was a bit confusing at the beginning but it’s definitely worth continuing with it. Detective Sergeant Diaz is investigating the murder and he is also interested in psychometric testing which is being used effectively in criminal investigations by the FBI. The twists and turns were excellent and I changed my mind about the killer a number of times and the big reveal was a complete shock. An enjoyable read.
February 22, 2024
Sharp Scratch is the first book in a promising new thriller series from author Martine Bailey. Set in the 1980s and the northern town of Salford, the first book in the series follows single mother Lorraine Quick, a personnel officer, whose job it is to use new advanced scientific psychometric testing to work out the best candidate for an upcoming hospital manager role.
However, her skills in this testing area are required by Detective Sergeant Diaz when a member of staff is murdered by a lethal dose of anaesthetic instead of the flu vaccine. DS Diaz wants Lorraine to help her catch the killer using Lorraine’s training in psychometric testing.
The plotline was intriguing and I loved that at the start of each chapter, the author has written a psychometric question for you to ask yourself (though this isn’t in any way scientific, just a bit of fun). The chapters are short and snappy keeping the pace quick and making the book feel quite edgy and tension-filled.
Being from Manchester, a city besides Salford, and having lived through the 1980s the book provided a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me. I was a big fan of the character of Lorraine who as a single mother wanted so much better for her life and her child’s and yet stuck her neck out to help with the investigation. The other characters in the book I had less feelings about and some I completely disliked.
Sharp Scratch is an entertaining murder mystery crime thriller. It felt dark and gritty and I raced through it in just a couple of days. If you like chilling reads then grab yourself a copy of this book.
However, her skills in this testing area are required by Detective Sergeant Diaz when a member of staff is murdered by a lethal dose of anaesthetic instead of the flu vaccine. DS Diaz wants Lorraine to help her catch the killer using Lorraine’s training in psychometric testing.
The plotline was intriguing and I loved that at the start of each chapter, the author has written a psychometric question for you to ask yourself (though this isn’t in any way scientific, just a bit of fun). The chapters are short and snappy keeping the pace quick and making the book feel quite edgy and tension-filled.
Being from Manchester, a city besides Salford, and having lived through the 1980s the book provided a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me. I was a big fan of the character of Lorraine who as a single mother wanted so much better for her life and her child’s and yet stuck her neck out to help with the investigation. The other characters in the book I had less feelings about and some I completely disliked.
Sharp Scratch is an entertaining murder mystery crime thriller. It felt dark and gritty and I raced through it in just a couple of days. If you like chilling reads then grab yourself a copy of this book.
January 13, 2024
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Allison & Busby via NetGalley.
In 1983 Salford, Lorraine Quick, juggling her roles as a single mother, a member of a stagnant band, and Personnel Officer at Memorial Hospital, faces a turning point. Margaret Thatcher's vision for the NHS introduces a General Manager position, thrusting Lorraine into the pivotal role of selecting the right candidate. Armed with her recent training in psychometric testing, Lorraine becomes a key player in this era of change.
However, the winds of transformation bring more than just bureaucratic shifts. A dark force lurks within the hospital as a flu vaccine is intentionally replaced with a lethal dose of anaesthetic, unearthing a sinister plot. Lorraine, straddling the realms of hospital administration and a perplexing murder, focuses her suspicions on those vying for the coveted General Manager role. Can the answers to unraveling this mystery be found in the results of the personality tests she administers?
The confusing beginning set the tone for the entire book, making it a challenging read that ultimately failed to deliver a compelling and coherent story. The plot lacked coherence, and it felt disjointed, making it challenging to engage with the narrative. The story seemed to drag on without a clear direction. While the premise held promise, the execution fell short, leaving me struggling to connect with the story.
I did not like Lorraine as a character. I was confused about her motivations and found her actions inconsistent. I was not rooting for her at all.
In 1983 Salford, Lorraine Quick, juggling her roles as a single mother, a member of a stagnant band, and Personnel Officer at Memorial Hospital, faces a turning point. Margaret Thatcher's vision for the NHS introduces a General Manager position, thrusting Lorraine into the pivotal role of selecting the right candidate. Armed with her recent training in psychometric testing, Lorraine becomes a key player in this era of change.
However, the winds of transformation bring more than just bureaucratic shifts. A dark force lurks within the hospital as a flu vaccine is intentionally replaced with a lethal dose of anaesthetic, unearthing a sinister plot. Lorraine, straddling the realms of hospital administration and a perplexing murder, focuses her suspicions on those vying for the coveted General Manager role. Can the answers to unraveling this mystery be found in the results of the personality tests she administers?
