The Institution by Helen Fields (Avon Books)

Could you survive in an insane asylum full of criminals?

A scream breaks the silence in a locked ward in the world's highest-security prison hospital. The next morning, a nurse's body is discovered, and the unborn daughter is kidnapped. Not only was it a horrible crime, but fetal abduction is one of the most heinous crimes that can only be committed by a truly insane and sadistic individual. A ransom must be paid, and time is running out. 

Dr. Connie Woolwine is a forensic profiler known for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. Now she must go deep undercover among the most deranged and dangerous men on the planet to find the girl - before it's too late.

But, as the walls close in around her, will Connie be able to catch the killer before The Institution does? Profiling in the outside world when other people are conducting an investigation and you get the time and space to immerse yourself in all the facts is one thing, but here, assessing and assimilating as you go, keeping your guard up all the time.

The Institution is as much a prison for the people working there as it is for those they care for.

Thrilling with true terror, a sense of claustrophobia, and gloom. Cinematic, with vivid characters all the way through.

Love it.

4/5