Diagnosis: Death Review and Giveaway!

I had the pleasure of reading Dr. Richard Mabry's fiction brand of "Medical Suspense with Heart" for the first time with his book Diagnosis: Death, which released on April 1st from Abingdon Press.

Here is a description from Amazon:

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.

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. It was glaringly clear that the author has first-hand experience in the medical field. I learned lots of little medical tidbits and caught a glimpse into the fascinating world of hospital politics.

My clinical mind began to wonder about what was going on with Elena, and why she was unable to remember her actions at certain times, far before diagnosable symptoms like fugue state began to pepper the book. Of course, I grew really, really interested when that happened, and the pages kept turning faster. The subject matter isn't something covered in many novels I've come across. I appreciated the medical side of the discussion, and it rounded out my understanding of the scientific under-workings of the mind.

I also appreciated the romantic elements in the book. Given that Elena had recently lost her husband at the start of the book, there is a lot of active grieving she is still undergoing. Her suitors, also widowers and familiar with loss of a spouse, understand this and give her space, which was nice to read. Given the nature of her husband's death not being a sudden tragedy but a more languid one, it's entirely feasible for Elena to begin seeking friendships--if not something more--with other men, so that was well done.

Plus, it's just good suspense. You're kept wondering what in the world is going on and who is out to pin these deaths on Elena until the end. You won't be disappointed!

One lucky commenter will win either a printed copy or .pdf copy of Dr. Mabry's book--your choice. Just leave a comment below and you're entered: 2 entries for followers of this blog and one entry for non-followers. A winner will be chosen on Saturday from the lower 48 states. Good luck!

You can connect with Dr. Mabry on his website or Random Jottings blog.


Don't miss your chance to win Roseanna White's newest release, Jewel of Persia! Click here!