The confusing beginning set the tone for the entire book, making it a challenging read that ultimately failed to deliver a compelling and coherent story. The plot lacked coherence, and it felt disjointed, making it challenging to engage with the narrative. The story seemed to drag on without a clear direction. While the premise held promise, the execution fell short, leaving me struggling to connect with the story.
I did not like Lorraine as a character. I was confused about her motivations and found her actions inconsistent. I was not rooting for her at all.
January 17, 2024
Martine Bailey’s skill in bringing the past to life takes a brilliant new turn with Sharp Scratch, which evokes the gritty reality of a 1980s northern city with the brooding tension of Manchester’s post-punk finest. In the corridors of a run-down hospital on the cusp of change, Lorraine, a single mum and a personnel officer who hates her job and would rather be playing with her band, is trained in the new techniques of psychometric testing, which piques her interest. She is learning the techniques to help with the selection of candidates for a new General Manager for the hospital, but when a colleague is murdered, her new-found skills prove useful, as Detective Sergeant Diaz, who is investigating the murder, is also interested in the pioneering use of personality testing for police investigations. Each chapter is headed with an appropriate question from the test, which is a great touch.
The cast of characters, from the hospital staff to Lorraine’s band mates, as well as Diaz and his grumpy, old-school boss, are brilliantly drawn. The plot is gripping, with plenty of twists and turns, and the novel has a dark atmosphere, full of tension. The 1980s backdrop is authentic and a real plus.
I understand this is the first in a series, and look forward to seeing more of Lorraine, a really relatable character.
An excellent read � I was gripped from the first to last psychometric question!
The cast of characters, from the hospital staff to Lorraine’s band mates, as well as Diaz and his grumpy, old-school boss, are brilliantly drawn. The plot is gripping, with plenty of twists and turns, and the novel has a dark atmosphere, full of tension. The 1980s backdrop is authentic and a real plus.
I understand this is the first in a series, and look forward to seeing more of Lorraine, a really relatable character.
An excellent read � I was gripped from the first to last psychometric question!
January 17, 2024
I so wanted to enjoy this debut crime novel more than I did. Set in Salford in 1983, it follows Lorraine, a single mother and part-time musician who works as a personnel manager at Memorial Hospital. Lorraine is being trained in psychometric testing to select the successful candidate for the new General Manager position, introduced as part of Thatcherite reforms to the NHS. But when one of her colleagues is murdered, she wonders if the information she gathers will be useful for more than just recruitment. Martine Bailey writes very well, and Sharp Scratch feels completely authentic; drawing on her own personal experience, Bailey brings to life the NHS of the 1980s and the grim world that Lorraine inhabits. Indeed, this feels almost as if it could have been written in the 1980s, reminding me of early crime novels by greats such as Val McDermid and PD James, and that might be the problem: it's dated, despite not even being out yet. Despite all there is to admire about Sharp Scratch, I struggled with its lack of direction and pace, and found that I simply didn't care who the murderer was. This may be a matter of taste, but I just didn't want to spend any longer in this world than I had to. It's a shame to see Bailey is writing a sequel, as I'd love to see her try something completely different; she's clearly a talented writer. DNF @ 40%. 2.5 stars.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
January 17, 2024
A blast from the 80’s set in Salford , England.
Thatcherite reforms to the National Health Service , psychometric testing in its infancy and early references to criminal profiling.
I think if the book had been written in the 80’s then it would have had more appeal. It’s gushing enthusiasm for psychometric testing seemed strange for a murder novel and I soon stopped reading the example questions at the start of each chapter.
However lurking underneath was a good whodunnit murder mystery which I enjoyed reading. There were strong hints as to who the culprit could be but I looked forward to finding out all the details at the end and had no trouble reading the whole book, but the starts to each paragraph were irritating even though I had stopped reading them. I also speed read/skipped some long diatribes about testing and personality profiles.
Lorraine works in Human Resources in a rundown hospital that is about to appoint a new general manager and is tasked with learning about psychometric testing and using this to help select the best candidate. But there is a murder and all the candidates are suspects. Lorraine does not think that the police are looking in the right direction and tries to get to the bottom of things.
I found the ending satisfying.
Thanks Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an ARC of this book.
Thatcherite reforms to the National Health Service , psychometric testing in its infancy and early references to criminal profiling.
I think if the book had been written in the 80’s then it would have had more appeal. It’s gushing enthusiasm for psychometric testing seemed strange for a murder novel and I soon stopped reading the example questions at the start of each chapter.
