The scalpel goes down. The gown is discarded. The chatter stops. Heads turn expectantly.
'Well, Doc, what happened? Have we got a murder on our hands?'
For more than 30 years, bodies have been Dr Marie Cassidy's business. The lucky ones have died peacefully in their own beds, surrounded by loved ones. But that's not always the case.
In her international bestseller, Marie invites us into the world of forensic pathology and her remarkable personal journey, from working-class Glasgow to being Ireland's head pathologist for nearly 15 years.
Involved in the most high-profile cases in the country, Marie shares the intricate processes central to solving modern crime, inviting you to go beyond the tape.
Follow her onto the scene of the crime and walk in her footprints - but don't touch anything. Remember, every contact leaves a trace . . .