Tag Archives: medical suspense fiction

Happy Release Day! — Point of Origin

30 Apr

 

Happy release day to Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry. The second book in their Agents of Mercy Medical Thriller series, Point of Origin, is now available. Do I really want to read a book about a potential pandemic? Yes please, when Harris and Gentry are the authors. This page-turning suspense with a Christian worldview is a must read!

When virus-infected pirates hijack a humanitarian medical ship from an African port, they trigger the threat of a global pandemic.

How do you keep hope alive in a sea of darkness?

An African fisherman.

Foreign exploitation of Africa’s natural resources has destroyed the fishing business of Dabir Omar. Hijacking oil tankers brings cash to his family in their remote village, but it doesn’t buy the medical care needed to stop the deadly sickness attacking his people. When Dabir’s son becomes ill, the desperate pirate sets sail for the Liberty, an international humanitarian medical ship ported on the coast. 

An American surgeon.

Against his better judgment, Dr. Josiah Allen agrees to work a two-week surgical stint on the Liberty, moored in Douala, Cameroon. Shortly after he arrives with his precocious six-year-old daughter, Josiah is sent ashore to investigate a mysterious illness at the ship’s post-op clinic. While he’s gone, Ebola-infected pirates hijack the medical ship where Josiah left his daughter.

The woman compelled to save them all.

When pirate negotiations fail, Mackenzie Scott’s privately-owned extraction unit comes in for the rescue. But when the medical ship where Mac had taken a wounded comrade is hijacked by pirates, the former military pararescue jumper becomes the pirate’s key hostage. 

Both fathers go to war to save their children. If Mac can’t convince them to work together, the winner of this conflict will be a deadly virus intent on destroying the world.

Bestselling author Lisa Harris is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has sold over half a million books. She and her family have spent over fourteen years working as missionaries in Africa where she runs a small non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project promotes Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8)

When she’s not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com.

This girl who grew up on a Kansas dairy farm never wanted to be a writer, but she has always been a storyteller. Her mother called it “Selling wind in a bag.” Lynne Gentry started out writing plays and skits. Then in a moment of sheer insanity, she decided to take a stab at writing full-length novels. Reinventing Leona was her first and it is no longer in print. The Carthage Chronicles are her time travel/sci-fi series. The Mt. Hope Southern Adventures series starting with Walking Shoes and The Women of Fossil Ridge series starting with Flying Fossils are her contemporary romantic comedy series. And Ghost Heart and Port of Origin are part of her Agents of Mercy Medical Thriller series.

Lynne can milk a cow, drive a tractor, organize a banquet, prepare a kid for that first professional acting audition, or sit across the table and enjoy a cup of coffee with you.

She loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

 

First Line Friday — Maybe It’s You

20 Mar

Happy Friday! This month was supposed to be a recuperating and healing month for me– not a lot for me to do but rest and get stronger. Little did I know that the rest of the country would be joining me! A lot of us now have plenty of time to catch up on our teetering, towering TBR pile! Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert fits the prescription. Calvart’s books highlight the lives of health professionals who have big responsibilities even in the best of times. I’ve had this book a long, long time, and I really need to read it. I loved the first 2 books in the Crisis Team series, and am looking forward to digging into the final book.

What are you reading this weekend?

Please share your first line!

 

For more fun first lines, head over to Hoarding Books.

ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past ― new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.

Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.

Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.

Can hope spring from crisis?

Often called the author of “medical hope opera,” Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter — and faith — are the very best medicines of all.

Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical, and Crisis Team) offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense — and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul”!

A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to eight, Candace is a passionate “foodie,” equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes,funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: http://www.candacecalvert.com.

 

Happy Release Day — Critical Decision

3 Mar

Happy release day to Dr. Richard Mabry! HIs newest medical suspense novella, Critical Decision is now available! I am currently reading this book and have found it to be a riveting mystery. Look for my review coming soon! It is FREE on Kindle Unlimited (or $2.99 regular price). Check out all the details below.

 

It began with an innocent-appearing package on her front porch.

The box contained a cell phone, which rang as soon as she opened the package. A voice that called Dr. Kathy Hoover by name said that her husband had been kidnapped. To get him back she would have to poison one of her patients. 

At first, she didn’t believe that her husband had been taken from the conference he was attending, but soon she discovered that the kidnappers really had Darren. If she wanted to see him again, she had to give medication that would murder Kelton Rush, former Vice-President. What was she to do? How would she handle this critical decision?

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical mysteries with heart.” In addition to his medical books, he is the author of one non-fiction book, six novellas, and thirteen published novels. His novels have been finalists for the Carol Award, the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Selah Award, and others.

He and his wife live in north Texas. In addition to regular efforts (thus far unsuccessful) to improve his golf game, he spends much of his time trying to convince his family that sitting at his desk staring into space does indeed represent work.