However lurking underneath was a good whodunnit murder mystery which I enjoyed reading. There were strong hints as to who the culprit could be but I looked forward to finding out all the details at the end and had no trouble reading the whole book, but the starts to each paragraph were irritating even though I had stopped reading them. I also speed read/skipped some long diatribes about testing and personality profiles.
Lorraine works in Human Resources in a rundown hospital that is about to appoint a new general manager and is tasked with learning about psychometric testing and using this to help select the best candidate. But there is a murder and all the candidates are suspects. Lorraine does not think that the police are looking in the right direction and tries to get to the bottom of things.
I found the ending satisfying.
Thanks Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an ARC of this book.
January 18, 2024
Tucked within this book is quite a good story - a hospital personnel officer dealing with difficult colleagues and then several murders, trying to unravel if the culprit is walking among them. However the whole thing is totally spoiled by the author's belief that she should use the book to air her knowledge of psychmetric testing. We are 'treated' to sample questions and answers at the beginning of every chapter, which immediately break the flow of the story. Even worse, the author has chosen to make all the chapters short (presumably to fit in as many tests as she can) so the whole story becomes disjointed - you are just following one set of events when it abruptly ends and the reader is catapulted into something else, totally unrelated.
The story itself is quite interesting, seeing hospital life in the 80s and the attitudes and prejudices of that time, particularly over the appointment of a new general manager. Because of the need to keep the identity of some characters a secret, in order to work the plot, I didn't feel any actually became flesh and blood other than Lorraine. She was an interesting person, torn between her life on stage and her work life, as well as caring for her daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself is quite interesting, seeing hospital life in the 80s and the attitudes and prejudices of that time, particularly over the appointment of a new general manager. Because of the need to keep the identity of some characters a secret, in order to work the plot, I didn't feel any actually became flesh and blood other than Lorraine. She was an interesting person, torn between her life on stage and her work life, as well as caring for her daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 22, 2024Sharp Scratch
It’s 11am on Monday 14th March 1983 when Lorraine conducts 3 tests with the candidates applying for the General Manager role. One of them being a personality test. We know that the results are probabilities not certainties, but will there be any red flags?
“We all carry a shadow�
Set just over a month in Salford, this crime fiction novel gave me a locked-room mystery feeling. It was great not to have mobile phones mentioned, something that we can’t get away from these days!
“Remember to light your candle before being led into the woods�
I really appreciated the author’s note at the start to set the scene, which made for easy reading. It had the perfect amount of characters for me. I did have a good go at guessing who I thought the culprit was but didn’t quite get it right!
“There are no rules in a murder case�
Although a work of fiction, Sharp Scratch was inspired by Martine Baileys career in the NHS working in Personnel and her training in psychometric testing.
“Make your shadow your friend�
If you enjoyed Helen Field’s The Institution, I think you’d enjoy this!
“If you want to live your life fully, go and experience it to the full�
Thank you @allisonandbusby @martinebaileywriter for this copy and for having me on the blog blast 🩷 Sharp Scratch is published today!
It’s 11am on Monday 14th March 1983 when Lorraine conducts 3 tests with the candidates applying for the General Manager role. One of them being a personality test. We know that the results are probabilities not certainties, but will there be any red flags?
“We all carry a shadow�
Set just over a month in Salford, this crime fiction novel gave me a locked-room mystery feeling. It was great not to have mobile phones mentioned, something that we can’t get away from these days!
“Remember to light your candle before being led into the woods�
I really appreciated the author’s note at the start to set the scene, which made for easy reading. It had the perfect amount of characters for me. I did have a good go at guessing who I thought the culprit was but didn’t quite get it right!
“There are no rules in a murder case�
Although a work of fiction, Sharp Scratch was inspired by Martine Baileys career in the NHS working in Personnel and her training in psychometric testing.
“Make your shadow your friend�
If you enjoyed Helen Field’s The Institution, I think you’d enjoy this!
“If you want to live your life fully, go and experience it to the full�
Thank you @allisonandbusby @martinebaileywriter for this copy and for having me on the blog blast 🩷 Sharp Scratch is published today!
August 12, 2024
This is set in 1983, and follows the story of Lorraine Quick, working in HR as she is a single mum needing to provide for her young daughter. She's also a member of a band.
When the hospital decides it wants to appoint a new manager, they turn to Lorraine to utilise the psychometric testing she's been studying to find the best candidate. Then her best friend dies when she goes for a flu jab.
Each chapter starts off with a test question, the answers and what they meant. I thought this was cool at first but soon just wanted to read the story.
Although the 80s don't feel like that long ago, (83 is the year I was born 🤣) the difference between then and now is vast in terms of policing and how the NHS worked.
