Hey, everyone. No, it’s not Tuesday but since I had a tour stop yesterday, I decided to delay my book review post one day.
This week’s review is a medical thriller, something I don’t often read. The author also mixes in an amateur sleuth, so there’s an element of mystery. She also delves into the question of end-of-life care. Interested? Read on.
Blurb
When her elderly patients start dying at home days after minor surgery, anesthesiologist Dr. Kate Downey wants to know why. The surgeon, not so much. “Old people die, that’s what they do,” is his response. When Kate presses, surgeon Charles Ricken places the blame squarely on her shoulders. Kate is currently on probation, and the chief of staff sides with the surgeon, leaving Kate to prove her innocence and save her own career. With her husband in a prolonged coma, it’s all she has left.
Aided by her eccentric Great Aunt Irm, a precocious medical student, and the lawyer son of a victim, Kate launches her own unorthodox investigation of these unexpected deaths. As she comes closer to exposing the culprit’s identity, she faces professional intimidation, threats to her life, a home invasion, and, tragically, the suspicious death of someone close to her. The stakes escalate to the breaking point when Kate, under violent duress, is forced to choose which of her loved ones to save—and which must be sacrificed.
My Review
Despite working in healthcare, I haven’t read a lot of medical thrillers. I learned of Fatal Intent through a BookBub recommendation, so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did.
The author is an anesthesiologist, and her knowledge of the medical scenario shows. Being familiar with the procedures when unanticipated deaths occur, I can attest.
The book is well-written and suspenseful enough to have kept me turning the pages. The only reason I give this book four stars rather than five is a few areas where I questioned the lead character violating HIPAA laws. Otherwise, it’s a great story and I would read this author again.
Joan Hall 
I wonder how often this sort of thing happens and goes unnoticed? We had a nurse in Atlantic Canada who did much the same: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Wettlaufer
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There have been a few similar cases in Texas. One nurse who was killing children. This happened in the ‘70s and 80s. Fortunately it’s rare.
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Good review! Aunt Irm sounds like a riot, in fact, it sounds like Euliano has put together a whole cast of fun characters.
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I loved Aunt Irm. I’d love to see her in future books.
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I will have to check into this, Joan. Sounds like a good read.
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It was, Denise. A quick read too.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book, Joan. Most likely someone not in the medical field wouldn’t pick up on the HIPAA violation. 🙂 Sounds like an intriguing read!
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I doubt they would, Jan. Hard for me to separate from my everyday world. 🙂
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Good review, Joan. Thanks for sharing. I guess a little research would have prevented the HIPPA violations.
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Right, John. And there is a fine line in this case.
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You would know the lawes too.
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Joan, your review sparks my interest. As a retired RN, I love anything medical whether fact or fiction. I will check this book out. Thanks!
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You’d probably like it, Karen. I admit I got a little excited when I read certain terms. The author knows her stuff when investigations are needed.
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Well this sounds suitably creepy, Joan. And geesh, this woman sounds like being related (or married) to her is the kiss of death! Gleep. Adding it to my list. And thanks for the review! 🙂
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Certainly her patients. But she was totally innocent.
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Haven’t read a medical based story in quite a while. Sounds intriguing.
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It was.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the book, Joan. Other than the hiccup you mentioned, it’s sounds like you found it well worth reading. I have found so many good books through BookBub recommendations and ads. I just love BB!:)
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I love BookBub and have found several books through them. There is a fine line with HIPAA and crime investigation. Toward the end, yes she was justified. Most readers wouldn’t notice, but it’s sometimes hard for me to separate from my day job.
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Thank you for sharing your review, Joan. It sounds like a compelling read.
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It was, Gwen. And she kept me guessing.
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This sounds really good! Thanks for the great review, Joan.
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It was an enjoyable and easy read.
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I love the book cover! Great review, Joan. Thanks for sharing. Also, thanks for clarifying it’s not Tuesday. I got confused for a moment, lols … doesn’t take much in a morning these days!😂🙂
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Harmony, I stay confused! LOL.
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😂
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With four of my family in the medical profession – not me! – our family is always interested in medical things, but I can’t remember the last time I read a medical thriller. Hospitals are perfect settings for crime with patients completely at the mercy of others… this book sounds like one I would enjoy.
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I enjoyed it, Janet. Probably the reason I don’t read a lot of medical thrillers is because of my job. I need an escape. 🙂
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