Diagnosis Death (Prescription for Trouble, Book 3) [Paperback]

Richard L. Mabry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2011

2011 RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award Finalist

The threatening midnight calls followed Dr. Elena Gardner from one city to another, prolonging her grief. Even worse, they are echoed by the whispers of her own colleagues. Whispers that started after her comatose husband died in the ICU . . . then another mysterious death during her training. When a third happens at her new hospital, the whispers turn into a shout: “Mercy killer!”

Why doesn’t she defend herself? What is the dark secret that keeps Elena’s lips sealed?

Two physicians, widowers themselves, offer support, telling Elena they know what she is going through after the death of her husband. But do they? And is it safe to trust either of them with her secret? Soon Elena will find that even when the world seems to be against her, God is for her, if she'll only trust him.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Personal drama and spooky circumstances permeate this third and final installment of the physician-author's "Prescription for Trouble" series. When her husband is taken off life support in the hospital where she works, Elena Gardner becomes a grieving widow who must still perform her duties as doctor. A procedural blip complicates the circumstances of her husband's death and, to make matters worse, the emotionally devastated Gardner cannot recall her actions at the time of his death. Did she pull the plug on her husband? Her colleagues seem understanding, but when another patient in her care mysteriously dies, the hospital staff become suspicious. All the while, Gardner gets cryptic, threatening phone calls that follow her even when she relocates to Texas. Is Gardner at the center of these mercy killings or is someone close to her trying to sully her name? Mabry (Medical Error) crafts a tight medical drama that will have readers guessing. For fans of the gory, gritty details of patient trauma and hospital gossip, this book certainly will be an enjoyable page-turner. (Apr.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Richard L. Mabry, MD, is a retired physician and medical school professor who achieved worldwide recognition as a clinician, researcher and teacher before turning his talents to non-medical writing after his retirement.

He is the author of four published novels of medical suspense. One of them, Medical Error, was a finalist for the 2011 Carol Award of the American Christian Fiction Writers. His most recent novel and final in the Prescription for Trouble series, is Lethal Remedy.

Richard and his wife live in North Texas, where, when he’s not writing or trying to improve his golf game, he stays busy being the world’s best grandfather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426710216
• ISBN-13: 978-1426710216
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (78 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,483 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a retired physician, who got into non-medical writing after the death of my first wife with my book, THE TENDER SCAR: LIFE AFTER THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE. I'm gratified that it continues to help those who have lost a loved one.

From that point, I moved into writing fiction. Thus far I've had four novels of medical suspense published: CODE BLUE, MEDICAL ERROR, DIAGNOSIS DEATH, and LETHAL REMEDY. The second and third books listed were named finalists for the ACFW Carol Award and Romantic Times' Best Inspirational Novel respectively.

My next book, due out in early 2013 from Thomas Nelson Publishers, carries the working title of STRESS TEST. I hope you'll watch for it.

I recently completed a term as Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers and am a proud member of the International Thriller Writers and the International Crime Writers Association.

When I'm not writing, I'm busy being a husband and grandfather, working on my golf game, and doing the hundred-and-one other things that retired people do. I'm busier now than I ever was while in practice--and loving it.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 88 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Diagnosis Death April 4, 2011

By N. Wills

Format:Paperback

This book is the third in a series. However, this was the first one that I read. Thankfully, the author did such a superb job that I did not feel lost or like I was missing something.

Having worked in the medical field since the late 80s, I can be a little overly critical of medical dramas and mysteries. I know what is possible and what is just over the top. This book was so well written that I enjoyed every minute and can honestly say that there were no head shaking moments because of medical errors. Since the author is a physician himself, he was able to accurately write this story. Yet, he doesn't bog the reader down with over use of medical terminology. I know many of my friends who get frustrated by not knowing what things mean. This book will surely not cause that type of frustration in the reader.

This was a fast paced thriller that I did not want to put down at all. I kept me on edge. The few times that I had to put it down, I was just itching to run over and pick it back up. I just had to find out what happened next.

You can see the book trailer at Diagnosis Death on Animoto.

In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable but somewhat implausible August 9, 2011

By christianfictionaddiction

Format:Paperback

Dr. Elena Gardner is trying to finish up her residency in the wake of her husband's death after he was taken off of life support. When suspicious details surface about who took not only her husband but also a similar patient off of their life support, Elena begins to question whether she is responsible for something she cannot recall. Cryptic, midnight phone calls further add to her torment. Elena must discover what is going on or she stands to risk to lose everything she's worked so hard for.

This third offering in the Prescription for Trouble series provides an entertaining ride for those who love reading medical-based thrillers. The author kept the plot moving quickly with new twists and turns, and the medical details were fascinating. The characters were realistically portrayed with human struggles that made them easy to relate to, such that I found myself getting upset on their behalf at the sense of injustice at the situation. I did find some parts of the mystery as they were resolved in the end to be a tad implausible, and for that reason I give this book only a mild recommendation of 3 out of 5 stars. However, I am looking forward to reading future works from this author who definitely appears to be growing in their craft.

This review is based on an electronic copy provided by the publisher via netgalley for the purpose of completing this review.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars medical mystery lovers April 1, 2011

By emontressor

Format:Paperback

Anyone who loves medical mysteries will enjoy this book. I found this a quick and enjoyable read, Elena, the main character, evokes readers' empathy as she struggles with the death of her husband and the similar deaths that seem to follow her even after moving to a new town. The similarity of these deaths to her husbands, combined with the fact that she can't remember her own actions at the time of his death, raise suspicions. Is someone out to frame her or is she unconsciously committing mercy killings.