Customer Reviews

Race for the Dying: A Novel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Having read and enjoyed the whole Posadas County ouvre, it was wonderful to find that Steve has found a new and convincing voice. I loved it.

In 1891 new Dr. Thomas Parks leaves his Connecticut home to practice medicine in Port McKinney, Washington with family friend Dr. John Haines. However, upon arrival in the Pacific Northwest town, he is in a near fatal accident that leaves him temporarily in a wheelchair while he heals.

His host's daughter Alvina helps him recover. They are attracted to one another, but Thomas fears John runs a successful mail order elixir peddling business. Meanwhile Thomas finds western medicine means flexibility as he is a vet, a surgeon, a family practitioner and a coroner-medical examiner.

Far away in time and place from Posadas County, Steven F Havill provides a terrific cautionary historical tale that focuses on the late nineteenth century thriving mail order medical business with implications of similar Internet practices today. The story line is fast-paced from the moment the new Englander almost gets killed and never slows down as Thomas adapts to the expanded expectations by the locals and his fears his mentor is making money performing unethical practices; adding to his qualms is he is falling in love with his host's daughter. Fans will enjoy this fine Americana tale as retired Under-sheriff Bill Gastner and current Under-sheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman take a breather.

Harriet Klausner

I found this a bit of a slow starter but grew more interested as the story developed. Interesting view of medical practice and quackery in the late 19th century. I also knew little of the Northwestern history shown in this book. I didn't find the characters as engaging as those in Posadas County, however.

He is a master at his craft and again proves it well. This is a change from the New Mexico Undersheriff Bill Gastner and Chief Deputy Guzman. This novel is about a young physican who moves west to work with well respected Dr. John Haines who also has a lovely daughter. But alas, all is not as it seems in the Pacific North West. Dr. Haines associates with several snake oil salesmen and his clinic falls far short of pictures and hype. Dr Parks is determined to practice medicine to the best of his ability, with integrity, and honesty. All involved are not as honest as he and there is much double dealing, death and deception going on in the background. The medical details seen highly accurate and this is an engrossing mystery. Well worth the read.