I was completely drawn into this story from the beginning and couldn't wait to find out what happened. It felt like a completely different world and was at the cozier end of the Crime fiction scale. Riaz the detective was great, and the creepiness factor was present throughout. Some great twists and secrets and I love the way the author made an incredible reveal about something I'd almost forgotten about. The use of criminal psychology added a really authentic layer but was also used as a tool to cleverly lead you down dark alleys.
I hope Martine writes more set in this era. I would absolutely read them.
When the hospital decides it wants to appoint a new manager, they turn to Lorraine to utilise the psychometric testing she's been studying to find the best candidate. Then her best friend dies when she goes for a flu jab.
Each chapter starts off with a test question, the answers and what they meant. I thought this was cool at first but soon just wanted to read the story.
Although the 80s don't feel like that long ago, (83 is the year I was born 🤣) the difference between then and now is vast in terms of policing and how the NHS worked.
I was completely drawn into this story from the beginning and couldn't wait to find out what happened. It felt like a completely different world and was at the cozier end of the Crime fiction scale. Riaz the detective was great, and the creepiness factor was present throughout. Some great twists and secrets and I love the way the author made an incredible reveal about something I'd almost forgotten about. The use of criminal psychology added a really authentic layer but was also used as a tool to cleverly lead you down dark alleys.
I hope Martine writes more set in this era. I would absolutely read them.
February 17, 2024
I received an advanced copy of a book from Allison and Bushy, and I would like to share my thoughts about it in more detail.
The book's format was unique and engaging as it involved the reader with questions in each chapter. This made the reading experience interactive and kept me interested. Additionally, the chapters were brief and to the point, which made the pace of the book fast and exciting.
The main character, Lorraine, is complex and not always likable, but she was portrayed as a strong female character, which was refreshing to see. It took me a little while to get used to the format of the book, but once I did, I found it thoroughly enjoyable and kept me guessing.
One aspect of the book that stood out to me was Rick's chapter. I felt sorry for him as he was definitely in over his head. It was interesting to see how he navigated through his challenges.
The only downside of the book was that the middle section slowed down the narrative a bit. However, it was still an intriguing read overall.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and engaging reading experience.
The book's format was unique and engaging as it involved the reader with questions in each chapter. This made the reading experience interactive and kept me interested. Additionally, the chapters were brief and to the point, which made the pace of the book fast and exciting.
The main character, Lorraine, is complex and not always likable, but she was portrayed as a strong female character, which was refreshing to see. It took me a little while to get used to the format of the book, but once I did, I found it thoroughly enjoyable and kept me guessing.
One aspect of the book that stood out to me was Rick's chapter. I felt sorry for him as he was definitely in over his head. It was interesting to see how he navigated through his challenges.
The only downside of the book was that the middle section slowed down the narrative a bit. However, it was still an intriguing read overall.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and engaging reading experience.
March 15, 2024
Set in an NHS hospital in 1980s Salford and Personnel officer and single mum Lorraine Quick is juggling a busy life. As well as trying to find a comfortable home for herself and her daughter and fitting in gigs with her punk band, she is also faced with a potential killer among the short list for the newly introduced general manager role. With a newly acquired skill in psychometric testing, she tries to use this knowledge to unveil the potential killer before she herself becomes their target. The descriptions of 1980’s NHS hospitals feels authentic and I enjoyed the psychometric “test questions� at the start of each chapter. My main criticism is that the title didn’t really do the book justice.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
April 21, 2024
Creepy psychological page-turner
I really enjoyed this twisty story set in the NHS back in the 1980s. Hospitals can be rather creepy places and this story exploits our primal fears and the power that medical professionals can exploit. Mixing psychology and murder, we follow Lorraine, a personnel officer in Salford, as she tries to catch a killer using her personality tests. We get an idea of the personality traits in the tests (and our own reactions) with the different questions that open each chapter. This is a very original read that had me gripped until the final, surprising revelation of who the murderer is.
Highly recommended to crime book lovers!
I really enjoyed this twisty story set in the NHS back in the 1980s. Hospitals can be rather creepy places and this story exploits our primal fears and the power that medical professionals can exploit. Mixing psychology and murder, we follow Lorraine, a personnel officer in Salford, as she tries to catch a killer using her personality tests. We get an idea of the personality traits in the tests (and our own reactions) with the different questions that open each chapter. This is a very original read that had me gripped until the final, surprising revelation of who the murderer is.
Highly recommended to crime book lovers!