 

First Line Friday — Critical Decision

21 Feb

Happy Friday! I am happy to be spotlighting Critical Decision, the newest medical suspense novella by Dr. Richard Mabry. He always delivers a fantastic reading experience — this time there’s a kidnapping and a murder plot. I am looking forward to diving into this book soon!

What’s your first line?

 

For more first line fun, check out Hoarding Books.

 

 

 

 

It began with an innocent-appearing package on her front porch.

The box contained a cell phone, which rang as soon as she opened the package. A voice that called Dr. Kathy Hoover by name said that her husband had been kidnapped. To get him back she would have to poison one of her patients.

At first, she didn’t believe that her husband had been taken from the conference he was attending, but soon she discovered that the kidnappers really had Darren. If she wanted to see him again, she had to give medication that would murder Kelton Rush, former Vice-President. What was she to do? How would she handle this critical decision?

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart”. He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a proud member of the ACFW, the International Thriller Writers, the Christian Authors Network, the FHL chapter of the RWA, and Novelists Inc.

You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.

 

First Line Friday — Bitter Pill

5 Jul

Happy Friday! I know many of you are still celebrating the 4th of July with an extended weekend. If you are looking for a book to fill all that extra time off, consider Bitter Pill by Dr. Richard Mabry. Combining suspense and medical drama, this novella-length book could just be the perfect fit for your weekend plans.

Join in on all the fabulous first line fun over at Hoarding Books, but first leave a comment with your first line!

 

 

“Brother” Bob Bannister is content with his life and his itinerant healing ministry, until one night he finds that the woman who walks off the stage under her own power isn’t one of his shills. At that point, doubts begin to intrude on his previously untroubled existence.

Dr. Abby Davis is tired of her family practice and at odds with God. Dealing with critically ill and dying patients has crushed her spirit to the point she’s ready to quit. But she soon realizes that there’s more to healing than ministering to the physical body.

Scott Anderson was the oldest graduate of his seminary class. Then again, most of them hadn’t turned away from a medical practice, hoping to atone for past mistakes (including his wife’s death) by ministering to men’s souls. Now he hopes he hasn’t made a colossal mistake in switching careers.

Each of these individuals becomes linked to the other, and each finds that God has a purpose for them—but, as it often does, the lesson comes with discomfort.

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart”. He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a proud member of the ACFW, the International Thriller Writers, the Christian Authors Network, the FHL chapter of the RWA, and Novelists Inc.

You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.

Book Spotlight — Bitter Pill

1 Jun

I have long been a fan of Dr. Richard Mabry‘s novels. He successfully combines page-turning medical suspense with insightful faith messages. His latest book, Bitter Pill, is now available. Yippee! It looks so good, and I love the cover! And if you have Kindle Unlimited, you have another reason to cheer — the book is FREE! Find out all the details below.

THINGS WERE GOING ALONG JUST FINE

UNTIL THE MIRACLE FOULED THEM UP

“Brother” Bob Bannister is content with his life and his itinerant healing ministry, until one night he finds that the woman who walks off the stage under her own power isn’t one of his shills. At that point, doubts begin to intrude on his previously untroubled existence.

Dr. Abby Davis is tired of her family practice and at odds with God. Dealing with critically ill and dying patients has crushed her spirit to the point she’s ready to quit. But she soon realizes that there’s more to healing than ministering to the physical body.

Scott Anderson was the oldest graduate of his seminary class. Then again, most of them hadn’t turned away from a medical practice, hoping to atone for past mistakes (including his wife’s death) by ministering to men’s souls. Now he hopes he hasn’t made a colossal mistake in switching careers.

Each of these individuals becomes linked to the other, and each finds that God has a purpose for them — but, as it often does, the lesson comes with discomfort.

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart”. He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a proud member of the ACFW, the International Thriller Writers, the Christian Authors Network, the FHL chapter of the RWA, and Novelists Inc.

You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.

Book Review: Emergency Case

2 Jan

Dr. Kelly Irving knew her husband, attorney Jack Harbaugh, was acting strangely, but figured they’d get through it. When she backed out of her garage that morning, she thought her car hit a bump. Instead, its progress was stopped by the body of a man her husband recently represented. Not only that, the dead man had been shot by her husband’s gun. The police who investigated made it clear that Jack was a primary suspect.

Kelly couldn’t decide if Jack was a murderer or marked as the next victim. As things continued to escalate, they were forced to put their marital differences aside and concentrate on keeping Jack alive while discovering who was behind the whole thing.

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart”. He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a proud member of the ACFW, the International Thriller Writers, the Christian Authors Network, the FHL chapter of the RWA, and Novelists Inc.

You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.

