THE MEDICAL CODE

by Sophy Smythe

In the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in Antwerp, Belgium, Doctor Charlotte Martens receives an urgent late-night call from her friend who is a member of the European Medicines Agency. The next day Charlotte learns that her friend was violently murdered and that she herself is now the prime suspect. Because the police find a baffling code beside the murder victim, Charlotte enlists the help of an investigative journalist. She and the journalist discover that her murdered friend was about to expose a conspiracy of fraud and corruption within the pharma industry involving the government, certain reputable doctors and even the European Medicines Agency. With both the police and the murderer closing in on them, Charlotte and the journalist must stay alive long to find the hard evidence necessary to bring down a faceless pharma company that will clearly stop at nothing to protect their secret network. In an exhilarating blend of adventure, cutting wit and actual facts, doctor Charlotte Martens is a controversial figure to appear in the first book of intriguing fact-thrillers, where facts and fiction blur. The medical Code is surprising at every twist, unpredictable in every turn and in astonishing in the end.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2021

About the author

Sophy Smythe is the author of fast-paced thrillers that explore the dark intersection of medicine, technology, and power.
A former doctor with a background in the medical industry, Smythe’s work is known for blending emotional depth with scientific accuracy and cinematic tension. Her breakout novel, The Medical Code, has been praised for its chillingly realistic take on unethical research in healthcare and global pharmaceutical corruption.
In her upcoming thriller, The Troublemaker (October 9, 2025), Doctor Charlie Martens thinks exposing tainted medicine would save lives. Instead, it triggered a conspiracy that might end hers.
Sophy lives in Antwerp with her two dogs, and a stack of FOIA files. She is currently working on The Hellraiser, the next installment in her medical thriller universe.
For readers who enjoy Dan Brown, Robin Cook, and smart thrillers with a conscience.

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Reviews

[Sophy Smythe]

Dear reader,

I really enjoyed writing this story as it's based on my experience as a medical doctor. Though it's totally fiction of course. The facts and fiction blur into a fast pacing mystery-thriller. It's a mix. So - what I hear from readers - both mystery and thriller readers like it and you keep wondering what is true and what isn't. Well... spoiler alert... my real friend is still alive and kicking and sadly, yes, doctors still prescribe anti-depressants to teenagers.
I hope to hear your thoughts.

[Azwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining

Surprising crime novel, with some unexpected twists. Good and believable plot in present-day setting. Good read for weekends or summer holidays