Michael Palmer’s THE FIFTH VIAL is one of the most exciting and memorable thrillers I’ve ever read. Even though it’s been at least 3 years since I finished, I still have the plot and characters burned into my brain. Why? Palmer excels at creating scarily plausible medical nightmare premises that are part conspiracy theory, part engaging human drama. And he’s done it again with his latest, THE LAST SURGEON.The drama here revolves around war hero Dr. Nick Garrity who suffers from severe PTSD. As he tries to figure out what happened to an old war buddy, his path crosses that of psych nurse Jillian Coates who is investigating her sister’s murder (an apparent suicide). At the same time, we meet diabolical hitman Franz Koller, the self-proclaimed master of the “non-kill”, who is hired by a mysterious client to stage suicides and accidents.
Both Nick and Jillian are appealing characters to follow as they get closer to uncovering a secret that someone is determined to keep buried. The scenes which feature Franz are some of the most chilling I’ve ever read (and not for the squeamish).
If you're a fan of Michael Palmer, you'll no doubt enjoy this one too. If you're new to him, I might suggest trying THE FIFTH VIAL first as that is still my favorite of his. Or if you prefer this premise, you can read the prologue to see if it really is your type of novel. If it turns out you really like his style, he has a slew of other novels you can pick up. My next one will be THE FIRST PATIENT.
THE LAST SURGEON comes out on February 16th. Until then, check out the interactive content on the author's Facebook page and on his website. I also have a signed copy of the book to give away to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment telling me which Michael Palmer thriller premise appeals to you the most (see the list of book summaries). Since it is sponsored by the author, this contest is US and Canada only. I'll keep it open for 2 weeks - until January 25th at 11:59 pm CST.
This is a hard one for me because I think I've read everything except this one and THE SECOND OPINION! I really enjoy his books and based on your review, I have to read this one!
ReplyDeletebookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm not entering for the giveaway, I just wanted to thank you for recommending new readers of Michael to read The Fifth Valve. It's nice to know where to start when you read a new author's work! :)
ReplyDeleteNo need to enter me! I already have a copy of the book. Glad to read you enjoyed it. I'm excited to read it; it's my first Palmer book!
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of Palmer's work, but I do enjoy medical thrillers. The premise of Flashback sounded really good to me. milou2ster(at)gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI just added The Fifth Vial on my TBR list after reading the blurb from Goodreads when I saw you rated it earlier. I love the sound of this book too. I'd love the chance to read some of his work =)
ReplyDeletemishtakes AT gmail DOT com
I haven't read any books by Palmer but I really enjoy medical thrillers. I think "Flashback" and "Miracle Cure" sound riveting.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving me a new author to enjoy! And thank you Lenore and Michael Palmer for this giveaway!
Amy
Aimala127@gmail.com
Ooh! I haven't read any of his books, but I am excited to now. I love a good thriller, but I tend not to pick them up because I had to be disappointed by a bad one.
ReplyDeleteOh, and you don't have to enter me. I was just commenting to chat.
ReplyDeletemiracle cure sounds wonderful thanks minsthins at optonline dot net
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of his books before but this one and Fatal both sound interesting!
ReplyDeleteI've never read one of his books...I will keep The Vial in mind when I decide to pick one up by him...excellent review!
ReplyDeleteWow the first book I read of his was The Patient many years ago. This one sounds good too
ReplyDeletemsboatgal at aol.com
I will definitely be reading this one :-)
ReplyDeleteHe is one of my favorite authors, and yes, sometimes he takes you to very dark (and gross) places. But his books always grab me at the beginning and don't let go.
...and I agree that the The Fifth Vial is his best book (so far).
I like Extreme Measures. I like books about secret societies and people watching other people for devious reasons
ReplyDeletejason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI find the Second Opinion one very interesting.
Please enter me in the giveaway.
I haven't read any Michael Palmer yet, but I have to say that the premise of his earlier book, Miracle Cure, is very interesting to me. Especially the part about being addicted to pain medication, since I have been taking it for years with fibromyalgia and wonder sometimes if I will be able to eventually get off of it. Thanks for the giveaway, Lenore!
ReplyDeletemycreativeimagination (at) yahoo (dot) com
The Second Opinion appeals to me.
ReplyDeletejanetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I have never read his books, however, I think that - Silent Treatment sounds great.
ReplyDeletepurehrt555(at)yahoo(dot)Com
I'd love to read The Patient. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletes.mickelson at gmail dot com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like the Michael Palmer books (Critical Judgment, Extreme Measures) but I have not read any of his recent ones. I think 'Second Opinion' sounds interesting (I am also intrigued by part of the storyline dealing with someone who has Aspergers which is something that I have been around quite a bit).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest...and I enjoy your blog.
sambro AT gmail DOT com
I would really be interested in reading this book since you made it sound so thrilling! I'd love to be entered into this giveaway and thanks so much for hosting it!!
ReplyDeletezibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
natural causes sounds interesting.
ReplyDeletepksanddancer@yahoo.com
I just recently got a copy of The First Patient, I would love to The Fifth Vial, I love medical thrillers.
ReplyDeleteThanks
heidivargas [at] live dot com
I have not read any books by this author but Fatal sounds good
ReplyDeletetiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
I havent read any of his books but the reviews for this one are very good.
ReplyDeletemystica123athotmaildotcom
I have not read his books-but did read a medical thriller a few years back based on the true story of a doctor-who was known as doctor death as an intern-for obvious reasons. too bad it did not end there.
ReplyDeletechocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com
I like The Second Opinion, a story of a physician who uncovers a deadly conspiracy. Dr. Thea Sperelakis’ father is the victim of a hit-and-run; now in a coma, he communicates only with his daughter and only by moving one of his eyes. Slowly, Thea pieces together the truth behind her father’s accident, and behind a series of suspicious deaths, but exposing the villains could mean exposing her to certain death.
ReplyDeletedelilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like The Fifth Vial the best too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway >^..^<
bloggyig at gmail dot com
Thanks for a great review and recommendation! I think both The First Patient and Critical Judgement look good. And of course, would love to win The Last Surgeon! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
His book "Extreme Measures" looks the most interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
The plot of The Sisterhood sounds interesting and appeals to me the most.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in this giveaway!
saemmerson at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
The premise that appeals to me the most is that of "The First Patient". However, I like several of the other ones as well & am going to add them to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThanks ~ megalon22 at yahoo dot com
ALL of Michael Palmer's books look intriguing. I chose 2 books (I couldn't pick just one!) "The Patient" and "Natural Causes" appealed to me the most.
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net