 

My Impressions:

Emergency Case is the newest novella by Dr. Richard Mabry. Mabry is known for his faith-filled, suspenseful books, and this one is no exception. But this time we get a husband and wife team with legal and medical perspectives trying to outwit the bad guys. I really liked the married couple, Kelly and Jack Harbaugh. Theirs is not a perfect marriage — their respective careers demand a lot from them. But they were committed to each other and making their relationship work, though things get a bit sidetracked as Jack is a suspect in the murder of his client and unknown assailants continue to attack. Emergency Case is a short and fast-paced read; you could finish this one in one sitting, but it doesn’t scrimp on the essentials — determined characters, a puzzling mystery, and thoughtful questions of faith and ethics. It’s a winner! And a recommended read from me.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

First Line Friday — Emergency Case

30 Nov

Happy Friday! I am featuring one of my favorite author’s today — Richard Mabry, M.D. Dr. Mabry writes medical suspense fiction with heart! His newest novella, Emergency Case, released earlier this week and is currently FREE for Kindle Unlimited or just 99 cents on Kindle. Woo hoo! I can’t wait to dig into this book later this month. If you like fast-paced suspense, I recommend any of Dr. Mabry’s books.

How about you? Do you have a first line to share? Leave a comment, then head over to Hoarding Books for more fabulous first lines.

 

Dr. Kelly Irving knew her husband, attorney Jack Harbaugh, was acting strangely, but figured they’d get through it. When she backed out of her garage that morning, she thought her car hit a bump. Instead, its progress was stopped by the body of a man her husband recently represented. Not only that, the dead man had been shot by her husband’s gun. The police who investigated made it clear that Jack was a primary suspect.

Kelly couldn’t decide if Jack was a murderer or marked as the next victim. As things continued to escalate, they were forced to put their marital differences aside and concentrate on keeping Jack alive while discovering who was behind the whole thing.

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart”. He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a proud member of the ACFW, the International Thriller Writers, the Christian Authors Network, the FHL chapter of the RWA, and Novelists Inc.

You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.

Happy Book Birthday! — Emergency Case

27 Nov

Happy release day to Richard Mabry, M.D. with his newest novella, Emergency Case. It is currently FREE for Kindle Unlimited or just 99 cents on Kindle. Make sure you check it out!

Dr. Kelly Irving knew her husband, attorney Jack Harbaugh, was acting strangely, but figured they’d get through it. When she backed out of her garage that morning, she thought her car hit a bump. Instead, its progress was stopped by the body of a man her husband recently represented. Not only that, the dead man had been shot by her husband’s gun. The police who investigated made it clear that Jack was a primary suspect.

Kelly couldn’t decide if Jack was a murderer or marked as the next victim. As things continued to escalate, they were forced to put their marital differences aside and concentrate on keeping Jack alive while discovering who was behind the whole thing.

 

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart”. He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a proud member of the ACFW, the International Thriller Writers, the Christian Authors Network, the FHL chapter of the RWA, and Novelists Inc.

You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.

Book Review: Guarded Prognosis

27 Jul

When Dr. Caden Taggart saw the two men sitting in his waiting room, he didn’t think they were patients. He was right, and when they introduced themselves as agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency, things started to get bad.

Then Caden felt as though someone had gut-punched him when his father, Dr. Henry Taggart, told him he probably had carcinoma of the pancreas. When he talked about his son assisting with his suicide, Caden wondered how he could talk him out of that.

When he shared his news with his wife, Beth, she tried to assure Caden that God was in control. But as things progressed, he was unsure that was true. At first, he feared for his freedom. Then for his ability to cope. Eventually, he feared for his life.

 

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart.” His previously published novels have garnered critical acclaim and been recognized by programs including the ACFW’s Carol Award, the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and its Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and the Selah Award. Guarded Prognosis is his twelfth published novel.

You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.

 

My Impressions:

There are many reasons why I love reading Christian Fiction, but perhaps number 1 is how God can speak to me through an author’s story. That’s just what happened while I was reading Guarded Prognosis by Richard Mabry, M.D. What a blessing this book was to me and what an action-packed suspense novel too!

Dr. Mabry always has a medical setting for his suspense novels. He incorporates the medical/hospital environment with fast-paced action to create a credible story. In Guarded Prognosis, the setting is a busy surgery practice, so there are scenes in the ER, OR, and in the office. He uses medical jargon, but always in a way for the average reader to easily understand. In this novel, the two very likable main characters, Caden and Beth, face a number of challenges in their professional and personal lives. And what challenges there are! Ailing family members, a cancer-crisis, and shady business involving the DEA. He also adds a few surprises along the way to keep both his characters and readers off-balance. This page-turner kept me guessing as I suspected one character after another. While the ending contained a number of surprises, I loved how he wrapped everything up. Dr. Mabry always weaves a message of hope into his novels and Guarded Prognosis is no exception. The characters’ struggles and doubts are natural and believable, but God’s truth shines through. Towards the end of the book, Caden and Beth have this exchange —

“So. I’m just supposed to relax, and God will take care of everything?” Caden asked.

“No. But after you’ve done everything you can do, you depend on God to do what He’s promised. It’s a pretty good partnership that way.” (p. 178)

I really needed to be reminded of that. Still do.

Guarded Prognosis was a wonderful read — meaningful and entertaining — the perfect mix! It gets a recommended rating from me.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE. (Free for Kindle Unlimited!)

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)