Customer Reviews

Harmful Intent

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've read a few RC's now, and while so far they've all been pretty good reads, I want mention that this one is outstanding. His stories are about normal, intelligent (is intelligence that normal these days?) people who are thrown into a web of intrigue and danger. This one stands out because of the suspenseful climax of the novel that is extended over the last 80 or so pages. Really well done.

The plot is straightforward and the reader is made privy to the criminal mind/methods of the perpetrator fairly early on, so readers who want to play Sherlock Holmes might not find this story very statisfying. The reader is given ample clues to see what's going on if care is given to detail.

I found it a bit unbelievable that the innocent doctor doesn't recognize many of the same clues himself. For a highly educated man he seems a bit on the "slow" side and seems more than a little careless, but maybe that can be chalked up to the incredible stress he is under while trying to save himself.

The compelling element to the book is the horrifying realization that this could be a real-life story--the unthinkable is not impossible and not even that difficult. Unnerving, to say the least!

but this abridgement is the poorest that I have ever heard or read. There were many elements left out of the story, including some that were mentioned on the cover! With all the missing elements of the story, I'm sure there were nuances that were totally missed, leaving just a fair story with no build up or satisfying resolution. What remained was a "B" grade short story, making me very cautious to ever buy another abridgement. If you like Robin Cook, and want to hear this audio book, I strongly suggest you listen to the unabridged version. It most definitely has to be much better!!

I've read Robin Cook books since I was a teenager and this really reminds me of those great vintage Cooks I used to gobble up back then. Once I discovered him I was completely immersed in the world of medical thrillers, surprisingly they make for great reads, if you like books, have a bit of interest in science that is easy to understand, no worries about fancy jargon, then look no further, once you start this genre it's hard to stop.

The main character is a good guy with a bit of bad luck that turns against him in the worst way possible. Anesthesia isn't fast or easy, but when a healthy, young pregnant patient suffers from a grand mal seizure and dies, all eyes are on you. Jeffrey was having one of those days, the worst thing possible happens on a day that sends shock waves through all the layers of his life, in a moment everything seemed to collapse and not only is there a death, but punishment that will follow, both leave Jeffrey a man on the run. He decides to do the opposite of what is supposed to happen, he goes out to prove his innocence and earn back his freedom. Taking a huge risk, he dodges the law and in turn is followed by a nasty bounty hunter who gives him the worst chases of his life but only to find an enemy so weird, evil and cold hearted that his freedom suddenly seems a higher price to pay than he could have imagined. The book starts and doesn't stop, the thrills, chases, close calls, some funny moments and plenty of suspense kept me glued to the story, it was hard not to read it, once started it begged to be completed.

Reading this book was a lot of fun, just when I thought that Jeffrey had it hard, something else would come barging in, shaking up everything making me say things out loud. Fast and fun, it really is what good reading is all about, taking a trip somewhere, being taken prisoner and left breathless until the ending finally releases you exhausted but ready for more.

- Kasia S.

The novel Harmful Intent by Robin Cook takes place in Brooklyn, New York in 1989. It is about a doctor accused of malpractice, who becomes a fugitive of the law, while trying to solve a medical conspriracy that has lead several doctors to suicide.

The main character, Jeffery Rhodes, is an anesthesiologist, who was leading a normal life, except his impending divorce, until one of his patients died and he was charged with murder of the second degree.

With cops looking for him, along with a bounty hunter, he must quickly uncover the truth before he is thrown in jail.

Throughout the novel Rhodes learns pieces of the mystery, which only add to more confusion. When he discovers that a toxin might be involved, he must discover who is committing the acts and the motive.

Jeffery takes jobs at several hospitals doing housekeeping, as he planned to go through documents of employees, with the aid of his former colleague's wife, Kelly. He finds names of people who have worked at hospitals where events similar to that which happened to Rhode's, lead doctors to suicide. The only problem is finding out which name belongs to the killer.

He believes that one person on the list must be the person committing the crimes. With his wife encouraging divorce, and him dodging bullets and attempting to flee the country, Rhodes realizes the only way to win is to find who ever is behind this and prove, somehow, that he is not involved, but no matter where he goes people are after him, trying to bring him in to the police.

In one scene, Rhodes goes to the suspect's apartment to search for evidence leading to his innocence. Unaware that the owner is on his way up, he must run out on the fire escape and jump from beuilding to building, trying to loose him. With no proof at all he decides to blackmail the man with pictures he had retrieved from his bedroom. Little does he know, the man has a different plan up his sleeve.

This novel shows how you should never give up in what you believe in. No matter if everyone is against you, you should continue to fight until you prove your innocence.

Yet another great novel from the best doctor-turned-novelist in all history. It could only be Robin Cook. Will this Robin Cook phenomona ever end?! I sure hope not! Of all his great books this one takes the cake. The story of an anesthesioligist on the run to learn the truth. with help from Kelly, an old friend of his, they uncover a medical conspiracy! You'll never guess the ending.

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was great; However, the ending left a lot to be desired. This was the first R.Cook novel I ever read and I was not dissapointed. Harmful Intent was suspense at its best.

If you liked "The Fugitive" with Harrison Ford, you will like this book. Very suspenseful.

There's crooks and then there's real deviousness in white collar crime. This is one ride you won't forget. Think about what Shakespeare said about lawyers, not to mention the Bible. Scary story, but as always, Cook takes you for a great ride.

This was the first Robin Cook book that I read and it got me hooked. I've read many of his books. Unfortunately, many of his books have similar plot themes. Nevertheless, this book was fantastic. He has a suspenseful way of writing and medically, is accurate. You will enjoy this book, especially if you have a medical background (although I don't think it is necessary).