February 14, 2024
The plot of this novel is cryptic, but moves very slowly, making it a dark and twisty thriller about a psychopathic murder. I appreciated that the main character was a powerful female. was a really analytical book that had you thinking the entire time, even if the plot had no clear direction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allison &Busby for the copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allison &Busby for the copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
March 14, 2024
This is something quite different from other novels I have read, at the beginning of each chapter is a psychometric testing question, the way the candidate answers is meant to give the interviewer some idea of the candidates personality, the chapter that follows that question is supposed to show some relationship to the question and the answer given.
It’s 1983, Salford, Manchester. Personnel officer Lorraine Quick, is a single mum, who works at Salford Memorial Hospital, she hates her job but needs the money, she would rather be playing with her unsuccessful girl band which she does in her spare time. Lorraine has just done a quick course on psychometric testing although she hasn’t taken her exams in it yet, so how is she meant to mark the tests without finishing the course first. But this is what she has been told to do as a new General Manager job comes up and one of five candidates could get that job. But could someone be prepared to kill to get that job? But before the testing date a member of staff is killed with a lethal injection, it was only meant to be a flu jab and Lorraine was due to have hers next. The dead person, Rose, had asked Lorraine if she could have a chat with her after the injections, she had clearly been upset about something, could this have been why she was killed? Or was it just coincidence. Lorraine had been friends with Rose their children got on with each other.
Initially I found the questions at the beginning a little confusing, and there are quite a number of characters the work in and out of the hospital environment. But once you get about a quarter of the way in the story begins to draw you in, the more you read the more questions you have. Detective Sergeant Diaz is in charge of the investigation, he is also interested in psychometric testing which has been used by the FBI.
There are a number of twists and turns which will have you guessing and then guessing again. Despite the slow start I highly recommend you keep going because the pace soon picks up and you become completely engaged in the story. There are some great characters, some good some not so good. The novel is dark and full of tension, the 1980’s setting is perfect for the plot. As this is book one in a series it will be interesting to see what comes next. I highly recommend you give this a go, definitely worth it.
Thank you to @allisonandbusby for my ARC of this book and for inviting me to take part in the #Blogblast.
It’s 1983, Salford, Manchester. Personnel officer Lorraine Quick, is a single mum, who works at Salford Memorial Hospital, she hates her job but needs the money, she would rather be playing with her unsuccessful girl band which she does in her spare time. Lorraine has just done a quick course on psychometric testing although she hasn’t taken her exams in it yet, so how is she meant to mark the tests without finishing the course first. But this is what she has been told to do as a new General Manager job comes up and one of five candidates could get that job. But could someone be prepared to kill to get that job? But before the testing date a member of staff is killed with a lethal injection, it was only meant to be a flu jab and Lorraine was due to have hers next. The dead person, Rose, had asked Lorraine if she could have a chat with her after the injections, she had clearly been upset about something, could this have been why she was killed? Or was it just coincidence. Lorraine had been friends with Rose their children got on with each other.
Initially I found the questions at the beginning a little confusing, and there are quite a number of characters the work in and out of the hospital environment. But once you get about a quarter of the way in the story begins to draw you in, the more you read the more questions you have. Detective Sergeant Diaz is in charge of the investigation, he is also interested in psychometric testing which has been used by the FBI.
There are a number of twists and turns which will have you guessing and then guessing again. Despite the slow start I highly recommend you keep going because the pace soon picks up and you become completely engaged in the story. There are some great characters, some good some not so good. The novel is dark and full of tension, the 1980’s setting is perfect for the plot. As this is book one in a series it will be interesting to see what comes next. I highly recommend you give this a go, definitely worth it.
Thank you to @allisonandbusby for my ARC of this book and for inviting me to take part in the #Blogblast.
October 6, 2024
I enjoyed the concept of this novel, that you could take the test along with characters.
I didn't realise until the end how much was the truth, excellent twists and turns, and at one point I was thinking "why"?
I didn't realise until the end how much was the truth, excellent twists and turns, and at one point I was thinking "why"?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this as an audiobook. The narrator was great and I really enjoyed the plot. Whilst you could see where the story was going there were still some nice twists at the end. I enjoyed the questions at the start of each chapter too... A nice touch.
March 29, 2024
A generous 3 stars.
Didn't really take to this although I acknowledge that it's an original format.
Just found it over long and struggled to follow the story.
Didn't really take to this although I acknowledge that it's an original format.
Just found it over long and struggled to follow the story.
April 6, 2024
Read it as it our book club's choice for April. Not my kind of thing, really didn't enjoy it at all. Your mileage may vary.
July 11, 2024
A gripping page turner. Carefully constructed. Loved the blend of psychology and culture and NHS drawn from the authors own experiences.
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